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Reasons Akpabio, South/ Page 17 Alleged N8bn fraud: EFCC closes Page 13 South gov may join APC in on JAMB directors, employees 2 Monday, August 6th, 2018

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+234909 1111 184 www.ogfza.gov.ng Monday, August 6th, 2018 EDITORIAL 3 As the political space serves drama the judiciary stands tall EDITORIAL TEAM n a week of reactions had discharged and acquitted to defections, counter the members of the sect of defections, threats to the charges preferred against PUBLISHER defect and denials of them, in a ruling on a “no Idris Abiodun Usman Idefections and the whole case submission” filed by the gamut of reactions to these, defence lawyers. the judiciary stood out Again a State and stood tall. In character CHAIRMAN, EDITORIAL BOARD High Court, issued another Barr. Kayode Ajulo its usual ethos of being order restraining the Kaduna “seen and not heard”, there State Urban Planning EDITOR have been a raft of judicial and Development Agency pronouncements that have (KASUPDA) and its agents Mohammed Basah restored hope for the long from building on a plot suffering peoples of Nigeria of land belonging to Sen. GROUP NEWS EDITOR within the cacophony of Suleiman Hunkuyi, at Plot AGF, Justice, Abubakar Malami Femi Lawson political voices. 11B Sambo Road, Unguwar Following the Rimi, Kaduna, pending the Assembly from carrying out INT’L CORRESPONDENT impeachment of determination of a suit its constitutional duties. Willem Vermeer Deputy Governor, Eze before it. It will be recalled The Judiciary as an Madumere, a State High that the independent arm of Court sitting in Owerri Geographic Information HEAD ADMIN government has kept up its Gladtimes Okoronkwo stopped the swearing in Service (KADGIS) had seized trajectory of defending the of the Deputy Governor- the property and demolished course of justice to maintain designate, Callistus Ekenze, the building over alleged sanity in a political space ADMIN OFFICER after guests had waited for failure of the Senator to that is usually characterized Othniel T. Saai hours for the ceremony to pay several years arrears by naked pursuit of interests take place. The governor of ground rent. The Court above all else. The judiciary, HEAD IT said he would respect the adjourned until October 23rd being the only arm of Benedict Aguele court order, while the for hearing in the case. government that has self- Attorney General declared In a similar streak, the regulating mechanisms the intention of the state RESEARCH OFFICER Division of the Court laced in the higher courts Blessing Onyeke to pursue all avenues for of Appeal, put to bed the and the disciplinary appeal in the judicial system. controversy generated by mechanism of National In his reaction counsel to the attempt by the National Judicial Council (NJC) PHOTO/VIDEO-GRAPHER Prince Eze Madumere, Ken Assembly to reorder election for erring judges. In the Emmanuel Kenny Bako Njemanze SAN, said that sequence in Nigeria. In a interest of sustainability of the entire impeachment unanimous judgment by the Nigeria, we need to further GRAPHIC EDITOR process against his client is panel, the jurists held that strengthen the independence Joseph Raphael “a charade that is not binding the Federal High Court in of judiciary in the interest in anyway on the status Abuja lacked jurisdiction to of justice through greater quo”. Njemanze stated that hear a suit that challenged independence and better “the seven man panel never the constitutionality of laws. Law enforcement invited the Deputy Governor Section 25 of the Electoral agencies must improve to appear before it. They Amendment Bill, 2018, their investigation and never advertised where they which sought to alter the prosecution methods to MISSION STATEMENT would sit”. sequence of the impending conform to modernity in A Kaduna state High general elections. Delivering order to establish foolproof Where feeble minds Court freed about 100 lead judgment, President that will stand the test of members of the Islamic of the Court of Appeal, the courts. The judiciary compromise integrity and Movement of Nigeria Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa, must also step up efforts dignity and refuse to speak out, (IMN), popularly known as held that the lower court to purge itself of corrupt we will lift our voice in defence the Shiite Group, arrested had no power to void a Bill influences that weaken public of Nigeria and its people since 2015 following a clash that was in the process of confidence in the system. between the Group and the becoming Law, in an attempt against corruption, impunity, Nigerian Army. The Court “to padlock” the National bad governance and those who trample the laws of our land under their feet. 4 COVER Monday, August 6th, 2018 BRIEFS Senator Akpabio’s defection Business owners in Nigeria to get N10m from the PDP to APC collateral free loans uring the course too much for him. of the last When the presidency – Osinbajo week, rumours rejected this offer, his next emerged and play was to plead for time Acting President, Prof. Dgained traction, of the till senate resumes plenary Yemi Osinbajo, says the rather shocking defection in September, which was Federal Government is of Senate Minority Leader promptly rejected, with his working towards providing and Senator representing defection notices secretly Micro, Small and Medium Akwa Ibom North West leaked to the press without Enterprises (MSME) a credit Senatorial District, Godswill his knowledge. The EFCC has facility of N2 million to N10 Akpabio defecting from been put on standby to arrest million without collateral. the opposition PDP to the him should his defection not Osibanjo made the ruling APC. While it took go according to script disclosure at the maiden many Nigerians by surprise According to a top PDP edition of the MSMEs Award considering the fact that it official who spoke with 2018 held at the State House was the ruling party that Corruption Reporter, on Banquet Hall, Abuja. seemed to be losing members condition of anonymity, He said that in addition to who weren’t satisfied, but “this is the only weapon the one-stop-shop launched this particular one has been APC has left: go after PDP in some states to carry the a long time coming as our governors who are in the Senator Akpabio MSME clinics intervention, investigations reveal. Senate, using EFCC, harass the Federal Government According to sources them and prevent them from He disclosed to the the state house of assembly, would soon launch its close to the former governor decamping or financing the meeting that he had to in solidarity with the former shared facilities for MSMEs of , the party.” resort to “legal tactics” to governor. Members of the initiative. current federal government stop the EFCC from probing party in attendance advised Osinbajo said the initiative had through its agencies, The Great Falling Out: how Sen. Akpabio spent the governor to rid his would be in partnership with shown Sen. Akpabio a Governor Udom Reacts state resources during his government of all Akpabio the Bank of Industry (BOI), dossier of some infractions MEANWHILE, Governor time as governor, but he men, who may be acting Federal Inland Revenue committed during his time Emmanuel Udom who just couldn’t be satisfied. as moles for the former Service (FIRS), Nigerian in Government house, Uyo. succeeded Sen. Akpabio, Gov. Udom pointed out governor in his quest to Export-Import Bank The Senator was shown addressing an emergency that his predecessor is too dislodge Udom. (NEXIM) and the Nigerian a lengthy list of illegally stakeholders meeting proud, egoistic and arrogant The build-up to the 2019 Export Promotion Council diverted funds linked to him on Akpabio’s exit, has and that it took a great elections continue to throw (NEPC). and in return for avoiding described his predecessor expenditure of willpower up more intrigues and “This initiatives will prosecution, the Senate as a “greedy and insatiable” to condone his antics. Gov. promise to throw up even provide MSME access to minority leader was said to man, who wanted to hijack Udom told the meeting more in the coming days fully equipped cluster style have accepted government’s the entire machinery of his attendees to brace up for and months as the political facilities for which they “amnesty” of defecting to government. He told the tough challenges, as there class continue to align and can pay an affordable fee to the APC. Akpabio was said meeting that he couldn’t are plans to rig him out of realign to seize power. The operate”, NAN quoted him as to have given the option of surrender his government office using federal might political landscape will saying. remaining in the PDP while to be run from Abuja, hence and INEC in 2019. continue to shift with even “These facilities would covertly working for the the inevitable parting of A lawmaker in the state more intensity as official have been pre-certified victory of the APC, as the ways between estranged hinted that there may be campaigns commence in by relevant agencies like embarrassment would be godfather and godson. defections of members of earnest. NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and NEPC thereby removing the layers No investigation on financial fraud will of bureaucracy that in the past held back many aspiring entrepreneurs. incriminate me – Ortom “In the shared facilities, you already have the requisite Governor Samuel has not executed any project stakeholders who had been licences that regulate your Ortom has stated that he is not since assumption of office, as suffocated in the APC have operation. So, using the afraid of any probe, provided it beneficiaries of the projects left to find breathing space in facilities means that you is fair and just, boasting that were eagerly waiting for them the Peoples Democratic Party will not go through all the no investigation on fraud, with to be commissioned for their (PDP), while those left in the regulatory bureaucracies. respect to finances of the state, use. demigod’s prison remain in “We will also partner with would ever incriminate him. Agerzua also said the APC chains to do his bidding no the Central Bank of Nigeria Ortom, in a statement in the state has become a one- matter how odious. (CBN) and commercial banks signed by his Media Adviser, man business and this was one “The most unfortunate to launch a credit facility Tahav Agerzua, while reacting of the reason why his principal, thing is that in a bid to please that will make available to to media reports credited to the governor, left the party. the slave master, all manner of MSME loans from N2m to Benue State chapter of the All “That the APC statelies and concoctions have to be N10m with a period of five to Progressives Congress (APC), chairman would react on fabricated. seven years with little or no which countered some issues half of a serving senator is “Moreover, there is every collateral. in his state broadcast a few indeed confirmation that he indication that both the feudal “The interest rate will be days ago, said the APC would has pocketed both the party lord and his slaves have since five percent. All that you need bury its face in shame soon and its officials to the extent alienated themselves from is to provide the committee when the governor begins to that they are out to dance to the people; hence they do not with a bankable business inaugurate the projects he his whims and caprices at the know what is on ground, even proposal and guarantor,” he started and completed after slightest opportunity. at their doorsteps,” Agerzua said. the party has claimed that he “No wonder, most major said. Gov Samuel Ortom Monday, August 6th, 2018 COVERNEWS 5 2019: Go and settle with your God, not me; Atiku tells Obasanjo ormer President a dilemma for Dr. Obasanjo have never been established by Olusegun Obasanjo and who supported Muhammadu either Obasanjo or the court of his erstwhile deputy, Buhari’s 2015 campaign but law. Alhaji , is now a major face against a Nobel laureate, Professor Fclashed, again, yesterday, after second term for the incumbent. Wole Soyinka, however, at the the former, said God will not Atiku Abubakar who served weekend, claimed ego on the forgive him if he supports as vice president in the two part of the former president, as Atiku’s presidential bid ahead terms of the Obasanjo civilian he alleged that Obasanjo knelt of 2019 elections. presidency between 1999 and to beg Atiku to help him win Atiku, not one to shy away 2007 is one of those aspiring to the second term ticket of the from a battle, immediately take over Buhari’s office. Peoples Democratic Party, PDP responded that his former boss Atiku and Obasanjo have, in 2003. should tidy up his relationship however, had issues arising Obasanjo, when asked, in with God, instead of hanging from perceptions of what Atiku an interview with Premium his judgment with God on allegedly did to undermine Times, whether he will support things concerning him (Atiku). Obasanjo as president Atiku’s 2019 presidential bid, Obasanjo Atiku The erstwhile VP is currently during the first term of their had said: a presidential aspirant of the presidency. Obasanjo has, “How can I be on the same me. If I do not know, yes. But grudges with anyone,” Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. however, put his opposition side with Atiku? To do what? once I know, Atiku can never Obasanjo said. “If you do not The development follows to Atiku on insinuations of “If I support Atiku for enjoy my support,” he added. do well for Nigeria, you do not what some had considered as corruption which, however, anything, God will not forgive “I do not have personal do well for all of us. Nigerian Air Force kills 20 bandits in Zamfara An Alpha jet and Mi-35M well. Alpha jet and Mi-35M were attack helicopter of the The operation, whichscrambled. The combat Nigerian Air Force have started on July 31, is aimed aircraft engaged the bandits’ bombed bandits in Yanwari at locating and neutralising location with rockets and and Mashema villages of bandits and other criminal cannons, neutralising several , killing at least elements in the North-West of them and causing a few 20 armed men in the process. with a view to restoring survivors to scamper in Our correspondent learnt normalcy in the affected different directions. that the Air Force fighter areas. “While still on armed aircraft, which were deployed The NAF Director of Public reconnaissance, the combat in the state for Operation Relations and Information, helicopter located over 20 Diran Mikiya, came in contact Air Commodore Ibikunle bandits dressed in black with the group of gunmen at Daramola, confirmed the air attire with stolen cattle in the locations on Thursday and strikes in a release on Friday. their custody, in an open field attacked them. He said, “Ground troops, near Yankari and Hayin Alhaji According to NAF on while on clearance operations villages. The bandits, a few Friday, the aircraft, in near Mashema, came in of whom were mounted on coordination with the ground contact with a group of motorcycles, were engaged by troops, also engaged the bandits at Mashema village the helicopters’ machine guns. location, were taken out in other services and security bandits’ location with rockets and therefore requested for “Several were neutralised subsequent follow-up attacks. agencies to stop killings, cattle and cannons, leaving many of air support. in the air attack while a few “The operation will be rustling and other criminal them injured in the process as “Accordingly, a NAF survivors, seen fleeing the sustained in coordination with activities.” Power generation rises to 7,000 megawatts – Fashola Nigeria’s current power was the main problem of constructing roads in virtually He said the theme of the generation has reached 7,000 Nigeria. The story was that all the 36 states some of which retreat, ‘Goal Setting and Goal megawatts, Minister of the distribution companies were through collaborative Reaching for a Focused Team,’ Power, Works and Housing, were complaining that they efforts, as well as direct was meant to reinforce the Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has did not have enough energy to interventions. team spirit, while setting out disclosed. distribute to Nigerians. According to him, the on its goals in the next 90 days. According to the News “We were distributing present administration has “It is a team that wins. We Agency of Nigeria (NAN), averagely 2,690 megawatts of spent over N300billion on will go together as a team. If Fashola, who said this electricity to Nigerians, but roads construction since we bind together, everything is yesterday in Calabar at the today, that story has changed, coming to power three years possible,” he said. Federal Ministry of Power, distribution has risen to ago, adding that before the The Permanent Secretary, Works and Housing 4th Edition 5,222 megawatts, an all-time present administration, there Ministry of Power, Mr. Louis Retreat for top directors, heads national high. was no housing policy, but now Edozien, said the retreat of units and chief executives of “Transmission has reached we have one. was meant to appraise the agencies and parastatals, noted 7,000, while generation has Fashola commended performance of the ministry in that although there was still reached 7,000. The problem members of staff of the the past 90 days. more to be done, the ministry has not finished, but all we ministry for their support and Edozien, who was Fashola had moved forward from can say is that we have made teamwork, noting that without represented by a Director, where it was three years ago. progress.” teamwork, the ministry would Mr. Ahmed Abdul, added that opportunity to strategise on “Three years ago, the story The minister added that not have been able to achieve the retreat would also afford the plan of action for the next was that power generation the Federal Government was much. the top management the quarter. 6 POLITICS Monday, August 6th, 2018 Lai calls PDP ‘reckless’ for saying APC, FG plotting to overthrow Saraki he Peoples Democratic substantive suit”. Lai Mohammed, minister of Party (PDP) says the federal “While we trust that the Chief information, said the PDP resorted government and the All Justice of Nigeria will protect the to making allegations without proof Progressives Congress (APC) sanctity of our judiciary especially because the party has run out of Tintend to obtain an interim court at this trying time in our national ideas. order to declare the Senate President history, we call on the institution of “Few days back, the PDP claimed seat vacant. the judiciary at all levels to immune that there were plans to invade the Following the defection of Bukola itself from being used by enemies senate and sack Saraki. Today, they Saraki from APC to PDP, the ruling of our democracy as no house said we are planning to use the party had called on him to step down falls leaving its roof standing,” the court to sack Saraki. Nigerians are as leader of the upper legislative statement read. tired of all these false allega-tions,” chamber. “This desperation by despotic Mohammed said. In a statement, Kola Ologbondiyan, forces to forcefully and illegally take “The PDP is reckless and desperate. PDP national publicity secretary, said control of the senate, the highest They are afraid of their own shadows. the party has credible infor-mation symbol of our democratic order, is They are so troubled and have gone that “some cabals in the presidency nothing short of civilianised coup out of ideas and make allegations and APC had perfected a plan to which must be resisted by all. without proofs. institute a lawsuit to chal-lenge the “The judiciary must therefore “This is a government that believes validity of Saraki’s seat with the ensure that it is not intimidated or in the rule of law. These constant sole aim of securing a fraudulent ensnared to be party to a desperate falsehoods are a threat to the peace injunction to force him out of office bid to destabilise our nation.” and security of this country.” Lai Mohammed pending the determination of the Reacting to the allegations, Ambode to Politicians: No arm of govt can exist without another

Lagos State Governor in a statement by his Chief must be constantly reminded sending in the last three and Akinwunmi Ambode has Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, that the essence of politics as half years.” advised politicians across the while reacting to the wave of enshrined in the Constitution “The whole essence of us country to always remember defection by politicians in the was to protect the lives and being called politicians is to the need to work together in country. property, as well as the welfare be able to give service to our their service to the people who He added, “Legislature is of the people. people. When we do the road, elected them. vital to the sustenance of The Governor said, “As bridge or the hospital, it does He believed it was democracy. Its stability, equity, politicians, we must ensure not ask whether you are PDP impossible for any arm of and economic prosperity that the electorate continues or APC neither does it ask government to exist without through the effectiveto believe and trust in the whether you are Igbo, Hausa the other and as such, there performance of legislative principles of equity and the or Yoruba before you can must be collaboration and duties and oversight functions rule of law. climb on the Third Mainland mutual understanding across cannot be overemphasised.” “No arm of government Bridge.” party lines for effective Governor Ambode urged must be a clog in the wheel Ambode added, “There are governance to take place. Nigerian lawmakers, including of progress on the basis of only two reasons why we are The governor made the members of the National partisan differences and that in this business of politics Ambode remarks on Friday while Assembly, to avoid all acts that was why I said that it is very which are also enshrined in declaring open the Second can constitute an obstruction significant that irrespective of the Constitution – protection Quarterly General Meeting to the wheel of progress as a our party lines, irrespective of of lives and property and The speakers of the 36 of Conference of Speakers of result of party differences. what has happened, we are still welfare of our people and so no State Houses of Assembly in State Legislatures in Nigeria He noted that the spirit here to find a common ground matter what strategy or path the country were in Lagos at the Lagos House in Ikeja. of politics was to serve the to discuss national issues that or geographical landscape we to discuss issues of national “There is no arm of people and give back to relate to autonomy, that relate use, what is important is that importance, including the government that can exist the society, stressing that to State Police and that is the we should be able to achieve creation of state police among without another,” he said politicians across party lines message that we have been those two objectives.” others.

Govs should be stripped of immunity if they want state police – Jibrin Abdulmumin Jibrin, a Kano same time. “After all who wants state police is predicated on most to be counter-productive”. lawmaker representing Kiru/ Nigerian state governors are immunity? All the governors state’s inability to pay salaries. He added: “Rather than Bebeji federal constituency, says immune to prosecution while in are saints, aren’t they? So if they According to Jibrin, “they create state police, why don’t governors should be stripped of office. are going to take state police, (governors) cannot even pay you increase contribution from immunity if state police must be The lawmaker said if the give it to them and take their salary at the moment. When you your own allocations to the created. argument for state police immunity,” he said during a go and take a sensitive institution federal government to increase Jibrin said the governors succeeds, “you cannot give the recent chat with journalists in like the police and keep in the the size of the force. And they cannot enjoy immunity and have governors state police and give Abuja. state, and you can’t pay salaries, already have the structure and control over the police at the them immunity”. He said his opposition to state police might even turn out everything to do their job.” Monday, August 6th, 2018 NATIONALNEWS 7 Nigeria to become 3rd world largest exporter of gas – NLNG Official he Nigeria Liquefied However, plans to invest saying the company was a – Brass LNG in terms of conscientiously to ensure that Natural Gas (NLNG) seven billion dollars on the testament to the fact that shareholding and financing; the FEED contract was signed Ltd., says its ongoing Train-7 project would expand things could be properly done OKLNG in terms of even within record time and we have plans to reach a Final its production capacity to in Nigeria. taking off the ground. a clear service level agreement TInvestment Decision (FID) 30 mtpa making Nigeria the He recalled that during the “I am saying as the between ourselves and NLNG on its Train-7 project by 3rd largest exporter of gas cash crunch of 2016, NLNG grandfather of this business to ensure that we fast-track December will make Nigeria in the World after Qatar and saved the day and helped – they built six trains, looking the contracting cycle. the third World largest gas Australia. to avert a shutdown of the at seven, hopefully potentially “This is also very important exporter. Mr Ogini said the gas nation’s economy. more. Let’s begin to look at to ensure that we take FID at The NLNG Generalproduced in Nigeria was According to the minister minimal investments, through the end of the year as soon as Manager Production, Tayo world-class, adding that the of state, the Train-7 project is structures and designs and we finish FEED work. Ogini, said this on Saturday NLNG had built a reputation fantastic but Nigeria is not yet reconfiguration and expert “We are going to focus while making a presentation of reliability in its gas supplies where it should be. advice. more with them to ensure on the facility located at Bonny around the world. He challenged the NLNG to “You can actually hand- that the letters of the law are Island on Saturday. According to him, the hub begin to think of exporting 40 hold some of those trains that properly interpreted in terms The presentation was to of crude oil exporters on the mtpa over the next 30 years, are beginning to lag behind so of construction phase of the acquaint the Minister of State island namely: Shell SPDC, as well as tackle the issue of that the whole founding father plant as well as its management for Petroleum Resources, Ibe ExxonMobil and the NLNG gas pricing as most importers concept of ‘take this all over phase,’’ Wabote said. Kachikwu, who visited the can easily produce two million of domestic gas prefer to bring the place’ can happen. According to NLNG’s plant to see the progress made barrels of oil per day. in shipments than to patronise “We are going to be shareholding structure, on the project so far. Mr Ogini said the country the NLNG. reaching out to them, not from the Nigerian government According to the had 23 NLNG carriers which Mr Kachikwu, who also an imposition point of view through the Nigerian National presentation, Nigeria is had sailed more than 4,000 inspected the facility, said but from a collaborative point Petroleum Corporation presently the fourth exporter cargoes making it the largest Nigeria’s 2019 elections of view to see what we can do (NNPC) owns 49 per cent of its of gas in the world. in Africa. would not interfere with the and learn from what they have shares. The NLNG has six He, however, said the company’s expansion plan. done well,” he said. Other shareholders are operational trains (gas plants). companies were being faced He said that whatever Also speaking, the Executive Shell Gas B.V. 25.6 per cent, The first train was built by inadequate infrastructure, happened at the polls, FID Secretary, Nigerian Content Total Gaz Electricity Holdings in 1989 but by 2007 till date, adding that with the three-year on Train-7 as well as its Management Development France 15 per cent, and Eni plans to build Trains 7 and 8 Bonny-Boro road project which construction would go ahead. Board (NCDMB), Simbi International – 10.4 per cent. were shelved. the company had embarked On NLNG assisting Brass Wabote said his agency had The company also recently The six trains have a on, part of the problem would and Olokola LNG projects, he moved to ensure the Train-7 signed agreements with combined capacity to produce soon be addressed. scored the companies 100 per project would be built with consortia to embark on FEED 22 metric tonnes per annum Responding, Mr Kachikwu cent in terms of performance. consideration to Nigeria’s local for the Train-7 ahead of the (mtpa) of Liquefied Natural commended the NLNG “We have opportunities content law in the industry. FID in December. (NAN) Gas (LNG). management for its efficiency, that are stranded everywhere “We worked with them Saraki, a thief of 2015 presidential campaign funds — Onochie The Presidency on• Non-confirmation of EFCC presidential campaign enforcement authorities, Saturday listed what it Chairman sent in by the in 2015 and starved the we see the entire senate called sins committed by president impeding and campaign council of funds. following him to the CCT Senate President, Bukola threatening to derail the • Maintains a relationship and shutting down the Saraki against President fight against corruption. with a gang of armed Senate. Muhammadu Buhari’s • Giving preference to PDP robbers who have been • His refusal to entertain the government and the All members in committee notorious for disturbing virement for the funding of Progressives Congress (APC) appointments in the the peace of good people of critical MDA’s which will before his defection to the Senate. . ensure key agencies like Peoples Democratic Party, • Delay in the confirmation • Rallied corrupt elements to INEC, NSA, NPF conduct P D P. of the boards for AMCON, buy his Senate Presidency their duties to ensure a free Buhari’s aide on social CBN, NERC, NSADA, seat against the wishes of and fair elections. media, Lauretta Onochie in ICPC, among others. the Party. • Frustrating key laws in the a long post on her Facebook • Giving the deputy Senate • Currently inducing fight against corruption page, titled: ‘The Many Sins president to the opposition Senators with $100,000 and promoting laws that of Against APC party. each to suffocate PMB’s serve personal interest like and the APC-led government’, • Placing roadblocks to government in the Senate. the Bill on re-ordering the said Saraki was a clog in the the actualization of • Delay of the 2016, sequence of elections. wheel of progress of the government’s promises to 2017 and 2018 budgets • Fictitious insertions of Lauretta development of Nigeria and Nigerians. and thus impeding the amounts that are diverted the implementation of the • Constituting a clog in the economic development of in the name of constituency policies of the administration. wheel of progress of the the country. projects. personal vendetta. The post read: ”APC is the development of the country • Budget padding and • Lack of internal democracy • Generally undermining the most tolerant political party and the implementation inserting 391 projects where he, at will, suspends government for the past in the world. No other party of the policies of the into budget of only two senators with different three years. would accommodate Saraki administration. agencies. opinion from him. • Permitting and tacitly the way APC did till we could • Joining forces with the • Shutting down the • Refusal to approve loans endorsing frivolous take no more. Here are a few opposition to ridicule National Assembly and meant for infrastructural motions to unjustly attack of his sins. Just a few obvious President Buhari’s fight personalizing the National development of the the President and the ones that are in the public against corruption. Assembly affairs especially country. government. domain.” • Stole money from the when he is required to • Using the Senate as APC campaign during the answer questions at law an institution to fight 8 VILLADIARY Monday, August 6th, 2018 Buhari attends Campaign Rally for Bauchi South Senatorial District Bye-Election on 2nd August 2018

R-L: APC Senatorial Candidate Lawal Yahaya, APC National Chairman Adams Oshiomole, Governor Simon Lalong, Senator Ali Ndume and other dignataries during the Campaign Rally for Bauchi South Senatorial District Bye-Election on 2nd July 2018

President Buhari in security briefing with Service Chiefs. August, 2 2018

Minister of Defence Brig Gen Mansur Dan Ali, Chief of Defence Staff General Abayomi Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staf Lt General TY Buratai, Chief of Naval Saff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique and Inspector General of Police, Alhaji at the State House in Abuja.

Buhari inspects renovation works at Proposed Buhari-Osinbajo Campaign office in Abuja on 1st August 2018

R-L: Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, Director Logistics Buhari Campaign Organisation Nasiru Danu, Governor Yahaya Bello, Hon. Farouk Lawal and SGF Boss Mustapha as he inspects Renovation Works at Proposed Buhari-Osinbajo Campaign Office in Abuja.

President Buhari meets APC governors at State House Wednesday August 1, 2018

APC Governors and party leader among whom are Gov Okorocha, Gov Shettima, Gov Yahaya Bello, Mallam El-Rufai, Akinwumi Ambode, APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, SGF Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff Mallam Abba Kyari and Katsina Rt Hon Aminu Masari and others.PHOTO: SUNDAY AGHAEZE

President Buhari receives in audience President Adama Barrow of The Gambia in State House on 1st August 2018 Monday, August 6th, 2018 NATIONALNEWS 9 If I leave PDP, I would quit politics –

hmed Makarfi says he minority whip, majority leader for vehicle assembling and is providing economic and will not defect from and so on. manufacturing, companies manpower development through the Peoples Democratic “Therefore, Saraki should such as Innoson Vechile employment creation, skills Party (PDP) if he fails be left alone because he was Manufacturing Company, Nissan development and innovation toA win the party’s ticket for the elected based on constitutional Nigeria and BYD motors have transfer to youths between the 2019 presidential election. provisions and his continued been able to expand capacity and ages of 18-35. Makarfi said he would rather stay is lawful.” provide skills development for In recognition of the quit politics, instead of joining He noted that addressing issues Nigerians. importance of a well-trained and any other political party. of insecurity, unemployment, The focus of the present highly skilled youth population The former PDP chairman power, infrastructure and government is to ensure the in the economy and to address said this on Saturday while national unity would be his top survival and growth of the the challenges of the once vibrant addressing journalists at the priorities if given the chance to Nigerian Automobile and Automobile and Construction PDP secretariat in Minna, the lead the country. Construction industries using industries in Nigeria, the capital. “A basket of issues including local, human and material N-Power Build initiative was NAN reports that Makarfi is security, infrastructure and resources. This is with a view conceived. Although it has in Minna to drum up support for power would be top of my to reducing importation of been operating since March Makarfi his presidential bid. priorities,” he said. vehicles and enhancing the 2018, the Vice President Yemi “If I leave PDP, I would leave “National cohesion is also industries’ contribution to the Osinbajo formally launched the approved Training Centres politics. If I was to leave PDP, I key because we are divided and national economy, especially in N-Power Build sub-component and 9 months apprenticeship could have defected a long time getting more divided by the day. the areas of transportation of of the N-Power in Enugu with partnering companies for ago. So that possibility is not “And this national cohesion is people and goods and solving on Friday, May 18, 2018 at additional experiential learning there,” he said where the issue of restructuring infrastructural deficits. TheAnambra Motor Manufacturing leading to final job placement The one-time governor of comes in as it will address government is working with the Company Limited (ANAMMCO or offering of their services as Kaduna said he predicted the unemployment.” National Automotive Design and Limited). The N-Power Build is technicians and contractors. recent mass defections to PDP, N-Power Build reviving Development Council (NADDC) a programme designed to revive There are 250 training centers adding that the biggest challenge apprenticeship among youth: and Council of Registered the apprenticeship culture in across the 6 geo-political zones is managing it. Implications for automobile, Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) Nigeria through accelerated in the country. ANAMMCO He said: “I welcome all the construction industries to achieve this. training and certificationin Enugu and the Multi-Skill defectors and as a matter of fact In 1980s, Nigeria had 8 Nigeria has the benefit of programme for unemployed Entrepreneurship Development I predicted it. I said it that after assembly plants with a combined a young population that can Nigerian youths that are not Centre, Obingwa-Aba, the APC convention you would annual production capacity of catalyze a productive economy. necessarily graduates. Theare (2) of these N-Power Build see a lot of defections and that’s 168,500 Automobiles, but in To tap into this opportunity, programme aims to build participating training Centres. what has happened. 1990s, the utilization of assembly in 2016, the Government a crop of highly competent These training providers “But the challenge is how to plants dropped to approximately of Muhammadu Buhari and skilled workforce of partner with the Federal manage it. If we manage it well, 10% – 20%. In 2005, the launched the National Social technicians, artisans and service Government’s N-Power the party would be better for it Government privatized its stake Investment Programme (NSIP) professionals in the Nigerian programme to train a total of but if we don’t we may run into in Volkswagen of Nigeria and to tackle poverty and youth Automobile and Construction 20,000 Nigerian Youths under problems.” Peugeot Nigeria Limited. unemployment in the country Sectors. the 2017 Budget appropriation. Makarfi said Bukola Saraki Opening up the Automobile and also take the youths The N-Power Build is divided In the South-East region, 1400 should be left alone as Senate industry in Nigeria to private through appropriate training into 7 components which trainees are actively involved President because he has not investors creates room for and skills development. The include Automobile; Carpentry in the N-Build Programme. breached any provision of the acceleration and revitalization NSIP programme comprises four and Joinery; Electrical Speaking during the launch, the constitution on account of his of the sector. Since the inception components such as N-Power, installation; Masonry; Painting Vice President stated that “the defection from APC to PDP. of President Muhammadu National Home Grown School and Decoration; Plumbing Federal Government invested “The constitution says the Buhari’s administration in 2015, Feeding, Government Enterprise and Pipefitting, Welding and N1.4Billion to acquire the senators should elect from enhancing production capacity Empowerment Programme, and Fabrication. The programme required Tool Kit and Training among themselves and not from of indigenous Automobile and the National Conditional Cash engages beneficiaries for 12 Consumables which have been the majority party,” he said. Construction industries have Transfer Programme. N-Power months. During this duration, distributed to participating “Party affiliations are only become a priority. By providing Programme is the job creation beneficiaries are to spend Training Centres across the attached to other positions like an enabling environment component of the NSIP which 3 months in accredited and country. Groups call for shift in choice of political leaders A nonpolitical pressure group, from the 33 local government speak for us, we must speak for good people of in government. The Renaissance Movement areas of the state include, trade ourselves and act by ourselves. particular and Nigeria in “No doubt, all political (Atunbi) has called for a groups, arti-sans, market men The Re-naissance Movement general. groups are in total disarray paradigm shift in the political and women groups, union of Atunbi is therefore a product “Our mission therefore is to and lacking in rigour of leadership recruitment process pensioners, student union of necessity. help recruit a new generation presentation and logic of in the country, saying, it must bodies, professional groups, “It is formed principally of leaders with minimal margin ar-ticulation to take on the not be business as usual for among others. to engage and challenge the of error for the purpose of selectorates. It is evident that thieving political office holders. Addressing thousands of the leadership recruitment process enthroning a government that there is the total collapse or The Movement said with its members of the Movement of our political sys-tem. The is not only responsive but also disappearance of elite political over 452, 000 members across at the NUJ Press Centre, gatekeepers who also doubles responsible to the yearn-ings consensus. There is also lack Oyo state and collaboration Iyaganku, Ibadan on Saturday, as the selectorates for decades and aspirations of the majority of moral intellectual capacity with 43 differ-ent sociopolitical Renaissance Movement have held the political system of the citizenry within the for competitive political en- groups, it will prevent those Facilitator, Comrade Ibrahim in the jugular. twin context of transparency gagement and the complete it described as ‘opportunistic Bolomope reiterated that “As 2019 approaches, there and ac-countability using breakdown of fraternal individuals and organiza-tions’ although the group “is not should be a paradigm shift the instrumentality of political allegiance to the from coming back to power a political party but rather a in the political leadership participatory democracy. powers that be in the state.” by proxy, but would develop political pressure group that recruitment process. It cannot “Most political groups and In their various remarks on the necessary organisational is interested in identifying, be business as usual. For organisations in Oyo state behalf of their separate groups, forms and programmatic presenting and sponsoring business not to be as usual, in particular and Nigeria the different leaders express platform that will take on the competent members within we need to do the unusual. in general, over time have their readi-ness to take the established selectorates and the groups rainbow coalition The inter-vention of Atunbi unconsciously neglected the bull by the horns and not allow defeat them through demo- for elective politi-cal posts is to take back to the people power equation necessary for them to be played around by cratic means. through democratic process.” through effective mobilisation the emergence and sustenance selfish politicians as the 2019 Members in attendance He said “If no one is left to and sensitisation of the of a citizenry friendly general elections draws closer. 10 INTERVIEW Monday, August 6th, 2018 Buhari needs to leave now – Dr Junaid Mohammed

A northern leader of note, Dr Junaid Mohammed, is a critic of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Fed-eral Government. In this interview by Deputy Editor, DAPO FALADE, the member of the House of Rep-resentatives in the Second Republic speaks on the implications of the gale of defection from major polit- ical parties across the country and issues affecting the two main political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vis-a-vis the 2019 elections.

the Senate or the Speaker of the House itself is going to cause instability within of Representa-tives must be among the the party and within the Senate itself. people who are in the Senate or in the Mark you, as I am talking to you, I House. But then, they did not get there think the Senate has not been sitting by themselves; they were put there on in the past one week. That means that, the platform of a political party. So, even for about eight months of the year, we if you have the money to spend around, didn’t have a working legislature and it must be the party that must nominate they have not made any single important and indicate to its own members who enactment expected of any legislature. have won election on its platform who What I am saying is that money which and whom are going to be the principal has not been appropriated by the officers of the party. National Assembly cannot be spent. I By the dynamics of the election understand that we have an additional itself, it will determine which areas are Bill which is requesting for more money shortchanged, which areas gave the party for the elections [2019] and some other enough votes and how the party is going things and I begin to wonder how the What is your take on the gale of President Bukola Saraki defected to be fair to all those areas it won votes system can survive. There is too much defection across the major political from the APC to the PDP. What do you from in terms of representation. That pressure, too much hypocrisy, too much parties, especially the All Progres- think is the likely implication of this is how politics should be played. But if greed and I can’t see how the presidential sives Congress (APC) and the Peoples defection for the leadership of the you play politics with your honour and system can survive. Democratic Party (PDP) in the Senate? you believe that you can be an armed country? A: Well, it all depends on what we robber and then sneak yourself into the The APC National Chairman and What I can see as it relates to the issue are talking about here: Are we talking chamber and, of course, pay people to some others are calling on the Senate of defection is uncertainty. Uncertainty about politics or we are talking about come and vote for you and when you are President to resign. But do you think for the country and uncer-tainty for the opportunism? From the word go, Saraki there, you now pretend to be a genuine, there is any moral justification for political parties means uncertainty for won election in 2015 and then bulldozed bona fide President of the Senate, that this? democracy itself. Again, this goes back his way to the position of the Senate will affect the issues at stake. And that is In a normal democratic system, yes to what I have been saying over the President. That, to me, is an issue and why it will be very easy for these artificial there is a justification for such a call. years that for political stability, you need clearly, it was improper. I believe that the presiding officers who have been elected But don’t tell me that ours is a normal stable political parties that are based on majority party in the Senate, whether it is only because they paid their way and democratic system because it is not ideologies, core values and beliefs. That written in the constitution or not, must they made promises which they have no normal. Secondly, there must be a has not been the case for political parties always produce the prin-cipal officers. right to make and that is why it is very certain sense of decency and morality in Nigeria. Even those that are supposed If they want him as a result of alliance easy to remove them. in everything we do. There is a Code of to be big, in terms of size or in terms of with the other party and yet they are Bukola Saraki has gone through a lot Conduct, even among armed robbers, coverage, APC and PDP, are nothing but a able to produce the majority, the party but, frankly speaking, I believe that he but the Nige-rian politicians are those I combination of people who are in for the with clear majority must always produce caused all his misfortunes and he should believe do not have a Code of Conduct. If money they would get or the positions the principal officers and the President realise that, in the long term, it is always Saraki were to be a decent politi-cian in they stand to get. Unfortunately, the of the Senate. But that is not the case. I better to be honourable than to be a decent political system, he should have money they would get is for their think it is a complete misunderstanding ambitious. I can’t see how he is going to resigned. But then, it is absurd that there personal ends; it has nothing to do with and, in fact, mischief on the part of those survive his present predicaments, even is a demand from APC that Saraki should the country. So, I am not surprised that who imagined that anybody who can put among members of his former par-ty, resign. There have been other people who the two political parties are in a mess together a majority of people into the beginning from Adams Oshiomhole, have been defecting from some of the and they are going to continue to be in Senate has the right to be the President who is another opportunist. So, Saraki other parties to the APC. APC has never a mess. of the Senate or the Speaker of the should resign, but I don’t think APC has said those people should first resign from House of Representatives. If you win an the number to remove him. Even if they the seats. Why now? Is it because they A couple of days ago, Senate election, the election as the President of make the attempt to remove him, this in Continue on the Next Page Monday, August 6th, 2018 INTERVIEW 11 Buhari needs to leave now – Dr Junaid Mohammed are now at the receiving end as the country and Nigerians does not know anything called most of them are now defecting is for him to resign from the justice. You can see from the way from APC to the other parties? government. He does not he made his announcements I think, to have decency and have the power, the education on appointments. He gave sanity, we must change this and the stamina to lead the three key ministries to an system of government to make country. So, he should get out individu-al; this was not tied sure that the constitution is of that office. to performance or the ability appropriately and suitably to make the ministries to changed to make it absolutely What is your view on the work, but as long as you are clear that whatever is the leadership style of Comrade supported by his family or reason for a person deserting Adams Oshiomhole since his cronies in the cabal. So or defecting from his party. He his assumption of office as clearly, we are in trouble. But must instantly resign, even if he the APC National Chairman? because they are enjoying what is taking the mat-ter to court. Oshiomhole is just a gangster. is happening now-they are That is how the problem can be He practises unionism in the getting money and contracts solved because a lot of what is in party, just like when he was in and what have you-the rest of the constitution has been based the trade un-ion. He calls for the country can go to hell. But on assumption that people who strike action and tells people people are complaining and we are true senators or honourable to stay away from work. They cannot continue to run this members of the National come to work when they want country this way. Assem-bly would be behaving and will force you to leave as distinguished gentlemen and your job. This is the kind of You earlier said neither APC honourable people. But what practice he has brought into nor PDP is a desirable or we have are people who are not the leadership of APC. I want responsible political party. distinguished or honourable selects those he doesn’t like Tambuwal has been an APC to make a forecast: I cannot see Are you in support of the and they have not, in any or those who are not members governor for three years. Is his future, but I want to assure coalition of forces against sense, covered themselves of his family and the cabal in it just dawning on him now you that Oshiomhole will not the APC and President with glory. Now we have to the government is made up that the president is not leave the chairmanship of APC Buhari, spearheaded by be specific that, ‘if so and so of those who are busy further performing, hence he has to and leave a better part behind. former President Olusegun happens and somebody decides destroying the economy of the leave the party? Rather, APC is going to be a lot Obasanjo ahead the 2019 to defect, whatever happens, country. So, anybody who feels I want to be very careful and worse as a party. From what we elections? he must leave’. And, unless the strongly about all these will I want to be balanced in my are seeing now, there is going First and foremost, I had constitution is specific, we will not want to be involved in this responses. You know my view to be a lot of problem for APC. taken a decision to associate continue with this confusion in government. about this gov-ernment since myself with one of the political the system. Governor Tambuwal is in a Buhari was sworn in in 2015 The president just went parties, but on the clear But none of the two main different situation, compared and I also know that Tambuwal on leave to London. What understanding that we are not political parties [APC and to the members of the has been consistently talking do you have to say about going to run this party the way PDP] is reliable or responsible. legislature, either the Senate or about the non-performance this constant travels of the PDP or APC has been creating They are all corrupt and all the the House of Representatives. of Buhari. So if somebody president, especially for the rot in the system. I said, we people who have won seats A governor has one community. [Tambuwal] decides to go and medical treatment abroad? have to be a brand new political on the platform of the two Number two, even if he deserts run for and he wins an election If you have really been party, based on clear-cut parties, APC and PDP, are also his party, he still remains there and somehow finds himself in reading or following what I ideologies. We can now have cor-rupt and these are people until the end of his term. But the midst of a lot of a confused have been saying in the media, new wine in some old bottles. who should not represent us. whether the constitution and incompetent people including the traditional and Some of the people who are The government itself is full of should be changed to also imbued with corruption, social media and international now going to create either a scandals. So, it is time for us include the governors, I don’t nepotism and what have you, media organisations like BBC, new PDP or some of them to have a serious constitution. mind, frankly speaking. But and he has been taking his time VOA and Radio France, among that are saying they have some It is ridiculous the manners the constitution stands as it to see if things would improve, others, I have been very clear reformation of APC actually in which people who have is, and Tambuwal is a lawyer you cannot blame him for that the man has no business came from PDP. So, if they come defected from a political party and he thinks there is nothing taking a decision to leave the in government. In fact, the from PDP, why did they leave are retaining their seats. stopping him from leaving the party now. right thing for him is to leave and why are they going back party. I think Again, it is worthy to note now. About his competent, now? Nothing has changed A day after Senator Saraki’s stands to gain by Tambuwal that in different countries on he has no business in party about PDP. Let me assure you; defection, Governor Aminu remaining in his post until earth, the bulk of the people politics because he knows next anybody who dreams that the Tambuwal of Sokoto State the end of his term. He is just who are involved in defection to nothing about it. He is a people of Nigeria will trust PDP and some other ma-jor a one-term governor; he will do so on the eve of a general complete economic mistake. now and go in droves into the players also left the APC. now show his popularity and election. So, it will be a matter He is a dysfunctional leader party against the government What do you think this acceptability among the people of morality the moment you in so many aspects. He is not in power is making a fool portends for the party of the state when the elec-tions feel you have lost faith in either well and he does not have the of himself. If they [govern- ahead of the 2019 elections come up in February, next year. the leader of a party or the stamina to hold the office of the ment] rig the 2019 elections which are just about six So, I am not bothered about party itself, and then you feel it president and he is mentally – and they can use and also months away? that. is time for you to leave. That is and physi-cally devastated. manipulate the security forces Let me be honest with you But I am bothered about what Tambuwal has done. Now, In a realistic world, in – There may be trouble. So, here, Governor Tambuwal the members of the National what are your options? Sieve countries with true and they will have to identify what is a friend of mine and he Assembly, particularly the them out and see other peo-ple functional democracies, this they want; whether they will is like a younger brother Senate and the House of who are of the same mind. Let man would either resign or allow a free and fair election. and I am aware, to a certain Representatives because they me tell you this; the majority would be forced to resign. He What happened in extent, of his frustrations have the main responsibility of the people in APC, including should have been impeached is a national and international within the party. But the when it comes to the passing members of the National before now and the provisions disgrace. I don’t know what primary reason, and he said of the budg-et as we cannot Assembly and the state Houses for his im-peachment are will happen in next this in his declaration, is the do without money. We are of Assembly and even the there. Even his ill-health month. So, we have to be very incompetence and hypocrisy of now in the eighth month of governors, are not with Buhari is enough to warrant his careful because the idea that President Muhammadu Buhari the year. We cannot run the in this journey. They have long impeachment. In addition, people can now use money himself. Anybody who will coun-try like that. The country lost faith in him and they know there are sev-eral ways in and control of the security want to make a positive impact is in a major crisis, but Buhari that he cannot do the job. He is which he has been flouting service chiefs and what have as a politician will not want to decided to go to London on not fit physically, emotionally the Nigerian Constitution and you to create a diabolical mess follow Buhari; the presi-dent leave. Is this right time to go or mentally to be a leader of these are enough grounds to for the country is gone and has failed woefully. He lies on leave? Nigeria. So, they think the draw articles of impeachment Nigerians are not going to take about fighting corruption. He greatest thing he can do for against him. Sadly, the man it anymore. 12 Monday, August 6th, 2018

Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission

Corruption in Nigeria undermines democratic institutions, retards economic development and contributes to government instability. Corruption attacks the foundation of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes, perverting the rule of law, and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existence is the soliciting of bribes. The Establishment Act vested the INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION with the responsibilities of investigation and prosecution of offenders thereof.

FOR INFORMATION: +234807 6369 259 [email protected]

Plot 802 Constitution Avenue, Central District, PMB 535, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria www.icpc.gov.ng Monday, August 6th, 2018 NATIONALNEWS 13 Alleged N8bn fraud: EFCC closes in on JAMB directors, employees

he Economic and management staff to the forensic audit of the accounts analyses of the accounts, we moment from now is an official Financial Crimes EFCC followed an audit of JAMB from 2010 to 2015. have identified a few officers based in Makurdi, Philomina Commission (EFCC) report which alleged that A top source in EFCC said: that would help our inves- Chieshe, who claimed that a confirmed yesterday JAMB failed to remit revenue “The report of the forensic tigations because funds have snake swallowed N36 million. Tthat that it was closing in in excess of N8 billion to the audit committee was turned been traced to their accounts. “The money was part of on some former and present Federal Government between in some months ago and “Very soon, we will be the proceeds of the sale of senior staff of the Joint 2010 and 2015. subsequently forwarded to inviting them for questioning. scratch cards. Chieshe, who Matriculations Board (JAMB) The alleged fraud sum the EFCC by the Minister of “Among the officers that was arrested months back implicated in an al-leged N8 includes unremitted Value Finance, Kemi Adeosun, for we may invite are a serving by the EFCC, allegedly told billion deal. Added Tax and Withholding criminal investi-gation. director and a retired director interrogators that the money An employee of the Tax. “Following the submission of the examination body.” was collected in instalments organisation, Philomina The Federal Government, of the audit report, the The Nation gathered that from her by her Coordinator. Chieshe, who claimed that a according to sources, was commission set up a crack the anti-graft agency will “She claimed that the snake swallowed N36 million surprised that the new investigative panel to re-view prosecute a number of officers coordinator usually asked revenue from scratch cards, is management of JAMB, led by the report and take further of JAMB over the loss of her to withdraw proceeds of among those slated for trial. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, remitted investigative steps to bring revenues from sale of scratch the sale of the cards from her Some of the affected N7.8 billion to the treasury in indicted culprits to book. cards by some of the state account in two banks.” former and present directors contrast to the poor showing “We are looking at a offices of the examination The source quoted Chieshe of JAMB may also be invited of the agen-cy between 2010 number of accounts with body. as saying: “This money that I soon by the anti-graft and 2015. suspicious inflows and Another source said: withdrew, the coordinator commission. Based on the development, outflows. “Among the staff that may used it for the office and The handover of the top the government “ordered a “From the detailed be arraigned in court any some. BRIEF Yes or no Ekweremadu opens up on EFCC probe for state The Deputy President of the “It would be recalled that Government, through the policing? Senate, Dr. , operatives of the EFCC and Special Presidential Investigation yesterday revealed what men of the Nigeria Police laid Panel for the Recovery of Public The house of transpired between him and siege to his residence at about Property, had traced 22 assets to representatives the Economic and Financial 6am on Tuesday, July 24, 2018, Ekweremadu. recently passed for Crimes Commission (EFCC) on requesting him to report at its The said assets were suspected second reading a bill Wednesday. headquarters at 10am the same to have been acquired through seeking to establish He said it was true that he told Tuesday. However, no letter of illicit funds. state police. the EFCC that he was not feeling invitation was delivered to him The properties are at No. The senate had well, but not based on a fresh list until around 9am of that day. 11, Evans Enwerem Street, Apo passed a similar of properties shown him. “Since the siege would not Legislative Quarters, Apo, Abuja; bill for first reading He said he was examined by a allow him to honour the belated Plot 2633 Kyami, Abuja; Housing on July 12 but Abu doctor attached to the EFCC and it invitation the same day, he, as Estate (Plot 1106 CRD, Cadastral Ibrahim, chairman, was confirmed he was unwell. a law-abiding citizen, wrote to Zone 07-07, Lugbe, Abuja; Plot senate committee Ekweremadu is being probed the EFCC to request another 2782 Asokoro Extension, Abuja, on police affairs, by the anti-graft agency for date, hence the rescheduled and Houses at Citi Park Estate, Ekweremadu subsequently said allegedly acquiring about 60 appointment of Tuesday, July 31, Gwagwalada, Abuja. there is no way it properties with suspicious funds. 2018. “Fight against corruption does will get a majority The Federal Government “Senator Ekweremadu Ekweremadu raising not recognize religion or ethnicity vote. had already filed a motion in a honoured the 10am appointment tribal sentiment over and therefore should not be given Federal High Court for an interim on the fixed date and left in EFCC tracing 60 assets to President such colouration. Ekweremadu’s Muhammadu Buhari forfeiture order on 22 of the the evening of the same day him, group says problem is personal and therefore assets. when he was granted bail on Meanwhile, the Anti- in May expressed should be treated as such. What reservation over Although he appeared for a self-recognisance, with an Corruption and Research he should be doing now is to assist second round of investigation understanding that he would Based Data Initiative (ARDI) state policing, saying the security agencies to speed it will amount to on Wednesday, he faulted media report at the EFCC Office at 10am has expressed shock and up investigation so that he could reports on what transpired. the next day for a continuation of disappointment about the ethnic increased financial prove his innocence or otherwise.” burden. Ekweremadu opened up on his the interview. sentiment being given to the The group said that date with the EFCC in a statement “He reported at the EFCC current investigation of the Ekweremadu should answer to Most governors through his Special Adviser on Office on Wednesday, August 1, Deputy President of the Senate, the issues raised by the EFCC in the country Media, Uche Anichukwu. 2018, at 10am as scheduled, but Ike Ekweremadu by the Economic concerning the alleged 60 assets have expressed The statement said: “My informed them that he was not and Financial Crimes Commission traced to him rather than applying support for the attention has been drawn to false feeling well, a fact the EFCC’s (EFCC), advising the Senator to all sorts of delay tactics to slow establishment of reports in some national dailies doctor confirmed. carry his cross as a man and stop down investigation. state police as a that the Deputy President of the “He was then allowed to leave whipping up tribal sentiment. “Where justice is delayed or measure to address Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, to see his doctor and it was agreed “Politicians do not consult denied over public matter, it is the nation’s security developed high blood pressure in that a new date would be fixed for their constituencies and ethnicity the masses that surfer. He should challenges. the custody of the Economic and the continuation of the interview. when they embezzle public funds also stop giving it the colouration The All Financial Crimes Commission “The office feels compelled by but are very quick to whip up of a persecution against Ndigbo. Progressives (upon alleged presentation to him the mischief and orchestrated ethnic sentiment whenever they Politicians should stop using Congress (APC) of a fresh set of purported ‘hidden media trial to put the facts are being prosecuted,” ARDI religion and ethnicity to divide us properties’ supposedly acquired straight on this particular issue.” stated in a statement issued by restructuring in this country or paint security committee also by him. There is no truth to this In suit FHC/ABJ/ its Executive Secretary, Dennis agencies black,” Aghanya said. propaganda. CS/284/2018, the Federal Aghanya on Sunday in Enugu. recommended it. 14 OPINION Monday, August 6th, 2018 My dear President, let your people go by Dele Momodu opinion our Excellency, it is with every years later, the same Nigerians who rejoiced power and only HE can take it back. You sense of love and patriotism over the collapse of your military junta, in did not use force to take power in 2015, that I have decided to write you their collective wisdom or stupidity or why do you then think you need to retain again despite the frustration of amnesia, gave you a resounding victory at that power by use of force and fire? knowingY that you may not hearken to my the polls against a powerful government I’m not sure if you are familiar with sincere advice to you, as I have written to and incumbent President. This was after world history, my dear President. You plead with you on several occasions, but you had tried for a record third time and may need to ask your aides to print out my entreaties have been to no avail. I pray had virtually given up any chance or hope of some dark moments in human history for this letter meets you well in the beautiful winning a Presidential election again. You your perusal. What often happens is that city of London where I expect you to be had actually wept for Nigeria and yourself you will, inadvertently, turn those you’re resting and relaxing by now whilst waiting on that third inauspicious occasion. This harassing now into superstars. What you to undergo your mandatory physical check- time around, in 2015, everything seemed are playing with is a game of David and up. Sir, though this piece amounts to stacked against you, including old age and Goliath. It is one of the most fascinating unsolicited advice from a self-appointed diminishing health. Yet Nigerians at home scenes in the Christian Bible. Goliath was Special Adviser, I wish to reassure you that and abroad placed their abundant faith in so confident of his awesome strength and you should stop banking on professional you. What you have done with their faith stamina and so looked down on pitiable politicians who are merely using you to since then is debatable. and diminutive David. The Holy Bible feather their own nests. I demand and What more could anyone ever ask for recalls their fight was a classic example of a require no gratification whatsoever other again in this life? Credit for that victory mismatch. But Goliath suffered a crushing than to put it permanently and indelibly must go to everyone, including saints and defeat in the hands of David. That battle Dele Momodu on record that someone told you the truth sinners, in case such nomenclatures exist is still celebrated worldwide till today, and while the unrepentant liars took over your on planet earth. Please, let no one rewrite it is a story almost every child knows and respect though both of you fought tooth space and led you astray. the history of that epic battle to dislodge is taught to learn from. The didactic lesson and nail over power. He tolerated many of Before I go on, please, permit me, Sir, the PDP behemoth. It was thus a gross from it is that not every battle should be us who supported you and did not make to take you down memory lane, from the miscalculation to get power by such default fought and not every arsenal should be the occupation of Aso Rock a matter of life First Republic to the present. Practically and try to change the narrative by saying deployed. Better to keep some things till and death. Sir, why can’t you reciprocate all our leaders failed, or fell, usually not you belonged to everyone and to no one, they are absolutely needed. This cat and this wonderful gesture? It is to his eternal because of only what they did wrong but or whichever way it was crafted by your mouse game of using State apparatus credit that, in the midst of our attacks on ostensibly because of what they did not speechwriters. Truth is you belonged to the to witch-hunt deserters is becoming him, I got invited to the wedding of his do right. Let me also establish one fact. party that embraced you, warts and all, and predictable, boring and nauseating. daughter, and was treated with decorum. Most of our leaders have been catapulted all the foot-soldiers who made it possible Those who have decamped from APC Politics should never be a matter of to power, not by their superlative might, for you to attain power once again. Not just have only exercised their fundamental brutish animosity. That is why I always but by divine intervention. One day, I that, you instantly became the father of the rights. Whether they are morally right is have tremendous regard for lawyers. They will chronicle how providence has been nation on that fateful May 29, 2015, and neither here nor there and is ultimately may fight like savage adversaries in Court responsible for the exalted position all our could no longer discriminate against anyone a verdict for the electorate to ponder and but, whilst they are there, they still show leaders found themselves. Sadly, practically for that matter. If you wanted to govern in unravel when elections, which loom large, themselves some honour and respect. It is almost all of them forgot how they reached peace and make appreciable impact, you finally arrive. Similarly, whether they their attitude once they step outside the their lofty heights and sought to personally should have treaded softly and walked are legally justified in their defection is a courtroom that is even more remarkable. perpetuate themselves in power, but the gingerly towards your ultimate destination. matter which your party may seek to take Then they shed the toga of adversaries celestial manner of their enthronement also The war of attrition that broke out as soon up in the courts, and I am certain that the and become noble and learned friends. saw to their humiliating, sometimes tragic, as you took power was totally unnecessary Courts will do justice to the case as they I wish all of us could imbibe this kind of downfall. Consequently, virtually all, except and uncalled for. Except for your most have been doing despite terrorisation, camaraderie in the practice of our political may be General Abdulsalami Abubakar, loyal supporters, not many ever trusted bullying and coercion from some over- beliefs. were disgraced, removed or retired the many fisticuffs were to the benefits of exuberant agencies of your government. I Furthermore, I have copious examples ignominiously or controversially. President Nigeria, but only for the pecuniary gains of pause to observe that some of these guys that show that what you sow is what Obasanjo who was easily the most efficient, the privileged ones in power. were hailed by us when they joined our you reap. I wish to plead with you to efficacious and effervescent leader, after If you fight a war for over three years side the last time. At that time, we justified cool temper, Sir. I know how it feels to the brilliant and youthful General Yakubu and you are unable to defeat your enemies, their defection to us as being part of the be abandoned in the lurch by your own Gowon, ended his tenure in 2007 with the you should realise that it is either they democratic process. If they have now friends and supporters. But that is life. reverberating hoopla surrounding his third are stronger than you or your strategy decided to go because they believe they are Everything can’t be smooth all the time. term bid. Whether he was interested in it, or is abysmally faulty and failing. I love the not wanted by some influential gladiators When you go to the FIFA World Cup, you his acolytes forced him into it, all his good Yoruba adage: “ta a ba leni, ta a ba bani, in the ruling party, my dear President, do so knowing only one team can grab the works would always attract that cloudy iwon la a bani sota mo…” (If we pursue an please let them go. Your party’s point that much-coveted trophy. You should try to addendum. It is noteworthy, for emphasis, adversary and cannot catch up with him, it they have done so for less than altruistic play a good and clean game and leave the that no leader in Nigerian history has ever is better to retreat, than continue to make reasons will be considered and digested by rest to Allah. You have played your part succeeded in enslaving Nigerians. We can enemies of such a person). It is not an act our people who are quite politically savvy to the best of your abilities and should be stretch this further, by stating categorically, of cowardice to retreat or even surrender. and discerning. They will make up their happy once your conscience is clear that that no leader in the world has ever The fight you are pursuing right now minds as to the rights and wrongs of it all. there was no better way to do things. achieved absolute authority permanently. would eventually prove too costly for you Your Excellency, I want you to remember Even if you decide to keep all your Indeed, that is a preserve meant only for and for Nigeria, even if you manage to win that you will not be in power forever. You opponents in the gulag, it still does not God. If only humans reminded themselves it, which I seriously doubt. By the time have your family and friends to consider. guarantee that you will win the next constantly of this fact and their mortality! you reach the end of it, you will discover Those who have been locked up in prison election in 2019. But if you do it in God’s This is the reason I wish to appeal to the meaning of anti-climax. The victory today and those being hounded could way by embracing decency and fairness, you once again to resist the temptation will be a pyrrhic one or if otherwise, a never have envisaged a day like this would your rating will go higher. You will attract of wanting to take Nigeria back to those cataclysmic defeat. Therefore, I’m shocked ever come when there would be a reversal natural admiration. The love of the people days of oppression and suppression. In that you’re allowing some reckless and of power and fortune. It is too cheap for cannot be forced. You’ve been drawing case you need to be reminded of how much vengeful politicians to goad you on and a Governor to decamp today, and then he sympathies to the decampees because of God loves you, I shall gladly oblige. When mislead you into victimising those who and his operatives are being terrorised the high-handedness and intolerance of your military regime was toppled in 1985, have left your party and are now opposing tomorrow. Power should never be abused some of your agents. As I started this mail, your enemies danced on the streets. You you. The same people you met and laughed in this manner. Who knows what would what kept coming back to me was a very were compared to the worst dictators on with recently, before our very eyes, have happen when tomorrow comes again? popular autobiography I read as a youth, earth and many would have thought it was suddenly become enemies who must be One of the reasons former President LET MY PEOPLE GO, written by Albert finished and over for you. But the ways of destroyed by all means. Sir, this act is Jonathan is respected today and enjoys John Luthuli, the very first Black African the Almighty are not the ways of man. 30 totally unfortunate. Only God can give some peace is because he gave you great man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Monday, August 6th, 2018 NATIONALNEWS 15 EFCC kicks against Bafarawa’s acquittal he Economic and However while the case was constituency at the House Financial Crimes …to appeal judgment on going, one of the accused, of Assembly, Alhaji Habibu Commission has Abdullahi Bida died while Modachi; and a Permanent described as “shocking several documents that were the last nine years or so. another, Aisha Mohammed Secretary, Isah Bello. Tand unacceptable”, the ruling admitted in evidence while The defendants alongside Binji was discharged following On December 16, 2017, by Justice Bello Abbas of the the defendants called only twelve others were first a nolle prosequi application the prosecution closed its Sokoto State High Court which six witnesses. Surprisingly, arraigned on 47 counts on filed by the then Attorney case against the defendants today July 31 discharged and Justice Abbas discharged and December 16, 2009 before the General of Sokoto State. who, through their counsel, acquitted a former governor of acquitted the accused persons Sokoto State High Court. Even more shocking was filed an application for no- Sokoto State Attahiru Dalhatu of all counts on the premise Upon arraignment, they the wholesale pardon of five of case submission which was Bafarawa and four others of a that the evidence presented all pleaded not guilty to the the defendants by the current subsequently dismissed by the 22 count charge of conspiracy, by the prosecution were “mere charges preferred against governor of Sokoto State, court on the 31st of January criminal misappropriation, hearsay”, that there were “no them by the Commission. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. 2018. theft and receiving of stolen documentary evidence” to Soon after their Those pardoned by Tambuwal Justice Abbas, had on funds. back up the claim of witnesses. arraignment, the defendants are Alhaji Tukur Alkali, who May 8, reserved July 4, for Others acquitted alongside The Commission believes filed a motion asking the court is the Commissioner for judgment. Bafarawa are Beedash Nigeria that the judge erred in law and to quash the charges against Animal Health and Fisheries However, when the case Limited, Nasdabap Nigeria has mandated its counsel to them. The said motion was Development; Commissioner came up, counsel to the two Limited, Alhaji Nasiru Dalhatu immediately appeal the ruling dismissed by both the trial for Home Affairs, Isa Achida; parties was informed that the Bafarawa and Alhaji Salihu at the Court of Appeal. court and the court of appeal. the Chairman, Governing judge was out of the state on Maibuhu Gummi. The Judgment of Justice On the 29th of September, Board, National Commission an official assignment. In the course of the Abbas is the climax in the 2011, the prosecution filed for Colleges of Education, They subsequently agreed trial EFCC had called nine series of twists and turns that an amended 44 count charge Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi; the to return to court on July 31, witnesses and presented the trial had witnessed over against the accused persons. member representing Isa for the judgment.

Buhari approves new agency for South-east, minister says

The Minister of Science and east not to put its eggs in one urged Nigerians not to allow work hard to protect every Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, basket but his pleadings fell on themselves to be deceived by Nigerian regardless of tribe or said President Muhammadu deaf ears. the antics of selfish politicians religion,” he said. Buhari has approved the “In 2015 I pleaded with the in the country who are trying He said Mr Buhari and the establishment of an agency zone not to put our eggs in one to give the security challenges security agencies are working on robotics and artificial basket. Today I want them to in the country an ethnic hard to put an end to the intelligence (AI) for the South compare the 16 years of PDP colouration to score cheap security challenges facing the East. and relate it with just 3 years political points. country. Mr Onu revealed this of APC. According to Mr Mr Oshiomhole urged the at a grand rally of the All “The three years of APC is Oshiomhole, there is a plot people of the South-east to vote Progressives Congress in greater than the 16 years of to paint the government of for APC and President Buhari Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi the People’s Democratic Party President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 general election State. The rally which received (PDP); the second Niger Bridge in bad light by portraying all as he has delivered democracy defectors from the Peoples is nearing completion, the the killings in some states in dividends to the zone. Democratic Party, was attended Enugu – Port-Harcourt and the country as the handiwork ” If Buhari has remembered Dele Momodu by the national chairman of the Enugu – Onitsha highways are of herdsmen. the South-east which did not party, Adams Oshiomhole. in various levels of completion,” “Let me urge you to be more give him more than 10 per cent 2019 in appreciation for all Some of the defectors he said. careful because in this season in 2015, imagine what he will the projects and democracy who were received include “The time has come for people are spreading untruth. do if you give him 85 per cent dividends he has given the Sonni Ogboji, former Minister the South East to be in the People are being hired to turn in 2019″. zone. of Power and Steel; Goddy mainstream of Nigerian the gospel upside down. They Former Governor of Abịa The rally earlier scheduled Ogbaga, former Secretary politics by voting for President want us to believe that every State, Orji Kalu said the new to hold at the Pa Oruta Ngele to the State Government, Buhari and APC in 2019.” problem should be explained in River Niger bridge, which the Stadium Abakaliki was later Bernard Odoh; and former APC chairman Adams ethnic and religious terms. PDP could not construct in 16 moved to a a playground Speaker of Oshiomhole said that the “We have a problem and we years, has now reached 53 per near the Enugu-Abakaliki House of Assembly, Augustine current security challenge must confront those problems. cent completion. Expressway following the Nwankwegu. in the country was devoid of Criminals must be dealt with According to him, the South- refusal of the state government Mr Onu told the rally that religious or ethnic colouration. individually as criminals. east will give the President and to grant the APC permission to in 2015 he pleaded with South- Mr Oshiomhole therefore Government at all levels must APC majority of its votes in use the stadium. (NAN) CSOs demand participation in UBEC’s projects monitoring

For the purposes of Samuel, made the submission complied with projects’ projects because as it is now, infrastructure. accountability and in Abuja, during a courtesy specification, as contained we are working in three states, In his response, the transparency, the Federal visit to the Universal Basic in the action plan, however, that is Kano and Lagos states Executive Secretary of UBEC, Government has been Education Commission lamented that there was as well as, the FCT where Dr. Hamid Bobboyi assured the urged to institutionalise the (UBEC), where he stressed the no correlation between the we have gotten approval to bodies that the commission participation of Civil Society need to institutionalise CSOs’ duration specified in the monitor projects.” would do everything possible Organisations (CSOs) in participation in monitoring of action plan and the time of On his part, the to ensure quality delivery of the monitoring of projects UBEC projects. execution of contracts. chairman of School-based projects by contractors, as well nationwide. Samuel who disclosed that “We need approval from Management Committee as, institutionalising CSOs Research and Programme a research conducted by the the UBEC so that we don’t (SBMC), Tijani Haladu Baraya, participation in UBEC project Officer, Human Development body in revealed have to go to states before we said the major challenge in monitoring. Initiative (HDI), Olayemi that contractors actually can get approval to monitor the state remains inadequate 16 EFCCNEWS Monday, August 6th, 2018 Court convicts ex-Taraba SA on revenue matters for N5.4m fraud

oshua Augustine, have between October concurrently. Mohammed was a former Special 20, 2012 and December The trial judge, however, entrusted with grains by Adviser on Revenue 29, 2012 as Secretary of added that: “In consideration one Alhaji Jubrin Maida, Matters to Taraba the Procurement Sub- that the convict has made but allegedly disposed of JState government has Committee ‘A’ Northern and considerable refund, almost the items and diverted the been convicted of a two- Central Zones, “dishonestly all, the court suspends money to personal use count charge bordering on misappropriated the sum of the sentence against the The defence counsel led by criminal breach of trust, N4,702,580 out of the total convict with the payment Isa Buba, told the court that misappropriation and sum of N214,795,870”. of the outstanding balance he was not in a position to conversion of public funds. Augustine was firstof N300,000 which the proceed with the case as his The Federal government arraigned before Justice convict misappropriated as brief was just perfected “this had in 2012 provided Filibus Andetur of the Taraba restitution to government morning”. financial assistance toState High Court in March and if he doesn’t pay, he goes “I have also not been able the tune of N400 million 2016. At the end of the trial to prison as the sentence to interview the defendant to Gov Ishaku for the procurement of the prosecution presented stands”. prepare for his defence,” he relief materials for victims five witnesses and tendered In a related development, added. way in the profession,” he of 2012 flood disaster. several documents to prove the trial of Abdullahi He thus pleaded with the said. Two committees were set its case against him. Mohammed, a businessman court to extend the interim The trial judge, thereafter, up to which Augustine In finding him guilty, arraigned before Justice bail given to his client in order adjourned to October 30, was appointed to lead Justice Andetur on August 2, Filibus Andetur in June 2018 to perfect his bail conditions. 2018 noting that, “as the one of them. The sum of 2018 sentenced him to one on a nine-count charge of Prosecuting counsel, defendant is not ready to N214,795,870 was given to year in prison on count one criminal breach of trust and Francis Jirbo, did not oppose go on and has not been able the committee, out of which with an option of N100,000 forgery has been adjourned the application. to perfect his interim bail a total of N5,452,580 was as fine, and six months on to October 30, 2018 due to “Though the application conditions granted to him, he diverted. count two with an option the inability of the defence to lacks merit, I hope that the is to be remanded in Jalingo He was accused to of N50,000 as fine to run “perfect its appearance”. defence will learn the right prison.” SHORTNEWS EFCC arraigns three for N1.5m fraud

The Economic and Financial from one Haim Ben Harush EFCC secures Crimes Commission, EFCC, (an Israeli bicycle seller) under Lagos Zonal office, on Thursday, false pretences that you have August 2, 2018, arraigned the a bicycle manufacturing plant conviction of one trio of Adewale Dairo, a.k.a. in the United Kingdom, which Bobby Okantay, Badmus pretence you knew to be false Kayode Kafil and Baruwa and thereby committed an for impersonation Oluwaseun before Justice offence contrary to Section 8(a) Chuka Obiozor of the Federal of the Advance Fee Fraud and High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Other Frauds Related Offences The Economic and Financial Crimes Lagos on an eight-count charge Act 2006 and punishable under Commission, EFCC Kaduna office, today, bordering on conspiracy and Section 1(3) of the same Act.” Wednesday, August 1, 2018 secured the obtaining under false pretence The defendants pleaded not conviction of one Ewuga John Amos before to the tune of N1,570,005.25. guilty to the charge preferred Justice Tukur of the Kaduna State High The defendants who were against them. Court on a one count charge bordering on charged alongside Kunle In view of their pleas, the impersonation, forgery and obtaining by false Chinyere, Daniella Madu, Kola prosecution counsel, Nwadu pretence. Ade and Theophilus Nweke Ukoha, asked the court for a The convict was today arraigned before Nnamdi (all at large), allegedly trial date and prayed that the Justice Tukur. conspired to obtain the money defendants be remanded in Faced with the daunting evidence against from one Haim Ben Harush, prison custody. him, he chose to plead guilty as charged. an Israeli bicycle seller, under Counsels to the defendants Justice Tukur convicted the accused to the pretence that they had a urged the court to grant their a 190 day jail term or an option of fine of manufacturing plant in the clients bail in the most liberal N200,000.00. The Judge further ordered that United Kingdom. terms. a full restitution in the sum of N478,000.00 One of the counts reads: Justice Obiozor granted the be paid back to the victims. “That you, Adewale Dairo, defendants bail in the sum of Amos, sometime in January, 2018 within a.k.a Bobby Okantay ‘M, N10m (Ten Million Naira) each the Judicial Division of the High Court of Badmus Kayode Kafil ‘M’, with one surety in like sum. Kaduna with intent to defraud, obtained the Baruwa Oluwaseun ‘M’, The sureties each must be total sum of N478,000.00 from the quartet sometime in 2017 at Lagos resident in and own a property sureties each to submit all of Yakubu Hassan, Charles Dorothy Kigbu, within the jurisdiction of this in Lagos. the documents to the court’s Ishaku Sunday and David Kasimu Kago with a Honourable Court with intent They must show evidence of Registrar for verification. promise to secure for them employment with to defraud, did fraudulently three years’ tax payment and Justice Obiozor adjourned the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS. and dishonestly conspire swear to an affidavit of means. the case to October 17, 2018 The offence is contrary to Section 306(a) of amongst yourselves to obtain The sureties each must for commencement of trial the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2007 and the sum of N1,570,005.25 submit two passport and ordered the defendants to punishable under section 307 of the same (One Million, Five Hundred photographs- their own and be remanded in Ikoyi prisons Law. and Seventy Thousand, Five that of the defendants. pending the fulfillment of their Naira , Twenty -five Kobo) The court also ordered the bail term. Monday, August 6th, 2018 NATIONALNEWS 17 Reasons Akpabio, South- South gov may join APC

etails emerged at the chieftains of the All Progressives It was learnt that the “friends” notwithstanding the enormity of weekend indicating the Congress (APC) ahead of the suggested to him the only way stories out there. real reasons a former 2019 elections. is for him to defect to the ruling In the Senate, it was learnt that Governor of Akwa- “The suspicion was to the party, APC. the PDP is already bracing up for DIbom State, who is also the effect that the governor was It was learnt that the a post-Akpabio leadership with Senate Minority Leader, Senator seeking the assistance of the APC former governor initially saw sources hinting that the party Godswill Akpabio, may leave the to help him gain total control of that possibility of defection may zone the leadership out of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). the political structure of the state as dangerous to his politics, the South-South if it becomes Sources in the know also with a promise to create some especially as he holds the office “absolutely necessary to do so,” confirmed to Sunday Tribune inroads for the ruling party in of a Minority Leader, sources, adding that the South-East could that the Senate Minority Leader the state, especially by ensuring however, said that he was assured be the next destination, even has been having a running battle that the party capture more than when he met with the topmost though the zone already produced with the governor of his home 20 per cent of the votes in the echelon of the APC and the the Deputy Senate President. state, Udom Emmanuel, for presidential election and also win administration and the deal was “We are entering an emergency more than two years and that some senatorial seats. sealed. situation and anything can the situation recently became “There was the belief that the Insiders said that the deal happen,” a source stated. unmanageable as both parties governor might have traded off initially indicated that Akpabio Besides Akpabio, whose were said to have gone for each Akpabio’s seat, while allegedly would reduce the intensity of defection to the APC is a matter other’s jugular. reaching out to some APC opposition on the floor of the of weeks, sources said another It was gathered that the negotiators. The suspicion grew Senate, a development that was South-South governor on the governor had complained to when more than a year ago, a easily seen through by the PDP platform of the PDP has also been a number of stakeholders in security summit held in the state, Senators, who sometime ago, “struggling” to justify his planned Akwa-Ibom State about what with the governor and top security staged a plot to remove Akpabio. defection from the PDP. was described as the overbearing chiefs of the administration said It was, however, understood It was learnt that the governor, attitude of Akpabio. to be showcasing some unusual that with the latest gale of who sometime ago disagreed It was learnt that the governor friendship.” defections hitting the APC hard, with the manner in which the and Akpabio have actually been It was learnt that Akpabio’s the party had to get something party was being run, had told his engaged in a game of wits over camp had sensed danger with big to show and the decision for close associates he “cannot stand” the planned defection from the the perceived growing rapport Akpabio to defect was revisited some of the governor-colleagues P D P. between Akwa-Ibom and Abuja and re-energised, sources further seen as power brokers in the PDP. At a time, the situation became and moved to save a career already said. Though one of the political somewhat funny as it was said being threatened by a successor Akwa- Ibom’s Governor reasons given by the said that they were struggling to the former governor believed Udom Emmanuel has, however, governor to engage the APC outwit each other in the defection would enable him control the continued to maintain the set up recently fell flat, it was race. state for years. friendly posture with his gathered that the South-South A source said: “There was a As sources had it, Akpabio had predecessor and godfather. governor is unrelenting in his bid strong suspicion in Akpabio’s to reach out to his friends in the Sources said that the governor to take his key oil-producing state camp that the governor was APC to help save his political has decided he will not openly to the fold of the APC. having a secret agenda with career ahead of the 2019 election. disagree with his predecessor, APC cannot demand Saraki’s resignation, says Falana Femi Falana, human rights “The planned removal of the ruling class. Hence, the executive washed off his hands like Pontius lawyer, has asked the All Senate President, Dr. Bukola is justifying disobedience of court Pilate. Since the recent defection Progressives Congress (APC) Saraki by the APC should be orders while legislators regularly of a number of legislators from to cease the alleged plan to stopped as it cannot stand,” the suspend their colleagues and the ruling party has generated remove Bukola Saraki as senate senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) carry out impeachment of some controversy it is pertinent president. said. Governors outside the ambit of to examine relevant provision Following Saraki’s defection “The attention of APC the Constitution. Even though of the Constitution and decided to the Peoples Democratic Party legislators ought to be drawn to it has been decided by the Court judicial authorities on the (PDP), the ruling party had section 52 of the Constitution of Appeal that a legislative house matter. asked him to step down as senate which provides that the lacks the power to suspend a president. President and Deputy Senate legislator both chambers of the Impunity of Legislators Adams Oshiomhole, President can only be removed national assembly and state By virtue of sections 39 and national chairman of the APC, by the resolution supported by legislative houses have continued 40 of the Constitution which on Wednesday said Saraki must the votes of not less two thirds to suspend members who guarantee the fundamental return the crown to the house majority of the entirety of the disagree with their colleagues. rights of expression, conscience where it belongs. members of the Senate. And contrary to several decisions and opinions as well as freedom Falana, in a statement “Since the APC legislators wherein the Supreme Court of association every citizens on Sunday, said the APC’s cannot muster the required two has meticulously outlined is entitled to hold political Constitution Thus, in Abegunde call for Saraki’s resignation is thirds majority of the votes of the procedure for impeaching opinions and belong to political v House of Assembly questionable. the entire members the plan to governors by not less than two associations and change such (2014) LPELR 23683 the Quoting section 52 of the impeach Senator Saraki should thirds majority of the members, opinions and association at appellant, a member of the constitution, Falana argued be dropped forthwith.” 8 out of 30 members of the any time. But such freedom is House of Representatives had that the senate president can Below is the full statement: Benue State House of Assembly circumscribed in the case of decamped from the only be removed by “resolution Introduction are said to have concluded plans elected legislators. to Action Congress of Nigeria. supported by the votes of not The crisis of misgovernance to impeach Governor Samuel Although cross carpeting In justifying his defection the less two thirds majority of the in the country has been Ortom. Instead of calling the by legislators was common appellant claimed that the entirety of the members of the accentuated by the official members of the APC involved in in the first republic it has Labour Party in Ondo State was senate”. impunity of members of the the charade President Buhari has been prohibited by the 1999 factionalised. 18 FOREIGN Monday, August 6th, 2018 President Xi’s visit to UAE and Venezuela’s Maduro says Africa breaks new ground: Colombia was behind drone attack Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said he survived State Councilor Wang Yi an assassination attempt involving explosive drones hina’s Belt and Road Chinese state councilor pointed on Saturday thanks to God, Initiative (BRI) is out. He cited Xi’s remarks about the people and the country’s highly in tune with the calling on the BRICS countries armed forces, and he blamed Revitalizing the Silk to seize the opportunities of Colombia and the United CRoad Concept proposed by the development in the next decade States for what he called a UAE, and the memorandum on and uphold multilateralism right-wing plot to kill him. cooperating on the BRI signed against protectionism and “It was an attack to kill me, between the two countries will unilateralism, saying they have they tried to assassinate me strengthen the alignment in brought positive energy into today,” Maduro said in a later strategies and communication the current world, which is full state broadcast, speaking of a Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, in industrial policies, Wang of uncertainties. “flying object (that) exploded stressed, adding that the almost Wang also mentioned that August 4, 2018. /VCG Photo in front of me.” State television images 20 documents signed cover Xi’s attendance of this year’s He argued “everything areas of trade and investment, BRICS summit expanded showed Maduro looking up colonialism” touted by some. points” to a right-wing plot disconcertedly in the middle finance, energy, agriculture and China’s “friend circle,” thanks that initial investigation culture. The Chinese state councilor to the idea of “BRICS Plus” of a speech when a bang pointed out that Xi’s visit has suggested originated in was heard, then uniformed The Chinese state councilor raised by China at last year’s neighboring Colombia. also said Xi’s trip to the UAE also broadened the prospect for BRICS summit in the country’s members of Venezuela’s China-Africa collaboration. “I have no doubt that the National Guard lined up in provided a solution to address Xiamen city name (Colombian President) the root cause of regional Wang said President Xi put Wang said including a parade suddenly breaking much emphasis on African Juan Manuel Santos is behind ranks and scattering. instability. He said Xi’s proposal more emerging markets and this attack.” to insist on political solutions, countries’ ability to develop developing nations in dialogues No drones could be seen in and attract foreign investment He added that initial the television broadcast, which promote peace through is a way to improve the BRICS’ investigations “indicate that development and boost global independently, saying China influence and ability to solicit showed bodyguards jumping in wants to “teach Africans to fish various of those financing it front of Maduro to protect him collaboration on eliminating cooperation. live in the United States, in the extremism was highly praised instead of giving them a fish.” During Xi’s time in with flexible ballistic shields. During the visit, China state of Florida. I hope that Several perpetrators were in and outside the region. Johannesburg, he also held President Donald Trump is Consensus on China-Africa and the four African countries bilateral talks with leaders from caught, Maduro said, without have agreed to exert their own ready to fight these terrorist elaborating. friendship reached the BRICS countries, as well groups.” President Xi’s visit to the advantages to complement as those from other countries “That drone was coming for each other’s economies and Venezuela’s President me but there was a shield of African countries has solidified such as Uganda, Turkey and Nicolas Maduro speaks during the foundation of mutual trust explore new opportunities Argentina, Wang said. love,” he said. “I am sure I will for cooperation, Wang a meeting with government live for many more years.” between China and the region, officials at the Miraflores Wang said. concluded, stating that about The China Model explained He noted that Xi 40 documents were signed and During this visit, President emphasized that developing many are big projects that will Xi also explained China’s Brazil Workers’ Party chooses imprisoned cooperation with African benefit peoples of both sides. philosophy on development countries is China’s long-term The BRICS bloc and global and introduced the Chinese Lula as presidential candidate and unswerving strategic governance experience while having High on President Xi’s Brazil’s leftist Workers’ Party choice, and that China will stick exchanges with leaders nominated its imprisoned to a friendly and honest policy agenda during the African from emerging markets and trip is his participation in charismatic founder Luiz toward Africa despite changes developing countries, according Inacio Lula da Silva for the in the international arena. the 10th BRICS Summit in to Wang. Johannesburg. upcoming presidential contest During the bilateral Wang said Xi shared China’s Saturday. meetings between Xi and At China’s initiative, this practice and experience in year’s summit for emerging In a message read aloud to his counterparts in Senegal, fields like the development of the party convention in Sao Rwanda, South Africa and nations including Brazil, the ruling party, the reform Russia, India, China and South Paulo, Lula, in 12 year jail for Mauritius, consensus has been of economic structures and corruption, urged “a ceaseless reached to deepen political Africa has decided to establish a poverty alleviation in a targeted partnership on a new industrial battle for democracy.” trust, support and understand manner Although serving a 12-year each other on issues involving revolution, Wang said. He said Xi’s counterparts The BRICS Partnership on sentence for corruption, common interests and expressed admiration for Lula, 72, remains by far the concerns, and in exploring their New Industrial Revolution China’s achievement and highly environmental campaigner (PartNIR) aims at deepening frontrunner in opinion polls. Marina Silva was crowned own paths of development, recognized Xi’s philosophy on Three big party Wang said. BRICS cooperation in the governance of China. by her Rede party. Also in digitalization, industrialization, conventions were held the capital, former Sao Paulo Wang emphasized that the The Chinese president also Saturday, two months before African leaders praised China’s innovation, inclusiveness and invited leaders he met during governor and establishment investment, to maximize the the first round of voting on heavyweight Geraldo Alckmin great contribution to the the visit to participate in the October 7 in Latin America’s African economy and society, opportunities, added Wang. First China International secured the nod from the Xi’s visit has also put a dominant economy. center-right Brazilian Social saying the cooperation between Import Expo slated for In Brasilia, center-left China and Africa is win-win, strong emphasis on the reform November in Shanghai, Wang Democratic Party, or PSDB. refuting the so-called “neo- of global governance, the stressed. EU Says 60,000 Nigerians still stranded in Libya The Deputy Head of the two years have been affected, Agency for the Prohibition of African tradition. Mrs Buhari on human trafficking titled European Union, Richard Young, while 10,000 have died in efforts Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) said the act which affects “Boundaries of Uncertainties”. on Tuesday said that about crossing the Meditarranean sea in Abuja. innocence of children, violates The Director General of NAPTIP, 60,000 Nigerians are being and today there are 60,000 (left) Similarly, the wife of the the essence of womanhood and Julie Okah-Donli, said the agency camped in Libya. in camps in Libya.” President, Aisha Buhari, at abuses the cherished African is taking the fight to the next level According to the official, Mr Young disclosed this the event described human tradition. with the launch of the four books these Nigerians are stranded in at an event to mark the World trafficking as an abuse against Also at the event, NAPTIP as ”masterpieces that will drive Libya. “I think roughly, 80,000 Day Against Human Trafficking humanity that violates the launched four books to mark a better understanding of the people from Nigeria in the last organised by the National essence of womanhood and the the occasion and had a lecture concept of human trafficking”. Monday, August 6th, 2018 TECHNOLOGY 19 Apple reaches $1,000,000,000,000 value

pple just became the first would value Apple at $1.3 trillion. American public company to Apple is benefiting from investor cross $1 trillion in value. euphoria surrounding the tech sector The iPhone maker achieved broadly as well -- and it could soon thatA big number on Thursday when have company in the trillion dollar the stock passed $207.04 a share. Its club. new all-time high is $208.38. Apple is now up more than 20% this year. Amazon (AMZN), Google Shares surged after Apple reported owner Alphabet (GOOGL) and earnings that topped forecasts and a Microsoft (MSFT) have all rallied healthy outlook on Wednesday. to near record highs this year, too. Even though some think Apple Amazon is worth nearly $900 billion (AAPL) needs a new product to keep while Google and Microsoft are each sales and profits booming, Apple has now worth more than $800 billion. rallied past the trillion level thanks Apple is not the first publicly traded to solid sales of the iPhone 8 and X -- company in the world to surpass the particularly in China and Japan -- and trillion dollar mark though. surging services revenue from the Oil giant PetroChina (PTR) briefly App Store. topped a trillion dollar valuation in Wall Street thinks Apple could go 2007 when its stock began trading in even higher. Thirteen analysts have a Shanghai, but shares quickly plunged price target of above $225 for Apple. afterward. PetroChina, which is The most bullish, Brian White of also listed on the New York Stock Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co., has Exchange, is now worth about $205 a price target of $275 a share. That billion. Facebook takes down suspected Russian network of pages

Facebook has removed accounts” and accounts that a network of suspected had been run by Russian Russian-linked accounts and trolls in the run-up to the pages involved in organizing 2016 presidential election. political events in the The company also said it United States. The network had reported the network is the most extensive effort to law enforcement and to to interfere in American Congress. politics that Facebook has Asked by CNN to found and made public ahead respond to the reports, of November’s midterm Russian Foreign Ministry elections. spokesperson Maria The move comes as part Zakharova said, “I hope the of Facebook’s efforts to materials will be officially prevent a repeat of 2016, presented to the Russian when accounts connected to side.” a Kremlin-linked troll group Facebook said the posing as Americans ran “Resisters” page, which rampant on its platform. organized the “No Unite In briefings on Capitol the Right 2” event, Hill, Facebook has told recruited real activists who lawmakers that it suspects a “unwittingly helped build Russian group is behind more interest in” the event” and than 30 pages advocating US posted information about charges related to an alleged harder. But security is company added. In 2016, the political stances, according transportation, materials, conspiracy to defraud the not something that’s ever Internet Research Agency to a congressional source and locations so people could United States.) done,” the company said in a had purchased ads targeting briefed on the matter. One get to the protests.” He cautioned, “But there statement released Tuesday Americans using rubles. page promoted a “No Unite are differences, too. For afternoon,” Facebook said in Next week’s event was the Right 2” march -- a Facebook said it has example, while IP addresses a statement Tuesday. not the only event the counter demonstration to a contacted the real activists. are easy to spoof, the IRA The removed pages had pages created. The pages planned “Unite the Right” Nathaniel Gleicher, head accounts we disabled last more than 290,000 followers, created about 30 events event to coincide with the of cybersecurity policy at year sometimes used Russian the company said. The most since May 2017 and “The one-year anniversary of the Facebook, said in a post IP addresses. We haven’t seen followed Facebook pages largest had approximately march in Charlottesville in that the company was still those here.” were “Aztlan Warriors,” 4,700 accounts interested in which a woman was killed. investigating where the “It’s clear that whoever “Black Elevation,” “Mindful attending, and 1,400 users There was also an effort to pages were run from but set up these accounts went Being,” and “Resisters.” said that they would attend,” amplify the “Abolish ICE” that, “Some of the activity is to much greater lengths to Facebook said. message pushed by liberals, consistent with what we saw obscure their true identities Related: The biggest Facebook has sought the source said. from the IRA before and after than the Russian-based Black Lives Matter page on guidance from U.S. Publicly, Facebook is the 2016 elections.” (The Internet Research Agency Facebook is fake intelligence agencies in its saying it does not know for IRA is the Internet Research (IRA) has in the past. We The company said the attempt to prevent a repeat sure who was behind the Agency, a Kremlin-linked believe this could be partly pages ran 150 ads for a total of 2016, when its platform network, but is saying it has troll group that has been due to changes we’ve made of approximately $11,000. was used to meddle in U.S. “found evidence of some indicted by Special Counsel over the last year to make The ads were paid for in US politics and society. connections between these Robert Mueller’s office on this kind of abuse much and Canadian dollars, the 20 SPORTS Monday, August 6th, 2018 Asaba 2018 Ends: Nigeria wins three more gold medals, third overall

eam Nigeria ended Women’s Relay event. medal haul of nine gold, five their campaign on a Though Nigeria won a silver silver and five bronze medals. blistering note at the medal in the 200m event and Team Kenya were the overall 21st Senior Athletics two more bronze medals in the champion at Asaba 2018 as the TChampionships; win-ning javelin men and 4x400m men’s East Africans finished strongly three gold medals on the final event, it was not enough to give on the final day; ending the day of action at the Stephen Nigeria a better finish in the championship with 11 Gold bronze medals. Nigeria and other African Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta biennial athletics champion- medal six silver and two bronze Morocco and Ethiopia countries will not just go home State. ships as the hosts finished medals. complete the list of the top five with their medals, but with The last set of gold medals third overall on the medals South Africa who led for teams. monetary reward. for Nigeria came in the Triple table same way it was at the last most of the five-day event For the first time in The Local Organizing Jump Event, 400m Women’s edition in Durban 2016. settled for second place with the history of the African Committee of the 2018 African Hurdles Event and the 4x400m Team Nigeria had a total nine gold, 13 silver and eight championships, athletes from Senior A. NBA commissioner Adam Silver Ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba announces plans for Pan-African league at centre of China racism row The former Chelsea forward, NBA commissioner Adam repeated quote that sport has now with Shanghai Shenhua, Silver announced on Saturday, the power to change the world, became embroiled in a heated ahead of the NBA Africa Game and my addendum to that exchange with Changchun in Pretoria, that the league is quote, having read much about Yatai midfielder Zhang Li putting plans in place to launch President Mandela, was that late in their 1-1 Chinese a tournament across the African sport is an economic engine. Super League draw after Ba continent. “One of the opportunities collided with one of Zhang’s Silver, who was speaking at we’re exploring is the teammates. a media roundtable alongside development of a Pan-African Various Chinese media deputy commissioner Mark basketball league. It’s still in reports said a furious Ba later Tatum and NBA managing its very early stages; the arena claimed that Zhang made director for Africa Amadou Gallo infrastructure is not yet in place racially insulting remarks. Fall, made the revelation while to support a full-fledged league. In a post-match press Demba Ba discussing the development of “But as we look out over the conference, Shenhua coach the game in Africa. next decade, over the continent, Wu Jingui condemned the many postings on Chinese Adam Silver In the country for the at the economic development, incident. social media as well as news “Later, I learned that a Yatai Basketball Without Borders the number of strong Ten houses are in the media reports called for an week, with the NBA Africa Game economies, the increasing player used insulting language investigation. process of being built at the toward him (Ba). Around the the “cherry on the sundae”, interest in basketball, we think Lawley Extension’s Habitat for Ba also retweeted on his Silver spent an hour discussing there is a real opportunity to do world, it has been stressed that Twitter account a posting humanity site, with the help there should be no insulting predominantly African topics, something like that. of volunteers like the NBA calling for “serious disciplinary but the mention of a major “I met with Patrick Bauman speech toward black athletes,” actions” over the incident. players who laid bricks, painted Wu said, in comments posted league on the continent, which [secretary general of FIBA] walls, and mixed cement on Ba, a Senegalese has provided the NBA with 25 yesterday and he said he would on a team social media international, had played for Thursday. account. of its current stars, sparked be supportive of the concept as The NBA stars, coaches and Shenhua in 2015-2016 before much interest. well. It’s in the very early stages, “The Chinese Super League being sidelined by a broken leg. legends who travelled to South has players of many different The commissioner saidbut as I leave the continent in a Africa have documented their Brief spells with Turkish during his opening remarks: few days, I’m leaving my charge skin colours. We should respect sides Besiktas and Goztepe stay in Johannesburg, with the our opponents and there “When we were at the Mandela to Amadou and his colleagues Habitat For Humanity work followed before Ba returned Centre of Memory [on Friday], in Johannesburg to develop a should be no discrimination.” to Shenhua in June during the at Lawley South making a big Following the match, we were reminded of his often fully-fledged plan. impression. summer transfer window. NPFL Players Unhappy With League Postponement Many players who plied their between the two warring providers have expressed strong football fraternity, a major Professional Football League trade with Nigeria Professional factions in the glass house. concerns and are reviewing their sponsor for the league was also NPFL. Football League NPFL has LMC confirmed theinvolvement in the league. in favor for the postponement. “We are not happy with what expressed their displeasure over postponement in a letter signed “There is, therefore, the However, Indefinitelyis happening at the moment the indefinite postponement of by LMC CEO Salihu Abubakar to need to engage them further postponement of the league concerning our league, which League due to administrative all 20 teams participating in the in this regard in order to appears to have not augured well has made many clubs in the dispute in Nigeria’s football league: “Kindly be informed that mitigate against any possible with some players who don’t league to be indolent, the governing body NFF. the LMC has reached a decision adverse outcome. Furthermore, want such circumstance. league that ought to have been The NPFL that went on to postpone the resumption of organizing matches of the NPFL In a chat with Aljazirah going to the conclusion by now break on Monday, June 11th, the NPFL indefinitely. under the current circumstances Nigeria Sports, the Captain of is still behind, with this kind 2018 scheduled to resume on “The decision is based on the might cause irreversible damage NPFL defending champion, of postponement players will Wednesday, July 18th for the current adverse circumstances in to the League brand.” Plateau United Football Club Of not be 100% fit, honestly the 2018 World Cup in Russia is the administration of football in Apart from that, LMC also Jos, Elisha Golbe, has expressed scenario will definitely bite yet to resume because of the the country as a result of which revealed that asides the current his displeasure with the more than what it can chew on lingering leadership crisis sponsors, partners, and service tug of war in the Nigerian current situation of the Nigeria players, clubs as well as officials.”