Adegboruwa's Arrest: Democracy sinks further, but tyranny will not last

We are indeed saddened by the recent arrest, humiliation and the trumped-up criminal charges brought against fiery Lagos lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is a known critics of successive governments in Nigeria and has never faltered in fighting the cause of the oppressed and the common man. He speaks truth to power. 

This latest devilish onslaught on the human rights community is an attempt to gag our hard earned democracy, frustrate the cause of  justice and firmly entrench dictatorship in our land. We are not unaware that aside Adegboruwa's legal representation to defend some Nigerians being victimized by this oppressive government, his arrest was a tactical demonic game to prevent him from leading a mass action against the latest insensitive fuel price increase.

It has not come to us as a surprise that an intolerable government will be on the prowl of those who will necessarily stand up against this arbitrary increase in the pump prices of petroleum, thereby inflicting more pain and hardships on Nigerians. The arrest of Adegboruwa is a calculated attempt to silent critics and create fear in the minds of Nigerians, that an intolerable sheriff is in town. 

As democracy sinks deeper in just one year of this administration, we wish to remind Nigerians that the way of a dictator is like a wildfire in harmattan that will spare no one in the end. As this government and it oppressive agents bare their fangs, suppressing rule of law and undermining democracy, we will not hesitate to tell them that their antics will fail and tyranny will not last. We have been on this rough path before and we triumphed as a people. We will also prevail this time around.

We stand by the statement of Adegboruwa and company that: "There is no way a criminal case can be maintained against Mr. Adegboruwa as the criminal case upon which the case (by the EFCC) is based has been dismissed (in a competent court). Mr. Adegboruwa did not collect money for any property but acted as a mediator for settlement and he acted upon the lawful instructions of his client."

We also wish to alert the international community of this wicked assault on Adegboruwa. They plan to break his spirit and cow him, but they will never succeed. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is gradually becoming the conscience of our nation fighting the unjust manipulation of the system against the people and the downtrodden. For us, an injury to Adegboruwa is an injury to democracy and the human rights community. It will not last.

To those keeping quiet in the face of oppression and injustice, we wish to remind you that it is not about those who started the race, but those who finish it, and in the eternal words of Frantz Fanon: "Every onlooker is either a coward or a traitor." We warn that in a fascist regime, everyone will at a point becomes a victim of state manipulations and terror. Time will tell. 

Ariyo-Dare Atoye is a Co-Convener, Coalition in Defence of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC) aristotle001us@yahoo.com

Attached is a statement from Adegboruwa & company copied from his Facebook wall.

ADEGBORUWA HAS NO FRAUD CASE

In or around May 2013, our law firm was approached by one Mrs. Sylvia Udeagbala, to represent her husband in a criminal case. In our first appearance in court, it transpired that the complainant in the case, Chief Leonard Okafor and the Defendant, Mr. Jonathan Udeagbala, were from the same town. It was thus decided to settle the case amicably out of court, and the court and the prosecutor were so informed.

THE TRUE FACTS

Mr. Jonathan Udeagbala owns a 5 bedroom duplex in Nicon Town Estate in the Lekki area of Lagos. He had a business agreement with Chief Leonard Okafor, for telecommunications. The business didn’t go as planned, so Chief Okafor demanded a refund of his investments, which caused Mr. Udeagbala to issue several cheques, which were alleged to have bounced, hence a criminal charge was filed against him in court, in Charge No. LCD/129/2012.

Upon the intervention of our law firm, several peace meetings were held with the complainant in the case, Chief Okafor, and it was agreed that Mr. Udeagbala’s house in Nicon Town should be sold or leased to offset the money outstanding in favour of Chief Okafor. Mrs. Udeagbala then secured a tenant, Shelf Drilling Co Ltd, for a five year long lease of about Eleven Million Naira per annum. This was disclosed to Chief Okafor and it was agreed by the parties that the proceed of the lease be used to offset part of the money being claimed by Chief Okafor, as follows:

1.       Chief Okafor – N35million

2.       Mr. Udeagbala – N12million

3.       Renovation of the house by the contractor chosen by the tenant – N8million

4.       Fee paid to the agent – N2.5million

5.       Legal fee paid to our office – N2.5million

The above sums were by agreement of all the parties duly disbursed, with documentary evidence of collection. When EFCC got to know that the said property had been let out to Shelf Drilling for five years at the rate of N10million per annum, they told Shelf Drilling that the earlier money paid had been forfeited. EFCC then asked Shelf Drilling to pay N12million per annum. A sum of N24million has so far been collected by EFCC. In fact, we are informed that as at yesterday, 10th May, 2016, EFCC served the tenant another invoice for rent for 2016.

Part of the terms of settlement was that Chief Okafor will withdraw his petition and criminal complaint to the EFCC which he did through a letter of withdrawal written by his lawyers Atuegwu Egwuatu & Associates dated 19th August, 2013, and which was received by the EFCC on 17th September, 2013.

Consequent upon the withdrawal, the criminal charge was dismissed by the High Court on 17th December, 2015, in a well considered ruling delivered by Hon. Justice D.O. Oluwayemi and the EFCC is aware of this.

At all material times, our law firm was not aware of any interim order of attachment obtained by the EFCC on the property. With the ruling of Hon. Justice D.O. Oluwayemi which has dismissed the main criminal charge, there can be no subsisting order of attachment as something cannot be placed on nothing and be expected to stand.

HIS PERSECUTION

The above transaction took place ever before the Gen. Buhari administration. Ebun-olu Adegboruwa  Esq., has been receiving unofficial complaints from the EFCC, about his opposition to the Buhari administration and has ever been threatened with the above dead case. But the threats became more rampant upon his brief in the case of Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and especially Mr. Azibaola Robert, cousin of former President Goodluck Jonathan. On May 4, 2016, our firm appeared in Tompolo’s case at the Federal High Court, Lagos and May 4, 2016, our firm filed a suit in court, for the release of Jonathan’s cousin. On May 5, 2016, EFCC filed a case against Mr. Adegboruwa. So, there is no fraud case against Mr. Adegboruwa. He is being persecuted for speaking against the Buhari regime. There is no way a criminal case can be maintained against Mr. Adegboruwa as the criminal case upon which the case is based has been dismissed. Mr. Adegboruwa did not collect money for any property but acted as a mediator for settlement and he acted upon the lawful instructions of his client.

SIGNED

ADEGBORUWA & COMPANY

‘KOGUN CHAMBERS, JESUS ARENA,

ITEDO ROAD, OFF ADMIRALTY WAY,

LEKKI PENINSULA SCHMEME

Olafeso, Jenyo Emerge New SW PDP Chairman, Secretary

Ondo State politician, Olorogun Olafeso has emerged the new Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party for the South West region while his Osun State counterpart Rev. Bunmi Jenyo was also elected as the new zonal secretary. 

Both were elected at the Zonal congress of the party held at the Ondo State International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, Ondo State capital on Saturday. 

Jenyo replaces Chief Pegba Otemolu from Ogun State as PDP South West zonal secretary; while Olorogun Olafeso emerged the new South West zonal chairman, replacing Ogundipe from Ekiti State. In the same vein, Hon. Fasiu Bakene, from Ogun State has been duly elected as the party's new zonal Organising Secretary. 

Also in attendance at the Zonal congress are: HE Ousegun Mimiko, Governor of Ondo State; HE Ayodele Fayose, Governor of Ekiti State; HE Celestine Omeha; HE, Senator Iyiola Omisore; Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu; HE Alhaja Salmot Badru; Chief Mrs. Iyabode Apampa; Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola, former Minister; Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan etc.

Newly elected and sworn-in Southwest Zonal Officers of the PDP

 

Olorogun Eddy Olafeso - Chairman (Ondo)

Secretary - Rev Bunmi Jenyo (Osun)

Org Secretary -  Bankene Wasiu (Ogun)

Youth Leader - Femi Adetola (Oyo)

Woman Leader - Barrister Mrs Ajigbeda (Ogun)

 

Publicity Secretary - Abiola Makinde (Ondo)

Financial Secretary - Hon Aifoji (Lagos)

Auditor - Olugbenga Ogundele (Oyo)

Treasurer - Adeola Ogunrinde (Ekiti)

Legal Adviser - Ojo Williams ( Osun)

 

Ex-Officio

Arewa Nike Christiana - Ogun

Abayomi Tela - Ogun

Tunde Owajenbola - Ondo

Akin Ade Jimoh - Osun

Omoyajowo Rotimi - Ekiti

Yeye Adenike Sobajo - Lagos

Amazing! 5,000 children to benefit from Kits for Kids Education Intervention in Kwara State

Over five thousand children in public schools across Kwara state are set to benefit from the Kits for Kids Africa education intervention. The project which is an initiative of the Aurora International Charity Foundation founded by ex-beauty queen, Tomi Salami, is set to stage a massive education intervention outreach which will hold from May 23-26, 2016.

In a statement released by Miss Tomi Salami, Founder of Aurora Charity Foundation, organisers of the Kits For Kids Africa initiative, the education intervention is targeted at helping over 5,000 needy children in public schools across Kwara state. 

She stated that items to be provided will include, brand new school bags, sandals, stockings, exercise books and stationery. Other items such as, lunch bowls, tooth brushes, water bottles and lots more will also be provided to the children. 

Miss Salami further noted that the 4-day event will include courtesy visits to the Governor of Kwara State, traditional rulers and indigenous dignitaries, strategic Kwara State Government development and infrastructure projects and a Media tour.

It will also feature a 2-day Kits For Kids educational intervention in partnership with Microsoft Corporation and will conclude with an official photo shoot at West Africa's Highest Waterfall, the Owu Falls, located in Kwara state.

 

According to the ex-beauty queen, the event will also feature special support appearances by celebrities and international beauty queens from the USA, Canada, South Africa, India, Botswana and Puerto Rico, who are also passionate about touching lives.

“We have celebrities joining us as Goodwill and Tourism Ambassadors so it's going to be absolutely amazing...the experience of a lifetime for the children," Salami added.

 

Miss Salami stated that she wants the world to know about this great initiative and offer their support to make a difference.According to her, ‘You don't have to be President Buhari, AlhajiAliko Dangote or Madam Folorunsho Alakija before you can reach out and make a CHANGE. If we can start from what we have now, sooner than we think, the world will be a better place’.

 

Since 2013, Kits for Kids Africa has been impacting thousands of lives positively and it’s set to do it again by enhancing the face of education in Africa, as well as inspiring and supportingthe Leaders of Tomorrow.

Vice President Speaks On Fuel Pricing

OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT:

THE FUEL PRICING DEBATE: OUR STORY

Fellow Citizens: 

I have read the various observations about the fuel pricing regime and the attendant issues generated. All certainly have strong points.  

The most important issue of course is how to shield the poor from the worst effects of the policy.  I will hopefully address that in another note.

 

Permit me an explanation of the policy. First, the real issue  is not a removal of subsidy. At $40 a barrel there isn't much of a subsidy to remove. 

In any event, the President is probably one of the most convinced pro-subsidy advocates. 

What happened is as follows: our local consumption of fuel is almost entirely imported. The NNPC exchanges crude from its joint venture share to provide about 50% of local fuel consumption. The remaining 50% is imported by major and independent marketers. 

These marketers up until three months ago sourced their foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria at the official rate. However, since late last year, independent marketers have brought in little or no fuel because they have been unable to get foreign exchange from the CBN. The CBN simply did not have enough. (In April, oil earnings dipped to $550 million. The amount required for fuel importation alone is about $225million!) . 

Meanwhile, NNPC tried to cover the 50% shortfall by dedicating more export crude for domestic consumption. Besides the short term depletion of the Federation Account, which is where the FG and States are paid from, and further cash-call debts pilling up, NNPC also lacked the capacity to distribute 100% of local consumption around the country. Previously, they were responsible for only about 50%. (Partly the reason for the lingering scarcity). 

We realised that we were left with only one option. This was to allow independent marketers and any Nigerian entity to source their own foreign exchange and import fuel. We expect that foreign exchange will be sourced at an average of about N285 to the dollar, (current interbank rate). They would then be restricted to selling at a price between N135 and N145 per litre. 

We expect that with competition, more private refineries, and NNPC refineries working at full capacity, prices will drop considerably. Our target is that by Q4 2018 we should be producing 70% of our fuel needs locally. At the moment even if all the refineries are working optimally they will produce just about 40% of our domestic fuel needs. 

You will notice that I have not mentioned other details of the PPRA cost template. I wanted to focus on the cost component largely responsible for the substantial rise, namely foreign exchange. This is therefore not a subsidy removal issue but a foreign exchange problem, in the face of dwindling earnings. 

Thank you all.

VICE PRESIDENT YEMI OSINBAJO, SAN

May 13, 2016

New fuel price regime inevitable, says FG

The Federal Government has said the introduction of a new price regime for Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) has become inevitable in order to halt the crippling fuel scarcity in the country and ensure availability of the product. 

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who stated this at the inauguration of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) Marketers Conference in Lagos on Friday, said only the liberalization of petrol supply will ensure the availability of the products. 

"Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I can tell you that that decision is inevitable, if we are to end the crippling fuel scarcity that has enveloped the country, ensure the availability of the products and end the suffering that our people have been subjected to," he said. 

He said the crash in the price of crude oil, which has impacted negatively on foreign exchange earnings, has further compounded the crisis in fuel supply. 

"With the drastic fall in the price of crude oil, which is the nation’s main foreign exchange earner, there has also been a drastic reduction in the amount of foreign exchange available. The unavailability offorex and the inability to open letters of credit haveforced marketers to stop product importation and imposed over 90% supply on the NNPC since October 2015, in contrast to the past where NNPC supplies 48% of the national requirement," the Minister said.

He further elaborated that in the absence of available forex lines or crude volumes to continue massive importation of PMS, it is clear that unless immediate action is taken to liberalize the petroleum supply and distribution, the queues will persist, diversion will worsen and the current prices will spiral out of control.

Alhaji Mohammed, however, said the liberalization of petrol supply and distribution will allowmarketers and any Nigerian entity willing to supply PMS to source for their forex and import PMS to ensure availability of products in all locations of the country.

He noted that the resultant fuel scarcity has created an abnormal increase in price, resulting in Nigerians paying between N150 and N300 per litre as prevalent hoarding, smuggling and diversion of products have reduced volumes made available tocitizens. 

The Minister explained that the new fuel price regime should not be misconstrued as the removal of subsidy since there is no provision for subsidy in the 2016 Appropriation, saying the erstwhile PMS price of N86.50 gives an estimate subsidy claim of N13.7per litre which translates to N16.4 billionmonthly. 

"There is neither funding nor appropriation to cover this," he explained.

Alhaji Mohammed used the occasion to draw the attention of Nigerians to the renewed insurgency and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta, which have drastically reduced national crude oil production to 1.65 million barrels per day, against 2.2 million barrels per day planned in the 2016 budget thereby reducing income to Federation account and also affecting crude volumes for PMS conversion. 

Listing the benefits of the new price regime, he said it would end the recurrent fuel scarcity by ensuring product availability across the country, reduce hoarding, smuggling and diversion of products substantially, improves fuel supply situation through private sector participation, creates labour market stability, as this will potentially create additional 200,000 jobs through new investments in refineries and retails and prevents potential loss of 400,000 jobs in existing investments".

Alhaji Mohammed gave the assurance that under the new price regime, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) will be further empowered to ensure a level playing fieldand strict compliance with market rules by all stakeholders and consumer protection. 

Information Ministry Director: China trip loan not for Lai Mohammed, says 'letter mischievously leaked by staff of NBC'

My attention has been drawn to a letter I endorsed to the Ag. Director General, National Broadcasting Commission requesting for a loan of N13,120,470.00 to cover tickets and travel expenses of a five-member delegation being led by the Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to Beijing, China, which was mischievously leaked to the social media by staff of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

2. The loan being requested for is for the Ministry to meet up its obligations to enable the Minister and members of his delegation attend an all important Conference on Tourism for Development in China, that is meant to benefit this country.

3. The loan is not meant for the Honourable Minister alone as personal expenses, but for the expenses of all members of the delegation.

4. The Conference, which is being organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in conjunction with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, under the overall theme “Tourism for Peace and Development,” will feature, amongst others, discussions on major issues for sustainable development including the contribution of Tourism to poverty reduction and peace.

5. The Conference will also feature discussion on major issues that have direct bearing on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), poverty alleviation through Tourism and the linkage between Tourism peace at the National and International levels.

6. China, on this occasion as chair of G20, will also host the 7^th T20 Ministers meeting under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, An Effective Tool for Inclusive Development.''

7. The Conference is a veritable platform to develop synergy and partnership with players in the global Tourism Industry which will go a long way in boosting our drive to diversify the Nigerian economy.

8. It is also important to note that the Minister and his delegation were to have discussion in China with Set Top Box Manufacturers, who are meant to establish manufacturing factories in Nigeria for these boxes for our digital broadcasting processes, rather than the current situation in which the boxes are being imported. This is meant to conserve our foreign exchange and to also create avenue for job creation for our citizens.

9. From the foregoing, it is clear that the Conference is an all important gathering that will benefit Nigeria, contribute towards diversification of its revenue base and create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

10. Again, it is not unusual for an agency under the Ministry to assist in order to carry out government functions. Moreover, the request was discussed with the Ag. Director General NBC, who agreed to assist with the loan before the letter was written. It is, therefore, shocking to find out that an internal memorandum from the Ministry could be leaked out to the social media by saboteurs in order to embarrass the government.

11. Please note, multiple letters were not written to government agencies as alleged, we only wrote to NBC after discussing with the Ag. DG. Payments were to be effected if the fund were loaned out based on extant financial regulations. There is nothing wrong with the request of the Ministry to meet up with an important assignment meant to benefit the country.

12. Finally, the loan that was requested for is NOT meant for Alhaji Lai Mohammed as being imputed but for the entire five members of the delegation to cover for tickets, travel allowances and other incidentals. 

Dama, N.P.D.

Director, Public Relations and Protocol