The Rivers State caucus in the House of Representatives has disowned one of its members, Dumnamene Deekor, as its spokesman.
The Leader of the Rivers State Caucus in the House, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who made the clarification in a statement on Friday in Abuja, dismissed a statement credited to the lawmaker.
Deekor had in the statement called for sanction of the coordinator of the G-60 lawmakers, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
However, Abiante said Deekor was never instructed to speak on behalf of the caucus.
He said the leadership of the Rivers caucus in the Green Chamber had always been based on seniority.
READ ALSO: Reps move to suspend Ugochinyere over politicisation of oversight function
He added that a second-term lawmaker could not lead the caucus when there are more senior lawmakers.
The statement read: “The Rivers caucus in the House of Representatives read with dismay, a statement purportedly issued by the member, representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Deekor.
“The statement called for the discipline of the Coordinator of the G-60 Lawmakers in the Green Chamber, Ugochinyere over his position on vexed issues in the polity.
“We refused to collectively accede to Deekor’s self-serving stands as he has never been elected by the Rivers caucus to speak on our behalf.”
Abiante pointed out that Deekor who is a second-term lawmaker cannot arrogate to himself the position of caucus leader in the midst of third and fourth-term lawmakers.
The post ‘Leadership is based on seniority,’ Rivers caucus in House of Reps disown colleague over remark on Ugochinyere appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
‘Leadership is based on seniority,’ Rivers caucus in House of Reps disown colleague over remark on Ugochinyere
UK richest family jailed for exploiting domestic staff in Switzerland
A Swiss court handed jail sentences to four members of Britain’s richest family on Friday for exploiting Indian staff at their Geneva mansion.
The Hindujas — who were not present in court — were acquitted of human trafficking, but convicted on other charges in a stunning verdict for the family whose fortune is estimated at 37 billion pounds ($47 billion).
Prakash Hinduja and his wife Kamal Hinduja each got four years and six months, while their son Ajay and his wife Namrata received four-year terms, the presiding judge in Geneva ruled.
The cases stem from the family’s practice of bringing servants from their native India and included accusations of confiscating their passports once they were flown to Switzerland.
Prosecutors argued the Hindujas paid their staff a pittance and gave them little freedom to leave the house.
The family denied the allegations, claiming the prosecutors wanted to “do in the Hindujas”.
The Hindujas reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with the three employees who made the accusations against them.
Despite this, the prosecution decided to pursue the case due to the gravity of the charges.
Geneva prosecutor Yves Bertossa had requested a custodial sentence of five and a half years against Prakash and Kamal Hinduja.
Aged 78 and 75 respectively, both had been absent since the start of the trial for health reasons.
In his closing address, the prosecutor accused the family of abusing the “asymmetrical situation” between powerful employer and vulnerable employee to save money.
Household staff were paid a salary between 220 and 400 francs ($250-450) a month, far below what they could expect to earn in Switzerland.
“They’re profiting from the misery of the world,” Bertossa told the court.
– ‘Not mistreated slaves’ –
But the Hinduja family’s defence lawyers argued that the three plaintiffs received ample benefits, were not kept in isolation and were free to leave the villa.
“We are not dealing with mistreated slaves,” Nicolas Jeandin told the court.
Indeed, the employees “were grateful to the Hindujas for offering them a better life”, his fellow lawyer Robert Assael argued.
Representing Ajay Hinduja, lawyer Yael Hayat had slammed the “excessive” indictment, arguing the trial should be a question of “justice, not social justice”.
Namrata Hinduja’s lawyer Romain Jordan also pleaded for acquittal, claiming the prosecutors were aiming to make an example of the family.
He argued the prosecution had failed to mention payments made to staff on top of their cash salaries.
“No employee was cheated out of his or her salary,” Assael added.
Some staff even asked for raises, which they received.
With interests in oil and gas, banking and healthcare, the Hinduja Group is present in 38 countries and employs around 200,000 people.
AFP
NDLEA arrests 454 suspects in Adamawa in one year
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Adamawa Command, says it has arrested no fewer than 454 suspected illicit drug traffickers/peddlers from June 2023 till date.
State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Samson Agboalu, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference to begin the commemoration of the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that World Drug Day with the theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention” is celebrated annually on June 26 globally.
Agboalu said that the arrest figure made by the agency reflected a 9.38 per cent decrease from the 501 arrests made in the previous year.
He noted that the drug seizures significantly increased, with a total of 4,732.128 kilo grammes of hard drugs confiscated.
”This is a 75 per cent increase from the 1,164.750 kg seized between June 2022 and June 2023.
“These seizures include a range of substances such as Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine (ice), Cocaine, Tramadol, Exol-5, Diazepam tablets, Codeine-based syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and Pentazocine injections.
“Our Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts have also been fruitful, with 107 residential clients treated, counselled, and rehabilitated, and 222 trafficking clients receiving brief intervention counselling,” he said.
Speaking on prosecution efforts and forfeitures from June 2023 to date, he said 148 individuals were convicted, with a notable increase from 115 convictions recorded between June 2022 and June 2023.
“The highest sentences handed down were between 10 and five years imprisonment, with the least six months.
“Monetary forfeiture recorded an increase, with the sum of N851,153 forfeited to the Federal Government and deposited into the Treasury Single Account, compared to N729,480 in the previous year.”
The NDLEA commander called for the adoption of preventive measures as a strategic approach to addressing drug abuse in the state.
He said that it was imperative to invest in prevention through increased public education, and collaboration with communities by ensuring youths have access to accurate information to discourage drug use.
“As we reflect on the theme, it is clear that investing in prevention is a strategic approach that promises long-term benefits and only effective way to address the root causes of drug abuse.
“Evidence has shown that prevention programmes can significantly reduce the initiation of drug use, thereby reducing the burden on law enforcement and the healthcare system.
“By focusing on education, awareness, and early intervention, we can protect our communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of drug abuse,” he said.
Agboalu also emphasised the need for collaborative effort in the fight against the menace, in order to create a future where children could grow up in safe, healthy, and drug-free communities.
NAN reports that the command has organised one-week activities in line with the commemoration of World Drug Day to raise awareness and promote preventive measures.
According Online reports that World Drug Day is a vital reminder of the ongoing battle against drug abuse and the importance of international cooperation, education, and support in creating a drug-free world.
World Drug Day, officially known as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, is observed annually on June 26.
This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 to raise awareness about the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.
The aim is to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
(NAN)
Fraudulent petitions threaten financial, govt institutions — Report
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has said it discovered a surge in fraudulent petitions related to the alleged transfer of funds from foreign banks to Nigerian banks.
The organisation noted that these deceptive practices are increasingly targeting victims and posing a persistent threat to financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and other government entities.
In its report dated June 19, 2024, the NFIU said the complexity and frequency of these schemes underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures and coordinated responses from all affected sectors to mitigate the risks and protect stakeholders.
It partly read, “Our findings suggest that deceptive fraudulent petitions involving the tracing and recovery of funds allegedly transferred from foreign banks to Nigerian banks are becoming a recurrent threat to not only the targeted victim(s) but also Financial Institutions, Law Enforcement Agencies and other government agencies.
“Financial institutions and the general public are advised to be vigilant and adopt recommendations that will help to further safeguard important documents from being easily accessible to prevent their use as a backup for such petitions.
“The public should exercise some level of skepticism when dealing with telegraphic transfer documents from major European banks as nearly all frivolous claims emanate from the same jurisdictions and banks abroad.
“Relevant LEAs should also take steps to effectively address the problem of fraudulent telex copies by ensuring the prompt prosecution and sanctioning of offenders to serve as a deterrence.”
Specifically stating the effect of fraudulent petitions on banks, the organisation said false allegations engineered by misrepresentation of material facts could result in loss of confidence by the banking public who may have reasons to believe that the banks actually held funds in its server.
The organisation recommended that “Upon receipt of a letter from a customer anticipating a huge inflow, evidenced by the usual Telex copy, the financial institution should immediately conduct Enhanced Due Diligence, sufficient to establish the authenticity or otherwise of the document presented.
“Where issues of forgery are suspected, the Financial Institution must take steps to quickly respond in writing to the letter from the customer, clearly stating the non-existence of such pending transaction of funds. This action must be taken immediately upon receipt of the complaint by the bank to avoid their use of the acknowledgment of the letters for fraudulent purposes.”
Listing such fraudulent petitions received, the agency said a law firm once submitted a petition on behalf of its client, an NGO, requesting the NFIU and other relevant agencies to trace and recover the sum of €30,000,000,000.00 only, transferred from a foreign bank to a bank in Nigeria, claiming the funds had been blocked by a financial institution in Nigeria.
“The purpose of the funds according to the petition is for investment in the real estate sector. NFIU said a law firm once forwarded a petition on behalf of its client seeking to trace and recover the sum of €6,000,000,000.00 (Six Billion Euros) only transferred from foreign banks to the client’s Nigerian bank account,“ the report added.
The NFIU, however, urged the Nigerian Bar Association to enlighten its members to verify documents received from clients before acting on them.
“There is a need for the Nigerian Bar Association to sensitize its members on the importance of verifying and authenticating documents received from clients before taking action.
“In order to curtail the activities of persons who engage in fraudulent wire transfers, Law firms need to always conduct Due Diligence on their clients, including documents received while acting as legal attorneys or representatives.”
Fubara appoints new chairman for Rivers Traditional Rulers Council
The Heavily Armed Nigeria Police have been redeployed to the Nassarawa Aminu Ado Bayero, Palace, following directives by the Kano State Government for complete demolishing and rebuilding of the Place.
The State Commissioner of Police, AIG Usaini Gumel, disobeyed Governor Abba Yusuf’s directive to the State’s Police Command to evict the deposed Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, from the mini palace in Nasarawa part of the metropolis where he currently resides, instead additional deployment of heavily Armed Personnel were seen.
Our Correspondent, observed that even linking Roads of State Road, and Bawo Road leading to the Nassarawa Emir Palace were barracketed by the Police, denying total passages of the Roads.
The governor’s order, conveyed through the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Haruna Dederi, was issued on Thursday night.
AIG Gumel explained that complying with the eviction order would be premature, as the government itself had filed a case at the State High Court regarding the matter and the hearing was scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2024. He emphasised that executing the eviction order would be like “jumping the gun,” as the outcome of the court case was still pending.
“The police will not evict Aminu Ado Bayero because the same government has filed a case at the State High Court on the eviction order, which would come up on Monday, 24th June 2024. So, if we carry out the order, it is like we are pre-empting the court because we don’t know what will happen at the court,” Gumel stated.
Security has been heightened around the Nasarawa mini palace, with additional personnel deployed to the area. All major routes leading to the palace have been blocked by security personnel. Despite the governor’s directive, Bayero remains in the mini palace, in company of his guards and supporters.
The refusal of the police to evict Bayero has heightened tensions in Kano State, as the power tussle over the Kano throne between the State government and the deposed emir continues to unfold.
This is the second time the State’s Police Command will disobey the governor’s directive. Recall that about four weeks ago, Governor Yusuf had ordered the Police to arrest Bayero for daring to enter Kano city despite his dethronement, but the Police Command ignored the order.
The development prompted the Kano State government to accuse the Police of taking sides by taking orders from powers-that-be outside the State instead of the elected governor of the State, who is the chief security officer of the State
Fubara appoints new chairman for Rivers Traditional Rulers Council
Fubara removes Rivers traditional council chairman
Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has removed Eze Sergeant Awuse as the Chairman of the State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers Council.
The governor made this announcement on Friday during a special meeting with the traditional rulers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Fubara, thereafter, appointed Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, as the new chairman of the council, saying that the office could not remain vacant.
Speaking at the meeting, the governor said Awuse has not been leading the council effectively for a while due to his alleged role in the ongoing crisis in the state.
Fubara described Awuse as an unstable character, noting that he has been playing double standards since the political crisis in the state.
Fubara said, “It is like your chairman has run away. Maybe when your chairman is ready, he will write to me. If he gets the approval, he can then come for the meeting.
“But you already know his position. He is not a stable man, he is not a stable character. He cannot say something in the morning and say another thing in the evening.
“It is because of that he decided to hide his head. You have to bear with him until when God will help us remove this problem you are having. By the grace of God, it will be resolved soon.”
It would be recalled that the former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, had replaced the then Chairman of the Council, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja, with Awuse.
However, in the wake of the political crisis, the State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, promulgated a law that barred Fubara from interfering with the leadership of the traditional council.
Euro 2024: Masked Mbappe benched in France, Netherlands clash
Kylian Mbappe was named on the French bench for Friday’s Euro 2024 clash against the Netherlands four days after breaking his nose in Les Bleus’ opening Euro 2024 victory over Austria.
Mbappe trained in a mask inspired by the colours of the French flag on Thursday but has not been risked by Didier Deschamps.
Victory for either side in Leipzig will secure their place in the last 16.
There were initially fears for Mbappe’s future availability in the tournament after he was left bloodied by a collision with Austrian defender Kevin Danso’s shoulder during Monday’s 1-0 win for France.
However, the 25-year-old did not require surgery and could be involved later in the game as he aims to break his duck at the European Championships.
Real Madrid’s new signing has scored 12 goals in two World Cups but is yet to find the net in five appearances at the Euros.
Aurelien Tchouameni comes in for Mbappe in the only change for France.
The Netherlands make just one change from the side that beat Poland 2-1 in their opening game with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong replacing Joey Veerman.
AFP
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SEC releases framework for banking sector recapitalisation
Following a recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to commercial banks in the country to increase their capital in support of the nation’s $1 trillion target, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released a comprehensive framework for the 2024 recapitalisation programme.
The CBN had in a memo directed banks with international standing to raise their capital base to N500 billion, national banks to N200 billion, and regional banks to N50 billion.
SEC said the framework posted on its website on Friday would ensure that the capital-raising process is conducted efficiently, transparently, and in a manner that protects the interests of all stakeholders.
It is also expected to serve as a guide to the Banks/Holding Companies issuers and Capital Market Operators in filing applications for capital raise and/or mergers and acquisitions.
The framework will also provide detailed guidance for banks, holding companies, and market participants to successfully navigate the recapitalisation process.
READ ALSO:
Other objectives of the framework are full disclosure of material facts in compliance with the Investments and Securities Act 2007, Rules and Regulations of the Commission, and other relevant laws to ensure proper and timely review of the transactions.
“As the regulatory institution mandated to regulate and develop the Nigerian capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has the responsibility to ensure a smooth, transparent, and efficient capital raise process by the banks.
“This framework outlines the guidelines and procedures banks are required to follow to raise capital through rights issuance, private placements, or other approved methods during the 2024-2026 recapitalisation period,” it noted.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post SEC releases framework for banking sector recapitalisation appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Soil scientist raises alarm over excessive use of fertilisers in farms
A Professor of Soil Science, Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka, has urged rural farmers to embrace climate-smart agricultural practices, to conserve the environment, improve their yields and ensure food security in the country amidst the looming food crisis.
Prof. Onwuka who disclosed this during the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) 2024 Agriculture Fair/ Exhibition in Umuahia, Abia State, expressed worries over the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers on farmlands, adding that it pollutes underground water.
She identified indiscriminate bush burning, cutting of trees, illegal waste disposal and management, and gas flaring, among others, as causes of climate change.
She advised all Nigerians to reduce carbon footprint and its impact on the environment, through climate-smart agriculture.
Prof. Onwuka who also decried the food insecurity in the country and the degraded and fragile soils in South-East Nigeria enjoined every household to go into home and micro-garden to cushion the exorbitant cost of food items in the market.
Earlier in his remark, Prof. Ike Nwachukwu of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture expressed worries that Abia State is not producing enough food for its domestic consumption but mostly depends on Benue State and the Middle Belt for food supply.
Prof. Nwachukwu who warned that the inability of Abia State to feed itself portends danger to the state and the Southeast region, urged government at all levels to take agriculture seriously and encourage young people to embrace farming to ensure food security.
Nwachukwu who further described agriculture as a goldmine, lamented that the Southeast is not producing anything significant, insisting that they are more at risk of food crisis.
In his words: “It is time to shun politics, take advantage of agricultural institutions in Abia state and make farming a worthwhile venture to ensure food security in southeast and Nigeria at large.”
In their response, the members of AFAN in Abia vowed to leverage agricultural institutions’ innovations to improve their farm yields.
Soil scientist raises alarm over excessive use of fertilisers in farms
Austria beat Poland to close on last 16 at Euro 2024
Austria boosted their hopes of reaching the Euro 2024 knockout rounds on Friday as Marko Arnautovic scored in an impressive 3-1 win over Poland, for whom Robert Lewandowski only managed an ineffective substitute appearance.
Ralf Rangnick’s Austria will likely secure qualification for the last 16 if they can avoid defeat in their final Group D game against the Netherlands on Tuesday.
Poland can no longer finish in the top two and almost certainly need to defeat France to have any chance of progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams.
Gernot Trauner headed Austria into a deserved early lead before Krzysztof Piatek, who had missed their opening loss to the Netherlands, equalised for Poland in the 30th minute.
Lewandowski was introduced for his first appearance of the tournament with half an hour remaining but was a peripheral figure as Poland slipped to the brink of elimination.
Christoph Baumgartner put Austria back in front after a fine team move and an end-to-end game was killed off by Arnautovic’s 78th-minute penalty.
Austria, who reached the knockout phase at a major tournament for the first time since 1954 at Euro 2020, will be sure of going through if they defeat the Dutch, who face France later Friday.
Lewandowski was not fit enough to start after suffering a thigh injury last week, despite Poland coach Michal Probierz saying he was hopeful the Barcelona striker would be able to play.
Fans from the two countries, which both border Germany, packed out the Olympiastadion.
The Poland supporters who had made the short trip outnumbered their counterparts, but it was the wall of fans in red Austrian shirts who were bouncing up and down in celebration less than nine minutes in.
Their team started dominantly and were rewarded with the lead when defender Trauner powered a header past Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after clever wing play from left-back Phillipp Mwene.
Poland grew into the contest, though, and Nicola Zalewski passed up a good opportunity to equalise when he blazed over.
The two most recent meetings between the teams, in Euro 2020 qualifying, produced only one goal.
– Piatek strikes –
But an entertaining game this time was level just before the half-hour mark, as Piatek pounced to slot in from close range after Trauner blocked Jan Bednarek’s shot.
Austria wasted an excellent chance to restore their advantage with a three-on-two attack, but Bednarek threw himself in the way of Marcel Sabitzer’s effort.
Rangnick’s side almost found themselves behind in first-half added time when goalkeeper Patrick Pentz was forced into a diving stop by Piotr Zielinski’s free-kick.
Austria began the second half brightly, with Szczesny holding Stefan Posch’s header.
A huge roar went up around the stadium as Lewandowski made his entrance in the 60th minute.
His only involvement of note was to pick up a yellow card shortly after coming on for catching Philipp Lienhart in the face with his elbow.
Austria moved back ahead with a wonderfully-worked goal in the 66th minute.
Arnautovic dummied substitute Alexander Prass’ incisive pass and Baumgartner took a touch and coolly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Austria could have wrapped up the three points with 15 minutes left when Patrick Wimmer’s low strike was pushed to safety by the increasingly busy Szczesny.
But the third goal arrived shortly afterwards as Arnautovic calmly put away a penalty after Sabitzer bore down on goal and was felled by Szczesny.
Austria threatened to make the final scoreline embarrassing for Poland, with Szczesny making a brilliant fingertip stop from Posch’s long-range drive.
The Poles were suddenly a shambles and Konrad Laimer dribbled a shot wide of an open goal after rounding Sczcesny, but even that miss could not take the gloss off Austria’s third win at a major tournament in 34 years.
AFP