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Makinde, Adeleke to unite Ondo PDP ahead of poll

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Makinde, Adeleke to unite Ondo PDP ahead of poll

The Peoples Democratic Party said, on Thursday, that it had not zoned its governorship ticket to any senatorial district in Ondo State ahead of the November 16, 2024 governorship election.

The party assured all aspirants of a level playing field while announcing that the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, and his Osun State counterpart, Ademola Adeleke, will meet with leaders of the Ondo State PDP and the party’s National Working Committee towards uniting the party to boost its chances ahead of the governorship election.

As outlined in its schedule, the PDP will hold a congress to select its governorship candidate on April 25, 2024.

It will sell the Expression of Interest Form, Nomination Form, and Ad Hoc Forms between March 7 and 21, while aspirants have a March 25 deadline to complete and submit the forms.

On Tuesday,  the PDP National Working Committee met with all governorship aspirants and stakeholders from Ondo State to deliberate on possible zoning, primary election methods, and consensus.

However, the meeting concluded without reaching a definitive decision.

In a statement on Thursday, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, commended the party stakeholders from Ondo State for their openness during the Tuesday meeting and their commitment to the success of the party in the forthcoming governorship election.

Ologunagba said, “The NWC clarifies that the party has not zoned its ticket for the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State to any part or area of the state.

“The NWC assures all intending governorship aspirants and all members of the party in Ondo State of a level playing field in all party nomination processes and activities leading to the November 16, 2024 governorship election in accordance with the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017), the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Party Guideline for the Election.

“The NWC further assures that the nomination process and activities leading to the governorship election will be all-inclusive, free, fair, and transparent in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and the Party Guideline for the Election.”

He announced the decision of the party to have Makinde, Adeleke and others unite the Ondo PDP.

“The NWC approved the convening of a special meeting of party leaders, comprising of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, top party leaders from Ondo State and the NWC to further ensure reconciliation and unity among party stakeholders in the state.

“The NWC urges and emphasises the need for all stakeholders to be consistent in the display of fidelity to the party and work together in the greater interest of the party and the people of Ondo State who are looking up to the PDP to rescue their state from the failed All Progressives Congress administration.

“The NWC restates its charge to the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the November 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State is free, fair, and credible,” Ologunagba said.

Go after coup mongers, FG instructs DIA

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Go after coup mongers, FG instructs DIA

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency to go after those calling for a coup in the country.

This is according to a statement on Thursday by the Director of Information, Press and Public Relations of the defence ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike.

Matawalle described those calling for an undemocratic change of government as agents of darkness and warned that anyone caught would not be treated lightly.

“The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with a democratic government in Nigeria and is focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.

“The propagators calling for the truncation of the constitutional government should desist from it and face the democratic reality on the ground.

“Just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to calling for military intervention which has no place in modern realities.

“The military is highly professionalised with a good civilian-military relationship, and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as the top priority.”

The minister urged all Nigerians to support and keep faith with the government of President Bola Tinubu in the efforts to make Nigeria great.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the Constitution and upholding democracy, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

For the umpteenth time, the Nigerian Army on Tuesday dismissed fears of a possible coup in the country,

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, speaking at a seminar for the Nigerian Army officers in Abuja, stated that the Army was dedicated to upholding the Constitution.

Lagbaja said personnel of his service had accepted the democratic system of government in place in the country and had no plan to truncate it.

He described personnel of the Nigerian Army under his leadership as agents of democracy.

His statement comes in the wake of a series of coup allegations against the military.

•Continued on www.punchng.com

The allegations were fuelled by the forceful takeover of power by the military in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.

But Lagbaja gave the assurance that soldiers would continue to carry out their mandates as contained in the constitution.

“Permit me to seize this opportunity to reiterate that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Army, has come to terms with the country’s choice of democracy as the preferred system of governance. We are, therefore, agents of democracy and have no desire to truncate it.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to defend our constitution and not suspend it for whatever reason. It is the duty of our elected leaders to lead while the military does its job as enshrined in our constitution. Nigerian Army personnel must therefore remain professional and be above board as they discharge their constitutional duties,” Lagbaja said.

In February, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said those calling for coup d’etat were enemies of Nigeria, saying the law would catch up with them.

The military had earlier revealed that there was pressure from certain unnamed quarters for a takeover of government following the lingering insecurity in the country.

But Musa said the Armed Forces was on top of its game and would continue to do the needful in protecting democracy in the country.

He said this while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after he inaugurated the main entrance of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Officers Transit Accommodation, both at the Division Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

The CDS said, “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy.

“We all want democracy and we do better under democracy. And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those that are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria.

“They should be very careful because the law will come after them. We can see that with democracy, a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through trying periods, I mean in life, nothing is hundred per cent.”

NPA generated N501bn revenue in 2023 – Bello-Koko

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NPA generated N501bn revenue in 2023 – Bello-Koko

The Nigerian Ports Authority has said that its annual revenue grew to N501bn in 2023 from N361bn in the prior year.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, in a statement on Thursday, attributed the revenue growth to the implementation of performance improvement measures.

Recall that the revenue profile of NPA rose from N317bn in 2020 to N361bn in 2022, despite its remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Account increasing from N80bn to N91bn in the last one year.

It noted that it had “succeeded in leapfrogging Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform to surpass its sterling performance” in 2022.

“The implementation of performance improvement measures resulted in unprecedented revenue generation and remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, with revenues steadily growing from N361bn in 2022 to N501bn as of December 2023,” it added.

NPA disclosed that remittances rose from N93.4bn in 2022 to N131.2bn in 2023, adding that taxes paid to the government of the federation, grew at various times in the period under review, “totalling the sum of $77.7m and N17.6bn respectively”.

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Minister assures gas investors of security

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Minister assures gas investors of security

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has assured investors in the Nigerian gas sector of the security and safety of their investments.

The minister stated this Wednesday while hosting top officials of Shanghai Huayi Energy Chemical Company Group of China and China Road and Bridge Corporation, who are investors in the Brass Methanol and Gas Hub Project in Bayelsa State.

 Ekpo said the government would create an enabling environment for investors in gas, which is the country’s transition fuel.

The minister, who spoke against the backdrop of political risks and security often nursed by prospective foreign investors to Nigeria, described the Brass project as one critical project of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

 According to  Ekpo, Nigeria is open for investments and investors, particularly in the gas sector need to entertain no fear.

 “The Federal Government is committed to developing Nigeria’s gas reserves through projects such as the Brass Methanol project which presents an opportunity for the diversification of Nigeria’s economy.

 “It is for this and other reasons that the project has been accorded the significant concessions or support that it enjoys from the government. Let me, therefore, assure you of the strong commitment of our government to the security and safety of yours and other investments as we have continually done for similar Chinese investments in Nigeria through the years,” he added.

 The former lawmaker tasked investors and contractors working on the project to double their efforts, saying, “I want to see this project running for the good of Nigeria and its investors.”

 The leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr Zheng Bi Jun, said the visit to the country was to carry out feasibility studies for investments in methanol projects.

Also, the Managing Director of Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Limited, Mr Ben Okoye, expressed the optimism of partnering with genuine investors on the project.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed last year that as saying that the country’s 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas reserve represents 33 per cent of Africa’s total gas reserves of 620tcf.

“Nigeria can be described as a gas-rich nation, ranking number one in Africa in reserves with a life index of 94 years,” he stated.

International Breweries warns pregnant women, children against

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International Breweries warns pregnant women, children against

International Breweries Plc has warned pregnant women and children against the consumption of alcohol.

According to a statement from the brewer, this was part of its just-concluded one-year Responsible Beverage Service programme in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 The firm said the initiative was aimed at promoting responsible drinking and discouraging harmful use of alcohol.

It stated that the RBS initiative by International Breweries was conceived by the AB InBev Foundation, its sponsor.

“It delivered targeted training to bar owners and managers through comprehensive sessions, simultaneously breathing new life into local communities via initiatives like clean-up exercises. The intervention programme aimed to mitigate alcohol-related harms attributed to problems such as drunk driving, underage drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol consumption by pregnant women,” it was stated.

 The firm noted that those efforts were focused on encouraging positive drinking habits and mitigating the adverse effects of abusive alcohol consumption.

 “During the exercise, the team engaged in various outreach programmes, including health sensitisation sessions for pregnant women and those of reproductive age at the Model Primary Health Centre in Orogbum. Executive training sessions were also conducted for members of the Association of Hotel Owners and Managers at the Mimi Fish and Lounge, Old Aba Road, Rumuomasi.

“The initiative also extended its revitalisation efforts to Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumene, among other institutions,” the statement added.

 In Rivers State, the initiative was said to have equipped 302 proprietors and administrators of alcohol service establishments with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement responsible beverage service.

According to International Breweries, about 387 servers, bar attendants, and security personnel were trained on RBS practices, adding that the RBS project impacted a total of 9,667 persons directly and an estimated 101,663.

 One of the nursing mothers who benefited from the AB InBev-sponsored campaign, Mrs Gladys Onoh, said: “When I was pregnant, my doctor warned me to stay away from alcohol because of the baby; but when International Breweries Responsible Beverage Service came to my area in Port Harcourt with the same message, I was reminded to take it seriously. Today, anytime I look at my baby, I am glad I listened. I am grateful to AB InBev Foundation and International Breweries for this initiative.”

Anambra govt opposes Obiano’s trial by EFCC

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Anambra govt opposes Obiano’s trial by EFCC

The Anambra State Government has opposed the trial of the immediate-past governor of the state, Willie Obiano, by the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC on January 24 arraigned Obiano on nine charges bordering on N4bn theft.

In the charges, the EFCC accused Obiano of diverting Anambra State’s security votes to the tune of N4,008,573,350 while he was governor between 2014 and 2022.

Following his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Inyang Ekwo allowed him to continue on the administrative bail granted him by the EFCC but restricted the ex-governor’s movement to Abuja.

Justice Ekwo ordered the EFCC to deposit Obiano’s travel documents with the court registrar.

A day after the arraignment, the incumbent Anambra State  Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, paid Obiano in Abuja.

Taking to his Facebook page, Soludo wrote: “Today,  in the company of the APGA National Chairman, Ezeokenwa Sly Jr, I paid a solidarity visit to my respected predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano, in Abuja.

“The two-hour chat was valuable time well spent. By His grace, this one too shall pass.”

At the resumed proceedings in the trial on Thursday, Obiano’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), informed Justice Ekwo that the Anambra State government was opposed to Obiano’s trial by the EFCC.

The SAN informed the court of a March 3 appeal filed by state government to challenge the authority of the EFCC to investigate and try Obiano.

Ikpeazu said, “The subject matter of the charge bothers on accountability for security votes funds.

The honourable court lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain issues on accountability for security votes funds.

“There is an appeal filed by the Anambra State Government challenging the powers of the EFCC to investigate the security vote of the Anambra State Government.

 “The preferment of the entire charge is in bad faith.”

Ikepazu also stated that there was no testimony from any witness indicating that Obiano issued directives for the disbursement of security votes and other funds belonging to the Anambra State government.

He said, “No evidence exists from any witness showing that defendant/applicant passed down directives on the disbursements of security votes and other funds belonging to Anambra State Government.

“The defendant/applicant cannot be made answerable for any purported unlawful actions of officials of Anambra State Government as there is no vicarious liability in our criminal jurisprudence.

“The thinking and conclusion of the prosecution on the counts arose from speculation and suspicion. This honourable court has inherent judicial powers to grant all the reliefs sought above.”

Meanwhile, the N4bn theft trial was stalled for the second time on Thursday over the inability of Obiano’s lawyer to respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the prosecution.

The matter, which was initially slated for hearing on March 5, had stalled over Obiano’s motion challenging the territorial jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter.

 Justice Ekwo had then adjourned till Thursday to hear the motion.

However, at the resumed proceedings on Thursday, the EFCC prosecutor,  Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), told the court that he initially found it difficult to serve the processes on Obiano’s lead counsel, Ikpeazu, whose office he said was locked at the time he visited.

The prosecution counsel told the court that he subsequently called another lawyer in Ikpeazu’s chambers, who notified him that his principal was engaged at a Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

He, however, said he was able to serve both the counter-affidavit and the written address on the defendant.

However, the counsel, who represented Obiano in court, Patrick Ikweto (SAN), informed the court that he just got the EFCC’s processes and needed to study them and file his reply.

Justice Ekwo subsequently adjourned the matter till March 13.

Nigeria commences export to S’Africa, others in April

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Nigeria commences export to S’Africa, others in April

Nigeria is to begin the formal export of locally produced commodities to South Africa, Rwanda, Cameroon and Kenya from next month under the Guided Trade Initiative of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the national centre of AfCFTA announced on Thursday.

Although some businesses in Nigeria currently export products to these countries, they make such exports informally, but beginning April, Nigerian companies would start the official and formal export of commodities to African nations under the AfCFTA treaty.

The African Continental Free Trade Area is a free trade agreement established among 54 of the 55 African Union nations, creating the largest free trade area in the world by the number of participating countries.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Abuja Stakeholders Workshop on the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol, on Thursday, the Executive Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA, Olusegun Awolowo, told journalists that though trading under the main AfCFTA had yet to start, the secretariat of the programme had introduced the Guided Trade Initiative.

He said, “We haven’t started trading in AfCFTA, we are duly going through the protocols. But recently the AfCFTA secretariat itself launched what they call the Guided Trade Initiative to get some countries to start trading outside their regional blocks.

“We’ve signed onto it and I think that by the end of April we are taking a few companies, big, medium and small enterprises to actually launch trading in Africa. All we are doing now is that we are going through and signing all the protocols, as well as finding a way on how to implement them.

“So we are now at the stage of implementation. Therefore, trading hasn’t really commenced under AfCFTA. It is not an overnight thing, you have to go through all the protocols, sign them and agree.

“However, we are hoping that we are able to start trading under the GTI, not on the main AfCFTA itself, by the end of April. So it will be on record that Nigeria has now started exporting officially and formally, because, of course, informal trade is going on anyway.”

Asked to name some of the countries that had also signed onto the GTI scheme which Nigeria would formally start exporting products to, Awolowo replied, “We are going to South Africa, Kenya, Cameroon and Rwanda. This is under the Guided Trade Initiative that was brought by AfCFTA, knowing that trade agreements take long.

“In fact, this AfCFTA is the fastest one. How long did it take the World Trade Organisation to get on ground? They are still signing protocols up till today. But this is fastest one and to fast-track it, that is what the GTI is all about.

“It is an initiative that enables countries to chose. Let’s take the companies and let them actually export from the various ports. Then we test the capacities of the ports, test the capacities of the shipments and the capacities of cargoes. Then the private sector can fully buy into it. So that’s what is going to happen.”

Established in March 2018, the AfCFTA became effective on May 30, 2019, with the goal to boost intra-African trade, foster economic development and create a larger, more competitive African market.

The benefits of the agreement include increased trade and investment opportunities, creation of jobs, improved living standards and enhanced economic diversification and transformation.

It, however, has some challenges which include the difficulty in the implementation of trade facilitation measures, addressing infrastructure gaps, and building productive capacity.

Experts say the AfCFTA has the potential to be a game-changer for Africa, but its success will depend on overcoming these challenges and ensuring all member states can participate effectively.

Speaking about the workshop, Awolowo stated that the adoption of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol marked a significant milestone in the journey towards economic integration and digital transformation.

“It signifies our collective commitment to leveraging digital technologies to enhance intra-African trade, foster innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth.

“In the wake of this landmark achievement, it is imperative that we equip ourselves with the requisite knowledge and resources to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Trade is competitive!

“In this regard, it is imperative that all stakeholders, particularly our esteemed Nigerian youth, embrace the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol as a catalyst for job creation, wealth generation, and socio-economic empowerment.

“The digital economy holds unparalleled potential to empower our youth, unleash their entrepreneurial spirit, and facilitate their meaningful participation in the global marketplace.”

On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Legal, Research and Compliance Matters in the Office of the Vice President, Bashir Maidugu, advised the government to get the youths involved in AfCFTA Digital trade.

“Nigeria is the largest market in Africa and we are leading in the digital e-commerce space, but what the government is advised to do is to encourage the youths and other professional bodies to utilise the opportunity of the AfCFTA to boost the Nigerian economy.

“So the government will have to pay more attention to Nigerian youths, who are already dominating in Africa, for example, Flutterwave, Konga, Jiji and so many other online stores and fintech payment systems.

“The government can be more active in developing the skills of these youths who are the driving force for digital trade. So the attention could be by funding universities and other research institutes and e-learning centres. This is to ensure that we maintain our dominance and add more,” Maidugu stated.

Protesting residents warn against Shaibu’s impeachment

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Protesting residents warn against Shaibu’s impeachment

Residents of Jattu in the Etsako West Local Government, on Thursday, trooped out to protest against the impeachment move initiated by the Edo State House of Assembly against the Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.

The protesters,  under the aegis of the Peace Movement and Peoples Democratic Party  faithful, took to the streets in the early hours of Thursday, bearing placards.

Some of the inscriptions of the placards read: “We want peace in Edo State”; “Return the N500m bribe to Obaseki”; and “Shaibu is our Next Governor, no going back”; among others.

The Edo House of Assembly, on Wednesday, commenced impeachment proceedings against Shaibu, accusing him of perjury and leaking the government’s secrets.

The impeachment notice is believed to be the latest development in the rift between Shaibu and his principal, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

There had been an uneasy calm between the deputy governor and the governor since last year when Shaibu declared his interest in joining this year’s Edo governorship race.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters,  Aminu Umosor, said they would mobilise the people of the state and the PDP to work against the party if the Assembly  did not immediately drop the impeachment plan against Shaibu.

Umosor said, “The House of Assembly should drop this impeachment move against the deputy governor. He has not done anything that will warrant his being impeached. Governor Obaseki should also jettison this move as it will cause further rift in the party.”

Another protest leader,  Gafata Emmanuel, said, “I must warn the legislators against this act because the protest will continue until Governor Obaseki and the lawmakers embrace peace.”

 Meanwhile, Shaibu’s Press Secretary, Musa Ebomhiana, said on Thursday that efforts were on to resolve matter.

“The PDP as a party has stepped in as a family to resolve the matter. The umbrella is big enough to accommodate everyone,” Ebomhiana said.

Announcing the impeachment proceedings on Wednesday, the Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, said the action was based on a petition dated March 5, 2024, signed by 21 out of the 24 members of the House.

“The petition against the deputy governor came in on March 5 and was signed by 21 out of the 24 members. The number of members who signed the petition was more than the two-thirds requirement stipulated in the constitution,” Aiguobarueghian said.

The Majority Leader said the allegations in the petition bordered on perjury and revealing of government secrets.

The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, who acknowledged receipt of the petition, directed the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai, to serve the impeachment notice on the deputy governor.

Agbebaku gave the deputy governor seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

Forensic expert confirms forgery of Buhari’s signature

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Forensic expert confirms forgery of Buhari’s signature

A forensic document examiner, Bamaiyi Haruna, said, on Thursday, that his analysis of some documents used to release $6.2m from the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2023 showed that the documents were forged.

Haruna, who is an official of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, stated this at the resumed trial of the immediate-past , CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

The EFCC, on June 18, 2023, arraigned Emefiele on amended 20 counts, in which he was accused of impersonating the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to illegally move $6.2m from the CBN vault.

In the charges, the EFCC alleged that on February 8, 2023, Emefiele connived with one Odoh Ocheme, who is now on the run, to obtain $6.2m from the CBN, claiming that it was requested by the SGF “vide a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201.

At the previous hearing,  the immediate-past SGF, Boss Mustapha, appeared as a witness to testify against Emefiele.

Mustapha, in his testimony, told the court that neither he nor ex-President Muhammadu Buhari were aware of the $6.2m, adding that Buhari’s signature was forged to move the money out.

Mustapha also told the court that the Federal Government had no business funding foreign election observers.

“In all the correspondences I have received from Buhari, it has never had ‘please accept the assurance of my highest regard’. I am his subordinate, my correspondences do not carry that.

“And lastly, looking at the signature, it is a failed attempt at reproducing Buhari’s signature. I will leave that to the experts,” Mustapha, who was the fourth prosecution witness, told the court.

At the resumed trial on Thursday, the forensic expert, Haruna, who appeared as the sixth prosecution witness, said his analysis of the signatures on the documents used to move out of the $6.2m showed that they were forged.

Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Haruna said, “The conclusion from the analysis revealed that the disputed documents showed evidence of forgery and copying art as the pen movement form and formation of the signatures and the skill of execution were found to be different from that of the specimen signatures A to A2 and B to Bi.

“The form and formation of the signatures marked X and the specimen signature marked B to B1 were found to be different in respect of pen movement impulses, skill of execution, loop formation, and presence of tremors, there were individual characteristics. This is a confirmation that the signature of the author of the specimens marked B to B1 does not rhyme with the signature of Buhari on the disputed document marked X.

“Also, the form and formation of the disputed signatures marked X1 and specimen signature A2 were also found to be different with respect to pen movement impulses. Initial and terminal strokes, loop formation, presence of tremors, and individual characteristics. This is also a confirmation that the signature of the author of the specimen marked A2 did not rhyme with the signature of Boss Mustapha on the disputed document marked X1.”

The prosecutor applied to the court to tender the forensic report dated January 25, 2024, and other documents attached as exhibits.

Emefiele’s lawyer,  Mathew Burkaa (SAN), did not oppose.

Justice Hamza Muazu subsequently admitted them as evidence and marked them as Exhibits FDE.

During cross-examination by  Burkaa, the witness urged the court to rely on his report.

When asked if Emefiele’s signature was analysed,  he said no.

Also asked if EFCC operatives submitted the materials analysed, Haruna said, “Operatives of the EFCC submitted the request to the department.”

The matter was subsequently adjourned till March 11.

Nigeria brace for Namibia test after Tanzania draw

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Nigeria brace for Namibia test after Tanzania draw

Nigeria senior women’s cricket team, the Female Yellow Greens, will hope to keep their 2023 African Games campaign on track when they face Namibia on Friday (today) in their second Group A game at the Achimota Cricket Oval in Accra, According Sports Extra reports.

Leke Oyede’s side got off to a great start on Thursday with a draw against their recent fierce rivals Tanzania, but the third meeting between the two sides could not be concluded due to rain.

In the first innings, the Tanzanians, who won the toss, managed 58 runs for the loss of three wickets in 10 overs.

The Female Yellow Greens did not bat in the game.

Meanwhile, Namibia are currently leading the group, one point ahead of Nigeria and Tanzania.

The 17th-placed side in the ICC rankings took a big scalp off the highest-ranked team in Africa, South Africa (5) by one run in DLS method.

The Namibians had posted 89 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs before the weather also threatened the game. In the second innings, South Africa had 29 runs for the loss of four wickets in six overs and they fell short in the application of the method designed to calculate the target score for the chasing team.

Cricket is being played at the African Games for the first time since the continental showpiece started in 1965.

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