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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Buhari’s aide, two ministers frustrating probe of suspicious N159 billion judgment debts

Thee is growing tension between Nigerian governors and a ring of powerful presidential aides over some $418 million (about N159 billion at the current official exchange rate of $1 to N380.5) said to be owed six individuals and entities who purportedly offered services to states and their local governments on the payment of Paris Club debts. While the top presidential aides led by the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Gambari, are scrambling to start the disbursement as quickly as possible, the governors, under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), led by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, are making a last-ditch effort to stop it. PREMIUM TIMES is in possession of tens of sensitive correspondences exchanged by high-ranking players in the matter, highlighting desperate moves to begin the disbursements through the issuance of promissory notes that will be funded through deductions from states and local governments’ monthly allocations. From documents seen by this newspaper, the moves to begin the payments are against Mr Buhari’s directive issued in January this year, and in disregard for the red flag raised by the governors about the legitimacy of the indebtedness. The Fayemi-led NGF is demanding that the payment be suspended until a forensic audit of the indebtedness is carried out. But Mr Gambari, who is spearheading the moves for the prompt payment of the money, is backed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, and the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, both of whom argue that the court judgments which awarded the sums to the creditors must be hurriedly obeyed. But among the three of them, Mr Malami is the only figure that has been in the picture since 2016 when the conversations among the top echelons of the Buhari administration about payment of government’s judgment debts started. Mr Gambari only became a party to the matter following his appointment in May 2020 after the death of his predecessor, Abba Kyari, who died from COVID-19 complications in April 2020. Mrs Ahmed also became involved following her appointment as finance minister after her predecessor, Kemi Adeosun, resigned in September 2018 in the wake of an NYSC certificate forgery scandal. The deals that piled up judgment debts against states, LGs Currently, the states and local governments are, by the calculations of both the Minister of Finance, Mrs Ahmed and Mr Malami, indebted to the tune of $418,953,670.59 (about N159 billion at the current official exchange rate of $1 to N380.5) to six individuals and entities. The breakdown of the debts is contained in a series of letters sent separately by Mrs Ahmed and Mr Malami to the President and the office of Mr Buhari’s Chief of Staff. PREMIUM TIMES exclusively obtained copies of these letters. The humongous debts arose from judgments passed in favour of the six claimants in four cases relating to the refund to the states and local governments, excess deductions made by the Federal Government between 1995 and 2002 to satisfy Paris and London clubs loans. According to the two ministers, the claimants or judgment creditors were engaged by the states and local governments as consultants or contractors “in the recovery” of the London/Paris clubs refunds, as well as in the “utilisation” of the recovered funds. They explained that the contracts and agreements were tied to the London/Paris clubs refunds, and the claimants had simply gone to court to claim their share of the money. PREMIUM TIMES has found out how the suits were designed to succeed with little or no chance of failure. Paris Club Refund Case: A Fait Accompli? As far back as 2013, long before the Federal Government started the disbursement of the excess deductions to the states and local governments in 2016, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), in concert with some of the claimants, went to court to challenge what they described as the Federal Government’s unilateral deduction of the funds from the federation account to service the foreign debts without the consent of the third tier of governments in the country. The 776 local governments, which were the principal plaintiffs, cleverly instituted the suit along with the “consultants” and “contractors” which they claimed had provided legal and consultancy services to help them as members of ALGON to secure the refund of the deducted money. Some other parties were also joined as co-plaintiffs in the suit for executing projects such as “security and health care delivery” for all the local governments of the federation. With the monetary claims in the suit tied to the refund of the London/Paris Club refunds and the Federal Government agencies, which were sued as adverse parties, success was, no doubt certain. Between 2013 and 2018, a series of similar suits relating to the Paris and London clubs money were filed in court with ALGON and past leaderships of the NGF giving tacit support to the “contractors” and “consultants”. At the end of the day, some of the cases were feebly defended, while others were consented to by the defendants, including past NGF leaderships and ALGON. With little or no opposition, judgments later began to fly around with huge awards in millions of dollars issued by the courts in favour of the claimants. In his July 17, 2020 letter to the incumbent Chief of Staff, Mr Gambari, Mr Malami, who has been consistently making a case for the payment of the claimants since 2016, said the case ordinarily should not concern the Federal Government if not that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was the custodian of the funds. He stated, “The consultants/contractors obtained the judgments for the payment of their legal/consultancy fees which judgments were further backed up with garnishee order absolute against the Central Bank of Nigeria for the attachment of these sums.” Mr Malami explained that the Federal Government only got involved “in these claims” because “the attachment order made against the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Government being the custodian and entity disbursing the funds or making

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Gunmen kidnap lawyer in Imo

Chief Chima Awurum, Esq., a member of the NBA branch of Mbano /Ekiti, is said to have been Kidnapped by unknown men. The Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ikenna k. Obi , who broke the unfortunate news, stated that Chief Awurum was abducted at about 7.Pm on Saturday, being 20th March, 2021. According to him, Chief Awurum was abducted at his place office in Isinwaeke, Ihite Uboma L.GA, in Imo State. It was further reported that his abductors are yet to get in touch with the family members. However, the police public relations officer in Imo: SP,Ikeokwu Orlando said his office is yet to confirm the incident.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Unfriendly attitudes of health workers responsible for medical tourism ― Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday attributed the unfriendly attitude of health workers in the country to patients as a factor responsible for medical tourism embarked upon by Nigerians Buhari, who said this in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at the official commissioning of an International Conference Centre and Telemedicine hall as well as six other projects at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, emphasised the need for continuous training and retraining of health workers in order to deliver quality health care services to Nigerians. The President who spoke through the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said, “We still get all too often for comfort, disconcerting reports of not friendly attitudes of staff to patients, reports of unhygienic and housekeeping standards that leaves something to be desired even in the presence of sophisticated equipment and well-qualified doctors”. “Such simple failings like these are more frequently responsible for the loss of confidence of the end-users in our health system than even the lack of equipment”. “They are the triggers for the distrust that will lead people to go on medical tourism”, he said. “We have a lot of work to do in that area and I want to believe that the managers of our hospitals after such laudable, fantastic infrastructure investment, we now begin to pay attention, not only to improving staff harmony and welfare but to retraining health caregivers for better professionalism that deliver service in a productive and courteous atmosphere based on the lessons we learnt from our traditional African hospitality”. Buhari disclosed that his administration is currently embarking on the infrastructural development of all it’s tertiary hospitals so as to position them for quality health care delivery to the people. He also disclosed that the National Health Insurance Scheme is awaiting a law that would make the scheme compulsory for every Nigerian. “We are carrying on infrastructural development at all our tertiary hospitals to position them for quality health care delivery to all persons, the National Health Insurance Scheme is awaiting a new law to make health insurance mandatory,” he said. Buhari who noted that his administration is passionate about health care delivery at the grassroots level disclosed that his administration has redesigned the Primary Health Care Centers to now operate for 24 hours daily. “We are passionate about health care at the grass-root level and it is our policy to have one functional health care centre in every ward of the country, We have redesigned the Primary Health Care Centers to no longer function as a dispensary that opens from 9 am to 5 pm, but as a centre that is open 24hours a day,” he said. Also speaking, the President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan noted that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had given the federal government the opportunity to provide additional resources, particularly for infrastructure that will enable Nigeria to address the outbreak of pandemics in future. Lawan who was represented by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe, said the federal government is building 10 bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) centres, 30-bed isolation centres and well equipped, functional molecular laboratories in every of the 52 Federal Medical Centres (FMCs) in Nigeria. He assured that the bill on the establishment of Ogun State University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta would be passed by the National Assembly before the end of April. On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila in his speech said, the projects were evidence of the fulfilment of promises made by the government and signified the continued progress of the FMC. “It is the cardinal responsibility to ensure the welfare and the wellbeing of the people. Providing access to quality health care services that our people can afford is one way we serve their best interest”, Gbajabiamila. Speaking at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun expressed the willingness of his administration to go into partnership with the federal government and other stakeholders in order to ensure adequate delivery of health care services to the people. Abiodun while calling on all health institutions in the State regardless of their ownership to strengthen their collaboration and synergy within themselves and the State government, added that his administration will continue to put in place appropriate policies and programmes towards providing efficient and effective health-care for the people. “Let me assure the Board, management and staff of FMC, Abeokuta that our administration will continue to support and partner FMC and every other Medical Institution towards providing efficient and effective medicare for our people, the same goes for every other Institution in the other sectors of the economy. “We appreciate the place of partnership towards the successful and continued implementation of the “Building our Future Together” Agenda in Ogun State, let me, therefore, call on all Health Institutions in Ogun State regardless of ownership, to strengthen their collaboration and synergy within themselves and with the State Government,” he said. Speaking on the projects, the Medical Director of FMC, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu said the centre is the first in the country to have a telemedicine hall. He said the centre has successfully performed more than 300 brain tumour surgeries since the establishment of the neurosurgical and cardiothoracic units. Musa-Olomu expressed the optimism that, the hospital would be upgraded to a teaching hospital with the establishment of the University of Medicine and Medical Sciences. Other dignitaries at the event included: former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Imo NJC Dismisses Magistrate, Suspends Another

The Imo State Judicial Service Commission has dismissed His Worship G.C. Okoli from its service and from carrying out any function expected of a Magistrate in the state. The dismissal which was made known via a circular, signed by the Chief Registrar of the Court, C.N. Okereke, Esq, is dated the 22nd day of March, 2021 and was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer. The circular noted that the decision to dismiss the said Magistrate was taken at its meeting, which held on the 16th day of March, 2021, where it determined a petition written against the said Magistrate, and accordingly, the dismissal takes effect from the 16th of March, 2021. The Council also at the said meeting dealt with three other petitions written against some Magistrates of the state Judiciary, and accordingly issued a strong warning and reprimand against His Worship A.C. Uzoma. The Council also directed His Worship C.P. Nnoromele to refrain from further sitting, pending the outcome of necessary Investigations being carried out with regards a petition written against him. Similarly, the Council resolved to dismiss the petition written against His Worship U.A.C. Ogoma, for lacking in merit.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Many Supreme Court decisions no longer make sense ― Justice Rhodes-Vivour

A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, on Monday, maintained that many previous decisions of the apex court should be laid to rest and never followed. Justice Rhodes-Vivour, who clocked the 70 years mandatory retirement age on Monday, spoke at a valedictory session the Supreme Court held in his honour. He took his last opportunity on the bench to address key issues affecting both the judiciary and the nation. The retired jurist noted that the Supreme Court had on several occasions, held that it is absolutely bound by the doctrine of Precedent or stare decisis. He said the doctrine, in effect, means “stand by your decisions and the decisions of your predecessors, however wrong they are and whatever injustices they inflict”. Justice Rhodes-Vivour argued that abiding by such principle would ensure that the apex court continued to follow some of its previous judgements that no longer make sense. According to him, “There are some Precedents that are clearly out of date, and should no longer be followed. “I am of the view that Precedents that no longer make sense anymore or are outdated should be laid to rest and never followed”. On the issue of corruption, Justice Rhodes-Vivour stressed that it exists in all the countries of the earth, adding that Nigeria is no exception. He said what should be done was to reduce it drastically, “thereby making our dear country an exception by building credible and transparent systems”. The retired jurist further observed that elections in the country are always protracted due to the fact that the stakes are usually high. He noted that most elections are often resolved by the courts, simply because most politicians are never satisfied with the results announced by the regulatory body charged with the conduct of elections (INEC)”. Justice Rhodes-Vivour recalled that he had in a judgement he delivered in 2016, in an election dispute that involved the Governor of Cross River State, Emmanuel Udom, pointed out that a careful reading and understanding of decided authorities, would show that a Petitioner has an uphill task proving his petition in accordance with the Electoral Act. He, therefore, recommended that the Electoral Act should be amended to shift the burden of proof to INEC to prove that it conducted a fair and reasonable election. More so, the retired jurist noted that though he had in 2006, while serving as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, held in the case of Dokubo-Asari Vs FRN that where National Security is threatened or there is the real likelihood of it being threatened, human rights or the individual rights, must be suspended until the National Security can be protected or well taken care of. He however made a U-turn on Monday, stressing that national security must be visibly threatened before anyone is denied his rights. He said: “No one should be denied his rights on the whims and fancy of anyone in authority”. On the issue of inheritance, Justice Rhodes-Vivour said his judgement that abolished customary practices excluding female children from inheriting their father’s estate, was informed by his vigorous study of the Bible. The retired jurist said he had in his verdict in Ukeje V Ukeje (2014) 11NWLR (Pt. 1418) P. 384, held that “a customary law which disentitles a female child from partaking in her deceased father’s estate, is in breach of section 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution, a fundamental rights provision guaranteed to every Nigerian. “The said Customary law is void as it conflicts with session 42(1) and (2) of the Constitution. “Female children are entitled to an inheritance”, he added. On the issue of convicts, Justice Rhodes-Vivour said he was of the view that they should be allowed to serve their prison terms only after their appeals are exhausted. “The reason being that some convicts serve several years in prison before their appeals are heard and decided. “Their appeal may be found to be meritorious. They are then released. No compensation paid for the time spent in prison”. Meanwhile, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Tanko Muhammad, in his address at the event, described Justice Rhodes-Vivour as “a rare gem”. He said the retired jurist diligently and meticulously offered unquantifiable services to Nigeria and humanity. “We are all here today to felicitate with an accomplished jurisprudential iconoclast that has offered the best of his intellect to the advancement of the legal profession through his several years of inimitable adjudications. “His Lordship is a rare gem and unblemished symbol of humility and piety. “His proficiency in the dispensation of justice, which is anchored on his mastery of law, presents him as a man of honour and scholarship. “His judgments are not only incisive but also analytical and opulent by all standards. “His robust contributions to the development of our jurisprudence are inviolable and fascinating. “His impeccable attention to details in every matter before him is alluring and salutary as well”, the CJN added.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

BREAKING: Gunmen shoot 3 policemen dead in Abia

Gunmen have attacked a Police checkpoint in Agu Eze amaogudu , Abiriba, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, killing three policemen. The dead officers were identified Inspector Austin Ugwu, Inspector Longinus Ugochukwu, PC Ama Ifeanyi. The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, who in company of security agents, visited the community, assured residents that the State Government will deploy all necessary resources available to ensure their protection. Speaking to the people at Orie Akwa square in the community, Sir Oko Chukwu, who was accompanied on the visit by the state commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, called for community vigilance and support to security agents. He said, “The government is saddened by the unfortunate attack of this morning which led to the loss of lives of police officers at Agu Eze checkpoint and my boss, Governor Ikpeazu, on receiving the news asked me to come here and assure you that we will do everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act and protect Ndi Abiriba and all law abiding people in the state. “We call on you to maintain vigilance in order to fish out criminals and hoodlums who may want to come here to attack innocent people as they go about their their legitimate businesses. “Government will give you all the necessary support and we have spoken to the security authorities to avoid indiscriminate arrests but ensure a painstaking investigation that will ensure that only those responsible for the dastardly act are brought to justice as quickly as possible.” Chukwu, who earlier visited the crime scene, sympathized with the families and friends of the officers who lost their lives in the attacks and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He also visited traditional rulers of the community and assured him of Government’s support to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. He advised that a proper community vigilante and information gathering mechanism be put in place to ensure prevention of further crimes. Responding, the Enachioken in Council, who spoke through Eze Eme Uguru Ikpoka, assured that the community would fully cooperate with security agencies to protect the people and prevent the perpetrators from escaping justice. He called on the government to prevail on security agents not to engage in mass arrests but skillfully investigate the matter. Credit DAILY TRUST

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Northern elders: Politicians capitalising on govt’s weakness to threaten Nigeria’s unity

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) says some “political adventurers” are capitalising on the weakness of elected officials by threatening the unity of the country. Different groups from the south and the north have been issuing threats, calling for the eviction of citizens from some parts of the country. Some of the threats have resulted from the farmer-herder crisis that has spread across the regions. In a statement on Monday, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, NEF’s spokesperson, said such threats have become popular because the government has not shown much will to address the situation. “It is no exaggeration to say that our country has never been so threatened by a combination of weak and ineffective governance and a determined effort from many quarters to capitalise on this weakness to attack the foundations which give all citizens and communities some comfort that we are not headed for almost certain, irretrievable disaster,” he said. “It appears that many groups and persons who have public standing, political adventurers and upstarts believe that it is open season to intensify attacks on the foundations of our co-existence through acts that provoke, frighten or otherwise cast doubts over the capacities of those who have sworn to protect the nation and citizens. “The continuous silence from responsible Nigerians and the capitulation of hitherto influential groups to politics of the gutter is creating a dangerous space which further erodes the chances that a rational approach to the triggers to these provocations can be found. “Many of the provocations and threats are directly related to maneuvers for 2023, as well as attempts to hurt and weaken the North by making it the culprit behind all manner of grievances, real or contrived.” He said people who believe they can intimidate the north into submitting to their demands are grossly mistaken. Like all other Nigerians, he said the north believes the country must meet general interests, as no group is superior to others. He noted that there is a long way to go before the 2023 elections, and the democratic process must not be made the “hostage to dangerous and shortsighted politics”. “There are politicians who think weakening the country is their best guarantee for achieving their goals,” he said. “Groups which are floating irredentist agendas to blackmail others do not impress the north. It is vital that elected leaders find the will to reduce the damage of opportunistic politicians. “If, as it clearly appears to be the case, they cannot do this, citizens with the capacity to influence opinion and chart a course towards a safer country for all citizens should get involved.” He restated the commitment of the forum to dialogue with responsible groups and leaders.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Ganduje expresses worry over attack on Ortom

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, on Monday said state governors were worried over the Saturday attack on the convoy of their Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom. He said if a governor who had security details with him could witness such attack, the fate of Nigerians without security could only be imagined. Ganduje spoke in an interview with State House correspondents after a meeting he had with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He however expressed the conviction that the recent appointment of new service chiefs would go a long way in addressing the nation’s security challenges. The governor said, “I think it (attack on Ortom) was unfortunate, but I believe with the appointment of new service chiefs, new strategy will be developed and I think Mr President has always been serious on this issue, but it’s rather unfortunate. “Not only governors that are being attacked, anybody who is attacked in Nigeria, one should be worried because life is life. “Certainly, we are worried because a governor is supposed to have some security with him, let alone of an ordinary man who has no security.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Nigerians flaunting lifestyles they can’t afford’ll be probed –Buhari’s aide

An aide to the President on social media, Lauretta Onochie, says Nigerians who flaunt lifestyles they cannot afford offline and online will be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission. The aide to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), stated this on Twitter on Monday, saying such persons will be invited by the anti-graft agencies to explain the sources of their wealth and properties. Onochie wrote, “Lifestyle Audit is now legal in Nigeria. Those who flaunt lifestyles they cannot afford can now be investigated by any of the graft agencies to produce evidence of the sources of their wealth. You can now be called upon to explain how you acquired certain properties. -@ICPC_PE.” The PUNCH had also reported that the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa said the commission will from June 1 demand the asset declaration forms of bankers. He said the decision was in line with the provisions of the Bank, Employees Declaration of Asset Act.

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Post Date : March 22, 2021

Bride of Nigerian air force officer killed in battle, marries younger brother 3 weeks after

The bride of late Abubakar, one of the Nigerian Air Force personnel killed during a gun duel with armed bandits at Ungwan Laya near Birnin Gwari on Saturday, February 13, has now married his younger brother. Abubakar was killed three weeks before his wedding, after he had shared their The Air Force officer was buried in his hometown in Ungwan Dosa, Kaduna North, at 4:pm on Sunday, February 14; Valentine’s Day. The bride has now wedded Suleiman, the younger brother of the late Air Force officer. The ceremony took place on Saturday, March 20 in Kaduna. A friend, Hshim Abbakar Zaki who shared photos from the occasion wrote “Suleiman is younger than Abubakar the soldier and terrorist who spent a few days on the way to Birnin Gwari, which is remaining two weeks to marry, may God accept his life by protecting his country’s dignity. That’s how God is doing. Suleiman has groomed the girl. May God bless your marriage. And may Allah lighten his grave amen.”

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