The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian news

  • Alleged N6.9bn fraud: Trial of Fayose to resume Oct. 21

    The trial of former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, will now resume on Oct. 21 before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

    Fayose is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Ccommission (EFCC) over N6.9billion fraud and money laundering charges.

    He was first arraigned on Oct. 22. 2018, before Justice Mojisola Olatotegun, alongside a company, Spotless Investment Ltd, on 11 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering offences.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charges and was granted bail on Oct. 24, 2018, in the sum of N50 million with sureties in like sum.

    The defendant was subsequently re-arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, on July 2.

    He had also pleaded not guilty to the charges and was allowed to continue on the earlier bail granted.

    After his re-arraignment, Justice Aneke had granted leave for the defendant to travel aborad for medicals.

    The court had however, ordered that his International passport be returned to the court, on or before Sept. 16.

    Aneke had then adjourned the case until Sept. 16, 17, 18, and 19 and also to Oct. 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 for continuation of trial.

    Meanwhile, the case will now come up on Oct. 21, as Judges are away for the annual judges conference, which takes place after the annual long vacation of the court.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that during the pendency of the charge before Justice Olatoregun, EFCC had opened trial on Nov. 19, 2018, and had so far called 13 witnesses out of the15 listed.

    However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon.Justice Adamu Abdu-kafarati had transferred the case from Olatoregun, to Aneke, following a petition by the EFCC.

    During trial before Olatoregun. the prosecution had called witnesses, from several commercial banks, as well as a former Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro.

    According to the charge, on June 17, 2014, Fayose and one Abiodun Agbele were said to have taken possession of the sum of N1.2 billion, for purposes of funding his gubernatorial election campaign in Ekiti, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Read Also: How I made Fayose Ekiti Governor, By Olujimi

    Fayose was alleged to have received a cash payment of the sum of five million dollars, (about N1.8 billion) from the then Minister of State for Defence, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, without going through any financial institution.

    He was also alleged to have retained the sum of N300 million in his account and took control of the aggregate sums of about N622 million which sum he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Fayose was alleged to have procured De Privateer Ltd and Still Earth Ltd, to retain the aggregate sums of N851 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    Besides, the defendant was alleged to have used the aggregate sums of about N1.6 billion to acquire properties in Lagos and Abuja, which sums he reasonably ought to have known formed part of crime proceeds.

    He was also alleged to have used the sum of N200 million, to acquire a property in Abuja, in the name of his elder sister Moji Oladeji, which sum he ought to know also forms crime proceeds.

    The offences contravenes the provisions of sections 15(1), 15 (2), 15 (3), 16(2)(b), 16 (d), and 18 (c) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011.

  • BREAKING: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue in risk of flood due to rise in water level of River Benue – NIHSA

    The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has said the rise in water level of River Benue may increase the likelihood of river flooding in Adamawa, Taraba and Benue states.

    Director- General of the agency, Clement Nze, said this at an ongoing press conference in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    He said water from six out of the eight countries that make up the Niger Basin Authority has arrived Nigeria as at today.

    The DG said that the water will empty itself into River Niger, thereby leading to increased flooding in ten states.

    He gave the names of the states as Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa and Kogi.

    Other states likely to be affected by the river flooding are: Edo, Anambra, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa.

    Details shortly…..

  • Umahi appoints 180 additional aides

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has approved the appointment of 180 additional aides to serve as Executive Assistants (EA) as Executive Assistant and Senior Technical Assistant (STA).

    Mr Clement Nweke, Principal Secretary to the governor in a statement in Abakaliki, directed the appointees, which include two former members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, EBSHA, and ex-deputy speaker, Mrs Dorothy Obasi, to report for their documentation on Monday.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the appointed executive assistants include: Mr Chidiebere Egwu, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) South East Zonal Youth Leader and Mr Igberi Nweme, former Charmian of Ikwo Local Government Area among others.

    The appointees into the STA position include: retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Kelvin Opoke and Stephen Orogwu, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    Read Also: Nigeria partners with Niger, Chad on rehabilitation of Lake Chad Basin

    Others are: Mr Maxwell Umahi, state Vice Chairman of PDP, Mrs Dorathy Obasi, former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Oliver Nwachukwu, former member of the state House of assembly among others.

    The new appointees into the technical assistant position include: Chief John-Williams Nwode- former LGA Development Centre Coordinator, Nnannna Nwangele and Nkem Madu, prominent Youth leaders in the state among others.

    Umahi had on Aug. 6, Gov. Umahi said that he will no longer appoint more aides, with the members of the state Executive Council increasing from 70 to 83.

  • Nigeria partners with Niger, Chad on rehabilitation of Lake Chad Basin

    Nigeria, Niger and Chad are working on a joint trans-border agro ecosystem project aimed at the restoration of livelihoods and rehabilitation of the Lake Chad Basin.

    Director-General, National Agency for the Great Green Wall Dr. Bukar Hassan stated this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after an international conference on desertification yesterday in New Delhi, India.

    NAN reports that the 14th Conference of Parties (CoP 14) to UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was held at India Expo Centre and Mart from September 2 to September 13.

    He said since environmental issues did not recognise national boundaries, the partnership would help to rehabilitate agricultural system, restore degraded land and livelihoods of people in Lake Chad basin.

    According to him, the project includes promotion of agroforestry and livestock development in the three participating countries bordering the Lake Chad Basin.

    Read Also: MNJTF launches attacks on terrorists in Lake Chad

    The Director General said Lake Chad, which was located in a very dry area, had lost about 90 per cent of its water over the years, thus making farming unattractive in the basin.

    “Today, agriculture is no longer practiced in the Nigerian side of the Lake Chad Basin.

    “So, our responsibility as an agency of Nigerian government is to make sure that we regain what we lost in terms of water (which has created huge unemployment among the people) and empower the people to be able to get back their land which was lost due to the disappearance of lake.

    “We will also make sure that the boundary of the lake is afforested to stabilise the basin.

    “The Lake Chad basin was one of the worst degraded areas in the world with attendant humanitarian crisis.

    “That’s why our president is keen on seeing that the basin is rehabilitated because the insurgency affecting the three participating countries is all linked to environmental degradation.

    “That’s why we are developing a project that will help in rehabilitating the Chad basin,” Hassan said.

    He said President Muhammadu Buhari had already given his agency marching orders to intensify afforestation specifically in the country’s five northern border states of Sokoto, Jigawa Yobe, Borno and Katsina.

    He said land degradation and desertification resulting in loss of livelihoods had led to forced migration of young people from the north to the southern parts of the country.

    “There was mass movement because the means of livelihoods are no longer there; otherwise people will not just board an articulated vehicles from Jigawa to Lagos in search of a means of livelihood.

    “So, we’re trying to provide capacity for these people to get them adapted to the arid environments they found themselves and also do some economic activities, so that they can stay put where they were, take care of their families like everyone else,” Hassan said.

  • Challenges before Bande as UN prepares for 75th anniversary

    All eyes will be on Nigeria as from today as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, takes charge of the global body as the president of its General Assembly (UNGA).

    The Muhammad-Bande presidency, which is coming 30 years after this country’s first, presents Nigeria and Africa a unique opportunity to ensure the implementation of the existing mandates for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

    It is noteworthy that the Bande’s tenure will also witness the direction of the global body as it marks its 75th year anniversary next year.

    Bande is a Nigerian political scientist, administrator and career diplomat. Muhammad-Bande was born on 7 December 1957 in the town of Zagga in present-day Kebbi State. He attended Ahmadu Bello University for undergraduate studies, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science in 1979 before proceeding to Boston University, where he graduated with a Master of Arts in Political Science in 1981.

    He was the permanent representative of Nigeria to the United Nations and served as the Vice President of the General Assembly during its 71st session in September 2016.

    A year from now, on June 26, 2020, the international community will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter.

    May be months before the anniversary, the global body will hammer out a forward-looking and unifying declaration that captures member states’ commitment to multilateralism, global peace and global hunger.

    The anniversary may invariably put the UN in a state of reflection, giving it a chance to assess achievements, renew commitments, strengthen its systems and mechanisms for global governance and peace.

    Read Also: FG applauds emergence of Nigerian Bande as 74th UNGA President

    The UN missed the boat during its 50th anniversary, in 1995, compelling Secretary-General Kofi Annan to push for the adoption of several new goals, including one aimed at improved peace-building, 10 years later.

    The outgoing UN General Assembly President María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, a former Ecuadorian ambassador to the UN, said recently that the 75th anniversary of the creation of the institution is a time for reflection as well as celebration.

    In a remark, she said the anniversary offers both “opportunities” and “serious challenges.” Espinosa said the UN is more vital than ever in a time of rising nationalism and extremism.

    “We sometimes speak of this moment as ‘a crossroads’ – where things could go either way,” she said. “But it feels more and more like a tipping point – as though we are on the brink of irreparable damage to our rules-based international system.”

    Espinosa warned that as these forces rise, public confidence in the UN is declining. “We are seeing a growing disconnect between people, governments and institutions,” she said.

    She said the world “badly needs an effective United Nations,” and that in addition to challenges of poverty and conflict, rapid shifts in technology and the present threat of climate change means “there is virtually no challenge – or opportunity – that does not require cooperation between nations.”

    Espinosa must be speaking the minds of many the world over as the world body refuses to change the membership of the Security Council to reflect new power blocs.

    Analysts believe that the UN should be a body that prevents conflicts and not the one that tackles crises – even though the world cannot exist without conflicts.  This is more so with the money being spent on peacekeeping all over the world and the number of casualties being suffered by countries contributing troops.

    The Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN was elected President of the 74th session of the General Assembly by acclamation on Tuesday, June 4, to serve the one-year role with a strong mandate from his home government, that nominated him, endorsed by the Group of African States and adopted unanimously by the member-states.

    Bande’s mandates particularly will be focusing on peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger, quality education, climate action and inclusion.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has dispatched a three-man team to witness Bande’s assumption of office.

    The ceremony will take place at the UN New York headquarters, United States of America, today and tomorrow, ahead of the high-level week of the UNGA when leaders of the nations of the world take turns to address the General Assembly.

    However, the world is watching the fruits Bande’s tenure will bear.

     

  • Oyetola hailed on rehabilitation of Iwo-Osogbo road

    As skeletal rehabilitation work on the Iwo Osogbo road has begun, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has praised Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of Osun West.

    In a statement by him, Oba Akanbi, who hoped that full work would start after the rainy season, said he was not disappointed by the governor’s disposition to the people of Iwo and its environ.

    Describing the governor as a God-fearing politician and a unique administrator, the Oluwo said through the road, the people of Osun State, particularly those from Osun West, will be able to improve “our bilateral economic interaction with neighbouring states.”

    Read Also: Oyetola has acquitted himself well, says Oluwo

    He said the people of Iwo and adjoining communities appreciated the governor’s understanding of the socio-economic importance of the road and the contribution of the people of the area to the economy of Osun State by the time the road is put back in good shape.

    He assured the governor of continued support of his subjects to his administration, saying: “Collectively we have resolved to ensure success of your government.”

    The monarch advised the people to pay their tax regularly to enable the government play its statutory roles.

    He said: “The governor is a man of God for opening the major road to Osun West Senatorial District as pledged during his campaign at my palace. I pray for more divine strength for our governor to fulfil other promises to the good people of the state.”

  • Police warn against illegal assembly as NANS ‘relocates’ to Ekiti

    The administrative machinery of the National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS) will relocate to Ado-Ekiti in response to the killing of two students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti ((FUOYE), its National Secretary, Comrade Yusuf Farouk, has said.

    The students last Tuesday protested in Oye-Ekiti over incessant power outage in the community, leading to an attack on the convoy of the governor’s wife, Erelu Fayemi, while on an empowerment and advocacy tour to engage with women in the local government.

    They were said to have engaged the security operatives detailed with the governor’s wife in a clash.

    Two persons were killed and several others injured. Over a dozen of vehicles were vandalised by the students.

    In a statement signed and issued by Farouk, NANS called on affiliate unions, elected and active members of the organisation in Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states to mobilise in solidarity with FUOYE students.

    Read Also: FUOYE killings: NANS arrives Ekiti

    According to the statement, the students’ body national secretariat will be relocated to Ado-Ekiti on Sunday with a meeting fixed for FUOYE SUG executives and NANS/JCC Ekiti leadership and stakeholders.

    The two-day showdown will end with a world press conference and proceeded by mother of all procession to the Government House on Tuesday.

    The mapped out plan by the secretariat is to visit the school management, families of the deceased students, traditional rulers of each community, injured students at the hospital, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Ekiti State Government, Department of State Security Service and the Police command.

    The statement said: “The national secretariat notified all affiliate unions, elected and active members of the organisation in Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun to mobilise in solidarity with the oppressed students of the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

    “Kindly note that in mourning the departed comrades and seeking justice on their behalf, no unruly attitude will be tolerated.”

    The Ekiti State Police Command has warned that students should desist from unlawful assembly that can worsen the insecurity situation.

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday by its spokesman DSP Caleb Ikechukwu, the police said it has discovered through intelligence gathering that a group under the auspices of  ‘ex-graduates’ , who are not currently students of any higher institution, are moving into the state with the sole aim of fomenting and precipitating trouble over the FUOYE crisis.

    “However, the police command is using this medium to warn anyone or group of person(s) against any unlawful assembly with an intent to cause breach of the peace.

    “The command has the constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and also to stop or advice any gathering which it thinks may lead to the break of law and order.

    “Furthermore, the police command shall deal decisively with anyone or group who takes the law into their hands. Such a person will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly, no matter how highly placed.”

  • Tribunal upholds PDP assembly members’ seats in Oyo

    The House of Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal sitting in Ibadan on Sunday upheld the elections of two People’s Democratic Party (PDP) assembly members in Oyo State.

    The three-man tribunal led by Justice D. M. Igyuse upheld the elections of Hon Olasunkanmi Babalola (PDP-Egbeda State Constituency) and Hon. Akeem Adeshina (PDP- Iwajowa State Constituency).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo were dragged before the tribunal by their All Progressives Congress (APC) opponents in the election to challenge their emergence.

    Babalola, the Deputy Majority leader of the assembly, was dragged to the tribunal by Olalekan Usman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Adeshina was challenged at the tribunal by Johnson Eroyalesun.

    The tribunal dismissed the separate petitions on account that the petitioners could neither prove nor establish their claims of irregularities in the election.

    Babalola, who expressed joy after the judgment, said the outcome would further strengthen him in representing his constituents well.

    Read Also: Tribunal labels Akinlade’s petition ‘lazy, hollow’, affirms Abiodun as Ogun gov

    “I feel amazed by the judgment. I don’t have any opponent at all. It is good to challenge so that you can learn how to move forward.

    “I did not allow the case to distract me and I am sure it will make me more focused. It will also help me to know the value of the mandate,” he said.

    He promised to ensure that he fulfils his electioneering promises, thanking the people for standing by him and the mandate.

    Adeshina hailed the judgment delivered by the tribunal, saying he emerged from a free, fair and transparent election.

    “My mandate is ordained by God. I respect my opponent up till this moment as an uncle. I give glory to God and thank my people.

    “They believed in the mandate they gave me and stood by it. I thank them and promise to fulfil my promises during the campaign,” he said.

    Hon. Yusuf Adebisi (PDP- Ibadan South West Constituency II), who was at the tribunal to show solidarity with his colleagues, expressed joy about the judgment.

    Adebisi, who is the Deputy Chief Whip, said the judgment would help them to be more focused on delivering the dividends of democracy to their constituents.

    “Babalola and I are the youngest in the 9th assembly. We share a lot of things in common and have been doing things together.

    “He gets distracted sometimes over this case and thank God he has been vindicated now. We have been doing fine in our legislative duties and will give our best to our constituents,” he said.

  • Makinde urges teachers to begin academic work

    As schools across Oyo State reopen today for the 2019/2020 academic session, the government has urged teachers, especially those in government-owned primary and secondary schools, to begin academic work immediately.

    The directive came from the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Kehinde Sangodoyin, in a statement issued at the weekend.

    Sangodoyin, who urged teachers, support workers and students to ensure they resume promptly, said they must also ensure that nothing prevents academic activities, including teaching and learning, from taking off immediately.

    The commissioner said quality education that will yield best academic performance remains the target of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration, enjoining teachers to work hard by preparing the pupils for excellent performance.

    Read Also: Makinde to launch 20-year development agenda

    He said: “We are using this medium to congratulate our pupils in public and private schools for their resumption on September 16 and call on the teachers to engage them in academic exercises immediately.

    “The current administration is doing all possible best to change the tide for better in achieving the best for the state in the area of students’ academic performance and improvement in national rating of the state in external examinations.

    “To this end, facilities and teacher’s remuneration will be at the forefront of the government reckoning to achieve the lofty goal, while teachers are expected to do their bit to justify government’s strict adherence to providing the best enabling environment for their performance.”

    The foremost academic administrator warned teachers to desist from collecting any money from any parent or student under the guise of collection of levies.

    Shangodoyin appealed to parents to be alive to their responsibilities to make the children become valuable assets to the parents and society in future.

    He said the present administration was working to bring back the glory of education in the state, with a call to schools’ alumni and corporate bodies to support the current trend in the state to make education accessible to all.

  • Surveyors hold 50th anniversary in Ibadan

    Surveyors will on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, host the major activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

    A seminar on Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and a dinner will hold in the ancient city where the professional body of the surveyors held its first conference in 1969.

    The lead paper of the programme will be delivered by Prof. B. T. Aluko of the Obafemi Awolowo University, according to the Chairman of the National CPD Committee and host of the seminar, Mr. Victor Ayeye.

    According to him, the theme of the seminar, which is ‘The Making and Relevance of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in National Development,’ will examine “the visible contributions of estate surveyors and valuers to national economic development.”

    Read Also: Surveyors urged on urbanisation, slum upgrade

    Ayeye described Ibadan as significant to NIESV because “about 50 years ago, the first national conference of the institution took place there” saying taking the seminar to Ibadan “is a reminder to us of where and how it all started.”

    Ayeye said NIESV National President and Chairman in Council, Sir Rowland Abonta, will host members of the institution, stakeholders in the industry and invited guests, which include Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other top government officials to an anniversary dinner on Friday.

    The National Publicity Secretary of NIESV, Mr. Monday Ahive and Chairman of the Oyo State branch, Mr. Kola Olofa, assured the members and guests of a good time at the programmes.