THE NATION
House queries new number plates, driver’s licence
By Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja 6 hours 38 minutes ago
ALMOST three months after its introduction, the House of Representatives yesterday critcised the number plates and driver’s licence by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), saying it is not only economically oppressive but also lacks value to national security.
The House directed its Committee on FRSC to investigate the rationale, necessity and circumstances of the planned phasing out of the extant vehicle number plates and present licences.
The FRSC has also been advised to put on hold the implementation of the policy on new vehicle plate numbers and licences pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Osita Chidoka, a minimum of N192 billion will be generated from the issuance of the new driver’s licence and number plates in the next one year.
Of the amount, N72 billion would be realised from driver’s licences while the remaining N120 billion would come from the sales of vehicle number plates.
President Goodluck Jonathan, who launched the new driver’s licence and vehicle number plates on September 2, paid N6,000 for his new driver’s licence.
Drivers and vehicle owners in Nigeria have till August 31, 2012, to comply with the new rule when they will pay for a private driver’s licence and number plate at N6,000 and N15,000.
The Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Bussiness, Sam Tsokwa, yesterday brought up the issue under Point of Order and as a matter of urgent public importance.
He noted that the FRSC has veered off its responsibilities of managing road traffic and maintaining safety on Nigerian roads by turning itself into a money-making agency against constitutional provisions.
Tsokwa argued that since inception, the FRSC had, at will, phased out, introduced and re-introduced new number paltes and vehicle licences when it pleased, without considering the feelings of Nigerians.
He said: “At every instance that new vehicle number plates and vehicle licences are introduced and implemented, vehicle owners get poorer as they are made, against their wishes and desires, to pay more than before for the same commodity.
“It is worrisome that the new introduction would cost Nigerian vehicle owners at least additional 40 per cent of the existing rate to purchase new number plates and licenses.”
The lawmaker queried the rationale behind the commission’s disregard for the Constitution, saying rather than concentrate on ensuring safety on Nigerian roads, the agency has made itself a court for prosecuting, judging and convicting traffic offenders.
Tsokwa said: “As a creation of a statute, there is nowhere in the law where the Commission is mandated to generate funds for the government. But because it has decided to convert itself into a revenue-generating agency, without consultation, it would just change the number plates and licences, backed with lofty reasons that are mostly debatable at the end of the day.”
Govt rejects BA’s 20% fare cut offer
By Kelvin Osa- Okunbor and Gbenga Adanikin 6 hours 34 minutes ago
•ACN hails
BRITISH Airways has proposed a 20 per cent cut in fares on the Lagos-London and Abuja-London routes.
But the Ministry of Aviation has requested for further cuts, having considered the proposal as “insufficient”.
The first class Lagos-London one-way fare is $5,408 whereas the same booking for a passenger on the Accra-London route is $2,399.
A business class Lagos-London one-way fare is $3,685. On the Accra-London route, it is $2,049.
The proposed cut and the guarantee of additional flying slots to Arik Air on the Abuja-London Heathrow route are the highlights of the two-day talks between the Federal Government and British Airways over frequency reduction.
The British authorities cut Arik Air’s frequency into London airports. The Federal Government, in a retaliatory measure, cut BA’s Lagos-London frequency from seven to thrice weekly.
Following a peace initiative, the talks were held. But they are inclusive.
Special Assistant (Media) to Aviation Minister Mrs Stella Oduah, Mr Joe Obi, in a statement on the talks yesterday, said: “The Nigerian government and the British Authorities held high-level negotiations yesterday and this morning. These discussions are still on-going. The outcome thus far are as follows:
“With respect to the high fares charged by British Airways and the associated regional imbalance, the airline made an offer of a 20 per cent reduction in the lowest Business Class fare between Nigeria and the UK.
“The Nigerian side considered this as insufficient. The Nigerian government is still very concerned about the regional price disparity. We still strongly believe that this regional imbalance should be dismantled. In other words, BA should offer the same or similar fares from Nigeria to the UK as is the case in any other equidistant destination within West Africa.
“The British authorities requested to be given an opportunity to carry out an independent study of the regional pricing disparity in the UK/Nigerian aviation market. We expect the conclusion of this study by the end of the year to facilitate a conclusion on the subject.
“With respect to slot at Heathrow airport, seven slots per week from Abuja have been secured by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for Arik Air at prevailing commercial rates.
“As you are aware, FAAN is renovating and upgrading their airports. These efforts will require a review of current slot allocations and additional funding. Towards this end, FAAN is considering applying commercial slot rates for slots into Murtala Mohammed International Airport in the spirit of Bilateral Air Service Agreement.
“The Nigerian flying public is advised to make wise choices about which airlines they fly as regards the pricing of their tickets.
“The Federal Ministry of Aviation assures Nigerians that their interests with regard to safety, security, comfort, service and affordability will remain our priority.”
The Federal Government yesterday got support from an unusual quarter on its demand for full respect for the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the country and Britain.
It got the full backing of the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
The Action Congress of Nigeria yesterday gave its backing to the Federal Government action on the dispute with the British authorities.
In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party hailed the way the issue has been handled by the Aviation Ministry.
“If British airlines must fly to Nigeria unhindered, under the framework of the BASA between the two countries, then Nigerian airlines must fly to Britain without hinderance. Any move to the contrary is an attempt by one party to gain an unfair advantage over the other, and must be resisted to the hilt.
“The explanation by the Minister of Aviation that the face-off between the two countries is more about respecting the spirit and letter of the BASA between them, than any other consideration, gladdens our hearts, as it shows that Nigerians as well as the country’s corporate citizens can be sure that their government will stand up to defend their rights when necessary.
“This is in consonance with what our party has always said: That the government must stoutly defend Nigerian citizens at home and abroad, to ensure that their dignity is not trampled upon anywhere. This is the only way our country and its citizens can stand tall in the comity of nations.”
The party urged the government not to relent in its ongoing efforts to ensure that Nigerian airlines flying into Britain are not shortchanged, and also use the opportunity presented by the development to carry out a holistic review of the agreements entered into with other countries, with a view to ensuring full respect for such pacts.
It said at a time the Jonathan administration is committing many unforced errors due to poorly-conceived policies, the action of the aviation ministry represents what his government can achieve if it will only allow itself to be guided by the national interest.
Hurdles before Nigeria’s quest for foreign investors
By OLUKOREDE YISHAU 7 hours 15 minutes ago
President Goodluck Jonathan, some days back, said the global community has come to realise that Nigeria is the new investors’ haven. However, a day after his assertion, a report indicated that the country has lost N1.33 trillion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) owing to the security challenge posed by the Boko Haram Islamic sect, writes Assistant Editor OLUKOREDE YISHAU
Six days ago, Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin AbdulAziz Alsaud was a guest of President Goodluck Jonathan. The Prince, who is ranked by Forbes, Time and many other influential publications as one of the most influential investors in the world, said hisKingdom Zephyr Africa Management Company was set to invest in the country.
Alsaud, who is Saudi’s richest man, said: “Any investor in Africa who does not come to Nigeria has not started and has a long way to go.’’
He said his company was interested in hotels, banking, oil, and cement production in most African countries.
“I want to activate a strong relationship with Nigeria in whatever area we may find suitable and funds are not a constraint,” he said.
Jonathan directed the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) to facilitate investment relations between Alsaud’s company and Nigeria.
Jonathan said: “With a population of 167 million, a robust economy, extensive oil and gas reserves, a largely un-exploited petroleum downstream sector, Nigeria is the ideal place for serious investors. There are also opportunities in such strategic sectors as agriculture, energy and mining, with a robust plan by government to transform the nation.”
The president was silent about the challenges facing businesses in the country, such as epileptic power supply, growing insecurity, infrastructure deficits and high cost of doing business.
A day before Alsaud’s visit, another man rated by Forbes as one of the world’s influential businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, toed the Prince’s line.
Dangote said: “People forget that whoever captures the Nigerian market actually captures the entire ECOWAS region’s market. It means you are producing for over 300 million people. I keep on telling people that if I have $20 billion, I will invest everything in Nigeria because there are so many sectors one can invest in.”
President Jonathan, not surprisingly, said the country was the best place to invest. Speaking at the 17th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) in Abuja, he said: “There is now as a global understanding that Africa and Nigeria, in particular, is the new investors’ haven. We are taking necessary steps to put in place appropriate legislation to guarantee and protect your investments.”
Jonathan, Alsaud and Dangote had hardly finished painting the Nigerian economy in glowing terms when the World Investment Report (WIR) of the United Nations Conference Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was released. It indicates that the economy has lost N1.33 trillion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) owing to the security problem posed by the Boko Haram Islamic sect—which Jonathan wants investors to ignore and pump their money into the economy.
The report indicates that FDI flows to Nigeria fell to $6.1 billion (N933.3 billion) in 2010, a decline of about 29 per cent from the $8.65 billion (N1.33 trillion) realised in 2009 fiscal year. It shows that FDI represented about 78.1 per cent drop from $3.31 billion in 2009.
Statistics from the 2010 annual report of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) show that the total foreign capital inflow into the Nigerian economy in 2010 was $5.99 billion.
A new Forbes report on the country also supports the WIR statistics. Last year, the country was in the 87th position in investment-friendliness. In the 2011 report, it is on the 101st position in global business competitiveness, economic growth and development, a development analysts said is evidence that the nation’s economy is distressed and in search of re-engineering, refocusing and redirection.
The report, entitled “2011 Best Countries for Business Report”, released last month, rated Nigeria as one of the countries with least attraction for Foreign Direct Investment (FOI) among the 134 countries covered in the survey.
The rating, based on Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ), per capita income, corruption, technology and public debt records as well as innovation, property rights, and investment freedom, placed Nigeria far behind South Africa , Zambia and Ghana. South Africa was placed 40th; Zambia was 56th; and Ghana 72nd.
Nigeria was not mentioned in the top 10 African countries. It placed 11th among the African countries rated.
The World Bank estimates that Africa requires more than $90 billion annually in investment in maintenance and new projects, but is spending less than half of that. The bank estimates that the Nigerian manufacturing sector must bear additional indirect costs amounting to 16 per cent of sales because of bottlenecks in the business environment, much of it related to infrastructure. Losses due to power outages alone amount to 10 per cent of sales.
Certainly, many Nigerian investors still prefer to invest their money in Ghana than at home. Four days ago, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre said 17 registered firms owned by Nigerians had invested 1.5 billion dollars (about N325 billion) in Ghana’s economy.
The agency’s Chief Executive Officer Mr George Aboagye, presenting the investment opportunities in Ghana at the ongoing 2011 Lagos International Trade Fair, said the investments were recorded between September 1994 and June 2011.
He said investments were expected to grow by $500 million (about N75 billion) by 2015. Such investments are in agriculture, manufacturing, building, liaison services, tourism and the general and export trade sectors.
He said Nigeria was his country’s 5th and 6th largest source of investment in terms of value and number of projects registered.
Aboagye said: “Ghana is richly endowed with human and natural resources. These resources present numerous business opportunities in oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, energy and property development. Whenever a Nigerian comes to do business, the knowledge and experience he brings always proved very useful to us in Ghana.”
He revealed the incentives with which his country has been luring Nigerians to include: relief from double taxation, location incentives of between 25 and 50 per cent tax rebates for manufacturing companies and automatic immigrant quotas, depending on the paid up capital.
Of recent too, many international airlines have found the Kotoka International Airport, Accra irresistible. The low cost of aviation fuel and other aviation related activities are the attractions for the airlines. The country’s decision to begin exploration of oil is also believed to have opened it up to more passenger traffic.
The National Co-ordinator and Chief Executive Officer, the Nigeria, China Business Council and Africa, Chief Matthew Uwakwe, urged the Federal Government to formulate policies that would encourage the private sector and create an enabling environment that would encourage foreign investment and make the cost of doing business cheaper.
He said: “The Federal Government must formulate policies that will encourage the private sector and create the enabling environment for them to thrive, if she is to be amongst the industrialised nations in the year 2020.
“No nation can develop without paying attention to SME. Because SME contributes 30 to 40 per cent of most countries, like Germany, United States and some European countries.”
Uwakwe said the Federal Government should diversify the economy by encouraging investment in the non-oil sector.
“We must develop non-oil based economy in favour of our economy. We should not have a nation that solely bases their revenue income on oil. We have a whole lot of solid minerals in the northern part of Nigeria and in some other states,” he said.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria Terence McCulley said the country still has to put some measures in place for the investors to troop into the country. He said: “Investors require a safe harbour for their investments. They want a place where the rule of law obtains, where contracts are respected, and where all companies enjoy a level playing field. Absent these conditions, investors are reluctant to engage, economic growth is less robust, and opportunities to create jobs are lost.”
A former National President, Association of National Accountant of Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Sam Nzekwe, said the level of insecurity posed by the Boko Haram is preventing the inflow of FDIs into the country. Nzekwe said the sect’s activities have put the country on the group of terrorist nations, which is scaring foreigners away.
An international rating agency, Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) last week said the country’s economic climate was still risky.
The S&P, in a statement, said: “Nigeria is a country with a high political risk, low GDP per capita, and large infrastructure needs, all factors that contribute to a volatile and risky operating environment for banks. Nigeria has large natural resources, low government debt, and high economic growth potential, which partly mitigate these risks. The slow recovery of the domestic economy has slowed credit growth and kept the stock market muted, limiting economic imbalances.”
Jonathan agrees there is need to make the business environment friendlier. He, however, believes that the indices on ground show that Nigeria is where to invest. He said: “There are many strong indications that the global community has renewed its confidence in our great country.
“Messrs. Fitch also affirmed the short term rating at ‘B’ and Country Ceiling at ‘BB’-. For me, this means that the effort we have made so far is yielding dividends. I can only but thank the organised private sector for supporting the government in achieving this target.
“We must, however, not relent in our effort. Instead, the recognition of our efforts by the ratings agencies should ginger us to be more diligent and strategically focused, in our response to the challenges we have as a country.”
Bayelsa PDP crisis deepens as aspirants gang up against Dickson
By Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa, Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja 6 hours 33 minutes ago
•Balarabe Musa faults Jonathan
The crisis that hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Bayelsa State continued yesterday.
Aspirants insisted that ward congresses failed to hold, contrary to the claims by the Wakili Momud-led committee and the campaign team of Hon. Seriake Dickson.
Yesterday, some members of the divided State Working Committee (SWC) and some of the aspirants called for Dickson’s disqualification for the role he allegedly played during the Monday ad-hoc delegates Congress.
Dickson denied the allegations against him.
Three governorship aspirants – Chief Christopher Enai, Mr. Bolubo Orufa and Austin Febo – called “for the immediate suspension of Dickson from the Party and his disqualification from contesting the elections on account of his false claim and misrepresentation of truth that has brought the party into disrepute in the state”.
They spoke at a news conference in Yenagoa.
The aspirants also called on the national secretariat to call to order members of the Committee for the ward Congress. They pleaded that a new date be scheduled for the ward congress.
“The national secretariat should send unbiased officials to conduct a scheduled ward congress, set up a committee to investigate the activities of the Wakili Momud-led committee, suspend the date of the primaries and slate a new date for the primaries,” they said.
Disqualified Governor Timipre Sylva yesterday got support from an unlikely quarter. Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa faulted President Goodluck Jonathan for his disqualification.
Speaking in Abuja, Musa, who is the Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), described the PDP’s move as bad politics. He also warned President Goodluck Jonathan to learn from the mistakes of the past.
He said: “According to media reports, the President is directly responsible for the situation because he has a problem with the governor. But we know that other incumbents tried this before, with serious consequences on them. It is unfortunate that Jonathan cannot learn from that mistake.”
“Secondly, he is the President; Bayelsa is his home state. It is very wrong of him to have done that. As far as the governor is concerned, as long as he has gone this far, he should not give up.”
Stressing that the CNPP cannot do anything on the matter,Bayelsa he said: “The people of Bayelsa know better the reason for the disagreement which led to this political problem. They should insist on their freedom to choose a candidate of their choice and unite to solve the problem.
“There ought to be some level of freedom but that does not appear to be the case here. It is the duty of the people of Bayelsa State to ensure that justice is done and make sure that their will prevails.”
To Musa, the scenario in Bayelsa State is another exposure of the lack of democracy in the country. The Bayelsa situation could undermine Nigeria’s democratic aspiration, he said.
Sylva to INEC: stop primary
By Our Reporter 6 hours 32 minutes ago
There seems to be no let-up in the raging battle for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for February’s Bayelsa State governorship election.
Governor Timipre Sylva, disqualified by the party from bidding for the ticket, yesterday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to pull the brakes on the primary election.
Sylva says his name should be sent as the PDP candidate on the basis of the January primary election, which he won.
He said a fresh primary election will amount to substituting his name, which is against the provision of the Electoral Act.
Sylva is claiming the ticket through a letter to INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, by his lawyer, Mr Femi Falana. The letter is dated November 15.
The PDP conducted the primary election in January ahead of the April governorship elections.
But a Federal High Court, judgment, upheld by the Court of Appeal stopped INEC from conducting governorship elections in five states, including Bayelsa, where rerun elections were held.
The other states where elections were postponed are: Cross River, Kogi, Adamawa and Sokoto.
In his letter to INEC, entitled: “Re: Decision of the Peoples Democratic Party to conduct fresh governorship primaries in Bayelsa State”, Falana said:
“Our client is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State and currently the Governor of Bayelsa State an the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
“Following the publication of the Time Table of Activities for 2011 General Elections by your Commission, the Peoples Democratic Party duly set in motion the machinery for the conduct of governorship primaries in Bayelsa State to nominate its candidate for the Governorship election in Bayelsa State that were scheduled to be held in April, 2011.
“The governorship primaries were duly held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on 9th January, 2011 and at the end of the exercise (which was observed by officials of your Commission), our client emerged the winner, having scored majority of the valid votes cast. We attach herewith Result of the Gubernatorial Primary Election and the Report of the Electoral Panel for Gubernatorial Primary in Bayelsa State dated the 10th January, 2011 as ANNEXURE “AA” and “BB” respectively for reference purposes.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consequently submitted the name of our client to your Commission vide a letter dated January 24, 2011 but received on January 27, 2011 as its governorship candidate in Bayelsa State as required by Section 31(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended). Attached herewith as ANNEXURE “CC” is a copy of the said letter.
“The Governorship election was scheduled to hold on 15th April, 2011 by your Commission. However, your Commission later postponed the conduct of the election to a later date following the judgment of Federal High Court, Abuja Division delivered on 23rd February, 2011 in the case of CHIEF TIMIPRE SYLVA & 6 OTHERS v. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION & 2 OTHERS which decision was later upheld by the Court of Appeal.
“Recently, your Commission announced that it would conduct the governorship election in Bayelsa State in February, 2012. Our client has since started campaigning for votes throughout the nooks and crannies of Bayelsa State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the governorship election. Your Commission did not call for fresh nomination of candidates by the political parties.
“However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has published a paid advert in the national dailies of its intention to conduct a fresh governorship primaries in Bayelsa State and has even gone ahead to schedule 19th November, 2011 for the fresh primaries despite the protest from our client whose nomination has been forwarded to your Commission as the party’s candidate for the governorship election.
“We wish to state, without any fear of contradiction, that our client has not withdrawn his candidature to contest the governorship election in Bayelsa State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As you are no doubt aware, the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) are now very clear that once a political party has submitted the name of a candidate to your Commission for a particular elective office, the political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute the name of that candidate. Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) provides as follows:
“A political party shall not be allowed to change or substitute its candidate whose name has been submitted pursuant to Section 32 of this Act, except in the case of death or withdrawal by the candidate.”
“By scheduling to conduct a fresh governorship primary in Bayelsa State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is about to change or substitute the name of our client as its candidate for the governorship election.
“It is against the backdrop of the above that we urge you to use your good offices as recognised by Section 86 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) to direct the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) not to conduct a fresh governorship primary in Bayelsa State as same will amount to a contravention of the provisions of the Electoral Act.”
Nigeria is safe to visitors, says Jonathan
By Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja 6 hours 47 minutes ago
•President warns criminals
President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said the visit of the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Alain Juppe, to Kano last Saturday, as well as the trip of outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jean-Michel Dumond, to Kebbi and Sokoto states, has proved that Nigeria is safe to visitors.
The President spoke in Abuja during a welfare visit by Dumond to the State House.
He said: “Your visits to Kebbi and Sokoto states, after the French Foreign Minister visited Kano, all in the North of Nigeria, confirm that the country is safe to visit.”
The President recalled that the French Prime Minister visited the Niger Delta in 2009, when other nationals were reluctant to visit the region.
Dr Jonathan praised French President Nicolas Sarkozy for his assistance to Nigeria and Africa have enjoyed from France, especially on the restoration of peace and democracy in Cote d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Guinea and Liberia.
The President yesterday warned criminals to either change or prepare to face the wrath of the law.
He urged security agencies to go after promoters of terror and other anti-social activities and bring them to justice.
Dr Jonathan noted that the nation’s justice system needs to be reformed.
The President said the nation should focus on human rights and address areas of abuse.
He spoke at the inauguration of the reconstituted Presidential Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, headed by the Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN).
The committee is coming three years after the expiration of the former committee, whose tenure expired in 2009.
Jonathan said: “Let me seize this opportunity to reassure the nation that I have initiated a very rapid and robust process to enhance the capacity of our security forces to protect life and property. Even as our nation overcame past security scares, I am confident in the ability of our security agencies to overcome the present ones as well.
“We are resolute in our charge to the security agencies to go after all promoters of terror and other anti-social activities in the country and bring them to book.
“If you undermine the state, be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.
“Our review of processes and institutional reforms are, indeed designed to strengthen and realign all the instruments and agencies of crime prevention, interdiction and punishment. My administration will not rest on its oars until the spirit of the law runs across the land. We promise to deliver swift and certain justice for criminal elements.”
PHCN workers begin industrial action over troops at facilities
By Our Reporter 6 hours 13 minutes ago
•Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Headquarters in Abuja being guarded by security operatives as its workers began strike... yesterday.
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) yesterday deplored the decision of the Federal Government to deploy troops to guard PHNC installations nationwide. They described the action as irrational, considering that talks are still ongoing over the privatization of the PHCN.
The union asked its members to embark on peaceful demonstrations across the states to protest the occupation of the installations.
President of NUEE, Comrade Mansur Musa said the peaceful marches are intended to protest the non payment of the 50 per cent salary increment since June as well as the harassment of its members by security officials.
“They have been detaining and releasing our members, this cannot continue. We would continue to protest peacefully until the soldiers are removed” he said.
He described as false and misleading the claim by the government that the troops were deployed to guard the installations to forestall attacks by the Boko Haram.
The union issued a statement signed by its General Secretary Joe Ajaero. The statement said officials from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) who accompanied the soldiers to the installations are not trained to curb terrorist attacks.
“This singular act of basing their irrational decision of drafting troops in order to secure their infamous privatization on Boko Haram is an open invitation to the Sect that there are PHCN Installations to attack. This definitely is not in the interest of our facilities and staff. Ordinarily, this should have been a security issue that must not be politicised,” the statement read.
Ajaero alleged government deployed troops to ensure that the sale of the PHCN goes on without any hitch. He urged the members of the union to be security conscious and avoid confrontation with the armed troops.
He urged Nigerians to understand the situation should there be interruption of power supply.
Suswam blames attack on aide on ACN
By Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi 6 hours 39 minutes ago
•It’s all lies, says Akume
Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam has said the attack on his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, was allegedly masterminded by the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state.
Addressing reporters after visiting Akwaya at the hospital, the governor alleged that some ACN chieftains in the state had written President Goodluck Jonathan, vowing to make the state ungovernable for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He alleged that the attack on Akwaya was part of a plan to make good the threat.
But former Governor George Akume of the ACN debunked Suswam’s claims, saying they were lies.
In a statement by his media aide, Becky Orpin, Senator Akume described the allegations as “outright falsehood, ill-motivated and mischievous”.
The statement reads: “The attention of Senator Akume has been drawn to spurious allegations contained in major news bulletins on Radio Benue, Makurdi, on Sunday, November 13 and some national newspapers, in particular National Accord of Monday, November 14 and Tuesday, November 15, and The Guardian of November 15, credited to Governor Suswam and his Information Commissioner, Mr Conrad Weghgba, alluding that he (Akume) masterminded an attack on Akwaya, the Media Adviser to Governor Suswam.
“This allegation is outright falsehood, ill motivated, mischievous and a calculated attempt by these political novices to tarnish the image of an elder statesman who has devoted a better part of his life to service to the people of Benue State and the nation.
“This allegation negates everything Senator Akume represents in the eye of all well-meaning Benue people. Akume is a man of integrity and has maintained an impeccable record as an honourable, amiable, matured person who is deeply religious and has respect for the sanctity of human life. As such, he cannot be associated with such dastardly acts. His philanthropic and political antecedents have endeared him to the masses to the chagrin of his detractors. This is the background to this spurious allegation.
To ask for rhetorics, what threat does a political novice, who cannot deliver his polling unit at election, pose to his benefactor to elicit an attack?
“It is not our intention to join in diatribes with the authors of this tissue of lies but truth be told. Eyewitness report has it that Akwaya himself confided in a sympathizer, who was there on a spur of the moment, that he was attacked by boys who used clubs to hit him, only to turn round to please his paymasters by concocting another story to brief the press that he was shot six times in the head. Is Akwaya’s head made of armoured materials that six bullets could not penetrate it?
“We, however, commend the efforts of men of the Benue State Police Command, who rapidly responded to the situation and have addressed the press, dispelling the rumour as baseless, adding that no shooting took place around that environment at that hour.
“We hereby appeal to law enforcement agencies to impress on Governor Suswam and Weghgba to provide proof to their allegations. No quantum of blackmail, mud-slinging and odious plan can distract or deter Senator Akume from focusing on his agenda for nation-building.”
Tribunal nullifies PDP candidate’s election in Bauchi
By Austine Tsenzughul, Bauchi 6 hours 40 minutes ago
•Declares ACN candidate winner
The State and National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Bauchi, yesterday nullified the election of Idi Shehu Tiyin of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The lawmaker is representing the Warji State Constituency in the Assembly and he is the Chairman, House Committee on Security.
The tribunal declared Hamza Gawo of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) winner of the April election.
Gawo had challenged the election of Tiyin for non-conformity with the Electoral Act 2010, as amended.
He alleged massive rigging, illegal thumb-printing, ballot stuffing, ballot-snatching and presentation of fake results to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and presented several witnesses to prove his claims.
An official of Certificate Evaluation Department of the Federal Ministry of Education testified to Tiyin’s academic qualification.
The Standard Certificate of Education from an American school also testified before the tribunal, dissociating itself from Tiyin’s claims.
Tribunal Chairman Justice Maria Sanda Zukogi held that the petitioner proved the criminal allegations against the respondent beyond reasonable doubt.
He said the tribunal was convinced that as at the time of the election, Tiyin was not qualified to contest the election. He declared Gawo, who polled the second highest majority of lawful votes, winner of the election and ordered INEC to issue him the certificate of return.
The tribunal also dismissed the petition by Ishaku Adamu of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). It upheld the election of Bilyaminu Usman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the member representing Burra Constituency in the House of Assembly.
Justice Zukogi held that the criminal allegations on electoral fraud, electoral irregularities and the breach of Electoral Act 2010, as amended, must be proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Cisco promises to support Fed Govt
By Adline Atili 6 hours 39 minutes ago
•Unveils solutions to aid SMEs
Technology solutions giant, Cisco Systems, has promised to work with the Federal Government to assist Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) to enable them contribute to the economy.
The General Manager, Emerging Markets at Cisco, Carlos Marques, spoke in South Africa when he unveiled the new technology solutions to help organisations and individuals in effective business collaboration.
Marques said the company would work with the Federal Governemnt to formulate policies to help SMEs grow and drive Information and Communications Technology (ICT) tools in businesses.
According to him, the absence of technology deployment hinders the expansion and growth of SMEs, which he described as a key componenent of any emerging economy.
He praised the government for establishing the Ministry of Communications Technology, assuring that Cisco would work with the new ministry to assist the SME sub-sector.
He said: “The Government of Nigeria has taken a commendable step in establishing the Ministry of Technology, putting ICT on top of the agenda. The challenge, however, is broadband.
“As part of our strategy, we’ll work with the government to formulate policies to help Small and Medium Businesses and Telcos in the country. However, because of the sheer size of the country, it may take some time to begin to see results.”
Kaduna villagers sue ex-governor Lekwot for alleged trespass
By Tony Akowe, Kaduna 7 hours ago
About 233 residents of Rijana village on the Kaduna-Abuja road, Kaduna State have sued former Military Governor of Rivers State Maj.-Gen. Zamani Lekwot for alleged criminal trespass and intimidation.
The former governor is expected to open his defence on November 30 at the Kaduna Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Mohammed Adamu Hamza.
The villagers are accusing Lekwot of allegedly trespassing on their farmland at Rijana village and intimidating them with the men of the state’s anti-crime security outfit, Operation Yaki. Chief Magistrate Hamza said the court had established a prima facie case against Lekwot.
The charges showed that Lekwot, sometime in 2009, committed criminal trespass on a farmland in Rijana village, an offence contrary to Section 348 of the Penal Code.
He was also accused of using armed men of the Operation Yaki to arrest, detain and interfere in the lawful activities of the complainants, thereby committing another offence contrary to Section 396 of the Penal Code.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of criminal trespass and intimidation. He said the allegations against him were borne out of “malice and aimed at tarnishing” his image.
Lekwot challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.
His counsel, Yajeh Haruna, argued that since it was a land ownership matter, the court must first determine who holds the title to the land before delving into criminal trespass.
He argued that Lekwot purchased the land from the original owners in 1980, adding that his client was in possession of the documents to prove ownership.
The lawyer averred that the villagers encroached on the land when the former military governor went on an assignment abroad in the early 1980s.
Counsel to the villagers, Garba Shehu, called 11 witnesses before closing his case.
Kaduna villagers sue ex-governor Lekwot for alleged trespass
By Tony Akowe, Kaduna 7 hours ago
About 233 residents of Rijana village on the Kaduna-Abuja road, Kaduna State have sued former Military Governor of Rivers State Maj.-Gen. Zamani Lekwot for alleged criminal trespass and intimidation.
The former governor is expected to open his defence on November 30 at the Kaduna Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Chief Magistrate Mohammed Adamu Hamza.
The villagers are accusing Lekwot of allegedly trespassing on their farmland at Rijana village and intimidating them with the men of the state’s anti-crime security outfit, Operation Yaki. Chief Magistrate Hamza said the court had established a prima facie case against Lekwot.
The charges showed that Lekwot, sometime in 2009, committed criminal trespass on a farmland in Rijana village, an offence contrary to Section 348 of the Penal Code.
He was also accused of using armed men of the Operation Yaki to arrest, detain and interfere in the lawful activities of the complainants, thereby committing another offence contrary to Section 396 of the Penal Code.
The former governor pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of criminal trespass and intimidation. He said the allegations against him were borne out of “malice and aimed at tarnishing” his image.
Lekwot challenged the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.
His counsel, Yajeh Haruna, argued that since it was a land ownership matter, the court must first determine who holds the title to the land before delving into criminal trespass.
He argued that Lekwot purchased the land from the original owners in 1980, adding that his client was in possession of the documents to prove ownership.
The lawyer averred that the villagers encroached on the land when the former military governor went on an assignment abroad in the early 1980s.
Counsel to the villagers, Garba Shehu, called 11 witnesses before closing his case.
Court orders retrial of Kwara ACN candidate’s petition
By Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin 6 hours 44 minutes ago
The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, has ordered the retrial of the petition filed by the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate for Ilorin South (Kwara State), Mallam Tajudeen M. Asunnara, in the April 26 House of Assembly election.
The appellant challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Saadu Tanke, as winner of the election.
But the lower tribunal used a copy of the declaration of the result (Exhibit A) to grant victory to the PDP candidate.
It said: “In the final analysis, we hold that the suit of the petitioners was stale, statute and time-barred and it is accordingly dismissed.”
In a unanimous judgment, the three Justices of the Appellate Court, Tijjani Abdullahi, Joseph Shagbaor Ikyegh and Ita George Mbaba, set aside the ruling of the lower tribunal delivered on September 15, saying: “The petitioners’/appellants’ petition is remitted to the tribunal to be heard on the merit by another panel of judges.
“Exhibit A was a product of mischief, which should be investigated and, if found to be fraudulent, the author and the producer, who presented it, should be prosecuted in a criminal court for forgery and perjury.
“The date of announcement of the result of the election, if at all an issue in the case, could only have come from the filings by the appellants, or determined at the hearing of the substantive matter.”
In his lead judgment, Justice Abdullahi said: “I am of the firm view that the documentary evidence, heavily relied upon by the respondents, is incapable of resolving the conflict in the affidavit evidence adduced by parties.
“Generally, documentary evidence, as can be seen under the provision of Section 132(1)(a), can be contradicted, altered, added to or varied by oral evidence. However, there are exceptions to this general rule, which can be found under the proviso to the section.”
“A cursory look at the provisions clearly shows that a documentary exhibit such as Exhibit A can be contradicted, altered, added to or varied by oral evidence when certain conditions are met. The first question, having been answered, another question is asked, that is, can it be said that conditions for calling oral evidence to contradict, controvert or vary documentary evidence are met in this appeal under consideration? To answer this question one has to take a hard look at the Exhibit itself with a view to finding an answer to the question posed…”
Tribunal returns Makarfi to Senate
By Tony Akowe, Kaduna 7 hours ago
•CPC candidate’s election nullified
The National and State Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Kaduna, has declared former Kaduna State Governor Ahmed Makarfi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the April 28 election for Kaduna North Senatorial District.
It nullified the election of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) candidate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed. The tribunal directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Baba-Ahmed.
Makarfi had challenged the conduct of the election, alleging multiple thumb-printing, ballot stuffing and the use of unsigned and unstamped ballot papers, which he alleged were counted for Baba-Ahmed.
Tribunal Chairman Justice Daniel Kalio noted that in the course of the trial, about 300 exhibits, including the Certified True Copies of Forms EC8A and ballot boxes, were tendered and admitted in evidence. He added that of the number, about 97 exhibits were rejected because they were not pleaded by the petitioner in his petition.
He noted that after deducting the unsigned and unstamped votes from the total votes of the both candidates, Makarfi emerged winner with majority of lawful votes. He polled 364,801 against Datti Baba-Ahmed’s 356,579 votes.
‘Be inspired to greater sacrifice’
By Our Reporter 6 hours 50 minutes ago
Text by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s speech at the 2010/2011 National Honours Award and Investiture Ceremony at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on Monday
It gives me great pleasure to address you today on this auspicious occasion of the Investiture Ceremony of the 2010 and 2011 National Honours Award to citizens and residents of this country who have distinguished themselves in various capacities.
Today is particularly significant because we are gathered here to publicly acknowledge and reward the efforts of those who have contributed to the development of our nation.
The significance of an occasion like this goes beyond the ceremony itself. It reminds us that our country can only make progress on a sustainable basis, through individual and collective efforts.
We are a nation with a proud and rich heritage that dates back into antiquity: a nation of great warriors, poets, traditional artists, great musicians, scientists who have distinguished themselves on the world stage, brave athletes, and persons in all stations of life with memorable achievements.
And just as persons distinguished themselves in the past, Nigerians of today continue to do so in all walks of life, in manners that are at once memorable and impressive. A ceremony such as this recreates that great value and offers us a platform for celebration and reflection.
It is this that continues to give us hope, that whatever may be our differences or the difficulties on our path, we can remain confident that we are a nation of many blessings.
We must work harder not to forsake this special feature of our collective being. We must make a determined effort to pull our individual efforts together to build a virile, economically viable and politically stable country. Our nation will always need men and women of good character and courage, in our collective march towards national transformation.
Nation building requires the sacrifice of all citizens, both the governed and their leaders. It is this awareness that informed our decision to offer ourselves for service for the purpose of creating a new Nigeria where good governance, respect for the rule of law, due process, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources are accorded topmost priority.
You will recall that on the day of the inauguration of this Administration, we made a pronouncement on our resolve to move this country forward through the Transformation Agenda.
The thrust of the Agenda is to evolve a strong and virile nation through employment generation, poverty reduction, value re-orientation and the rebuilding of confidence.
We have followed up with concrete measures, and the train of national progress, I want to assure you, has since embarked on a steady journey. I want to seize this opportunity once again to call on all Nigerians to join the Transformation Train for a better Nigeria.
12. For our nation to make progress, we need nation builders at all levels, not nation destroyers, not persons who by their words and deeds, sabotage the collective interest of all.
13. Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, in the quest for a better society, we may have to take decisions which would at inception be unpleasant in some cases, but we must face the reality, be honest with ourselves and ensure that we do our best for our country at all times.
I wish to emphasise that one salient characteristic of democracy is that it is participatory. It is in the light of this fact that I call on the distinguished recipients and indeed all Nigerians to see themselves as stakeholders by joining hands with us and fully participate in re-evaluating, re-designing and re-formulating the country’s development programmes.
With the steadfast support and productive partnership of the good people of our dear country, I am confident that we are well on our way towards actualising our set objectives of tapping our limitless potentials for national growth and development. -
I am informed that since the inception of the Award Scheme in 1963, a total of 3,924 persons have received National Honours. Even though the award is the prerogative of the President, the recipients are usually chosen on the advice of a National Honours Committee, guided by a set of criteria, which emphasises contribution to national development, individual distinction and merit.
The National Honours Award is an
expression of a national need to con
tinue to iconise people, and identify symbols of public life. I am pleased to note that in this year’s list of awardees are persons who have truly distinguished themselves: artists, public servants, businessmen and women, scholars and researchers.
18. I congratulate all the awardees who have today joined the family of National Honour Recipients and urge each and every one of you to view this national recognition as a motivation to rededicate yourselves to continue with your good services to the nation and humanity in general.
Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate our non-Nigerian recipients for your belief in us as a nation and a people. You can be assured that we will continue to provide the requisite enabling environment to allow you undertake your legitimate business anywhere in the country.
20. I assure all recipients that your selfless service has been particularly recognised by a grateful nation because you have individually and collectively made useful and instructive impact. As you receive the symbols of your investiture, you must do so with a solemn pledge to continue to remain “faithful, loyal and honest” to your country, and to continue to “uphold her honour and glory”.
21. I would like to commend the Chairman and members of the National Awards Committee for their selfless effort in handling such a delicate responsibility.
22. One thing I am aware of is that there have been criticisms of the National Award nomination and selection process. I have since directed the appropriate departments to note the concerns that have been expressed and to take steps to ensure further improvements, so that the National Honours Award, can continue to serve its purpose.
National Honours are not merely decorative. They remind us of an important part of our responsibility as citizens; we all must endeavour to do the best for our country, even as we realize with deep humility that all human beings are fallible. We must look forward with confidence and hope, that our country, through each and every one of us, can indeed put its God-given endowments to the best possible use.
(Speaking extempore, the President adds): “Let me re-emphasise again, how some of the people are selected because there are comments from very young people who are a bit confused about how people are selected for National Honours. As I have mentioned, even the most celebrated Nobel Peace Prize is being criticised so definitely you will expect criticisms. But in Nigeria you have three awards, two are parallel, and we gave two today, the GCFR and GCON series and of course, the Nigerian National Merit Award.
“The Nigerian National Merit award is meant for scholars and not just scholars, but scholars with distinction and the committee that will select those who will receive that award are among the eggheads.
“The President plays almost no role in selecting who wins the merit award, because that is for academic division. The President plays the ceremonial position of just decorating or presenting the award to those scholars.
“But the National Honours criteria is different. It is based on what an individual has contributed to his community, his state, his country and how you have projected this country outside. It does not depend on how many certificates you have, it does not depend even on the size of certificate you have and it does not even depend on the status you have in the society, so I need to mention that.
“The traditional birth attendant that probably works in an area where there is no doctor and successfully delivers hundreds of babies can be awarded and recognised by the President. So is a sportsman who is illiterate, but a good footballer, wrestler or a boxer who projects the image of this country globally and wins laurels and bring us to limelight could be recognised in these honour’s series.
“Also in the case of the military, an officer, a corporal or even a private soldier could be given a medal that probably a colonel or general might not have for show of gallantry and that guided the National Honours.
“So the position you occupy does not give an automatic award except for some positions like the GCFR which is given to anybody who becomes the President of this country or the GCON given to anybody who becomes the vice president or the head of the National Assembly or the head of the Judiciary. These are given by virtue of their positions, but others are given by virtue of what you have contributed to the society not necessarily because of the office you hold.
“For you to be recognised and honoured, we will want to see what you have used that position to achieve for us. Do you use that office to destroy us or do you use it for the development of your domain? So also is a youth leader, a woman leader or an elder, do you use that position to bring development and peace to your people at your community level, local government level, state level and the national level or use it to bring crisis or destruction to our people? This is what guides the selection of this award and that is why you see a mixed group of people being recognised.
“You can see today that we have recognised Aliko Dangote with the GCON because we must recognise enterprise. This is a man who has been able to employ thousands of Nigerians as we heard it from the citation.
“Today, I am having the GCFR the highest in the land by virtue of the fact that I am the President of this country, but if I am not the President another person must be the President of Nigeria, but if Aliko did not have that business acumen to build that empire probably we wouldn’t have had somebody to employ thousands of Nigerians.
So, those who by their innate abilities and creative energies have been able to make impact in our society even deserve more honour than those of us holding political offices. So, we would continue to encourage enterprise, creativity and Nigerians who, have excelled in whatever form.
“A welder, electrician or anybody who by virtue of what you do, you’ve done it with much dedication and impacted society significantly can be honoured by the president.”
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me once again heartily congratulate all the awardees, their friends and families, on behalf of the Government and good people of Nigeria, and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Thank you and may God bless you all
Ogun East elders plead with PDP
By Yetunde Balogun 7 hours 3 minutes ago
Elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Eastern Zone of Ogun State have urged the party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) not to encourage actions that can divide the party.
They spoke in Ijebu-Ode at the end of a meeting, presided over by the Chairman of the Ogun East PDP Elders’ Forum, Alhaji Agboola Alausa.
The party elders resolved to expand the forum to accommodate more members; inaugurated a youth’s forum and Committee on Mobilisation, Strategy and Publicity for the party in the senatorial district.
They also resolved to woo former members who have defected to other parties to return and partake in the ongoing membership registration.
In a statement after the meeting, the elders said: “We urge the acting National Chairman and the other members of the NWC not to allow factions in Ogun State. Those parading themselves as PDP members and yet working for the opposition should be put where they belong.
el-Rufai gets N1m compensation
By Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja 7 hours 10 minutes ago
An Abuja Federal High Court yesterday awarded N1,000,000 as general damages to the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mallam Nasir el-Rufai against the Federal Government for refusing to renew his international passport in 2009.
Ruling on the exparte application filed by el-Rufai to enforce his fundamental rights, Justice Abdul Kafarati ordered the Federal Government to renew his passport.
He held that the Federal Government was unable to show any reason why his application for international passport could not be renewed.
The co-defendants are the Minister of Interior; Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service; Director General of National Intelligence Agency and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).
Justice Kafarati, who dismissed the respondents objection noted that the AGF being the nation’s chief law officer was joined in the matter as a necessary party and that the plaintiff’s application was proper and competent.
“I found no merit in their objections and therefore strike them out. I have gone through the applicant’s application and concluded that he deserved to be granted this application. Respondents have not shown any good reason why applicant’s international passport cannot be renewed. Applicant’s motion as per reliefs 1to6 is granted. As regard relief 7, I award N1million as general damages against all the respondents”.
Group to protest fuel subsidy removal
By Yetunde Balogun 7 hours 19 minutes ago
THE Integrity Youth Movement (IYM) yesterday issued one- week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse the planned removal of fuel subsidy.
In a statement, the group said it would organise a mass protest if the government goes ahead with the decision.
The statement reads: “The Nigerian youths under the flag of this organisation, in collaboration with the Movement of Nigerian Students (MNS), hereby used this medium to sensitise Nigerians about our planned protest schecduled for November 24 in Abuja against the planned removal of fuel subsidy by powerful minorities.
“We have mobilised 23,000 youths for the sacrifice. It is a sacrifice to pay to save this nation from imminent doom ahead as removal of subsidy is an invitation to revolution. No arrest can avert our perfect logistic into Abuja.
“Killing of our members would only put the nation on the same list as Libya, Syria, Yemen and Morocco. The international community has been briefed about the protest for wider coverage. We only give the Federal Government just this week to reverse the planned removal of fuel subsidy.”
EFCC probes loss of N3b by ex-CBN boss, others
By Yusuf Alli, 15/11/2011 01:12:00
Two suspects held in alleged fraud against ex-governors
How did four suspects, including a lawmaker, pull off a N3 billion fraud against a former Central Bank Governor and two former governors?
This is the puzzle the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is battling to resolve.
The other victims of the syndicate are a Senator, a top official of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and a member of a state House of Assembly.
The two former governors are from the Northeast.
Two of the suspects have been detained by the EFCC. Another suspect, a member of the House of Representatives, has been invited for questioning.
But the fourth suspect, who was recently seen in Gombe State, is said to be on the run.
The anti-graft commission yesterday invited the House member for interrogation over his alleged role in the fraud.
The House member may face a five-man panel of the EFCC this week.
The Nation learnt that all the highly-placed persons became victims of the Advance Fee Fraud perpetrated by the syndicate between 2007 and 2011.
It was gathered that the top official of the FCTA, who lost a hefty sum of money to the fraudsters, blew the lid off the scam by alerting the EFCC.
The arrest of two of the suspects led to more revelations on those they had defrauded.
An EFCC source said: “We have conducted preliminary investigation, which was personally co-ordinated by the chairman of the commission, Mrs. Farida Waziri.
“The two suspects in detention confessed to have extorted over N3billion from their victims.
“One of the suspects revealed other instances where members of his syndicate defrauded other unsuspecting members of the public.
“He listed the names of their victims to include a former CBN Governor, two ex-governors, a Senator, a member of a state House of Assembly and an official of the FCDA.
“One of the members of the syndicate, who was part of the conspiracy that was successfully carried out on a former governor from the Northeast in 2007, is now a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) because he is now a member of the House of Representatives.
“It is evident that the two suspects in detention belong to a syndicate of fraudsters who have been duping unsuspecting members of the public for quite some time.
“It is believed that if they are made to face justice, it will go a long way in ridding the polity of such miscreants as well as serve as deterrent to others.
“This is necessary because the confession by the second suspect has indicted the member of the House of Representatives.”
The source added: “We have invited the lawmaker for interaction on our preliminary findings.
“He is expected to appear before a team on Tuesday or Wednesday.”
When contacted on Monday, EFCC spokesman Femi Babafemi, in a terse sms reply to our enquiry on the report agreed that the Commission is investigating some “OBT cases but I will need time to crosscheck and confirm the details of the particular case you referred to”.
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