Crime Facts

Tinubu’s Campaign DG Dumps APC

  There’s confusion about the presidential ambition of Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the Director General of his campaign organization, Abdulmumin Jibrin, says he’s quitting the ruling party. The former member of the House of Representatives, said he has done his best for the party. Though he didn’t announce his new political party, he said it’s time to move on. “I have done my best for APC,” Mr Jibrin said on Facebook Saturday. “It’s time to move on. I will announce my new political party within the next 24 hours insha Allah. I will make a formal statement in due course.” The former House appropriation committee chairman has been leading support groups for Mr Tinubu across northern Nigeria. It was not immediately clear why he decided to leave the ruling party, but concerns have mounted in recent weeks that the APC might allow northern candidates to contest its ticket. Mr Jibrin has argued that southern candidates should be given exclusive rights to contest the presidential ticket in line with equity, but northern APC politicians, including Jigawa Governor Abubakar Badaru, have declared their readiness to seek the 2023 presidential ticket.

Airlines Shutdown Will Cripple Economy’, PDP Lawmakers Ask Buhari To Intervene

‘ The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and avert the imminent shutdown of airline services across the country. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had announced the shutdown of its member services on Friday due to the unbearable high cost of aviation fuel (JetA1) and other associated costs. The shutdown, the AON said, will commence on Monday. In a statement signed by House Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the lawmakers said such a development will hurt millions of businesses and carry grave consequences. “This worrisome development in Nigeria, a major producer of oil, is another very sad commentary on the unpardonable failure, corruption, incompetence, negative policies and lack of capacity of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration to effectively manage our national economy,” the statement said. “As representatives of the people, the Minority Caucus is concerned because aviation is pivotal to the operation, sustenance and survival of other key sectors of the economy and any shutdown of flight operations will have devastating spiral effect and worsen the excruciating economic hardship and further escalate insecurity in the country. “This is because apart from the direct disabling of thousands of aviation related jobs and ancillary businesses, a shutdown of the sector will also have grave negative impact on critical government and public sector activities which are sustained by air travelling. “It is instructive to note that the aviation sector is no longer an exclusive reserve of the elite, but plays central role in the movement of personnel and equipment that drive and sustain services and operations which benefit the masses in healthcare, manufacturing, education, food production, telecommunication, retailing, banking and finance, hospitality, entertainment, power, security and other key sectors. “A shutdown of the aviation sector will therefore cripple millions of businesses as well as economic and commercial activities thereby increasing unemployment, worsen the economic hardship, put pressure on our already ailing roads and exacerbate insecurity in our country. “Moreover, the situation is a huge threat to our national integrity as it erodes the confidence of the International Community and foreign investors in our country thereby encouraging the movement of investments to neigbouring countries. “The Minority Caucus therefore calls on President Buhari to wake up, note the grave import of the situation and save the aviation sector from imminent collapse by immediately addressing the fuel crisis and other challenges in the industry. “Mr. President should critically address the crisis in the petroleum industry by reviewing the counter-productive policies and curbing the corruption in his administration so as to save our national economy from collapse under his watch.”

2023 Presidency: ‘Emefiele has not broken any law for purchasing Nomination Forms’

  AHEAD of the 2023 general and Presidential elections, a group under the aegis of Coalition of North-Central Youths Vanguard for Emefiele has taken a swipe at those attacking the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, after picking the expression of interest and nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress, APC to get the ticket of the party on his behalf, saying that he has not erred in line with the constitution of the land. According to the group in a statement yesterday in Abuja by the Publicity Secretary of Coalition of North-Central Youths Vanguard for Emefiele, Ameenah Hayatudeen stated unequivocally that Emefiele is the right man to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as he would enjoy the total support of North Central Youths. Recall that following the purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms for the Governor of the Apex bank, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State had called on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack him if he refuses to resign from his post. The Coalition of North-Central Youths Vanguard for Emefiele in a statement said, “Members of The Coalition of North-Central Youths Vanguard for Emefiele categorically state that the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele has not broken any law by purchasing the Presidential forms of the All Progressives Congress (APC). “While we are aware of the provisions of Section 9 of the CBN Act which states that: “the Governor and the Deputy Governor shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the Bank and while holding office shall not engage in any full or part-time employment or vocation whether remunerated or not except such personal and charitable causes as may be determined by the Board and which do not conflict with or detract from their full-time duties…” “Clearly from the above provision, the CBN Governor or Deputy Governor cannot be involved in any other employment or vocation while in office. Arising from this, therefore, how do we define employment or vocation”? “In the case of Shell Petroleum Company of Nigeria vs Federal Board of Inland Revenue 1996 8 NWLR Part 466 256, the Supreme Court held that where the words of a statute are plain, precise and unambiguous, then it should be given the ordinary and natural meaning. “We make bold to ask then from Emefiele’s traducers “what then is the natural and ordinary meaning of the word employment? And what is the natural and ordinary meaning of the word vocation”? “Employment means “the state of having paid work”. While vocation means “a person’s employment or main occupation”. “Based on these definitions above, can it then be said that seeking election into the office of the president of Nigeria is an employment or vocation? The answer must surely be in the negative. Anything other than that will be the most artificial interpretation to suit a sinister purpose. “Moreso, the constitution is clear on rights of association, and rights to seek elective positions. And there is no impediment whatsoever on the exercise of such rights except such impediments are contained in the constitution. “Contesting for the position of the president is an exercise of constitutional rights, and not an engagement in any employment or vocation.”

Ibom Air counters airline operators’ association, says it won’t suspend flights

  Ibom Airlines Limited (Ibom Air) has countered the position of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on the latter’s decision to suspend flight operations over the hike in the price of fuel. On Friday, the AON had announced its decision to suspend services from Monday. However, in a statement issued on Saturday by the management of Ibom Air, the airline said suspending flights will make a bad situation worse. “Ibom Air acknowledges the existential threat that these runaway fuel price increases pose for the air transport industry in Nigeria. We agree that this out-of-control situation is simply unsustainable. However, every airline has its unique business model and pressures. We believe that in spite of the escalating fuel prices, airlines volunteering to stop operations would rather exacerbate an already bad situation,” the statement reads. “Ibom Air has financial obligations to suppliers, financiers and staff, which depend on uninterrupted flow of revenue to service. More importantly is the fact that having been paid by customers in advance for flight bookings we are bound by contract to deliver the services already paid for, to avoid exposing the airline to the risk of avoidable litigation. “Apart from the above factors, Ibom Air is currently the only airline serving Akwa Ibom State directly and as such, any voluntary stoppage of operations would completely cut off access by air into and out of the State. Such action would be directly in conflict with and detrimental to the interest of our shareholder. “In view of the foregoing facts, Ibom Air had respectfully disagreed with the decision of AON to suspend flight operations on Monday 09 May, 2022. Ibom Air cannot in the circumstance volunteer to stop operating and will continue normal operations on Monday 09 May, 2022 and beyond. Ibom Air’s inclusion as “signatory” to the statement released by AON must have derived from its active and committed membership of the AON.” More to follow…

PDP Demands Arrest, Prosecution Of CBN Governor

  The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has called for the arrest of Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor over his continued stay in office while eying to become the next president of Nigeria. The opposition party said their call for the arrest of Emefiele is over his alleged abuse of office and financial impropriety. In a press conference by Hon. Debo Ologunagba, PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, the party said the action of the apex Bank boss contradicts CBN Act of 2007 and the civil service rule stressing that his involvement in party politics could have contributed to the somersault of the countries economy. The statement reads: “You will recall that on March 25, 2022, our Party alerted the nation when we got intelligence that the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele was being promoted by the Presidency as Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general elections. “At that time, we drew the attention of Nigerians to the provisions of the CBN Act 2007 and particularly referenced Section 9 which provides that “the Governor and the Deputy Governors shall devote the whole of their time to the service of the bank and while holding office, shall not engage in any full or part-time employment or vocation, whether remunerated or not…” “This provision is clear in demanding that 100 percent of the time and expertise of the CBN Governor and Deputy Governors shall be dedicated to the service of the CBN. This is because the CBN is critical to the integrity and stability of our economy. “Furthermore, Section 030422 of the Public Service Rule states that no public officer shall (a) “hold any office, paid or unpaid, permanent or temporary, in any political organization”, (b) offer himself/herself or nominate anyone else as a candidate for any elective public office…”, (c) “indicate publicly his support of or opposition to any party, candidate or policy and (d) “engage in canvassing in support of political candidates” unless such officer resigns his appointment. “Importantly, Section 030502 (g) of the Rule lists “engaging in partisan political activities’ as SERIOUS ACT OF MISCONDUCT. “Emefiele’s involvement in politics without resigning as CBN Governor therefore amounts to gross misconduct in contravention of Section 11 2 (2)(c) of the CBN Act. “Now that Mr. Emefiele has joined politics and reportedly obtained the N100 million Presidential aspirant form from the APC, he cannot continue to resume at the CBN which is the commonwealth of our nation. “By this Mr. Emefiele has become a clear and present danger to the health, integrity and reputation of the CBN and our nation’s financial sector. His continued stay as CBN Governor will further destroy investors’ confidence in the integrity of our nation’s financial regulatory Institution. “Mr. Emefiele’s involvement in partisan politics while still holding office as CBN Governor underpins the impunity, lawlessness and recklessness of the Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration. It further confirms that the CBN under Emefiele has all along been the finance department of the APC. APC in 2023, says Wike “It is now evident that the summersault of the economy under Mr. Emefiele as CBN Governor has been influenced by a personal partisan interest for which the CBN under his watch allegedly allowed multiple leakages in our financial regulations through discriminatory exchange rate policies and nebulous subsidies to funnel billons of naira to political lackies to fund a presidential ambition. “This also explains why under Emefiele, the CBN which is supposed to be the bankers’ bank continues to engage in fraudulent retail banking services under ill-defined economic intervention programmes to plunder the treasury. “The tsunamic macro-economic and fiscal policies of the CBN under Emefiele brought untold hardship to the productive and service sectors of our nation’s economy with consequential negative effect on the lives of our citizens. “It is provocative that instead of being remorseful, Mr. Emefiele is even insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians by seeking the office of the President while still holding office as CBN Governor. “The PDP points to reports in the public space of how Emefiele’s agents through corrupt practices, including manipulation of exchange rate, allegedly amassed sum close to $1 billion dollar which is already being deployed by the purchase of hundreds of Emefiele branded campaign vehicles in the colours of the APC in furtherance of a lavish Presidential campaign. “The direct consequences of such atrocious regime in the CBN under Emefiele is the collapse of our naira from N197 to N600 to a dollar, the crippling of our productive sector, multiple economic recession, increased poverty, inflation and unemployment rates, high costs of living and excruciating hardship to our citizens. “It is indeed saddening that President Muhammadu Buhari, who promised zero tolerance for corruption will enable, encourage and condone such atrocious regime in the CBN where our economy is opened to fraudulent pillaging to promote a political ambition. “Our Party stands with Nigerians in demanding the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of Mr. Emefiele by security and anti-graft agencies, particularly the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial malfeasance and abuse of office in the CBN under his watch. “As Nigerians we are determined to confront this evil. We wish Mr. Emefiele well in his new found but ill-fated political vocation but we demand that he must be brought to account for the activities that he undertook, supervised and superintended over the years that he has been at the helm of affairs at the CBN and for which our economy is in comatose. “The PDP calls on all Nigerians; the Civil Society, Students, Organized Labour, the Media and all lovers of good governance to rise up as the PDP takes drastic actions in leading the charge to defend the integrity of the CBN, Rule of Law and ensure that those who brought our economy to its knees face the wrath of the law.”

Reps To Hold Emergency Plenary On Monday

  The House of Representatives has called for an emergency plenary session on Monday. According to the House’s Clerk, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the session, which is scheduled to commence at 2pm, is “particularly intended to discuss critical issues of national importance. “The House regrets any inconvenience this short notice would have caused.” The lawmakers last week had postponed plenary sessions indefinitely due to the ongoing renovation of the chambers of the National Assembly. Before then, they had been on a one-week Easter break.

Please Don’t Shut Down, FG Begs Airlines

  The Federal Government has appealed to airline operators to reconsider their stance on shutting down, saying such action would have on the already “distressed economy”. Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, made the appeal in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Affairs, Dr. James Odaudu. The Minister expressed concern “about the difficulties being faced by the airline operators in the country in procuring aviation fuel, but said there is little his ministry could do as the issue of aviation does not fall within his purview. “The attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has been drawn to reports that the nation’s air transportation system will be disrupted as from Monday May 9th, 2022, following threats by airline operators to shut down operations as a result of rising cost of Jet A1, otherwise known as aviation fuel.” “We also acknowledge that the airline operators are in the business to make profits, while servicing the very critical sector that is not only the preferred mode of transport for most Nigerians, but also the main international gateway to the nation. “Unfortunately the issue of fuel supply is not within the purview of the Ministry and so the much it can do in the present situation is to engage with agencies, institutions and individuals in positions to provide succour to the airlines. This is already being done by the relevant team led by the Honourable Minister. “While the efforts to assuage the situation are on, we wish to appeal to the airline operators, even in the difficult situation, to consider the multiplier effect of shutting down operations, on Nigerians and global travellers, in taking their business-informed decisions and actions. “We also assure Nigerians, especially stakeholders in the sector, that the Buhari administration remains stoic in its commitment to the creation and sustenance of an environment that promotes the growth of the aviation industry where major players like the airlines can operate in a profitable and competitive market.”

CAN: We’ve forgiven Sterling Bank CEO for ‘Agege bread’ Easter message

  The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) says it has forgiven Abubakar Suleiman (pictured), chief executive officer (CEO) of Sterling Bank, over the bank’s controversial Easter message. In celebration of Easter, Sterling Bank had posted an Easter message where the bank compared the resurrection of Jesus Christ with ‘Agege bread’. The message, which was shared on social media platforms and also sent to its customers via email, showed the picture of a golden-brown bread divided in two with the caption ‘Like Agege Bread, He Rose!’” The message elicited harsh reactions on social media, especially from Christians. CAN described the message as “provocative and insensitive” and called for the “immediate removal” of Suleiman. But in a statement on Saturday signed by Joseph Daramola, its national secretary, the association said it had forgiven the CEO. It said this followed an acceptable and genuine apology letter written to it by the bank on April 20, 2022 which was personally signed by Suleiman. “Equally, some well meaning and highly placed Nigerians have been appealing to CAN to forgive in the Christian spirit and in consonance with the message of Easter,” the statement reads. “As a result of this development, CAN has resolved to forgive Sterling Bank and its Chief Executive. We always remember that ‘to err is human and to forgive is divine.’ “In taking this step, we are following the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who asked God to forgive those who nailed Him to the cross unjustly and has taught us to forgive always.” CAN therefore called on Christians in the country to also forgive the bank and its management. “Those who are considering stopping patronising the bank as a result of the blunder should stop the process but instead continue doing business with the bank,” the statement reads. “We appeal to corporate institutions especially the banks to be more sensitive, considerate and professional in handling their public messages. Whatever that can cause religious crises in the country should be avoided at all costs, both by the government and the business sector. “We appreciate our youths who heeded our directive and refused to be dragged into the streets to protest against the bank as being touted in some quarters. “Finally, We acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of the well meaning Nigerians who intervened in the matter.”

How Buhari’s administration is fixing Nigeria’s security architecture —Osinbajo

  In addition to implementing socio-economic measures for the benefit of the Nigerian people and national development, the Buhari administration has taken important steps to re-engineer the country’s security architecture, and the fruits of that are imminent, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Friday in Awka, Anambra State while speaking with delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in continuation of his engagements with APC delegates and stakeholders across the country. The Vice President, who also visited Enugu State yesterday right after Anambra, has so far visited several other states, including Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Delta, Taraba and Adamawa before now. Speaking earlier in the Southeast States, the VP assured that with the “re-engineering of the security architecture, with the view to be more effective on the ground, we will begin to see the fruits of that, especially with the acquisition of more platforms – mobile platforms, air platforms, and, of course, technology, that will be useful in resolving some of these problems.” On arrival at the Anambra International Cargo Airport, the Vice President was received by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr Onyeka Ibezim; and other senior state government officials, including Anambra State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Honourable Uche Okafor, and APC stakeholders in the state led by the State Chairman, Sir Basil Ejidike. Stressing the need to enhance the security apparatus in the country, Prof. Osinbajo stated ways to improve the capacity and capabilities of the Nigerian military, adding that “technology would be useful and deployed to resolve the problem of insecurity.” Responding to questions from delegates, the VP restated his experience in government, noting that “after serving as Vice President and being exposed to several aspects of governance by President Muhammadu Buhari, I know that God made this possible so that I would serve the people as President.” During the courtesy visit to the Anambra State Governor, the VP also spoke on other issues, including measures being taken by the government to improve the country’s power sector. Applauding Governor Soludo for his wealth of experience, the VP said the governor has been a friend for many years, adding “I’ve sought Prof. Soludo’s advice well before he became one of the members of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. Prof. Osinbajo further said, “We are looking forward to working with you, and I believe that all will be well with our country and Anambra State. Everyone is looking to Anambra state; this is one of the major hubs of industry, especially small businesses. This is one place where we expect to see very significant contributions to the national economy.” Governor Soludo, who expressed excitement and hope for a cordial working relationship with the Vice President, said he was most delighted to welcome Prof. Osinbajo to Anambra State, adding that the VP has been instrumental in promoting MSMEs and youth development. “You have been to Anambra severally, but the one that I was part of, in receiving you, and the one dear to my heart, was when you came to commission the shoe factory (at Ogbunike) “Our government is about promoting made in Anambra, made in Nigeria (products). You came to empower us with that, with the MSMEs and thousands of youths and the less privileged in that particular industry. Prof. Soludo also commended the VP for his efforts in government and for steering the National Economic Council, as its chairman, noting that NEC “coordinates all economic agenda of the 36 states of this country.” “And in that capacity, I must state that Mr Vice President, also coordinating several of the special intervention programmes of the Federal Government, has been leading us well. In various areas and capacities where he has been assigned to do that, he has acted excellently,” he added. Governor Soludo noted that all the progressives should come together to build a better Nigeria and make it work, “because we believe that if all the 36 states of the Federation work, Nigeria works.” At his meetings with delegates in Anambra and Enugu, the VP received very favourable responses as he engaged in question-and-answer sessions, allowing for interaction and feedback from the APC delegates and stakeholders in all the States he has visited so far. In Anambra State, the party Chairman, Sir Ejidike, while commending the way and manner the VP is widely consulting ahead of the APC Presidential Primaries later this month, observed that he was the very first Presidential aspirant to consult in the State. In Enugu State the VP made a stop at the Southeast Zonal Office of the APC, accompanied by the State Chairman, Hon. Ugochukwu Agballa, and other party stalwarts. After his visits to Anambra and Enugu States, the Vice President proceeded to Lagos State, where he attended the Southwest APC Elders’ meeting with other aspirants from the zone. The meeting was co-convened by the first Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, and a former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba.

Akinwumi Adesina may join 2023 presidential race

  The President of African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, may join the 2023 presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), The Nation has learnt. There are indications that Adesina might pick the nomination and expression of interest forms next week before the deadline. Adesina, a former Minister of Agriculture, is the first Nigerian to occupy the top job at the development finance institution. He has served in several high-profile positions internationally, including that of the Rockefeller Foundation. He is serving a second term as AfDB President, which will elapse in 2025. Although Adesina is yet to formally indicate his interest the race, a body of Nigerians in the diaspora — Diaspora Support Group of North America and Europe mobilising support for him to join the race. Last week, Adesina, met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa, Abuja. The Convener, Diaspora Support Group of North America and Europe Dr. Tony Bello who spoke with The Nation on Saturday, said there’s 100 percent assurance that the support groups will pick up the forms for Adesina once he is drafted into the race. According to Bello, the support groups are excited about the extended deadline for the sale of forms to May 10 by the APC. Bello noted that Adesina is most qualified, better prepared and the best option. He said: “We believe if we are able to convince Adesina to join the presidential race, under the platform of APC, that would be the best. “We are excited that there’s possiblity that we’ll be bringing him on board. I don’t know if he’s a card-carrying member but we believe that Adesina would be considered by the leadership of the party. “It is not too late for him to join, the expression of interest form and nomination form were extended, and there’s still time especially for those who are waiting to make decision. “We are working with many other groups in Diaspora, and we are calling on him to join the race. We work as a team, and we are aligning our interest. Other groups across Nigeria are also working hard to promote his candidacy. We’ve global influence and local support groups across Nigeria, and we are getting others to talk to him (Adesina). “It is a 50:50 chance at this stage, and there’s 100% chance that we’ll pick the forms for him. “He has the capabilities to fix Nigeria. He has humble beginnings, and every Nigerians can relate to his life story especially how he grew up, and most importantly his decisions have always been based on merit. He is a detrablised Nigerian. He’ll bring visionary leadership to the country and help restore past glory. “On the African stage, he has demonstrated that he has what it takes, if Nigeria succeeds, then Africa succeeds. We’ve had conversation with him, we are getting others involved. We need a technocrat at this stage of our democracy. We are working with many persons underground. “Once we pick up the form, I believe we would have other persons who will join us. Groups such as Youths group including youth arise movement, prudent youth, women for a secured Nation, Northern Coalition progressives, Diaspora Group of North America and Europe. “We do not belong to any party, we are looking for the interest of Nigeria, and looking for who can lead us, and someone who can manage the country especially issues such as insecurity, economy, others.” In the race are former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, State Minister for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, former Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State and former Abia governor and serving senator, Orji Uzor Kalu. They are all from the South-east. Aspirants from the South-south are the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio. Those from the North-west are Governor Abubakar Badaru of Jigawa State and former governor of Zamfara State, Sani Yerima. In the South-West, those who have shown interest are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Kayode Fayemi ; Ibikunle Amosun; Boroffice; Mr Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim; Pastor Tunde Bakare and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello is the only aspirant from the North-central region. Source: TheNation