Supreme Court Justices Bribery Scandal:Senator Akpabio Denies Involvement

Senator Akpabio not involved in alleged bribery of Supreme Court Justices. 

The attention of the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio has been drawn to a sensational story making the rounds in the social media and circulated by the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a screaming headline: "Breaking News! 2015 A'Ibom polls: Fear grips Akpabio over arrest of Supreme Court Justices."

The story in its entirety is spurious, baseless, false and the figment of the imagination of mischief makers who concocted it. Their frantic and desperate attempt to link Senator Akpabio with the saga is to tarnish his image in their continuing pull-him-down syndrome, which has increased in intensity since the party lost Akwa Ibom State. 

For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state most emphatically that Senator Akpabio is in no way involved in the alleged bribery of Supreme Court judges and so has no reason whatsoever to be scared over the arrest of the Judges. He has had no contact with any Judge with the intention of bribing them. 

In the last few years, Senator Akpabio's only contact with Supreme Court Justices was on December 13, 2015 when as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters the members, led by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator David Umaru paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of the Federation and other Supreme Court Justices. After the event which was widely reported the Supreme Court Justices and members of the committee took group photographs. 

Senator Akpabio as a democrat believes in the sanctity of the electoral process and so has not been involved in bribing any Judge as it is not in his character  to do so. His election as a Senator which was seen as a no contest after a sterling performance as Governor of Akwa Ibom State was widely held as free and fair. 

Senator Akpabio like many other Nigerians learnt of the news of the arrest of the Judges/ Justices on Saturday while he was in Irrua, Edo State when he along with the Senate President and other Senators attended the wedding of the daughter of their colleague, Senator Clifford Ordia. 

It is most disingenuous and reprehensible for Akwa Ibom State APC to attempt to link Senator Akpabio to something he has no knowledge of and impute he was gripped with fear when he was busy celebrating with his colleague on the marriage of his daughter in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government of Edo State. 

We condemn it in very strong terms and advice those whose stock in trade and preoccupation is to link Senator Akpabio to every ignominious scheme to desist from such pull-him-down syndrome. It is however sad that Akwa Ibom State APC, rather than wait for the investigation to take its course, have already condemned their son, Justice Inyang Okoro and celebrate his present ordeal. 

Senator Akpabio will explore available legal remedies to protect his hard earned reputation from being dragged into the mud by political mischief makers. Distinguished Senator Akpabio however cautions all political players to take actions that will sustain democracy and not actions that imperil our hard earned democracy. 

Anietie Ekong

Special Asistant (Media) to the 

Senate Minority Leader.

Economy:Current Situation May Be A Blessing In Disguise- OGD

Former Governor of Ogun State and Chairman, Kresta Laurel Limited,  Otunba (Engr.) Gbenga Daniel has stated that the current economic situation in the country might be a blessing in disguise and an opportunity for Nigerians to look inwards by developing our local contents and effecting outright adjustment in our ways of life.

Receiving a delegation of the Institute of Chartered Accounts of Nigeria (ICAN) on a courtesy visit led by its president, Deacon Titus Soetan at his office in Lagos on Friday, Otunba Daniel reiterated the fact that government should place more emphasis on local manufacturing and production most especially in the agricultural sector. "It is criminal to the economy if we spend so much foreign exchange on importation of food into the country to the detriment of our staple food that have more nutritional value. It is high time we banned food importation and curtailed smuggling of such into the Nigerian markets. The total mind-set of our people must change not only in food consumption but in every sphere of our lives", he stressed.

He also charged ICAN as a body to network regularly with its members in government and brainstorm on the way forward towards reviving  the economy.  Professionals, he said must be given pride of place in policy formulation and it therefore becomes important that in moving the nation forward, the best of the brains must be employed. "Here, the ICAN has a pivotal role to play by creating a forum to brainstorm and come forth with fool-proof agenda and solid recommendations on finding a lasting solution to our economic challenges". Continuing, he said: "it becomes embarrassing and pathetic that our ecomic managers at the highest echelon speak in discordant tunes about the state of the nation's economy. It is avoidable and should be avoided", he quipped.

ICAN president, Deacon Titus Soetan, earlier in his address described Otunba Daniel as an accomplished engineer, a mentor and benefactor who has always supported  the accounting body.  He also assured of ICAN's readiness to intervene and support the government of the day in matters relating to economic policies. He also took the opportunirty to notify the former governor of the 46th yearly Accountants' Conference holding in Abuja with the theme: "Accountability Now Nigeria" where financial experts will discuss salient economic issues as part of the efforts of the Institute to ensure accountability and good governance in the country.

Banned Shites Group Replies El-Rufai

Press Statement by Islamic Movement in Nigeria 

On Friday October 7, 2016 the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir Ahmad el-Rufa’i issued out an order declaring the Islamic Movement in Nigeria as an unlawful society, with even a penalty of seven years in jail on its members. He claimed the executive council of Kaduna state arrived at the decision based on the already discredited recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaria massacre carried out by the Army in Zaria last December.

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) wishes to categorically make it clear to the general public that we vehemently reject such an order and declare it a flagrant infringement on our basic rights as citizens of this country to hold an opinion, associate freely without molestation.  This is nothing but plot by Governor Elrufa’i to further its diabolic agenda of the massacre of innocent citizens having failed to accomplish it in December 2015.

All the sections cited to premise this decision are wrong. It is noteworthy that the state government based its dubious stance on the so-called recommendations of JCI while conveniently keeping mute on obvious gross violations of rights reported by the same JCI such as extrajudicial murder of 347 people and secretly burying them in mass graves without the consent of their relatives. Why didn’t it also talk of prosecuting the Nigerian Army Generals that were fingered out by the Commission as perpetrators of the genocide in Zaria? We cannot be deceived by the hypocritical stance of Governor Elrufa’i.

The government is fretting having failed to justify the continued detention of our leader and having failed to show any rational basis for the whole attack and are left with no option but to resort to absurdity. We wish to draw the attention of those behind such an illegal order that IMN is not an association or a society but a global concept that cannot be banned by fiat. We are not therefore distracted by this baseless move. Clearly reason, logic, the law and Constitution, conscience and propriety are all on the side of the Islamic Movement. Nothing can take away our right of as individuals or groups to worship and associate.

We will like to assure the general public that the state government will not distract our attention with its ban, into taking the path of violence, which it craves for.  We will challenge this using all known peaceful and legal means in the ways and manner we have done for the last four decades. We will keep on demanding that justice be done with respect to Zaria massacre through lawful and peaceful means.

SIGNED BY
IBRAHIM MUSA
PRESIDENT MEDIA FORUM OF IMN
0805 078 6093
08/10/16

NAHCO Chairman, Suleiman Yahyah, Resigns

• As Denis Hasdenteufel takes over

Citing the urgent need to attend to his failing health, the Chairman of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (nahco aviance), Mallam Suleiman Yahyah (OON), has resigned from the board.

With the resignation of Yahyah, the Vice Chairman, Mr. Denis Hasdenteufel, would take over the leadership of the Board in an acting capacity and will preside over all meetings of the Board pending the approval of regulators and further announcements from stakeholders.

Yahyah who was appointed a director of the Company in November 2006 became the Chairman in July 2012. Yahyah had in recent months come under mounting pressures from his family to step down to enable him undergo a proper medicare.

Credited with the strategic reorganization of the Company to its current modern status, Yahyah had been battling with an undisclosed health issue for a couple of years now. 

During his tenure, the Company witnessed unprecedented turnover which grew from 6.92 Billion when he took over leadership of the board to 8.5Billion at Year End 2015. This is in addition to increase in number of employees from about 1,100 to an all - time high of 1,980.

During this period, the asset base also grew from 9Billion to 15Billion.

The hallmark of Yahyah’s tenure at NAHCO was the modernization of Company’s equipment to align with world’s standards in modern ground handling service. He was credited with equipping NAHCO with state-of-the-art equipment that made the Company the great force that it is today in groundhandling service in sub-sahara Africa.

The diversification of the Company which the board under his tenure embarked upon led to the establishment of NAHCO FTZ with the granting of a licence for same by the Federal Government. The Mainland Cargo Options also joined the growing list of companies in the group.

Yahyah also promoted a harmonious Company – labour relations which ensure minimal disruption in company’s business operations.

His welfare – oriented policies include the introduction of performance based pay (PMP) to employees and profit – sharing for workers.

He introduced a management succession programme into the Company that ensured a smooth transition from one CEO to another.

Under his leadership, NAHCO became the most successful privatisation story in the history of privatisation programme in Nigeria.

His letter of resignation has been communicated to the regulators.

 

Why We Came After Corrupt Judges - DSS

Official Statement of DSS on Judicial Officers Under Investigation

 

The Department of State Services (DSS) in the past few days, has embarked on series of special sting operations involving some Judges of the Supreme, Appeal and High Courts. These operations were based on allegations of corruptions and other acts of professional misconduct by a few of the suspected Judges. The Service action is in line with its core mandate, as we have been monitoring the expensive and luxurious lifestyle of some of the Judges as well as complaints from the concerned public over judgment obtained fraudulently and on the basis amounts of money paid.

 

The judges involved were invited, upon which due diligence was exhibited and their premises searched. The searches have uncovered huge raw cash of various denominations, local and foreign currencies, with real estate worth several millions of Naira and documents affirming unholy acts by these Judges. Meanwhile, some of them have made useful statements while a few have declined even with the glaring evidences that were found against them in terms of material cash, documents and property recovered pointing to their compromise.

 

In one of the States where the Service operations were conducted, credible intelligence revealed that the Judge had Two Million United States Dollars ($2,000,000 USD) stashed in his house. When he was approached for due search to be conducted, he in concert with the State Governor, mobilized thugs against the Service team. The team restrained itself in the face of unbridled provocative activities by those brought in by the Governor. Unfortunately, the Judge and Governor also engaged the tacit support of a sister security agency.

 

The Service surveillance team noticed that upon frustrating the operation, the Judge with the active support of the Governor craftily moved the money to an unknown location which the Service is currently making effort to unravel.  

 

Meanwhile, large amount including foreign/local currencies have been recovered. Summaries of these include:

SUMMARY OF RECOVERED MONEY

1.   NAIRA          -      N93,558,000.00

2.    DOLLARS   -      $530,087

3.    POUNDS    -      £25,970

4.    EURO        -      €5,680

 

Other foreign currencies were also recovered. This were recovered from just three (3) of the judges.

 

These in addition to other banking documents, including real estate documents have been recovered. Meanwhile preparations are ongoing to arraign them in a competent court of jurisdiction in line with the laws of the nation.

 

The Service would want to clearly state that it has never invited Justice Walter NKANU ONNOGHEN for investigation, neither is he being investigated by this Service. In addition the Service would like to put it on record, that it has tremendous respect for the Judiciary and would not do anything to undermine it or its activities. The Service will also join hands with this noble institution in its fight to rid it of few corrupt Judges whose actions is undermining not only the Judiciary but the common bond of our national life. 

 

Ladies and gentlemen, this current operation will be sustained and followed till sanity and sanctity is restored to the esteemed third arm of government and public confidence is regained.

 

Members of the public are also encouraged to avail the Service of any information which could assist in this drive to rid our nation of corrupt practices and tendencies.

 

THANK YOU.

Abdullahi GARBA,

Department of State Services,

Abuja.

8th October, 2016.   

Hon Jibrin Lists 50 Reps Involved In Running Cost Scam

PRESS STATEMENT FROM HON JIBRIN.

FINANCE MINISTER SHOULD STOP FURTHER PAYMENT OF RUNNING COST OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBERS WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT

*Nigerians, MDA's and companies should shun Reps invitations

*Forwarded first list of 50 Members involved in running cost fraud to EFCC

*Urge Executive Arm to stand up to possible blackmail from the House

After about 10 weeks since I commenced exposing corruption in the House of Representatives, Speaker Dogara and other accused persons are yet to respond to dozens of allegations bordering on budget fraud, abuse of office and public trust and corruption. This is in addition to my revelation that there exist chronic, deep-rooted, monumental and systemic corruption in the House.

In the light of the foregoing, I wish to make the following statements and demands:

1-I am also demanding the Minister of Finance, Accountant General of the Federation, Attorney General of the Federation and Clerk of National Assembly in exercising my right as a citizen of Nigeria to stop with immediate effect further payments of running cost allowances to Members of the House of Representatives because as an insider, I know that most of such money have been and are diverted into private pockets. There is no law in our country that is intended to protect corruption. So the continuous payment of such money negates the spirit and genuine intention of establishing such laws in the first place.

2- I am also calling on Nigerians, companies, ministries, departments and agencies to shun invitations from the House of Representatives until the House allows for a transparent investigation of individual and systemic corruption allegations in collaboration with ongoing external investigations by the police and anti-graft agencies and commence a wide ranging reforms to restore the battered image of the House and strengthen it to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate. As a Nigerian, you have enough reason to shun them. I assure you that they can do nothing. 

Why did you think the House could not do anything to the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke towards the end of the 7th Assembly when she shunned and dared the House? Think? I will come to that latter and narrate to you the story of how she met a senior member of the body of Principal Officers of the 7th Assembly in the Aso drive residence of a Lebanese business man, the deal that was struck and what followed after in devastating consequences to the House and its image. A complete shame!

3- As I promised and gave a 72-hours ultimatum to the Principal Officers and one week to other members, I have forwarded to the Anti-graft agencies the first batch of names of 50 members of the House that are involved in running cost allowances fraud in their entire stay in the House. I have broken the list into batches to make the work easier for the anti-graft agencies. I will be sending the names in batches of 50 until the list is exhausted. The first batch include Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun, Whip Alhassan Doguwa, Minority Leader Leo Ogor, Hon Herma Hembe, Hon Jagaba Adams, Hon Timothy Golu, Hon Yunusa Ahmad Abubakar, Hon Mukaila Olayiwola Kazzim, Hon Lynda Chuba Ikpeazu, Hon Abdulrazak Namdas, Hon Osai Nicolas Osai, among others. 

I deliberately included the name of Hon Osai Chairman Ethics Commiittee who wrote the report that suspended me from the House on the grounds that I lied over my allegations that there exists monumental systemic corruption in the House. After the anti graft agencies investigate his running cost, the world will know whether I lied or told the truth.

4-Nigerians must be very vigilant because as an insider, I know how the House usually responds during period like this. As you have started noticing, many investigative hearings and ad hoc committees are springing up like mushrooms. The investigative hearings are intended to blackmail the executive arm and coax them not to act on the allegations and the ad hoc committees are used to settle aggrieved members as it provides avenues to collect bribes. You will also notice irrational grandstanding over approval of MTEF/FSP and the budget or correspondence from the President. All these are legislative antics employed by the House to use the institution of the House to shield corrupt members. This is exactly what Speaker Yakubu Dogara and his corrupt cabal are executing presently in the House. The EFCC and the Police has severally been victims of this kind of evil tactics by the House in the past. 

I am therefore urging Nigerians and the Executive Arm of government to stand up against any blackmail from the Speaker Yakubu Dogara-led House of Representatives as they are all antics to evade investigation and prosecution. I have said repeatedly that the Senate and executive arm of government can rely on doctrine of necessity to bypass the House in the face of such allegations of monumental corruption, which has been described as the biggest corruption scandal in the history of the parliaments around the world.

Finally, i wish to call on the Federal Government to make me face the harshest punishment prescribed by our laws if my allegations are found to be false.

God bless

Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin PhD MBA

APC-Kano

Kiru-Bebeji Federal Constituency 

Kano.

APC Chairman, Oyegun Replies Tinubu

THE FACTS - 2016 ONDO STATE APC GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PRIMARIES

 

 

The outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2016 Ondo State Governorship Primary Election has led to disagreements among some Party stakeholders in the state and at the national level. The ripples from the controversy over the election have unfortunately dragged our great party on to the front pages of newspapers for the wrong reasons.

 

Recently, the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu falsely and recklessly accused me of corruption, rigging the outcome of the 2016 Ondo State APC governorship election primaries and overruling the Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) “vote” on the 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report.

 

In view of the misinformation and false reports that have been fed to the media and that have pervaded the public space, there is need to set the records straight. Below are factual responses to the salient points and allegations made by the media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement.

 

ALLEGATION

 

The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement alleged that I overruled the NWC’s vote of “six against five” in favour of cancelling the primary election results and conducting another primary.

 

FACT

 

According to the minutes of the 18th emergency meeting of the APC NWC held from Monday 19th September 2016 to Thursday 22nd September, 2016 at the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, there was absolutely no meeting which I chaired that voted in the manner alleged. Clearly, the report on whichthe media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu acted was a figment of someone’s wild imagination.

 

On Thursday 22nd September, 2016 being the final day for submission of candidate by Political Parties, the NWC discussed the possibility of voting having finished deliberation on the2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report because members in support of cancelling the Primary results were still strident in their position.

 

A member of the NWC however drew the attention of the meeting to its previous decision in which the report of the Primary Election Committee was adopted while the Appeal Committee was set aside. The implication of this decision he reasoned was that a decision to submit the name of the winner of the primary election was already taken unless the NWC will now wish to reconsider its earlier decision.

 

I agreed with this and ruled that the previous decision of the NWC be upheld.

 

ALLEGATION

 

The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement also alleged that the names of “over 150 valid delegates were excised to make room for an equal number of impostors”.

 

FACT

 

The Ondo State approved delegates list was compiled in strict compliance with the Party’s constitution. Only qualified delegates were included in the list. Moreso, none of the aspirants or the Appeal Committee has submitted to NWC a list of delegates who were not qualified to be included in the delegates list but were listed as delegates or presumed qualified delegates who were not included in the delegates list used for the Primary.

 

ALLEGATION

The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement alleged that I used a “prayer interlude” which I initiated to “secretly excuse” myself from the NWC meeting to submit the name of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the candidate of the Party.

 

FACT

 

The allegation is high fiction and an insult to the intelligence and sensibility of the respected NWC members present at the meeting. We do not and have never engaged in prayer interludes/sessions outside the usual opening and closing prayers. The prayer that is being referred to must be the closing prayer for the meeting.

 

ALLEGATION

 

The media office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in its statement accused me of bribery and corruption over the outcome of the Ondo State APC governorship election primaries.“Oyegun has dealt a heavy blow to the very party he professes to lead. It is an awful parent who suffocates his own child for the sake of a few naira.” The statement issued bymedia office of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu read.

 

FACT

 

This reckless and baseless corruption allegation levelled against me is unfortunate and an insult to my person and my hard-earned reputation which I have strongly maintained. Nobody has the kind of money that can buy my conscience or make me do injury to an innocent man. In all the primaries conducted under my watch as National Chairman, I have strived to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible process. The 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election was not an exception. There must be internal democracy in the Party and our constitution must be respected by all.

 

APPEAL COMMITTEE REPORT

The Party’s NWC decision to reject the 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report was taken on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 in executive session after careful and exhaustive deliberations. The minutes and rejection were confirmed by the NWC on Thursday, September 22, 2016.

 

The NWC in its four-point resolution rejected the Appeal Committee’s recommendation on the grounds that the report was fundamentally and fatally flawed. The NWC observed that the Appeal Committee contradicted itself when it admitted in its report, "In making the above recommendations one is not unmindful of the fact that there may have been substantial compliance in the conduct of the exercise." but still proceeded to recommend the nullification of the Primary election.

 

The NWC in its four-point resolution faulted the failure of the Appeal Committee to invite the National Secretariat as the custodian, to authenticate or otherwise the source of the disputed delegates list. Also, the Appeal Committee did not invite the Chairman or members of the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Committee to clarify issues relating to the allegation of manipulation of the accreditation process. The Appeal Committee rather relied totally on unsubstantiated evidence(s) in the petitions it received to recommend the nullification of the Primary. This is against the principle of natural justice and fair hearing.

 

The NWC equally observed a serious contradiction in the Appeal Committee’s report in respect of the number of the accredited delegates. Whereas the Primary Election Committee’s report indicated that 2,774 delegates were accredited, the Appeal Committee’s report erroneously recorded it as those who voted in the election, thereby acting under the false impression that there was over voting in the exercise. The actual total number of votes cast was 2,754, as clearly recorded in the Primary Election Committee’s report.

 

The issue of fresh primaries did not arise as NWC had already rejected the Appeal Committee’s report in view of the stated flaws and upheld the election. In any case, any fresh primary was already time barred. By the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all governorship primaries and issues related ended on September 19, 2016.

 

Also, voting on the issue became unnecessary and never took place in view of the NWC’s rejection of the Appeal Committee’s report.

 

The foregoing are facts backed by the minutes approved by all NWC members that attended the meetings held in respect of 2016 Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Appeal Committee Report.

 

It needs to be stated categorically that the NWC is confident that the Chairman of the Ondo State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee, H.E. Abubakar Badaru, Executive Governor of Jigawa State conducted a credible and exemplary exercise. We indeed commend the Governor and his team for their transparency and the free and fair manner the primaries was conducted.

 

Going forward, I appeal very passionately to leaders and members of the Party at all levels to explore internal dispute resolution mechanisms in addressing their perceived grievances instead of resorting to the media to vent their spleen.

 

There are enormous challenges in delivering on the Party’s 2015 election promises to Nigerians. On the immediate horizon is the task of winning the governorship election in Ondo state. We cannot afford to be distracted by the present contentions.

 

I wish to assure Party members that despite the media attention that has been generated by the disagreements in the aftermath of the 2016 Ondo State Governorship Primary Election, the Party is focused on the task ahead and we urge our Party leaders and teeming supporters to also remain calm. The Party has already commenced wide consultations with stakeholders with a view to resolving the political differences that still exist. Hurling brickbats cannot help the cause of the party in any way.

 

The APC national leadership remains united and solidly committed to the task of winning the Ondo state governorship election to save the people of the state from the misrule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

 

SIGNED:

 

Chief John E. K. Odigie-Oyegun,CON

National Chairman

All Progressives Congress

Media enquiries:

EDEGBE ODEMWINGIE

Assistant Director of Publicity

All Progressives Congress

+234 [0] 802 390 6773

+234 [0] 805 953 3543

@OdemwingieEd

eodemwingie@gmail.com

Pictures From Oro Ebedi Festival In Iseyin,Oyo State

#OROEBEDIFESTIVAL IN #ISEYIN  Oyo State @ Government Technical College 

The event was powered by Otunba Gani Adams' cultural promotion NGO, Olokun Festival Foundation.

MINISTER OF DEFENCE COMMISSIONS A BLOCK OF 32 FAMILY/SINGLE OFFICERS TRANSIT QUARTERS

The Honourable Minister of Defence,  Brig Gen Mansur Mohammed Dan Ali has commissioned a 32 Family/Single Officers Transit Quarters on Friday 7,  Oct 16 in Jaji Military Cantonment. 

The Minister who was earlier taken round other newly commissioned Quarters for students of Commanding Officers Course, Company Commanders Course and Young Officers Course commended the Chief Of Army Staff, Lt Gen TY Buratai for the  laudable projects, stating that the projects are in line with governments' vision of attending to welfare of the troops.

Present at the event include the Permanent Secretary,  Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni,  Service Chiefs,  Commandant NDA, GOC 1 Div NA, Commander infantry Corps,  Senior officers both serving and retired,  NAOWA members as well as members of the press.

Tension In Kaduna As Kaduna Declares Islamic Movement in Nigeria an Unlawful Society

The Kaduna State Government has issued an Order declaring the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) an unlawful society. This action is taken in the exercise of the government’s duty to preserve peace and security in the state, and to ensure that all persons and organisations are guided by lawful conduct and with due allegiance to the Nigerian state and its Constitution. The Kaduna state executive council approved the making of this order following deliberations at its meeting of Thursday, 06 October 2016.

The Order, which has been signed by the Governor, draws on powers vested by the Constitution and the laws of Kaduna State. Section 45 (1) of the Constitution categorically vests in the Governor the powers to take such measures and actions as are necessary for the promotion and protection of:
i. public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or
ii. the rights and freedom of all persons in Kaduna State.

Section 97A of the Penal Code (Cap 110, Laws of Kaduna State, 1991) empowers the Governorto declare as an unlawful society any organisation whose activities are dangerous to the security and good governance of the state. 

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaria Clashes of 12-14 December 2015 found that the IMN is not a registered organisation, that it has a paramilitary wing and that its members do not recognise or respect the laws of the country and the duly constituted authorities that have the responsibility to secure and administer the country.

The Declaration Order noted that since the regrettable events in Zaria which resulted in the loss of 347 lives, the IMN “has overtly continued with unlawful processions, obstruction of public highways, unauthorized occupation of public facilities including schools without regard to the rights of other citizens and the public peace and order of the State”. 
The Order noted that “these acts, if allowed to go unchecked will constitute danger to the peace, tranquility, harmonious coexistence and good governance of Kaduna State”.

The Declaration Order, which comes into effect on Friday, 7 October 2016, provides for the prosecution of persons that may be in breach of its provisions under the laws of Kaduna State:
“Whoever manages, or is a member of the said Society under any appellation or mutation with the propensity of causing the breakdown of law and order, or operates in a manner dangerous to the good governance of the State shall, from commencement of this order, be prosecuted in accordance with the Laws of Kaduna State.”

Sections 97A and 97B of the Penal Code prescribe a penalty of imprisonment for seven years or a fine or both for any person convicted for belonging to an unlawful society. 

The Kaduna State Government reaffirms its vigorous commitment to upholding the right of citizens to practice the religion of their choice. These are rights fully protected by Sections 38 and 40 of the Constitution. 

Such rights to freedom of thought and worship must however be exercised in ways that do not infringe on the rights of others, and should not subject other people to distress and inconvenience.

Koga Entertainment Boss Chris Jeyibo Dies In A Ghastly Auto Accident... photos

It's a Black Friday for Nigeria Entertainment as the boss of Koga Entertainmet Chris Jeyibo died in an early morning auto clash when his suv Range Rover sports ram into a faulty stationary truck at about 1am.

According to a report from the Twitter handle of Lagos State  Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the incident happened at 1am with one casualty.

Since the news of his demise broke out, players in the industry have been expressing shock at the sudden exit of the amiable mega investor in the entertainment sector.

 Those who saw Chris last night at a popular hangout in Lagos located at the swimming pool side of Lagos Airport Hotel,Ikeja said he was bubbly and full of life, he exchanged banters with everyone before taking his leave at some minutes after midnight.He was also very visible during the last Jimmy's jump off mainland  invasion which he supported.

Chris is the brain behind Koga Studios,Koga Lounge,Koga tv,Koga Entertainmet,Koga Productions,Koga Punlishing,Koga Foundation and have investments in the marine and oil sector. May his soul rest in peace.

Three Female Bombers Neutralized in Gwoza.... Kidnappers Nabbed in Kaduna

Today, Thursday 6th October 2016, at  about 12.25pm,  3 female suicide bombers attempted to attack a military location at Gwoza, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State. 

The suicide bombers who came  through Pulka axis were sighted by members of vigilante from a distance and alerted the troops about the impending catastrophe. The very observant vigilante also noted that the women looked suspicious; walking awkwardly with bulging hijab and distinct from other female farmers. 

When the suicide bombers noticed that they were being observed, they hurriedly  ran towards troops aiming to detonate it on them. The troops neutralized 2 of the female suicide bombers, while the other ran back into the bush but was pursued. Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injuries due to the impact of the explosion. The wounded soldier  is currently receiving treatment at a military medical centre and he is in stable condition. 

Watch RMD, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ireti Doyle & Others in 'Good Times' Maka's Original Soundtrack of Jay Franklin's flick, 'Dinner'

New Black Elite films, Str8buttah Productionsand Trogge Urban have come together to give us a beautiful video directed by XYZ for Nigerian soul singer Maka’s song "Good Time". 

Produced by Str8buttah’s Teck-Zilla, "Good Time" is taken off Maka’s recently released The Truth EP and is the original sound track for #DinnerTheMovie a dramatic thriller that will change whatever perspective you have of relationships. "Good Time" features an appearance by Jay Franklyn and clips from the movie.

https://youtu.be/Vv8GS1cmJ7s

Written, directed and produced by Jay Franklyn Jituboh as his debut feature length film, 'Dinner' boasts of an ensemble cast of Nollywood’s finest actors.

https://youtu.be/i-RR7OwQ3Ak

The highly anticipated flick which stars award winning Richard Mofe-Damijo, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kehinde Bankole, Iretiola Doyle, Enyinna Nwigwe, Keira Hewatch, Okey Uzoeshi and more opens in cinemas across Nigeria on on the 11th of November 2016.

Marksman Neutralises Suicide bomber in Maiduguri

Today at about 6.30am, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State. 

The  terrorist  who attempted to infiltrate through the troops forward defences at Jidari Polo general area, came in through Alidawari village  about 4 kilometres ahead of Jidari strapped with heavy Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vest. 

The vigilant troops on sighting him laid in wait for the intruder when vehemently refused to stop despite several warnings and challenges. A marksman neutralized the suicide bomber. 

The combined team of Nigerian Army and Nigeria Police Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) safely detonated the IED laden vest on the suicide bomber.

AMBODE COMMENDS SENATOR TINUBU, INSISTS LAGOS DESERVES SPECIAL STATUS

The Lagos State Government has commended the distinguished Senator representing Lagos Central Constituency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, for pushing the need for Lagos State to be recognized and rewarded with a Special Status and Grant into the forefront of national discourse even if the import of that request is lost on a number of her colleagues.

The State Government said in a release signed on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, that history would remember Senator Tinubu kindly for her thoughtfulness and courage in promoting the bill that sought a special recognition for Lagos State as the commercial capital of Nigeria as well as one per cent of federally generated revenue in view of its socio-economic importance to the entire country.

The statement quoted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as saying that without prejudice to the decision of the Senate to stand down the bill, Senator's Tinubu's informed position and push will remain an important contribution as well as a reference point in the national economic discourse.

"At a time that our country needs courageous voices that seek solutions that can benefit millions of Nigerians irrespective of where they are from, what the distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu has done is to draw attention to how Lagos State can provide more succour to Nigerians being the home to the largest assemblage of Nigerians. She has drawn attention to how Lagos deserves to be assisted so that the state can further provide assistance to millions of Nigerians. It is a pity that this import was not seen from that perspective by the majority of her colleagues," the statement quoted Governor Ambode as saying.

It stated that in spite of the set-back the bill suffered on Wednesday, the fact remains that Lagos State has always played a special role to Nigerians as individuals and to the country as a whole.

" The truth of the matter is that as the most populous Nigerian state and the commercial heart-beat of the entire West Africa; a state that would have been the fifth largest economy in Africa if it were an independent country, Nigeria needs Lagos in order for other parts of the country to continue to benefit from Lagos.

" A special status and a special grant are fair requests that would have encouraged and rewarded Lagos State for what it contributes to the federal purse. A yes for the bill would have provided an opportunity to truly reflate the economy and empower Lagos State in serving as home to more than 21 million Nigerians and as hub to the largest volume of businesses and foreign direct investments in Nigeria. But clearly, a spectacular opportunity has been missed by ignoring this important bill."

The statement quoted Governor Ambode as adding that in spite of the rejection of the bill, Lagos State would continue to be special and will not be deterred in continuing to play the important role of serving as a conducive and secure home for Lagosians as well as local and international visitors where opportunities are limitless and lives and property are safe.

 

I see Pa Elton’s prophesy on Nigeria’s Restoration being fulfilled soon – Pastor Edokpolo (RCCG Chosen Generation)

 

Last Saturday was Nigeria’s 56^th Independence anniversary, and the Redeemed Christian Church of God was not to be left out in the celebrations.

At a commemorative special prayer programme organized by the Chosen Generation Parish, Ogba on the following Sunday, the presiding Pastor, Joseph Noruwa Edokpolo, gave a different perspective to the current state of the country when he spoke about the prophesy of a British missionary, Pa S.G. Elton, who had predicted several years ago that the country will face its current challenges.

 

Pa Elton, regarded as the father of Pentecostal Revival Movement in Nigeria, had foreseen the current situation of things in the country, as well as the subsequent restoration, and had further stated that afterwards however, Nigeria will overcome the predicament, and all countries of the world will defer to it for its success and righteousness. 

 

The Chosen Generation Parish of the RCCG was hosting a cross-section of VIPs, celebrities, government officials, businessmen and different faithful at the pomp service at its Ogba auditorium, in line with its own Restoration theme for the month of October. At the after-reception, Pastor Edokpolo further implored all present to remain steadfast, and faithful, as the country will fulfill its destiny.

​ GTBank MD named CEO of the Year at 2016 Africa Investor Awards

          

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Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc; Segun Agbaje has emerged the 2016 Ai Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) 30 CEO of the year at this year’s 9th annual Ai CEO Investment Summit which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. 

 

Launched in 2007, the Ai Institutional Investment and Capital Market Awards is the only pan-African Awards designed to recognize Africa’s best performing stock exchanges, listed companies, investment banks, research teams, regulators, socially responsible companies and sovereign wealth and pension fund investors. The investment and business leadership awards aim to reward exceptional business practices, economic achievements and investments across Africa, whilst recognizing the institutions and individuals improving the continent’s investment climate.

 

According to Hubert Danso, CEO of Africa investor: We areproud to honour a prolific business leader whose contributions across the continent has raised Africa’s profile as a viable international investment destination. In winning this award, GTBank’s CEO, Segun Agbaje, has displayed astute foresight in positioning the GTBank brand at the forefront of the Africanbanking industry by providing alternative approaches to inclusive banking and economic growth across the continent. 

 

Commenting on the award, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/CEO of GTBank said “I am humbled and happy to be recognized as the 2016 Ai Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) 30 CEO of the year. This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the amazing team of people at GTBank. 

 

He further stated that, “As a Proudly African and Truly International Bank, we will continue to differentiate ourselves by leveraging Africa's immense opportunities in a way that creates value for all stakeholders. 

 

Under his leadership, Guaranty Trust Bank plc has also received numerous accolades and commendations for exceptional service delivery, innovation, corporate governance, corporate social responsibility and management quality. Some of the accolades received by the Bank since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer include Best Bank in Nigeria by Euromoney; African Bank of the Year by African Banker Award; Best Bank in Nigeria by World Finance UK, Most innovative Bank by EMEA Finance; Best Banking Group by World Business Leader Magazine and Best Bank in Nigeria award by the Banker Awards.