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Security personnel deploy drones in tracking missing Chinese in Abia

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Security personnel deploy drones in tracking missing Chinese in Abia

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that its officers are collaborating with other security agents to find Mr Li Peiyin, a Chinese national who went missing from a quarry site in Lokpanta, Umunneochi Local Government Area.

Chinaka Chioma Maureen, the new Police Public Relations Officer, made this known during a phone conversation about the matter.

According to the PPRO, men from the Command were doing everything they could to save the Chinese site manager at Lokpanta Quarry.

Read Also: Ogun court orders customs CG to comply with seized trucks judgement

She stated that the combined security team, which included the police and other security agencies, had expanded the search for the missing Manager to Ebonyi and Enugu States, and that scientific equipment such as drones had already been deployed to achieve the desired results.

The PPRO stated that previous reports indicated that the expatriate did not go with his security details on the day he was declared missing, but that investigations into his disappearance were still ongoing.

It has not been determined whether the Chinese citizen was kidnapped, but reports indicate that the Caterpillar that the Chinese expatriate drove before his disappearance was discovered somewhere else, with the keys still in the ignition.

Ogun court orders customs CG to comply with seized trucks judgement

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Ogun court orders customs CG to comply with seized trucks judgement

A Federal High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has ordered the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to immediately comply with a court order compelling it to release 9 trucks impounded from petroleum product marketers by June 19.

The trucks were among the 24 illegally impounded tankers by the service since 2019. According to the NCS, 15 of the trucks were auctioned, while others were at the Nigeria Customs Service’s Idiroko Border Post.

The plaintiffs, Olamitide International Limited, TONIFANS Nigeria Limited, Olafems Oil and Gas Limited, Joffy A.A Petroleum Limited, Wahabisco Oil Petroleum Limited, Vicket Petroleum Limited, Mikenid Petroleum Nigeria Limited, and Registered Trustees of Ipokia/Idiroko Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, took the NCS to court over the illegal seizure and confiscation of 24 petroleum tankers in 2019.

The court, presided over by Justice A.A Demi-Ajayi, had on May 15, 2023, ordered the NCS to release the impounded tankers as pronounced by the court on August 9, 2022, in the case with suit number FHC/AB/CS/8/2020 on or before the next adjournment date of June 5, or risk the conclusion of proceeding of committal of the Contempt of Court against the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) as instituted by counsel to the plaintiffs.

When the case resumed on Monday, Justice Ajayi bemoaned the NCS’s failure to comply with the court’s decision, noting that she expected the trucks to be returned to their owners.

The justice declared that the court’s order must be followed without regard for bureaucratic approval.

She stated that she would not hesitate to grant the plaintiffs’ counsel’s application for a committal of contempt of court proceeding against the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

However, Justice Ajayi postponed the case until June 19, 2023, in order to comply with the court order.

Earlier in his submission, Smart Akande, the NCS’s Legal Adviser, pleaded with the court to allow the service to secure approval for compliance with the court judgment.

He informed the court that the NCS headquarters met with the plaintiffs’ counsel to discuss the procedure for releasing the trucks and agreeing on the terms of the settlement.

However, Akande assured the court that the 9 trucks would be returned to the owners by the next adjournment date.

In an interview following the hearing, the plaintiffs’ counsel, George Oyeniyi, expressed satisfaction with the NCS’s agreement to release the 9 trucks.

Oyeniyi, who explained that the application for the committal of Violation of Court Order was still pending in case the Nigeria Customs Service failed to deliver on its promise to release the trucks, stated that an agreement on terms of the settlement, including compensation for the 15 auctioned trucks and the value of the contents of all 24 trucks, will be reached between the judgment debtors and creditors. Governments must collaborate with industry to resolve this situation so that airlines can continue to provide critical connectivity for driving economic activity and job creation.”

In light of this, IATA has urged governments to ensure compliance with international treaties and agreements that allow airlines to repatriate funds earned from the sale of tickets, cargo space, and other activities. Failure to do so may jeopardize the aviation industry’s stability, profitability, and continuity.

Read Also: CBN: FG records N930bn in two-month fiscal deficits

“Airlines cannot continue to provide services in markets where they are unable to repatriate revenues generated by their commercial activities.” “Governments must collaborate with industry to resolve this situation so that airlines can continue to provide the connectivity that is critical to driving economic activity and job creation,” said Willie Walsh, director general of IATA.

“IATA urged governments to follow international agreements and treaty obligations in order for airlines to repatriate funds earned from ticket sales, cargo space, and other activities.”

Kano Senator Sumaila, lawmakers-elect will select 10th NASS presiding officers, not APC

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Kano Senator Sumaila, lawmakers-elect will select 10th NASS presiding officers, not APC

Suleiman Kawu Sumaila, a senator-elect for the Kano South Senatorial District, has pledged that only elected federal lawmakers will determine who will serve as the Senate and House Presiding Officers during the 10th National Assembly’s inaugural session on June 13.

Sumaila, who was elected on the New Nigeria People’s Party, or NNPP, platform, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja during a press conference.

He protested the previous zoning plan put in place by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, which he deemed to be undemocratic.

The representative-elect emphasized that the majority of the federal lawmakers-elect in both chambers will use the appropriate provisions of the 1999 constitution to counteract any outside interference in the election of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly.

Read Also: Workers in shipping companies go on strike indefinitely

The constitution is clear about how the Senate’s President and Deputy President shall be chosen, he continued. For instance, the selection process for the Senate’s presiding officers is outlined in Chapter 2 of the 9th Standing Orders of the Senate 2022 (as amended).

Similar to this, Section 50(1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) states that the Senate’s president and vice president will be chosen by the chamber’s members.

A Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives must be chosen by the members of that House from among themselves, according to section 50(1)b.

We can all remember the events of the 7th and 8th National Assembly, so it is obvious that the election of these Presiding Officers is purely an internal matter that only concerns members of the National Assembly. As a result, they should be allowed to choose who among them would fill the positions.

“In my opinion, outside interference in the selection of the National Assembly’s next presiding officers would not only be a violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the Senate and House of Representatives’ respective standing rules, but it would also lead to serious misunderstandings between the Legislative and Executive Arms of government,” the author said.

Read Also: Subsidy: FG, Labour to meet on June 19 to discuss implementation framework

Sumaila claimed that desperate politicians intended to impose their will on both chambers through the use of undemocratic methods, which is against democracy and undemocratic.

Information that is currently available indicates that a few desperate politicians intend to use illegitimate means to force lawmakers-elect of their choosing to serve as presiding officers against the wishes of the majority.

“This move is undemocratic, unacceptable, and dangerous to our democracy as well as the nation as a whole,” he said.

Subsidy: FG, Labour to meet on June 19 to discuss implementation framework

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Subsidy: FG, Labour to meet on June 19 to discuss implementation framework

On Monday, the federal government and the labour unions met, and the meeting concluded with a resolution to meet again on June 19 in order to reach an agreement on a framework for the implementation of the resolutions that were reached.

This information was revealed at the conclusion of a meeting between representatives of labour unions and the government that took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting was led by Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, who was in charge of leading the government side.

According to him, the participants at the meeting came to an agreement on a seven-point resolution to ease the impact of the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, also known as PMS, on Nigerians.

Read Also:Kingmakers blame Makinde for delay of new Alaafin

“The Federal Government, the TUC, and the NLC are to establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award, as well as establish a framework and timeline for implementation. ”

The World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme is going to be reviewed by the Federal Government, the TUC, and the NLC, and it will be proposed that low-income earners be included in the programme.

According to what Gbajabiamila said, “The Federal Government, the TUC, and the NLC are going to revive the CNG conversion programme that was previously agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing.”

According to some reports, compressed natural gas, also known as CNG, is a fuel gas that is primarily made up of methane and that has been compressed to a volume that is less than one percent of the volume it occupies when subjected to standard atmospheric pressure.

It results in less vehicle maintenance and a longer life for the engine, in addition to being the cleanest burning fuel that is currently available.

Gbajabiamila also mentioned that it was decided during the meeting to look into the problems that prevent effective delivery in the education sector and to propose solutions that can be put into action.

“The Labour Centres and the Federal Government will review and establish the framework for the completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries. ”

The Federal Government is responsible for providing a framework that allows for the expansion of rail networks across the country as well as the maintenance of roads.

According to what he had said, the TUC had sent the Federal Government a number of other demands, which would be evaluated by the joint committee.

He emphasised that the NLC had agreed to immediately suspend the notice of strike in order to enable further consultations, continue the ongoing engagements, and ensure that the resolutions would be finalised.

The Presidents and Secretaries of the NLC and TUC, as well as Ms. Kachollom Daju, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour Employment, all agreed to support the resolution.

Read Also: Estate developer accused of defrauding church of N65m

The federal government had previously succeeded in getting a court to issue a restraining order, which prevented the Labour union from beginning a strike across the country on Wednesday.

Sanwo-Olu pledges inclusive leadership

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Sanwo-Olu pledges inclusive leadership

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stated that during his second term in office, his administration will place an emphasis on “human-centric” governance in addition to an inclusive approach to governance.

The governor reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring that the THEMES+ initiative leaves no one behind in the governance structure, and he made a commitment to ensure that both soft and hard infrastructure would receive the necessary amount of attention.

At the thanksgiving service held for him and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on the occasion of their second term inauguration, Sanwo-Olu gave a speech on Sunday. The event took place at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos.

He stated that, “It will certainly be a second term before Lagosians should expect a great deal more from us.” What we have committed to delivering is a THEMES+ agenda that places an emphasis on people. It is an agenda that takes into account everything that is included in THEMES’ agenda and adds to it a bigger flavour, a plus component, which will ensure that no one is left behind on its own.

“We have learned from the previous four years, and we want to build a better inclusive governance in which not only will we be doing a lot of hard infrastructure, but we also want to do a lot of soft infrastructure since that will touch the lives of our people directly; more specifically, palliatives that will bring succour and better relief for our citizens even in a difficult time with global economic issues. ”

“Our citizens need to understand that although the government cannot do everything, we need to be able to bring them out of poverty and speak to what their needs are. Despite the fact that the government cannot do everything, our citizens need to understand this. As a result, it is a human-centered agenda with the intention of ensuring that no one, regardless of gender, race, or religious affiliation, will be left behind. And for that, we will not absolve ourselves of responsibility.”

 

Kingmakers blame Makinde for delay of new Alaafin

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Kingmakers blame Makinde for delay of new Alaafin

The kingmakers in the historic Oyo town claim to have completed their task of choosing the new Alaafin and that it is now the responsibility of Governor Seyi Makinde to name the new occupant of the prestigious stool.

Two of the kingmakers, who spoke exclusively to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, claimed that although they had chosen the new Oba through the established and customary process, they were still awaiting the government to pronounce the chosen one’s name.

Following the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi in April of last year, the historic Oyo Alaafin stool became vacant.

The state government received the name of the allegedly chosen new Alaafin, according to reports, through the local government starting in September 2022.

Makinde responded, “I will rather delay and have due process followed and then we know that if anyone decides to go to court after that, the exercise will be a nullity,” but she added, “I will rather have due process followed.” I think strong institutions are what Nigeria needs right now, but we also need people to create strong institutions.

We have done our parts since last year, said one of the kingmakers who did not want his name published. During this process, there were government representatives present. All of the candidates (princes) for the exalted stool were also required to provide two sureties to witness, sign, and agree that they would all submit to, support, and agree with whoever was chosen for the throne of Alaafin.

“A year has passed, and there is still no new oba. So tell me, in a hostile environment or without the Oba, how will this town experience incredible growth? Each of us is a part of the whole. There is only one prince. After the due process was strictly followed, there shouldn’t be any more issues, in my opinion. We continue to wait for our amiable governor, Makinde, to take appropriate action.

“We have painstakingly done the necessary things, whether the chosen and by His grace, our next Alaafin is wealthy or not,” a different kingmaker remarked. We can’t move forward without a traditional ruler, so the government should just declare him and call it a day.

It will be remembered that the most recent Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, passed away at the age of 83. He held power for 52 years.

CBN: FG records N930bn in two-month fiscal deficits

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CBN: FG records N930bn in two-month fiscal deficits

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Government racked up a fiscal deficit of N930.8 billion between the months of January and February 2023.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monthly economic report for the month of February 2023, “The estimated overall fiscal deficit of the FGN expanded in February due to a drop in the retained revenue.”

“The provisional fiscal deficit of the FGN increased by 22.8 percent to a total of N513.05 billion when compared to the deficit for the previous month. Nevertheless, it was 16.2 percentage points lower than the budget benchmark.

According to the findings of the study, the budget shortfall in January amounted to N417.75 billion.

According to the report, the decline in oil revenue of 60.2% during the month of February contributed to a 32.3 percentage point drop in accretion into the federation account when compared to the previous month.

It went on to say that as a consequence of this event, the overall fiscal deficit (provisional) grew by 22.8 percent as a result of a 16.4 percent increase in provisional FGN capital expenditure and a 7.7 percent decrease in FGN retained revenue.

At the end of December 2022, the country’s total public debt was calculated to be N46.25 trillion, which represented 23.2% of GDP. This figure remained below the 40% national threshold.

It was stated there that “federation receipts were below the level in January by 32.3 per cent when they stood at N1.04tn.” In a similar manner, it was 34.3 percent lower than the budget2 of 1.58 trillion.

The decrease, when compared to the previous month of January, was attributed to a drop in collections from the petroleum profit tax and royalties. The revenue from oil came in at N308.07 billion, which is 60.2% less than what was brought in during the previous month.

“The outcome was largely determined by the 60.5% decrease in collections from petroleum profit tax and royalties,” the author writes. “[T]he decrease in collections was the primary factor.”

Read Also: Nigeria Air: Reps grill aviation, justice ministers today

Non-oil revenue came in at N730.21 billion, which was 3.7 percent and 7.4 percent lower than the level it had reached in the previous month and the monthly target, respectively.

Because of the seasonality of the payments associated with the corporate tax, there was a decrease in collections of 10.5%, which was largely responsible for the decrease.

Nigeria Air: Reps grill aviation, justice ministers today

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Nigeria Air: Reps grill aviation, justice ministers today

The investigative hearing that was supposed to take place in the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation regarding the controversial launch of Air Nigeria, Nigeria’s national carrier, during the previous administration that was led by Muhammadu Buhari, has been rescheduled.

The committee had extended invitations to the relevant stakeholders, and the hearing was originally scheduled to take place in Abuja on Monday. However, representatives of the majority of the stakeholders had already left the location prior to the arrival of the committee’s Chairman, Nnolim Nnaji, who arrived approximately two hours after the scheduled time.

The committee has invited a variety of stakeholders, including the Ministry of Aviation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Airline Operators of Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines, as well as suppliers of aviation fuel (Jet-A1).

Nnaji, upon his arrival, extended his apologies to the individuals who had remained at the venue to wait for him, and he requested that the hearing be moved to 1:00 pm on Tuesday (today).

Due to the controversy that surrounded the national carrier, the Buhari administration had been unable, after eight years, to deliver Nigeria Air.

Under the aegis of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, the Federal Government of Nigeria had instituted a boycott of the country’s domestic airlines before entering into an agreement with Ethiopian Airlines to float the Nigerian carrier.

As a direct result of this, the AON had brought the government and its agencies before a court in an effort to halt the process.

According to reports, the Federal Government of the country took delivery of the first plane of the country’s national carrier, Nigeria Air, on Friday, at the twilight of the administration, despite protests from local operators that it was contrary to a court order that barred the government from taking further action on the project. This was done despite the fact that the administration was about to end.

In the meantime, the House of Representatives has issued subpoenas to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emiefele, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Auditor General for the Federation, and the Accountant General of the Federation in connection with the payment of N32.5 billion to two businesses, Messrs. GSCL Consulting and Biz Plus, without keeping formal records.

In addition, the House of Representatives has issued subpoenas to the Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers of a number of oil companies, including Exxon Mobil and Nigeria Agip Oil Company, requesting that they appear before the chamber regarding petroleum deals in the country.

During Monday’s continued investigative hearing in Abuja, the House Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Loss of Over $2.4 Billion in Revenue from Illegal Sale of 48 Million Barrels of Crude Oil Export in 2015 Including All Crude Oil Exports and Sales by Nigeria from 2014 Till Date issued the summons. The committee is looking into allegations that Nigeria lost more than $2.4 billion in revenue due to the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015.

In the meantime, the committee questioned the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Bashir Jamoh. Jamoh revealed to the lawmakers that the Federal Government had not yet claimed a judgement debt of approximately $1.7 billion from a company that was found guilty of making false declarations about the crude oil it took from Nigeria. The debt was owed by the company because it had taken crude oil from Nigeria.

On the other hand, Gbillah stated that records that were made available to the committee showed that the CBN paid N16.5 billion to each of two companies on the same day, and he added that the companies withdrew the said amount within a period of two months. The records were made available to the committee.

The chairman emphasised how important it was for the CBN to provide an explanation for the payments that were made to the companies, especially considering that Malami had denied having any knowledge of the payment.

Gbillah stated that all agencies, officials, and companies that have been summoned by the committee have a duty to respond to the summons, noting that even though the 9th House is winding down, it can still issue a bench warrant for their arrest. Gbillah also stated that despite the fact that the 9th House is winding down, it can still issue a bench warrant for their arrest.

After some time had passed, Jamoh revealed to the journalists that NIMASA was continuing to pursue the case in court.

Read Also: Workers in shipping companies go on strike indefinitely

He explained, “In 2013, when the revenue profile was low, NIMASA was directed from the Attorney-General’s office to coordinate two technical teams in order to source data on the actual lifting of crude oil and the last destination point in order to determine if there are any discrepancies.”

Workers in shipping companies go on strike indefinitely

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Workers in shipping companies go on strike indefinitely

Employees of shipping companies in all port formations in Nigeria have begun an indefinite strike today in protest of low wages and what they claim to be dehumanizing working conditions. The strike is being directed by the leadership of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).

In addition, the strike is taking place at all dry ports, jetties, and terminals, among other locations.

It was reported that dockworkers, workers from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), workers from the Nigerian Inland Water Ways (NIWA), and employees from Water Transportation would all join together beginning tomorrow in an act of solidarity if the shipping companies failed to address the workers’ complaints.

Read Also: SGF: Group advises N’Central lawmakers to drop N’Assembly leadership ambition

This came about as the Nigerian Shippers Council, also known as the NSC, called for a meeting of stakeholders to be held today in a last-ditch effort to find a solution to the problem and make sure that the current industrial crisis does not result in the closure of all of the nation’s ports.

It has been brought to our attention that the meeting of stakeholders, which will take place on the premises of the NSC, will begin at 8.30 in the morning.

It was decided at the strategic meeting that took place over the weekend between leaders of MWUN and officials of the Shipping branch of MWUN, including plant officials of each shipping company, that regardless of the meeting that was called by NSC, all operations of shipping companies must be shut down as of today until further notice. This was decided at the meeting that took place over the weekend.

Remember that on Thursday, in Lagos, the President General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, explained that the strike was caused by poor remuneration of workers as well as the refusal of shipping companies operating in Nigeria to agree on a minimum standard for working conditions and remuneration of staff. He stated that this was the reason for the strike.

Adeyanju expressed his disappointment that the NSC appeared to have completely lost its control and regulatory powers over the shipping companies, as these companies had refused to obey the interventions of the federal government regarding the matter.

According to him, the situation has been dragging on for the past six years, and the shipping companies have refused to implement a minimum standard for the workers at the shipping companies.

According to him, “The former Minister of Transportation, Muazu Sambo had directed the NSC to midwife the process between MWUN and the Shipping Association of Nigeria SAN.” SAN stands for the Shipping Association of Nigeria.

At the insistence of the Executive Secretary of the NSC, numerous meetings had already taken place, but the SAN’s demeanor was nothing to write home about.

We attended the meeting on Wednesday, and unfortunately, it did not go very well. This is embarrassing not only for us but also for the Ministry of Transportation, which was the organization that proposed holding the meeting. As things stand, the compensation available in the shipping industry is comparable to a sentence of death, and the SAN are attempting to avoid their responsibilities.

“This issue is not new to any of the parties involved; in the past, ultimatums have been issued, and they have attempted to dissuade us from complying. We never move forward without thoroughly considering all of our options due to the delicate nature of the ports. However, given the current state of affairs, there is no way that we are going to continue to issue ultimatums.

Read Also: Fani-Kayode criticizes NLC for fuel subsidy, saying, “You’re acting Peter Obi’s script”

“The previous Minister did not make a mistake when he asked the Shippers Council to midwife this negotiation process because the Shippers Council is an economic regulator. The nonchalant demeanor of SAN is what is driving us to take this step, and we can’t blame them.

Estate developer accused of defrauding church of N65m

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Estate developer accused of defrauding church of N65m

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday remanded Kelly Nwogu, an estate developer, for allegedly defrauding a church of N65 million.

The Police Special Fraud Unit has filed three counts of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, and fraudulent conversion against the defendant.

Nwogu was charged before Justice Peter Lifu along with his business, Livelihood Homes Limited, and other suspects who are still at large.

According to the prosecutor, Emmanuel Jackson, the crimes were committed this year by the defendants and other people who are still at large.

Jackson testified in court that the real estate developer, his business, and other individuals who are still at large defrauded a church in Lagos State’s Ojodu neighborhood out of N65 million by making false claims that they had land for sale in Lagos’ Agbara-Badagry Expressway and the Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The defendant, according to him, failed to distribute the land as promised and failed to pay the church back after receiving the money from the church.

He asserts that the offenses were in violation of Sections 8(a), 1(1)(8), and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006, as well as Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended in 2012.

Nwogu, however, entered a not guilty plea to the accusation.

Following the defendant’s plea of not guilty, the prosecution requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in the care of the Nigerian Correctional Centre until the allegations against him were resolved.

However, the defendant’s attorney, Bernard Omang, asked the court to grant the most lenient conditions possible for the defendant’s admission to bail.

The court denied his request on the grounds that a proper application was not submitted to support it.

As a result, Justice Lifu mandated that the defendant be kept in custody at the Ikoyi Custodial Center and postponed the case’s start date for the trial until June 14.

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