Julius Berger Appoints Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura and Mr. Chidi Anya as Independent Non-Executive Directors.
The Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has appointed two new directors, Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR and Mr. Chidi Anya to the company’s directorate.
The appointments according to a statement released on Thursday, 30th June 2022 by Mrs. Cecilia Madueke, Julius Berger’s Company Secretary, were made in a Board of Directors Meeting held on the 15th of June, 2022.
Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR and Mr. Chidi Anya will serve on the company’s Board as Independent Non-Executive Directors with effect from July 1, 2022.
The two new Non-Executive Directors will further bolster the company’s formidable directorate with their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Ambassador Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR is a graduate of the University of Jos, Nigeria, where he obtained an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration. He was a member of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2003 and served on various House Committees. He also has had a very distinguished career in the Diplomatic Service where he served as Ambassador to different countries, including the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Pakistan.
Ambassador Adamu Saidu Daura, MFR had served on the Boards of State and Federal parastatals. He chairs the board of Ripen Marine Contractor Ltd and sits on the boards of Daberam Ventures Limited, Atlantic Consortium Ltd, Ferens Nigeria Ltd, and Kaira Investment Ltd. He is conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR). Amb. Adamu Saidu Daura has been notified of his new appointment as an Independent Non-Executive Director on the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Mr. Chidi Anya is a graduate of the University of Nigeria and holds a Master of International Law and Diplomacy (MILD) of the University of Lagos. He has also attended various executive management courses at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Illinois. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 and is recognized as a Notary Public.
Mr. Chidi Anya is the Founding Partner of The Channings Law Firm. He had previously served on the Board of FBN Holding Plc. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants and a Member of the Institute of Directors. He has now been appointed to the Board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as an Independent Non-Executive Director and is duly notified.
Julius Berger is Nigeria’s leading construction company offering holistic services covering the planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects.
NIGERIA, PORTUGAL SIGN SEVERAL MOUs IN DIVERSE SECTORS
Nigeria and Portugal on Friday in Lisbon signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in different sectors.
The signing ceremony was done by cabinet level officials from the two countries as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s State Visit to the European Union country.
President Buhari and the Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa witnessed the signing ceremony.
The MoUs signed include Political Consultations; Diplomatic Training, Research and the Exchange of Information and Documentation; Cooperation in the Field of Culture; and Cooperation in the Field of Women and Girls Development, Empowerment and Gender Affairs; Youth; and Sports.
At a business forum organised during the visit, at which some of the MoUs were finalised between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce, President Buhari had described the progress in signing the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
A Court Jails Senator Nwaoboshi 7 Years for Money Laundering
The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Friday, July 1, 2022 convicted and sentenced Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, to 7 years imprisonment along with his two companies: Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd and Suiming Electrical Ltd
In addition, the Court of Appeal ordered that the companies who were the 2nd and 3rd respondents in appeal be wound up in line with Section 22 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and their properties forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria
The panel, comprising Justices Abdullahi Bayero, Obande Ogbuniya and Peter Affen in their judgment held that the trial court erred because the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the respondents and thus reverse the earlier judgement discharging and acquitting the respondents.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had challenged the judgment of Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court which on June 18, 2021 discharged and acquitted the defendants of a two count charge of fraud and money laundering.
EFCC had arraigned the three defendants over the acquisition of a property named Guinea House, Marine Road, in Apapa, Lagos, for N805 million. Part of the money paid to the vendor, precisely a sum of N322 million transferred by Suiming Electrical Ltd on behalf of Nwaoboshi and Golden Touch Construction Project Ltd was alleged to be part of proceeds of fraud.
But in his judgment, Justice Aneke held that the prosecution failed to call vital witnesses and tender concrete evidence to prove the elements of the offences for which it charged the defendants.
Justice Aneke said the evidence of PW2 “proved that the third defendant obtained a loan of N1.2 billion from Zenith Bank for purchase of additional equipment and as provision of working capital.
“It also proved that the loan of N1.2 billion together with interest of N24 million was properly granted to the third. Nothing else was proved by the complainant or prosecutor in this case,” the judge said.
He claimed a fatal blow was dealt the case of the prosecution by its failure to call officials of Sterling Bank “to testify and probably tender exhibits F and F10”.
Consequently, he discharged and acquitted the defendants.
However ruling on the EFCC’s appeal today, the Court of Appeal held that the trial judge erred in dismissing the charges against the respondents. It said the prosecution had proved the ingredients of the offence and consequently found the defendants guilty as charged.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
July 1, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Congratulates Senator Aduda on Appointment as Senate Minority Leader
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates Senator Philip Aduda (PDP FCT) on his well-deserved emergence as the Minority Leader of the Senate.
Senator Aduda’s emergence as Minority Leader underscores the confidence our Party, his colleagues in the Senate and indeed Nigerians at large have in his long-standing legislative experience, competence and capacity as a lawmaker.
The PDP trust in Senator Aduda’s capacity to lead our fold in the Senate and charges him to use the attributes that earned him this enviable position to strengthen his commitment as a strong voice for the independence of the legislature, the democratic tenets of the Rule of Law and the pursuit of the interest and wellbeing of the people.
Senator Aduda’s selection as the Minority Leader of the Senate could not have come at a better time than this when Nigerians are looking up to the PDP to salvage our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP urges Senator Aduda to put in all his effort to ensure that our Party’s Caucus in the National Assembly remains united and focused for the task ahead.
Our Party wishes Senator Aduda success as he leads our Caucus in the Senate.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Credit Card Fraud: UK Ex-convict Bags Jail Term in Lagos
The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on July 1, 2022, secured the conviction and sentencing before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos of one Ahmed Soetan Adebola, a United Kingdom ex-convict for credit card fraud to one year imprisonment.
The EFCC had on June 3, 2022, arraigned the convict on a one-count amended charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence contrary to Section 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
The charge reads thus: “Ahmed Soetan Adebola sometime between the 23rd day of October 2020 and 4th November 2020 in Lagos within the Ikeja Judicial Division with intent to defraud, checked into RADISSON BLU Anchorage Hotel for the sum of N4,449,633.12 with the understanding that your payment will be made using an American Express card with pretence you knew was false.”
He pleaded “guilty” to the charge.
The prosecuting counsel, Ahmed Yerima, had led in evidence, his witness, an operative of the EFCC, Godwin Okara, who gave a review of the facts against the defendant, detailing how the EFCC received a petition from RADISSON BLU hotel in Lagos, sometime in December 2020, alleging that the defendant who had lodged in their facility, “off and on”, made payments through credit cards, American Express in favour of the hotel and that “the payments were recalled by the unified payment system”.
The trial judge had at the last sitting on June 3, 2022 fixed July 1, 2022 for judgement.
Delivering judgement, Justice Dada declared the victim guilty as charged.
Justice Dada further ruled that: “The defendant is hereby sentenced to one year in prison.
“All the items recovered from him is hereby ordered forfeited to the Federal Government and he must sign an undertaking with the EFCC never to go back to the same crime again.”
He was however, given an option of fine of N2million, and ordered to restitute the money he was alleged to have defrauded the hotel, within four months.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
July 1, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Celebrates Governor Godwin Obaseki on Birthday
…Says He is an Excellent Administrator, Fearless Democrat
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Governor Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, as he marks his 65th birthday.
Governor Obaseki is a very courageous leader, visionary administrator and one of the contemporary leading lights of our nation, who remains steadfast in his commitment toward national unity, stability and economic development.
Over the years, Governor Obaseki has distinguished himself as a practical, ingenious and prudent manager of resources, which qualities he has employed to transform Edo State with unparalleled human capital and infrastructural development in critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, oil and gas, housing, transportation among others.
Our Party notes with pride, Governor Obaseki’s landmark development projects including the Modular Refinery Project, the Gelegele Seaport Project, the Benin Industrial Park, a viable health and education system, job creation initiatives as well as the massive economic repositioning through the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO).
The PDP appreciates Governor Obaseki’s untiring roles with other leaders towards the stability, growth and success of our great Party, particularly in the mission to Rescue, Rebuild and Redirect our nation from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The PDP congratulates Governor Obaseki on this auspicious occasion and prays God to bless and grant him many more years in good health in the service of our dear fatherland and humanity at large.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Fake America Military Officer, One Other Jailed For Cybercrime in Ilorin
Justice Muhammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin on Friday July 1, 2022, convicted and sentenced one Adesanya Adeolu Tosin, a 300-Level Student of Federal University, Lokoja to one-year imprisonment for posing as America Military Officer to defraud his unsuspecting victims.
Adesanya was convicted alongside one Usman Abubakar from Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, arraigned the duo on separate charges bordering on cybercrime and retention of proceeds of unlawful activities.
The defendants pleaded guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following his guilty pleas, Innocent Mbachie and Sesan Ola who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered the extra-judicial statements of the defendants, phones, drafts which they brought as restitution to their victims and fraudulent messages printed from his devices, which were admitted in evidence.
They urged the Court to convict the defendants in line with their pleas.
Justice Sani in his judgment said from the totality of evidence brought by the prosecution, the court was convinced that the EFCC has proved its cases beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted the defendants as charged.
The judge sentenced Adesanya to one-year imprisonment with option of N400,000 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. The court also ordered that one iPhone 12 Pro Max which he used to perpetrate the crime and a draft of N600,000 (Six Hundred Thousand Naira Only) which he raised as restitution to his victims, be forfeited to the Federal Government.
Justice Sani imposed a jail term of three years on Usman with option of N479,290.00 (Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Naira Only) fine. In addition, the convict is to forfeit his iPhone X 5 and Samsung s8 which he used to perpetrate the crime and also restitute the sum of N279,290.00 (Two Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Naira ) to his victim.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
THANKS FOR ACCOMMODATING NIGERIANS AND THOSE FLEEING THE WAR IN UKRAINE, PRESIDENT BUHARI TELLS MAYOR OF LISBON
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with Fernando Medina, Mayor of Lisbon and City Council Members, expressing heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to them for accommodating Nigerians as well as those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The President also used the occasion to congratulate him and his party on their electoral victory and his emergence as the Mayor of Lisbon.
The Nigerian leader thanked Fernando Medina for graciously receiving the Nigerian delegation in the ‘beautiful and historic coastal city of Lisbon,’ commending the excellent manner the city is administered, as a prime global tourist destination.
‘‘The city of Lisbon shares a number of similarities with some Nigerian cities such as Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria, whose name was given by the Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira, who visited in 1472, naming the area around the city, Lago de Curamo, which means Lake of Curamo.
‘‘Both cities are rich in history and are also commercial nerve centres that host multinational corporations, industries, and major seaports. We are optimistic that these shared features can be harnessed to promote increased trade and people-to-people contact for the benefit of our two countries.
‘‘Nigeria, like Portugal, has many unique, historic, and cultural assets, as well as a developing hospitality industry, which both countries can exploit to promote tourism.
‘‘We are also keen to establish a direct air link between our two countries to further stimulate tourism, people-to-people contact and social, sporting and cultural relations,’’ he said.
President Buhari highlighted that Nigeria has made great strides in diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, recording successes in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructural development, among others.
He, therefore, invited prospective investors to Nigeria as the next top investment destination, saying ‘‘we are ready to extend our bilateral trade beyond oil and gas.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Mayor of Lisbon, Fernando Medina, extolled Nigeria’s greatness, especially in her ability to turn diversity into greatness: “We have one thing in common. We believe diversity is key. Nigeria is a great nation. Former President Obama said that about you, that you strive to overcome division and turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength, so you are able to build the largest economy in Africa. I so much agree with that.”
“Diversity is a matter of innovation and that’s why we both have excellent innovation ecosystems. You have just opened one of the biggest Urea plants, I think the second in the world and the largest fertilizer centre in Africa making your country self-sufficient.”
“You have produced five out of the seven unicorns, the big companies in Africa. You have one of the biggest projects on biometrics identification that has helped the banking system with relevant contributions for some Portuguese companies. So we want to work with you and your innovators. We need you. We need the African continent. We need to work with you peer to peer.”
He informed the Nigerian leader of his plan for Portugal to launch a “Unicorn Factory” in Lisbon and his desire to “have those African, Nigerian unicorns with us. Young people that could work with Portuguese people. That will be very important for Lisbon.”
The Mayor, while presenting the keys of the City of Lisbon to President Buhari, emphasized the cultural, historical, political and diplomatic ties between Lisbon and Abuja, describing the keys as “a token of respect and appreciation.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
Court Jails Fake Pastor One Year in Uyo
Justice Gabriel F. Ette of the Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has convicted and sentenced a self-acclaimed pastor, Ejim Ebubechukwu Divine for fraudulent conversion of funds.
He was jailed on Tuesday, June 28, 2021 after pleading guilty to one-count charge bordering on fraudulent conversion of funds.
The charge reads: “That you, Ejim Ebubechukwu Divine “M” on 25th February, 2022 at Uyo within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently convert to your own use the sum of N852, 625. 00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-five Naira) only belonging to one Joy Anietie Obot and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 392 (1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Akwa Ibom State CAP 38 and punishable under Section 399 of the same law”
In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Enobong Ubokudom, prayed the court to convict and sentence the defendant accordingly. However, defence counsel, Godwin Udoh prayed the court for leniency on the grounds that his client was a first- time offender.
Delivering judgment, Justice Ette convicted Divine and sentenced him to one year jail term. The court also ordered the convict to restitute the sum of N452, 625. 00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Five Naira) to the victim, through the EFCC, having earlier refunded the sum of N400, 000.00 (Four Hundred Thousand Naira) to the victim.
Divine’s journey to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, Akwa Ibom State Command, for fraudulently obtaining the sum of N852, 625. 00 (Eight Hundred and Fifty-Two thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Five Naira) from one Joy Anietie Obot , whom he met at the NIS office in Uyo on Friday February 25, 2022 and handed over to the EFCC . The convict obtained the said sum from her under a pretence that he would help her purchase PayPal funds He neither purchased the funds nor returned the money to the petitioner.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
REGIONAL SECURITY: PRESIDENT BUHARI THANKS PORTUGAL FOR SUPPORT
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night expressed appreciation to Portugal for the deployment of weapons and training of military personnel in ensuring peace in the sub-region.
Speaking at a State Dinner in National Palace Ajuda, Lisbon, the Portuguese capital, the President commended President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for deploying troops for peacekeeping in the Central African Republic, monitoring political developments and providing assistance to some countries in Africa, including Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Mozambique.
President Buhari said at the dinner attended by the President of the Portuguese National Assembly, Augusto Santos Silva, and Prime Minister Antonio Costa that the Nigerian Government has made it a priority to tackle the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, the ECOWAS, and the Sahel.
He added that this would not have been successful without our regional as well as global partners.
‘‘The Boko Haram insurgency in the North-eastern part of Nigeria is being tackled through the efforts of government, as well as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF) of member countries,’’ he said.
President Buhari expressed optimism that his State Visit would further strengthen the goodwill and collaboration between the two countries.
He noted that the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is one of the main priorities of the visit, would further promote the full realisation of the objectives of bilateral relations, achieving concrete, specific and viable projects and programmes for the benefit of citizens of the two countries.
‘‘Today, Portugal imports about 60 percent of its gas from Nigeria which makes it our second-largest market in Europe.
‘‘There is still more that can be achieved between the two countries, especially with the current Russia-Ukraine war which has disrupted steady gas supplies to Europe.
‘‘Furthermore, Nigeria wants to see trade diversified to non-oil products such as agriculture, power projects, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals where a lot could be achieved,’’ he said.
The President emphasized the need to revive the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) and finalize all pending bilateral agreements so as to boost economic activities and movement of people between the two countries.
President Buhari described Nigeria as one of the most attractive destinations for investment in Africa, adding that his Government is prioritizing building a business-friendly environment.
‘‘Nigeria is part of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) – the largest free trade area in the world. With a population of over 200 million mainly young men and women, Nigeria is a natural and attractive hub for foreign investment and one-stop market access to over 50 countries.’’
The Nigerian leader welcomed the Business Forum organized during the visit and the signing of many Memoranda of Understanding between the two countries’ investment promotion agencies and chambers of commerce.
He described the signing of the agreements ‘‘as excellent foundations for increased bilateral trade.’’
President Buhari also commended his Portuguese counterpart for extending his country’s engagement with Africa and African issues beyond Lusophone countries.
‘‘In that context, I wish to remind us that in addition to giving our former capital, Lagos, its name, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in what later became Nigeria, even before the British.
‘‘During that time, the Benin Kingdom had diplomatic relations with the Kingdom of Portugal. The bodyguards of the Oba of Benin were sent from Portugal.
‘‘Today, there are streets in some states in Nigeria that still bear Portuguese names. This shows a strong bond that has endured a long time between our two countries,’’ President Buhari said.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
Five Car Dealers Bag 25 Years Jail Term in Sokoto
Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Sokoto has convicted and sentenced five car dealers in Sokoto for flouting provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as regards the rendition of reports to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML.
The convicts: Aliyu Dauda; Shehu Ahmad; Tukur Shehu , Shehu Mariga and Ummaru Yabo were convicted on Thursday, June 30, 2022 after pleading guilty to separate one –count charges upon their arraignment by the Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Shehu Ahmad, while being the owner of Ijabah Motors located at Jega Road and operating the business of sales of vehicles, sometime between 2019 and 2021 at Sokoto, within the Sokoto Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, did in contravention of Section 3,5(1),(2), (3), (4) and (5) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended in 2012, fails to submit a declaration of your activities to wit: requirements of Customer Identification and the submission of returns on transaction to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 5(1) to (5) of the Money Laundering ( Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012 and punishable under Section 5(6) (a) and (b) of the same Act”.
Based on their pleas, EFCC Counsel, S.H Sa’ad, prayed the court to convict and sentence them accordingly.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho convicted the five car dealers and sentenced them to five years imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N125,000.00 each. The Judge further ordered them to comply with SCUML regulations henceforth.
The convicts’ journey to the Correctional Centre began when they were arrested by operatives of the Sokoto Zonal Command of the EFCC, for their non-compliance with SCUML’s requirements. They were arraigned on May 11, 2022 and pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them. The court later convicted and sentenced them accordingly.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI REJOICES WITH SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF IDOMA KINGDOM ON INVESTITURE OF 5TH OCH’IDOMA, DR JAMES ELAIGWU ODOGBO
President Muhammadu Buhari joins sons and daughters of Idoma Kingdom, Benue State, in celebrating the investiture of the 5th Och’Idoma, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo, whose academic, work and leadership credentials hold promise for his people.
President Buhari notes the zeal and diligence of Dr Odogbo in seeking knowledge and sharing his wisdom, working for more than two decades with the Federal Inland Revenue Service, during which he earned a doctorate in accounting and taxation, and trained many staff.
The President believes the national and international exposure and network of the traditional ruler over many years sets a new standard for the domain, creating a good setting for progress through the marriage of the traditional and the modern, by placing the people first.
As a public servant, educator and Christian religious leader, President Buhari affirms that Dr Odogbo’s wealth of experience will play out in guiding citizens on the path of peace, prosperity and development in the state and beyond, considering the steadily rising influence and impact of the Idomas in nation building, especially in leadership positions.
The President prays for the wellbeing of the Idoma nation, and most importantly, good health and wisdom for the Paramount Ruler.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 1, 2022
CDWR Backs Ogun workers’ Strike
CDWR Calls on Gov. Dapo Abiodun to meet the demands of workers without further delay
CDWR calls on TUC, NLC and other civil society organizations to declare a 48-hour warning strike nationwide in support of workers’ demands across the states and across sectors.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR), Ogun State Chapter backs the ongoing strike action embarked upon by the public sector workers and condemns in strong terms, the recalcitrant and insensitive response of the Dapo Abiodun-led APC government towards workers’ plights and demands. We, therefore, call on the government to immediately accede to workers’ demands without further delay.
The CDWR recalled that the state public sector workers issued a seven days ultimatum on June 21, 2022, to the government, after several failed attempts by the negotiating teams led by the state leaderships of TUC and NLC to reach a satisfactory resolution with the government. This was after the Dapo Abiodun government consistently refused to implement the MOU he voluntarily signed with the workers!
The demands of workers among others are remittance of 21 months of salary deductions; implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme; payment of eight years of leave allowances; restoration of payment of gross salary and the implementation of Consequential Adjustment on Minimum Pension.
Rather than meet the workers’ demands expeditiously, the government has been displaying sheer arrogance and insensitivity, hence, workers have to embark on indefinite strike action at a workers’ congress held in Abeokuta on 27 June 2022.
This has again shown the disdain and anti-workers disposition of the Dapo Abiodun government, despite its hypocrisy! The Dapo Abiodun-led APC government since its inception, has continued to unleash attacks on the poor working masses of Ogun state, implementing anti-poor, neo-liberal policies of privatization of public utilities, contract system, commercialization, Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) among others.
These anti-poor policies are responsible for the state of bad roads; the poor working masses burdened with all forms of levies and taxes, education is underfunded; quality and affordable public healthcare largely absent; affordable housing a mirage; denial of workers their benefits! All of these have worsened the living and working conditions of the masses.
The CDWR, therefore, urges the workers to maintain their steadfastness till their demands are met. And also to include in the demands, the need for the government to end privatization and other neo-liberal attacks on the working masses, including paying over 80 (eighty) months salary deductions of TASCE workers, and the immediate reinstatement of all unjustly sacked workers, and the discontinuation of all trumped-up charges on some workers in the institution currently been prosecuted at the law court by the state government.
CDWR calls on the TUC and NLC leadership, not to make the strike exclusively a sit-at-home. But rather, to organize public programs around it, like press conferences, symposia, rallies, protest marches, picketing, and leafleting, so as to gain mass support and sympathy for the workers’ demands, and prevent the government’s blackmail, harassment and distortion, which could discredit the workers and their demands.
We also call on the national leadership of the TUC, NLC and the civil society organizations to declare and mobilize for a 48-hour warning strike in support of Ogun workers’ demands; payment of the new national minimum wage owed workers by some state governments, who have defaulted implementation years after it has been signed into law; ASUU demands, insecurity; high cost of living; raising inflation; fuel scarcity and high electricity tariff etc.
Above all, to resolve these issues permanently, the CDWR calls on trade union leaders and civil society allies to commence the process of the formation of a genuine mass working people political party on socialist programmes of nationalization of the commanding heights of the economy under the democratic management and control of working people.
SIGNED
Eko John Nicholas
Ogun State CDWR Coordinator
Employment Scam: Abuja Court Sends Self-styled SA to EFCC Chairman to Prison
The Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on June 30, 2022, secured the conviction of one Obochi Simeon Iwodi before Justice A.O. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on a one count charge bordering on cheating by impersonation.
While posing as Special Adviser to the EFCC Chairman, the defendant induced some job seekers to pay various sums to him on the pretext that he would help facilitate their employment into the EFCC.
The count reads, “that you, Obochi Simeon Iwodi, between August 2020 and August 2021 within the Judicial Division of the Federal Territory High Court, Abuja did cheat by pretending to be the Special Adviser (SA) to Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC carried out an illegal act by inducing one Abah Job Ebute and others to deliver to you the aggregate sum of N1,800,000 (One Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) under the guise that you are capable of giving them employment in EFCC, a fact you know to be false and you thereby committed an offence of Cheating by Personation contrary to Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation (Abuja), 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Law”.
He pleaded guilty to the charge.
In view of his guilty plea, Justice Musa sentenced Iwodi, who had restituted his victims in full, to one year in prison with an option of N700, 000 (Seven Hundred Thousand Naira) fine.
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
Cybercrime: Oyo Court Jails Two
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, June 30, 2022 secured the conviction and sentencing of the duo of Alani Ridwan Kalejaye and Ishola Abdullahi Ademola before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State on separate one count charge which bordered on impersonation.
The defendants were arraigned on Monday, June 27, 2022, and they pleaded guilty to the charges filed against them by the EFCC.
The prosecution counsel reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered documents in evidence before urging the court to convict and sentence them as charged.
Consequently, Justice Agomoh convicted the duo and adjourned the matter to June 30, 2022 for sentencing.
At the resumed hearing, Justice Agomoh sentenced Alani Ridwan Kalejaye and Ishola Abdullahi Ademola to four and six months imprisonment respectively.
The court further ordered that the convicts restitute their various victims and forfeit all items recovered from them to the Federal Government.
The charge against Alani reads: “That you, Alani Ridwan Kalejaye sometime in September, 2021, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Anna Thomas, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.”
The charge against Ishola reads: “That you, Ishola Abdullahi Ademola sometime in December, 2021, within the jurisdiction of the Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself did impersonate one Kimberly Sandra, the pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2) (b) (i) and punishable under Section 22 (2) (b) (iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.)Act, 2015.”
Media & Publicity
1 July, 2022
Shun Cybercrime, Bawa Charges NYSC Members
The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, has charged Nigerian youths to shun cybercrime and other forms of criminality. Bawa stated this today, June 30, 2022 at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Okada Town, Edo State while delivering a lecture on the Role of Youths in Curbing Cybercrime.
Bawa, who was represented by Williams Oseghale, Head, Public Affairs Department, Benin Zonal Command, stated that the youths were critical in the fight against economic and financial crimes. “Apart from the fact that they are considered as leaders of tomorrow, most economic crimes, especially cyber crimes are committed by young people. It therefore follows that young people must not be mere spectators in the anti-graft campaign, rather they should be foot soldiers leading the mass rout of corruption and economic crimes out of our land”.
The EFCC boss urged the youths to embrace hard work as there is no shortcut to wealth and fame. “Acts of criminality might deliver wealth in the short term but ultimately they lead to misery”.
At the NYSC camp at Iyana Ipaja, the EFCC chairman who was represented by Ayo Oyewole, Head, PAD, Lagos Command reiterated the together-against-corruption call and urged Nigerian youths to lend a hand in building a society where there is respect for law and order and where impunity is a thing of the past.
He described the youth as catalysts in the fight against corruption and urged them to become whistleblowers wherever they find themselves by reporting acts that fail the simple test of integrity.
At the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ise/Emure/Oru, Ekiti State, Gbenga Adewoye of the Public Affairs Department, Ilorin Zonal Command, who delivered the Chairman’s message charged the corps members to take ownership of the fight against graft. “The Commission cannot do it alone, I beseech you all this morning to take ownership of the fight against corruption and contribute your quota for the betterment of this country,” he said
Speaking at the NYSC Camp at Kiama, Bayelsa State, the EFCC boss who was represented by Bako Aliyu Doma, Head, Foreign Exchange Malpractice Section, FEMS tasked the corps members to be anti-graft agents by enlisting as foot soldiers in the fight against economic and financial crimes in the country.
“Be role models in your respective areas of primary assignments. Join EFCC/NYSC Community Development Service, CD Groups for more enduring and robust engagement.”
In a similar message delivered by Bassey Prince Effiong, Head, Cyber Crimes Section at NYSC Camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, Abia State, he warned the corps members to shun internet fraud as it was capable of truncating their future.
At the Orientation Camp at Nonwa-gbam, Tai Local Government Area, Rivers State, Akpos Ekisowei, Head, PAD, Port Harcourt Zonal Command called on the corps members to embrace hard work and shun inordinate ambition.
The same message was simultaneously delivered by Adeniran Adebayo, Head, PAD, Makudi at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Wannune, Tarka LGA, Benue State just as Nana Fatima Abubakar of PAD delivered the message at the NYSC Orientation camp in Kaduna.
The duo of Chika Uneke and Mary Ogolekwu were at the NYSC Orientation camp at Issele Uku, Delta State and Ikare-Akoko Ondo State respectively to deliver the EFCC chairman’s message.
Some other officers were at various NYSC camps across the nation to deliver the Executive Chairman’s message of accountability, transparency, probity and integrity to thousands of corps members.
Media & Publicity
30 June, 2022