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US Secretary Of State To Hold Talks With Buhari In Aso Rock Next Week

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United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will travel to Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal from November 15 to 20, the State Department said on Thursday.

In Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, Blinken will meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss topics including cooperation on ending the COVID-19 pandemic and regional security issues such as Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, the department said in a statement.

Blinken will travel next to Abuja, the Nigerian capital, to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access and revitalising democracy, it said.

Read also: Minister urges deployment of STI tools to solve problems

In Dakar, the capital of Senegal, Blinken will meet with President Macky Sall “to reaffirm the close partnership between our two countries,” the statement said.

Project Manager Alleges: Buhari Minister, Timipre Sylva’s Oil Company, Seven Oceans Owe Me N48million, Threatened Me

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Aproject management practitioner, Alexander Chijioke Orji has alleged that the management of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited, affiliated with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, has refused to pay his entitlements to the tune of $116, 000 (N47,732,500.06)

Orji, who filed a petition at the National Assembly, said he was employed by the company in October 2019 after which certain modifications were made to the salary structure and other benefits.

Timipre Sylva
According to him, he, alongside one of the directors of the company, Leo Abulokwe, had successfully clinched a deal after negotiating with facilitators of the Adax Manpower bid.

He said he further sent emails to the directors to follow up on the bid but there was no response, adding that he received threats from Abulokwe and some other directors to get him detained and make sure he is ‘silenced forever’.

This, according to him, brought about his resignation from the company though it was never acknowledged till date as he claimed payments and other entitlements have yet to be made.

He wrote, “My names are (sic) Alexander Chijioke Orji, a resident of above-stated address. A project management professional with over 15 years of practice, Chartered Management Accountant, Marketing.
Logistics and Cost management.

“My formal engagement with Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited began with an inaugural facial meeting and outing on the 12 of August 2019 after a series of phone conversations on my capabilities, these meetings were between directors of Seven Oceans and Gas Limited, Mr. Hope Nelson and Mr. Samuel Alabi, the Managing Director of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited.

“We proceeded to National Petroleum Investment Management Services ‘NAPIMS’ on Bourdillion, Ikoyi, Lagos to meet some staffs. After a resourceful outing, we proceeded to have over 3 hours meeting at Colonades Hotel, Ikoyi on my formal engagement and deliverables.

“As further test to my capabilities, Mr. Sam Alabi instructed me to get some materials for his reconfirmation and further discussion with the CEO of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited.

“Upon receipt of same, I moved in a resourceful person and immediately a discussion ensued and thereafter he was engaged to provide further materials to aid these journeys.

“And as part of the provision made a commitment of materials available even before an advance of 200k was paid to
him. After waiting for several weeks without any feedback against the assurance of getting offers in addition to others as discussed within days.

Read also: FUGA appoints Dr Abubakar Mamuda as new Registrar, Other principal officers also appointed

“I kept a reminder to Mr. Nelson who persuaded that I remain calm and allow the expected feedback returns. The pressure however stepped up on my side from the engaged personnel as no further directives came regarding what was due and next line of action. I had to deal with the matter despite hurting my relationship with said individual.

“It’s on record that my last visit along with Mr. Nelson in October 2019 to Napims, that said individual refused even a gift offer as mentioned in an un-consented conference call where he outrightly rejected same stating not to have any further dealings despite my plea.

“I had to still take care of the matter afterwards knowing the journey that lies ahead and need to cultivate these foot soldiers.

“Furthermore, additional request came from Mr. Nelson my line manager that I make efforts to search immediate engagements within the International oil companies IOCs. I swung into action and in few days later reported to him about some openings within IOCs and availability of men within the system to grant us audiences.

“Despite the assurances, Mr. Nelson did not meet up and no cogent reasons given therein. A few days later again another brief, on getting Seven Oceans Oil Gas Limited registered as commercial platform of one the prominent IOCs.

“Again, I moved and got commitment from men to advance the course. Directions and guidelines were sent and I was told to wait till this day despite my words and bound to the said persons.

“With the summation given above it was evident even to the blind that I was focused on getting results based on the mandate given that I was putting my best foot forward in getting results and risking everything including putting my reputation built on trust to question among these individuals.

“I continued to show more willingness to achieve results each day by moving on despite continued reviews implementation without any prior discussions or negotiations. But of course, I was to prove my worth before I could be handed a formal letter of engagement.

“On 14 of October 2019 I received a formal engagement letter from Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited and I responded on 17th of October 2019 with stating 10 conditions upon which I accept the offers and it was agreed with exception of increase in percentage due on prospecting.

“I would like to state that from August-December 2019 I never paid any formal visit to the company’s head offices, most engagements were by emails, texts, WhatsApp and facial meetings with directors of the company in Lagos.

”I met with Mr. Leo Abulokwe on October 2019 on instruction of Mr. Sam Alabi to negotiate and meet facilitators for the Adax Manpower bid. It would be recalled that I and Mr. Leo met with principal officers handling the bid at Four-points Sheraton Hotel Lekki on Monday, 4th November and proceeded to Napims head office here in Lagos for additional meetings on Tuesday. We however were able to meet later on same Tuesday evening to conclude on and hand over six thousand dollars less of five thousand as originally offered by Mr. Leo as PR for prospecting to balance five thousand dollars upon delivery to next stage of the same bid process.

“Furthermore, from 12 November 2019, I wrote countless emails, text messages and WhatsApp to directors of Seven Oceans Oil and Limited intimating them on the successful favourable outcome of the bid. No response came, my messages were not been answered. Despite same, I kept writing and made efforts to engage formally but with fears considering the various threats issued by Mr. Leo Abulokwe that I had reported him to Mr. Sam Alabi for failing to respond to my messages to
act on pending matters with regards to similar prospecting.

“This whole drama continued until 15 of January 2020 when Mr. Leo Abulokwe mentioned that Mr. Sam Alabi had actually on the 25th of December 2019 confirmed from the Managing Director of Adax during a Gala function organized and hosted by Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, that Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited had successfully but none of the directors came forward.

“Following the turn of events and continued threats which I had mentioned on emails I further sent to some other directors and company official emails subsequently and no responses. I decided to resign on 28 day of March 2020 after receiving a major threat from Mr. Leo Abulokwe and some other directors to use their influence and ties with the minister of state for petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, have me arrested, detained and make sure I’m silenced forever.

”After waiting for 3 months without any response, I sought the service of a lawyer to approach Seven Oceans Oil and Gas for my outstanding and entitlements. I would like to reiterate that till date no acceptance of my resignation has come from said company. In addition, we received a letter of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited lawyer threatening to take legal action 7 days from receipt of letter dated 22 July 2020.

“In addition, my legal team had written to the Minister of State for Petroleum and Managing Director, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board on August 28, 2020, respectively raising complaints against Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited and how unfairly they have treated me and calling for intervention to resolving same matter.

“The last and only response was a WhatsApp chat message from a senior executive of Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. Udoh Esio Okwong with Munched shot from Mr. Simbi Kesiye Webber, Managing Director of NCMDB asking him if he was aware, of the letter written by my lawyers and received on 14th September 2020.

”Shockingly as boasted by Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited directors that nothing would be heard of my letter because of the alliances with the
director. Till date I make bold to state that no response has come from NCDMB after 11 months of our complaints.

“In addition, I have made various attempts to reach out the Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited directors and management to plead my case and get my outstanding payments. I have contacted several individuals close to the said persons to no avail.

”I don’t feel safe with the next move in
approaching you to wade into these matters as it is now very clear that individuals behind Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited are very powerful and can end my life and family at any slightest
opportunity.

“I have attached some documents for your perusal and guide and available to send forth over 72 emailed and hard copies of letters, 41 text messages and 89 WhatsApp messages exchange with Seven Ocean Oil and Gas Limited regarding my engagement, directives, outstanding’s etc.

“I remain eternally grateful for the privilege and look forward to getting an opportunity to speak further on same.”

All efforts to reach the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, via calls and text messages proved futile as he did not answer nor reply to a text message sent to him.

Also, attempts to reach the chairman of the Seven Oceans Oil and Gas Limited, Samuel Alabi via text messages or on the phone were not successful.

Minister urges deployment of STI tools to solve problems

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Minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mohammed Abdullahi, says African nations should deploy Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) tools to solve problems confronting humanity.

Abdullahi said this when an international delegation of African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) paid him working visit in his office on Thursday in Abuja.

AUDA-NEPAD is an agency comprising international experts focused on infrastructural and socio-economic development of AU (African Union) member states.

He said there was a plan for focused research on biotechnology, which would be in sync with robotics, STI and the biotech revolution in the world.

Read also: After four months, Boko Haram releases two Yobe government officials

The minister said that Africans should focus more on funding STI, adding that Venture-Capitalism was the right way out.

Abdullahi noted that the ministry was encouraging young Scientists, especially the girl-child, to participate in STEM, through one of its flagship programmes, the Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Awards (YONSPA).

According to him, some notable innovations from female scientists include SMART BRA DEVICE by Bolarinwa Kemisola among others.

Earlier, the acting project coordinator, AUDA-NEPAD, Mrs Justina Dugbazah, said the purpose of their visit was to collaborate on areas the ministry needed their expertise.

After four months, Boko Haram releases two Yobe government officials

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Boko Haram insurgents have released two men kidnapped four months ago, including a Yobe State government official.

On July 24, Ali Shehu, aka Mai Lalle, a state government protocol officer, and his friend, Mustapha, were abducted alongside two Nigerian soldiers along the Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

The two soldiers were later executed by the insurgents.

Read Also:  Boko Haram-ISWAP: FG of Nigeria approved additional assets for Nigerian military

The two men were released on Thursday evening, prompting speculation that a ransom had been paid.

The two men were reunited with their families on Thursday evening, according to a family source who did not want to be identified.

“Mai Lalle and Mustapha were released this evening and are now reunited with their families.” They’ll have to go through a medical examination, but it’ll be kept under wraps,” the source said.

When asked if a large ransom was paid to the kidnappers, the source remained tight-lipped.

Read Also:  EFCC interrogates former Edo Gov Lucky Igbinedion over an alleged N1.6 billion fraud

“The most important thing is that they are no longer in Boko Haram’s hands.” “Let us pray, my brother, that nothing like this happens to anyone close to you,” the source said.

Since the news broke Thursday evening, friends, family members, and coworkers of the government official have been celebrating his release on social media.

The state government and the police department have yet to issue official statements about the incident.

FUGA appoints Dr Abubakar Mamuda as new Registrar, Other principal officers also appointed

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Dr Abubakar Mamuda has been appointed as the new Registrar of the Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Yobe, by the Governing Council of the university.

Other principal officers were also appointed by the Council to fill the school’s vacancies.

Mohammed Ahmed Ali, Bursar, and Dr Adam Saleh, Librarian, have been appointed, according to Malam Adamu Saleh, Head of Information and Protocol Unit.

Director of Works and Physical Planning, Engr. Ahmed Adamu Janga, has been appointed.

Read Also:  EFCC interrogates former Edo Gov Lucky Igbinedion over an alleged N1.6 billion fraud

All of the appointments, according to the statement, will take effect on the date the appointees begin their duties.

Each of the appointees will serve for a five-year term, according to Saleh.

The appointments were made following consideration of the report and recommendations of the institution’s Joint Council/Senate Selection Board at the Council’s Extra-Ordinary Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, according to the statement.

“The appointments were approved by the Council in accordance with the powers granted to it by Chapter 9 (1) of the University Establishment Act, 2020.”

Nigeria’s envoy in Japan congratulates Buhari, others on their country’s independence day

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The Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Ambassador Abubakar Moriki Husaini, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians in Japan on the occasion of Nigeria’s independence.

According to a statement provided  by the Embassy of Nigeria in Tokyo, Japan, the occasion marks the 61st anniversary of Nigeria-Japan diplomatic relations.

“On the occasion of Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary, I would like to congratulate His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Government and People of Nigeria, and Nigerians in Japan.”

“I arrived in Tokyo with my family on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, as Nigeria’s new Ambassador to Japan.” Today, October 1, 2021, is Nigeria’s National Day, commemorating the day the country gained independence from its colonial masters. It’s worth noting that today is also the 61st anniversary of Nigeria-Japan diplomatic relations.

Read Also:  EFCC interrogates former Edo Gov Lucky Igbinedion over an alleged N1.6 billion fraud

The day is also significant for me because it marks 100 (one hundred) days of my stewardship as the new Head of Mission in the Embassy in Japan. These one hundred days have been eventful for me, despite the constraints imposed by the commendable efforts of Host authorities to combat the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

“I presented the Copie d’Usage of my Letter of Credence to the ViceMinister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, July 12th, 2021,” he said. The subsequent presentation of my Letter of Credence to His Majesty Naruhito Emperor of Japan at the Imperial Palace on Friday, August 27th, 2021 marked the official start of my representational duties in Japan.

During my tenure, I assured His Majesty Naruhito of my determination to strengthen and deepen the existing cordial relations between our two countries. I specifically assured him that I would work to strengthen friendly relations between our two countries in areas such as trade, economics, investments, culture, security, and so on.”

He went on, It is also worth noting that in the last hundred days, I have met with the leaders of the Nigerian Union in Japan (NUJ), the Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (NCCIJ), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO). In addition to the briefings I received from officers at the Embassy when I arrived, and my interactions with these organizations, I am pleased to note that the majority of Nigerians residing in Japan are positively projecting the image of Nigeria in the Host country. This has strengthened my resolve to take an active interest in the well-being of Nigerians in Japan. Interestingly, one hundred and forty (140) passports were issued during this time period, and I received no negative feedback from Nigerians who visited the Embassy for passports and consular services.

Read Also:  Buni Caretaker Committee should be disbanded, according to concerned APC stakeholders

“The positive image of Nigeria in Japan was further consolidated by Team Nigeria’s brilliant performance at the recently concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which took place from the middle of July to early September, 2021.” The team was led by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Sunday Dare, as well as Mr. Nebolisa Anako, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). I met with each of the athletes during their camp in Kisarazu City to greet/welcome them, attend to their well-being, address their challenges, and encourage them to perform admirably at the games.

Finally, they made us proud. Athletics, Rowing, Swimming, Basketball (Male & Female), Table Tennis (Male & Female), Taekwondo, Badminton, Wrestling, Canoeing, and Powerlifting were among the ten Olympic sports in which Nigeria competed. We took home two medals from the Games, one silver and one bronze. Following this, the Embassy hosted a reception for the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Ministry officials, NOC officials, athletes, and Olympian medalists. Following that, Nigeria sent twenty-two Paralympians to the Paralympic Games, competing in four sports: Para Table Tennis, Para Powerlifting, Para Athletics, and Para Rowing. Nigeria finished with ten medals, including four gold, one silver, and five bronze.

Regardless of the above-mentioned good news, there is no denying that I took office at a critical juncture in which the coronavirus pandemic had hampered socioeconomic activities and hampered the smooth operation of official engagements. The Embassy has taken a number of steps to ensure compliance with the Covid-19 protocols established by the host government.

” I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Japan for facilitating the vaccination of Embassy officers and staff, as well as for their perseverance in the fight against the dreaded virus.”

Read Also:  Investigation into $15 billion Petro Union fraud resumes in Lagos

One important conclusion I have reached based on my interactions with government officials in Tokyo during this period of my stewardship is that Japan is keenly interested in strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria by paying more attention to issues that affect our two countries with greater vigour and enthusiasm. I am pleased to report that this period has ushered in a new era in Nigeria-Japan relations.

The Embassy is also firmly committed to this. In this regard, it is my pleasure to report that Nigeria backed Japan’s candidate, Mr. Metoki Masahiko, who was elected as Director-General of the International Postal Union (IPU) on August 25, 2021, following a successful election process.

We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to improving existing bilateral relations in all aspects and in the spirit of reciprocity.

Our visa application policy is liberal enough to attract the business community from Japan to Nigeria. The number of visa applications processed by the Embassy has increased in the last hundred days. During that time, 61 biometric visas were issued. This demonstrates the Japanese business community’s renewed interest in engaging in trade and investment in Nigeria, despite the pandemic.

To express my commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and trade relations with Japan, I met with top government officials and very senior officials from some of the country’s most important organizations. During the meetings, strategic decisions were made. The officials I met with included the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry; the Director General of African Affairs in the Host Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Chief Executive Officer of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO); and many more are on the way, including Toyota Tsusho and Honda’s Chairman.

Read Also:  Kenyan envoy decries stagnation of intra-African trade

“In addition, I attended the NEC Corporation Seminar and met with the Chief Executive Officer of NS JEMICON Company Limited, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, and top executives from ITOCHU Corporation and Albanex Company Limited.” This month, I plan to pay a visit to the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). On behalf of Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Power and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, the Embassy participated in the opening of two bids in JICA (NCDC). Indeed, I believe that we will begin to see the fruitful results of our engagements with all of these and other Japanese organizations in due course.”

“It is also worth noting that within the last hundred days, I have paid homage to the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and the Ambassador of San Marino in Japan; the Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps and the Ambassador of Eritrea in Japan; the Dean of the ECOWAS Group and the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire; and the nine Ambassadors from ECOWAS countries accredited to Japan, in order to register my presence in Japan and seek their cooperation during my tenure.” I had appeared in some Japanese and Nigerian media outlets.

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), other electronic and print media in Nigeria, as well as the NIKKEI incorporated Newspaper and “The Japan Times,” are among them. “My response to the various media interviews I granted them explains the clear path I intend to tread to take Nigeria-Japan relations to a new level during my tenure,” he said.

Read Also:  Bauchi health workers demand govt to implement consolidated salary structure

“In conclusion, I would like to take advantage of our country’s 61st Independence Anniversary to reassure Nigerians living in Japan that the Embassy will continue to prioritize issues concerning their welfare.” I would rely on their support to achieve the goals I have set for myself as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Japan at this time. I also thank the Government and People of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all those who sent messages of goodwill to our Embassy on the occasion of Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary.”

EFCC interrogates former Edo Gov Lucky Igbinedion over an alleged N1.6 billion fraud

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Lucky Igbinedion, a former governor of Edo State, was grilled by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives on Thursday over alleged criminal diversion of N1.6 billion in public funds.

According to NAN, the former governor arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, around 2 p.m. on Thursday.

Shortly after leaving office as governor in 2007, Igbinedion was charged and convicted of corruption by the EFCC.

Read Also: Kenyan envoy decries stagnation of intra-African trade

However, according to a source who was not authorized to speak on the matter, the new investigation was based on new evidence against him.

According to the source, the former governor diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State Government to finance an investment during his tenure in order to settle the financial indebtedness of a company in which he had a stake.

Wilson Uwujaren, the Commission’s spokesperson, confirmed the former governor’s invitation but declined to comment further.

Buni Caretaker Committee should be disbanded, according to concerned APC stakeholders

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The APC Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee under the leadership of the Yobe State governor, Mallam Mai Mala Buni, has been demanded to be disbanded by some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ayo Oyalowo, the group’s leader, told reporters on Thursday that the APC CECPC had failed to achieve its stated goals.

Governor Buni’s CECPC was given a mandate to reconcile aggrieved party chieftains and hold a national convention at an emergency meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee in June 2020, according to Oyalowo.
Interim leader Oyalowo claimed that the party’s crisis has worsened as a result of factions and tendencies that have been created by the interim leadership.

“Gentlemen of the press, the Caretaker Committee has conducted what is arguably the worst ward, local government, and state congresses since the formation of the party in 2013,” he told the media. This series of congresses has done the opposite of what it was intended to do: strengthen the party by uniting the party’s disparate factions.

Few days ago, Bauchi State’s delegates to the party’s congress protested at the national headquarters. Furthermore, the party’s attempt to reconcile Oyo State stakeholders was thwarted by a brick wall right in the party headquarters.

Read also: Ganduje Launches White Paper Committees for Tertiary Institutions

Some other states are also experiencing similar problems due to a lack of trust in the process and an outcome that was designed to benefit certain party members.

One of the clearest signs that Caretaker Committee failed is the outcome of Anambra State’s gubernatorial election. However, despite the fact that the APC came in third place in an election it had every chance of winning, it would have been an incredible feat had Senator Andy Uba, the APC’s candidate, performed better than he did, given that the party’s ideals are so different from those of Senator Uba’s.

Group members urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dissolve the APC CECPC and form a “new committee whose task will be to immediately conduct the National Convention.”

Investigation into $15 billion Petro Union fraud resumes in Lagos

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The ongoing high-level criminal trial in the alleged Petro Union fraud case is set to resume on November 15 at a Lagos Federal High Court. According to the court’s hearing notice, the trial court will hear the case exclusively over two days in the first instance.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed the case in March 2020 against Petro Union Oil and Gas Limited (Petro Union), its financial consultant, and four of its directors – Abayomi Kukoyi (trading as Gladstone Kukoyi & Associates), Prince Kingsley Okpala, Prince ChidiOkpalaeze, and Prince Emmanuel Okpalaeze. The defendants and the firm are facing a thirteen-count charge on various criminal counts ranging from conspiracy to obtaining by false pretenses, forgery, and fraud brought by the anti-graft agency on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Read Also:  Kenyan envoy decries stagnation of intra-African trade

Previous hearings have revealed what appears to be a brazen attempt by the accused to use Nigeria’s justice system to sustain and validate corrupt practices. Key prosecution witnesses testified about how the company and its directors allegedly plotted and conspired to defraud the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. So far, eight witnesses have testified before the court, including a former finance minister, a senior CBN officer, and an ex-Union Bank UK employee.

The Ministry concluded that what was needed was for the Ministry to remind the Petro Union that the CBN does not require the mandate of the Minister of Finance before such foreign capital could be imported into Nigeria because it was not public funds. She concluded her testimony by stating that the Ministry was unable to confirm the existence of the funds mentioned in Petro Union’s letter.

Mr. Olugbemileke Akinyemi Akinwunmi, another key witness who works for the Central Bank of Nigeria in Abuja as a Principal Manager in charge of domiciliary accounts and the management of inflows into the Revenue Account, told the Court that he was tasked with compiling a series of records relating to correspondence between the CBN and Petro Union.

When explaining international transfers, he stated that all outflows from the CBN go through a platform called SWIFT, and that all processes must pass through this platform in order for payments to be processed, and that there must be a Correspondence Bank for the inflow in order for payments to be processed. He also explained to the Court that the CBN serves two types of clients: Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on the one hand, and Banks and other financial institutions on the other. He stated unequivocally that, aside from these two types of customers, the CBN does not keep individual accounts and is not involved in the receipt of funds into Nigeria for private transactions.

Read Also:  Ganduje Launches White Paper Committees for Tertiary Institutions

He claimed to have seen a copy of a statement purportedly presented by Petro Union as the account statement of a company called Goldmatic Limited. He confirmed that no company with that name exists in CBN’s records after reviewing the statement. The company is clearly a limited liability company based on the name, and CBN does not keep accounts for such entities.

Mr. Walter Mbah, now retired, worked for Union Bank from October 1971 to March 2009, and had the opportunity to work at the Union Bank London Branch between 2000 and 2001. He told the Court that in 2001, Union Bank’s London branch received a request from the bank’s head office in Lagos to confirm a cheque for GBP2,556,000,000. As is customary, the London Branch requested confirmation of the cheque from Barclays Bank. Barclays Bank responded by letter, stating that the account on which the cheque was drawn had been closed since 1989.

Mbah testified that, while Union Bank was unable to locate a copy of the letter sent to Barclays Bank, the bank still had a copy of the response. The response from Barclays Bank was tendered and admitted into evidence by the Court.

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When the criminal trial resumes on Monday, November 15, 2021, it is expected that the prosecution will have completed its case and the defense will have begun its case either immediately or at the next adjourned date.

Kenyan envoy decries stagnation of intra-African trade

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Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Wilfred Machage has decried the stagnation of intra-African by 15% in the last few years compared to the levels in Europe and Asia which stands at about 69 and 59 percent respectively.

Dr. Machage made the remarks Wednesday, in Lagos while delivering a keynote address at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair.

He noted that the time is ripe to make the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from a dream into a reality by stimulating intra-African trade.

Ambassador Marchage further indicated the interest of Kenya in working closely with Nigeria in the field of Tourism and Hospitality.

“We have rich experiences especially in eco-tourism and beach tourism where we could partner with Nigeria in terms of exchange programmes.

“Last year alone, 14, 918 Nigerians visited Kenya which is an encouraging number, on our part now we are looking at how to increase this number by working with our partners in organizing promotional activities like this one of today.
“We shall also collaborate with tour operators and other relevant stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences in Kenya.” He added.

He noted that Kenya ranks fourth in terms of the total number of global visitors to Africa, after Seychelles and Mauritius with South Africa on the lead.

“Last year alone Kenya in spite of the challenging context of COVID 19, Kenya received over 500,000 visitors who chose Kenya as their preferred leisure and travel destination.

“For us in Kenya, our economy is an agro-based economy and tourism comes number second as the source of our foreign exchange earnings hence the government has deliberated invested heavily in the development of tourism industry in Kenya.

“As a sign of commitment in making Tourism industry more vibrant, Kenya has developed the National Tourism Blueprint (NTB) 2030 that is geared towards guiding and accelerating the development of the tourism sector in the country.

“The strategy has key enablers, such as the growth of air strategy and development of modern Meetings, International Conference and Exhibition (MICE) facilities that will spur growth of tourism in the whole continent. These enablers, if well-developed in collaboration with other member countries, will accelerate the growth of tourism in the African Continent.”

Kenya’s favourable business environment and strong economy he said, has allowed many companies to reduce operation costs and thus growing their profit margin.

Dr Marchage commended the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its active and credible role as the sole leading private sector in advocating for improved business environment as well as interfacing business groups and partners with the Nigeria counterparts.

The Fair with the theme: “Connecting Business, Creating Value’’ is hosting over 200 foreign exhibitors from several countries across the world and approximately 500,000 visitors participating.

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