Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, is currently being detained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
It has been confirmed that Emefiele, who is currently being interrogated at the National Headquarters of the anti-graft agency, Jabi, Abuja, was picked up by EFCC operatives Thursday night, less than an hour after he regained his freedom from the dungeon of the Department of State Services.
An impeccable source revealed the development to our correspondent Friday morning, noting that the EFCC is probing Emefiele over alleged impropriety during his term as the head of the apex bank.
“Yes, Emefiele is currently in our (EFCC) custody; he was arrested last night less than an hour after the DSS freed him. He’s currently being interrogated at the headquarters, as he’s being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds amongst other things during his term as CBN governor,” the source noted.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Robert Clarke has said that there will be no end to electoral litigations till the 1999 Constitution is amended.
Clarke argued the the Supreme Court cannot set aside the result of a presidential election because the constitution states that whatever the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presents is right.
The elder statesman asserted that the 1999 Constitution has given the electoral body too much power.
He stated this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
Clarke statement is coming against the backdrop of the Supreme Court judgement that upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election.
He lamented that there have been about six election petitions and the Supreme Court has never invalidated any presidential election in Nigeria.
According to Clarke, “The problem today is that the system we have, except it is rigorously looked into, we will continue for every four years to do the same thing we are doing for the next 20 years. I started with this constitution in 1999; today, 2023, there has been no difference. Every four years, we do a roundabout in trekking and come to the same point.
“We have done about six election petitions and the Supreme Court has never set aside any presidential election in Nigeria. Why should they, when the law says whatever the umpire does is by law presumed to be right?
“So, once the umpire which is INEC presents documents to the tribunal and says ‘I have done my job, these are the results, if you are not happy come and challenge me and bring your own result.
“That is what is happening. We have to make sure INEC is not given that advantage to present document and the court has no option than accept them as correct.
“For us not to come back in four years’ time to come and be talking the same thing that we are doing today, we must amend the 1999 Constitution to remove that section that says to be able to contest an election you must belong to a political party.”
An industrialist and former National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Barrister Charles Odunukwe, has called on the government to prioritize steady power supply and stimulate industrialization in order to encourage local manufacturing of essential items.
Speaking on how economic policies affect lives and businesses in Nigeria and African region at large after he received “Dynamic Enterpreneur of Excellence” award from UNIZIK Business School in Awka, Chief Odunukwe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Colonades Hotel Lagos, called for the creation of industrial hubs, as well as mentoring of youths on how to secure a better future by making good use of their individual talents.
He equally called on government to create necessary infrastructure, including sports facilities, to encourage the youths on the use of football and other sporting activities in discovering individual talents.
Chief Odunukwe noted that elsewhere, private individuals manage football club, calling on the government to give the sports sector desired attention.
On the high rate of foreign currency exchange, the industrialist blamed it on people he said are buying and storing forex because they lack faith in the local currency, adding that a single policy statement from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria can address the challenge.
Expressing delight over the award bestowed on him, Chief Odunukwe called on those who can to help in supporting the institution to achieve great feat.
Earlier in her lead paper presentation at the 2023 International Hybrid Conference organised by the UNIZIK Business School, an economic policy expert and former Vice President of the World Banks, African Region, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, said that African is in dire need of a political system and culture that will engender economic prosperity of citizens.
The one-time Nigerian Minister of Education regretted that the dominant mindset of African political leaders negates common good of the citizens, reason the continent is still lagging behind.
She, however, recommended competitive politics to help in achieving human capital development in the region, in addition to other reforms that include implementation of sound policies, strengthening of institutions, as well as focusing on quality investments that guarantee human capital development.
Also in his keynote speech, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, represented by Professor Charles Obiora, affirmed that a peaceful political transition guarantees enhanced development that ensures that people feel the impact of democracy, and called on African leaders to make equity and accountability their watchwords in all policies and implementation actions.
Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, represented by former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Frederick Odibo, noted that many African countries have passed through political transitions from colonialism to independence long enough to have broken the yoke of underdevelopment, expressing hope that the conference would help open new insights towards tackling the Nigerian and African challenge.
Also in their remarks, the host and Director of UNIZIK Business School, Professor Emma Okoye, and the Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Management, Venerable Professor Anayo Nkamnebe, said international discourse as the one organised by the UNIZIK Business School stimulates critical thinking that helps drive development, expressing hope that a blueprint will be generated at the end of the conference to inform policies that will improve governance.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Professor Sam Omenyi, said the theme of the conference, “Political transition and economic development: the African perspective”, is apt, especially now that there are changes in political leadership in states of African nations.
Good Governance Ministry (GGM ) strongly condemns yesterday ruling by Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria. This ruling has shown the level of insensitive and injustice across the nation, and we are compelled to alert the masses and the international community that Nigeria’s Legislature and Judiciary have been hijacked by the Executive, thereby endangering the foundations of democracy and paving the way for dictatorship.
It is with great alarm that we witnessed the court’s decision legitimizing illegality and, in effect, promoting an environment of lawlessness.Supreme Court has rewarded election riggers and INEC for deliberately refusing to upload election results from the polling stations including altering of election result figures.
By endorsing the manipulated electoral process tainted with irregularities and disregarding the rule of law, the Supreme court has watered down her power as Court of last resort . With this obvious electoral injustice as approved by Supreme Court , GGM has no choice than to call for supremacy of the people; the power of the people is greater than those few people in Government.
The People will now ,more radically exercise their rights to scrutinize and assess institutions of Government and those running those institutions.This is ,therefore ,a call for mass action against bribery , corruption, injustice,bad governance, nepotism and all those things that promote backwardness.
The struggle for justice and the preservation of democratic values continues, and we stand with the people in their pursuit of a fair and just society.We must be organized to win this battle against the political buccaneers.
The Anambra State House of Assembly, through the motion sponsored by the member representing Njikoka Two Constituency, Dr. Jude Akpua, during plenary, has passed a resolution urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Managing Director of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, and the Chairman, Material Testing Agency in the state to ensure that buildings under construction across the sate are continuously monitored after the initial approval to ensure strict compliance with all structural regulations.
This, according to the House, is to forestall cases of building collapse in the state.
Sponsoring the motion, Dr. Akpua informed his fellow lawmakers that experts attribute the cause of incessant building collapse to use of substandard materials, non-adherence and compliance to design and structural specifications, lack of comprehensive subsoil investigation before design are done, use of quacks, among others.
He observed that negative impacts of building collapse inflict both physical injuries and death, psychological and economic losses that cause untold hardship and pain, as well as leave the victims traumatized.
Recall that recently three persons from same family in Nimo, Dr. Akpua’s constituency, lost their lives when a storey building with a pent house collapsed on them at Egbu Umuenem Otolo Nnewi while they were on electrical work in the building; still under construction.
Contributing to the motion on the floor of the House, the member representing Onitsha North Two Constituency, Honourable Pat Okafor, disclosed that strict compliance to building ethics and regulations; as provided by the relevant agencies, will ensure that structural integrity of buildings in Anambra State are of the highest standards, as access to safe and affordable buildings for Ndi Anambra is a major contributor to sustainable development.
On his part, the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Honourable Bernard Udemezue, who called for a rigorous physical monitoring of building construction across the state by the relevant authorities, urged developers to desist from cutting corners in building construction to put an end to cases of building collapse.
Others, including the member representing Ihiala Two Constituency, Honourable Golden Ilo, and the member representing Ogbaru One Constituency, Honourable Noble Igwe, charged the concerned authorities to be alive to their responsibilities to address the ugly trend.
Speaker of the House; Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, who warned quacks to desist from building construction in the state, said anybody caught will be punished accordingly.
Following the assault on a bus driver with GUO Motors by Soludo’s aide, Ossy Onuko, kingmakers and Ozo titled holders from Awka town (Where Onuko hails from), on Tuesday visited Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of G. U. O. Transport Limited.
They begged him to pardon their son, Mr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, ACTDA whose escorts attached to his office reportedly battered a driver attached to G. U. O Transport Company.
Vigilante operatives acting on behalf of Onuko and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC attached to his office had last Friday descended heavily on the GUO bus driver whose name was simply given as Obum at UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction, Awka for allegedly overtaking Onuko’s convoy dangerously, along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway.
The attack with machete and reported beatings whose video went viral landed the driver in the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
The incident has also sparked outrage and condemnations in the public domain with the GUO Company issuing a statement calling out the Soludo administration over the attitude of his aides and threatening to take further actions to pursue justice.
The Awka kingmakers, numbering about 20, dressed in full white traditional chieftaincy regalia and led by Chief Austin Ndigwe, (Ike Obodo Awka) arrived Chief Okeke’s residential home at GRA Onitsha with a giant sized ram, drinks and kolanuts.
After introductions and exchange of pleasantries, Chief Ndigwe told Chief Okeke that the Awka Community was in his home in full capacity to plead on behalf of their son, Ossy Onuko so that justice can be tampered with mercy.
He noted that the entire Awka Community felt bad over the incident which he described as a very unfortunate one for Onuko, a young Awka citizen who has not been found wanting or associated with any social vices before now, hence the reason they decided to visit immediately to intervene and apologise on his behalf, as their son.
Specifically, Chief Ndigwe also known as Uzu Awka, disclosed that the kingmakers had already blamed Onuko their son for his action and pleaded with Chief Okeke to withhold all further actions in the matter because knowing his antecedent and pedigree, Onuko cannot withstand his wrath if he (Okeke) should be allowed to push the matter forward.
Three other cabinet chiefs including a former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Kene Molokwu also joined in appealing to Chief Okeke to forgive and forget, adding that they were even ready to offset the driver’s hospital bills .
Responding, Chief Okeke commended them for the important visit even as he condemned the resort to brigandage and molestation meted on citizens and residents of the State by government agents in the name of revenue drive.
He however informed his visitors that having retired from the company and handed over the management to his children, the matter was already beyond him as the company from Lagos office has already pushed out petition to that effect .
Chief Okeke also disclosed that the incident would have generated widespread protests and demonstrations because many interest groups both within the South-East, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora including USA and UK were already spoiling for a showdown if not that he prevailed on all the aggrieved to sheath their swords for now.
He also warned individuals and groups against recklessness and acts of brigandage particularly when they find themselves within the corridors of power noting that such acts has adversely affected business and the economy in Anmbra State because many don’t come to Onitsha to source their goods anymore.
Chief Okeke stated that as a man of peace, he can make further sacrifices for peace to reign if government will do their own part.
“All I want in Anambra State is peace. Once the government takes care of touts and those who brutalise the citizens so that traders can operate in a free atmosphere devoid of fear, I can agree not to push this matter further.
“If this is the sacrifice I can make, my family and my company to end molestation of people in Anambra State so that people can come to Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State and buy what they want without fear of attack, then I agree,” Chief Okeke stated.
President Bola Tinubu has approved N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces .
Tinubu announced the approval on Wednesday, during the Launch of the Emblem Appeal for the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the State House, Abuja.
The President also assured of his administration’s continued support to the nation’s armed forces by repositioning the forces.
He said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant troops, who have risen to the challenge of securing this great nation. In appreciation of the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces and to underscore this government’s commitment with their welfare, I have approved the sum of N18 billion for the payment of the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of service members who lost their lives in line of duty.”
Nigeria’s Supreme Court has fixed Thursday the 26th of October to deliver the judgement of the appeal filed by the People’s Democratic Party’s Presidential candidate in the February 25 polls, Atiku Abubakar, and the Labor Party’s Presidential candidate in the February 25 polls, Peter Obi, which seeks to void the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This development was confirmed by a spokesman of the Supreme Court, Festus Akande.
The court had, on Monday, reserved judgement on the appeals after counsels of Atiku, electoral body, INEC, Tinubu and the All-Progressives Congress APC adopted their briefs of arguments.
Atiku Abubakar had approached the Supreme Court in his quest to have it set aside the decision of the lower court, depending on 35 grounds for seeking this.
The former Vice President insists Mr Tinubu didn’t win the election, citing non-compliance with the electoral act by failing to upload real results to INEC portal, corrupt practice, forfeiture due to alleged drug trafficking, failing to secure 25% votes in the FCT, among others.
Atiku, through his counsel, Chris Uche, prayed the apex court to grant the main appeal and nullify the electoral victory of President Bola Tinubu.
In their separate response, the electoral body- INEC, Bola Tinubu, and the APC urged the Court to dismiss the appeal for lacking in merit.
A joint security team comprising the Military, Police, DSS, Civil Defense and Vigilante members has neutralized one suspected bandit and rescued three abducted persons on Sunday, a government statement said.
The operation was conducted in Kanzama Forest, Bunza Local Government Area of the state, Malam Yahaya Sarki, Special Assistant to Kebbi Governor on Media and Publicity, said in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.
He said that the operation followed the assurance given to Kalgo communities in Bunza LGA by Gov. Nasir Idris when he paid a visit to the area on Saturday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor, at an emergency Security Council meeting, ordered a joint operation to go after the bandits and the provision of adequate security to the affected villages.
The governor also directed the provision of adequate logistics to the joint security team and called for the deployment of more security personnel to complement ongoing efforts to bolster security and protect lives and property in the area and across the state. According to Sarki, the governor has saluted the gallant security personnel for their efforts and pledged to provide all necessary support for them to make the state safe.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has mandated the demand and verification of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) as a pre-condition for business transactions in the FCT. Mr Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnership Secretariat, FCT Administration (FCTA), made this known at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
“I am here today to announce that the Minister of the FCT has approved the implementation of Section 85 of Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) and Section 31 of the FCT Internal Revenue Service Act, 2015.
“Both sections provide for demand and verification of TCC by the Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Commercial banks; and FCT Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs).
“Implementation of these laws is intended to ensure that all eligible taxpayers in the FCT comply with their tax obligations.
“This will ensure that the FCT Administration gets the required resources it needs to provide essential services to FCT residents,” he said.
Elechi explained that Section 85 of the Personal Income Tax Act, 2011, provides that MDAs or a commercial bank demand for TCC when transacting with any person as specified by the law. He added that the TCC would cover the immediate past three years preceding the current year of assessment. He further said that MDAs or commercial banks shall also verify the authenticity of the tax clearance certificate by the issuing tax authority before carrying out any of the transactions.
“Section 85 of PITA also provides that for purposes of obtaining a TCC, any person who gives incorrect information or obtains a TCC through misrepresentation, forgery or falsification is guilty of an offence.
“Such a person is liable on conviction to a fine of N50,000, plus twice the tax payable by him or her, or to imprisonment for three years or to both such fine and imprisonment.
“Similarly, a person, be it a government organization or corporate entity to whom Section 85 applies, who fails to demand for, or verify a TCC, is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N5 million, or to imprisonment for three years or both fine and imprisonment,” he said.
