Abdulrasheed Maina, former Chairman, defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTM), on Monday, arrived at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the aid of a walking stick.
Maina, who came into Court 6, 2nd Floor of the building, at about 9:40am, supported himself with a walking stick.
The ex-pension reform boss, who is standing trial on alleged money laundering charge to the tune of over N2 billion preferred against him by the EFCC, was dressed in a brown caftan with a matching cap.
Justice Abang had, on Nov. 21, fixed Monday for hearing on the bail application and for continuation of his trial.
The judge, who accused the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) of compounding the issue before the court for failure to produce a medical report on the health status of Maina days after the order to the effect was made by the court, ruled that Maina’s trial would be on a day-to-day basis in subsequent proceedings.
The trial of Maina was stalled in the last adjourned date due to his worsening health condition.
The EFCC had on Oct. 25, arraigned Maina alongside his firm, Common Input Property and Investment Ltd, before Justice Abang.
Though he pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge, his trial has yet to make meaningful progress due to his failing health.
The court is yet to hear Maina’s bail application fixed for today.
The N1.2 billion fraud trial of Prof. Maurice Iwu, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was on Monday stalled because Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, was not available.
Iwu is facing a three-count charge of fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was first arraigned on Aug. 8 before Justice Chuka Obiozor, also of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who granted him bail in the sum of N1 billion.
Iwu pleaded not guilty before Obiozor
Following the transfer of the case to Oweibo, the former INEC chairman was re-arraigned by the anti-graft commission on Oct. 24.
He also pleaded not guilty.
Oweibo adjourned until Monday (Nov. 29) for commencement of trial.
Due to the absence of the judge on Monday, the case was again adjourned until Feb. 27, 2020.
According to Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, lead counsel to EFCC, Iwu committed the alleged offences from December 2014 to March 27, 2015.
“The defendant aided the concealment of N1.23 billion in the account of Bioresources Institute of Nigeria Ltd. with number 1018603119, domiciled in the United Bank for Africa.
“He ought to have reasonably known that the N1.23 billion formed part of the proceeds of fraud,” Oyedepo said.
Alleged offences contravene Sections 15(2) and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, and is punishable under Section 15(3) of the Act.
Co-convener of the Bring Back of Our Girls (BBOG) movement, Aisha Yesufu, has reacted to the ‘talks’ about a ‘possible’ third term for President Buhari.
Buhari
Sharing the video, Aisha wrote: “Third term for Buhari? I am actually fuming and foaming in the mouth! We cannot be enslaved in our Nation. Let’s have a referendum first.”
Third term for Buhari? I am actually fuming and foaming in the mouth! We cannot be enslaved in our Nation. Let's have a referendum first! pic.twitter.com/zzvIRlFzyH
The Police Command in Niger has redeployed divisional police officers across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state to ensure neutrality in the Nov. 30 local government elections.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Adamu Usman, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday.
Usman said that the police and other security agencies would maintain neutrality to enable eligible residents elect leaders of their choice through democratic process.
He said that already an effective operational order to provide security at each of the pulling units had since been issued to the officers deployed for that purpose.
He said that other sensitive security measures had since been taken to enable eligible residents participate in the electoral process.
“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security cover at all the pulling units and collections centres during and after the elections,” Usman said.
The commissioner also said that the command had already embarked on “Operation Show Force’’ with other security agencies to show preparedness for the elections.
He explained that the measures were aimed at giving the residents of the state the opportunity to exercise their civil rights without threat to lives and property.
The commissioner advised leaders of political parties in the state to impress it on their supporters to shun all forms of violence and thuggery before, during and after the election.
Usman said: “We will not tolerate any act capable of bringing confusion before, during and after the elections”.
He warned that any person or groups found sponsoring political violence and thuggery would be arrested and prosecuted.
Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has approved the dissolution of the state anti-deforestation task-force with immediate effect.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Christian Ita, Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Publicity and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Calabar.
Ayade said that the approval of the interim task-force was to continue the enforcement of the anti-deforestation policy of the government.
“The new interim task-force has Dr Odey Oyama as chairman with the 18 Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) as members.
“It should be noted that any HOLGA that allows illegally logged woods to pass through his or her local government area, faces termination from the local government service,” he said.
NAN reports that the former interim anti-deforestation task-force, team which served for over four months, was headed by Mrs Florence Inyang as Chairman with other members.
Mr David Ringshum, the Comptroller, Imo Command of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has advised irregular migrants to register during the oncoming Migrant e-Registration scheduled to start in the state on Nov. 26.
Ringshum gave the advice when the staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri Office paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Owerri.
He said that strict measures would be taken against defaulters after the deadline of the registration on Jan. 11, 2020.
Ringshum said that the equipment for the programme had just been installed in Imo, while the exercise had been ongoing in other parts of the country.
The comptroller said that all avenues had been explored to ensure that those who were affected were duly informed of the exercise to ensure its success.
He said that leaders of ECOWAS communities like Togo, Niger, Chad and Benin Republic had been properly educated on the need to encourage their citizens in Nigeria to comply with the exercise.
Mrs Uju Ezenyi, the Deputy Comptroller of NIS in charge of Passport Office, in her contribution, said the e-registration for migrants was to promote togetherness and business establishments in Nigeria.
She said the move would make it easier to track activities of foreigners in the country for the duration of their stay.
Ezenyi said hat the exercise was also in line with the service compliance in the promotion of businesses in the country.
Earlier, the NAN State Correspondent, Chidi Opara, who led the staff to NIS, described NAN as “mother of all media houses” in the country providing them with objective and informed news.
She said they were in NIS to reinforce partnership with the service and asked for their cooperation.
Suspected Internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, has arrived the Federal High Court in Lagos where he will be arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The antigraft agency has charged him with 14 counts bordering on cyber fraud and money laundering. He was arrested in Abuja on October 18th.
The Minister of State for Environment, Mrs Sharon Ikeazor, has condemned bush burning practice in Nigeria as it contributes to climate change.
According to her, climate change results in excessive heat, drought, rising sea level and unhealthy climate conditions.
Ikeazor spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on the sidelines of a Climate Change Conference in Lagos State.
According to her, the enforcement of extant environmental laws by states will go a long way in arresting bush burning.
The theme of the conference organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) was: “New Deal for Nature and People, Nigerian Businesses for Nature’’.
The two-day event to solicit the support of the private sector in climate change crusade.
The minister, who was the Special Guest on the occasion, told NAN that,” The practice of bush burning by way of making room for crop planting or for any other purpose is unhealthy and threat to the environment.
“We need to adopt better scientific methods in conducting our domestic and commercial activities with recourse to sustainable environment.
“The bush burning act is not in any way beneficial to the ecosystems rather it diminishes the soil nutrients and causes harm to the ozone layer by depleting it and exposing life to direct rays of sun.
“There are already existing laws in the states to correct this; what is needed is for those regulations to be put to use by way enforcement this absurdity will end.
“A person might carry out the act of bush burning but the consequence is universal and it affects those that are not involved in the act, the crusade against climate change is for everyone,” she said.
She expressed regrets that such practices were still going on in Nigeria and advised those involved to stop and cultivate the new world order of “green ecosystem’.
The minister charged the Nigerian corporate world to be environment friendly in their business activities and asked state governments to protect the environment by discouraging bush burning.
Sen. Rochas Okorocha , Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism on Sunday in Abuja called for more support on the nation’s culture and tradition.
Okorocha made the call at the closing ceremony of 2019 International Arts and Crafts (INAC) expo with the theme “Networking Nigeria Crafts to the world”.
He said that culture was a tool that brought nations together and thereby advocated for more synergy between and among countries.
Okorocha, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, noted that Nigeria had the best culture and tradition saying that it was important to harness its potentials.
According to him, culture and tourism will soon become the bedrock of the nation’s economic growth in place of oil.
“The best gift God gave us is our culture and tradition and we have the best culture and tradition and very soon the world will hear us.
Rochas Okorocha
“Our culture is our pride and at the mention of culture all nations gather and we need more of this gathering to promote peace in Nigeria.
“Our music have taken centre stage and so shall our tourism and culture,” he said.
He appreciated the international community for their support and extension of friendship.
The former Imo governor commended Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) for leading in the promotion of arts and culture and for a successful expo.
Earlier, Dame Pauline Tallen, Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development said that more networking would showcase the nation’s beautiful culture globally.
Tallen, who was the mother of the day, acknowledged that the expo was an avenue to strengthen the synergy between Nigeria and international community.
According to her, the synergy between Nigeria and international communities that participated in the expo is commendable.
She however, believed that the synergy would be strengthened and bonded through culture.
The minister also canvassed for more participation from other international communities and states.
Tallen also congratulated the DG NCAC for organising the expo and also showcasing the country’s heritage globally.
“I am proud to be a Nigerian and let the peace we preach go round the world and let peace go round the world,” she added.
Mr Idris Musa, Emir of Jiwa said the nation was greatly enriched with culture and tradition and advocated for posterity.
“Culture is what brings peace and nations together and because of peace everybody is seated here today without fear.
“We are trying our best to keep our culture and tradition and our dressing should showcase who we are,” he advised.
In his remarks, the DG, NCAC, Otunba Runsewe, appreciated the international community present at the expo.
He described the just concluded expo as a `place of networking’ and also a communication and interactive ground with the international community without taking a flight.
“We used this expo to tell the world that Nigeria is a place to be, come see our culture which is our pride.
“This is marking the second time we are launching the cultural diplomacy for peace and it is a new level to tell the world that our nation is interested in the peace of the world,” he added.
The DG, therefore, appreciated the countries and states that participated in the expo and also advocated for more participation in the next edition.
About 18 states and over 30 countries participated in the just concluded 2019 INAC expo.
The organizers trained over 1,000 women on skill acquisition and 200 medicated glasses were also given as part of the organisation’s social responsibility.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, as he turns 73 today, November 25.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Sunday, the governor described Atiku, the Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, as “a man of strong convictions”.
According to him, Atiku’s drive and tenacity to lead the country will one day materialise.
Okowa commended the elder statesman for his tremendous impact on the lives of people irrespective of tribe, religion, social status or political affiliation through his entrepreneurial activities.
The governor lauded Atiku’s outstanding contributions to job creation through his numerous investments.
He also lauded Atiku, Wazirin Adamawa, for his dexterity, sagacity and courage in pursuing his dream of leading the country in spite of several hurdles.
The governor thanked Atiku for the numerous political and legal battles he fought to advance the course of democracy in Nigeria.
“That our democracy is firmly rooted today, is because you fought anti-democratic forces that tried to undermine our democracy at some point in our democratic journey.
“Over the years, you have continued to provide and offer leadership at various strata of the society.
“I urge you to continue to serve Nigeria well without relenting because one day your quest to lead this nation will become a reality.
“One of the major challenges we are facing as a nation is lack of jobs for our teeming graduates and I must thank you specifically for the numerous job opportunities you provided.
“This will continue to provide for our people to utilise their potential and earn a decent means of livelihood.
“Over the years, you maintained a large, devoted and loyal followership and bestrode Nigeria’s political scene like a colossus due to your famed generosity and large-heartedness,” Okowa said.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I write to congratulate you on the occasion of your 73rd birth anniversary.
“In the past 73 years, your family and political and business associates have cause to be grateful to God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfilment,” the governor said.
