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Tag: pressure

  • Omisore under pressure over N60b ‘strange’ vote

    Omisore under pressure over N60b ‘strange’ vote

    EFCC demands list of Senators, Reps who shared cash

    Detectives to quiz Obanikoro’s ADC

    Detained Senator Iyiola Omisore is under pressure to name the beneficiaries of the N60 billion “budget padding” in the Sixth Assembly.

    He has refused to name the Senators and House members, an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) source said yesterday.

    The former Osun State deputy governor, who is on “bed rest” at the EFCC clinic in Abuja, is said to be in a stable condition.

    “He is in a stable condition, chatting and comparing notes freely with our investigating officers from the clinic,” the source added.

    Another source said: “Instead of giving the details of budget padding in the 6th National Assembly between 2007 and 2011, Omisore told our operatives that ‘I will help you with the list of those behind 2016 budget padding.’ We said we are only working on the document on budget padding which we retrieved from his residence in Abuja.

    “This, however, does not prevent us from going ahead with the ongoing probe of the padding as seen from the evidence in the document. We will crack this dimension to his case.”

    Omisore was the chairman of the Appropriation Committee. The EFCC found in his Abuja home a document showing a N60 billion  “strange” vote in the budget. Besides, he was reportedly paid N2.5 billion by the National Assembly’s management for undisclosed reasons.

    Omisore was arrested in Abuja on July 3, for the N4.745 billion  allegedly allocated to him and others by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Of the slush funds, about N1.310 billion was allegedly traced to Omisore and three companies.

    Also yesterday, it was learnt that detectives will tomorrow question former Defence Minister (state) Mr. Musiliu Obanikoro’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) over the N1.299billion flown to the Akure Airport for Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    The EFCC has invited Lt. A.O Adewale of the Nigerian Navy for interrogation at its headquarters. He reportedly accompanied Obanikoro to deliver the cash, which was meant for the prosecution of the 2014 governorship election. The cash is believed to be from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), meant for the purchase of arms to fight Boko Haram.

    Fayose’s associate, Abiodun Agbele, who allegedly collected the slush funds from the ex-minister, was said to have “cringed” when presented with some evidence.

    The officer was on board a chartered aircraft with Registration No: HS125-800 5N-BMT belonging to Gyro Air Limited, which ferried the N1.299billion to Akure on June 17 and 18, 2014.

    The EFCC invited Lt. Adewale last week but he asked to report tomorrow after getting clearance from the Navy.

    A source said: “We are expecting him on Wednesday. Our team of investigators is on standby to interact with the naval officer who was the ADC to Obanikoro.

    “We took time to invite him because investigation has not reached his own curve. Now, as a star witness to the movement and the modus operandi of the ex-minister, we need to hear from him.

    “We are interested in his role in the movement of the cash to Fayose’s associate.”

    Agbele, who is detained, was said to be worried after being shown some damning bank tellers, which he personally signed.

    He was just “cringing”, the source added.

    An EFCC Investigating Officer, Tosin Owobo, has told the  Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti of how the N1, 299,490,000.00 was wired into Fayose’s accounts by Agbele.

    Owobo, who swore to an affidavit, said: “That N1, 219,490,000 was conveyed to Akure Airport by Senator Obanikoro through a chartered aircraft with Registration No: HS125-800 5N-BMT belonging to Gyro Air Limited.”

    “That on the 17th day of June, 2014 Mr. Alade Oluseye in the company of one Abiodun Agbele, a front of the Applicant(Fayose), went to the Akure Airport wherein they took cash delivery of the N724,500,000.00 from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and his acclaimed Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant Colonel A.O. Adewale.

    “That on the 18th day of June, 2014 N494, 990,000 was also delivered to Mr. Alade Oluseye by the said minister in the same manner.

    “That N1, 219,490,000 was conveyed to Akure Airport by Senator Obanikoro through a chartered aircraft with Registration No: HS125-800 5N-BMT belonging to Gyro Air Limited.”

     

  • I am not under pressure, Ganaru insists

    I am not under pressure, Ganaru insists

    • Decries distraction from club

    Kano Pillars technical adviser, Mohammed Baba Ganaru has revealed to SportingLife that he is not losing sleep over his job.

    The Sai Masu Gida had been reportedly looking for a replacement for Ganaru over the club’s inconsistent results in recent times.

    The club’s chairman Kabiru Baita was also quoted that he is bringing in the Super Eagles head coach, Salisu Yusuf as a consultant to the team.

    In an exclusive chat with SportingLife, Ganaru said all the media reports are distractions to his job.

    He added that the team’s current position is not as bad as it was reported, insisting that he is very focused and determined to end the season well.

    “I have heard a lot and I have read a lot about my position in the team. I am not under pressure whatsoever and nobody should put me under pressure,” Ganaru told SportingLife.

    “Our position in the league is not bad and we still have so many matches to be played. The success of a club is collective and if the club now using the media to address issue that is private to the club, I think something is very wrong.

    “The first time I won the trophy with the club we were 7th position by this time. We are 4th position on the table now and people are still not happy with what we are doing. If they are not okay with my performances they should ask me to go rather than to put unnecessary pressure on me. I won’t take that.”

    Baba Ganaru led Kano Pillars to win the Nigeria league back-to-back during his first spell at the club.

  • LEAGUE TOP SCORER: I’m not under pressure, says Gata

    LEAGUE TOP SCORER: I’m not under pressure, says Gata

    Niger Tornadoes’ striker, Ismail Gata has said that he is not losing sleep over his intention to emerge as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) top scorer at the end of the season.

    The Ilorin-born striker is leading the top scorer’s chart with nine goals ahead of Wikki Tourists’ forward Godwin Obaje, Sunshine Stars’ Okiki Afolabi, Rangers Chisom Egbuchulam and Ibrahim Mustapha of El Kanemi Warriors with eight goals.

    Lobi Stars Anthony Okpotu, Sunshine Stars Wasiu Alimi and Rabiu Ali have seven goals.

    The former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan forward admitted that other players in the race for the gong have qualities, but he is confident that he would emerge the winner.

    “I am not under pressure to win it. It is a race and I am confident that I can win it. I will continue to do my best for the club and I know at the end of the day God will crown my efforts with success. I am not particular about my personal honour alone I’m also concerned about the greatness of the club too. If the club is doing well it will help me to succeed. I know with the help of God and my colleagues I can achieve it,” Gata told SportingLife.

    Meanwhile, the former Kwara United striker also said he and his colleagues have what it take to get a deserved point against Mountain of Fire and Ministries Miracle (MFM) FC in a Match Day 17 of the Nigeria Professional Football League at the Agege Stadium on Sunday.

    “Lagos is our town and I know the terrain very well. It is like any other match and we will try our best to get something out of the game,” Gata said.

  • Acquisitions drive equities amid sell pressure

    Turnover at the stock market jumped by 971.7 per cent last week as two major acquisition were consummated at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

    Turnover rose to 11.91 billion shares valued at N18.34 billion in 19,508 deals, representing 972 per cent and 146.2 per cent increase in turnover volume and value. In the previous week, turnover stood at 1.11 billion shares valued at N7.45 billion in 15,562 deals.

    The turnover last week was driven by major acquisition deals on Wema Bank Plc and Unity Kapital Assurance Plc. A total of 4.16 billion shares of Unity Kapital Assurance Plc were swapped in a cross deal at 77 kobo per share. This represented about 30 per cent equity stake in Unity Kapital Assurance. The transaction on Unity Kapital was a divestment of the major equity stake of Unity Bank Plc, according to a reliable source.

    Also, a total of 6.67 billion shares of Wema Bank Plc were swapped in three deals at 90 kobo per share. The deals were block divestments. A source said the divestments were part of the share sales by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). The three deals represented 17.3 per cent equity stake in Wema Bank.

    The acquisition deals expectedly placed Wema Bank and Unity Kapital atop the activities’ chart. The trio of Wema Bank Plc, Unity Kapital Assurance Plc and Zenith Bank International Plc accounted for 11.01 billion shares worth N11.27 billion in 2,856 deals, representing 92.4 per cent and 61.5 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

    The financial services sector remained the most active sector with a turnover of 11.69 billion shares valued at N14.73 billion traded in 13,094 deals; representing 98.2 per cent and 80.35 per cent of the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The conglomerates sector followed with 71.89 million shares worth N175.60 million in 777 deals while the consumer goods sector placed third with a turnover of 69.72 million shares worth N1.18 billion in 3,019 deals.

    Also traded during the week were a total of 294,047 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N3.209 million executed in 42 deals, compared with a total of 72,054 units valued at N637,635.25 traded in 26 deals two weeks ago.

    In the bonds segment, a total of 12,470 units of Federal Government bonds valued at N14.348 million were traded in eight deals last week.

    The stock market however came under intense sell pressure as investors readjust portfolios ahead of the monetary policy meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN is scheduled to meet between today and Tuesday. Most equities with price changes ended on the negative side. There were 20 gainers against 41 losers last week as against 39 gainers recorded against 22 losers in the previous week.

    The benchmark indices at the NSE showed widespread underlying selling sentiments, in spite of earnings reports by many companies during the week. The All Share Index (ASI)- the value-based index that tracks prices of quoted equities, dropped by 1.13 per cent to close the week at 25,694.79 points as against its week’s opening index of 25,988.40 points.

    Aggregate market value of all quoted equities dropped by N101 billion from the week’s opening value of N8.940 trillion to close at N8.839 trillion. Oando recorded the highest percentage decline during the week, dropping by 25.23 per cent to close at N4. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated dropped by 20.28 per cent to close at N14.35. Access Bank declined by 10.63 to close at N3.95. Honeywell Flour Mills lost 10 per cent to close at N1.62 while Ikeja Hotel dropped by 9.62 per cent to close at N2.35 per share.

    On the positive side, Conoil led the contrarian stocks with a gain of 21.38 per cent to close at N20.10. United Bank for Africa followed with a gain of 9.59 per cent to close at N3.77 while Law Union and Rock Insurance rose by 9.38 per cent to close at 70 kobo per share.

  • Zakari joins CS Sfaxien after ‘pressure’

    Zakari joins CS Sfaxien after ‘pressure’

    Nigeria U-17 defender Lukman Zakari has finally agreed to join Tunisian club, CS Sfaxien after he initially rejected the club’s offer and said he preferred to follow up possibilities in England and Spain.

    Sfaxien have agreed to fork out  $300,000 for Zakari, who featured at last year’s U-17 World Cup triumph in Chile.

    However, the deal was in danger of collapsing after the youngster turned it down after claiming he would rather pursue interests in England and Spain.

    “Everything has now been agreed with all the parties involved after the boy yielded to pressure for him to sign in Tunisia,” a source informed on Friday.

  • ‘How to mitigate pressure of US gas market control’

    Developing Olokola multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas project to attract foreign direct investment (FDI),  increasing investment in the liquefied and petroleum gas (LPG) sub-sector, and fertiliser plants, among others, are some of the ways the Federal Government can galvanise the potential in the domestic gas market and further reduce impact of the  impending dominance of the United States in the global gas market, experts have said.

    The experts, including Dr Adebayo Ayoade of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Prof Adeola Akinnisiju, the former President, International Association of Energy Economics ( IAEE), said the launch of the first cargo exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the international market, last week by the US, and the country’s resolve to produce 84.3 million tons of gas yearly would not have much impact on Nigeria’s LNG market, if the Federal Government can grow  the nation’s domestic gas industry well.

    Ayoade urged the government to focus more on developing the gas potential locally in order to generate more revenues, instead of seeing export of gas, and other initiatives implemented by the US as a threat to Nigeria’s foreign earnings. He said Olokola gas project holds huge potentials, adding that it would earn more revenues for the government when it is well developed.

    Ayoade, a Senior Lecturer in Energy Law, said Nigeria would be under pressure to reduce the price of its gas in the event that more countries buy gas from US. He said: “To avert pressure from the impending US dominance of the oil and gas market, Nigeria has to look for more buyers, while at the same time, develop its domestic gas market. One way of doing this is to develop Olokola oil and gas project to a level that it would attract foreign direct investments into Nigeria.”

    Also, Akinnisiju said US gas supply in the market would outstrip demands in the nearest future, urging the Federal Government to fashion out plans of increasing gas exports for growth. Currently, Nigeria exports 22milliion tons of gas, far below the 84.3 million tons, which US is planning to produce annually.

    He said: “Anywhere there is an increase in supply of a product and the demand is not increasing at the same time, there is going to be a problem. Now that US is planning to increase its gas supply to the market.”

    Akinnisiju said the larger percentage of gas produced by Nigeria is associated in nature, stressing that the country would not find it easy to produce huge quantity of natural gas.

    The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) is a major contributor to national earnings, and has generated $85 billion (about N17 trillion) from exports since its inception 15 years ago. Therefore, efforts by the Federal Government to develop gas market locally would bring in more money, which is good for the country.

  • Warri Wolves keep pressure on leaders Enyimba

    Warri Wolves keep pressure on leaders Enyimba

    Warri Wolves kept the pressure on Enyimba after they spanked Bayelsa United 4-0 at home on Sunday to set up a cracking clash with the Nigeria league leaders next Sunday.

    Wolves will need to win their remaining two games including Sunday’s clash at Enyimba and hope Enyimba also lose at Sunshine Stars on the final day of the season to clinch the championship on a better goals difference.

    Wolves are second behind Enyimba with 62 points from 36 games, six points adrift of Enyimba.

    Gbolahan Salami opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a penalty after Etebor Oghenekaro was brought down.

    U-23 star Oghenekaro then made it 2-0 for Wolves in the 28th minutes when he curled in a free kick from the edge of the box after Salami was brought down.

    Etebor completed a double in the 52nd minute, before he set up Joseph Osadiaye for the fourth goal in the 82nd minute to nail Bayelsa United.Warri Wolves keep pressure on leaders Enyimba

    Warri Wolves kept the pressure on Enyimba after they spanked Bayelsa United 4-0 at home on Sunday to set up a cracking clash with the Nigeria league leaders next Sunday.

    Wolves will need to win their remaining two games including Sunday’s clash at Enyimba and hope Enyimba also lose at Sunshine Stars on the final day of the season to clinch the championship on a better goals difference.

    Wolves are second behind Enyimba with 62 points from 36 games, six points adrift of Enyimba.

    Gbolahan Salami opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a penalty after Etebor Oghenekaro was brought down.

    U-23 star Oghenekaro then made it 2-0 for Wolves in the 28th minutes when he curled in a free kick from the edge of the box after Salami was brought down.

    Etebor completed a double in the 52nd minute, before he set up Joseph Osadiaye for the fourth goal in the 82nd minute to nail Bayelsa United.

  • Police Sports Officer pleads: Don’t put undue pressure on Eaglets

    Police Sports Officer pleads: Don’t put undue pressure on Eaglets

    Police Force Sports Officer and Nasarawa Commissioner of Police,  CP Sani Mohammed has urged football loving Nigerians and the Nigeria Football Federation not to put too much pressure on the Golden Eaglets’ kids that defeated the United States of America 2-0 in the first match.

    Nigeria topped Group A having defeated USA to pocket the 3 points at stake while host Chile and Croatia ended their match a point each but the sports administrator who is a member of All Stars and former Chess Federation President cautioned football fans to take the match as it comes and not to start tipping the Eaglets to retrain the Trophy they won in the United Arab Emirates two years ago when only one game has just been played.

    “I am very happy as a Nigerian and a football fan that the Golden Eaglets have started well by beating the United States team but we shouldn’t expect too much from them but should just take the match as it comes one after the other.

    “I like to believe that all games should be taken one after the other. My belief depends on the approach of the Nigerian team to every match they play in the ongoing FIFA U- 17 World Cup in Chile. Now that they have won the first match against USA, this will encourage them to fight to win the other two remaining matches”, the Nasarawa Police boss told SportingLife.

    He also warned, “my Chess background tells me that I don’t underestimate the opposition. So let us not be carried away. Let us give them a chance. Let them not go and chicken out. They might win the first game and lose the remaining ones and they may not qualify. First of all let us take these games with caution.

    “But now that they have given us the first victory we can begin to have hopes for sailing through to the knockout stage and qualifying from the group stage. The knock out stage could be anybody’s game. It is different strategies all together”, he also cautioned.

    The Force Sports Officer also reminded fans that nobody predicted that the Manu Garba led Golden Eaglets of 2013 set was going to win the competition for a record fourth time then. “Until when they became champion before we all started identifying ourselves with the winner. My own position is that we take a game at a time,” he also declared.

  • Senate under pressure over Ngige, Amaechi, Shittu

    Senate under pressure over Ngige, Amaechi, Shittu

    Ogbeh, Ibeto, Sirika, Alhassan, Udoma may ‘bow and go’

    Ex-Rivers governor writes Senate on enquiry 

    Will the Senate change its parliamentary tradition or ask ex-lawmakers who are ministerial nominees to take a bow?

    That was the question  at the weekend ahead of tomorrow’s screening of the nominees.

    Senate President Bukola Saraki is under pressure to stick to the tradition, it was learnt.

    But some senators from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are pushing for “an open and equal screening”.

    It was gathered that the leadership of the Senate may take a decision before the screening opens.

    Saraki is likely to present the issue before the Executive Session prior to the screening.

    Eight of the 21 nominees are former lawmakers.

    They are: Sen. Udoma Udo-Udoma; Sen. Aisha Alhassan; Sen. Chris Ngige; Sen. Hadi Sirika; Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi (a former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly); Mr. Audu Ogbeh (a former Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly); Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto (a former member of the House of Representatives); and Adebayo Shittu (a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly).

    It was learnt that many senators supported “parliamentary tradition” for the automatic clearance of the eight former lawmakers.

    Also yesterday, the Senate re-echoed the statement by its Adhoc Media Committee Chairman Dino Melaye on the need for two senators to endorse a nominee from their state.

    This followed the apprehension that some of the ministerial nominees will not be able to scale the screening hurdle, following their apparent likelihood of not getting the endorsement of two senators from their states.

    On its Twitter handle @NGRSenate yesterday, it said: “The tradition of two senators having to endorse a ministerial nominee is not sacrosanct and can be waived, if a nominee passes other criteria.”

    A principal officer said: “The Senate President is under pressure to break the tie and provide direction for senators who are divided on some nominees, especially the former lawmakers.

    “Saraki’s personal relationship with some of these former lawmakers has made the pressure on the Senate more challenging.

    “But the main issue is whether or not to give parliamentary waiver to ex-lawmakers who have been nominated as ministers.

    “Some senators are insisting on the adoption of the parliamentary tradition to screen and clear the eight ex-lawmakers. Normally by our tradition, the eight nominees are expected to take a bow after explaining their plans for the nation.

    “These senators have warned against the consequences of changing the tradition by the 8th Senate because it could be anybody’s turn tomorrow.

    “They said if the Senate played into the hands of some politicians and governors, it might affect the prospect of some lawmakers in the future.”

    Responding to a question, the officer added: “These senators are saying that we should grill these ex-lawmakers on their vision for the country but they are making a strong case for automatic clearance.

    “Some of them cited the row which the screening and clearance of ex-Minister Musiliu Obanikoro generated and how ex-Senate President David Mark stuck to the parliamentary tradition.”

    Another Senator said: “We have received many petitions against some of these nominees, including some of these eight lawmakers. A few Senators are demanding the waiver of the parliamentary tradition to enable the Senate leave the screening open.

    “These petitions have been referred to the relevant committee of the Senate for consideration.

    “We are looking into these arguments which have put the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, under pressure.”

    Amaechi is said to have written to the Senate to stay action on any issue emanating from the Commission of Inquiry set up by the government of Rivers State.

    He said since a matter was pending in court on the inquiry, it would be subjudice for the Senate to dabble in it.

    A source in the Senate said: “Amaechi’s counsel has written the President of the Senate on the need to avoid consideration of a subjudicial matter.

    “You know the Senate has a procedure of not treating any matter before a court.”

  • Fifa Under-17 World Cup: Amuneke not under pressure

    Fifa Under-17 World Cup: Amuneke not under pressure

    Golden Eaglets coach Emmanuel Amuneke is unfazed by the defending champions tag ahead of the Fifa Under 17 World Cup next month and has stressed that he is not under pressure to deliver.

    Looking back at a glorious career, the ex-Nigerian internationalrepresented Barcelona, Sporting Lisbon and played for Nigeria at the World Cup and African Cup of Nations, so he is used to performing at a high level.

    “I’m not under any pressure but I have the sense of direction that we are the defending champions at this level,” Amuneke told thenff.com.

    “I don’t want us to dwell so much on that. We keep working quietly and hard; when the time comes, we shall be ready.”

    He added : “We must psyche ourselves that we can do it, but I’m not under any pressure. I think I’ve always been used to pressure, previously as a player and now as a coach.

    “I believe in hard work and I don’t think hard work disappoints anyone.”

    As part of their preparations for the tournament which they have won four times, the Golden Eaglets finished third at the Suwon Tournament in Korea.