Alleged fraud: Lawyer asks Fayose to resign or be forced out

A human rights activist, Morakinyo Ogele, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Ayodele Fayose to resign or be chased out of office.

He threatened to lead a massive protest to chase him out of the Government House if he failed to resign.

Ogele, in a telephone interview with reporters on Thursday, also warned Fayose against blackmailing a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, as being the brains behind his alleged witch-hunt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

According to him, Fayose is no longer “fit and proper” to continue to occupy the seat of the governor going by the latest revelations of alleged purchase of properties within and outside the country with public funds.

Ogele, who is the National Coordinator of Ekiti Redemption Group, lamented that Ekiti had again been in the news for the wrong reasons under Fayose.

He stated, “I am now giving Fayose seven days to resign from office; pack his bags and baggage from the Government House and leave Ekiti, otherwise I will not hesitate to lead a massive protest to chase him out of the Government House.

“I want to warn Fayose to leave Femi Falana out of his problems. He should stop saying Falana is the one trying to remove him.

“Fayose should tell the whole world whether it was Falana that encouraged him to be involved in unprecedented corruption and looting of the people’s commonwealth.

“He should also tell the world whether it was Falana who directed him to receive kickbacks from contractors. He should equally tell the world whether Falana ordered him to be involved in Dasukigate”

Ogele added, “There is no way Fayose can convince the people of Ekiti State that he is fit and proper to rule Ekiti again because he has ridiculed Ekiti people before the whole world and the people are now regretting that Fayose is the governor of Ekiti State.”

Contact: editor@punchng.com

NO SECRET RECRUITMENT'S IN CBN, FIRS, OTHERS- PRESIDENCY

ABUJA- The Presidency has denied any secret recruitment of children and cronies of government functionaries at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS and other juicy agencies and parastatals of government, saying that the reports about such exercise were “inaccurate”. The presidency also explained the reason behind the exclusion of the private sector in the current Economic Management Team headed by the Vice President Yemi Osinabjo as was hitherto the case.

Recall that the media especially the online platforms had been awash with reports that the cronies of officials of the present government including President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Osinabjo had been secretly employed by many lucrative agencies of government without due process, thereby causing palpitations in many quarters of the society. But speaking in an interview with select Journalists in Abuja, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President, Mr. Laolu Akande refuted the claims, describing them as inaccurate. He rather stated that the government was sanitizing the recruitment process and indeed, the public service systems to make them more transparent. “These reports are inaccurate. What we heard is that government is working to ensure that we develop going forward in more transparent process. We are committed in going forward to ensure that some of these procedures are refined, fine-tuned and made to become more transparent,” he said. On the economic team, Akande said that it was government responsibility to take on the economy. “We have to understand that the attitude of this Presidency is to consider the management of the economy as a government responsibility. It is not something that this government believes should be done by bringing in some of the private interests into the economic team to take a decision that they will be directly involved with. “So our stand is that the management of the economy is a government responsibility,” he added. The media aide however explained that the private sector was not totally excluded as other stakeholders such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN and the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, NESG, had also been engaged by the government. “For instance, we have started meeting on constant basis with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). There have been meetings with arms of the economic sector of the country. There have been meetings with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and some other economic interests with companies, making presentations. “But generally, this thing is a government team and the team has been able to set out before the budget trying to figure out what the budget ought to focus on. After the budget was presented and eventually signed, there was also the publication of the strategic implementation plan which was produced in a reader friendly format. “All of these are the outcomes of what Economic Management Team does and it is also in the team that you have the heap of the whole physical and monetary policy and don’t forget that the monetary policy is always the duty and responsibility of the Central Bank which is an economic arm of government,” he said. Asked when the nation would begin to feel the impact of the economic team and indeed the first fruit of the regime, Akande said that the government of president Buhari was committed to charting a new way forward for the country. In any case, the presidential spokesperson said that the drastic reduction of corruption within the public circles was a laudable feat of the administration. “As much as we try not to say this, we know as a matter of fact that members of the past administration, most of them have come out to say they did not save for the rainy day. So we are dealing mostly with situations that have been caused even before this administration took over power. “The President and his team have worked hard and planned not only to save cost, not only to tighten public expenditure but to also diversify the economy like never before. So we are sure and we believe that going forward, things will begin to pick up again. It is taking a while because of the extent of the damage. “The first fruit is already in place because we have started rebuilding. I think to some extent, that question presupposes that building is still continuing, no! The rebuilding of the resources of this country that had stopped. I believe that a huge factor in the way Nigeria is today economically is corruption. “We can’t run away from that and the President has made it clear and I think everyone in the country now understands that and it is not going to continue. Effectively, he has reduced the corruption in Nigeria”, he said. Speaking on the delays encountered in the early implementation of the social welfare packages for the unemployed graduates, Akande attributed that to the late passage of the 2016 budget into law. “You have to agree that we do have some delay in the whole process because of the timing of the budget approval. For instance, when we came in at the end of May, there was no way the government could implement some of those social welfare schemes because it was not budgeted for. “So we had to wait for the budget process to kick in so that we can begin to put our ideas forward which was done and since the budget has been signed now, we are taking off”, he said.

-Vanguard

EFCC SET TO SEIZE FAYOSE’S N1.35BN PROPERTIES

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has commenced moves to seize some properties linked to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, The PUNCH has learnt.
According to the EFCC, houses to be seized are four duplexes on Victoria Island in Lagos State and one located at 44 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.
A reliable source told our correspondent on Thursday that the houses were allegedly purchased with illegitimate funds, stating that the EFCC could invoke the Assets Forfeiture clause to seize the properties in line with sections 28 and 34 of the EFCC (Establishment Act) 2004 and Section 13 (1) of the Federal High Court Act, 2004.
The EFCC is currently investigating Fayose for allegedly receiving N1.219bn from the Office of the National Security Adviser through a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, who is currently in school in the United States of America.
After freezing Fayose’s Zenith Bank accounts, the anti-graft agency alleged that it had uncovered details of how the governor had been receiving kickbacks from state contractors.
The source added, “Investigations showed that the properties were bought with bribes from Ekiti State contractors. Some of the properties were not bought in Fayose’s name but through proxies. So, we will seize all the properties by God’s grace.”
The EFCC had, in a 10-paragraph counter-affidavit deposed to by Tosin Owobo, accused Fayose of using the proceeds of crime to purchase properties.
The affidavit reads in part, “Apart from fraudulently retaining the sum of N1,219,490,000 being part of the N4,745,000,000 stolen from the treasury of the Federal Government through the Office of the National Security Adviser, the applicant (Fayose) has also received gratification in form of kickbacks from various contractors with the Ekiti State Government such as Samchese Nigeria Limited, Tender Branch Concept Nig. Limited, Hoff Concept Limited and Calibre Consulting Limited.
“The applicant (Fayose) received these kickbacks and gratification through Still Earth Limited and Signachorr Nigeria Limited. In turn the applicant (Fayose) instructed the Still Earth Limited and Signachoor Nigeria Limited to use the funds to acquire properties for him.
“In complying with the applicant’s instruction, Still Earth Limited and Signachoor Nigeria Limited acquired properties on behalf of the applicant (Fayose) in the name of a company, known as J.J. Technical Services Limited, belonging to the applicant (Fayose) and his wife (Feyisetan).
“That the applicant (Fayose) also used the name of one Mrs. Moji Ladeji (the applicant’s sister) to acquire a property situated at 44 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja, from the proceeds of the alleged offences of receiving gratification and kickbacks.”
In his reaction, however, Fayose said all the properties linked to him were not bought with stolen funds.
In a statement by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor said any property that might be linked to him or his company was “bought legitimately and his properties were duly declared in his assets declaration form and sources of such funds were not illicit.”
He said since the money he got for his election was from legitimate sources and not from the ONSA, “how the money is spent remains his own business and not that of anyone.”
-Punch

Tinie Tempah - Mamacita ft. Wizkid

PHOTOS: JONATHAN, WIFE RECEIVE ‘HEROIC WELCOME’ ON RETURN TO NIGERIA -The Cable reports

It was a carnival-like atmosphere at the Port Harcourt international airport on Sunday evening, as former President Goodluck Jonathan returned to the country after an international tour.
Accompanied by Patience, his wife, Jonathan who wore a black suit and donned his usual native hat, waved to the jubilant crowd who received him.
The atmosphere was similar to the days when he was in power.
Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers state, led top government officials to welcome the immediate past president.
Security personnel were also on ground to control the crowd of supporters who thronged the airport to welcome the former first family.
After exchanging pleasantries with some associates, Jonathan interacted with Wike and some of his aides before departing to his hometown of Otuoke in neighbouring Bayelsa state.
Jonathan left Nigeria on June 4 after spending only 48 hours in the country.
Within that period, he met with President Muhammadu Buhari, and both men were believed to have discussed about the resurgence of militancy.
While in England, he delivered a speech at a session organised by Bloomberg, and later granted an interview where he said he was being investigated for corruption.
The comment sparked reactions, particularly on social media.

CLOSE-UP: Who is Uche Ogah, the ‘prayer warrior’ otherwise known as Ikpeazu’s nightmare?

Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah was, on the last day of June 2016, anointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as governor of Abia state – through the issuance of a certificate of return.

An Abuja federal high court had on Monday, June 27, ruled that winner of the 2015 governorship election and sitting governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, filed false tax returns – and as such, was ineligible to stand for the primary election.

Ikpeazu’s candidature was nullified and the first runner-up in the PDP primary was asked to take his place.

The decision of INEC and the fightback mustered by Ikpeazu has thrown Abia state into a momentary state of disarray.

Ogah appears ready to stake a strong claim for the seat of power and Ikpeazu remains resolute, unyielding.

But who is Ogah? How much did you know about him before now?

A PRAYER WARRIOR

Ogah, an indigene of Onuaku Uturu, Isuikwuato GA, Abia state, has developed a knack for quoting prayer points on his social media account – especially in recent times, as the role of governor is swinging between him and Ikpeazu.

In two days, he shared three prayer messages with supporters on his facebook page.

On June 2, he wrote, “Dear peace loving people of Abia state, please, remain calm and resolute. I urge you all to use tomorrow’s service in your various churches to pray for the fulfillment of God’s will, for that, which will bring joy to everyone in the state. God bless you, God bless Abia state. Thank you.”

June 3: “Attack on destiny is an attack on your ability because your ability makes you unique, different and valuable. God has created you with a unique ability to recreate His creation and add value to your world. Therefore, anyone and anything that is uncomfortable with your progress and the blessings of God in your life will be defeated, in Jesus name.”

Also on June 3: “When you have the anointing, you will be empowered to become a solution and an answer to your generation. You may have been working and praying and nothing seems to be happening, but this week, you shall experience a turnaround, in Jesus name.”

PHILANTHROPIST

Ogah has several philanthropic projects and deeds under his belt. He is said to have electrified villages in Uturu Community, built prototypal houses for the entire community and also constructed a 5,000 capacity auditorium in Abia state University (ABSU) Uturu. Ogah also provided free medical services to the citizens of the community, constructed a fully-equipped modern hospital and rehabilitated a primary school with ICT centre and modern facilities.

The politician is also in partnership with Hopeville Rehabilitation centre, Uturu for fabrication of Prosthesis (Artificial Limbs) and Orthotic (Calipers) for disabled people. Ogah launched the Uche Ogah Foundation in December 2011 – “to provide empowerment, poverty alleviation, and providing education for the less privileged.”

BUSINESS MAGNATE

After over 15 years in the banking sector, he founded Master’s Energy Group which grew to become a conglomerate with over 13 subsidiaries. Master’s Energy Group deals in oil and gas, banking, insurance, aviation, shipping, dredging, logistics, construction, travel agency, power, among others. Dr. Ogah is also an Ambassador and Member of the Governing Council of the Nigeria-Turkey Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

BANKER

By all accounts, Ogah was a consummate banker, who began his career with the defunct NAL Bank Plc as a National Youth Service Corps member after which he would gain employment with the now defunct All States Trust Bank (ASTB). In ASTB, he worked for about two years before making another move to Zenith Bank in 1997 – where he earned his stripes and made a name for himself. Ogah oversaw the growth of a new bank’s branch from nothing to over N9 billion, according to his profile. He rose to the position of an Assistant General Manager (AGM) in the bank before his exit in 2007. He is a fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Shipping, Employment & Career and Member, Chartered Institute of Bankers.

SUCKER FOR EDUCATION

Ogah loves education and this is evident in the number of educational qualifications he has acquired and the projects he’s carrying out in the Abia state university. He had his secondary education at Ishiagu High School and obtained a ‘Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting’ from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, in 2015.

Subsequently, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Bachelor of Science degree (Banking and Finance) from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye and a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Lagos. Upon graduation from Ishiagu High School, Ogah worked at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from 1986 to 89. The Abia governorship contender also instituted a chair at the Abia State University, where he is building a 5,000 capacity auditorium.

POLITICIAN

After being honoured with a national award, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 2014, Ogah’s next venture was politically-inclined. He declared his intention to contest the governorship of Abia State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although he campaigned vigorously through his campaign group – Abia Rejoice – Ogah lost to Ikpeazu in the December 2014 Abia PDP governorship primary.

ref- cableng

Dickson pleads with ex-militants, asks FG to pay their entitlements

Seriake Dickson, governor of Bayelsa state, has pleaded with former militants under the amnesty programme to cancel planned protests over non-payment of stipends.

He also called on the presidential amnesty office to urgently pay whatever was due to the militants.

The governor also urged the militants to be calm and exercise patience with the federal government over delay in the payment.

He made the plea in a statement issued on Sunday by Jonathan Obuebite, the commissioner for information.

The statement quoted Dickson as advising all stakeholders in the Niger Delta struggle to “eschew violence and live in peace”.

It said issues concerning their welfare would soon be addressed.

The governor’s call is coming amidst plans by the former militants to disrupt peace and destroy national assets.

Court grants Fani-Kayode N250m bail but seizes his passport

A federal high court in Lagos  has granted a bail of N250 million each to Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister, and three others charged with money laundering.

Fani-Kayode, who was also the director of media and publicity in the campaign organisation of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was arraigned alongside Nenadi Usman, a former finance minister, and Danjuma Yusuf.

Also charged with them is Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed a 17- count charge bordering on unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money to the tune of N4.9 billion on the defendants.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

On June 28, the court had remanded Fani-Kayode and others in prison custody pending determination of their bail applications.

Delivering his ruling on their bail application on Monday, Sule Hassan, a judge, held that there was no evidence that the accused would interfere with trial if granted bail.

He noted that denying the accused bail, especially as the courts prepare for vacation would not serve the interest of justice.

Accordingly, he admitted the first, second, and third accused to a bail in the sum of N250 million each with two sureties each in like sum.

Hassan added that each of the sureties must show evidence of ownership of landed properties in Lagos, and must submit their international passports at the court’s registry.

The judge further ordered that all the documents must be verified by the EFCC within seven days.

He fixed trial for October 19, October 20, and October 21.

The EFCC had alleged that the defendants committed the offences between January and March 2015.

It said they unlawfully retained about N3.8 billion which they “reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption”.

The prosecution also said that the defendants unlawfully used about N970 million which they “reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption”.

Specifically, Fani-Kayode, with a man, Olubode Oke, still at large, were alleged to have made cash payments of about N30 million in excess of the amount allowed by law without going through a financial institution.

Besides, Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co. (PPC) of No. 125, Lewis street, Lagos, in excess of amount allowed by law.

The offences, according to EFCC, contravene the provisions of Sections 15 (3), (4), 16 (2), (b), and 16 (5) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012. (NAN)

Photo: Military priest conducts service armed with his AK47 in Yobe

This photo was reportedly taken at St. James Catholic Cathedral, Military Base, Yobe State. Asides Borno and Adamawa state, Yobe state has also witnessed a high number of Boko Haram attacks in recent times.