Month: November 2023

Alleged P&ID fraud: EFCC withdraws charge against ex-Lagos AG, Shasore

Abuja: The Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, withdrew the money laundering charge preferred against Mr Olasupo Shasore, SAN, following a directive by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minster of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
EFCC’s Counsel, Bala Sanga, informed Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, upon resumed hearing that his office notified him as prosecuting lawyer that there was a letter from the AGF requesting the anti-graft agency to withdraw the charge.

Sanga, who said the letter would be brought to court, prayed the court to stand down the matter to await its delivery and the judge granted the request.

When the court reconvened, the prosecution presented copies of the letter to the judge and the defence counsel, Chief Olawale Akoni, SAN.
“Based on the AGF’s directive, we apply to withdraw the case,” Sanga told the court.

Akoni, who did not object to the oral application, said: “We will humbly be asking the defendant to be discharged.”

Justice Ekwo, consequently, ordered the withdrawal of the charge and discharged Shasore, who was former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lagos State.
He said: “Upon being shown a letter from the AGF dated 23rd of November and the application by the prosecution counsel that the matter be withdrawn, the charge is hereby withdrawn and the defendant discharged.”
The AGF’s letter sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and personally signed by Mr Fagbemi, which was addressed to the Executive Chairman of EFCC, was captioned: “RE: Review of All Civil and Criminal Proceedings Between Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID) and Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN).”
The cases were listed as: charge number: FHC/L/447C/2022 – FRN Vs. Olasupo Shasore, SAN; charge number: FHC/ABJ/CR/386/2022 – FRN Vs. Middlesex Investments Ltd and charge number: ID/19657C/2022 – FRN Vs. Olasupo Shasore, SAN.
The letter with reference number: DPPA/OLASUPO/345/23 informed the EFCC “that the above charges were being reviewed in the light of recent developments in Process & Industrial Developments Limited vs. The Federal Republic of Nigeria (CL-2018-000182) and The Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Process & Industrial Developments Limited (CL-2019-000752).
“Consequently, you are hereby directed, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 105(1) & 108(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to withdraw the said charges with immediate effect and revert on compliance promptly.”
NAN reports that Shasore was standing trial in Abuja and Lagos State on alleged money laundering offences.
The ex-Lagos A-G was, on November 4, 2022, arraigned on a 14-count money laundering charge before Justice Ekwo of Abuja court.
In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/386/22 filed on Aug. 17, 2022, Middlesex Investments Ltd and Shasore were 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.
Shasore was alleged to be a director and a signatory to the company’s Guaranty Trust Bank account number: 0005659394.
The former commissioner, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences alleged to have been committed along with the company and was granted bail in terms of the administrative bail earlier granted him by the EFCC.
On Oct. 20, 2022, Shasore was arraigned before Chukwujekwu Aneke, judge of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, on a two-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering.
Hours later, the former A-G was arraigned before Mojisola Dada, judge of a Federal High Court in Lagos on a four-count charge of alleged money laundering.
NAN had, on Oct. 23, reported that a Business and Property Court in London presided over by Justice Robin Knowles of the Commercial Courts of England and Wales had quashed the 11 billion dollars awarded against Nigeria in a case filed by P&ID.
Judge Knowles held that the award was obtained by fraud and that what had happened in the case was contrary to public policy.
The court also declared that it did not find any merit in the charges of bribery levelled against Shasore, who represented Nigeria in the arbitration.

The Federal Government had, in the case marked: CL-2019-000752, sought to overturn $6.6 billion arbitration awarded in favour of P&ID in 2017.

The award had continued to accrue interest since then, rising to approximately $11 billion before the judgment.(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

November 30, 2023
CAS lauds troops for exceptional performance in South-East operation

By Flowerbudnews

Enugu: The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has lauded Nigerian Air Force (NAF) troops for exceptional performance in ongoing Joint Task Force in South-East code-named Operation Udo Ka II.

Abubakar said this on Thursday in Enugu during his maiden visit and tour of operational and training assets and facilities within NAF Ground Training Command (GTC), Enugu.

He noted that NAF troops had done exceptional well and recorded series of successes in the joint operation meant to keep the South-East safe and secured for all.

The CAS noted that the GTC Command was highly important to NAF as it houses the ground component (non technical component) as well as a unit of air component necessary to ensure the attainment of the mandate of NAF.

He said: “Today, we are in Enugu, which is the host of the GTC Command in our maiden visit and we are here to interact with the NAF personnel, see the facilities and infrastructure on ground.

“We are also here to encourage the personnel to continue to do the good job they had been doing before now.

“The GTC Command and the Air Training Command are key to all of our activities in NAF and the two commands ensure we have the adequate and skilled manpower for all our activities and operations.

“I am also here to strengthen our activities within Operation Udo Ka II, which Enugu is the headquarters, and see how we can achieve greater successes more than what we are having now and ensure that South-East is totally secured.”

According to him, there is currently training and graduation ongoing in most of NAF training facilities nationwide; while currently 750 personnel are undergoing training and would be graduating between December and January.

“These training are important to us in terms of our operation; and the current number (750) is very significant amount of manpower to be injected into our operations and other activities in the country,” he said.

On the inspection in new GTC Command Headquarters, new 553 Base Services Group (BSG) Headquarters and BSG Annex; Abubakar said that he was quite satisfied and impressed with the pace, level and quality of work done already.

“I have taken out time to inspect the projects and asked questions about the projects and I tell you that I am satisfied with what are on ground and all our assets and facilities are well maintained and protected,” he said.

The NAF boss commended NAF officers, airman and airwomen in GTC Command for “doing a good job and keeping the flag flying high” as well as extolled their sacrifices and commitment to duties as well.

“I am very happy for their performance. We at the NAF headquarters we are do all we can to make sure they have all the necessary support and equipment as well as welfare and accommodation to carry out their jobs effectively,” he said.

He assured NAF personnel of doing more by providing all necessary infrastructures to ensure the maximum working of the GTC Command.

The CAS also inaugurated a renovated airmen’s club and new Mrs Rakiya Abubakar Children’s Park as well as inspected the water treatment and reticulation system and the hospital within NAF Base Abakpa in Enugu. (Flowerbudnews)

November 30, 2023
Bayelsa poll: Suit seeking to disqualify Diri stalled, adjourned until Feb. 19

Abuja: The suit seeking the disqualification of Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa and his deputy, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Thursday, could not proceed at a Federal High Court, Abuja.

The matter, which was on number 16 on the cause list before Justice Emeka Nwite, was however fixed for Feb. 19, 2024, for hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that less than nine days to the Nov. 11 Bayelsa governorship election, a fresh suit seeking Diri and Ewhrudjakpo’s disqualification commenced before Justice Nwite.

Justice Nwite had, on Nov. 3, fixed today (Nov. 30) for hearing after the judge granted the ex-parte motion moved by plaintiff’s counsel, Ifeanyi Nwosu, seeking a leave to serve Diri and Ewhrudjakpo at the Government House in Bayelsa, through courier service.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1448/23 and filed by a Bayelsan woman, Blessing Clement Azibanagbal through her lawyer, Nsowu, listed Diri, Ewhrudjakpo, PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.

The suit sought an order of mandatory injunction, directing INEC to remove the names of Diri and Ewhrudjakpo as PDP’s candidates in the Nov. 11 poll.

It also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining INEC, its agents, privies or whosoever called, from further publishing their names as standard bearers for the party in the forthcoming election in Bayelsa.

It further sought a declaration that Ewhrudjakpo was not qualified to run as deputy governor under the PDP.

Azibanagbal, in the originating summons dated Oct. 26 and filed on Oct. 30, sought a declaration that Ewhrudjakpo was also not qualified to be a running mate with Diri.
Besides, she prayed the court to declare that Ewhrudjakpo had multiple of names without any evidence to proof “that he is the same person.”
She, therefore, urged the court to declare that the PDP had no candidate in the poll.
But the PDP, in a notice of preliminary objection dated Nov. 28 and filed Nov. 30 through its lawyer, A.K. Ajibade, SAN, prayed the court to dismiss or strike out the suit for being statue-barred.
It also urged the court to dismiss the suit for not disclosing reasonable cause of action against the defendants.

Giving five grounds, the PDP argued that Azibanagbal’s case was founded on pre-election matter and the time prescribed by the constitution to initiate such suit had elapsed.
It argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear and determine a suit that was already statute-barred.

“This honourable court lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine a suit where and when the plaintiff’s suit failed to disclose cause of action and/or reasonable cause of action,” it said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

November 30, 2023
Tinubu Administration Opening up the Globe for Greater Impact by Nigerians Through TAC Scheme – Buba

-Receives Radio Nigeria’s Director of News, Hussaina Akila Banshika, Others on Courtesy Visit

By Biola Lawal
Abuja (Flowerbudnews) President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration is strengthening the Technical Aid Scheme (TAC) to further open up the world for more impact by Nigerians.

Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, the Direction General of the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC) made the declaration when a group of Adamawa State indigenes in the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), led by the Director (News), Hussaina Akila Banshika, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.

This was disclosed Nkem Anyata-Lafia,
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the DTAC DG, a copy of which was made available to Flowerbudnews in Abuja on Thursday.

Buba enumerated the benefits of the TAC Scheme and the strategic role of soft-power diplomacy in an emerging multi-polar global context, noting that coercion was no longer an option to nation-nation relations

The DTAC DG told the delegation that the Corps had expanded its programmes to multilateral Organisations and is planning to even cover countries outside the African, Caribbean and Pacific States in the coming year.

Hon. Buba urged them to continue to support the Agency with media visibility of its programmes and activities.

The Group congratulated the DTAC boss on his appointment and noting the impact he had made at the Agency within a short time, the group lauded President Tinubu on his choice of the former federal lawmaker for the TAC job

The Group also noted Buba’s achievements as a federal lawmaker and Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, which they observed was helping him to run the Technical Aid Corps Scheme excellently.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of gift to the former Gombi/Hong Rep by the group, which comprises Hamza Alkali, a Senior Correspondent with Radio Nigeria from Adamawa State ,who covers the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Desk and Halima Bulama,a Reporter-turned-Librarian at Radio Nigeria,who also hails from Adamawa State. (Flowerbudnews)

November 30, 2023
Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India’s G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism

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By Biola Lawal

Abuja (Flowerbudnews): Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has x-rayed India’ s one year presidency of the G20 nations had launched a new orientation, a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress for the nations.

Prime Minister Modi said:

Today marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 Presidency. It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’

As we undertook this responsibility last year, the global landscape grappled with multifaceted challenges: recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, looming climate threats, financial instability, and debt distress in developing nations, all amid declining multilateralism. In the midst of conflicts and competition, development cooperation suffered, impeding progress.

Assuming the G20 Chair, India sought to offer the world an alternative to status quo, a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress.

India aimed to remind the world of what unites us, rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve – the interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it.

Inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive—these four words defined our approach as G20 president, and the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles.

Inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency. The inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 integrated 55 African nations into the forum, expanding it to encompass 80% of the global population. This proactive stance has fostered a more comprehensive dialogue on global challenges and opportunities.

The first-of-its-kind ‘Voice of the Global South Summit,’ convened by India in two editions, heralded a new dawn of multilateralism. India mainstreamed the Global South’s concerns in international discourse and has ushered in an era where developing countries take their rightful place in shaping the global narrative.

Inclusivity also infused India’s domestic approach to G20, making it a People’s Presidency that befits that world’s largest democracy.

Through “Jan Bhagidari” (people’s participation) events, G20 reached 1.4 billion citizens, involving all states and Union Territories (UTs) as partners. And on substantive elements, India ensured that international attention was directed to broader developmental aims, aligning with G20’s mandate.

At the critical midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, India delivered the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking a cross-cutting, action-oriented approach to interconnected issues, including health, education, gender equality and environmental sustainability.

A key area driving this progress is robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Here, India was decisive in its recommendations, having witnessed the revolutionary impact of digital innovations like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker first-hand.

Through G20, we successfully completed the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, a significant stride in global technological collaboration.

This repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, will help the Global South build, adopt, and scale DPI to unlock the power of inclusive growth.

For our One Earth, we introduced ambitious and inclusive aims to create urgent, lasting, and equitable change. The Declaration’s ‘Green Development Pact’ addresses the challenges of choosing between combating hunger and protecting the planet, by outlining a comprehensive roadmap where employment and ecosystems are complimentary, consumption is climate conscious, and production is planet-friendly.

In tandem, the G20 Declaration calls for an ambitious tripling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Coupled with the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance and a concerted push for Green Hydrogen, the G20’s ambitions to build a cleaner, greener world is undeniable.

This has always been India’s ethos, and through Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), the world can benefit from our age-old sustainable traditions.

Further, the Declaration underscores our commitment to climate justice and equity, urging substantial financial and technological support from the Global North. For the first time, there was a recognition of the quantum jump needed in the magnitude of development financing, moving from billions to trillions of dollars. G20 acknowledged that developing countries require $5.9 trillion to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.

Given the monumental resources required, G20 emphasised the importance of better, larger, and more effective Multilateral Development Banks. Concurrently, India is taking a leading role in UN reforms, especially in the restructuring of principal organs like the UN Security Council, that will ensure a more equitable global order.

Gender equality took centre stage in the Declaration, culminating in the formation of a dedicated Working Group on the Empowerment of Women next year. India’s Women’s Reservation Bill 2023, reserving one-third of India’s Parliament and state legislative assembly seats for women epitomizes our commitment to women-led development.

The New Delhi Declaration embodies a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence, reliable trade, and ambitious climate action. It is a matter of pride that during our Presidency, G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past.

During our G20 Presidency, India led deliberations on geopolitical issues and their impact on economic growth and development. Terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians is unacceptable, and we must address it with a policy of zero-tolerance. We must embody humanitarianism over hostility and reiterate that this is not an era of war.

I am delighted that during our Presidency India achieved the extraordinary: it revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women, everywhere.

As we hand over the G20 Presidency to Brazil, we do so with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come. (Flowerbudnews)

November 30, 2023
Kogi Police Debunks SDP Allegations, Issues 24-hr Demand for Substantiation by Farouk Adejoh

By Biola Lawal

Abuja”(Flowerbudnews): Kogi State Police Command has debunked political allegations leveled against it by a Chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Farouk Adejoh

In statement by the Public Relations officer of the Command William Ovye Aya, the police described the SDP allegations as reckless and unsubstantiated.

The Police warned Adekoh to substantiate his claims against the police within 24 hours or be ready to face appropriate police operational processes.

The Police statement read:

Our attention has been drawn to a reckless allegation against the Kogi State Police Command and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Command, claiming that the CP was responsible for recruiting and supporting thugs in support of a certain political party or personalities.

It is not the tradition of the Police Command to respond to all allegations, especially frivolous ones by politicians accusing us of bias, but the last one by one Farouk Adejoh who claimed to be speaking on behalf of the Social Democratic Party, is a direct affront on the integrity and authority of the Nigerian Police Force, hence the need to set the record straight.

The Command is hereby giving Farouk Adejoh 24 hours to substantiate his allegations against the State Police Command and the CP or we might have no option than to invoke our operational processes to hold him to account for his reckless and unsubstantiated claims.

The Police Command doesn’t belong to any political party. Our responsibility is to protect lives and property, a mandate we have protected without fear or favour.

Today, we received reports of a protest gone awry at the State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The CP swiftly directed the deployment of officers and men to restore normalcy at the INEC Office. Our concern is the protection of the staff and property of the Electoral Commission as well as the safety of the citizens transacting businesses around the INEC Office.

With the support of other security agencies, calm was restored at the INEC State Headquarters. How the operation that restored peace at the INEC Office has infuriated the Social Democratic Party is what we don’t understand.

The protesters who blocked the road and were burning tires to scare people were all wearing the fez caps of the Social Democratic Party.

The Police Command hereby sounds a note of warning to the SDP and other political parties to desist from disturbing the peace of the state as anyone that tries to obstruct operations at the INEC Office will face the full wrath of the law.

The CP has therefore, unbiasedly directed full investigations into the allegations raised in Farouk Adejoh’s statement with a view to ensure that a final knell is placed on attempts by politicians to drag the Police Force into partisan disagreements. We are for all Nigerians.

While other parties have conducted themselves in a relatively peaceful manner, the activities of the Social Democratic Party has generated a lot of security concerns before, during and after the election.

They have refused to cooperate with the Nigerian Police in dealing with security issues, a situation that has raised tension in the state.

He urge all parties to have faith in the judiciary and refrain from taking the laws in their hands. Any breach of peace henceforth will be dealt with decisively and without compromise, no matter the elements involved.

The State Police Command wishes to assure Kogites of their safety as plans have been put in place to guarantee peace. (Flowerbudnews)

November 30, 2023
Tension as security operatives take over INEC office in Lokoja

Following the alleged plot by suspected arsonists to burn down the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja, Kogi State capital, security operatives have taken over the office premises.

gathered that men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army and other security outfits were spotted with their armoured personnel carriers to stop any invasion of the INEC office.

It was further learnt that the ever-busy post office, where business activities boom on a daily basis, was deserted.

Vehicular movement was also restricted as motorists were forced to divert to other routes, especially those going to Abuja, Nataco and Felele axis.

DAILY POST recalls that one of the political parties had accused the other of allegedly sponsoring thugs to destroy election materials in the INEC office

November 30, 2023
Tinubu confirms Adepoju as substantive immigration CG

President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the appointment of Wura-Ola Adepoju as the substantive Comptroller General (CG) of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Ms Adepoju disclosed the development to staff of the NIS during the Comptroller General’s parade on Wednesday, adding that the date for decoration would soon be announced.

“You may also wish to know, that through the grace of God and by the benevolence of the present government, I have been confirmed as a substantive Comptroller General of Immigration,” a statement by the Public Relations Unit of the Service quoted her as saying.

As the most senior Deputy Comptroller General (DCG), Ms Adepoju was appointed the acting CG when the former acting CG, Isah Jere’s tenure expired on 29 May.

Addressing members of the service on Wednesday, the new CG also said some members of the top management team who took part in a promotion exam have been elevated to the ranks of Deputy Comptrollers General.

She said the date of their decoration will also be announced soon.

The CG also called on officers to observe a minute of silence in honour of members of the service who died some weeks ago in the line of duty, praying that the Almighty God rest their souls.

“The CGI announced that the parade was dedicated to the memory of our fallen colleagues and assured that NIS will continue to support the bereaved families.

She said an Endowment Fund is being created by the Service for the upkeep of the families of the deceased.

“Donations have been received from members of the NIS management team, Command Comptrollers and stakeholders. The widows left behind are being considered for employment into the Service provided they have the required qualifications,” the statement said.

She encouraged all personnel not to despair, but recognise the fact that our colleagues did not die in vain and that their families are not alone.

The CGI appreciated all officers and men for the support given to the NIS leadership. She particularly thanked the top management team, Zonal Coordinators, State Comptrollers and Passport Officers both at home and in the diaspora.”

Passport Issuance

The CG also enjoined all Nigerian Passport holders to ensure their Passports are renewed six months before expiration, to avoid desperation and undue pressure on both the applicants and NIS personnel.

She also advised Nigerians to stop patronising touts and deal with the Service directly.

She added that passport applications would soon be paperless and applicants would be able to apply for their passports in the comfort of their homes without having to come and fill hard copies of forms at Immigration offices.

The statement added: “As we approach the festive period, we expect many Nigerians from the diaspora to be coming home. The CGI will work with the DCG Passport and other Travel Documents as well as the DCG Border Management to ensure that we are able to assist those coming with expired Passports. We will have dedicated service points to help them. We will also encourage the adults to apply for the 64 page 10 years validity Passport to save them from frequent renewal.

Under the leadership of our current Minister, Olubunmi Tuni-Ojo, arrangements are underway to expand our service points abroad to ease the pressure on the existing few as a result of the japa syndrome.

The DCG in charge of Passport and other Travel Documents was specially recognised for her assiduousness in ensuring we are able to meet our mandate in the area of Passport administration

November 30, 2023
Panic in Osogbo as Adeleke’s Refurbished ‘Imole Bus’ Crashes After Brake Failure

Panic gripped residents of Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Wednesday when a refurbished government bus conveying workers and students crashed after experiencing brake failure. The incident occurred around 2:35 PM along the Capital/Estate/Dele-Yes-Sir road in Osogbo. Eyewitnesses told our reporter that the bus, christened ‘Imole De Bus,’ was traveling from Oke-Fia towards Estate when the brakes failed. The bus lost control, veered off the road, and collided with the median strip before hitting a streetlight pole

Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident caused panic among bystanders and nearby hawkers.

The bus was coming from Oke-Fia end, going towards Estate when it had brake failure,” an eyewitness, Tomi, told our correspondent. “The crash scared many of us at the scene; it nearly crushed some hawkers in the area. The bus ran over road bumps, it lost control, and collided with the road median strip and eventually hit the streetlight pole.”

Another eyewitness, Patience, corroborated Tomi’s account and added that the crash caused heavy traffic congestion in the area before the bus was removed from the scene. The incident raised concerns about the safety of the refurbished buses, which were part of a government initiative to alleviate the hardship caused by the recent fuel subsidy removal. Watch The Video Below

November 30, 2023