Author: Lawal AbdulSalam Olawale

The Federal High Court, in Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned arraignment of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on an alleged money laundering case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to June 27, following an agreement by the counsels of the two parties.

 

A new date, June 27, had earlier been reportedly fixed for arraignment at the instance of the EFCC counsels.

 

There was, however, a mild drama in court when Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced appearance for EFCC and claimed ignorance of the agreement.

 

At the resumed hearing on Thursday, Counsel to Governor Bello, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that the EFCC lawyers approached AbdulWahab Mohammed SAN, who is the counsel for the defendant, that the June 13 date would not be convenient for them to proceed and that Wahab had to agree by way of convenience for another date to be set.

 

Adedipe SAN, who was in court for another matter, was surprised when he heard that Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was in court for the Yahaya Bello/EFCC case.

 

But for the decision of the EFCC to seek an adjournment to a future date for his arraignment, Governor Yahaya Bello, was said to be ready to appear in court today.

Under 266 ACJA there are instances when defendants don’t need to come and this is one of them. We came here to pick a date. Of what use will the defendant coming here be? It is the prosecuting counsel that approached us, we did not approach them. We have nothing to hide,” Adedipe noted.

 

In a strange twist, however, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said he was not aware of any meeting that happened outside the court, that he did not know about the understanding to adjourn till 27th.

 

Justice Nwite thereafter adjourned the case to June 27 after an undertaking by Adedipe SAN that the defendant would appear on that day.

 

Nwite said, ordinarily, an agreement outside the court that a new date should be picked should not be enough to ignore the previous undertaking.Z

The Regional Director of the EFCC in Benin, Effa Okim, said the agency has been unable to arrest former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, due to the protection he is receiving from the ‘system’.

 

Bello was declared wanted after evading arrest over alleged N80.2bn fraud.

 

Okim said: “This is the last question I expected because the shame is on all of us. Is that a question I should answer alone? It’s not me, it is the Federal Republic of Nigeria,”

 

That politically-exposed Yahaya Bello, whose crime has been traced to him by allegation and has been invited by EFCC to come and explain, and for months he is acting drama and we are all here wanting to ask questions! The shame is our own shame!

 

Can’t we catch him? We can, but do we go all out to catch him? Do we need to do that when he has his masters? Can’t they call him and tell him, ‘You are disgracing Nigeria’? What are you telling the world? Tell him to go and explain himself like others have done.

 

“Where are the ministers? Where are Yahaya Bello’s colleagues, even in his hiding? So, Nigerians can’t tell him ‘This is not fair, go and report; they are not going to kill you’? But people are still eating and dining with him.”

 

“Where has morality gone before legality that we can’t summon that man and tell him to go and report himself to the EFCC? Some persons are writing, supporting him, while some are criticizing the commission.

 

“The problem is our own problem that borders on Nigeria’s image. Our children are watching their parents behave like children.

 

“The media should come out for the first time to harmonise, criticise that action and forget about prosecution but tell him to make himself available; thereafter we know what to do.”

 

“To me, the truth has vanished. Even in Animal Farm, this will not happen, that a man who was part of the system that was a custodian of our culture, rules and laws can behave like this and you are asking questions.

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, says President Tinubu has performed exceptionally well in his first year in office by fulfilling his campaign promises to continue from were Muhammadu Buhari stopped.

 

Obi said this while speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday night, as he expressed concern over the worsening economic crisis in the country.

 

He said the President has kept his word, but noted that the consequences have been devastating.

The former Anambra Governor said: “I will give him excellent pass mark. Dollar was N460, it is now N1500. Fuel was N238, it is now about N700. Diesel was N844, it is now N1415. A bag of rice was 40 to 35 thousand, it is now about 80, 000. A bag of beans was similar, it is now about 90, 000. Garri was 27-28, it is now 49 to 50, 000. A tuber of yam was about 2700 to 3000, now it is about 10, 000.

 

“Tomato basket was about 40, 000, now it is about 150, 000. Electricity was N66 per kilowatt, now it is about N200.

 

“You can go on and on. Our debts! Even bread which is the basic things other countries are subsidizing like Egypt . Small bread was N450 is now N900. The big one that was N900 is now N1500.

 

“Everything has headed south, Adherence to the rule of law has worsened. Nepotism is at the highest’’

 

 

 

Obi recalled that during his campaign, Tinubu promised to continue where his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, left off.

The Federal Government has unveiled a series of events to mark this year’s Democracy Day.

 

Details of the celebration were shared in a notice issued by Abdulhakeem Adeoye on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Sunday.

 

The celebration will commence on Tuesday, June 11, with a symposium at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, starting at 9:00 a.m.

This will be followed by a youth conference at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00 p.m.

 

On Wednesday, June 12, the events will feature a grand parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

 

The day will conclude with a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 p.m.

 

The notice stated:

 

“The programmes lined up for the celebration include a symposium on Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 AM at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

 

“Later that day, a youth conference will be held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00 PM.

 

“A grand parade will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 8:00 AM at Eagle Square, Abuja,” followed by “a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00 PM.”

 

The notice also indicated that only accredited Villa correspondents would be granted access to cover the events held at the Presidential Villa. Further updates will be provided as the celebration approaches

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe as the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) in interim capacity, pending the confirmation of her appointment by the NCCC Supervisory Council.

A statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, explained that the appointment is in accordance with President Tinubu’s commitment to actualize Nigeria’s green industrial vision, boost investor confidence, and unlock sustainable economic value through various climate finance instruments,.

 

According to the statement, the president has also approved that Dr. Maduekwe, 39, who holds a Bachelor of Law degree; a Master’s degree in Environmental Law & Policy from the University of Dundee (UK), and a Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Hull (UK), is to serve as the Co-Chairperson of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP

It further added that Dr. Maduekwe has over 15 years of national and international experience in climate policy development and project implementation. She previously served as Nigeria National Coordinator, Climate Parliament. Climate Parliament is an international, multi-partisan network of legislators working worldwide to help solve the climate crisis and accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

 

He was also the legal adviser to the NCCC Director-General.

 

The statement also said, the president has approved the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi Shelleng, 40, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Finance & Stakeholder Engagement, Office of the President.

 

It said that he is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will handle all matters related to Climate Finance & Stakeholder/Donor Relations.

 

President Tinubu has also approved that Mr. Shelleng is to assume the position of Secretary of the Intergovernmental Committee on National Carbon Market Activation Plan (NCMAP) and serve as a member of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, as well as the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

 

Mr. Shelleng, who holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, has served in leading roles across multiple financial institutions, and was Head of Business Development for the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company PLC (NMRC) before his appointment as Senior Special Assistant to the President.

 

Besides, the President also approved the appointment of Mr. Olamide Fagbuji, 44, as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology and Operations, Office of the President.

He is seconded to the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) Secretariat, where he will oversee the digitalization of a new open procurement process and cross-departmental procedural optimization initiative.

 

Mr. Fagbuji served as Special Assistant to the President on Economic Matters under the previous administration, and was most recently the Technical Adviser to the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) on Policy Research and Strategy. He is a policy analyst and computer scientist.

 

According to the statement, by the directive of the president, the aforementioned appointments take immediate effect.

 

The presidential spokesman said that the president expects the new appointees to bring their expertise and discipline to bear in these very important assignments in pursuance of the nation’s aspiration on green industrial development and climate action for sustainable growth and national prosperity.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, said the state was enjoying peace and progress in hard times despite not borrowing in the one year of his administration.

 

Governor Oborevwori stated this on Sunday at the 1st Anniversary thanksgiving service of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarter, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.

 

He said that the state was making impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development despite the economic hard times bedeviling the country, adding that the state has not borrowed a dime to fund projects.

 

Governor Oborevwori said: “God has been faithful in the affairs of the state as people who live outside this state don’t know what we are enjoying, we are enjoying peace and progress.

There is also abundance, for us to be in this hard times in Nigeria, Delta State has not borrowed in the last one year.

 

“You can see that members of the State House of Assembly are shining and I have told them that whatever other states are doing and we are not doing we will do it for them because they are great partners in the administration of the state”.

 

He urged members of the House to continue serving the people with the fear of God adding that God will continue to bless the state to become one of the best states in Nigeria.

 

In his remarks, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the Assembly was thanking God for His infinite mercy over all the members of the State House of Assembly and for the one year anniversary of the 8th Assembly which was inaugurated June 13, 2023.

 

News Den Nigeria

 

Delta enjoying peace, progress in hard times – Oborevwori

by NewsDen Publishers June 9, 2024

Delta enjoying peace, progress in hard times – Oborevwori

 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, said the state was enjoying peace and progress in hard times despite not borrowing in the one year of his administration.

 

Governor Oborevwori stated this on Sunday at the 1st Anniversary thanksgiving service of the 8th Delta State House of Assembly held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 34 Headquarter, Unity Model Parish, Asaba.

 

He said that the state was making impressive progress in infrastructural and human capital development despite the economic hard times bedeviling the country, adding that the state has not borrowed a dime to fund projects.

 

Maris School Admission

ADVERTISEMENT

Governor Oborevwori said: “God has been faithful in the affairs of the state as people who live outside this state don’t know what we are enjoying, we are enjoying peace and progress.

 

AlsoRead

Oborevwori is Governor for all Deltans, says Waive

Oborevwori Speaks As Elue, Utuama Mark Birthday Anniversaries

Michael Osuoza Points Out League Of Professionals Failure In Due Diligence

“There is also abundance, for us to be in this hard times in Nigeria, Delta State has not borrowed in the last one year.

 

“You can see that members of the State House of Assembly are shining and I have told them that whatever other states are doing and we are not doing we will do it for them because they are great partners in the administration of the state”.

 

 

He urged members of the House to continue serving the people with the fear of God adding that God will continue to bless the state to become one of the best states in Nigeria.

 

In his remarks, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the Assembly was thanking God for His infinite mercy over all the members of the State House of Assembly and for the one year anniversary of the 8th Assembly which was inaugurated June 13, 2023.

 

 

Guwor said the 8th Assembly was unique because it has one of it’s own and former presiding officer of the House as Governor.

 

He said; “Governor Oborevwori understands perfectly the workings of the State House of Assembly hence we have enjoyed robust partnership with the Executive.

 

“My colleagues respect the leadership of the House and there has been lots of cooperation among members and I thank them for their support and partnership.”

 

The Speaker commended Deltans for selecting the best out of the state to represent them in the 8th Assembly, adding that, “we received have 18 bills both Executive and Private member bills out of which nine has been passed and three assented to already.”

 

He lauded Deltans for the confidence reposed in the House, assuring that they would not let them down.

 

In a Sermon, the Region 34 Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Asaba, Pastor Olufemi Olumide said thanksgiving has the key to open all doors and commended the 8th House of Assembly for appreciating God with a thanksgiving.

 

Pastor Olumide said the 8th Assembly was unique as it represented a new beginning in the affairs of the State legislature, saying the occasion has created accommodation for Christ to be at the centre of the affairs of the State.

 

The thanksgiving service was attended by wife of the Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, immediate past Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Kingsley Esiso, Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi and Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi of the House of Representatives.

 

Others include State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Theresa Diai, High Chief Tunde Smooth, MD of Tantita Security Services, Chief Keston Pondi, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Maj-Gen Felix Mujakperuo Orhue I among other dignitaries.

President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday, stated the need to boost energy for the use of Nigerian.

They both spoke at the inauguration of the Upgraded Nedogas Processing Plant and the Kwale Gas Gathering Facility, Kwale in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

 

 

According to them, energy is very vital in the socio-economic life of the people.

 

President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of State, Gas, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed that the Federal Government was committed to encourage the harnessing of the rich gas resources of the country for use by Nigerians and commended the Board and Executive Management Team of the Nedogas Development Company Limited (NDCL) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), for making the project possible.

 

Also, Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, stated that successful setting up of the gas processing plant in Kwale should encourage other investors to set up such in other parts of the state where gas flaring take place.

 

” I call for the replication of this project in other parts of our state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people,” he said, emphasizing, “one can feel the pains of every Nigerian when it comes to the issue of energy availability and affordability.

Even more worrisome is the World Bank report that due to poor power supply in the country, businesses spend about $29 billion yearly on power.

 

” It is also quite unfortunate that the country is ranked as the lowest in terms of access to electricity, globally”.

 

Governor Oborevwori stated that the projects would no doubt benefit Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta in legion ways.

 

According to him, Nigeria boasts of a reserve base of 208.83 trillion cubic feet of gas which represents 33 per cent of Africa’s total gas reserves.

 

“This places Nigeria as the ninth among countries with high concentration of natural gas in the world.

 

“So, with these projects, the energy needs of Nigerians will get a boost, especially in the critical area of supply.

 

“It is heartwarming, too, that this facility will have gas supplied to it by other oil companies that are operating in this area which will greatly reduce the effects of gas flaring on our people.

 

“We are all aware that the level of gas flaring is very high in this part of the world, despite its acknowledged adverse effects on the climate, causes acid rain and adversely affect the health of the people.”

 

On his part, the Chairman, Nedogas Limited, Emeka Ene in his address of welcome thanked the government, strategic partners and the community for the providing the needed support and enabling environment to achieve the project.

 

He said, “The KGG Facility, with its impressive capacity of 300 million standard cubic feets per day (mmscfd) is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, determination, and strategic partnerships converge.

 

“No doubt, these projects will lead to the creation of a lot of direct and indirect job opportunities, too, thereby, boosting the economy of our state.

 

“I call for the replication of this project in other parts of our state where gas flaring is taking place to reduce its effects on our people.

 

“I also urge Nedogas Limited and its partner, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), to enhance the use of local contents.

 

” And to meet with its social responsibilities and above all, ensure conducive, peaceful relationship with the host communities.”