The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday, slammed the state government for its alleged lack of due process and transparency in awarding contracts.
The party’s criticism comes amid a dispute between the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, and Innoson Motor Company over payment for vehicles purchased by Governor Alex Otti for state legislators.
In a statement, PDP Acting State Publicity Secretary, Elder Abraham Amah expressed concern over the revelation that Innoson Motors received no payment from the state government, despite the governor’s claims to the contrary.
The party argues that this situation highlights a disconnect between the government’s actions and roles, infringes on the legislature’s independence, and undermines democracy.
Read Also: Court rejects fresh bail request for suspended cop, Abba Kyari
The PDP also questions the unconventional arrangement where the governor awards contracts for legislative vehicles, rather than the Assembly handling its own procurement. This, they argue, puts legislators under the governor’s influence and compromises their independence.
The party concludes that if the governor could misinform the Speaker on a minor financial matter like vehicle purchases, it raises doubts about the accuracy of information provided to ordinary citizens on more significant issues.
The statement reads, “The revelation made by Innoson Motors that it has not received any payment from the Abia State government shows a total and embarrassing disconnect between the roles and actions of the operators of the Abia government. The Speaker had said repeatedly that the Governor had told him that he had made payments for the vehicles to Innoson Motors.
“The Abia PDP is concerned that this situation assaults the concept of separation of powers and debases our democracy. In the first place, it is an infringement on the independence of the legislature that the governor should be the one to award contracts for the purchase of vehicles for legislators. As a separate arm of government, the Assembly should be the one to award the contract for its vehicles, its budget should be on the first line charge to enable it maintain its independence.
“This unconventional situation brings the legislators under the influence of the Governor and it is difficult to see how they can maintain their independence if they have to depend on him for their welfare.“If the governor cannot give the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who is the number three person in the government hierarchy, the correct information in a financial matter as little as purchase of vehicles, we cannot imagine how the Governor would give ordinary Abians correct information on other matters. And every Abian is a witness to the constant misinformation the governor wilfully dishes out all the time.”
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Abia PDP accuses Gov Otti of lack of transparency in contract awards
Court dismisses fleeing Binance executive Anjarwalla’s suit against FG
Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by the Africa regional manager of Binance Holdings Limited, Nadeem Anjarwalla, against the federal government.
In a short ruling on Wednesday, the judge dismissed the suit against the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for lack of diligent prosecution.
Justice Ekwo stated that on March 28, which was the date of the previous sitting in the matter, Anjarwalla’s counsel, Tonye Krukrubo, (SAN), had sought leave to withdraw his appearance in the matter, and the application was granted.
He said the matter was adjourned until Wednesday for mention but no lawyer appeared for the applicant (Anjarwalla).
Anjarwalla and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, had filed separate human rights enforcement suits, against the NSA and EFCC, seeking an order to release them from detention.
The two Crypto-exchange executives, in the suits marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/355/24 and FHC/ABJ/CS/356/24, sued the ONSA and EFCC as 1st and 2nd respondents.
Kukrubo, whose appearance on Wednesday was solely for Gambaryan, moved a motion seeking to amend his client-originating process.
EFCC’s lawyer, Olarewanju Adeola, however, opposed the motion.
Justice Ekwo granted Krukrubo’s request to amend his application. He held that parties, by law, are entitled to amend their processes before judgment.
“I am minded to grant this amendment,” he said.
The court, however, fined Gambaryan, the sum of N50,000, to be paid to the EFCC, for joining issues in the matter.
Justice Ekwo held that the fine must be paid before the next adjourned date.
He fixed July 9, for the hearing of Gambaryan’s suit, following the hearing of the preliminary objection and the substantive matter.
The duo, in their fundamental rights enforcement suits in separate applications, sought a declaration that their detention and the seizure of their international travel passport contravened Section 35 (1) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (As Amended).
They claimed the act amounted to a violation of their fundamental right to personal liberty as guaranteed by the constitution, among others.
Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, are both US citizens working for Binance, a crypto exchange platform.
The duo and their company are facing charges bordering on money laundering with the EFCC and tax evasion with the Federal Inland Revenue.
When they were first arrested, they were kept in the custody of the NSA, however, Anjarwalla, absconded from lawful custody on March 22, 2024, to Kenya.
Balmoral, IFMA to elevate standards in hospitality
The International Facility Management Association in Nigeria has signed a partnership with Balmoral Group to provide strategic capacity building aimed at setting global standards for facility management in the hospitality industry.
The IFMA’s President, Olalekan Akinwumi, explained that the partnership will serve as a benchmark for regulating hospitality industry standards within Nigeria.
In a statement sent to According Online on Wednesday, Akinwumi stated, “This partnership is the first of its kind and marks the beginning of stronger institutions compliant with international best practices across Nigeria’s hospitality industry.”
“Building capacity involves looking beyond today, as all knowledge is utilized in the future. For us as facility managers, ensuring a safe environment goes beyond the building and includes the well-being of people. This strategic collaboration aims to establish safe event centres, positioning Balmoral Group as a benchmark for the industry.
“Our partnership will enable us to train staff and enhance facility management skills, leading to efficient service delivery. We believe this journey will set a new standard for the Nigerian hospitality industry, attract foreign confidence, and enhance visitors’ experience”, Akinwumi said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Balmoral Group, Dr. Ezekiel Adamu, noted that the firm is poised to deliver excellence across its operations.
He added, “The partnership with IFMA will no doubt steer conversations that would bring the Nigerian hospitality industry to par with world standards in hospitality. We charge vendors that work with event and hospitality firms to get incorporated into the system to ensure uniformity across the board.
“Our collaboration with IFMA focuses on innovation, education, and sustainability, ensuring operational excellence through their expertise in sustainable facility management. Together, Balmoral Event Center and IFMA will enhance our facilities’ efficiency, safety, and overall experience by exploring advanced technologies and methodologies. We will offer top-tier training programs, certifications, and industry insights to our staff, clients, and communities.
“With IFMA’s guidance, we will implement eco-friendly practices and aim to extend this partnership to other venues across Nigeria and Africa, encouraging businesses to seek IFMA certification. We hope the government mandates facility team certifications for event centres.”
Similarly, the General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Director of Noise Control, Mrs. Abosede Natufe, congratulated the duo for the bold step in championing environmental protection and safety in the hospitality industry.
“This collaboration exemplifies responsible action and lessens the burden on government agencies, setting a model for the hospitality industry. Coinciding with the 10th Lagos State Climate Change Conference, this initiative addresses the impact of human activities on safety and protection. Partnerships like IFMA and Balmoral relieve government agencies and set a model for the hospitality industry,” Babatunde said.
While advising the partners, Ms. Iyabode Aboaba stressed the importance of maintaining excellence and passion in service delivery.
“To do great work, you have to be passionate. To all of us here, let us crave excellence. You could be labelled, but don’t mind that label. That label will become something people will admire in you with time,” she said.
IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, reveals plan to negotiate with Nigerian govt for his release
The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has said he would seek negotiation with the Federal Government over his ongoing trial.
Kanu, who spoke through his lead counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, told the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, that he would seek the negotiation under Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
The Act states: “In any Proceeding In the court, the court may promote reconciliation among parties thereto and encourage and facilitate the amicable settlement thereof.”
Earlier at the resume sitting of the court on Wednesday, Ejimakor moved two applications brought before the court. The first application was to move form 49 and an application objecting to the jurisdiction of the court.
According to him, if the applications are denied, his client will move for the implementation of section 17 of the Federal High Court Act.
Read also: ‘Stop the killings. We are fighting for freedom, not death in S’East’ ,IPOB leader, Kanu pleads (Video)
Responding, counsel to the federal government, Adegboyega Awomolo told the court that he had earlier informed the defendant that he does not have the powers to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.
Awomolo also stated that the defendant should approach the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who has the power to negotiate on behalf of the government.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, in her response to the development, said the court was not a solicitor but to only hear cases.
Kanu has been in DSS custody since June 2021, after he was arrested in Kenya. Since his arrest, he has been facing terrorism-related charges levelled against him by the government.
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Putin says N. Korea hosted slain Russian soldiers’ children in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said North Korea had hosted children of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine at a summer camp in the reclusive country.
Putin thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the “act of care” during a state visit to Pyongyang to advance Russia’s relations with its close neighbour as ties with Western countries are ruptured over Ukraine.
The Russian children, who were sent to the Songdowon International Children’s Camp on the Pacific coast, are rare outsiders in the country which shut itself off from the world even more after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to thank our Korean friends and personally comrade Kim Jong Un for organising the holiday of the children of killed participants of the special military operation in the Korean camp Songdowon,” Putin said, using Moscow’s term for its offensive on Ukraine.
“We highly value this genuine act of care and friendship,” he added.
Moscow has not said how many of its troops have been killed in more than two years of fighting in Ukraine, but the number is believed to be at least in the tens of thousands.
Putin said that the countries were developing tourism ties.
“For the summer season, tours are being organised, focused on holidaying in Korean seaside resorts,” he said.
Russia and North Korea share a short land border, near the city of Vladivostok.
As Moscow touts relations with Pyongyang, regional authorities in the Russian Primorye region bordering North Korea have also upped cooperation.
Local governor Oleg Kozhemyako touted sending children from the region to North Korean camps during a visit by Kim to Russia’s Far East last year, causing some alarm from parents.
In an address to schoolchildren, Kozhemyako said: “When we were like you, we would go there, they had good camps in Korea. That’s why maybe we will agree and send some (children) to pioneer camps… There is the sea there and it is warm.”
In April, he said some 200 schoolchildren were ready to holiday in Songdowon.
At the time, the head of the Russian League for a Safe Internet, Yekaterina Mizulina, said she was flooded with complaints from concerned local parents.
AFP
Fire razes Bayero mall in Kano
A sudden midday fire outbreak on Wednesday ravaged a section of the Ado Bayero Mall, formally occupied by Game Stores, on Zoo Road in Kano.
The lease manager of the mall, Elizabeth Adeyemo, who confirmed the outbreak to The According, said the firemen are currently on the ground, making frantic efforts to quench the fire.
The According observed that customers were prevented from gaining entry into the mall.
The manager explained the reason was to enable the fire service men free access to put off the fire as soon as possible.
As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire could not be ascertained.
Details later…
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‘Stop the killings. We are fighting for freedom, not death in S’East’ ,IPOB leader, Kanu pleads (Video)
The incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has decried all manner of killings in South-East region and called for an immediate stop as that was not the idea of forming the group.
Kanu who made the appeal on Wednesday during his appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja, said he is a freedom fighter and does not want anybody to die.
Kanu who also condemned the killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State, on May 30 during the commemoration of the Biafra Day, said the killings in the region had turned many women into widows, and put families into mourning.
READ ALSO:Kanu’s lawyer exonerates Interpol in arrest of IPOB leader in Kenya
Speaking further, Kanu said:
“Some of these soldiers are our people and their families are now in mourning. All the making of young widows is condemned in its entirety.
“I don’t want anybody to die, we are fighting for freedom; we want people to be free.
“We have suffered a lot in Africa, from slavery in Arabia to Europe and America. I think we should focus our time to ensure that this continent stands up to what God promised.”
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Africa’s drug use to hit 40% by 2030, UNODC warns
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has predicted a 40 per cent increase in the use of drugs in Africa by 2030.
In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Wednesday, after a press conference to kick off the week-long activities to celebrate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, in conjunction with other stakeholders like the UNODC.
UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Danilo Campisi, said the projection is based on the population of young people on the continent.
He also lamented that the increase is extremely concerning considering that 2030 is only six years away.
He said, “Projections show that by 2030, there will be a 40% increase in the use of drugs in Africa, based on the population of young people. This is extremely concerning if we consider that 2030 is only six years away.
“We are all familiar with the saying: “prevention is better than cure” and considering the data and projections, it has become even more critical for Nigeria to invest heavily in drug use preventive measures. I do not think it would be an exaggeration to describe this as a national emergency. If the country is to take on the challenge of this projected increase in drug use, it is imperative that it adopts scientific evidence-based approaches that prioritise prevention and treatment.”
He said UNODC has worked with the government of Nigeria to adapt and implement evidence-based prevention measures which include the highly successful ‘UNPLUGGED’, a school-based Drug Prevention Programme implemented together with the Federal Ministry of Education, in 110 Unity Schools and a few states in the country, notably Kebbi, Bayelsa and recently, Kaduna, on the initiative of the State Governments in these states.
Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive, NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa(retd.) justified the decision of the anti-narcotics body to go after the assets of drug barons and traffickers as part of ongoing offensive action against illicit drugs and cartels.
The NDLEA boss, represented by the agency secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna stated, “Permit me to share with you that our offensive action against drug cartels and traffickers, launched in January 2021, has to date continued to yield the desired result with the arrests and prosecutions of several barons. As you are all aware, two serial traffickers got life imprisonment in court in April.
“Our prosecution efforts have continued to achieve successes in courts given the painstaking investigations and diligence in the prosecution of cases. Our water-tight case preparations are unassailable. This has been further strengthened with our forfeiture regime with the passage of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).
“Apart from conviction, the assets of the convicts used as instrumentality of the crime or the proceeds derived from the crime would be forfeited to the federal government. Indeed, a civil action in rem could be maintained against assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in which case the burden of proving the licit origin of the asset would be on the defendant who claims ownership of the asset. This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate.”
Speaking on the drug demand reduction efforts of the Agency, Marwa said the flagship programme, War Against Drug Abuse, built on the whole-of-society approach for preventive action against drug abuse has been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and an awareness-driven vehicle for public engagement and collaboration against illicit trafficking and abuse, which he said aligns with the theme for the 2024 World Drug Day, (WDD).
He said world drug day, observed on June 26 every year is an important day for the global community and an occasion during which current efforts against illicit drug problems are given policy direction for the next 12 months.
He added that the theme for this year, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention”, emphasises the importance of preventing people from falling into the danger of experimenting with illicit drugs and subsequently falling into the trap of dependence on psychoactive substances.
He said, “Prevention is an important aspect of the effort to curb the menace of abuse of illicit drugs in society. At NDLEA, prevention, as ably anchored in our War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), social advocacy programme is a priority area for us. Within our modest means and with the support of the Federal Government and our various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention by various means over the past three years as part of the reforms being undertaken in the agency.”
Giving a breakdown of the weeklong activities, the NDLEA boss explained, “On Friday, June 21, we will observe a Juma’at Service at the National Mosque in Abuja to commemorate World Drug Day. On Saturday, June 22, our usual Walk Against Drugs in collaboration with MTN and other stakeholders will be staged from the Old Parade Ground as the take-off point by 7 am to the Garki Market.
“On Sunday, June 23, we will have a thanksgiving church service at the National Christian Centre, that is, the Ecumenical Centre, by 10 am.
“On Monday, June 24, we will be having the grand finale of our secondary school essay competition. The NDLEA essay competition is a nationwide contest conducted among secondary schools, with the entries whittled down to the final six.
“That same day, Monday, June 24, is earmarked as NGO Day when our partners will have their activities. The following day, Tuesday 25, we will be in markets and parks in the Federal Capital Territory area councils for a programme for out-of-school youths. Finally, on Wednesday, June 26, the World Drug Day commemoration event will be held at the State House Conference Centre, beginning at 9 am, where all stakeholders will gather to formally unveil the new global policy direction for tackling illicit drug problems.”
He expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for the support given to the agency in various ways in the onslaught against drug traffickers.
“The UNODC has been a strong support for us as well as our foreign partners, including the US-Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the British Border Force, National Crime Agency of United Kingdom, as well as our stakeholders like Nigerian Armed Forces, the Customs, Police, Immigration, NAFDAC, NFIU, NACA, FRSC and Civil Defence, among others. And importantly, our media friends.
“That you are here today is a testament to the support you have given us these past three years. I cannot help but thank you and the media you represent”, he added
Egypt’s hajj death toll hits 600
An Arab diplomat told AFP on Wednesday that at least 600 Egyptians died during the hajj pilgrimage, citing searing heat that reached 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit) on Monday.
“All of the (newly confirmed) deaths were because of the heat as well,” the diplomat said after Arab officials earlier reported a figure of at least 323 Egyptian deaths.
AFP
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Court rejects fresh bail request for suspended cop, Abba Kyari
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a fresh application filed by the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abba Kyari to be released on bail, pending the conclusion of his trial.
Kyari is facing drug trafficking charges.
The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite, on Wednesday, held that the application was bereft of merit
It emphasised that the suspended DCP failed to establish any exceptional circumstance that would warrant the exercise of judicial discretion in his favour.
Justice Nwite noted that the trial court had earlier dismissed a similar bail application that was brought before it and ordered accelerated hearing of the case.
He held that no evidence was adduced to show why the court should depart from its earlier ruling.
Hence, the court refused the application and gave the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) the order to proceed with prosecution of both Kyari and his co-defendants in the matter.
The court’s ruling came about a month after it temporarily released the embattled erstwhile super cop from prison custody to enable him participate in his mother’s final burial rites.
It specifically granted him bail for a period not exceeding two weeks, even as he was mandated to pay a bail bond to the tune of N50 Million with a surety in the like sum.
Justice Nwite had on May 16, 2023, barred journalists from covering the case of the defendant who is on trial for allegedly tampering with cocaine that was seized from two convicted drug peddlers- Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne.
Justice Nwite barred Journalists from being present in the courtroom whenever Kyari’s case is called up for hearing before the court.
The restraining order followed an application that was brought before the court by the NDLEA.
Kyari, who hitherto headed the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) is answering to an eight-count charge the NDLEA preferred against him and four members of his team; ACP Sunday J. Ubia, ASP Bawa James, Insp. Simon Agirigba and Insp. John Nuhu.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s ex-supercop, Abba Kyari, granted temporary bail after 27 months in detention
The NDLEA had persuaded the court to walk all journalists and lawyers not connected to the case, out of the courtroom, citing the need to protect identities of some witnesses billed to testify in the matter.
The Director of Legal and Prosecution at the NDLEA, Sunday Joseph, explained that some of the witnesses he identified as intelligence officers, needed to be shielded, in view of the sensitivity of the case.
Insisting that the application was in the overall national interest, the prosecution counsel said it was observed that members of the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police IRT, who were loyal to DCP Kyari, were always in court to observe the proceedings.
Jutice Nwite had also on March 22, 2023, dismissed a motion that Kyari filed to challenge the competence of the charge against him.
Kyari, through his team of lawyers led by Nureni Jimoh (SAN) maintained that the charge was legally defective and premature, insisting that the NDLEA ought to have allowed police to exhaust its internal machinery before it instituted the action.
He told the court that the Police had already commenced investigation on allegations against him and issued an interim report.
The defendant argued that he could only be charged to court upon conclusion of the internal investigation by the police.
The NDLEA alleged that Kyari and his men, unlawfully tampered with 21.25 kilograms of cocaine that they seized from two convicted drug traffickers- Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwane- even as it also accused them of dealing in cocaine worth 17.55kg.
It alleged that the police officers committed the offence between January 19 and 25, 2022, at the office of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) IRT, Abuja, in connivance with one ASP John Umoru (now at large), contrary to section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, CAP N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The court had on two previous rulings, denied the defendants bail, even as it ordered that they be remanded at Kuje prison.
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal equally turned down Kyari’s request for bail.
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