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Tag: probe

  • Banks explain role in EFCC probe

    Banks explain role in EFCC probe

    Sterling Bank and Access Bank have notified the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) about their operations concerning the ongoing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The banks on Tuesday issued separate statements to the NSE about investigations into their roles by the anti-graft agency.

    These  statements were posted on the NSE’s  website.

    Sterling Bank in its statement explained that officials of EFCC visited the bank on Wednesday May 4, 2016 to investigate a banking relationship of a non-bank financial institution.

    It said it never held the account of the customer during the previous administration to which the matter had been linked either officially or otherwise.

    The bank also stated that the non-bank financial institution (Asset Management Company) purchased a number of loans on recourse basis from it on commercially acceptable terms.

    The statement said the transactions were the concerns raised by the EFCC to Sterling Bank.

    The bank said: “Arising from this incident, the bank has commissioned a review of the compliance procedures of its non–bank financial institution clients with the aim of strengthening this area of our operations.

    “In the interim, the bank will not accept any new non-bank financial institution relationships.

    “We thank our numerous partners for their support and assure you that the bank remains a compliant institution that continues to conduct its business within the ambit of the law.”

    On its part, Access Bank said the EFCC officials visited the bank on May 6, 2016 to investigate a specific transaction involving a customer of the bank in the normal course of business.

    The visit, according to the bank, came without any form of earlier notification or invitation to the bank.

    The bank said the officials informed the bank that they were investigating some transactions and sought the bank’s cooperation.

    The officials, according to the bank, met with the Group Managing Director and the Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer who provided the needed information and documents.

    “Thereafter, the Group Managing Director was requested to accompany them to their office to further their investigation, which he willingly acceded to.

    “Following the resolution of the underlying issues, he was allowed to leave the commission’s office on the same day.

    “We have observed the wide-ranging speculations in the media connecting the visits of the commission to various personalities.

    “We would like to state emphatically for the benefit of our stakeholders that the bank has absolutely no link, interaction or relationship whatsoever with any of the personalities stated in the media reports.

    “As a bank, we shall continue to operate in line with the highest level of professionalism, consistently seeking best practices, and hereby wish to re-assure our esteemed stakeholders that the bank remains committed to its strategic goals and objectives,” it said.

  • Lagos asks IGP to take over probe of Disu’s death

    Lagos asks IGP to take over probe of Disu’s death

    •White Paper on LFTZ out

    The Lagos State Government has asked Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase to take over investigation into the death of former Lekki Worldwide Limited Alhaji Tajudeen Disu last October 12 at the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ).

    In a White Paper on the recommendation of the tribunal, which probed the October 12, 2015 disturbance at LFTZ, the government said it was imperative that Arase took over the case because of the conflict over Disu’s death.

    Leaders of the Okunraye community where Disu died on October 12, 2015 had claimed that the late Disu was killed by a stray bullet from mobile policemen attached to the area, but the police denied the allegation.

    The government reiterated its commitment to granting investors access at the zone.

    It directed the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives to ensure that outstanding compensation issues were resolved forthwith.

    A statement by Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Steve Ayorinde said the ministry was also directed to ensure that the Resettlement Committee is reconstituted in line with the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable it perform.

    The government directed that “a LFTZ Peace and Security Committee comprising the police and representatives of investors of the affected villages be constituted to receive complaints. It will also resolve issues referred to it, as spelt out in the MoU”.

    It directed the Lands Bureau to prioritise the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy of excised land.

    According to the White Paper, the government accepted the tribunal’s recommendation that cash payments, no matter how meagre, should no longer be received. All payments should be by cheque, duly receipted by the payee in a format that carries the said payee’s name, picture and signature, it said.

  • EFCC to probe Ondo poly

    EFCC to probe Ondo poly

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to investigate the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State.

    Projects worth N263 million projects are to be looked into. This follows a petition by the Assembly of Concerned Staff of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic.

    The group, in a petition signed by its coordinator and secretary, Titus Igbayilaye and Sola Enikuomehin, listed the projects to include the N195m students’ online tuition fees payment and scratch cards.

    “A sum of N195 million, being school fees payment paid through online and scratch card payment by the students of the institution, could not be traced to the school account from 2014 till date. The money was however traced to another account that did not belong to the school management deliberately opened to defraud the institution,” the group alleged.

    The group also raised alarm on several projects alleging that that the projects were grossly-inflated.

    They want a probe of the N1750 each paid by 1600 students for an insurance scheme, the ICT building project and so on.

    When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwjaren’s mobile telephone line was not available but a source within the commission, who craved anonymity because he was not designated to speak for the commission, said the EFFC would send a team of crack detectives to the institution.

  • Reps to probe NNPC over N350b revenue loss

    Reps to probe NNPC over N350b revenue loss

    The House of Representatives is  to investigate a N350billion revenue loss incurred by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) within eight months last year.

    The Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), has also been mandated to audit oil and gas infrastructure in Nigeria to ascertain the status of the equipment and techniques.

    This followed the adoption of a motion  by Abubakar Amuda-Kannike (APC, Kwara), who regretted that oil spillages have led to  health issues, including breathing problems and skin diseases for people in the affected areas.

    Besides,  a major reason for the spillages in Nigeria is that many of the country’s oil firms used obsolete and inadequate infrastructure to channel and distribute petroleum products in the country, he noted.

    Amuda-Kannike said it should be of great concern to Nigerians the report of the Institute for Global Energy Research that the oil exploration equipment of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Nigeria was over 40 years old as against the permissible life span of 25 years.

    In addition, he explained that a percentage analysis of causes of oil spills established by the same institute showed that corrosion of pipes and tankers accounted for 50 per cent of oil spills.

    While sabotage accounts for 28 per cent, oil production operations account for 21 per cent and inadequate or non functional production equipment is put as one per cent, he added.

    He said: “One is concerned that most of the government’s efforts to address these issues were curative rather than preventive, such as establishment of regulatory agencies like the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), all of which have resulted in addressing the effects while doing little to be proactive enough in preventing the causes of oil spillages.

    He said: “As part of the strategy of reducing the adverse effects of the activities of the oil majors in Nigeria, old and obsolete infrastructure as well as old habits of doing things must give way to modern techniques and procedure.”

    On the investigation of the N350billion loss, the House said  87 per cent  of the loss was incurred by Pipeline Products Marketing Company (PPMC), the distribution arm of NNPC.

    Sponsor of the motion, Toby Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu), while justifying the need for the investigation said NNPC crude oil and products distribution pipeline network covers 5,120 kilometers, 21 distribution depots, 9 liquified petroleum gas (LPG) depots, pump stations/houses and other ancillary  facilities.

    He said the pipeline distribution network transports crude oil and refined products to and from the refineries, depots and jetties and as a national grid pipeline which transverses over 25 cities including Port Harcourt, Aba, Enugu, Makurdi, Warri, Benin, Auchi, Lokoja, Mosimi, Atlascove, Ejigbo, Ibadan, Ore, Abaji, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gusau, Jos, Gombe, Yola, Maiduguri among others.

    He lamented that non utilisation of the distribution pipelines led to transportation of products through roads, thus resulting in countless incidence of petrol tanker explosions in various parts of the country and heavy tolls on road network.

  • I ‘ll probe previous govts, says aspirant

    I ‘ll probe previous govts, says aspirant

    Though he has no previous experience of politics at any level, Blessing Agbonmhere, one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirants in Edo State, is undaunted. He believes the time has come for youths to play a more active part in the governance of the state. Correspondent OSAGIE OTABOR examines his chances.

    AT 37, Blessing Agbonmhere is the youngest governorship aspirant in Edo State the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). A native of Fugar in Estako Central Local Government Area, Agbonmhere is a Public Relations (PR) consultant. He has utilized his PR background to his advantage. With a well-structured campaign with the slogan ‘Edo BAMM’, he has successfully garnered a large following within the ruling APC, particularly among the over 3000 delegates that will pick the flag bearer in the race.

    But, securing the ticket will be a tall order for Agbonmhere, whose campaign is woven around a generational power shift to the youths. He would face a stiff opposition from other contenders, many of whom are now already grandfathers. The other contenders include: Deputy Governor Pius Odubu; Chris Ogiemwonyi; General Charles Airhiavbere; Don Pedro Obaseki; Chairman of Edo State Economic Team, Godwin Obaseki; and Dr. Ebegue Amadasun.

    Though the APC is not categorical that zoning will play any role in picking its flag bearer, observers believe Agbonmhere is just fooling around. Coming from the Edo Central Senatorial zone where Governor Adams Oshiomhole comes from, they believe he does not stand any chance of emerging the candidate. Critics of Agbonmhere’s aspiration are therefore of the view that his decision to join the governorship race is a joke.

    When confronted with this, he told reporters that he does not believe in zoning and that he is running, not because he is from Fugar, but because he belonged to the youth constituency that have been deprived from leadership for too long.

    Agbonmhere said he has held several town hall meetings with stakeholders and met with indigenes in diaspora and that the consensus is that the time has come for young people to take over the leadership of Edo.

    He said: “Young people are at the helm of affairs as far as the world economy is concerned. The most promising economy of the world is led by a young man. Edo State cannot be left out in the scheme of modernization. That is why we say it is the time for young people to take over. I represent these millions of young people; young professionals who want to contribute to governance of this state. We should be allowed to participate in governance. We should be allowed to participate in the issues that affect us.

    “Young people have mandated me to lead this common sense revolution; a common sense crusade. The youth of this state have been behind the growth seen in this state today, despite the fact that they have been deprived from governance. We believe that by the time young people take over the leadership, Edo will be transformed to a mini Dubai. We have what it takes to build Edo, to take it to the future we dream about.

    “The change we have been waiting for has come. Giving the youth a chance is the change we have been waiting for in Edo. Bringing back the people who have led us before, some of them who have led us astray, who did not contribute to the development of our young people while they were in government is failure. We don’t want Edo to be in chain. I am the new face of that change. We are going rearrange and reprogrammed Edo accordion to what Edo is known for. This state is known for tourist destination. Edo prides itself in culture. We have solid minerals and thrive in trade because of our location.”

    On what he planned to achieve as a governor, Agbonmhere said he would adopt the model of Dubai because it is peculiar with Edo. He promised to establish the Edo Construction Company and provide jobs for 20,000 people. He said he would develop the state’s minerals resources to construct our roads, build basic infrastructure, as well as develop local manufacturing.

    He said: “We will return back the marketing board. Each Senatorial district will have its own marketing board that will give credit facilities to farmers. The farmers will pay back with their harvest. We will bring back the furniture industry that has been taken over by the Turkish. Before today, furniture has been the business of Edo people. If you want furniture today with beautiful design, the only place you can get them is Turkey. We will bring factories that will train our people on how to package furniture for export and local consumption. That will grow the economy of the state. We will encourage local products to boost our economy. We will train manufacturers on packaging and grow the market for them.”

    The aspirant, however, disclosed that his first task was to probe past administrations in the state, in line with the anti-corruption stance of President Mohammadu Buhari, including that of Oshiomhole.

    He added: “My government will abolish corruption in Edo State. That is why the programme we have is to ensure that all our past leaders are probed. Whether they like it or not, we will ensure that whatever they have taken from Edo State, whatever they have wasted, they will bring back. And I will start from Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the present governor of Edo State.

    “We will visit all the projects he has done to ascertain how much he has spent on the projects and if we see that Edo State has been sub charged, we will ensure that such monies will be refunded to the account of Edo State.

    “We will also visit the Airport road project. We have been getting petitions from different groups and organisations on that projects, how [the first contractor] abandoned the project and left with some money unrefunded to the state.

    “I tell people I am not a comrade, I am a patriot?. I don’t know the meaning of comrade. In the Nigerian law, we don’t know anything like Comrade. What we have in Nigerian law is patriotism. So, we young Nigerians should focus our intellectualism, our capacity and our capability in being patriotic to our state, not in being a comrade.

    “We are probing because there are so many allegations of corruption against the present government and the allegations are hampering the chances of the party in the state.”

     

  • N116b deals probe: Panel lists those to refund cash

    N116b deals probe: Panel lists those to refund cash

    Dasuki, Fadile, Matawalle, Yuguda, others named

    EFCC gets report on how $2.1b was released 

    Barely three days after the Presidency claimed that 300  persons and companies were implicated in N116billion “curious” contracts issued by  the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA), details of the cash some of those indicted will refund have emerged.

    Also at the weekend, it was learnt a former Director of Funds in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mohammed Dikwa, admitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) that the controversial $2.billion released to ONSA under ex-NSA Sambo Dasuki were based on either presidential or ministerial orders.

    The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Thursday  claimed that the ONSA committee had recovered over N7billion from those indicted.

    The indicted companies are to refund N41 billion.

    The investigating agencies, including the EFCC, will determine whether N75 billion should be recovered from some of the companies.

    The Special Committee in the Office of the NSA found some persons and companies “guilty” of some infractions.

    Some of the alleged infractions:

    • breach of contract terms;
    • non-execution of contracts;
    • haphazard or partial completion of contracts;
    • collection of funds for unexecuted contracts;
    • diversion of funds for political purposes; and
    • sheer mismanagement of contract funds.

    The 300 persons and companies have been referred to investigating agencies, including EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission (ICPC) and the police.

    Amounts to be refunded by some of the persons and companies are as follows: Acacia Holding Limited – (N600m and  N650m); Reliance Referral Hospitals Limited – N750m (16/4/2015); African Cable Television Limited -N350million; Dalhatu Investment Limited(N500m) -20/12/13 and N200m on 17/3/15;,Duchy Concepts Limited RC392281(N70m) – 17/3/15; Wehsec Farms Limited RC 713258(N200m); Stellavera Dev Company – N250m; Stellavera Dev Company- N250m; Societe d’Equipments internationaux – $6,954,000(21/4/2015), $30m(9/5/15); $50m(9/3/15); €1, 395, 346.84(11/12/13); €1,401,869(2/10/13); €2, 252,252.25; $16m (20/5/14); $38m(20/5/14); $36m(20/5/14); $5m(4/6/14); $10m(11/7/14).

    Some of the expected refunds from individuals are Dr. Bello Matawalle – N300m; Bello Fadile -N100m and Bashir Yududa N1.5 billion.

    A source in EFCC said: “Some of those indicted have outstanding cases under investigation by our agency. These allegations are intertwined and we may have to improve on a few clues.

    “The latest assignment is to recover the sums against these 300 persons and companies. A few of them had written to  the commission to refund some money illegally collected for jobs undone.

    “ In line with the mandate of the Presidency, we will get to the root of the allegations against those already referred to us. We will also collaborate with other investigating agencies.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Of course, some of these persons and companies will be prosecuted.”

    Meanwhile, a former Director of Funds in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mohammed Dikwa, has given an insights to the disbursement of the controversial $2.1billion and other funds to ONSA under Dasuki.

    Dikwa gave the details in a statement made to the EFCC on the ongoing investigation of the $2.1billion arms procurement cash and the trial of some suspects.

    He admitted to the  EFCC that funds were released to ONSA, led by Dasuki,  based on either presidential or ministerial orders.

    He said: “I am the Director of Funds from April 2013 to date. All releases were made based on approvals by relevant authorities.

    “Releases of funds are normally initiated  by relevant MDAs and go through presidential approval or ministerial approval or budgetary provisions, depending upon the nature of the requests.

    “Having obtained the necessary approvals, the OAGF will process the approval by drawing a mandate instrument and send to the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

    “The CBN will then pay the amount involved to the relevant agency. The agency will now spend the funds in line with the established Financial Rules and Regulations.

    “The Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and other relevant agencies will also  conduct post-mortem examination of the books of accounts of such MDAs as to the appropriateness  or otherwise of such transactions.

    “All releases in favour of the National Security Adviser were based on approvals by the appropriate authorities.

    The following releases were made under the former Accountant-General of the Federation( Mr. J.O. Otunla) : $250,000,000 on 16/2/2015; $5,500,000 on 20/3/2015; $10,000,000 on 9/4/2015; $10m on 29/4/2015; $1,200, 000,000 in November 2013; $5.5m on 13/12/2013; $120m(15/11/2013)

  • AGF orders probe of Kashamu’s firm

    AGF orders probe of Kashamu’s firm

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the involvement of Kasmal International Services Limited believed to be owned by Senator Buruji Kashamu a stamp duties deal with the Federal Government.

    Specifically, the AGF requested the EFCC to establish among others, the legitimacy of the purported consultancy agreement between Kasmal and the Nigerian Postal Service (NPS), for the firm to collect stamp duty from commercial banks and other financial institutions in the country.

    The AGF, who noted Kasmal, acting on the said agreement,  purport to waive all arrears of remittances owned the Federal Government by banks and other financial Institutions from 2004 till the commencement of CBN Circular No CBN/GEN/DMB/02/006 of 15th January, 2015.

    AGF’s media aide, Salihu Isah said, in a statement Wednesday, that the minister has given the EFCC three weeks to conclude the investigation and report to him.

    The AGF’s directive to the EFCC, it was learnt, was contained in a three-page letter dated March, 4, 2016 and signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Saidu Diri.

    Part of the letter reads: “The Chairman of Kasmal International Services Limited is one Prince B. Kashamu, who is a Senator representing Ogun State in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The Acting Post Master General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Postal Service is one Mr. Enoch Ade Ogun.

    “You may also need to interview Ibrahim Mori Baba, the former Post Master General of the Nigerian Postal Service and B.S Yakubu, Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Postal Service respectively in the course of your investigation,” it said.

    Isah quoted the AGF as observing that the Nigerian Postal Service is an agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria established by virtue of Section 1 (1) & 2 (a) (b) of the Nigerian Postal Service Act, Cap. N127, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    He added that a total of eleven documents were attached to the letter by the AGF to the EFCC including the Nigerian Postal Service reference No. NIP/LSD/LSA/04/VOL.11/25 dated 30th October 2013; Nigerian Postal Service reference No. NIP/PMG/019/VOL. X dated 06th November, 2013; Nigerian Postal Service reference No. NIP/PMG/019/VOL/XVIII dated 4th, December, 2015; as well as Kasmal International Services Limited letter dated January 16, 2016 to the Post Master General.

    Other documents are Kasmal Group letter dated 28th October, 2013; Kasmal International Services Limited dated 21st January, 2016 to Post Master General; Central Bank of Nigeria memo CBN/GEN/DMB/02/006 dated the 15th January, 2016; Nigerian Postal Service reference No. NIP/PMG/113/VOL.1/57 dated 2nd July, 2014 to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Nigeria Postal Service reference No. NIP/PMG/019/VOL/XVIII dated 4th December, 2015; Nigeria Postal Service reference No. NIP/PMG/019/VOL.X dated 6th November, 2013 a well as Nigerian Postal Service reference No.NIP/PMG/181/VOL.11 dated 1st February, 2016 to the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation & Minister of Justice.

    Another document is titled, ‘Request for the Investigation of the purported consultancy agreement for collection of Stamp Duty from banking and other financial Institutions (BOFI) between Nigeria Postal Service and Kasmal International Services Limited (also known as Kasmal Group) which led Kasmal Group to Purport to Waive all Arrears of Remittances from 2004 till the Commencement of CBN Circular No. CBN/GEN/DMB/02/006 of 15th January, 2015 which Nigeria Postal Service was entitled under Section 89 of the Stamp Duties Act LFN 2004 to Collect as well as the N20 Penalty on Every Such Unpaid Remittance of N50 as Prescribed by the said Stamp Duties Act’.

    “In the Nigerian Postal Service reference No. NIP/PMG/181/VOL.11 dated 1st February 2016, the Acting Post Master General of Nigerian Postal Service confessed that there is no formal memorandum of understanding/contract MOU agreement between NIPOST and Messrs Kasmal International Services Limited stating any term of engagement yet Kasmal International Services Limited proceeded to grant a waiver to all Commercial Banks and Financial Institutions by letter dated 22nd December, 2015 all arrears of remittances from 2004 till 1st January 2016 which NIPOST was entitled under Section 89 of the  Stamp Duties Act to collect as well as the 20 Naira penalty on every such unpaid remittances of 50 Naira as prescribed by the Stamp Duties Act.

    “See also Kasmal International Services Limited letter dated 21st January 2016 to the Post Master General/CEO, Nigerian Postal Service, Abuja. The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation respectfully request that your Commission investigate this matter and submit a Report to him within three weeks of the receipt of this letter”, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation directed on behalf of the AGF.

    It was learnt that the Special Assistant to the AGF on Prosecution, Okoi Obono-Obla had, in an internal memo dated 17th March, 2016 advised the minister to take over the representation of the Nigerian Postal Service in the Appeal pending in the Court of Appeal.

    Obono-Obla was also said to have requested the AGF “to take over the representation of the Nigerian Postal Service in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/100/2016 filed by the Kasmal International Services Limited against the Nigerian Postal Service and the Honourable Attorney General and other Federal Government agencies in the Federal High Court, Abuja.”

  • Firm backs Fed Govt’s anti-graft probe

    Firm backs Fed Govt’s anti-graft probe

    A Nigerian-based firm, Inview Technology Nigeria Limited, has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s anti-graft war prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The firm is a software middleware partner for the National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC’s) common standard set top boxes to enable customers access the free-to-view platforms by Digital Switchover (DSO).

    A statement by its Chairman, Nick Markham,  said: “Inview Technology Nigeria Limited is proud to be supporting the Nigerian government in the Digital Switch Over (‘DSO’) programme, and is committed to helping the NBC deliver free digital channels to the Nigerians.

    “To ensure that the DSO programme is managed correctly, Inview respects and supports the EFCC’s work investigating payments relating to DSO. As part of the EFCC’s investigation, allegations have been made in the press concerning actions that the Inview’s CEO, Babatunji Amure, may have taken.

    “Inview has taken these allegations seriously and has held discussions with the EFCC senior Investigating officer, who has confirmed that Inview is not involved in this matter.

    “The EFCC has confirmed that in fact the allegations relate to Mr. Amure’s role as CEO of D-Vine and therefore any actions Mr. Amure may have taken would have been outside the scope of his employment with Inview.

    ‘’The EFCC has also confirmed that the investigation has no impact on Inview’s work with the government concerning DSO. Inview will continue to support and assist the EFCC during these investigations,” the statement read.

  • APC members: probe boycott of Bayelsa rerun

    APC members: probe boycott of Bayelsa rerun

    Aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, yesterday, asked its national leadership to probe circumstances leading to the party’s boycott of the Southern Ijaw Constituency 4 rerun.

    The members said allegations that some APC state officials were induced financially by some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) officials to abandon the election is disturbing.

    They were reacting to the easy victory of ex-Speaker of the House of Assembly Kombowei Benson in the rerun after a suit by the APC candidate,  Ebifaghe Oruminighe, annulled his last April 11 poll.

    Acting under the auspices of Concerned Progressives for Development and Empowerment (CPDE), the officials said reasons given by the leadership for the boycott  were unattainable.

    CPDE said there were strong allegations that some party executives collected about N80 million to abandon the poll.

    It said the national leadership should investigate activities of the APC State Working Committee (APC).

    The group led by Mr. Francis Diepreye, said the state leadership lacked the commitment to develop the party.

    Diepreye said the manner the party lost the governorship election exposed the selfishness and incompetence of executive.

    He said: “Our preliminary investigation showed that the APC sought the court order annulling the election of the ex-Speaker, Kombowei Benson and a rerun fixed for March 5, by INEC.

    “The decision to withdraw at the last minute reinforced an allegation that a deal was sealed by the help of two ex-militant leaders, with the PDP. It is shameful and should be probed and sanctioned.

    “It was discovered that after N80 million deal was sealed, it was hidden under a  feeble protest to INEC, alleging wrong timing and withdrawal from the race.

    “We are also aware that the deal,which was done without the knowledge of ward and unit heads, led to disenchantment against the party.

    “Some of our leaders claimed to have hated the alleged gross misconduct but refused to act.”

  • Senate opens probe of military invasion of Ogoni land

    Senate opens probe of military invasion of Ogoni land

    The Senate Thursday opened investigation into alleged military invasion of Ogoni land, River State.

    Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions charged with the investigation following petitions on the matter took testimonies from some interested parties.

    Four Ogoni villages were alleged to have been invaded by the military.

    The Civil Liberties Organisation and the traditional ruler of Mene Bua-Yeghe community in Ogoniland, Chief Barinaada Gbaranee, defended their separate petitions against the Nigerian Army before the committee.

    Gbaranee, claimed that the unlawful occupation of his territory and three other communities by soldiers,  started on February 22, 2016.

    The Monarch noted that the armed military personnel who allegedly invaded his community also invaded the house of a former Niger Delta militant, Mr . Solomon Ndigbara.

    The armed military men, he claimed, vandalized his cars and buildings without just cause.

    He told the lawmakers that prior to the attack, the soldiers had allegedly arrested Ndigara’s wife and his siblings.

    He said;”The military occupation of Ogoniland, escalated on 23 February to the extent that the army engaged themselves in the brutal killing of men, women and children numbering about 12.

    “The sporadic shootings against the harmless and defenseless peace loving people of Ogoniland, led to the displacement of natives of even neighbouring towns as Zaakpon and Wiiyakara communities, in fact even extending up to Babbe Kingdom.

    “Consequent upon this, all economic activities in Ogoniland especially Bori town and other adjoining villages have been grounded to a halt.

    “Men, Women and children have deserted their homes and are taking refuge in the bush and forest due to heavy presence of the military personnel, patrolling in armoured cars with sophisticated weapons.”

    He noted that Ogoniland had remained peaceful prior to the military invasion.

    The Monarch asked the senators to use their legislative powers to stop the killings and tension.
    He said, “The continued exposure of vulnerable men, women and children, certainly is beginning to cause hunger, sicknesses and diseases, the resultant effect Is sudden death.”
    He noted that members of his community were still scattered in the bush due to fear and apprehension.

    The South-South Zonal Chairman of the CLO, Mr.Chinedu Uchegbu, in defence of his petition, claimed that the military invasion affected four communities in two local governments in Ogoniland.

    Uchegbu noted the people of Yeghe, Zaakpo, Bori, and Babbe in the Gokhana and Khana council areas were violated by the military invaders.

    He listed those allegedly killed by the soldiers to include, Nwibari Mbu; Bariture Ziibo; Lesi Ledee (a pregnant mother); Saturday Gbarazia;  Kelechi Nwafor and his brother Linus Nwafor,  among others.

    The CLO leader also listed those arrested and still being detained to include Messrs Gambo Festus; Dennis Macaulay Nbinna: Ndikwa Tekpe; Nwii Peter and two others from Tai local government area of the state.

    He claimed that Messrs Gabriel Ndigbara Piabari; Richard Ndigbara; Mrs. Kate Ndigbara;  Bob Nkue;  and Smart Deedom,  among others are still being held by the soldiers.

    He also claimed that Messrs Chikwodo Nwankwo; and Azubuike  Iga among others, sustained various degrees of injury and currently on admission in the various hospitals in the local government.

    Ukaegbu described as worrisome, a situation whereby a federal government agency which ought to guarantee security for everybody in the society and which ought to maintain law and order, is being associated with plots to cause insecurity”

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, assured that his panel would ensure a thorough investigation into the allegation.

    Anyanwu however said that for a thorough investigation to be seen to have been conducted, the committee needed to hear from the military that is being accused of invading the communities.

    He said that the committee would invite the military to get their own side of the story before presenting a report to the Senate in plenary.