All Posts in "Month: December 2024"

Ogoni Congress Moves to Resolve Conflicts With Shell

         Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Ogoni people have adopted a new orientation geared towards peace and development within the locality,charting a path to a permanent resolution of over three decades of conflicts with the government and Shell over oil production and underdevelopment.

 

 

 

 

 

The development follows resolutions taken at an Ogoni congress held Saturday, November 30, 2024 under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). From speeches to interactive sessions, attendees resolved to move forward on the path of development and led a commitment to support the leadership of MOSOP to achieve these goals.

 

 

 

Addressing the Congress,President of MOSOP, Fegalo Nsuke said it’s time to permanently solve the Ogoni problem,noting that the Ogoni people must stand up to defeat both internal and external repression.

 

 

 

 

 

He regretted Ogoni’s inability to address its critical challenges of underdevelopment since the struggle was launched 34 years ago.

 

 

 

 

 

He added: “We launched the struggle in 1990. We are thirty four years into it and the problem was that we were protesting underdevelopment. For thirty four years, we have been unable to address this problem.”

 

 

 

 

 

He expressed dismay over the growing number of splinter groups in Ogoni, attributing it to the commercialization of the struggle which he says had been “very costly in lives and assets invested and lost in the process.”

 

 

 

 

 

“The reason you see all these splinter groups is that we have left the primary goal of the struggle and have started chasing money and our pockets” he said.

 

 

 

 

He urged the Ogoni people to be ready and committed to resolve the problem permanently noting that Tinubu,being a listening president, provides a rare opportunity to permanently resolve the Ogoni problems.

 

 

 

 

“While I am not speaking for the government, I want you to know that the current president is a listening president and offers an opportunity to resolve the problem.Let us take advantage”,he said.

 

 

 

 

Also speaking,former deputy president of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, Chief Dr Fortune Okwa Chujor urged the Ogoni people to support the development initiatives of Nsuke describing him as a non-commercial and non-political president of MOSOP.

 

 

 

 

A former president of the National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) and an elder of MOSOP, Chief Emmanuel Nkala said he stands with the MOSOP President, Fegalo Nsuke and called on Ogoni youths to do the same. Chief Nkala canvassed for unity amongst Ogonis urging the people to give the MSP development initiative a chance.

 

 

 

 

 

Ogoni youth president,Theophilus Mbagha Esq, in his contributions urged the Nigeria authorities to dialogue with the Ogoni people to resolve the Ogoni problem. He also backed the Nsuke-led initiative as acceptable to Ogoni youths.

 

 

 

 

 

Spokesperson for the Federation of Ogoni Women’s Association (FOWA) Lady Immaculate Kpopie assured the Congress of the support of the Ogoni women for the development drive led by Nsuke. Congress then resolved and mandated the MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke to initiate and conclude discussions on the issue and to win a fair share of Ogoni Ogoni resources which will be committed to Ogoni development.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — December 2, 2024 in Oil&Gas 0
FG Arraigns 113 Foreigners Over Cybercrimes

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF),has arraigned 113 foreign Nationals involved in series of cybercrimes including internet fraud and marketing scams among others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The suspects were arrested on the 3rd of November 2024 in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

 

 

 

 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun commended operatives of the Force for their professionalism and reaffirmed the “capabilities and expertise of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling cybercrimes and protecting cyberspace in Nigeria and beyond.”

 

 

 

 

According to a statement signed by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP stated this while “commending the Police operatives attached to Zone 7 command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) Abuja for bursting a group of foreign Nationals involved in a series of cybercrimes including internet fraud and marketing scams.”

 

 

 

 

 

It indicated that, “During investigation, operatives of the NPF-NCCC recovered a vast array of digital critical evidence, believed to be instrumental in the syndicate’s cybercrime operations.

 

 

 

 

“The recovered items include 1 Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, laptops of different makes, smartphones of various brands, tablets, desktops, computers and keyboards, Harman/Kardon sound system, MTN routers, Huawei routers, Airtel routers, D-Link routers, Starlink routers, Gamepads, 1 Sony PlayStation 5, a central processing unit, Multiple SIM cards from both local international service Providers, High-capacity servers, Drones and specialized cyber equipment, international passports, identity cards, and travel documents.

 

 

 

 

“These assets recovered are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorized data breaches, marketing scams and other cybercrime activities.

 

 

 

“The scale and sophistication of the operation underscores the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.”

 

 

 

 

” As a follow-up to the investigation and recoveries, compiled with credible evidence against the suspects, the “Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has arraigned the 113 foreign nationals facing serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

 

 

 

“The arraignment of these suspects follows extensive investigations that have uncovered the alleged involvement of these individuals in criminal activities spanning both cybercrime, immigration offences and human trafficking networks.

 

 

 

 

“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies and Embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law.”

 

 

 

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun  reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to leverage the emerging technological advancement to protect the citizens of Nigeria both physically and in the digital space.

 

 

 

 

He further reiterated that the Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country.

 

 

Online Editor by — December 2, 2024 in Crime/Metro 0
Fake Documents:Court Dismisses Agboola Ajayi’s Case Against Ondo Deputy Gov

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

 

A Federal High Court  in Akure, Ondo State, has dismissed the suit filed by Peoples Democratic Party PDP governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, against Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Olayide Adelami over false documents, on grounds of lack of locus standi.

 

 

 

 

 

In his verdict on Monday,Justice DD Adegoke ruled that the plaintiff, Ajayi, lacked the locus standi to challenge the candidature of the All Progressives Congress APC governorship and deputy governorship candidates of the party in the last gubernatorial election in Ondo State because he did not participate in the APC primary that produced the candidates.

 

 

 

 

 

The court also held that the suit was statute-barred as the suit was filed four days later than required by the Electoral Act.

 

 

 

 

 

The counsel to the defendants had argued that the documents which is the res of the suit were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) on May 20, 2024 and the Electoral Act states that actions shall be instituted against such action within 14 days.

 

 

 

 

 

But,the counsel to the plaintiff,M. Ndoka, SAN, told the court that the plaintiff filed his application on June 7, 2024, arguing that INEC published(made public) the documents on May 25, 2024, saying the suit was filed with 14 days the documents became public.

 

 

 

 

 

In the verdict,the Justice Adegoke held upheld the arguments of the counsel to the defendants led by Peter Olatubora SAN, that the plaintiff should have begun his suit by filing a writ of summon rather than originating summon.

 

 

 

 

 

They also argued that the burden of proof lies on the plaintiff who alleged that the certificates submitted to INEC by Adelami were fake.

 

 

 

 

The court  held that it is imperative for the plaintiff to produce before the court the original copies of the certificates and the fake copies to allow comparism.

 

 

 

 

It also held that the plaintiff shall produce the issuers of the original certificates and a forensic expert shall be on ground to carry out forensic examination on the certificates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The judge said the issue of fake documents is a crime and should be treated as such.

 

 

 

 

Justice Adegoke ruled that placing the case on imaginary scale, the suit lacked substance and should not be entertained because the plaintiff lacked locus standi.

 

 

 

 

 

Agboola Ajayi is challenging the qualification of Adelami as the running mate of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

 

 

 

 

He prayed the court to disqualify APC from the ballot.

 

 

 

 

Agboola Ajayi  said:”That the first defendant(Adelami) is constitutionally disqualified from contesting the election as Deputy Governorship candidate of APC.

 

 

 

 

“A declaration that the APC has no validly nominated governorship and deputy governorship candidates for the 2024 election.”

 

 

Online Editor by — December 2, 2024 in Law/Human Rights 0
Group Seeks Probe Of UCH Management Over Frequent Power Outage

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

A professional group,Legacy Stars of Ibadan, (LSI),has implored the Federal Government to suspend and probe the current and the previous management of the University College Hospital (UCH) in the last 10 years

 

 

 

The group noted that this is necessary in order to address and find the lasting solutions to the incessant power outage in the teaching hospital.

 

 

 

 

The club suggested this in a press statement issued at the end of its monthly meeting held on Sunday at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo.

 

 

 

 

The management of the hospital,had in the last few months being experiencing power outage over debt from Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).

 

 

 

 

IBEDC in March this year cut off the power supply to the hospital due electricity debt.

 

 

 

 

The electricity distribution company also in November this year cut off the power supply to the hospital due to debt.

 

 

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In a statement on Monday signed by its President, Mogaji Saheed Oyewale and Secretary, Barrister Kazeem Oladepo,the group called on the federal government and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to probe the current and previous management of the hospital over the incessant power outage in the hospital.

 

 

 

 

“The monthly meeting of LSI was held on Sunday, 1st December, 2024. Various issues affecting Ibadan, Oyo state and Nigeria in general were discussed and deliberated upon.

 

 

 

 

“One of the issues discussed and deliberated upon is the issue of incessant power outage at UCH and this was deliberated by members present.

 

 

 

 

“We observed at the meeting that UCH has been having power outage in the last few months. The power supply was cut off in March this year. It was resolved when some individuals intervened. Recently, the power supply was cut off due to electricity debt.

 

 

 

 

“When there is no light, major things that should be done will not be done. The hospital is facing a lot of challenges and we don’t want this to continue.

 

 

 

“Many people who supposed to get medical attention in the hospital could not be attended to and this will have negative consequences on the health outcome of the people in general.

 

 

 

“We observed that this is an embarrassment. We want the federal government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare to beam their searchlights and probe the current management and the previous ones.

 

 

 

 

“We have heard a lot of challenges facing the hospital. UCH as a tertiary health institution should not be in this sorry condition. The federal government should do something”.

 

 

 

 

Online Editor by — December 2, 2024 in Power 0
Exploitation:FCCPC Probes GTB,MTN,Air Peace

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), said it has launched a major inquiry into widespread consumer complaints against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), MTN Nigeria and Air Peace Limited.

 

 

 

 

A statement issued by Mr.Ondaje Ijagwu, Director, Corporate Affairs in FCCPC, explained that the inquisitions, which would begin on December 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively, are intended to address issues of poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

 

 

 

 

In the banking sector, Ijagwu said the FCCPC will engage Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over reports of network failures that hinder customers from accessing their funds or using banking applications.

 

 

 

 

 

“In the telecommunications sector, MTN Nigeria faces questions regarding persistent complaints of undelivered data services, unexplained data depletion, and inadequate customer care.

 

 

 

“Similarly, Air Peace Limited will address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.

 

 

 

 

“These inquiries are being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, specifically Sections 17, 18, 32, 33, 80, 110, 111, 112, and 113, which empower the FCCPC to investigate and resolve practices that undermine consumer rights, disrupt markets, or create unfair competition.”

 

 

 

The statement said the FCCPC’s engagement with these companies provides a platform to address consumer concerns, clarify business practices, and enforce compliance with regulatory standards.

 

 

 

 

“The companies will be required to appear before the Commission on designated days to provide information and responses to enable the Commission to make determinations and resolve pending issues promptly.

 

 

 

“This action reflects the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, fostering a fair marketplace and ensuring accountability across all sectors.

 

 

 

“We urge consumers to continue to report instances of poor service delivery or exploitative practices to the FCCPC through its official channels,” the statement explained.

 

Online Editor by — December 1, 2024 in News 0
Tax Reform Bills:Northern Group Goes Spiritual

       Mohammed Shosanya
A non-political group,Southern Borno Concerned Citizens (SBCCs) has urged all its members  to embark on a one -fay fasting and prayers,tomorrow for Governor Babagana Zulum and their Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume,who have stood firm in opposing the controversial tax bills currently before the National Assembly.
According to the Chairman and spokesman of the group,Comrade Bulama Sawa,the exercise underscores their profound appreciation to the two Borno leaders and others for their unyielding defense of the masses against the proposed tax reforms.
In a press statement,he said following extensive deliberations with scholars and in response to the contentious Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly, the Southern Borno Concerned Citizens (SBCCs) has declared a one-day fasting and prayer session in honor of His Excellency Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume.
The spiritual exercise will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024, and all religious groups in Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, Askira-Uba, Gwoza, Kwaya Kusar and Damboa local government areas from the senatorial district, including those living in diaspora are enjoined to participate,he said.
“The decision underscores our profound appreciation for Governor Zulum’s exemplary leadership and Senator Ndume’s unyielding defense of the masses against the proposed tax reforms. Both leaders have demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting Nigerians from the potential adverse effects of these reforms.
“The controversial Bills—The Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, The Tax Administration Bill, and The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill—have faced widespread criticism. Stakeholders, including the Nigerian Governors Forum, the North East Governors Forum chaired by Governor Zulum, and numerous senators, have described the Bills as anti-people, warning that their passage could aggravate the economic hardships already faced by Nigerians.
“Governor Zulum, in a recent BBC Hausa interview, called for a reconsideration of the Bills, citing the adverse impact they could have on the northern population, which significantly contributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s electoral victory.
“Similarly, Senator Ndume has been vocal in his opposition, advocating for reforms that genuinely alleviate the struggles of ordinary Nigerians, and not the cooked and hasty means of passing the Tax Reforms Bills by the powers that be.
“The one-day fasting and prayer initiative is a call to all People of Southern Borno and Nigerians to seek divine guidance and support for our leaders as they strive to protect the welfare of the masses. We stand firmly with Governor Zulum, Senator Ndume, and all other patriotic leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over partisan interests.
“We also appeal to President Tinubu to heed the voices of reason and withdraw the Bills before they cause further strain on the nation’s already fragile economy. Sawa added.

 

Online Editor by — December 1, 2024 in Politics 0