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Tuesday 31 July 2012

PICTURES: GOV. FASHOLA SIGNS LAND USE ACT REGULATION INTO LAW

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, (middle) flanked by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola (right) during signing of the Land Use Act Regulation Bill into Law for the State at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja, 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, (middle) signing the Land Use Act Regulation Bill into Law for the State at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, July 30, 2012. With him are: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola (right).

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, (middle) signing the Land Use Act Regulation Bill into Law for the State at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, July 30, 2012. With him are: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left) and the Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola (right).

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, (right) signing the Land Use Act Regulation Bill into Law for the State at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, July 30, 2012. With him is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left).

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, (right) signing the Land Use Act Regulation Bill into Law for the State at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, July 30, 2012. With him is the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (left).

The Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Hakeem Muri Okunola (left) answering questions from State House Correspondents shortly after the signing of the StateLands Use Act Regulation into Law by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola(SAN) at the Conference Room, Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, July 30, 2012. With him are: Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye (middle) and the Executive Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Mr. Aina Salami (right).


Subsidy Scam: EFCC Arraigns Three More Suspects


The trial of persons and organisations indicted in the mindless abuse of the Petroleum Support Fund in the guise of subsidy for imported fuel continued today, July 30, 2012, in Lagos with the arraignment three more suspects - Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, Habila Theck and Fargo Petroleum and Gas Limited- by the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The trio were docked before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja on a 6 counts charge for conspiring to obtain the sum of N976, 653,110.28 (nine hundred and seventy six million, six hundred and fifty three thousand, one hundred and ten naira, twenty eight kobo only) from the federal government of Nigeria by falsely representing that the said sum was accrued subsidy for the importation of 13,627,084 litres of petroleum motor spirit.

They were also accused of forgery and use of false document contrary to section 364 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria .

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them. Babajide Koku (SAN) counsel to the accused persons informed the court that he had filed a bail application dated 25 of July, 2012 and served on the prosecution. However, he said he needed time to respond to the counter affidavit and requested for a short adjournment. Prosecution counsel, Usani Francis did not oppose the application. 

Justice Onigbanjo, consequently adjourned proceedings to Wednesday August 1, 2012 for hearing of the bail application while ordering that the accused be remanded in EFCC custody

Gov Orji threatens to sack cabinet for diversion of funds


Abia state governor, Theodore Orji has threatened to sack any commissioner in his cabinet who engages in revenue collection in the name of government.

He handed down this threat at a meeting he held with some commissioners and permanent secretaries of ministries that are believed to generate revenue for the state.

He decried the incessant harassment of the citizens of the state by the so called revenue collectors who unleash mayhem on the unsuspecting public.

The governor also ordered the affected ministries to close all revenue accounts they currently run and allow the approved consultant engaged by the state government effectively carry out its assignment.

He observed that the state is capable of generating enough internal revenue, but has not done so because some appointees of government with the collaboration of civil servants divert funds into their personal pockets.

Orji further told them to explore other avenues of generating money other than concentrating on only Ariara international market and Ekeoha shopping centre. 

GUNMEN ATTACK VICE PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO'S RESIDENCE.IN ZARIA; ONE KILLED, TWO INJURED


Unknown gunmen attacked the private residence of Vice President Namadi Sambo in the Tudun Wada area of Zaria on Monday morning engaging the two policemen on duty in a gun battle

 A shoe cobbler at the scene of the shoot out was killed in the exchange of fire which also resulted in the two policemen sustaining injuries

Acting Police Public Relations Officer in Kaduna state, Abubakar Balteh who confirmed the incident said the two policemen are receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital Zaria. He however said no arrests had been made.

The house was uninhabited as it was razed down during the post election violence in the state last year and rennovation had just commenced on it

The Vice President went about his normal duties for the day chairing a meeting of the National Council on Privatization which lasted well into Monday Morning

PRESIDENT JONATHAN OFF TO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO, JAMAICA


President Goodluck Jonathan will be out of the country as from Tuesday to attend Trinidad and Tobago Emancipation Day and Jamaica’s Independence Anniversary Celebration.
 
A statement from the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity explains that 
President Jonathan is expected back in Abuja on Saturday, August  the 4th


During his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, President Jonathan with the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, will review the Kambule Street Procession, the major event marking the country's Emancipation Day on Wednesday, August 1
 
He will present a Goodwill Message to the Procession, pay a courtesy call on Professor George Maxwell Richards, President of Trinidad and Tobago and meet with members of the Nigerian community resident in that country 
 
President Jonathan will attend the Emancipation Day Cultural Programme at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Emancipation Village, and be hosted to a State Banquet by the President of Trinidad and Tobago.
 
The President’s Official visit to Jamaica will commence on Thursday, August 2, with a Special Commemorative Session of Parliament in his honor, after which he will be hosted by the Jamaican Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller.
 
Other activities of President Jonathan in Jamaica will include participation in a Mello Go Round at the National Stadium, a bilateral meeting in the Prime Minister’s office, a meeting with the Nigerian Community and a luncheon hosted by the Governor-General of Jamaica, Patrick Allen.

Cyber Nigeria Forum & African Information Society Merit Award

The event venue

Participants at the event
























Nigeria's Minister of ICT  Omobolaji Jonson @  the event.

Friday 27 July 2012

PICTURES: GOV. FASHOLA AT 2ND EDITION OF GOVERNOR’S EDUCATION AWARD 2012 CEREMONY

 Lagos   State Governor, Mr.  Babatunde Fashola SAN joined by the Special Adviser/ Project Coordinator, Lagos  Eko Secondary Education Project,  Ms.  Ronke  Azeez (right) in the symbolic presentation of a giant cheque of N256million to pupils of award winning Junior  Secondary Schools during  the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s  Education  Award; Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

 Lagos   State Governor, Mr.  Babatunde  Fashola SAN (5th right) joined by the Chairman,House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Wahab Alawiye-King (right),Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka  Oladunjoye (3rd left) Tutors-General, Permanent Secretaries of various Education District in the symbolic presentation of a giant cheque of N256million to the various winning schools during  the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s Education  Award; Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway  Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

Lagos   State Governor, Mr.  Babatunde  Fashola SAN (5th left) joined by the Chairman,House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Wahab Alawiye-King (2nd right),Commissioner  for  Education, Mrs. Olayinka  Oladunjoye (left), Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (3rd right), Special  Adviser/ Project Coordinator, Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project, Ms.  Ronke  Azeez  (right), Tutors-General, Permanent Secretaries of various Education District in the symbolic presentation of a giant cheque of N256million to the various winning schools during the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s Education  Award; Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway  Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

  Lagos   State Governor, Mr.  Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle) joined by the Special Adviser/Project Coordinator, Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project, Ms.  Ronke Azeez  (right) in the symbolic presentation of a giant cheque of N256million to pupils of award winning Senior  Secondary Schools during  the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s  Education Award;  Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway  Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

  Lagos   State Governor, Mr.  Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle) joined by the Special Adviser/Project Coordinator, Lagos Eko Secondary Education Project, Ms.  Ronke Azeez  (right) in the symbolic presentation of a giant cheque of N256million to pupils of award winning Senior  Secondary Schools during  the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s  Education Award;  Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway  Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos

Cross section of Junior and Secondary Schools pupils as well as their Tutors during the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s  Education  Award; Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway  Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, on  Thursday,  July  26, 2012. INSET: Lagos State Governor, Mr.  Babatunde Fashola SAN  (2nd right), Commissioner  for  Education  Mrs  Olayinka  Oladunjoye  (2nd left), Asoju Oba  of  Lagos, Chief  Molade  Okoya-Thomas (left) and the Special Adviser/Project Coordinator, Lagos  Eko  Secondary Education Project, Ms.  Ronke  Azeez (right).

Cross section of Junior and Secondary Schools pupils as well as their Tutors during the  Second  Edition  of  the  Governor’s  Education  Award; Secondary Schools Performance Award 2012 at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Billingsway  Road,  Oregun Industrial  Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, on  Thursday,  July  26, 2012. INSET: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right) addressing the audience.
 

The Seamless Transition In Ghana And The Lessons


On Tuesday July 24 2012, the President of Ghana , His Excellency Professor Fifi Atta Mills died unexpectedly at the age of 68. On that fateful day death robbed Africa one of its finest souls, leaving Ghanaians and other Africans to weep for the departed. I am told that late Prof Atta Mills was a great President, a good man and a disciplined leader, who added serious values to Ghana politics. Under his leadership Ghana was repositioned in Africa and world politics, showing the way forward in matters of free and fair election and peaceful co-existence among the tribes in Ghana . Africans and the world have indeed lost a gentle and peaceful President who was not carried away by the pecks of office. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Professor Atta Mills died on Tuesday July 24 2012 and in less than 24 hours Ghana had a seamless transition, making way for the vice President Mr John Dramani Mahama to become the President in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Ghana. This is a lesson for Nigeria . In 2010 when President Yar’Adua of Nigeria became incapacitated and incapable to continue to rule Nigeria as President, a cabal took over the country and refused the Vice President from taking over leadership as prescribed by the constitution of the Federal Republic . We are all witnesses to the shenanigans, the rigmaroles, the intrigues, lies and blatant lies that took over the political landscape then.

Under our very eyes, we saw senior police officers, army officers, other security agencies, senior citizens and even former Heads of State with full dose of western education and people who should know better compromising the constitution of Nigeria for selfish reasons. We witnessed the compromising of all Nigeria ’s security apparatus just for the sake of greed. We saw meretricious mediocres at work, holding a country of 150 million people hostage until they have stolen enough billion for themselves and their cronies. The nitwits and scoundrels did not stop there, they told us that President Yar’Adua was seen walking on along the lawns in Aso Rock exchanging banters with associates, promising to get to his desk as soon as possible. Even on a life support machine, the brigands told us that the late President signed documents. The day the late President arrived Abuja the celebrated rogues of Nigeria put off all the lights in Abuja International Airport just to perfect their evil machinations. It was the day troops were deployed in Abuja International Airport without the approval of the Acting President of Nigeria.

It took the intervention of the Civil Society and some concerned Nigerians to make the thieves to pay attention. It took a fierce battle on the streets of Lagos and Abuja to stop the brigandage. Till date nobody knows how much the cabal used President Yar’Adua predicament to steal from national treasury. Nobody can really say what transpired between the time Yar’Adua became incapacitated and the time he was certified dead.

Ghana has taught us another lesson in leadership and democracy. There is nothing that is in short supply in Nigeria – a good weather, good soil, good water, good air, and even world class professionals etc. The only thing that is in short supply is committed men and women that will drive the process that will lead Nigeria to greatness. I pray that one day this cup shall pass away making way for good people to emerge as leaders.

Supreme Court Indictment: PDP gives Reps Minority Leader 14 Days Ultimatum to resign



The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest has given the House of Representatives Minority Leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila 14 days within which he must resign his membership of the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

The party said in a release issued by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Hon Kayode Babade that since Gbajabiamila has admitted that he was sanctioned by the Georgia Supreme Court for professional misconduct and negligence, the most honourable thing to do is to vacate his seat in the House of Representatives.

The Supreme Court of Georgia had on February 26, 2007 suspended Femi Gbajabiamila from practising law for 36 months. 

The Reps Minority Leader, who is a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and was known as Femi Gbaja then admitted violating Rule 1.15(I) of the Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct set forth in Bar Rule 4-102(d).

He allegedly admitted that he accepted payment of $25,000 as settlement of a client's personal injury claims, deposited those funds in his attorney trust account in January 2003, but failed to promptly disburse those funds to his client, while he withdrew those funds for his own use, closed his practice and moved out of the country.

Although he ultimately paid the $25,000 to his client in 2006, three years after he collected the fund, his conduct violated Rule 1.15(I), which punishable by disbarment.

Reacting, the PDP said it was ridiculous that Gbajabiamila could be using the House of Representatives impeachment plot against President Goodluck Jonathan as a defence for his own shady past saying it is more honourable for Hon Gbajabiamila to vacate his seat and apologise to Nigerians.

He said it is morally wrong that after committing such wrong, the Honourable could be championing good governance and impeachment of the president


The PDP threatened to approach the court to declare his seat vacant should he fail to follow what the party described as the path of honour within the next 14 days

Seventh First Ladies Peace Mission


The Nigerian government has advocated the removal of all barriers that limit African women from actualizing their desires for peace in the continent.

Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan, who spoke at the formal opening of the seventh First Ladies Peace Mission in Africa, also task African women to exploit their numbers in electing more women in policy making positions.

African women were also challenged to employ their influence in stemming the growing trend of violence across Africa.

Fuel Subsidy Fraud: Trial of suspects begin



…As Court Remands Alao in EFCC Custody 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday July 26th, 2012 docked some of the 20 suspects billed for trial over the fuel subsidy scam before Justices Habeeb Abiru and Adeniyi Onibganjo of the Lagos High Court. While Mr. Abdulahi Alao and Axenergy Limited were docked before Justice Abiru over a N2.6billion scam, seven others were separately arraigned before Justice Onigbanjo.

Alao, the managing director of Axenergy Limited was docked on a seven count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. . The accuse , together with his company, Axenergy Limited allegedly obtained the sum of N2,640, 141, 707.75 ( Two Billion, Six Hundred and Forty Million; One Hundred and Forty One Thousand; Seven Hundred and Seven Naira, Seventy Five Kobo only) being payments obtained from the Petroleum Support Fund for the purported importation of 33.3 million litres of  Premium Motor Spirit. 


He pleaded not guilty to all the charges prefered against him when they were read to him. His counsel, Babajide Koku, SAN, informed the court that he had filed an application for bail in respect of his client. He prayed the court to consider the application.  However, the lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacob, SAN, objected to the prayers of Koku saying that he would need more time to respond to the application and to prepare his written address. 

In his ruling, Justice Abiru declined the prayers of the defence counsel and remanded the accused person in EFCC custody pending hearing of the bail application. The case was adjourned till August 1st, 2012.

However Justice Onigbanjo admitted the other seven accused persons that appeared before him in separate arraignments to bail. They are Nasaman Oil Service, Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor; and Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex, Abdulahi Alao and Eterna Plc.
The first three accused persons; Nasaman Oil Service, Mamman Nasir Ali and Christian Taylor were docked on a three count charge that borders on conspiracy and obtaining N4.4 billion from the federal government through Petroleum Support Fund by false pretense.

When the charge was read to the accused persons, they pleaded not guilty, prompting their counsel, Joe Kyari Gadzama, SAN to inform the court that he had filed a bail application for his clients and that the offence was bailable. He said the court had the right to grant bail to the accused persons and that they will make themselves available for trial. He said the accused persons were presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

But prosecution counsel, Jacobs, SAN vehemently opposed the bail application. He urged the court to look at the evidence before it and exercise its discretion by refusing bail to the accused persons.

Justice Onigbanjo however resolved the argument in favour of the accused and granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N20 million each and two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties must own a landed property worth N100 million and the certificate deposited with the court. 

 The judge also ordered that one of the sureties should be a level 16 officer either with the Lagos State government or the federal government and should present evidence of tax payment in the last three years. The accused persons are to deposit their international passport with the EFCC while the registrar is to verify all sureties. 

The same bail conditions were handed to the second group of four accused persons. Mahmud Tukur, Ochonogor Alex, Abdulahi Alao and Eterna Plc were arraigned on a nine count charge for offences that borders on obtaining money through false pretence, forgery and uttering contrary to section 468 of the Criminal code. 

The quartet was alleged to have fraudulently obtained N1.8billion from the federal government through the Petroleum Support Fund. Wole Olanipekun, SAN, counsel to three of the accused persons said he had filed bail application and served the prosecution. However, Jacobs, SAN did not argue the application in view of the first ruling by the court. He said what was paramount is the terms and condition for the bail.

The case was adjourned to November 13, 2012 for trial.

IGP FROWNS AGAINST CALL FOR CREATION OF STATE POLICE



As the National Assembly considers proposals for the review of the 1999 constitution, the Police Management Team has said the call for the creation of state police was an invitation to anarchy

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar said the Nation was yet to attain the desired political maturity that will allow for the creation of State Police, warning that if created, state police would become a agent of victimization against political opponents by state governors.

The Inspector General, who called for the resuscitation of the National Police Council, spoke in Abuja at the Force Headquarters while receiving in audience members of the Government and non Government Institutions for the Implementation of Justice Sector Reform.

Abubakar who expressed worry over the poor salaries of officers of the force, called for a continued partnership with members of the civil society group to implement reforms that will provide for a better working condition of service for the police, eradicate corruption; reposition the force training colleges and better crime management and control in the country

Earlier, the leader of the Team, Olawale Fapohunda, said they were in the force headquarters to press for a continued working relationship with the leadership of the police, support for better working environment for men and women of the force, assessment of the command formations, and respect for human rights of Nigerians by the police.

Members of the Justice Sector Reform Team were drawn from the National Human Right Commission, Legal Aid Council and the Civil Society Groups operating in the Country.