The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • JUST-IN: Embattled Emefiele demands judge’s recusal, claims bias

    JUST-IN: Embattled Emefiele demands judge’s recusal, claims bias

    The legal team representing former Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over corruption charges, has called for Justice Rahman Oshodi to recuse himself from presiding over the ongoing trial, citing concerns of bias.

    Emefiele is currently standing trial before the court on charge boarding on abuse of office, $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion fraud preferred against and others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) .

    During the resumed hearing, the lead counsel for the defence, Mr Olalekan Ojo (SAN), raised objections to Justice Oshodi’s continued involvement in the case.

    The objection stemmed from a statement allegedly made by the judge in open court, where he reportedly declared that the allegation of receiving bribe money had been proven against Emefiele.

    The comment was allegedly made while prosecution counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, was leading a witness, Mr Adetola John, in evidence-in-chief.

    According to Mr Ojo, such remarks before the conclusion of the trial—and even before cross-examination of the witness had begun—indicate that the judge has already concluded Emefiele’s guilt.

    He described the situation as an “accelerated sentencing” rather than an accelerated hearing.

    Another senior advocate representing Emefiele, Mr. Kazeem Gbadamosi, SAN, also criticized the judge’s statement, arguing that it suggested a pre-determined conviction of the defendant before full trial proceedings had been concluded.

    Following the submissions from the defence, the court adjourned the ruling on the application for recusal to February 26, 2025.

    EFCC had on April 8 arraigned Emefiele on a 23-count charge bordering on abuse of office, accepting gratifications, corrupt demand, receiving property fraudulently obtained and conferring corrupt advantage, while his co-defendant was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on acceptance of gift by agents. Sun

  • Tinubu okays conduct of population, housing census

    Tinubu okays conduct of population, housing census

    President Bola Tinubu has said that he would set up a committee to align the census budget to the government’s present financial realities.

    The move is a step closer to conducting a new national population and housing census with biometric and digital components.

    The nation last held a census in November 2006.

    The President disclosed this at a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja with officials of the National Population Commission (NPC).

    He said the National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) must be part of the review.

    “We must ascertain who we are, how many we are, and how to manage our data. Without an accurate census, we can’t successfully plan for employment, agriculture, and food sovereignty. So many problems come up without accurate data”, President Tinubu said.

    He reiterated his commitment to ensuring accurate and reliable figures from the national census to strengthen development planning and improve Nigerians’ living conditions through more efficient social security.

    The National Population Commission (NPC) Chairman, Nasir Isa Kwarra, and some other members briefed the President.

    President Tinubu noted that government incentives, such as the sale and distribution of fertilisers, could be easily improved with more reliable data and demographics.

    The President told the delegation that biometric capturing should be central to the process, with multiple identification features, including facial and voice recognition.

    “We should work on our financial muscle well in place to lift our burden before we go and meet development partners for the census. We should work out the figures before discussing the role of development partners.

    “This stop-and-go activity on the census cannot work with me. So we better have a definite path. I will set up a committee for you to look at the issues critically and do a source and application of resources. Where can we get help, and what can we lift before we embark on proclamation?

    The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the census data would be central to future planning and resource distribution.

    “At a retreat for the ministers in 2023, Mr President, you reiterated your commitment to the census, so there is no doubt about your desire and commitment to have the census. In fact, at the last Federal Executive Council meeting, you asked me what the problem was, and I told you it was simply an issue of lack of ability to fund the census.

    “Even today, before this meeting, I called the NPC Chairman and restated your commitment to the census. However, the commission and all of us in the team need to agree on the minimum amount we can source to support Mr President in making the final decision.

    “The NPC indicated that 40 per cent of the funding for the 2006 census came from development partners,” Bagudu stated.

    Bagudu noted that the enumeration done by NPC so far has been helpful.

    “Mr President, we have been having ecosystem meetings to link the identity agencies, even the geo-spatial chaired by the ministry, because of our mandate as the supervising ministry of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). So the NPC, NBS, NIMC, Ministry Of Digital Economy, passport, social register, voters register, and even telecoms data have been meeting with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to see how much is available to the government regarding data and how much optimisation can take place.”

    In his presentation, NPC chairman Kwarra said the last census took place in 2006, and 19 years later, the figures were no longer relevant in planning, particularly for key sectors that directly impact the population.

    He said 760,000 tablets had been acquired and stored with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), assuring the commission would engage with development partners to seek support whenever President Tinubu proclaimed the new census. Tribune

  • NDA notifies Kaduna residents of planned shooting exercise

    NDA notifies Kaduna residents of planned shooting exercise

    The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has issued a warning to the residents of Afaka, Kauya, and Mando in Kaduna to steer clear of its open range during an upcoming shooting exercise.

    The academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Muhammad Maidawa, announced in a statement issued to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    Maidawa said the exercise had been scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 1,

    He said the exercise was part of the advanced application of fire package for the Army Cadets of the 72 Regular Course.

    According to him, the exercise will involve live firing of arms, adding that it is essential for the training and development of the cadets.

    He emphasised the importance of safety, placing barriers and warning signs around the range areas to indicate restricted zones.

    “Residents, particularly farmers, pedestrians, and cattle rearers are urged to strictly adhere to these warnings and steer clear of the area during the duration of the exercise.

    “The NDA has assured that the safety and well-being of all the citizens in the surrounding communities are a top priority and has called for cooperation and collaboration from the community members.

    “By steering clear of the designated area, the residents can help ensure their safety and the effective training of military personnel, “Maidawa said.

    He said the warning came as a necessary precaution to prevent any potential harm to civilians and to ensure the success of the training exercise. (NAN)

  • Tinubu Pledges Support For Fintech Companies As Flutterwave Seeks Listing On Nigerian Exchange

    Tinubu Pledges Support For Fintech Companies As Flutterwave Seeks Listing On Nigerian Exchange

    President Tinubu said his administration will support businesses in the financial technology sector that provide payment infrastructure services for Nigerians and Africans.

    He said this when he received the leadership of Flutterwave and Alami Capital in Abuja on Saturday afternoon.

    Flutterwave, a leading Fintech company founded by young Nigerians and headquartered in Lagos, operates in the U.S., Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, and 29 other African countries.

    Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO; Adeleke Adekoya, a co-founder; Oluwabankole Falade and Mitesh Popat, represented Flutterwave at the meeting. Ms Oluseun Olufemi-White represented Alami Capital as its CEO.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Mr Wale Edun led the delegation to meet President Tinubu. Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), and Dr. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also attended.

    President Tinubu said Nigeria is genuinely open to business, and as President, he is determined to remove all obstacles to allow companies to thrive.

    He commended Flutterwave’s commitment to building capacity in the digital economy sector, especially as it is being made possible by energetic, young Nigerians. He said he is honoured to be the President of a country with such a youthful and resourceful population.

    He said the leadership Flutterwave provides in the digital world is what Nigeria needs today to grow its economy and make life easier for most of its population.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, said Flutterwave has made significant progress since its establishment 10 years ago. It has created jobs and helped diversify the economy by providing innovative digital platforms and payment services in Nigeria and across Africa.

    The CEO of Flutterwave, Agboola, said the company has made it easy for Nigerians to pay for some global services with Naira and provided payment platforms for Nigerians in the diaspora who are willing to send money to families and relatives in the country.

    He said Flutterwave, valued at over $3 billion, is a Nigerian export and brand employing over 1,000 Nigerians.

    He said the company seeks to be listed on the Nigerian Exchange and solicited the President’s support.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive of MOFI, Dr.  Armstrong Ume Takang, said that as Africa’s biggest economy, Nigeria must demonstrate its economic prowess by strategically positioning products and services by Nigerian companies, such as Flutterwave, in the homes of all Africans.

    He said Flutterwave spends millions of dollars monthly on hosting services, but that money goes to other countries.

    He suggested supporting Galaxy Backbone’s hosting services to enable it to handle companies like Flutterwave.

  • EFCC Hands Over $132,362.43, N78,566,324.81 to Foreign Victims of Fraud

    EFCC Hands Over $132,362.43, N78,566,324.81 to Foreign Victims of Fraud

    As a gesture of its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has handed over a total sum  -$132,362.43 (One Hundred and Thirty-Two, Three Hundred and Sixty-Two United States Dollars, Forty-Three Cents), N78,566,324.81 (Seventy Eight Million, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty Four Naira, Eighty-One kobo) to American, Spanish and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.

    The handover, which was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede took place on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. A delighted Olukoyede observed that, “The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes. A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes, a commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which you will agree with me, has become a global crime.”

    Speaking further, he said. “We are here to demonstrate that the federal government of Nigeria, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is ready to do everything possible to prevent financial crimes from being perpetrated in our system. And when one has taken place, to investigate where assets are involved, to trace, to recover and where necessary, prosecute.

    “We don’t just recover, we restitute the victims. We are here this morning to restitute those who were victimized through the perpetration of economic and financial crimes. It is important to know that once the proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims.

    Handed over in addition to money are vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, the United States of America and Switzerland.  Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco received the sum of $1,300 (One Thousand Three Hundred Dollars) and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.

    Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 (One Hundred Thousand, Eleven Dollars and Forty-three Cents on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder.

    Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States received the sum of $7,344 (Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-Four Dollars); N7,963,483.35 (Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-three Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty-three Naira, Thirty-five Kobo), and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 (Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Seventy Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.

    Also received by Smith was Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Chasis No: WDDHF9AB6AA111112, Mercedes Benz C450 AMG with Chasis No: WDD20J0641F282467, and one residential bungalow, located at 17/19 Seaman Street, Unguwar Maigero, Kaduna, Kaduna State on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim.

    Additionally, Smith received the sum of $7,527 (Seven thousand, Five Hundred and Twenty-seven Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the victim of the crime, Michael Smith. He also received the sum of $11,710.00 (Eleven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Dollars) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams.

    Lastly, Smith received the sum of N32,639,358.11 (Thirty-Two Million, Six Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-eight Naira, Eleven Kobo) on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Marva Marrow.

    In her remarks, her Excellency Velasco expressed gratitude, adding that “This is a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain and we are very grateful for this collaboration.”

    Smith said “As the FBI Legal Attache and the representative of the US government I want to say we personally appreciate this. Many here may not understand what the impact this does to the victims. This gives them complete closure and it allows them to feel whole again. So we really do appreciate and we thank the EFCC. The EFCC is just not operating in Nigeria. The EFCC is a major global contender and you should recognize that every time.”

    On behalf of the government of Switzerland, Geel I thanked the government of Nigeria and EFCC for the recovery and restitution.

    “I thank the Nigerian government and especially the EFCC for the work they have done to combat internet fraud and other financial crimes. Today’s restitution of money obtained from a Swiss citizen demonstrates the effectiveness but also integrity, professionalism, courage and collaboration that occur between Nigeria and Switzerland. So,  thank you for this exemplary collaboration and work in making the digital world safer and better regulated. Switzerland will continue to work alongside the Nigeria government in the service of the security of our respective people. So thank you again,” he said.

    The Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, thanked Olukoyede for his efforts in the anti-corruption fight and conveyed the felicitation of the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the ministry to the EFCC and the Nigerian government.

    According to him, “This is really an unprecedented development, and you cannot believe the impact that this development will have on the mandate of the ministry, because it makes our work a whole lot easier because it really enhances the credibility of Nigeria in the international scene. And it will also go a long way in restoring investors’ confidence in the country.

    And the ministry is very well with you in pursuing this mandate and want to thank you for this initiative. It demonstrates the support of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the fight against corruption and also in strengthening the EFCC in carrying out its mandate. All of us in the ministry are really happy with this development and we’ll keep on working with you and supporting you and in carrying your mandate.”

  • Reps Reject 31 State Creation Proposals Over ‘Failure to Meet Constitutional Requirements’ 

    Reps Reject 31 State Creation Proposals Over ‘Failure to Meet Constitutional Requirements’ 

    The House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Amendment has rejected all 31 proposals for state creation, citing failure to meet constitutional requirements.

    The proposals were submitted to the House on February 6, 2025.

    Speaking on Friday at a retreat for panel members in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, said the proposals reflected the aspirations of various regions but did not comply with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the criteria for state creation.

    TheCable had exclusively reported that the proposals were deemed unviable from the start, as none met the constitutional procedures required to progress.

    At the retreat, Kalu stated that the proposals must be resubmitted in “strict adherence” to constitutional guidelines by March 5.

    “Although we have received 31 requests for state creation, none of these requests met the constitutional requirements for amendment. Therefore, we have since extended the submission date to the 5th of March, 2025,” he said.

    He added that the committee might consider further extending the deadline depending on discussions at the retreat.

    “So, at the end of this retreat, it will be one of the things we will look into, whether or not we will extend the time,” he said. “But let it be a notice that none of the applications followed the conditions laid out by Section 8 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Kalu also said the committee is reviewing 151 constitutional amendment bills covering issues such as the federal structure, power devolution, local government autonomy, revenue allocation, judicial and electoral reforms, security, gender rights, and human rights.

    “A proactive, cooperative approach will ensure seamless legislative processes and comprehensive legal reforms,” he said.

    He added that the committee has scheduled zonal and national public hearings across the six geopolitical zones on the constitutional amendment bills.

    Arise News

  • Court orders final forfeiture of $4.7m, N830m, properties linked to embattled Emefiele

    Court orders final forfeiture of $4.7m, N830m, properties linked to embattled Emefiele

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $4.7 million, N830 million, and multiple properties linked to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

    Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Yellim Bogoro granted the forfeiture request filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Bilkisu Buhari-Bala. This ruling followed the court’s earlier dismissal of an application seeking to halt the judgment.

    The funds, now forfeited to the federal government, were held in First Bank, Titan Bank, and Zenith Bank accounts managed by individuals and entities including Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd, Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd, and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.

    Properties affected by the interim forfeiture include 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2 Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, an 11-floor office space on Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1 on Esa Street, Imoore Land, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro, Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos; and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, located in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

    Additional properties include a plot at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA; an estate at 100 Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, owned by Lipam Investment Services; land at 1 Bunmi Owulude Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos; and a property at 8 Bayo Kuku Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Justice Bogoro held that all these properties and funds are proceeds of unlawful activities which are bound to be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    The judge held: “I find that the activities of the respondents here were unlawful. Why should they have a problem of dollars immediately Godwin Emefiele left CBN as a governor of the Bank and salary could not be made?

    “I hold that they are not legitimate business activities.

    “I hold that Anita Omoile is a close crony of the former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele who has been given undue influence to unlawfully sway dollars from CBN.

    “Consequently, I find that all the monies and properties in the schedule are finally forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

    The EFCC through its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo SAN had cited Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and Section 44(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution in its application, seeking an interim forfeiture on the grounds that the funds and properties were suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    Justice Bogoro, finding merit in the EFCC’s application, ordered the interim forfeiture and mandated the publication of the order in a national newspaper.

    Following the failure of the defendants or anyone else to prove that the funds legitimately belonged to them, the judge then made the interim order permanent.

    Today’s order is another testament to the EFCC’s commendable assets recovery and anti-corruption efforts under its Executive Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede. Nation

  • Court orders conduct of LG election in Osun 

    Court orders conduct of LG election in Osun 

    An Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo has ordered the State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, to go ahead with the conduct of the local government election scheduled for Saturday (tomorrow).

    In an enrollment order brought before Justice A. Aderigbigbe on Friday by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP against OSIEC and Its Chairman, Hashim Abioye, the court states that there is vacancy in the 30 local government areas of the state as held by the judgement of the Federal High Court.

    The court found as a fact, that the election conducted by the 1st Defendant on 15th October 2022, having been invalidated, nullified and voided, and the purported elected officials produced by the purported election having been sacked by the Federal High Court in FHC/CS/OS/103/2022; ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) VS. INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) & Ors, delivered on the 30th November 2022 and as confirmed by the decision of the Court of Appeal in Appeal No: CA/AK/226M/2024; ALLIED PEOPLE MOVEMENT (APM) & Ors VS. ACTION PEOPLES PARTY (APP) & ORS delivered on the 13th January, 2025, vacancy actually exists in the political administration of local councils in the State, thereby, consequently upholding the prayers of the PDP in the suit.

    The court further directed and compelled all the security agencies, comprising the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Army, the Department of State Security Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante group etc in the state to provide adequate security, during and after the election.

  • CNG Vehicles: Delta Signs Conversion MoU With NIPCO

    CNG Vehicles: Delta Signs Conversion MoU With NIPCO

    Delta State Government and NIPCO Gas Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion centre of vehicles in the state.

    The brief ceremony took place in Asaba on Thursday with the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, and the Attorney -General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, signing on behalf of the state government, while Mr Sanjay Tarat signed for NIPCO Gas Limited.

    After the signing of the MOU, Dr Emu said it was a deliberate effort of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to provide a place for residents of Asaba to convert their petrol – dependent vehicles to CNG- powered ones.

    He challenged the company to ensure that it made good use of the place provided for the take -off of the project, in addition to sticking to quality standard in handling the project.

    Emu said Governor Oborevwori “takes seriously the issue of timeliness and quality” and warned that the state would not hesitate to revoke the MoU if the company failed to perform accordingly.

    He said; “we have shown commitment by providing you with a 3,000 square meters facility in the heart of Asaba.

    “The conversion to CNG is the way to go; the governor was among the very few governors who drove in an E.V and CNG vehicles. Yes, planning takes a while and here we are with this engagement.

    “It shows that we want to get the fundamentals right before we start getting the vehicles. Without the CNG stations in our environment, we can’t go anywhere.

    “So, we like to welcome you to Delta State. This ceremony is important to us and the name chosen is a brand and NIPCO is one, especially as it concerns CNG; one of the foremost in the country.

    “Timelines are very critical to us. Please, endeavour to keep to timelines. I am sure you have heard about His Excellency’s penchant for timelines and quality jobs on the social media space.

    “We shall not hesitate to revoke this MoU on account of your inability to perform. We do know you can perform and your inability to perform, we have mitigated by providing the space; which is also what we owe you. Therefore, the ball is in your court”, he added.

    The team later moved to the site of the project on Summit Road by Inter Bau Roundabout, Asaba for official handle over.

    They were conducted round by the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, who disclosed that CNG was more cost- effective than petrol and called on citizens to embrace it.

    On his part, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said; “You may want to ask why we are starting now, we had to do a good feasibility study. We felt that we cannot bring in CNG busses when there are no stations to fuel them.

    “You must first and foremost have where you will fuel and refuel these vehicles before they can start running. And let me assure you that the fact that they are starting in Asaba does not mean they are stopping here.

    “Once this is done, we will move to other major cities, starting with Warri, and, later, the various local government headquarters. So, we believe that once this is done, given the difference between the cost of CNG and PMS, the cost of transportation will definitely come down.

    “The government has also assured that all that is needed for them to meet the deadline will be made available. And you heard them mention that this is the first time a governor is practically involved.”

    The Chief Operating Officer of NIPCO Gas Limited, Mr Sanjay Tarat, appreciated Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top officials of the state for facilitating the process.

    “I appreciate Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for this opportunity and the Commissioner for Transport. Delta State is the first state in Nigeria to have provided this kind of location for our CNG.

    “We definitely promised the Commissioner that we will need six months to complete it. But be rest assured that this job will be completed before then and we will prove it.

    “The only thing is that we have to follow all the laws and rules. We definitely know that this being the first station, will not be the last station. So, we are very thankful to the Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori and Delta State Government.”

  • Enugu Local Governments Hold Performance Reviews, Align With State Development Plans

    Enugu Local Governments Hold Performance Reviews, Align With State Development Plans

    In a bid to enhance governance transparency and accountability, local governments in Enugu State have held a one-day performance appraisal of their administrations where they presented their scorecards before members of the public.

    This was even as the council leaderships stressed that they were able to perform beyond expectations because their development plans were aligned with the overall spectrums of the state government’s development template.

    The review meeting which attracted resource personnel in leadership and development took place on Thursday in Enugu where local government chairmen, their deputies and other officials conducted peer-review and evaluation of their performance in the 4th quarter of 2024.

    The theme of the reviews tagged, “Enugu State Local Government Performance Appraisal and Strategic Planning Meeting” covered key areas such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, human capital empowerment, sanitation, and other Sustainable Development Goals.

    Calling on the council chairmen to be creative and selfless in their service delivery, a professor of Ethics and Intercultural Studies who is also the Founding Director of the Catholic Institute of Development , Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), Monsignor Prof Obiora Ike, enjoined them not to be overwhelmed by the challenges ahead of them but to plan with clarity of purpose.

    According to him, integrity, moral character, internal energy and spiritual strength would help them to confront the challenges of leadership, adding that they must collaborate with the state government and key community stakeholders to be able to achieve their development plans.

    “If you are discordant with the people you’re meant to serve, you cannot achieve anything. And if I take it to another level, it is about being in sync with the Enugu State Government. We love Governor Peter Mbah because he has shown us that he is there for the people. Everybody is talking about the good works that the governor is doing, all over the country and abroad because he has brought leadership home. So, if Mbah is doing a lot from the top, you must complement what he is doing from your own side to align with the state’s vision for a prosperous Enugu.

    “Aligning with the state is necessary to move the state forward in agriculture, health, education, ICT, industry, and wealth creation which will create jobs,” he further maintained.

    On his part, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Victor Udeh, charged the chairmen to prioritize the welfare of the people they were elected to serve, saying being dedicated and committed to their duties would change the narrative in their respective council areas.

    He called on local government officials to be intentional in aligning with the state priorities which were the transformation of the economic status of the state from $4.4bn to $30bn, free universal health coverage, eradication of poverty, quality education, job creation through youth empowerment with the right vocation and skills.

    “As a leader, you must have a big dream for your people. You must have vision, and work towards it. The essence of governance is the provision of public good for the greater good and benefit of the people. Remember that governance is all about social contract. It is all about meeting the needs of the people and raising their standard of living,” he added.

    Udeh, who enjoined the chairmen to be disciplined with the way they spend public funds, stated that people were watching their leaders and would call them to give account of their stewardship. “You must learn how to control power and money, and do not let them to control you. After you have served and are out of government, people will still remember you and remember what you did for them. Ask yourselves what you want to be remembered for after office?”

    Commending the chairmen for the leadership appraisal, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, said they had shown good faith in serving their people over the past six months of their administration.

    “The chairmen had suggested by themselves that they want the process whereby their performance is tracked across those indicators that we have discussed with them and they come up with initiatives because each local government is peculiar in terms of their economic abilities and potentials.

    “We had them look at themselves individually and in clusters to be able to increase the attraction of investors. So, what you have seen today is us now going back and making sure that the culture of this government, which is evidence-based decision-making process is exemplified in some of the things they measure themselves in Q4 of 2024, and some of the initiatives that they want to pursue in 2025 as it relates to economic growth, human capital improvement, some key SDGs, WASH programme education and health,” the SSG added.

    Prof Onyia further said that what had happened was the collaboration between the state and the local government, stressing that the state government was mindful of the autonomy being enjoyed by the local governments and would support the principle for entrenched democracy.

    The highlights of the meeting were the peer-reviews carried out by each of the 17 council chairmen and their deputies on their areas of strengths, challenges and prospects, enabling them to set targets for themselves in the beginning of the year 2025.

  • Halt LG election on Saturday – AGF to Gov. Adeleke

    Halt LG election on Saturday – AGF to Gov. Adeleke

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on the Osun State government to halt the Saturday local government election in the state, clarifying the air on the doubts, fears, and uncertainties created by misrepresentations of the legal effect of the Court of Appeal judgement.

    In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday, AGF Fagbemi said any local government election on Saturday would be invalid since the event that led to the two judgements was that during the currency of the term of the former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, election was held into all the local governments of Osun State and winners were sworn in.

    The statement said, “My attention has been drawn to the public outcry by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke concerning the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Akure division delivered on 10th day of February, 2025 in Appeal No CA/AK/272/2022 which nullified and set aside the judgement of the Federal High Court, Osogbo, Osun State, delivered on 25th day of November 2022.

    “It has become necessary to issue this public notice to remove doubts, fears and uncertainties created by misrepresentations and disinformation concerning the legal effect of the judgement of the Court of Appeal.

    “Putting matters in proper context, the event that led to the two judgements was that during the currency of the term of the former Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, election was held into all the local governments of Osun State and winners were sworn in.”

    The AGF added that prior to the swearing-in of Governor Adeleke, a Federal High Court in Osogo nullified this election.

    “A few days before the swearing-in of Governor Adeleke, the Federal High Court Osogbo delivered the judgement referred to above in which it nullified the election of the Local Government elected officials and removed them from office.

    “As soon as Governor Adeleke assumed office a few days after the judgement, he issued executive order for the physical removal of the elected officials and replaced them with caretaker appointees”, he said.

    Meanwhile, the APC which was a party in the Federal High Court case referred to above appealed against the judgement and the Court of Appeal eventually, on 10th day of February, 2025 delivered its judgement in the appeal filed by APC against the judgement of the Federal High Court.

    According to him, the Court of Appeal not only allowed the appeal, but it also held affirmatively that the suit that resulted in the judgement of the Federal High Court referred to above was incompetent and consequently made an order striking out the suit.

    The statement continues, “Accordingly, the judgement of the Court of Appeal had by implication effectively restored the elected Local Government officials removed by the Federal High Court, back to their offices.

    “According to the facts made available to my office, it was the attempt by the said elected officials to resume back in their positions that was resisted by some disgruntled elements which led to the crisis.

    “His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke is no doubt aware of this scenario and ought, as a leader to have called the disgruntled elements to order in accordance with his Oath of Office to maintain law and order in Osun State.

    “Notwithstanding, the judgment of the Court of Appeal referenced above, which in effect means that the term of office of the elected officials has regained currency and will naturally run out in October, 2025, His Excellency has insisted that a new Local Government election shall be held on Saturday, 22nd February, 2025.

    “Any such election that may be held will not only be invalid since the term of office of the elected officials just restored by the judgement of the Court of Appeal will still be running until October 2025, it will also amount to an egregious breach of the Constitution which Governor Adeleke has sworn to uphold.

    “Again, the recent judgement of the Supreme Court which has validated and entrenched Local Government autonomy also strengthens the obligation on Governor Adeleke to ensure smooth, non-violent transition from one elected official to another in accordance with the statutorily prescribed three-year tenure”.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the AGF said, when proceedings and decisions of the court are declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction, it means they do not exist and have no effect whatsoever.

    “It is my opinion that the Court of Appeal Judgment of 10th February, 2025 which is superior to any High Court decision, defines the legal position in this case and represents the only legally enforceable judgment and has the legal effect of returning the initially sacked Local Government democratically elected officials of Osun State”,  Fagbemi added.

    He held that the constitutional order which existed before the dissolution must be restored immediately since the judgment upon which the Governor acted to dissolve the democratically elected government has been declared a nullity for lack of jurisdiction of the Court to have heard the case and made those orders.

    He then appealed to Governor Adeleke to toe the path of law in the matter and not instigate unnecessary violence in Osun State, adding that nobody benefits from violence.

    Fagbemi further stated that it is of utmost importance for Governor Adeleke to advise the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) to shelve the idea of proceeding with any Local Government Election now.

    The AGF said his office will be happy to be available for any dialogue the Osun state governor may require on the matter in the interest of the peace of the state in particular and Nigeria in general. Tribune

  • African billionaire Dangote becomes world’s 85th richest in Forbes 2025 ranking

    African billionaire Dangote becomes world’s 85th richest in Forbes 2025 ranking

    Aliko Dangote’s net worth has surged to $23.9 billion, making him the 85th-wealthiest person in the world.

    The recent operational commencement of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos led to this significant leap in wealth.

    Dangote holds a 92.3% stake in the refinery, which has propelled him back into the top 100 richest individuals globally

    According to Forbes’ real-time ranking of billionaires, Dangote’s net worth climbed to approximately $23.9 billion from $13.4 billion last year. This increase of around $10.5 billion (78.4 per cent) was driven by the recent commencement of operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery commenced operations in Lagos.

    With a 92.3 per cent stake in the Dangote refinery, the 67-year-old billionaire has re-entered the ranks of the top 100 richest individuals for the first time since 2018. He also stands out prominently on the list as the only African among the top 100 richest individuals in the world.

    Current Rankings

    South African billionaire Johann Rupert holds the second spot in Africa, at 164th with a net worth of $14.2 billion. Nicky Oppenheimer and family come in third place, at 288th position, with a net worth of $9.5 billion.

    The Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is the largest in Africa and the seventh-largest refinery globally. Since the commencement of operations of the petroleum refinery in Lagos, Dangote has disrupted the Nigerian government’s oil monopoly and has overcome substantial challenges from the Nigerian “oil mafia.”

    The Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is the largest in Africa and the seventh-largest refinery globally.

    The refinery is already influencing global energy dynamics after it recently signed a deal to export two cargoes of aviation fuel to Saudi Arabia. Locally, the refinery is already influencing the import-export market, as Nigeria’s petrol imports have reached their lowest level in eight years, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening fuel independence.

    In an interview with Forbes, Dangote shared his vision for African industrialization, stating, “We have to build our nation by ourselves. We have to build our continent by ourselves, not rely on foreign investment.” He described the refinery project as “the biggest risk of my life,” emphasizing the stakes involved for his financial future.

    Zainab Usman, Director of the Africa Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, remarked that many Nigerians believe Dangote to be a hero, a true industrialist driving transformative change in the country and in Africa.