Access Holdings names Bolaji Agbede as acting CEO.

Access Holdings names Bolaji Agbede as acting CEO.

Access Holdings Plc on Monday announced the appointment of Ms. Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer.

This follows the death of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Herbert Wigwe.

Wigwe died in a helicopter crash alongside his wife, son, and a former chairman of the Nigeria Exchange Group, Abimboloa Ogunbanjo on Friday last week. 

A statement made by the company’s Board of Directors and dated February 12, 2024, stated that the appointment was subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria

“Further to its announcement dated February 11, 2024, the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) has today announced the appointment of Ms Bolaji Agbede as the Acting Group Chief Executive Officer of the Company following the unfortunate demise of its former Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr Herbert Wigwe, on February 9, 2024.

 Access Holdings opens condolence register at head office

“The appointment is subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

Agbede who joined Access Bank in 2003 as an Assistant General, has nearly three decades of professional experience cutting across banking and business consultancy services.

She served in different roles at the bank including, Head, Group Human Resources between 2010 and 2022 before she was appointed the company’s founding Executive Director, Business Support in 2022, a role she held until her new appointment

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the University of Lagos and a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Cranfield University UK in 2002.

She is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management UK and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria.

Lagos Assembly pushes for state police.

Lagos Assembly pushes for state police.

In response to the growing threats of kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in the country, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called on the National Assembly to commence urgent constitutional amendment to allow for the creation of state police.

At a plenary session on Monday presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, the Lagos Assembly also called for the proper equipping of the Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

It was reported last week that two persons were killed, a woman was abducted and four other persons were injured when gunmen struck in the Ikorodu area of Lagos on Wednesday.

The state police command gave the names of the deceased as Suru Arije, 59, and Ilufoye Azeez, 30, while also confirming that four vigilantes were injured during the attack.

A statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele, said the House expressed concern over the pervasive insecurity across the country and in Lagos.

Obasa while speaking under ‘Matter of Urgent Public Importance,’ said, “At the weekend, we heard of the attack on a commercial bus and the passengers abducted.”

“This time around the National Assembly should be our focus. They don’t have to wait till the twilight of their tenure to start a constitutional amendment.

“This administration is at the beginning of its four years. So, the National Assembly should begin the amendment now and we should be part of it to put an end to the issue of state police,” Obasa said.

LP treasurer seeks probe of N3.5b party funds

LP treasurer seeks probe of N3.5b party funds.

National Treasurer of the Labour Party (LP), Ms. Oluchi Oparah is seeking investigation into the management of the N3.5 billion raked in by the party from the sales of forms and other fundraising activities during the 2023 general election.

She made the demand at a news conference in Abuja yesterday.

The National officer claimed at news conference that she was not being allowed to carry out her assignment of managing the party’s finances as treasurer.

She alleged that the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Julius Abure has not taken comprehensive steps to facilitate an audit of the party’s financial records since the conclusion of the sales of nomination and expression of interests before last year’s elections.

The Lamidi Apapa-led group had also alleged infractions in the party under Abure’s leadership.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Apapa-led group, Abayomi Arabambi, claimed that the funds raised during the 2023 general election were diverted for personal use.

But the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said Abure did no wrong.

The treasure told reporters yesterday: “I stand before you today with a heavy heart and a sense of duty to the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice.

“As national treasurer, I am constrained to come before you and the public today because the internal mechanisms of our party have failed woefully to bring Mr. Abure to account for his brazen abuse of office…

“His appetite for power has grown unchecked and he has deliberately undermined my duties and authority as stipulated in the party’s constitution.”

Responding, Ifoh denied that the LP earned N3.5 billion, saying that its national chairman, Abure did not embezzle any money belonging to the party.

In a statement yesterday, the LP spokesman said: “The attention of the leadership of the party has been drawn to a news conference by our National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Opara, where she raised a number of allegations against the National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure bothering more on corruption and abuse of office.

“We want to say that the National Treasurer who is certainly under some external influences merely read out a concocted statement drafted by our detractors to further tar the image of the party.

“With the exception of the national treasurer, whose tenure is about to end in few weeks’ time, and who has served for eight years without a single record of party accounts, no other member of the national working committee has raised any issue of embezzlement against our national chairman, who made a pledge on assumption that the party has to be revamped.

“Evidence is our proactive outing in the 2023 general election as the party presented for the first time a very good presidential candidate.

“Let it be said that the LP has not earned N3.5 billion as claimed and that the national chairman has not embezzled any money that belongs to the party as alleged.

“The records are there, except that Ms. Oluchi Opara doesn’t even understand simple accounting even as a treasurer. An external auditor is engaged by the party and our account is under constant scrutiny of INEC or other regulatory bodies.

“Abure does not own several houses and property as spuriously alleged by our estranged national treasurer, even though no law prohibits him from owning properties.

“The constitution of the LP in Article 14:1b provides that the National Chairman shall be the Accounting Officer of the party while 14:1d ‘Shall approve all expenditures and shall be a signatory to the Party’s Bank account(s).’

“Accordingly, Article 14: 6 states that the National Treasurer shall receive and promptly pay into the Party’s account(s), all monies received for and on behalf of the party.

“Shall ensure the preparation of Annual Statement of Account/Reports on finances of the party, including compilation of the party’s assets and liabilities and make the same available to the National Executive Council from time to time. Shall be a co-signatory to the party account(s).’

“These sections are clear as to the duty of the national chairman apart from providing leadership. The duty of the National Treasurer is also clearly spelt out.

“In the past, the party didn’t have accounting books or methods as it was run by the then chairman and Ms. Oluchi the treasurer. They were only accountable to themselves, but with the emergence of the Abure-led executive, and the growth of the party, it became imperative for the party to structure its accounting method and policy. This of course didn’t go down well with the national treasurer whose financial source was shut down.

“The party can understand her vituperations but we can’t help her situation more so when her time in the NWC is running out. Her wish to cash out was not granted and her subtle effort to push the leadership to ‘settle’ her was rejected hence her resolve to fight dirty.

“It will be recalled that she is alone in this battle. Several stakeholders have had course to prevail on her to bridle her inordinate ambition but all to no avail.

“We are surprised that despite all efforts to assure her of a future, she still went ahead to align with our detractors and sworn enemies of the party.

“The party will definitely take her case to the disciplinary committee where appropriate measures will be taken.”

Akpabio wants accessible, affordable energy for Nigerians.

Akpabio wants accessible, affordable energy for Nigerians.

The President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has tasked stakeholders in the energy sector to work toward accessible and affordable renewable energy for Nigerians in the nearest future.

Akpabio said this at the opening of the maiden Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy in Nigeria organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by Sen. Jarigbe Agom, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Akpabio said that Nigeria could be a force to reckon with in the renewable energy with little more efforts.

“Today, I must acknowledge, we stand at a crossroads, where the weight of responsibility falls upon our shoulders.

“Each and every one of us has a role to play in shaping the future we want to see. Together, let us rise to the challenge and seize the opportunities before us.

“Let us show the world that Nigeria is not just a consumer of renewable energy, but a trailblaser and innovator in the sector.

“Let us create a future where clean, affordable, and accessible energy is not just a dream, but a reality for all Nigerians,” he said.

Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas decried the inadequate electricity supply, cost of electricity and the effect of electricity powered by fossil fuel on the environment.

Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Victor Afam, Abbas said that Nigeria had infinite sources of alternative electricity which were unharnessed.

He said that full adoption of renewable energy would ensure instant electricity supply, stimulate economic activities in rural areas, create jobs, reduce cost of electricity and carbon emission.

He said that the house would be looking forward to the outcome of the summit and would be willing to amend the Electricity Act to boost supply of clean energy in the country.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman said that following the passage of the 5th Constitution Alteration Act and the Electricity Act 2023, the institute found it expedient to initiate the annual Legislative Summit on Renewable Energy.

He said that it was important because the two new laws had made the transition to renewable energy in Nigeria more feasible and easier both at the national level and state level.

The DG said that a major significance of the alteration is the removal of the restriction on the control and regulation of electricity in states to only areas not covered by national grid.

“Sates can now regulate electricity generation and distribution within their domain; this means that renewable and fossil energy sources can co-exist in states.

“This however raises some issues that need to be resolved by Acts of the National Assembly. An example is the issue of security threats through attacks of state controlled electricity plants.

“Another is the issue of sale of renewable electricity by states to international, particularly border nations, these actions require national laws for proper regulation.

“These realities call for action and more work to be done in acquainting legislators at both National and State Houses of Assembly on how to maximise the gains of the 5th alteration and Electricity Act 2023 in fixing the electricity problem in Nigeria,” he said

Cross River Customs intercept elephant tusks worth N300m.

Cross River Customs intercept elephant tusks worth N300m.

The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 52 units of elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town of Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

The Area Comptroller of Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command of the NIS, Ahmed Waziri, said this at a news conference in Calabar on Monday.

Waziri said the arrest was made by the operatives of the NIS in Mfum on Thursday, adding that the tusks weighing 200kg were valued at N300 million.

He said that a Cameroonian, Mohammed Ibrahim, was arrested with the items, saying that the suspect was suspected to be on his way to Lagos for onward transportation of the items to another location when he was apprehended.

He said that preliminary investigation had revealed that the suspect specialised in the exportation of the tusks across international borders.

The Comptroller noted that the suspect was apprehended with a Honda SUV truck with number plate FST 733 HH.

He said that a pistol with live ammunition was also discovered inside the truck.

“The suspect has two Nigeria number plates (Lagos): FST 733 HH and (CMR) LT 214 AY. A service pistol was discovered inside the vehicle with live ammunition.

“This arrest should be a warning that Nigeria will not be used as a transit route for illicit products.

“They should also know that Nigeria is a signatory to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), an international agreement between governments.

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“It is important our border communities wake up and live up to their responsibilities because many of such items pass through their domain in most cases without their knowledge,” he said.

Waziri added, “The communities have a role to play, as security is everybody’s business, so we must be vigilant.

“The suspect carried those items from Cameroon using Nigeria as a transit route probably to his final destination.

“The suspect is with us, and the goods are at the government warehouse.

“I want to commend my eagle-eyed officers at Mfum for being able to intercept those items worth over N300 million and also apprehending the suspect.

“Our legal unit is already on the matter, and he will be charged to court immidiately we complete our investigations.:

On Friday, February 9, NIS said it arrested three men for alleged illegal export of elephant tusks to Asia.

The men were arrested at different locations in Lagos between January 25, 2024, and February 4 and 6, 2024, for allegedly facilitating the sale and export of five pieces of elephant tusk, weighing 25.35kg, and worth about $16,000 equivalent (N23,520,000).

(NAN

Police vow to clamp down on persons spreading fake news.

Police vow to clamp down on persons spreading fake news.

The Nigeria Police Force has condemned the spread of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying, to discredit officers and the police system in the country.

The force warned citizens to exercise caution in the consumption and sharing of information online, noting that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered that persons found engaging in cyberbullying or spreading false information should be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law”.

This was contained in a statement on Monday signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Earlier in January, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, had in a statement, debunked reports of over 200 persons kidnapped in the Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of the FCT between December 23, 2023, and January 4, 2024, stating that there were only “pockets of abductions”.

Again on January 21, 2024, the police debunked reports of an abduction at River Park estate along the Lugbe-Airport Expressway in Abuja, clarifying that the supposed victim, one Nnandi Agu, had faked his kidnap to defraud his brother who lived in the estate.

On January 24, the FCT Police Command also debunked reports of an explosion in Maitama, noting that preliminary findings had shown that the explosion was caused by an overheated metal refuse bin, causing injuries to two refuse evacuators.

Adejobi said the police had observed that individuals and groups maliciously spread old content and misinformation on various online platforms, with the intention “to undermine public trust in the policing system”, adding that the act was criminalised by “the combined effect of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and other extant criminal laws”

He described the spread of fake news as an assault on the security architecture of the country and disclosed that the IGP had ordered the NPF National Cybercrime Centre, to monitor online platforms, and to clamp down on individuals and groups bent on jeopardising Nigeria’s national security

The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force condemns in the strongest terms the dissemination of fake news and the perpetuation of cyberbullying aimed at discrediting the diligent efforts of our officers in maintaining law and order. It has come to our attention that certain individuals and groups have been maliciously spreading old content and misinformation across various online platforms, seeking to undermine public trust in the policing system.

“Fake news and cyber bullying which are criminalised by the combined effect of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 and other extant criminal laws, not only pose a threat to the reputation of the Force but also have the potential to incite fear and discord within the country.

“In response to this alarming trend, the NPF is intensifying its efforts to combat fake news and cyberbullying through increased vigilance and monitoring of online platforms as the IGP has ordered the NPF National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) to clamp down on those individuals and groups of people who are bent on jeopardizing our national security and stability via the spread of fake news and misinformation”

“The IGP also ordered that all perpetrators found spreading false information or engaging in cyberbullying be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The Police will work closely with relevant authorities to ensure swift and appropriate legal action against offenders.

“The NPF, therefore, calls upon all citizens to exercise caution and discernment when consuming and sharing information online. Together, we must stand united against the spread of misinformation and cyberbullying, recognising that the safety and well-being of our country depend on our collective efforts to uphold truth and integrity. Similarly, we urge members of the public to report any instances of fake news or cyberbullying to the Police for prompt investigation and action.”

Power supply in South East beyond our control -Enugu Disco.

Power supply in South East beyond our control -Enugu Disco.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc has explained that the poor power supply currently being experienced by its customers across the South-East is beyond the control of the organisation.

The company attributed the situation to low energy generation, which has resulted in a drop in power supply.

The Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, who made this known on Monday, appealed to customers to bear with the firm.

There have been power outages across the region leading to a slowing down of commercial and economic activities, as many operators of business entities have shut operations due to the high cost of fuel and diesel to power their operations.

According to Ezeh, the development has resulted in low generation, leading to a reduction in the quantum of daily megawatt hours of energy allocated to distribution companies nationwide, thereby impacting the quality of service to its customers.

He said, “We understand the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and appeal for their understanding as it is beyond us.

“We can only distribute what is allocated to us. Efforts are being made by the various stakeholders in the power sector to address this issue, and we hope this yields positive results so that normal distribution will return.

“EEDC remains committed to providing improved services to her esteemed customers.”