Alleged N4b fraud: Obiano ‘can’t leave FCT.

Alleged N4b fraud: Obiano ‘can’t leave FCT.

Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday barred former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, from travelling out of Abuja.

 The ex-governor was arraigned on a nine-count charge for allegedly laundering about N4 billionbetween March 2014 and March 2022.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed Obiano indirectly transferred funds from the security vote account, which he deployed for purposes not related to security.

 The former governor pleaded not guilty.

 After taking the defendant’s plea, prosecuting lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir applied for his remand in custody.

Upon enquiry by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Tahir said the prosecution planned to call 14 witnesses in the case.

 But defence lawyer , Onyechi Ikpeazu, said he filed for bail on behalf of his client.

 When the court asked Tahir if he had responded to the bail application, the lawyer said prosecution received it a few minutes and sought time to respond to the bail application.

Tahir said the commission had granted Obiano a conditional administrative bail to produce two sureties who are directors in federal civil service.

The judge said he was inclined to adopt the conditions and granted Obiano bail.

 Justice Ekwo ordered Obiano not to travel outside the court’s jurisdiction without its permission; to deposit his travel documents with the court, following which the court would notify the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) about the restriction on his movement outside the jurisdiction.

 Justice Ekwo adjourned till March 4 for the commencement of trial.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints SSG and CoP in Ondo State.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Appoints SSG and CoP in Ondo State.

By Olamide Akinwumi J.

In a strategic move to enhance governance in Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has made key appointments, designating Tayo Oluwatuyi, widely known as Tukana, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Tukana's appointment marks a return to the SSG position, having previously served in the same capacity after the resignation of Ifedayo Abegunde during the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu's tenure. Notably, he also held the position of Ondo State Coordinator for the Tinubu/Shettima Independent Campaign Council.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, in furtherance of his administration's commitment to effective service delivery, concurrently appointed Mr. Abayomi Olasanya as the Chief of Protocol (CoP).

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ebenezer Adeniyan, specifies that both appointments take immediate effect. This strategic decision aims to strengthen the state government's operational framework and underscores the governor's dedication to impactful governance.

The newly appointed SSG and CoP are expected to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their respective roles, contributing to the overall development and progress of Ondo State.

First Lady urges Nigerians to prioritise care for the elderly.

First Lady urges Nigerians to prioritise care for the elderly.

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has restated the need to give more attention to the elderly in the society. 

Mrs. Tinubu said this when she hosted the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Patience Eno, in her office at the State House yesterday in Abuja.

The First Lady noted that the elderly have paid their dues in all spheres of life and deserve to be taken care of in their old age.

In a statement by her spokesperson Busola Kukoyi, Senator Tinubu said: “It is easy to bypass them, so to speak, because their voice is no more loud. They need our attention.

“I commend the Akwa Ibom State governor, His Excellency Pastor Umoh Eno, for buying into the vision of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS),” she said.

The First Lady congratulated the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court, confirming him as the duly elected Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“It is now time to work fully. Let us put politics behind and face governance,” she said.

Mrs. Eno explained that she was at the State House to update the First Lady on the RHIESS.

“My husband, the governor, has decided to adopt the RHIESS programme, as initiated by you, and says that it would now be a monthly programme. He recognises that it is a highly laudable one and it really brings joy and hope to the elderly,” she said.

The governor’s wife announced that Akwa Ibom State was set to host 500 elderly, aged 65 years and above every month, by giving them N50,000.00 token, in addition to giving them sundry items as well as access to free medical checks.

Presidency: no plan to move federal capital back to Lagos.

Presidency: no plan to move federal capital back to Lagos.

Presidency yesterday assured Nigerians that the federa capital will not be moved back to Lagos.

The clarification followed reactions of some northern groups and leaders over relocation of some departments of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and offices of Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to Lagos.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, wrote: “President Tinubu has no plan to move federal capital to Lagos. The rumour first surfaced during the campaign last year by opponents looking for all manner of weapons to stop him. We trashed it.

“Those peddling it anew are dishonest, ethnic and regional champions, trying to draw attention to themselves. Abuja has come to stay. It is backed by law.

“The movement of FAAN, a department of Aviation Ministry to Lagos, where it was based before former Minister, Hadi Sirika, moved it to Abuja does not amount to moving FCT to Lagos. The administrative move should have attracted scant attention, as Lagos is the commercial capital and the hub of aviation business in Nigeria. FAAN should be nowhere else but near the industry it regulates. FAAN will still maintain some presence in Abuja.

“Similarly, the movement of some departments of CBN to Lagos should not trigger any hoopla. The departments concerned, including Bank Supervision, are those dealing with commercial banks, all with headquarters in Lagos. A regulator ought to be close to the businesses it regulates.

“All those pushing this campaign of falsehood know they are playing politics, albeit a dangerous politics to pit the North against South.”

Senator representing Kogi West and Chair of Senate Services Committee, Sunday Karimi, has said northern senators had not taken a position on the movement of some departments of CBN and FAAN to Lagos.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Karimi said Northern Senators’ Forum agreed to investigate the matter.

He said: “What is important to our people is how decisions of government will affect their lives positively and put food on their table.

“They are not bothered by any ethnic sentiments on relocation of offices.

“During the forum’s last meeting, where the issue was raised, the members urged caution on taking a hasty position, calling for a full investigation…”

Former media aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Doyin Okupe, yesterday faulted a statement credited to the senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, for faulting the relocation of certain departments of CBN and FAAN from Abuja to Lagos.

Ndume, in a Channels Television interview, had said the President was being ill-advised by “Lagos boys” in the corridors of power.

But in an open letter to Ndume, Okupe wrote: “Your pronouncement on the above subject matter is provocative and unexpected of a politician of your pedigree and position…’’

 in the Nigerian polity.

“You have been in politics for more than two decades, you are one of the highest-ranking senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you once contested and deservedly for the revered and exalted position of the Senate President.

“Even if you disagreed and you were aware of the ‘consensus’ of many Northern politicians being against this move, it is reasonable to expect that you would treat this situation with much equanimity and maturity.

“Your threat against President Tinubu of political consequences because of this action of the Federal Government is unwarranted and demeaning of your status.

“Ours is a fragile democracy, and from the First Republic to date, leaders of this nation have managed our national stability and unity with great circumspection and forbearance. Our polity has not always been based on political correctness but rather, often times, on political expediency and prevailing power locus.

“For instance, why should major military installations and institutions be domiciled in the North? Or the Nigerian Port Authority and the Nigerian Customs be located in Abuja?

“These are institutions that must be of necessity close to where the harbour is, but my dear senator, this is how we are as a people.”

Soludo reinstates monarchs, reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, others.

Soludo reinstates monarchs, reconciles with Obi of Onitsha, others.

Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reinstated three traditional rulers who were suspended for conferring unauthorised chieftaincy titles on certain individuals, including the senator representing Anambra South senatorial district, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

One of the affected traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area, Igwe Damian Ezeani, was particularly suspended for conferring chieftaincy title on Ubah.

The suspension of the monarchs generated controversies across the state, which necessitated the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, accusing the governor, in an open letter to the state government, of not respecting traditional institutions in the state.

Achebe also condemned the suspension of Igwe Ezeani of Neni by the state government.

But in a statement on Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Christian Aburime, said the governor had reinstated the suspended Neni monarch, and forgave two others of their infractions.

Aburime said the governor forgave the traditional rulers’ trespasses in a meeting attended by no fewer than 94 monarchs.

He said the meeting was held on Tuesday at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

Aburime said while the traditional ruler of Neni, Igwe Ezeani, was reinstated, those of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu were forgiven of their infractions, following their apologies, adding that the governor also addressed some of the welfares of the state monarchs.

He said, “The governor also magnanimously addressed some of their welfare issues. The governor announced that the state government accepts the apologies of the affected traditional rulers, and subsequently reinstated the traditional ruler of Neni, and forgave the traditional rulers of Ojoto and Aguluezechukwu.

“Mr Governor further clarified the legal status of the Igwe Nawfia as advised by his legal team.

“As part of the vote of thanks, both the Obi of Onitsha and Igwe Ojoto who gave the votes of thanks requested for regular meetings with Mr Governor, which Mr Governor graciously accepted to hold at least twice a year.

“The meeting ended on a high note with the traditional leaders having photo sessions with Mr Governor.

“The meeting of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers was convened by Mr Governor to meet with the traditional rulers as part of a consultative meeting with stakeholders to review progress.”

This is part of the lineup of events in the New Year, which began with a retreat for members of the State Executive Council, followed by engagements with Ndi Anambra in Lagos and the Consular-General of the US Embassy.

“About 94 traditional rulers were in attendance, despite the short notice.”

At the meeting, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, in his opening remarks strongly reaffirmed the unalloyed solidarity and support of the traditional rulers for the government of Professor Soludo and assured the government that the traditional rulers stand ready to partner with the government in all its efforts to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous homeland.

“He also expressed the wish that some of the issues pertaining to the suspension of some traditional rulers and the controversies of the last few days arising therefrom be put to a rest.

“He requested that there were other issues that the traditional rulers wish to bring to the government, and further expressed a desire to have another forum after the meeting to discuss these issues, including the welfare of the traditional rulers. He further requested for a meeting with government officials to discuss other issues of mutual interest.”

In his address, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Tonycollins Nwabunwanne, assured the traditional rulers that government holds them in high esteem, and look forward to continuing working with them closely.

Nwabunwanne tried to clarify some of the issues leading to the suspension of a traditional ruler and query of two others, assuring them that this was all in the spirit of ensuring law and order in the state.

He also highlighted the concerns of some traditional rulers over the composition of member of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, informing that such concerns and similar issues are being looked into by government.

Sanwo-Olu unveils Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

Sanwo-Olu unveils Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, unveiled the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals.

The hospital, located on Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island Lagos, is a “state-of-the-art hospital that is into general services, including major procedures like open heart surgery, bariatrics surgery, urology, neurology, critical emergency care and many more,” Sanwo-Olu said in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday.

Speaking at the unveiling, the governor said his administration believed that involving the private sector in the health care industry was crucial to ensuring access to high-quality medical care for our citizens.

Sanwo-Olu stated, “Today, I unveiled the Iwosan Lagoon Hospitals, Victoria Island, alongside the Chairman, Mr Fola Adeola; his wife, Mrs Hajara Adeola; Mrs Toyin Saraki, and others.

“The Iwosan Lagoon Hospital is a state-of-the-art establishment whose services include procedures like open heart surgery, bariatric surgery, urology and many more.

“I congratulate the management and staff of the hospital for a successful inauguration.

“As a government, we are dedicated to creating an environment that fosters the growth of private enterprise in Lagos. Our ongoing commitment involves introducing policies aimed at increasing private investment in health care. We firmly believe that involving the private sector in the health care industry is crucial to ensuring access to high-quality medical care for our citizens.”

Afenifere demands state police, scraps Adebanjo’s leadership title.

Afenifere demands state police, scraps Adebanjo’s leadership title.

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, on Wednesday, annulled the office of the acting leader of the group, being occupied by Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

This was as the organisation reiterated its call for the formation of state police amid the rising insecurity in the land.

Afenifere, which appointed Adebanjo as the acting leader of the group in 2022, said the position had been abrogated and formed another group named Afenifere Elders Caucus, with Adebanjo a member and Fasoranti as leader.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the monthly meeting of the group held at the residence of its National Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Wednesday. The communique was read by the Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Jare Ajayi.

The communique read, “In the light of recent events and the pressing need to reposition and rejuvenate Afenifere, it has been decided that the position of Acting  Leader and Deputy Leader have now been abrogated.

“The responsibilities and authority of advising the Leader of Afenifere and Asiwaju Yoruba are now vested in the Afenifere Elders Caucus, which is hereby constituted.”

According to the communique, Fasoranti is the Chairman of the Eelders Caucus while the members of the group include Adebanjo, Oba Olu Falae, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Senator Femi Okunrounmu,  Basorun Seinde Arogbofa,  Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele,  Archbishop Prince Ayo Ladigbolu, Lt. Gen Alani, Akinrinade (retd),  Maj. Gen. Olu Bajowa (retd), Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof Banji Akintoye, among others.

At the meeting, the group also expressed its displeasure over the state of the nation with particular reference to the socio-economic and security situations in the country, saying it was time to restructure the country as a means towards a new lease of life and a better Nigeria.

“There is an urgent need to rework the security architecture of the country to ensure that Nigerians are able to live and move about without the fear of being kidnapped or harassed in any way. Such reworking should include giving states and local government councils that so desire to establish their own police services with all the requisite powers to function as such. Doing so would check if not totally stop, the incidences of kidnapping and sundry banditry now ravaging the land.

“The unfortunate blast in Ibadan clearly underscores the need to allow the federating units in the country to control mineral resources in their respective areas with particular reference to mining and exploration.

“The reasoning behind this was that had it been that states were in control of mining, for instance, the Oyo State Government was likely to know how explosives were being moved around. Such would have prevented last week’s horrendous blast that claimed many lives, traumatised hundreds of people and destroyed properties running into billions of naira. “

While reiterating that it was time to restructure the country, the Afenifere urged President Bola Tinubu to set the machinery in motion for the purpose.

“The organisation (Afenifere) took note of the fact that the President, a known democrat and federalist, would not hesitate to do things that will quicken the country’s quest for true federalism in which people would have self-determination within the context of one nation that is genuinely democratic and federal,” it said.