All Posts in "Day: June 25, 2024"

We Protested-Former Rivers Councils’ Chairmen

Mohammed Shosanya

Twenty one Rivers State Local Government Council Chairmen contesting their tenure elongation and their loyalists stormed the various council secretariats in solidarity with the ongoing barricades by the Police, pending the decision of the Court of Appeal on the matter.

In Ikwerre Local Government Area, Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, who led the protesters to the police barricade, described himself as the properly elected chairman of the council, assuring the Police Area Commander of Ikwerre LGA that they would never disobey the police.

Nwanosike, while leading hundreds of others comprising men, women and youths, said they only decided to embark on the peaceful demonstration following information that some labour leaders had mobilised themselves to harass the police out of the council secretariats.

He explained that the failure of the state governor to conduct elections in the LGAs compelled, Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly to amend the law granting six-month tenure extension to the council chairmen.

He said, “I am still serving this council. Today I have five months and 25 days remaining in office by the laws made by Martins Amaewhule-led House of Assembly.

“We got credible information that those, who are members of the caretaker committees in the name of civil servants and who want to be judges in their own matters, had gone to connive with hoodlums to come and intimidate and harass the police to leave the council.

“Nothing on earth will make us break the laws of Nigeria and nothing on earth will make us disobey your orders. We have been patient with the Nigerian police even when it hurts us we still understand that the Constitution is the grund norm and the judiciary is the last hope of the common man.

“If the judiciary had said all parties should maintain the status quo, we don’t think it will be reasonable for NULGE to come and disobey the order of the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police.

He added, “We are not here to foment trouble but if they want to take their luck too far, we are here to state that we own this council. I and this men and women here laboured and inconvenienced ourselves to rebuild this council from scratch when these hoodlums struggling to enter this council embezzled all that was available to them and refused to work for this council.

“Today the council is a beautiful edifice, an envy of all and everybody is doing everything to come and occupy it. It is a good thing but what we are saying is we didn’t create the lacuna that is happening today.

“Our Governor refused to conduct elections as provided by law and you know in governance there is no vacuum. We are here to state that as long those miscreants don’t come here we will continue to stand by the side eat and drink”.

The Area Commander commended them for their peaceful conduct.

In Obio-Akpor, Mr. George Ariolu, said he remained the authentic chairman pending the decision of the court on tenure elongation, leading residents of the council to the police barricades.

He said they were out to defend democracy and the rule of law against the forces plotting to force the police out of the council secretariats so as to perpetrate violence.

He said, “We are democrats and we must defend this democracy. The beauty of democracy is the rule of law. That is what we stand to defend. We are not going to relent from doing this.

“The police are here to maintain law and order. Their constitutional duty is to protect lives and properties, so when we heard that some people wanted to come and cause mayhem, we decided to say we won’t stand, fold our arms and see it happen.

“It took us a lot to keep the secretariat the way it is today and we won’t allow anybody to come and destroy it. We are here to support what the police are doing. The police will not allow them to enter. If they do, we will also get into the councils and what they want to avoid will happen and it will not be in the interest of anybody.

He said:”The matters are already in court. Why the desperation? Why not wait until the court of competent jurisdiction takes its position? Why are you taking actions that will likely destroy lives and properties?

“We are saying no to that. We are in support of the police. This is why we are patiently waiting for the outcome of the decision of the appeal court. If we had not raised the alarm, the labour leaders would have carried out their planned actions today.

“It was our alarm that made the police to issue a statement to stop them from coming. We will continue to come out here to defend democracy and the rule of law.”

Hundreds of pro-police protesters also marched to the Port Harcourt City Local Government secretariat along Bank Road in Port Harcourt and commended the police for professionally remaining neutral in discharging their responsibilities of maintaining law and order in the state.

The protesters insisted that the action of the police was for the overall interest of Rivers, saying it had forestalled a possible breakout of violence in the 23 local government areas.

One of the conveners, who identified himself as Kingsley Ohunda said: “We are Rivers people and as you can see this a harmless and an armless protest.

“The police have asked everybody to steer clear of the council premises. We got information that there are people who are trying to protest and ask the police to leave the gate, but we are saying no.

“The matter before the court is going to be decided soon. When that matter is decided, whoever is supposed to be in the council, should go to the council.

“So what we are saying is that the police should remain and maintain peace and order. As you can see, we are peaceful and law abiding. What we are doing is to ensure that democracy survives in Rivers.

Ohunda urged the police to keep to its words and ensure that no one was granted access to the council premises pending the decision of the court.

“If not we are also going to gain entrance there and you know that it won’t be nice for all of us”‘, he said.

Another protester, commiserated with the police over the killing of their personnel in the wake of the transition crisis appealing that such should no longer occur in the state.

In Buguma, Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Onengiyeofori George, who continued to lay claims to tenure elongation, alongside his supporters marched through the streets of the town as they sang songs in solidarity with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Politics 0
We’ll Probe Buhari’s N30trn Ways & Means Loan, Senate Insists

Mohammed Shosanya

The Senate has dismissed concerns that it has abandoned investigation into the N30 trillion forwarded to the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The CBN had extended the sum to the administration as a Ways and Means facility between 2015 and 2023.

Chairman of the Senate adhoc Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin ( APC Kogi East ), on Monday, in a statement he signed, refuted an online report which alleged that the investigation is in limbo.

The Ad – Committee Chairman in the rebuttal, attached letter of reminder written to the office of Accountant General for the Federation requiring for vital information for thoroughness of the investigative exercise.

Senator Jibrin,who doubles as Chairman of the Senate committee on Customs and Excise Duties explained in the statement that though the Ad – hoc committee was given six weeks when inaugurated in March to carry out the exercise and report back to the Senate , but thoroughness and diligence required for the sensitive national assignment had made the committee to exceed the time.

“The essence of an investigation is to come up with factual findings and not just roll in report within specified time frame.

“Investigation on the N30trillion Ways and Means is on course and not in anyway in limbo as insinuated by an online platform today.

“Some of the required findings have been made and still being made as clearly shown by letter of reminder recently written to the office of Accountant General of the Federation “, he said.

The letter dated 19th June , 2024 , personally signed by Senator Isah Jibrin and titled : ” Request for Submission of Additional Information ” reads : ” You may recall our earlier letter on the above subject dated 27th May , 2024, requesting for the following additional information on Ways and Means , which you are yet to respond to .

“The required information are – Details of disbursements under ways and means , Names of the beneficiaries , Amount / date of disbursements , purpose of the disbursements , terms of the disbursement ( where applicable ), repayment schedule ( where applicable ) and adherence to the repayment schedule” .

This way of financing government deficits usually results in macroeconomic instability, leading to inflation and high exchange rates because of the excess liquidity injected into the economy.

The CBN law limits advances under ways and means to 5 percent of the previous year’s revenue, but this has been mostly breached over the years.

In order to remedy the situation, the CBN Governor , Olayemi Cardoso, declared in February this year , that the bank would no longer grant ways and means advances to the government “until all outstanding debts are refunded”.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in News 0
Tinubu Nominates Tunji Bello As CEO/ Vice Chairman Of FCCPC

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu has nominated Mr. Olatunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), pending confirmation by the Senate.

Mr. Bello is a lawyer, administrator, and renowned journalist.

He is the former secretary to the Lagos State Government and holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.

Mr. Bello began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, National Concord.

He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.

He also served as Commissioner for Environment under two administrations in Lagos State.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in News 0
IOCs Plotting To Frustrate Survival Of Our Oil Refinery-Dangote

Mohammed Shosanya

Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Devakumar Edwin,weekend accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of doing everything to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.

He said the IOCs are deliberately and wilfully frustrating the refinery’s efforts to buy local crude by jerking up high premium price above the market price, thereby forcing it to import crude from countries as far as United States, with its attendant high costs.

Edwin,who spoke to a group of Energy Editors at a one-day training programme, organised by the Dangote Group, also lamented the activity of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in granting licences, indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty refined products into the country.

In a statement on Sunday,he said: “the Federal Government issued 25 licences to build refinery and we are the only one that delivered on promise. In effect, we deserve every support from the Government. It is good to note that from the start of production, more than 3.5 billion litres, which represents 90 per cent of our production, have been exported. We are calling on the Federal Government and regulators to give us the necessary support in order to create jobs and prosperity for the nation.”

According to him: “While the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) are trying their best to allocate the crude for us, the IOCs are deliberately and willfully frustrating our efforts to buy the local crude. It would be recalled that the NUPRC, recently met with crude oil producers as well as refineries owners in Nigeria, in a bid to ensure full adherence to Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligations (DCSO), as enunciated under section 109(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). It seems that the IOCs’ objective is to ensure that our Petroleum Refinery fails. It is either they are deliberately asking for ridiculous/humongous premium or, they simply state that crude is not available. At some point, we paid $6 over and above the market price. This has forced us to reduce our output as well as import crude from countries as far as the US, increasing our cost of production.

“It appears that the objective of the IOCs is to ensure that Nigeria remains a country which exports Crude Oil and imports refined Petroleum Products. They (IOCs) are keen on exporting the raw materials to their home countries, creating employment and wealth for their countries, adding to their GDP, and dumping the expensive refined products into Nigeria – thus making us to be dependent on imported products. It is the same strategy the multinationals have been adopting in every commodity, making Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa to be facing unemployment and poverty, while they create wealth for themselves at our expense. This is exploitation – pure and simple. Unfortunately, the country is also playing into their hands by continuing to issue import licences, at the expense of our economy and at the cost of the health of the Nigerians who are exposed to carcinogenic products.

“In spite of the fact that we are producing and bringing out diesel into the market, complying with ECOWAS regulations and standards, licences are being issued, in large quantities, to traders who are buying the extremely high sulphur diesel from Russia and dumping it in the Nigerian Market. Since the US, EU and UK imposed a Price Cap Scheme from 5th February, 2023 on Russian Petroleum Products, a large number of vessels are waiting near Togo with Russian ultra-high sulphur diesel and, they are being purchased and dumped into the Nigerian Market.

“In fact, some of the European countries were so alarmed about the carcinogenic effect of the extra high sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian Market that countries like Belgium and the Netherlands imposed a ban on such fuel being exported from its country, into West Africa, recently. It is sad that the country is giving import licences for such dirty diesel to be imported into Nigeria, when we have more than adequate petroleum refining capacity locally…”

It would be recalled that in May, Belgium and Netherland adopted new quality standards to halt the export of cheap, low-quality fuels to West Africa, harmonising its standards with those of the European Union. These measures synchronise fuel export standards with the European domestic market, specifically targeting diesel and petrol with high sulphur and chemical content. Historically, these fuels, with sulphur content reaching up to 10,000 ppm, were exported at reduced rates to countries like Nigeria and other West African consumers.

Belgium’s Minister of Environment, Zakia Khattabi, announced that his country followed the Netherland, which in April 2023 also prohibited the export of low-quality petrol and diesel to West Africa via the ports of Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Khattabi emphasised that the Netherlands’ decision to restrict dirty fuel exports had redirected the trade to Belgium, now used by oil producers and traders to export gasoline with excessively high levels of benzene and sulphur.

“For far too long, toxic fuels have been departing from Belgium to destinations including Africa. They cause extremely poor air quality in countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon and are even carcinogenic,” said Khattabi.

In September 2017, an investigation by an international organisation, Public Eye revealed that polluted and toxic fuels were being exported on a large scale from the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam for export to African markets. As much as a quarter of the petrol and diesel available in West Africa originates from the ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Antwerp. These fuels contain sulphur and other pollutants, such as cancer-causing benzene, in quantities up to 400 times the limits permitted in Europe. The Netherlands and Belgium were enjoined to enforce regulations to shield millions of Africans from exposure to toxic fuels.

The decision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in granting licenses indiscriminately for the importation of dirty diesel and aviation fuel has made the Dangote refinery to expand into foreign markets. The refinery has recently exported diesel and aviation fuel to Europe and other parts of the world. The same industry players fought us for crashing the price of diesel and aviation fuel, but our aim, as I have said earlier, is to grow our economy.

He noted that because the refinery meets the international standard as well as comply with stringent guidelines and regulations to protect the local environment, it has been able to export its products to Europe and other parts of the world.

Appealing to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to urgently intervene for speedy implementation of the PIA and to ensure the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians are protected, he said: “Recently, the government of Ghana, through legislation has banned the importation of highly contaminated diesel and PMS into their county. It is regrettable that, in Nigeria, import licences are granted despite knowing that we have the capacity to produce nearly double the amount of products needed in Nigeria and even export the surplus. Since January 2021, ECOWAS regulations have prohibited the import of highly contaminated diesel into the region.”

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Japa:Tinubu Orders Civil Servants To Fund Salaries Received

Mohammed Shosanya

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the refund of salaries collected by civil servants who have relocated abroad while receiving salaries without formally resigning.

He gave the order on Saturday night at the 2024 Civil Service Award and Gala Night, the climax of the week-long 2024 Civil Service Week.

Tinubu,represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, also demanded that the Supervisors and Heads of these fraudulent civil servants must be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.

He said: “During my recent visit to South Africa, I kept abreast of the week’s activities and was particularly struck by the revelations shared by the Head of the Civil Service regarding employees who had relocated abroad while drawing salaries without formally resigning.

“It is heartening to hear that measures have been taken to address this issue, but we must ensure those responsible are held accountable and restitution is made.

“The culprits must be made to refund the money they have fraudulently collected.

“Their supervisors and department heads must also be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud under their watch.

“The Nigerian Civil Service cannot just be a workplace where ‘anything is possible, ‘where workers violate rules without the fear of punishment or repercussion.

“The civil service of any nation is too important for such misconduct to take root or be tolerated.”

The President described the Civil Service, as “the bedrock, the engine, the locomotive of government, which is necessary for the government to deliver public goods to citizens.”

According to him, “As politicians, we are no more than drivers of the locomotives that you provide.

“Those who say that a nation is as good as its civil service are close to the truth. You are the real establishment that remains to pilot government affairs as we politicians come and go.”

He explained that over the decades, successive governments had initiated various National Development Plans and programmes, and all relied on the Civil Service to translate such plans into high-impact programmes and projects across all sectors of the nation’s economy.

Tinubu reiterated the commitment of his administration to cultivating. empowering, and professionalising Nigeria’s human capital within the Civil Service.

He added:”It is imperative to foster a culture of excellence and instil confidence among our civil servants.Our administration acknowledges the challenges the civil service faces.

“I want to give you the assurance that we are committed to ensuring the welfare and development of all civil servants to deliver optimal performance for the growth of our nation.

“Over the past year, I have provided all the necessary support to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to ensure the continued stability of the civil service and to implement far-reaching policies and reforms capable of improving efficiency and service delivery”

Commending the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for the reforms introduced in the Civil Service towards creating a world-class service that upholds meritocracy and excellence, he charged Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) to ensure swift implementation of these reforms within their respective MDAs.

He further warned them to reduce unnecessary bureaucracies that slow down the conduct of government businesses.

He said: “Our commitment to delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda demands urgency, without compromising due process.

“1 am aware that due process must be followed in conducting government business but that should not give room for any form of red- tapes or insistence on unnecessary bureaucracies.

“We have pledged to work for the Nigerian people, and it is critical that all civil servants, and indeed all public servants, recognise the key role they must play in the achievement of our national potential.”

Congratulating some civil servants who have distinguished themselves in service, Tinubu reminded them that “to whom much is given, much is also expected.

“As you are honoured today, remember that with recognition comes responsibility. Your continued dedication is essential as we strive for excellence in service to our nation,” he said.

In her keynote address, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation(HCSF), noted that there is a high institutional/organizational demand for improved workforce performance, a culture that promotes and sustains consequence management, adding that there should also be in place—an incentive system that rewards high performance and innovation while addressing underperformance.

Yemi-Esan emphasised that the Civil Service must not be seen as a dumping ground for job seekers but must attract the best and the brightest who would contribute fresh ideas and demonstrate the determination and capability to drive national plans and solve Nigeria’s socio-economic problems.

The high point of the Gala Night was the presentation of an Endowment Fund of N500,000 to each of the best performing civil servants from the MDAs facilitated by Private Sector Partners- the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation as well as 2024 Edition of the Service-Wide Rewards and Recognition Awards.

These categories of awards, according to her, include Presidential Distinguished Public Service Career Award; Presidential Civil Service Merit Award;Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Award;The Public Service Excellence Award; 2024 Sports Achievement Award, among others.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in News 0
Cholera Outbreak:NCDC Confirms1,159 Suspected Cases, Lagos,Balyesa Lead

Mohammed Shosanya

A situation report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicated a total number of 1159 suspected cases,65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 30 states in Nigeria.

The states most affected contributing 90 per cent of the total cases includes, Bayelsa, Lagos, Zamfara, Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Delta and Katsina.

A statement by the Minister of State,Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, on Sunday in Abuja said, cholera, a poor sanitation and poor hygiene driven disease is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by ingestion of unwholesome food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

He,however,noted that; “Cholera is preventable, and prevention remains better and cheaper than cure. We therefore urge all Nigerians to take these preventive measures seriously and more importantly, keep their environment clean.

” To prevent the spread of cholera, we urge all Nigerians to be more vigilant, imbibe good sanitation and hygiene practices at home and in their workplace and take preventive measures such as:
keeping their environment clean always and disposing of waste properly at designated places.

“Ensuring the use of clean and safe water. Water from suspicious sources should be well boiled or treated by adding one part of chlorine solution to 100 parts of water.Avoid locally prepared drinks like kunu, sobo, fura da nono, koko, fruit juice etc except it is certain that the preparation was done in an hygienic and safe manner.

“Wash hands regularly with soap under running water, especially at moments such as after using the toilet, after cleaning a child who has gone to the toilet, before preparing food, before and after eating, and after playing with animals.

” Avoid open defecation and instead use clean and safe toilets.Cook foodstuff well, keeping food covered and eating it hot. Eating in public places including at parties should be done with utmost care.

” Wash fruits and vegetables with clean and safe water before eating.
Anybody experiencing any of the symptoms of cholera is advised to seek medical attention immediately.

” We urge all Commissioners of Environment and Local Government Chairmen to support Environmental Health Officers across the country to step up their sanitation and hygiene activities through enhanced community-led total sanitation in order to break further transmission and spread of the disease.

“We also urge the scale-up of awareness campaigns focusing especially on places where prepared food and drinks are sold like markets, garages, schools, restaurants, stadia, religious, and sporting events. In addition, sub-national governments are urged to strengthen environmental health surveillance in eating premises like “mama put”, cafeterias, restaurants and mobile food vendors.

“We assure the general public that the Federal Ministry of Environment remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy environment for all Nigerians. This is the only way we can prevent and curtail the incidence of Cholera outbreaks and other sanitation related diseases.”

The statement noted that cholera remains a global threat to public health, affecting both children and adults and can kill if untreated promptly.

” It is an extremely virulent disease that takes between 12 hours and 5 days for symptoms to manifest. The common early symptoms are frequent watery stool that is usually milky white in colour, nausea and vomiting.

“Cholera outbreak is a seasonal public health event in Nigeria, occurring annually mostly during the rainy season and often in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

” Against this background, the Federal Ministry of Environment has been actively involved through the Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health and the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria in activities to break further transmission of the deadly disease through water and food testing to identify sources of infection, environmental sanitation campaigns and household water chlorination.”

He disclosed that arrangements arte also being made to support states most affected by the outbreak with chlorine solution/tablets, water and food testing resources, IEC materials and technical advisory.

“The Federal Ministry of Environment is issuing this press release to sensitise the general public on cholera preventive and control measures to avert further spread and strengthen collaboration with the health authorities and other stakeholders in line with the one health approach of the Federal Government of Nigeria, ” he stated.

According to him, extreme climate events like flooding are also contributing in multiple ways to drive the outbreak of the disease.

He noted that the World Health Organization has confirmed the global resurgence of cases of cholera classifying the current outbreak a “grade 3 public health emergency”, requiring maximal WHO system wide response.

He added:”Nigeria is one of the 14 countries in Africa where the resurgence is being experienced.

” The ministry extends its condolence to families who have lost loved ones and stand in solidarity with all those affected by the outbreak.”

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Health 0
Band A:IBEDC Gives 620 Hours Supply To Customers In Two Months

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC),says it has successfully provided a cumulative minimum of 620 hours of electricity supply to our Band A customers over the past two months.

This achievement was confirmed during a performance evaluation period monitored by the Regulator.
Starting with an initial 30 Band A feeders in April, IBEDC received approval from the Regulator to upgrade an additional 30 feeders later in April, another 30 in May, and 15 more feeders subsequently, bringing the total to 83 feeders, a statement said.

The statement said hese feeders are categorized as follows: 34 11kV and 49 33kV.

The Acting Managing Director, Engr. Francis Agoha, stated, “IBEDC remains committed to meeting the service delivery expectations of all our customers across various tariff bands. We continue to enhance our network upgrades within our coverage areas to ensure consistent and reliable electricity supply, in addition we are working assiduously to ensure power supply to other bands improve significantly”.

IBEDC says its dedication to service excellence and continuous improvement underscores our mission to provide reliable and efficient electricity to its customers.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Power 0
The Problem With EFCC

By Michael Owhoko, Ph.D

In every government or institution, there is a corresponding invisible hand that remote-controls its affairs with immense influence over decision-making process, predominantly on matters of interest. In most cases, while the head, and perhaps, the kitchen cabinet, may be aware of this imperceptible parallel, it is mostly unknown to other members of the team, who ignorantly, believe that the administration’s decisions are without external interference.

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) is a victim of this invisible hand. The head of the Commission, and possibly, his inner caucus, are not oblivious of its presence and interference, but may be unknown to other members of staff.

By conferring the power to appoint the Chairman of the Commission on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, law makers, have unwittingly, created an invisible hand for the EFCC. The invisible hand is the President, and by extension, the Presidency.

Section 2 (3) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, clearly states that “the Chairman and members of the Commission, other than ex-officio members, shall be appointed by the President”, and the appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate.

By this Act, the EFCC was delivered as a bondservant from inception, lacking autonomy and courage to function effectively outside the grip and body language rhythm of its master, the President. And since the head of the Commission occupies the driver’s seat, obeying all traffic regulations as beamed by the President, liberty is replaced with dependency.

Under this circumstance, what courage can the Commission’s Chairman muster to prosecute the President’s loyalists without upsetting his ego and sensibilities? This is the burden of the EFCC. Until the power to appoint the Chairman of the Commission is removed from the President, the head of EFCC will continue to operate under dominance and influence of the President, doing his bid and covertly yielding to his whims and caprices, without ethical courage to act otherwise.

No matter how committed and sincerely intentional the Chairman of EFCC may be, his drive for efficiency is weakened by presidential interference. Even if angels are imported from heaven, or heads of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of the United States of America (USA) are redeployed to manage the EFCC, their competence would be undermined by effect of the President.

This finds expression in the crux of allusions to EFCC’s selective war against financial crime and money laundry in the country. The public must recognize that the President is first, and foremost, a politician, who came to power on the ticket of his political party. He has his loyalists and those who supported the process of his ascension to power. Besides political affiliates, some of these stalwarts permeate both the critical public and private sectors.

As a politician who sets his eyes on consolidation and re-election, the President may want to stand with his loyalists during moment of travails, as part of reciprocation gesture for sustained support.

By this action, he stifles the power of the Commission to effectively go after real and powerful perpetrators of financial crime and money laundry in the country, making the Commission’s Chairman helpless without courage to step on toes for fear of being removed from office. The President also has the power to suspend or remove the Chairman of the Commission.

Evidently, circumstances that had led to sack of all past chairmen of EFCC could be linked to invisible hand of the President. To avoid this route, EFCC handles high profile cases deemed to have ties with the President with caution, classifying them as persons with blue blood in their veins. This is the trouble with EFCC, and why it is unable to effectively wage war against financial crimes and money laundry.

Most ex-governors, ministers and other political and business big wigs that have been prosecuted and convicted till date are those with either weak link or fallen out of favour with the President.

An example were former governors of Delta State, James Ibori, and Bayelsa state, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (now late), whose demand for resource control irked the then President, General Olusegun Obasanjo.

The former President believed that the ex-governors were source of funding for the defunct Niger Delta agitation group, the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), and consequently activated the invisible hand which compelled the EFCC to cut the former governors to size.

EFCC now tread with caution without discretionary initiative, constraining itself mainly to petitions received from the public, as against initiating and executing investigations on suspected individuals, and organisations, particularly those that are prone to financial crimes and money laundry. The ministries, agencies, departments of government (MDAs), legislature, judiciary and the organized private sector, are black spots.

The Nigerian environment is fraught with financial crime and money laundry, particularly the political space, yet, EFCC pretends not to know. Politics is a big industry and quick source of unearned income where people become multi-millionaires or billionaires overnight just by participation in politics or serving in the Executive, Legislature or the Judiciary.

For example, National Assembly members who carryout oversight functions in various MDAs and private sector, also double as contractors to these same organisations, despite conflict of interest. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is replete with such unethical practices, yet, EFCC feigns ignorance.

Why is EFCC not interrogating legislators on padding of budgets? Why is EFCC not putting spotlight on MDAs’ budgets, matching line items against executed projects? Why is EFCC not looking at state governors and how they abuse Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) remittances, including security votes and derivation funds?

Despite admitting that Nigerian banks perpetrate about 70 per cent of financial crimes in the country, why is EFCC not quizzing banks’ chief executive officers (CEOs) over questionable funds’ inflow, foreign exchange manipulation, and round tripping?

According to the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC), financial institutions in Nigeria collectively lost about N159 billion to fraud since 2020, yet, EFCC has not deemed it necessary to initiate any probe. Why are key operators and players in the Nigerian capital market not being investigated over unlawful manipulation of stock prices?

Besides, since crude oil exports constitute about two-third earnings, and over 90% of foreign exchange revenue of government, why is EFCC not extending its investigation into crude oil exports to determine possible mismatch between actual production and revenue receipts?

Also, why are suspected financiers of terrorism and kidnapping not being investigated and prosecuted for money laundry?

Sadly, since the formation of EFCC, corruption, including financial crimes and money laundry, have been on the upward swing. This is contrary to the intention of the originators, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering, an intergovernmental organization created by the Group of Seven (G7).

The purpose of the FATF was to use the EFCC to reinforce global war against money laundering, particularly at a time Nigeria was listed among 23 countries that were not supportive of the war against money laundering.

Response to this challenge led to establishment of the Commission through the EFCC Act, which further expanded the scope to include terrorism financing and, economic and financial crimes in Nigeria.

With flourishing corruption menace, and by extension, financial crimes in the public and private sectors, the environment is fertile enough to keep EFCC fully engaged. But, so far, its efforts are not commensurate with current depth and density of financial fraud in the country. Except those that are endorsed by the invisible hand for thorough investigation, high profile cases with real negative impact on the economy are either deliberately overlooked or mismanaged.

Prosecuting yahoo internet fraudsters with no powerful links to authorities together with persons involved in spraying of naira notes are inadequate to justify EFCC’s existence.

In the absence of any underpinning motive to use them as defence mechanism to showcase the Commission’s efforts at fighting financial crimes, these categories of offenders should be left for the Nigeria Police Force to handle.

To rid the country of illicit wealth and growing corruption, Nigeria must review the process leading to the appointment and removal of the Chairman of EFCC in order to insulate the office from the influence and covert control of the President. This is imperative given the country’s low political culture.

Dr. Mike Owhoko, Lagos-based public policy analyst, author, and journalist, can be reached at www.mikeowhoko.com, and followed on X {formerly Twitter} @michaelowhoko.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Opinion 0
Dirty Fuels Import: Dangote Refinery Lied,Says Marketers

Mohammed Shosanya

The Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN)),has faulted claims by

Dangote Industries Limited
that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has been granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers to import dirty fuel into the country!

The group in a statement on Tuesday,stated that no member of the association and no private fuels depot has imported into the country any fuel with specification that is outside of the regulation other than what is currently approved by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to the statement,and would wish to state that the information from the Dangote Refinery Management is laced with inaccuracies.

It noted that the downstream regulatory authority, (NMDPRA), in the recent past had initially objected to offtakes by our daughter vessels from import mother vessels, via Ship-to-ship operations which usually take place offshore Lome, a move which was vehemently protested and resisted by downstream operators and has been rescinded.

It recalls that between February and May 2024, the NMDPRA had allowed AGO imports with maximum sulphur content of 200/ppm however this was followed by another move, by the regulator, to fast forward the country target date of the implementation of the 50/ppm sulphur limitation on Premium Motors Spirit and AGO imports, from 31st December 2024 to 1st June 2024, thereby limiting all marketers and depots’ AGO source to Dangote Refinery even though the latter was yet to install its desulphurization equipment as the sulphur in its blends of AGO presently exceed 50/ppm.

It added:”This again was resisted by DAPPMAN in its letter to the NMDPRA which was dated 10th June 2024 to warn and alert the regulator not to ‘inadvertently promote and introduce a monopoly into the sector.

“With stiff resistance at every attempt at introducing a Dangote Refinery monopoly into the downstream, and the fact that the latter, despite its most recent production of AGO with sulphur contents reported at 1200/ppm, it is baffling to us that the Management of Dangote Industries (including the Dangote Refinery), who are very much aware of these facts, could claim that the NMDPRA has been granting licenses indiscriminately to marketers to import ‘dirty refined products’ into the country.

“Their current blend of AGO, with reported sulphur contents of 1200/ppm is technically classified as ‘dirty fuel’ and grossly in excess of the 200/ppm imported by any marketer or depot owner.

“Dangote Refinery as a business entity is free to adopt any model that suits its management however its current practice of cheaper bulk sales prices to international buyers at the detriment of Nigerian buyers calls to question their patriotism to the country.

“Several Nigerian marketers had in recent past been offered Dangote Refinery cargoes by international trading firms at rates that are very much lower than what they were directly offered by Dangote Refinery, and this will not be in the interest of the Nigerian fuel end-user.

“There is no doubt that the success of Dangote Refinery will be a thing of pride to the nation, but all downstream operators and their activities must be in tandem with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 which abhors monopoly’ of any sort”

DAPPMAN assured that it will continue to work with all stakeholders, including Dangote Refinery willingly to provide safe, healthy fuels to all Nigerians competitively giving them great and affordable fueling options for their daily activities.

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
Davido Didn’t Play Good Fatherly Role To Imade-Sophia Momodu

Mohammed Shosanya

Pursuant to the custody dispute allegations that popular musical talent, Davido Adeleke is seeking custody of his daughter, Imade due to access denial by her mother, Sophia Momodu’s lawyer, (Punuka attorneys & solicitors and BIMPE AJEGBOMOGUN & CO) has insisted that she has never denied Davido access to their daughter.

Sophia has never denied David access to Imade, only access to physical intimacy with her, which he has taken issue with, the firm said.

Reacting to a media report,titled; “David Adeleke Seeking Custody of the Daughter,” Sophia Momodu through her legal representatives in an official statement made available to journalists maintained that it was rather Davido who has not made attempt to play his fatherly role to Imade; “David is in a publicly known relationship, and Sophia wishes him well.

“She has always sought civility and peace and wants to move forward in her life free from harassment and verbal abuse.

Sophia Momodu refrains from further comment as the matter has escalated into a legal dispute. Despite facing threats and claims of immunity from Nigerian law, she maintains faith in the justice system and fully cooperates with the legal process.

“She hopes that the injustices and hardships faced by herself and Imade will be exposed and justice served, with all necessary documentation provided.
Through this challenging situation, Sophia remains hopeful for a positive outcome where David actively participates in every relevant facet of their daughter’s life as she has always desired it to be.”

The statement clarifed further:
” David has not seen Imade since July 2022 by his own choice. Sophia has never denied him the opportunity to see his daughter. He has not reached out on special occasions such as her birthday or Christmas for the past two years, which has left Imade distressed and questioning why her father has cut contact with her. Despite this, David posts images of Imade on social media to falsely portray himself as a supportive and active father.”

She accused the singer of financial neglect.

” Since July 2022, David has not fulfilled his financial responsibilities towards Imade, leaving her school fees unpaid. Imade’s school contacted him multiple times regarding the fees for the 2021/2022 school term and January 2023, with no response. Legal counsel was sought in February 2023, resulting in David’s father, Mr. Adedeji Adeleke, eventually paying the outstanding fees.

“Regardless of this neglect Sophia strongly maintains that the most important support David can provide to Imade is his presence and emotional support.”

The statement noted that Sophia has been bearing sole financial responsibility for Imande and that efforts initiated by her for a peaceful co-parenting has proved abortive. .

“Since July 2022, Sophia has solely and willingly shouldered expenses including rent, living and travel costs, healthcare, and all other expenses related to Imade.

” Two years ago, Sophia initiated efforts through her legal team to establish a formal co-parenting arrangement with David, but to no avail as he and his lawyers have consistently refused to cooperate toward a mutually agreeable resolution. Instead, they have attempted to discredit and isolate Sophia and Imade using David’s social influence and network.”

It recalled that David Adeleke and Sophia Momodu were in a relationship from 2014-2017 and 2020-2022 and that during this time, David provided financial support for their daughter, Imade, covering school fees, rent, and other living expenses, including the cars mentioned in the article.

“Sophia ended the relationship with David in July 2022. Since then, David repeatedly threatened to make Sophia’s life difficult if she does not make herself available to him sexually.”

She urged journalists to verify stories before reporting skewed and unbalanced information to the public.”

admin by — June 25, 2024 in Arts/Entertainment 0