Bobrisky and tax reforms in Nigeria

 

By

abiodun KOMOLAFE

Bobrisky

The  charade of Nigeria is never-ending! Only recently, one of Nigeria’s best-known cross-dressers, Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, was arrested on charges of abusing banknotes. He was later convicted and sentenced to six months in prison. Not long after, popular socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, was also arrested for alleged naira abuse and he’s already being prosecuted. Nigerians wait to see how events unfold!

In the considered opinion of this writer, jailing Bobrisky is, to say the least, amusing! It’s too pedestrian! As things stand, Nigeria’s revenue target reportedly stands at N18 trillion. Of course, that’s pathetic! Where things work, the target should be nothing less than N50 trillion. So, the country needs revenue, certainly not by Nollywood sideshows but by passing an Unexplained Source of Income Act.

For God’s sake, why pick Bobrisky and what does the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ((EFCC) want from him? Well, if the arrest was to teach the self-styled cross-dresser some lessons of life, then, that’s a different story. Otherwise, it was a mere distraction and whoever mooted the ideas in the first place did not deserve our claps.

If we are talking about the debasement of the naira and what ought not, what the EFCC needs is not whether people spray money or not. Yes, Bobrisky was spraying naira! But what happens next? In other climes, Bobrisky would never be banned for disdainfully soothing his ego. In countries like the United Kingdom and Sweden for example, if one goes to an ‘Owambe’ party and spices it up recklessly with pounds or euros, that’s one’s business! If one even likes, one can invite King Sunny Ade and ‘Professor Master General’ Kollington Ayinla to England to treat one’s audience to the melodious tunes of ‘Ijo Yoyo’. Nobody cares! But the consequence is that a tax bill awaits one immediately the party is over! In other words, what the government does is to invoke the Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) 2017. By implication, the Nigerian government doesn’t need to pass a law restraining the people from ‘spraying’ naira notes. It only needs to ask some pertinent questions relating to the defaulter’s sources of wealth vis-à-vis his or her tax returns. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s government agencies are either too lazy or are not sincerely interested in generating revenue for the government.

If we are serious about fighting corruption in Nigeria, what we need is not some showboating. Nigeria doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel! So, instead of running round and round in circles, wasting so much time doing nothing, what’s needed is a surgical operation on the economy. The real issue is that Nigerians are not paying taxes and that’s why they are always ‘spraying’ money rashly. If we have the Unexplained Source of Income Act in Nigeria, which we ought to have had about 30 or 40 years ago, no Bob would have attempted to risk his waist on our naira notes because he perfectly understood the consequences. 

This brings us to another sideshow a la Yahaya Bello! The fact that the immediate past governor of Kogi State is evading arrest from lawful authorities is symptomatic of a country without functional laws; and that’s unacceptable! It is because it has happened and nothing ever happened thereafter that it is now happening, because nothing will eventually happen! After all, once upon a time in Nigeria’s chequered history, one Nyesom Wike shielded one Rotimi Amaechi from lawful arrest and nothing happened! So, what’s the big deal? Could we have contemplated the former Governor of Wisconsin in the USA evading arrest? Even former President Donald Trump submitted himself to investigation and he’s currently having his day in court. So, who is Yahaya Bello and what’s special about the ‘ta-ta-ta-ta’ inventor? Shouldn’t Nigeria, at least, for once, be spared of pantomimes fooling around?

Remember Alphonse Gabriel Capone, aka Scarface, the American gangster, businessman and boss of the ‘Chicago Outfit’! Remember also Eliot Ness, the brilliant, incorruptible American Prohibition agent and leader of ‘The Untouchables’! In his time, Capone killed a lot of people, including the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, but he didn’t leave any trace that could lead to his arrest for murder. He was also making millions of dollars without declaring tax returns. On Ness’s advice, Capone’s accountant was dragged into the case. On October 18, 1931, Capone was convicted after trial and jailed for income tax evasion, not murder, on November 24, 1931.

The heart of the matter is that these are tax issues! So, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) should have asked Bello the sources of his wealth vis-à-vis his tax returns. Pure and simple! In sane climes, the EFCC itself should be nothing more than a desk in the police force, just like the Fraud Office in England; and Nigeria would have been spared the rigour of the creation and duplication of the functions in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies. As a matter of fact, the Fraud Office operatives are more technically competent than the EFCC can ever be!

At a time like this, it’s better Nigeria faces the real issue; and the real issue is that super-rich Nigerians have not been paying taxes. Let’s face it, the day Nigeria gets serious, she will catch up with the developed nations within 15 years. For instance, the EFCC is accusing Bobrisky and Cubana of naira debasement, there are lots of wedding activities across the country, even as we speak. Has the EFCC prepared its operatives for the onerous task of even arresting prospective naira abusers? Has the Commission ever asked how some Nigerians get brand new, untouched notes while those who run legitimate accounts are starved of even the old ones? If one may also ask, how do our Point of Sale (PoS) system operators source the wares for their ventures?

 President Bola Tinubu is the head of the government. Again, this where he has to act before things get out of hand! If he truly wants to reform the country, this is the time to do so. But if he wants business to continue as usual, then good luck to him and good luck to Nigeria! So far, so good, a lot of his policies are right and are on the right path! Definitely, the criminal subsidy removal is painful; he should have thought about it better and come up with better ideas about how to mitigate its effects! The merging of the foreign exchange rates was also traumatizing. But it should be applauded! At least, the naira is now coming down and the speculators now know how far they can go! Going forward, let Tinubu go the whole hog! From the look of things, Nigeria is a one-party state, as most of the National Assembly members are from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which makes his job easier. Therefore, let the president lobby the National Assembly to enact the Unexplained Source of Income Bill, modeled on the UWOs which was introduced into the United Kingdom legislation under the 201 Criminal Finances Act. 

Except we want to be economical with the truth, tax evasion is feasible when the system allows for it! All the more reason Tinubu should empower the FIRS by making it the pivotal figure in revenue generation. Those who earn more should pay more and the charade of over-taxing the poor to pay the rich should come to an end. With the passage of the Unexplained Source of Income Act, the government will generate more revenue, especially from those who are currently evading taxes. It is really annoying that Nigeria keeps taxing the poor while ‘blessing’ the rich with tax holidays.

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

 _●[email protected];_ 

 _●08098614418 - SMS only._ 

Source: The Nation

EFCC Arrests Nine Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt

Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested seven suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

They were arrested following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.  

Items recovered from them include different brands of mobile devices, laptops, two cars and several incriminating documents in their possession.

They will soon be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

Breaking: Osun Logo Competition Closes, Ajala, Oderinu, Others Named Panel of Judges

Alimi

The Osun State Government has informed the general public that submission of entries for the state's logo has come to an end. 

A statement signed by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi who is the state's Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment said the  State Government has also named a panel of judges to review the entries and nominate the first top three from the over hundred submissions.

According to Him, the panel includes veteran broadcaster, Olusola Ajala; brand specialist, Dayo Oderinu; senior bureaucrat, Moshood Suleiman; Segun Yedupe ; and ace graphic artist, Kazeem Olalekan.

"The next step is a review of all entries by the panel of judges, after which the best three designs will be unveiled by His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, on the 30th of April, 2024."

'The review of the accepted entries will begin tomorrow, 27th of April, 2024, and a decision on the best logo will be made prior to the 30th of April, 2024."

"As a Government, we are deeply impressed by the incredible talents demonstrated by every participant. The competition has once again proven the creativity and the abundance of talents possessed by Osun indigenes, whether at home or away."

"While the competition lasted, participants showed exceptional efforts as reflected in the thousands of entries recorded, and we sincerely appreciate them joining us in the journey to defining our identity not just for the present but for the future. " 

HOW NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS NEUTRALIZE ARMED ROBBERS , FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPT, RECOVER ARMS IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS

In a series of successful operations, troops deployed for Counter-terrorism operations in North West and North Central regions conducted successful operations on Wednesday 24 April 2024. 

In Sokoto State, troops in response to actionable intelligence ambushed a notorious group of terrorists at a suspected crossing point around Sarma village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The troops successfully eliminated the group's kingpin in a fire fight and recovered one AK-47 rifle with 2 magazines, 7 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special)  and a motorcycle.

In a related development, troops foiled a kidnapping attempt, while responding to a distress call about kidnapping activities along Kasu village road, Kafanchan District in Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The troops arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered one fabricated rifle, 2 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), one cartridge, and a motorcycle.

In another successful operation, troops neutralized a suspected armed robber at Kaskara Check Point in response to a distress call about armed robbery activities around UTC (TENTI) Junction in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The troops neutralized one of armed robbers. Items recovered from the scene include one locally fabricated gun and other harmful weapons.

The troops have continued to sustain the momentum of ongoing operations across the theatres to ensure security in the country.

We urge members of the public to continue to support the troops with credible information for more effective operations.

Source: NIGERIAN ARMY HOW

How Yahaya Bello paid the tuition fee for his children from the 2025 session through the 2031 session

Ex Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello paid the tuition fee for his children from the 2025 session through the 2035 session.

Yahaya Bello paid $845,000 for five children to attend the American International School of Abuja. It’s paid in advance until 2035 pic.twitter.com/BfEOP3hTnH

— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@_dinomelaye) April 26, 2024

Some of the receipts of the $845,000 (Over 1 Billion naira, which he withdrew from Kogi state bank account) school fees paid by Yahaya Bello to American International School of Abuja.

Yahaya Bello signed a contract with the American International School of Abuja to prepay $845,000 in school fees. However, EFCC asked American International School of Abuja to forward the $845,000 school fees paid by Yahaya Bello. They offer to refund £760, 000 of the said amount. 

See the attached documents, all fees settled until the children graduate from the school!

Source: Social media 

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance condemned the harassment of Ademola's media aides by the State Security Service (SSS) in Abuja

The coalition in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Olalekan Johnson, said it is unlawful for the SSS to force journalists to falsely implicate others.

Johnson said it is unprofessional for SSS to harass the journalists including the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mallam Rasheed Olawale.

He said: “It has come to our attention that this egregious harassment is being coordinated by the Director of Operations of the SSS, raising serious questions about the agency’s impartiality and commitment to upholding democratic principles.

“For clarity, we are very much aware of the disposition of the Director General of the organisation, Mallam Yusuf Magaji Bichi to professionalism and impartiality within the service and the actions of the Director of Operations, clearly contradict what Mallam Bichi’s leadership represents.

“The focus of the SSS investigation, as we have learned, is to coerce a journalist into disclosing the source of a story, a blatant violation of journalistic ethics and an illegal act in itself.

“Furthermore, the SSS is attempting to force the journalist to falsely implicate others as the source of the story, resorting to obtaining false confessions under duress, an action that not only undermines the rule of law but also tramples upon fundamental human rights.

“It is evident that the subject matter under scrutiny is inherently political, as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s direct political opponent, former governor Gboyega Oyetola, is allegedly behind the SSS harassment.

“This raises serious concerns about the impartiality of the SSS, which should operate free from political interference. By acting as a political tool of a particular politician against his opponent, the SSS is betraying its mandate and eroding public trust in the agency.

“We remind the SSS that the matter is already before the Federal High Court in Osogbo, Osun State, rendering any further action by the agency as sub judice.”

According to the coalition, by proceeding with its invitations and harassment of Governor Adeleke’s media aides, the SSS is not only disregarding the principle of judicial independence but also committing contempt of court, an affront to the rule of law.

The coalition noted that the ultimate goal of the SSS’s actions appears to be to muzzle the press, as evidenced by the inhumane treatment inflicted upon the publisher of the said story.

“We reiterate that if any story is deemed offensive, the proper recourse for the affected party is to pursue legal action for libel or defamation, not to resort to intimidation and harassment.

“We call upon the Director of Operations at SSS headquarters to cease his involvement in this politically motivated investigation, as his actions tarnish the reputation and integrity of the agency.

“The Director-General of the SSS, who is known for upholding professionalism and non-partisanship, must intervene and hold accountable those within the agency who are undermining the rights of the media and free speech.

“The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations stands firm in condemning any attempts to stifle press freedom and undermine democratic values.

“We urge all stakeholders, including the SSS, to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability in all their actions,” it said.

LAGOS STATE OF SANWO OLU, WHERE THE GM PLANNING SENDS HIS PS AND COMMISSIONER ON ERRANDS

Image credit to Adobe Stock

It is important to note the unorthodox power dynamics currently prevalent in the Lagos State civil service hierarchy. 

Traditionally, a ministry's Commissioner and Permanent Secretary hold higher positions than its agency's general Manager. However, in the current context, the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) holds a higher position than the PS and Commissioner. 

This arrogated position by the GM over the Permanent Secretary and Commissioner is not necessarily in theory. Still, the General Manager of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) is TPL Kehinde Oshinaike. 

Since the appointment of the new commissioner, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, who is an engineer by profession and must seek the opinion of the GM, the highest-ranking town planner in the state, before making planning decisions, the GM has taken advantage of this situation to become the de facto commander in the ministry practically. 

It is crucial to reiterate that the General Manager is not authorized to make decisions for the ministry without consulting the PS and the Commissioner. 

However, he is currently making unilateral decisions on behalf of the ministry. The proper procedure dictates that files must pass through his office, the PS, and the Commissioner before decisions are made. Unfortunately, this process is no longer being followed. 

He makes decisions without even informing them. After all, he believes that the PS and the Commissioner are engineers who have no idea what planning is about. 

The proper procedure would have been to send the files up and then give his educated professional judgement to them, leaving it to their superiors to make the decision. 

Unfortunately, the PS and Commissioner defer to him, most likely because they do not want to make costly mistakes that could cost them their jobs. You only need to be in a forum where all three are present to see who is in charge. 

He believes that he has made much money since becoming GM and is significantly more prosperous than the commissioner recently appointed in November 2023, so he cannot bow before him. 

Of course, a GM who does not respect a commissioner cannot be expected to consider the Permanent Secretary.

The GM, promoted above several senior directors in the ministry, was supposed to behave more appropriately and not ride over everyone without caring. It is hoped that the Super GM of Lagos will remember that he will not be GM indefinitely.

By:

Majekobaje

Isale Eko

INEC TO CONDUCT LOCAL GOVT ELECTIONS HENCEFORTH AS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY GRANTS FULL AUTONOMY TO THE 774 LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

"The National Assembly on Tuesday, granted full financial and administrative autonomy to all the 774 local council authorities across Nigeria by amending section 124 of the nation’s constitution.

The section provides a consequential provision for the making of the local councils, a full third tier government without undue interference from the state governments.

The ammendment was one of the 22 others approved by the House of Representatives last week and ratified by the Senate on Tuesday.

Both chambers had through a conference committee harmonised versions of the ammendments into the constitution carried out by each of them last month.

By the development, the National Assembly had ratified all the 23 clauses and sections that had been ammended by both chambers.

The newly ammended document which would be sent to States Houses of Assembly, for approval, also approved the creation of the Office of Auditor General of the Local Government as well as the State Local Government Service Commission.

The section equally deleted the State

Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) from the constitution thereby vesting the powers to conduct council elections on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It however, retained the immunity clause in the constitution for the President and Governors by adopting the Senate version of the ammendments on the issue and rejected the House of Representatives version which removed the immunity clause.

The National Assembly also made provisions for Independent Candidacy in future elections in Nigeria by amending sections 65 and 106 of the 1999 constitution..."

Ala - Delight Publicity Services

Court Adjourns Hearing on Binance Executive’s Bail Application

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 adjourned hearing on the bail application of Binance Holdings Limited  and its executive, Tigran Gambaryan till May 17, 2024.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting Gambaryan alongside Binance Holdings Ltd and Nadeem Anjarwalla, (currently at large) on five-count charges bordering on alleged tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering to tune of $34,400,000 (Thirty-Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

The court had on Thursday, April 18, 2024 adjourned trial till Tuesday for prosecution counsel, Mr Ekele Eheanacho to respond to a bail application filed by the defence counsel, Mark Mordi (SAN).  

At Tuesday’s  proceedings, Mordi argued that the court had the power to grant bail to the defendant and impose conditions to ensure his presence in court.

"My lord, we have an application filed on April 4, 2024, supported by a 17-paragraph affidavit. We rely on all depositions found in the affidavit. There are four reasons why my lord should grant us bail. Pursuant to Section 157 and 52 of ACJA, my Lord has the power to grant bail. It is not a capital offence or felony," Mordi said.

However, Eheanacho opposed the bail application, stating that the defendant is a flight risk. "The defendant attempted to obtain a new passport, which he claimed was stolen, and this was a suspicious act given the proximity to his colleague's escape from custody. We cannot risk granting him bail, especially since he is not attached to any community in Nigeria," he said.

Arguing further, Iheanacho stated that "the fact that the passport of the defendant is with the complainant does not guarantee that he will remain in Nigeria, because the defendant is not only an American citizen but also an Armenian citizen by birth. We are urging the honourable court to refuse the application and instead remand him in EFCC custody to ensure his safety and prevent potential flight risk.”

In response to this, Mordi argued that the defendant posed no flight risk and that the prosecution was not certain that the defendant has an Armenian passport, adding that “Moreover, there is no Armenian Embassy in Nigeria that issues or prints passports."

After listening to the submissions, the court adjourned the matter till May 17, 2024, for ruling on the bail application. 

 

Edo, Ondo Governorship Polls : Elites must set up intervention projects on Voters' Education at assisting electorates to make informed decisions — Bolaji Akinyemi

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Edo and Ondo states are currently in the news in the nation's political firmament. We cornered the renowned Political and Governmental Analyst Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi, an Apostle and Nation Builder, to air his candid analysis of the current situation in the aforementioned states; here's excerpts from the interview:

O. A:

What is your assessment of governance impact in Edo State? If you think the impact falls beyond expectations, what are your personal recommendations?

 *Ans:* The challenge of Governance Impact Assessment is complicated by the benchmark set by relevant international bodies given to it, such as International Association of Impact Assessment and of course the confrontations of our Clime as operating environment for democracy.

Let me take it one after the other. 

The benchmark for measuring Governance Impact Assessment internationally favours developed democracy more than developing democracy. It focuses on freedom, respect of the rights of individuals, the rule of law and adherence to separation of powers.

 If that is the basis to judge Obaseki's last four years, he is internationally, a failure!

 The clampdown on the Legislative Arm of Government for the better part of his administrative life over the state should be of concern to sincere Democrats like myself. 

Local Government Administration and elections into the third tier of government went through torture in his hands, a usual game by our Governors; another unpleasant experience under Obaseki! 

To think that the same person will find the legislative arm useful at concluding his fallout with Shuaibu is unbelievable that all we need is to draw our conclusions from the sad reality of our liliy-livered Legislators who are items to be purchased by the highest bidder in the political market!

 However, in the context of the needs of the people of Edo State, I will rate him above average. You know our politicians are capable of drilling a borehole beside a river! If you know what that means. The people will still travel their usual distances to the river bank to fetch the same water they have always fetched. It may be cleaner in appearance because it has filtered through the soil to flow through pipes but it's still the same water from the river with all its impurities flowing through a tap, which is enough to excite the poor and illiterates among us!

It is important that the Government Impact Assessment (GIA) for Edo and Ondo States be properly conducted. 

 Well, the Executives of PVC Naija, led by President Paula Bellgam would want me to step aside from being part of the GIA Committee for Edo State, given my confrontation with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over Obaseki. 

Sincerely, in retrospect, I think the President was right about Obaseki being autocratic in disposition which is not good for the development of our democracy!

If the development of Democracy is at the mercy of a virile opposition then, we are at a crossroads on Edo. 

For how do we in all honesty support APC, a party that is already showing the glide towards a one party state at the national level against PDP in Edo because of Obaseki who is on his way out for being Autocratic?

Unfortunately, Labour Party's eyes are not on this ball at all!

The challenge of this autocratic allegation is that Ogie for me is another Obaseki and he is on the PDP Ticket's pair. A burden that Asue Ighodalo doesn't deserve!

 The hallmark of democratic leadership is in keeping your words. Does Ogie keep his word? Of all the many failings of President Tinubu, you can't accuse him for not keeping his word. Well, I will talk at the time most appropriate on Edo election in my capacity as Bolaji O. Akinyemi before the election. Development of our Democracy is stranded presently because the best opposition institution we have ever had in APC is now in power running government with media and propaganda tools which the opposition should be doing. And PDP as the leading opposition are content with the arrogance of "the people can see what we are doing". They are out of the Government but have refused to accept their new status as the leading opposition party. Put little me side by side PDP on opposition of government policy engagement and draw your conclusion of PDP failure as an opposition!

 PDP should be out in partnership with the media, invest in propaganda machinery to set the records straight and educate the public. On these, PDP is dead and we may soon have to bury it! 

Unfortunately, LP is not taking advantage of this, their Ambassador in power is too refined for politics and its games. I hope he won't pay dearly for this in the next election. Politics is more about talking than doing, Otti is all doing and not talking! On this I am sincerely concerned for him and the LP!

 Not even in almighty America is politics different!

Trump is first of all, a mouthy candidate rather than a better candidate compared to Biden. Democracy is the same everywhere, this for me, is the reason the Edo debacle should be pragmatically considered in view of all perspectives before we choose the side to go with.

Otti's acceptance of the leadership role that destiny has bestowed on him can change the game in Edo, Ondo, Anambra or other state for that matter. 

What APC is today can't be divorced from the assessment and perception of Lagos with Tinubu as the Governor!

O.A:

What do you think are the expectations of the people of the state and to what extent has the governor fallen within or below their expectations?

 *Ans:* Expectations today are relative, I know this question is asked with a particular reference to Edo. But it applies to all our states. Expectations are amoebic, changing shape and patterns. The masses are too hungry to care about real development. People are concerned about where their next meal will come from, whoever is used to make this happen will be an influence at swinging the pendulum of power! 

This is what a candidate like Ayedatiwa will be banking on and he is privileged to the treasury to have that done!

 But the Elites in Edo and Ondo must set up intervention projects on Voters' Education at assisting the electorates to make informed decisions at the poll. A wrong decision by the poor masses will bounce back if we don't get involved as Elites in practical terms!

 That is what is bouncing back in Kogi, which is a neighbouring state to both Edo and Ondo. The impunity of our political class and oppressive nature of Governance must concern us. The Elite class, not political, but business and intellectuals have kept more Nigerians going since the last election held in 2023! Why won't they come together to get their state running?

O.A:

The primary election in Ondo State that was held on Saturday, April 20th, is said to be fraught with electoral irregularities. To what extent is this rumour true and what should the INEC do?

 *Ans:* Where was Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State and the Chairman of APC Committee on the Primary election in Ondo State? He was possibly more concerned about helping Yahaya Bello escape from the arm of the law than attending to the responsibility of conducting a free and fair primary election. APC should produce a picture of Ododo taken anywhere in Ondo State on the day of the primary. What was witnessed in Ondo was an abduction of democracy and its supervisory institution by the power of incumbency in all the 203 wards of the 18 Local Government Area of the State. What was the party expecting from a man like Ododo? That primary was a charade and further confirmation of "Emilokanology" at determining APC primaries after the pattern that produced Tinubu. Ayedatiwa took it to the gutters! I had made a recommendation to APC Delegates to rally round Prof Dayo Fajuyile in a video I titled my advice to APC Delegates. Dayo Fajuyile, for heaven's sake is a Professor of Forensic medicine. The greatest challenge of Ondo State is the departure of her youth from her once upon a time cherished value on education. There is the need to project the future and mentor the youth through political leadership which is what I expected from all political parties in Ondo to be able to wean Ondo youth from easy milk of Yahoo trade to which the majority of them are sold by example of certificateless leaders without any known means of livelihood before politics. Ondo has lost its rating in WAEC performance, its now almost on the same level with the so-called educationally disadvantaged States of the core North. Dayo would have been a rekindling of value for education. 

But APC had squandered that. We can only hope that PDP will get it right. The biggest selling point any political party could be privileged of, is to have an Aspirant who is the highest single indigenous tax payer asking for the party's ticket. On this alone, I expected PDP to have opted for a consensus in Bosun. But you know what? APC and PDP are head or tail of the same coin. Let's hope PDP will not fall into the snare that APC is right now!

 If Bosun Arebuwa doesn't get PDP ticket and APC refused to address the scam of a primary conducted in Ondo as it did in Edo then the tone of disappointment of the youthful components of our electorates that would have been divided between APC and PDP but rallied to become the force that powered the 3rd horse called the Obedient in the last general election may be the lot of Ondo!

Give me a credible candidate on the platform of the Labour party, backed by Otti and I will deliver Ondo to opposition. What exactly am I saying? Ondo, as a South West State must go to the opposition if we hope to save our democracy from the one party state that recent regular dinner at Bourdillon is aiming it for. PDP is better positioned to make this happen. I hope they do.

O.A:

Do you think Gov. Aiyedatiwa, having served under the late Rotimi Akeredolu and later replaced him as gov has what it takes to emerge as winner of the forthcoming governorship election? 

 *Ans:* A man can't give what he doesn't have. Ayedatiwa needs to prove his personal content. You can simply tell the capacity of a leader by their respect and enthusiasm for ideas and that I have not seen in him. Nevertheless, It will be unfair to conclude on him but sincerely the pragmatism and charisma of Akeredolu is yet to be seen. 

O.A:

Do you think he has what it takes to replicate Akeredolu's legacies if he eventually wins the election?

 *Ans:* An idea of Governance Impact Assessment on Akeredolu was presented to him. Can he count on his fingertips the projects of Akeredolu? He missed the opportunity to take stock of Akeredolu years and reflect on the failures, appreciate the success, quantify the gap and how to fill them. Okitipupa has been in darkness for 15 years, that is the prime city of his political zone. What has he done since becoming a Governor to address that? What is the basis for him to expect that Okitipupa should give him their votes.

O.A:

How would you assess Ondo politics in the context of power sharing and governance impact?

*Ans*: on Governance Impact Assessment, I wouldn't want to let the cat out of the bag. It will be conducted on Akeredolu/Ayedatiwa years and the result will be out to guide the electorate in Ondo. As for the unwritten power sharing formula in the state, it goes to confirm my position that Ondo and Edo are unpredictable. The natural injustice and political oppression that is common across the country has no home in both states. Parties with internal justice stand a greater chance in both states.

O.A:

What roles have your NGOs played in shaping credible election and good governance in both Edo and Ondo states?

*Ans*: Thank you for this question. I am privileged to be the founder of Project Victory Call Initiative, aka PVC-Naija, as the name suggests we operate through projects to fulfill our mandate of political education and advocacy towards equipping the electorate at performing their civic responsibilities dutifully and peacefully. Community Ambassador for Peaceful Election was set up in the states during their last election in 2020. iWalk another awareness walk held in both states before the last general election to say no to Vote buying. Adding our new product; Governance Impact Assessment to that before the election in Ondo and Edo can only better the lots of the electorate at making informed decisions at the polls.

Alleged N80.2 Fraud: How EFCC Serves Ex—governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello Through His Counsel

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello was on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 served his charges through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN) after Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja ruled that the defendant should be served through his counsel, especially as he failed to appear before the court, yet again.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting 

Yahaya Bello alongside his Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19-count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470,089.88k (Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-nine Naira, Eighty-eighty Kobo).

At Tuesday’s sitting, Bello’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN) prayed the court to quash the arrest warrant granted the Commission against Bello, arguing that Tuesday’s substituted service to the defendant through his counsel Abdulwahab Muhammad (SAN) has invalidated the arrest warrant.

"The court is expected to do justice at all times. A warrant of arrest cannot be hanging on Bello's neck when we are in this court. It appears to us that the defendant will not get justice because the court granted a warrant of arrest before service,” he said.

However, prosecution counsel, Kemi Piniero (SAN) in response, urged the court to decline hearing on any motion from Bello's legal team until the defendant is physically present in court for his arraignment.

"The stage we are in now is to determine the whereabouts of the defendant. He cannot be in his house while the trial proceeds without him coming here to take his plea. My Lord, this is a criminal matter not a civil matter, he must come and take his plea. It is a matter of over N80 billion. All these applications by the defendant are to prevent his arraignment and frustrate the commencement of trial," he said. 

After hearing both counsels, Justice Nwite adjourned ruling on the defence’s application, seeking a revocation of the arrest warrant on Bello till May 10, 2024.

 

Source: EFCC

FCCPC summons Chinese supermarket over discrimination against Nigerians

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has summoned the owner of a Chinese supermarket for allegedly discriminating against Nigerians by restricting their entry.

The supermarket, located at the China General Chamber of Commerce along Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Road in the Federal Capital Territory, exclusively permits individuals of Chinese descent to enter. A video posted by X Daily showed an unidentified FCT resident expressing discontent about the discriminatory policy.

Reacting to the development, Mrs. Boladale Adeyinka, the Director of Surveillance and Investigation at the commission, who led the enforcement ,stated that they are responding to a viral video allegedly showing Nigerian consumers being denied access to the supermarket. She explained that the purpose of their surveillance and investigation is to verify the allegations and the contents of the viral video. “On arrival, we noticed that the supermarket, located right behind me, was sealed and padlocked externally. Inquiries have revealed that as of this morning, this supermarket was open and operational,” she said. “CCTV footage also indicates that at around 8:29 am on Monday, two vehicles departed from these premises allegedly containing the owner of the supermarket, whom we have identified as Cindy Liun Bien, and we have her contact details. “Now, the summons, of course, since she’s not around and the place is locked, is to serve notice on her to appear before the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission by Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11 am. “There are other regulatory tools that can be deployed if she fails to attend to this summons,” she added. She further explained that the summons means that entry into the premises would require approval, and anyone wishing to access it must first notify the commission. When asked about the consequences if the owner fails to attend the summons, she stated that under the commission’s investigative powers, they have the authority to seal the premises until she complies. Sanusi Shuabiu, the estate assistant Facilities Manager, clarified that the supermarket is not open to the public like a typical store; rather, it primarily serves Chinese groceries and was initially established to cater to the needs of co-tenants in the area. He confirmed that there is no agreement restricting the supermarket to Chinese residents only; it is meant to serve everyone, including those from outside the community.

Nigeria's football governing body, NFF appoints Ex—Super Eagles player Emmanuel Amunike as the coach of the Senior National Team

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has officially appointed Super Eagles Legend Emmanuel Amunike as the New head coach of the Nigeria national team Super Eagles.

Emmanuel Amunike, a former Barcelona, Zamalek and Sporting Lisbon winger  who excelled as coach of the Golden Eaglets, leading the Nigeria U17 national team to win the FIFA U17 World Cup have won the race for the head coach position of the Super Eagles.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, decided to go with Amunike as the substantive head coach of the national team.

Amunike also impressed as head coach of the Tanzanian national team, guiding the Taifa Stars to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations – their first in nearly forty years.

However, Amunike’s record with Egypt’s Misr Lel Makkasa and Zambia’s Zanaco left much to be desired.

The 53-year-old coach also fumbled when placed in charge of the Flying Eagles, failing to help the Nigeria U20 team qualify for the AFCON in 2017.

Aside from Amunike, USA U20 national team coach Michael Nsien, former Manchester City assistant manager Domenec Torrent, and Fortuna Sittard coach Danny Bruijs were all running to become the Super Eagles head coach.

WAR MUST CONTINUE IN GAZA, UKRAINE: US House of Reps Approved Critical War support for Israel, Ukraine

 Russia: NO GOING BACK ON SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATIONS

Photo by AP

The United States' Congress officially passes bill to send $61 billion to Ukraine and $26 billion to Israel to keep the ongoing war steady in Ukraine and Gaza.

Today, members of both parties in the House of Representatives voted to advance our national security interests by passing urgently needed legislation delivering critical support to Israel and Ukraine, and aid for those impacted by conflict and disasters around the world.

I urge…

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 20, 2024

BREAKING: U.S. House has approved a $61 billion Ukraine aid package as lawmakers race to deliver a fresh round of U.S. support to war-torn ally. https://t.co/x2Dpj0YyJa

— The Associated Press (@AP) April 20, 2024

Today, we received the awaited decision on the US aid package that we long fought for. And a very significant one. Our warriors on the front lines, as well as our cities and villages suffering from Russian terror, will feel it.

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on it… pic.twitter.com/G6z3PxsOMg

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 20, 2024

Now more than ever America needs to project strength and that we are still the leader of the free world. Congress passing this lethal aid to our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan sends that message of strength to enemies of freedom. I applaud the work of @SpeakerJohnson to…

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 20, 2024

Congratulations to @SpeakerJohnson and everyone involved in passing the crucial aid package for Ukraine and Israel. American leadership is needed now more than ever.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) April 20, 2024

US House support for $60bn funding for Ukraine is a vital step forward.

If Putin ever doubted the West's resolve to back Ukraine, this shows our collective will is undimmed.

With support, Ukraine can and will win. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/vugDBtxV94

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) April 20, 2024

🇷🇺 FM #Lavrov:

☝️ We are fully convinced that we have to go ahead with the special military operation.

☝️ President Putin put it clearly how to make our territory safe. He said that we should move back the line from which they can target our territory. pic.twitter.com/aAgvYhGlOm

— Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) April 20, 2024

JUST IN: 🇷🇺 Russia says the $61 billion US funding package for Ukraine will k*ll even more Ukrainians. pic.twitter.com/7sgmERp2ju

— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) April 20, 2024

Nigeria's Immigration Service, EFCC Declared Ex—Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Wanted

 Following the EFCC fail attempt to arrest the immediate past governor of Kogi state Yahaya Bello in Abuja and subsequently declared him wanted. Another institution of the state, Nigeria's Immigration Service has also declared him wanted.

See the letter by the immigration service:

EFCC:

PBAT: Where is Yari?

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi.

It was the gathering of our political gladiators at the table of our Chief Chef, Baker and Divider of the Nigeria cake, 27 of them were seating Governors out of 36, along with leadership of the Nation's Assembly led by the Senate President, His Execllency, Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass. 

Some former Governors weren't missing in action, it was a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos. 

This damage control started in December during the Christmas visit to the President while the Plateau was on fire in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, their Governor was wining and dining with his political class at the President's table. 

Things are never really as they appear. Any one who is worth his/her salt in strategic communication will easily detect the unease around the leadership of the country. 

The beast they invited to help them win election by hook or crook has refused to go back to the jungle from politics till the next season, it is walking the street and demonizing what was meant for mere political advantage, and making them our reality!

This leadership is threatened by division!  

The religion card that won the game has to be constantly kept on the table.

The North and South gap got widened by the philosophy of Emilokan which inevitably is viewed by the North as "awon lokan"; a Yoruba political agenda against the North. The South East is wallowing in reckless abandonment, not a single Governor from a region where all their Governors are Christians can serve the need of religious appeal!

Emphasis in communication is the indicator for what the problem is!

The President had barely sat when the imaginary shadow of Yari walked through the audience. A scream exuded from his mouth like what seemed to be a thinking aloud; where is Yari?

But who is Yari?

Yari is worth more than all the Guests at the President's table for the purpose of the gathering. Yari was elected a Governor on the platform of ANPP on the 26th of April 2011, he was Governor from May 2011 to May 2019. He became a member of APC by the political expediency of power that laid down strange fellows on the bed of affliction that APC has become to governance!

Yari got his branding for Senate Presidency right! His desire was to lead a firm, transparent National Assembly that would have served the interest of Nigerians, that's according to him.

Awolowo remains the best President Nigeria never had. So a politician you have never given a chance will forever be better that those you had. Buhari would have died a hero of the masses. But not anymore. The more reason we need to change leader as often as possible.

Politics is about dreams, ambitions and their aspirations. Northern politics is about feudal consensus!

The New Yoruba politics philosophy represented by Bola Ahmed Tinubu is about "Baba sope" ask a "what's up" Lagosian for its meaning.

It was Baba sope that got Akpabio ahead of Yari. But the dust hasn't settled!

In the history of Senate elections in Nigeria, no individual has come close to humiliating government backed candidate as Yari did Akpabio at the last Senate Presidency election!

Yari is like a fire whose smoke is already choking the house. It is better to help it happen, than let it happen by itself. It may prove to be costly and may not stop at Akpabio!

Please, don't forget what I stated earlier; "in strategic communication, emphasis points you to what the problems are!

 ”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth Alia of Benue", remarked the Vice President. The faith taunted before the last election has become the currency of credibility to trade this leadership to Nigerians! 

"Pastor Eno and Father Alia"! Beautiful brides of an enstranged husband finding his way back to the heart of Christian faithfuls!

Who is at the table for the sumptuous meal of Mr President and who is not there is not the challenge of Nigerians. Both Muslim and Christians plus traditional religion worshipers are united in hunger supervised by the Tinubu led administration and, they now know better!

Both MURIC and CAN are lost to the reality of the need and demand of Nigerians for good governance. While MURIC is busy playing the religious card for a Muslim Leadership Governor come 2027.

Hint from the Christian Association of Nigeria through their recent appeal to the Government to do something about the over a 100 Chibok Girls who are yet to be released out of the 274 or 276 close to 10 years in captivity! What a teaser on what to expect on the 10th anniversary celebration of Chibok capture; the possibility of the reunion of the remaining Chibok Girls with their parents and community. But will that change the perception of the masses under which even food sellers are hungry?

After 10 years in captivity, beautiful Christian girls taken in their teens are expected as girls, from randy sex monster hiding behind religion to perpetrate the unthinkable? Those who were 13 then should be 23 now. The shame of a nation is about to get exposed; 100 girls kept within a sovereign state for 10 years, a year under Jonathan, 8, under Buhari and 1, under BAT may get released through the skills of negotiations that saw Kaduna 300 freed and dressed back to town in "Aso-ebi"!

The message from the feast in Lagos shows clearly what the issue are with the government of the day; "Let’s unite to make Nigeria greater, Tinubu tells Governors and national assembly leaders" read an headline.

President Bola Tinubu has called for unity of purpose and more collaborations between the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development goals.

The President made the appeal while receiving state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos on Friday the 12th of April 2024.

Led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Vice-President Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic resurgence and called for collective efforts to propel the nation forward.

He urged unity and collaborations among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal!

 By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.

Emphasizing President Tinubu’s role as a unifying leader transcending ethnic and religious lines, the Vice-President noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, along with the leadership of the National Assembly and some former governors, bears the testimony of a detribalized leader who has embraced all.

”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth Alia of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supercedes whatever it is that may divide us.

”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.

Senate President Akpabio commended the state governors for emulating President Tinubu’s leadership style, characterized by listening to diverse voices and consulting widely with the people, irrespective of political affiliations.

“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Senator Akpabio said.

Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, Akpabio noted that the President enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” Senate President Akpabio prayed.

In his remarks, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed support for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a huge project that will have a significant impact on the nation when completed.

He commended the President’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions, highlighting the positive developments in the country, which include the stabilization of the exchange rate and decreasing food prices.

He attributed these improvements to the President’s initiatives and also lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s funding for 8,800 primary healthcare centres.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” the Governor said.

He urged President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Federal Government to states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals.

 Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have too

.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.

Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the governors’ commitment to supporting the President’s initiatives and pledged to continue complementing the efforts of the federal government in driving progress and prosperity across the nation".

The meeting was nothing more than a jamboree of political propagandists!

 Are these people not united? How was the padding of the budget achieved successfully by the National Assembly while the Executive looked the other way?

 How I wished His Excellency Alex Chioma Otti, beyond telling Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu led administration after their meeting, would share with this administration the need to work and leave the public to appraise their performance. 

Sir, when I offered to echo your good works in Abia to the Nation and the world at large, you declined, let me quote your exact words; "I’m still thinking about this and I’m not convinced it is NECESSARY. ALL WE ARE DOING IS IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN". (Emphasised words in cap are mine).

But at the feast on Boudilon, the President was being thanked on our behalf for the 700km coastal road from Lagos to Calabar, an issue already over-flogged in the media. The Chairman of Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, told us of the coming dry season harvest and the nose diving of prices of food and commodities at the market, but refused to tell us the location of his imaginary market!

Lagosians should know better, Tinubu is a good customer when it comes to propaganda. Lagos is probably the best state in the world through systemic engineering propaganda from 1999 till date!

 Ordinary resurfacing of 3rd mainland bridge got celebrated in the media more than its actual construction by Babangida!

 We have been driven through the fourth mainland bridge during the last three elections 2015, 2019 and 2023 to Igbogbo in Ikorodu, and the "rainbow rail", blue, red and green in Lagos was long completed in the media and our propaganda city, but manifesting in meters!

 Someone needs to tell these loud mouths to stop talking and get to work. We want to see their work speaking, not their mouths!

On my one 'Kobo advice' to Tinubu is that Jesus was betrayed at a feasting table. He needs to query the heart of men who spoke for him at the table. His trusted Matawalle should be up on the beat of Hakeem Baba Ahmed and the Northern Elders Forum. 

This is no time for any of his men to sit on the fence. He should ask himself, where was El-Rufai while they were dinning? Could he have been at Shettima's Borno State on the invitation of Gov. Babagana Zulum speaking to senior government officials in the state?

If he doesn't know what Hakeem Baba Ahmed is capable of, he should ask those who know, he is probably more dangerous than Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at heating up the polity!

If Matawalle won't get off the fence for Tinubu to engage the NEF, the President should take it from me, he is with Shettima and Hakeem Baba Ahmed working together on the Northern agenda!

 How well that will serve Tinubu’s interest, I leave to His Excellency to ruminate upon.

He should note this; there is an ongoing high stakes game between the North and South!

The President and his handlers are making numerous grave errors most noticeably is the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu!

It is obvious to any intelligent observer that the Igbos are not interested in fighting Tinubu and his government... even with all its deficiencies and baggages!

Eyi ni ifa ti mo da fun Tinubu Omo Abibatu! Get to work!! Propaganda has no impact on Northern politics. They don't listen to the media but their leaders. How many of their leaders are honestly with you?

This is what my IFA Discerner foretells Akanbi TINUBU, Omo Abibatu Mogaji.

May you not make your enemies your friends and your friends, your enemies! 

Ase oo!!!

Dr Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He's also President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table.

email:[email protected]

Facebook: Bolaji Akinyemi.

X: Bolaji O Akinyemi.

Instagram: bolajioakinyemi.

Phone: +2348033041236

OPINION: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐅𝐂𝐂, 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧

By Dr. Ugo Egbujo 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  must choose its fights sensibly. An Ijele doesn’t go about dancing at babies’ birthday parties just to be noticed. The EFCC must leave some jobs for local Police DPOs. So, it can focus on serious financial crimes. This gbegboro attitude inhibits specialisation. More importantly, the EFCC must never forget that it wrestles against principalities and powers against whom it needs the confidence of the masses. Seeking to clean cobwebs while elephants freely defecate in the room is self-deceit. 

The EFCC has recently set up a task force to prevent the abuse of the Nigerian currency, the naira. The focus of this task force has been on preventing celebrities and, perhaps, the public from spraying the naira at social events, as the EFCC sees this as a form of irreparable damage to the currency. Although the law is in place to preserve currency notes and save reprinting costs, the EFCC has taken it to be a serious financial crime. If lawmakers had trained their focus on stopping the display of exhibitionism or money worship in order to prevent the spread of lasciviousness and reset societal values rather than mere naira abuse, the people would have been happy. However, enforcing laws against harmless cultural practices portrays law enforcement as bereft of a critical sense of priorities.

In the United States, celebrities spray money on strippers. So, spraying cash on people isn’t such a universal crime as the EFCC’s preoccupation with it suggests. In Igbo land, if a grandma dances, she has to be sprayed cash. Putting the money in her bag or pocket drains the ritual of the ceremony. If that damages the naira, then the quality of the notes needs improvement to meet significant cultural uses. Money is more than a sterile medium of exchange. We used to have pseudo-plastic notes in the past. But this new meddlesome law also forbids the throwing of coins. So, the primary motivation for the prohibition can’t even be mutilation because it’s so non-discriminating. Now, the EFCC wastes its time and scarce resources pursuing young men and women spraying their hard-earned naira on their friends and relatives while indicted criminal suspects occupy ministerial positions at the nation’s capital

An institution with limited resources ought to define its priorities soberly. While the EFCC was running around Borisky, Yahaya Bello, who likes to call his narcissistic self White Lion, was still at large. If the EFCC was thinking of the Broken Windows Theory, then it should have focused on the obscene display of wealth, not the spraying of naira, which almost all poor and decent people in Nigeria do anyway. Now, Bobrisky is in prison after pleading guilty as a first offender, but Yahaya Bello can’t be arrested.

He wasn’t arrested a couple of days ago because after the EFCC laid a siege on the house where he refuged, the policemen protecting the man at large shut out the EFCC violently. That wasn’t the peak of the absurdity. While the EFCC agents were languishing in helplessness under the angry sun, a governor stormed the cordoned area with thugs and gained easy entrance into the house. The humiliated EFCC men watched like schoolboys. Such life-sucking impotence. All these happened a stone’s throw from the seat of power. The godson shoved the EFCC aside and whisked away his godfather from the trembling hands of the timid law. Sheer movie stuff. Blockbuster gangsterism. 

After the EFCC chickened away in peace, it issued a press release. In that gutless release, it couldn’t dare to be specific let alone name names. In that statement that reeked of abject impotence, it found the verve to warn the public that in future, it would deal decisively with people who employed thugs to disrupt or obstruct its operations. A governor might have immunity, but does his immunity permit him to handcuff EFCC agents or commit criminal offences while law enforcement agents watch?

His immunity doesn’t confer anything on all the aides and security agents who may choose to assist him in committing the crime before newsmen.The next day was court sitting. Yahaya bello was still at large. The EFCC said they could be forced to invite the military to assist them. What more do they want to suffer? However, that statement was a naked indictment of the police and DSS. Granted, both can’t often handle bandits, but should a chicken-hearted white lion hiding in the Government House in Lokoja require military intervention too?

The helpless EFCC has declared the man wanted, begging the public to help track the man. The public is supposed to find the man the EFCC had in its claws and let a baby governor snatch away? The public should find a man being protected by the state. The world is watching. The Attorney General could have struck while it was hot in Abuja. But he dilly-dallied. A firm pronouncement from the Chief Law Officer to the police and DSS would have drained courage from the lawless governor.

When the Attorney General woke up from slumber the next day, he preached that citizens must always submit themselves to law enforcement agents when needed. He called no names. He issued no public orders. Tepidly, he said the world would have no respect for the country if governors started to act like wild animals. Such preposterous lukewarmness. Tomorrow, we will attend an African Union meeting and expect respect. He should remind the president that foreign investors are watching the spectacle of the travesty of the rule of law.

This atrocious precedent took place under the presidency’s nose. Many thought that naked disruption of EFCC operations by other law enforcement agents had ended with Buhari. If it had been some Bobrisky rather than the revered Bobkogi who mobilised thugs to evade that arrest, the security agencies would have remembered they had breached presidential security. Rightly, but belatedly, the policemen attached to Yahaya Bello have been withdrawn, but when will they be prosecuted? After all, we are only a generator republic and not yet a plantain republic. 

The EFCC must choose its fights wisely. Some bemused young people are now planning to switch to spraying dollars at social events. That could mean more naira chasing the dollar. Some laws only exist to be part of the general legal architecture. And there are others, that must attract attention and venom. The EFCC’s greatest existential problem is corrupt politicians.  However, it appears the agency has an exceptionally elastic capacity to absorb humiliation from powerful politicians.

Often, the public looks away with disinterest not just because the EFCC likes to make up by chasing small fries, but after the EFCC went through the roof to arrest Rochas and charge him, the then Federal Attorney General hijacked the case from the EFCC.  That gradual and steady emasculation of the EFCC by big politicians has been quickened by Ododo. He knows he will suffer no consequences. Last year, an ex-governor publicly ridiculed the EFCC chairman who had fingered him for corruption. That ex-governor is now a minister. The EFCC lingers on his filthy files.

How does the EFCC feel when it goes against relatively innocuous offenders while those who have embezzled the state into penury swagger about in the corridors of power and thump their noses at it? Bobrisky went to prison at the speed of light. Bobkogi is still at large. When he is eventually arraigned, he might appear in a lion-skinned attire. His lawyers will secure his bail despite his having shown that he is a flight risk. Then he will return to Kogi to a hero’s welcome, drums beating, and women dancing under the sun, all arranged by his godson, Ododo. Most of the policemen withdrawn from him will return with him to Kogi for the triumphant homecoming. They might even receive awards from the state. We live right in a circus. Aristotle said, “At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice, he is the worst.”

The EFCC must reassess its priorities to prevent politicians from turn the eagle into a chicken, a scaveger for small things.

Russia Influence in Sahel: United States to withdraw her forces from Niger Republic

The United States of America will withdraw its soldiers from Niger as the West African nation is increasingly turning to Russia and away from Western powers.

The US, French and NATO military presence in any region most especially in West Africa have been to further neo-colonialism, unimaginable exploitation and assassination of pro-people/masses leadership.

The new military juntas in the region ate cutting off military relationship with French and NATO leader America in favour of President Vladimir Putin led Russia Federation.

The US military presence in Niger Republic, except for distabilization  and America egos, it has no benefits for the people of West Africa. It was established mainly against the defeating prospect of Nigeria becoming a region power.

With US and French military bases, the region hse witnessed insurgency of ISWAP/BOKO HARAM among many othes wrecking havocs across many counties in the region .The US has the reportd of how these TERRORISTS are been trained and armed.

According to a Latest report, the US Department of State agreed to pull out about 1,000 troops from the country that has been under military rule since July 2023, US media reported late on Friday.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine met on Friday, the reports said, with Washington committing to begin planning an “orderly and responsible” withdrawal of its troops from the country.

The US built a military base in Niger to combat armed groups that pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and ISIL (ISIS) in the Sahel region, which also includes Burkina Faso and Mali.

The major airbase in Agadez, some 920km (572 miles) from the capital Niamey was used for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations.

Known as Air Base 201, it was built at a cost of more than $100m. Since 2018, it has been used to target ISIL fighters and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM), an al-Qaeda affiliate.

While maintaining a line of communication with the military government in Niger, the US military had started preparing for the possibility of having to withdraw, with US General James Hecker saying last year that Washington is probing “several locations” elsewhere in West Africa to station its drones.

Nigerien state television reported that US officials would visit next week. There was no public announcement from the State Department on the withdrawal and officials said no timeline had yet been set.




Niger announced in March that it had suspended a military agreement with the US and would pursue a withdrawal of its soldiers.

The US is being forced to withdraw from Niger as it is not favoured either by the ruling military or by the population that is rejecting post-colonial forces. Protesters took to the streets in the capital earlier this month to demand the departure of US forces.


Like the military rulers in neighbouring Mali and Burkina Faso, the West African nation had kicked out French and European troops following the military takeover.

All three countries have now turned to Russia for support, with Moscow confirming earlier this month that it has sent military trainers and an air defence system and other military equipment to Niger as it deepens its security ties.

Along with armed groups, the conflict-ridden Sahel region is also becoming an influential route for drug trafficking, with the United Nations saying 1,466kg (3,232 pounds) of cocaine were seized in Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso and Niger compared with an average of just 13kg (28.7 pounds) between 2013 and 2020.

Court Jails 20 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City

The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on Wednesday and Thursday April 17 &18, 2024  secured the conviction and sentence of 20 internet fraudsters before Justices Efe Ikponmwonba and M. Itsueli of the Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City.

The convicts are: Blessing Daniel, Kingsley Okoroafor, Amos Ohwofa, Eromosele Victory, Oba Nicholas Destiny, Lucky Osaro, Edema Emmanuel John, Obazee Precious, Akinyemi Seun, Ufumwen Victor, Enoch Ehigiator, Adurotimi Olakunle Justin, Oserei Clinton and Oserei Abraham.

Others are Obazee Gabriel, Richard Godfrey Obazee, Ricard Israel, Paul O. Endurance, Destiny Ajimi and Ejiwe Blessing Julius

They were jailed after pleading guilty to one-count separate charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, possession of fraudulent documents upon arraignment by the Benin Zonal Command of the  EFCC.

The charge against Ajimi reads:

That you Destiny Ajimi (M) on or about 4th April, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 read together with 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

The charge against Julius reads: “That you Ejiwe Blessing Julius(M) on or about 4th April, 2024 in Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contain a false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 read together with 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

All the defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges when they were read to them in court, prompting the prosecution counsel, F. A. Jirbo. I.K Agwai and K.Y. Bello, to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy as they have become remorseful for their actions.

 

Justice Ikponmwonba  on April 17, sentenced the trio of  Ohwofa,  Daniel and Julius to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) each while Akinyemi Seun bagged two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000.  Justice Ituseli convicted the trio of Eromosele Victory, Obi Nicholas Destiny and Lucky Osaro to two years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each while Kingsley Okarafor, Destiny Ajimi and Edema Emmanuel John bagged three years imprisonment or a  fine of N100,000.

On Thursday April 18, Justice Ikponmwonba convicted 10 of the defendants -  Precious, Victor,  Ehigiator,  Justin, Clinton,  Abraham, Gabriel, Obazee, Israel and Endurance to three years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000 each.

The judges ordered the convicts to forfeit their phones, laptops,  balances in their various bank accounts and three vehicles - Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and a Toyota Camry being instruments and proceeds of crime to the Federal Government of Nigeria. All the convicts are to undertake in writing to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The convicts’ road to the prison began following their arrest by operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Commission based on actionable intelligence regarding their involvement in computer- related fraud.

Source: EFCC