Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has ordered the immediate arrest and detention of Mr Emmanuel Ezeanochie, Chairman of Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA).
The state government in a special announcement Monday night, said: “In accordance with his resolve to rid the state of corruption in all sectors, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State, has ordered the arrest and detention of Mr Emmanuel Ezeanochie, the state chairman of Imo State Amalgamated Traders Association (ISAMATA).
“The order followed allegations that Mr Ezeanochie fraudulently used the name of the government to illegally appropriate land and market stalls for his personal use.
“In like manner, His Excellency has approved the immediate dissolution of the state executive committee of ISAMTA.”
According to the special announcement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientations, and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, “His Excellency further directs the relevant security agencies to expedite investigations into the allegations against the former chairman of ISAMATA, Mr Ezeanochie and prosecute him if indicted.”
Uzodimma orders arrest, detention of lmo traders chairman over alleged corruption
Uzodimma orders arrest, detention of lmo traders chairman over alleged corruption
Alleged fraud: EFCC files fresh charges against Sirika, brother
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed fresh charges against former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother, Ahmad Sirika; and his company – Enginos Nigeria Limited, with over N19.4bn fraud.
The money is said to be for several aviation ministry contracts from the former minister, to Enginos Nigeria Limited, owned by Sirika’s younger brother, Abubakar.
The Sirika brothers and Enginos Nigeria Limited will on Tuesday be arraigned before Justice Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
In the copy of the fresh charges, the EFCC alleged that Sirika, “while being the Minister of Aviation, on or about August 18, 2022, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did use your position to confer an unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, is your biological brother, by using your position to influence the award to him, the contract for the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,345,586,500.00.”
According to the anti-graft agency, Sirika’s alleged action contravened Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and was punishable under the same section.
In another count, the EFCC alleged that “on or about November 3, 2022, in Abuja,” Sirika used his position “to confer unfair advantage upon Enginos Nigeria Limited, whose alter ego, Ahmad Abubakar Sirika, is your biological brother, by using your position to influence the award to him, the contract for the establishment of Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport for the sum of N3,811,497,685.00.”
In another count, he was accused of corruptly awarding a N615,195,275.00 contract to his brother, to procure and install lift and air conditioners and power generators for the Aviation House in Abuja.
The EFCC alleged that Sirika, between August 2022 and May 2023 in Abuja, “had possession of an aggregate sum of N2,337, 840,674.16, which sum you knew indirectly represented the proceeds of criminal conducts of Hadi Abubakar Sirika, who was the Minister of Aviation at the time.”
Alleged fraud: EFCC files fresh charges against Sirika, brother
DSS storms Ogun court to arrest defendants
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday reportedly stormed a high court sitting in Ilaro, Ogun State and arrested two defendants.
The defendants, Alhaji Isiaka Fatai and Samuel Oyero, were standing over matters pertaining to suit No HCP/IC/2023 to wit: The State vs Awode Oladosu & 13 others, which was presided over by Justice A.A. Shobayo.
The case bordered on an allegation of arson reported by one Akeem Adigun (aka Socopao) in which Alhaji Isiaka Fatai, Oyero and 12 others.
It could be recalled that Agosasa was recently enmeshed in crisis, with property worth billions of naira destroyed with one life lost over an Obaship tussle in the town.
In a statement from the counsel to Alhaji Isiaka, Kehinde Bamiwola Esq, he alleged that the men of the DSS operatives used weapons on the two, stressing that “Alhaji Isiaka Fatai was beaten, slapped, man-handled, rough-handled and molested.
The Principal Registrar of the High Court and Sectional Head of High Court, Ilaro, Comrade Omololu Olusanya, who confirmed the incident, described it as shocking and disrespectful to the rule of law.
He noted that even after the judge had ordered the operatives not to make any arrest within the court premises, they still proceeded to arrest the two persons.
“They still went ahead and did the act to the extent that they assaulted one of our staff members, Mrs. Fadina, while doing that act. It’s a very sad issue that caused a lot of noise within the court premises.
“It was from the source that we heard they were DSS agents. If anybody sees them, one would think they were armed robbers.
“They did not wear anything that identified them as DSS, but they came to my lord this morning and said they had some people to arrest. That was when we knew they were DSS officers.
“ They approached the judge before the court session began. The honorable judge advised them that if they wanted to make an arrest, it must not be done within the court premises.
“They could stay outside and do whatever they wanted, but they refused that advice and carried out the arrest within the premises,” he said.
DSS storms Ogun court to arrest defendants
Solve hunger, economic problems or face protest bigger than EndSARS – Primate Ayodele warns Tinubu
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele on Tuesday asked President Bola Tinubu to solve hunger and electricity problems in the country in order to avoid an impending massive protest that will affect every sector.
Primate Ayodele revealed that if there is no solution to economic hardship, the protest will come up between August and September 2024.
In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele made it known that it will be bigger than the popular EndSARS protest because every Nigerian will participate in order to express their displeasure with the current administration.
He said, ‘’President Tinubu, don’t allow another massive protest to come up, let there be food on the table of Nigerians. Do something about this inflation so that we can avoid inflation. I see another massive protest that will affect every quarter. If there is no improvement by August-September, it will be terrible.’’
Continuing, the prophet advised the president to declare a state of emergency on economy and electricity because both sectors are not improving. He advised the president to improve on agriculture while urging him to avoid propaganda and face reality.
‘’President Tinubu should address the economic hardship now, he should also improve on electricity because if there is no adequate power supply, it will affect the economy badly. They should declare a state of emergency on electricity because nothing is improving. This aspect will affect the Nigerian economy.
“The government should also improve on agriculture in order to prevent hardship that is uncalled for. There is a lot to do in order to bring the price of food commodities down, if you don’t do it now, there will be a massive protest. All this propaganda will not help, let them face reality,’’ he added.
Solve hunger, economic problems or face protest bigger than EndSARS – Primate Ayodele warns Tinubu
Nigerian govt may need supplementary budget to meet demands of new minimum wage, says IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has disclosed that the Federal Government may need to raise a supplementary budget to accommodate the proposed minimum wage increase for Nigerian workers.
According to the international lender, this has become necessary as the negotiated amount may surpass the budgeted amount in the original 2024 budget.
This was contained in IMF’s 2024 Article IV Consultation report recently released..
The new minimum wage has been an ongoing matter between Organised Labour and the government since the beginning of this year to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy.
Recent reforms in Nigeria including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange market have pushed the cost of living to newer levels.
While labour leaders demand N615,000 from N30,000 as salaries for lowest ranked workers, there are indications the tripartite committee may recommend N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
Reacting to this, IMF said “The authorities noted that a supplementary budget may be needed to accommodate the outcome of the ongoing wage structure negotiations which may exceed what they had included in the 2024 budget,” the report stated.
READ ALSO:IMF warns Nigerian govt on amendment of CBN Act
In the 2024 budget, the government allocated N6.48tn for personnel costs but the international lender posits that the amount may be insufficient.
It also noted that the government might need to raise the domestic and external borrowing ceilings to prevent fresh borrowings from the Central Bank Of Nigeria’s Ways and Means.
It said, “Based on staff’s projections, the authorities must raise the domestic and external borrowing ceilings to prevent renewed recourse to CBN financing. With higher interest rates, banks and nonbanks should have sufficient appetite—as indicated by market sources—conditional on careful management of system liquidity, including a likely reduction in the currently high cash reserve requirement.
“Staff projects that the government’s 2024 net financing needs can be met from the market and external borrowing. Domestic market financing needs to increase by 1.5 per cent of GDP over 2023. In addition, the government wants to retire outstanding ways and means borrowing from the CBN of 2.5 per cent of GDP through the issuance of further domestic securities.
It added, “While staff agrees that ways and means financing should be brought to zero by end-2024 in line with the law, the authorities may need to consider other options to avoid crowding out private sector credit, including drawing down the government’s deposits at the CBN built up in 2023 or a second securitisation operation to tackle this legacy problem.
“While external financing is costlier than when Nigeria last accessed Eurobond markets, staff supports an opportunistic issuance, also given upcoming maturities in 2025. A Eurobond issuance and some official financing are factored into staff’s projections as an integral part of the 2024 financing mix.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
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Katsina Gov swears in new Head of Service, retains former Reform Adviser
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has sworn in Alhaji Falalu Bawale as the state’s new Head of Service.
The Katsina Governor also swore in the immediate past Head of Service, Usman Isiyaku, as Special Adviser on Public Service Reforms and member of the State Executive Council.
Addressing the audience at the swearing-in ceremony after administering the oath of office and oath of allegiance to the appointees at the Katsina Government House Chamber, Governor Radda stated that both the new Head of Service and the Special Adviser were appointed on merit.
He called on all the permanent secretaries to join hands with the new head of service to enable them deliver for the progress of the state.
According to the Katsina Governor, the major challenge facing the incumbent administration was the issue of time, as the state government had a lot to cover.
Turning to the Special Adviser, Governor Radda described him as a committed and trustworthy personality, which prompted the state administration to retain him to enjoy more from his vast experience.
Katsina Gov swears in new Head of Service, retains former Reform Adviser
No respite for naira, depreciates further to N1478/$1 at official window
There is no respite yet for the Nigerian currency, the naira as it continued its depreciation against the dollar on Monday May 13, 2024 to trade at N1, 478/$1 data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) has shown.
At the end of trading on Monday, the naira lost N12 against the dollar when compared to the previous exchange rate of N1, 466/$1 on Friday, May 10, 2024.
The intra-day high and low recorded during the day were N1,515/$1 and N1,301/$1 respectively, representing a lean spread of N214$1.
Similarly, the naira against the dollar at the parallel section of the market, crossing the N1500 point to trade at N1,515/$1 representing a loss of N45 when compared to the N1, N1,470/$1 it traded the previous trading day.
READ ALSO:Naira crashes further, trades at N1,421/$1 at official window
In the same vein, the naira lost N20 against the pound. The domestic currency depreciated by N20 against the British Pound to trade at N1,860£1 as against the previous trading price of N1,840/£1 representing a loss of N20 for the local currency,
The Canadian dollar closed flat against the naira to trade at N1,200| CA$1 same as the previous trading day rate of N1,200| CA$1.
The naira also depreciated massively against the Euro to trade at ₦1,600/€1 as against the rate of ₦1,530/€1 the previous trading rate this represents a loss of N70 in the local currency.
By: Babajide Okeowo
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RIVERS CRISIS: Asari-Dokubo lashes Wike, accuses him of ‘playing god’ (Video)
Former Niger Delta militant and founder of the defunct Niger Delta Peoples’ Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has weighed in on the current political crisis rocking Rivers State as a result of the fallout between immediate past Governor Nyesom Wike and his estranged political godson, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In a video he posted on his Facebook page on Monday, Dokubo, an ally of Fubara, accused Wike of “playing god” who wants to be worshipped by everyone in the state including Fubara who was elected by the people of the state.
In the video, Dokubo also warned President Bola Tinubu not to make the mistake of handing over Rivers and Bayelsa to the FCT Minister.
“He (Wike) is now playing god. It is dead on arrival, all those things that he is doing,” Dokubo said in the video.
“I advise my friend, President Bola Tinubu; what you are doing to all Ijaw, Ikwerre people in Rivers State. You took Rivers state and gave it to one man.”
Dokubo who also seized the opportunity to celebrate Fubara as he clocks one year in office, said the incumbent governor was on the right path.
READ ALSO:Again, Asari-Dokubo laments appointments, says Tinubu ‘traveling on a dangerous path’ (Video)
“With Governor Fubara leading the way, there is hope for a future of growth and development, free from division and discord,” he said.
“Rivers State boasts abundant natural resources that, when properly utilized, can elevate the region into an economic powerhouse, creating opportunities and prosperity for its people.
“By following in the footsteps of the visionary founding fathers of Rivers State, like Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye and Chief Godfrey Kio Jaja Amachree, who championed unity and inclusivity, it is possible to build a united and prosperous future for all.
“As we celebrate this important milestone, I call on all residents of Rivers State to embrace peace, forgiveness, and inclusivity.
“By working together with Governor Fubara, regardless of political differences, a brighter and more prosperous future for Rivers State is within reach.”
The former militants leader also commended Tinubu for the award of the contract for the coastal highway, which he said would unleash wealth and development in the areas covered by the highway.
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Ohanaeze: Unfounded allegations won’t deter our pursuit of Igbo interest – Isiguzoro
The factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro has declared that no amount of propaganda and frivolous allegations would make him jettison the pursuit of Igbo interest.
He spoke in reaction to allegations against him and some other chieftains of Ohanaeze Ndigbo by Ohanaeze President, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Isiguzoro, who said there are clandestine meetings ahead of the 2027 election, which is aimed at satisfying the personal interest of an unnamed South-East governor in the All Progressives Congress, APC, said they would continue to frustrate such moves.
He said Professor Obasi Igwe, Dr. Harford Ugwu, and Professor Nwankwo Nwaezeigwe should be commended for standing tall in defence of Igbo interest and vilification.
“These noble individuals have exhibited unwavering courage in unveiling the hidden agendas and clandestine political machinations of the so-called ‘Ohanaeze Reconciliation Committee.’
“This committee, established in December 2023 with an office in Abuja, has been unmasked for its ulterior motive: to advance the 2027 Vice Presidential ambition of a Southeast Governor.
“The clandestine activities of this committee aim to pair a Southeast Governor as the running mate to a Northern presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.
“This strategic move seeks to exploit Northern discontent with the Federal Government to oppose President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.
“Despite facing setbacks exposed by leaked audio recordings, the civil intrigues to unseat President Tinubu persist, with financial backing provided by the Southeast Governor.
“This subversive effort involves leveraging a faction of misguided Igbo Elders to engage with Northern counterparts, Fulani leaders, and Northern Monarchs.”
He said the proponents had “resorted to deceptive tactics, baseless accusations, and alarmist strategies to obfuscate the truth.”
He said the allegations directed against him were “groundless, malicious, and untruthful.
“No monetary demands for any medical trip were made to Chief Iwuanyanwu by Isiguzoro. We challenge Chief Iwuanyanwu to substantiate any claims he makes.
“Isiguzoro, along with Professor Obasi, Professor. Nwankwo Nwezeigwe, and other dedicated individuals, will not be deterred by ongoing threats, intimidation, or false media propaganda.
“Recent events highlight the urgency of safeguarding OHANAEZE NDIGBO from being co-opted for the 2027 Vice Presidential aspirations of the Southeast Governor.
“Attempts to extend the President General’s tenure from Imo State and deprive Rivers State of the rightful opportunity to lead OHANAEZE Ndigbo must be scrutinized and resisted by Ndigbo.”
He called on all Ndigbo and well-meaning Nigerians “to stand together to safeguard our collective future from divisive forces seeking to manipulate our destiny.
“It is only through collaboration, honesty, and a firm dedication to the truth that we can navigate the challenges that lie ahead.”
Ohanaeze: Unfounded allegations won’t deter our pursuit of Igbo interest – Isiguzoro
FG petitions IGP as Niger Speaker moves to marry off 100 girls
Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, IGP, and sought for a court injunction to stop Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, Speaker of the Niger State Assembly from marrying off 100 orphaned girls.
TVN recalls that the Speaker recently announced his plans to marry off the orphaned girls.
The orphans reportedly lost their parents due to banditry attacks in Mariga local government area of the state.
The Speaker announced that marrying them off would be part of his constituency project.
He announced that the gesture is “aimed at alleviating the suffering of the impoverished”, pledging to pay the dowries for the bridegrooms and have procured materials for the mass marriage.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, described the plans as “unacceptable” emphasising that a full-scale investigation has commenced on the issue.
“I want to let the honorable speaker of the house in Niger State to know that this is totally unacceptable by the Federal Minister of Women Affairs and by the government, totally unacceptable.
“Because there is something called the Child’s Right Act and I said it from the onset, that it is no more business as usual.
“These children must be considered, their future must be considered.
“So I have gone to court. I have written him a letter and written a petition to the IG of police.
”And I have filed for injunction to stop him from whatever he is planning to do on the 24th, until a thorough investigation is carried out on those girls, find out whether they gave their consent, their ages, find out the people marrying them,” she said
FG petitions IGP as Niger Speaker moves to marry off 100 girls