Russian President, Putin responds after Biden called him a ‘killer’

March 18, 2021

Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded after U.S. President, Joe Biden called him a “killer” and promised that Moscow would “pay the price” for interfering in the 2020 US elections in favour of his opponent, Donald Trump.

Speaking on Thursday, Putin said he wished Biden well, but suggested that the US leader may be projecting; also noting that evaluating other countries “is like looking in a mirror.”

“When I was a kid, when we were arguing with each other in the playground, we used to say, ‘Whatever you say [about others] is what you are yourself,’” Putin added.

On Wednesday, Biden was asked by ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos whether he thought Putin was “a killer,” and replied in the affirmative. He also noted that he had warned the Russian president that Washington would react strongly if it discovered evidence of interference in the 2020 presidential election.

Later that day, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to clarify whether Biden’s statement was a metaphor.
In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described Biden’s statement as “very bad,” accusing the White House of not being serious about “establishing a relationship” with Moscow.

Earlier this week, a joint report by Washington’s spy agencies alleged that Moscow had run a campaign to “denigrate” Biden’s reputation during the US presidential election. This accusation has been denied by the Kremlin.

Biden’s latest statements represent a major escalation in the already deteriorating relationship between Russia and the US. On Wednesday evening, Moscow recalled its ambassador in Washington, Anatoly Antonov, to discuss the Kremlin’s next steps.

I Lied Against Gov Ortom, I’m Sorry — Oshiomhole

Published

 22 hours ago 

on

 March 18, 2021

By

 Opeyemi Damilare 

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, today retracted the comments he made on Governor Samuel Ortom, on 27th July, 2018.

NEWS DIRECT reports that the retraction has been published in national newspapers today, 18th March, 2021.

These include The Nation, full page, on page 29, Thisday and Vanguard, half pages on 41 and 7 respectively.

Below is the retraction:

RETRACTION OF PUBLICATION

On the 27th day of July, 2018 at the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and particularly in my capacity then as the Chairman of the Party, I addressed different national issues as well as some events which occurred in Benue State, including the movement earlier that day of his Excellency, Dr. Samuel Ortom (Executive Governor of Benue State) from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party.

In the course of the press conference, I made certain comments about Dr Ortom on the basis of information I have since found to be false and baseless.

His Excellency Dr Samuel Ortom felt embarrassed, defamed and deeply aggrieved by the comments I made at the said press conference, culminating in litigation.

That politics aside, Governor Samuel Ortom is a dear friend and brother with whom I have shared so much in common, including mutual respect.

That as former colleagues and one time members of the Nigerian Governors’ forum and most importantly as someone whom I am just a phone call away from, any ridicule, embarrassment, spite and insult caused Dr Samuel Ortom is regretted.

Owing to the relationship we share and in the larger interest of peace, harmony and brotherliness, I believe a complete retraction of my comments made on 27th July, 2018, and which Dr Samuel Ortom found offensive is proper and necessary.

In view of all the above, I hereby retract the comments made during the press conference on 27th July, 2018, as it relates to Dr Samuel Ortom.

Signed:

Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole

Ex-JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde, arrested, detained over alleged N900 million fraud

The anti-corruption agency says Mr Ojerinde was arrested on Monday and will soon be charged to court.

ByPress Release

 

 March 17, 2021

 

3 min read

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested a former Registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Dibu Ojerinde.

A statement posted on the commission’s website on Wednesday said Mr Ojerinde was arrested on Monday and being held on a remand warrant for allegedly misappropriating N900 million.

It added that Mr Ojerinde allegedly perpetrated the fraud as JAMB registrar from April 10, 2012 to August 1, 2016 and the Registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO) between 1999 and 2007.

The commission said the suspect has, since his arrest, been answering questions on allegations of multiple identities, abuse of office, money laundering, tax evasion, making false statements, and awarding fraudulent contracts to untraceable shell companies.

The statement reads in part, “Professor Ojerinde, who was arrested on March 15, 2021, in Abuja, by operatives of ICPC, is alleged to have committed multiple frauds while heading JAMB and the National Examination Council (NECO).

“He has been detained by the commission for questioning over allegations of multiple identities, abuse of office, money laundering, tax evasion and making false statements to public officials.

“The former JAMB boss is also being questioned by the commission for allegedly awarding fraudulent contracts to shell companies which cannot be traced.

“He was alleged to have awarded contracts for the supply of pencil and eraser at the cost of N450 million each, to Double 07 Concept Limited and Pristine Global Concept Limited, respectively, between 2013 and 2014 while heading JAMB.

“There is no evidence to show that the items which are examination materials were supplied as the contractors cannot be found.”

Suspend 2023 general elections, 1999 Constitution – Yoruba leaders tell Buhari

Published

 

on

 March 18, 2021

By

 Musliudeen Adebayo

Some leaders of Yoruba ethnic group have urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to with immediate effect, suspend the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Those who addressed a press conference in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital Wednesday evening also called for the suspension of the 1999 constitution.

Spokesman of the group under the auspices of Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination, (NINAS), Professor Banji Akintoye, noted that the call was necessary because Nigeria cannot progress under the current political structure.

Akintoye noted that the 1999 constitution was the cause of major problems the country was currently facing.

He said that the group was giving the federal government another 30 day ultimatum after the expiration of the 90-Day Notice of Grave Constitutional Grievances issued by NINAS to the Federal Government of Nigeria on December 16, 2020.

Akintoye, who addressed journalists on behalf of the group, insisted that the 1999 constitution was no doubt a collateral damage to the people of Nigeria, hence, the need for its suspension and suspension of future elections.

He also warned international money lenders not to lend Nigeria any money because Nigeria was now a disputed project.

Akintoye said, “A formal announcement by the Federal Government of Nigeria acknowledging the Constitutional Grievances and Sovereignty Dispute now declared by the peoples of South and Middle-Belt of Nigeria.

“A Formal Commitment by Federal Government of Nigeria to the wholesale Decommissioning and Jettisoning of the 1999 Constitution as the Basis of the Federation of Nigeria as was done by the Government of Apartheid-Era South Africa in 1990, to commence the process by which the Apartheid Constitution of the then South Africa was eased out.

“A Formal Announcement by the Federal Government of Nigeria suspending further General Elections under the Disputed 1999 Constitution since winners of such Elections will Swear to, and Govern by that Constitution.

“A Formal Invitation to the Peoples of the South and Middle-Belt of Nigeria to work out and emplace a Transitional Authority, which shall specify the Modalities for the Transitioning Process including the Composition and Mandate of the Transitional Authority as well as the Time-frame for the Transitioning and other Ancillary Matters.

“A Formal Initiation of a Time-Bound Transitioning Process to midwife the emergence of Fresh Constitutional Protocols by a Two-Stage Process in which the Constituent Regional Blocs will at the first stage, Distill and Ratify their various Constitutions by Referendums and Plebiscites and in the second stage, Negotiate the Terms of Federating afresh as may be dictated by the outcomes of Referendum and Plebiscites.

“Let it be known to all, including International Money Lenders, that Nigeria is now a Disputed Project and that while the Constituent Components commit to honouring existing International Debt Obligations.

“We caution that whatever Obligations that may arise from any Foreign Loans contracted by the Federal Government of Nigeria from the date of this Proclamation may come into controversy. Similarly, all Loans contracted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, containing any Clause that may Cede the Sovereignty of Nigeria or any part thereof in the event of Repayment Default shall be disputed as illicit, and in breach of the Sovereignty of the Federating Units.”

Vivacious Miriam Olusanya angles as new GTBank boss… as first ever female MD/CEO

By

 Parrot Nigeria

- 

 March 17, 2021

 

 

 

 

 

The succession tussle in one of Nigeria’s commercial banks is still taking a dramatic turn, with tongues wagging about who takes over eventually, at the expiration of the incumbent MD/CEO in few months’ time.

Just as speculations are becoming rife about her ascendancy as the next boss of Guaranty Trust Bank, in replacement of the outgoing MD/CEO of the bank, Segun Agbaje, Mrs. Miriam Olusanya is already ground-swelling to take over the mantle of leadership, all things being equal.

The internal bickering is so tough but enmeshed in cold tones that there are other contenders for the plum post. These stiff contenders, all directors of the bank, but not limited to Ademola Odeyemi, Bolaji Lawal, Haruna Musa, and Babajide Okuntola. Ab initio, the tussle had been between Miriam Olusanya and Bolaji Lawal; but recent developments are pointing in the direction of Mrs. Olusanya, who is believed to be the favourite of Agbaje.

Those in the know of happenings at the bank, say that if eventually Miriam succeeds Agbaje, it would have been a big conquest for Segun Agbaje, who is touted to be taking over the entire managerial dynasty from the original founders of the bank, Fola Adeola and late Tayo Aderionokun.

What makes the battle even more intense is that GTBank is currently without a substantive Deputy Managing Director, who would have easily stepped into the shoes of Agbaje. Banjo Adegboungbe, the former DMD, was appointed in February 2020 as the substantive MD/CEO of Coronation Merchant Bank, and he has not been replaced since then, which further threw the slot open to the executive directors.

The GTBank board is, however, said to be on the lookout for a candidate that possesses the grit, gut and genius of Agbaje, and never a lily-livered person. The board reportedly also wants an intrepid MD that can take on debtors without batting an eyelid or caring whose ox is gored. This is where Miriam comes in handy, given her sterling profile and credentials.

Regarded as a banker’s banker with a proactive and pragmatic approach to 21st Century banking, Mrs. Miriam Chidiebele Olusanya has over 20 years’ experience spanning Transaction Services, Treasury, Assets and Liability Management, Corporate Finance and Wholesale Banking. She joined GTBank in 1998 and has been in charge of managing its Naira and Foreign Currency Balance Sheet, Asset and Liability Position and Money Market, Foreign Currency and Bonds Trading. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Ibadan (1995) and a Master of Business Administration (Finance and Accounting) from the University of Liverpool (2011). She has attended many executive management and banking-specific programs in leading educational institutions abroad.

Many of her colleagues believe that she stands in good stead to succeed Agbaje. She does too; and the argument is that with the new wave of women taking up leadership positions in many banks, Miriam’s ascendancy at GTBank would be perfect if GTBank looks the way of Mrs. Olusanya as the new GMD/CEO, and a record-breaking achievement as the first female MD/CEO of the bank.

Additional Information: Thecapital.ng

EFCC uncovers how FIRS director received over N700m cash payment

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has uncovered how a former Coordinating Director of Federal Inland Revenue Service, Peter Hena, received over N700 million cash between January 2017 and December 2018.

The Commission had last Thursday arraigned Mr Hena on 42-count before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Also arraigned were the Director of Finance,Mohammed Auta; Amina Sidi (Finance and Account department); Umar Aduka (Internal Audit); Mbura Mustapha (Deputy Manager); Obi Malachy (Services Group); Obaje Adofu (Head of Budget); Udo-Inyang Alfred (Officer II) and Benjamin Jiya (Assistant Director).

According to the charge sheet obtained by The Punch, Mr Hena and eight others shared N4.5 billion in illegal estacodes and fraudulent Duty Tour Allowances.

The statement disclosed that while being FIRS coordinating director, Hena accepted N45m cash from Auta without going through a financial institution contrary to section 1(a) and punishable under section 16(2) (b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act,2011 as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012.

EFCC investigations also revealed that Mr Hena received another N75m cash payment from Mbura and N99m from Okeke.

Count six of the charge further stated, “That you, Peter Hena, while being Co-coordinating director in the Federal Inland Revenue Service between January 2017 and December 2018 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court did accept N127m from Benjamin Jiya which exceeded N5m without going through a financial institution contrary to section 1(a) and punishable under section 16(2) (b) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act,2011 as amended by Act No. 1 of 2012.”

The first defendant was also said to have received N145m cash from Sidi of the FIRS Finance and Accounts department.

Detectives also discovered that Hena similarly received N92m cash from Aduku and another N128.6m from Auta who was said to have taken possession of N258.6m from other FIRS officials.

In addition, the EFCC stated that Auta while being finance director retained N85m “under the guise that the funds was for stakeholders” when he reasonably ought to have known that the fund formed proceeds of unlawful activities, fraud, corruption and criminal appropriation of public funds.

Mr Aduka was found to have transferred N200m to Mr Hena, and also paid N97.1m into his own GTB bank account number 0023004712 under the guise of duty tour allowances.

MILITARY CONTRACT FRAUD: CABAL, EX-SERVICE CHIEFS FIGHT NSA

written by Our Reporter March 18, 2021

For daring to question the lack of military equipment to prosecute the war against Boko Haram and terrorism ravaging Nigeria, the President Mohammadu Buhari cabal led by Mamman Daura and Sabiu Yusuf, aka Tunde, are mounting a well-orchestrated campaign to remove the National Security Adviser, NSA, Babagana Monguno.

Only recently, Monguno had insisted that nobody has the information about the whereabouts of the billions budgeted for the procurement of arms during the reign of ex-Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; ex-Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and ex-Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar as service chiefs.

Recall that in February 2020, Monguno had in a letter addressed to President Buhari raised the alarm over unauthorized meetings between Abba Kyari and the service chiefs, a development he said was adding to the niggling security challenge.

The NSA wrote: “Chief of staff to the president is not a presiding head of security, neither is he sworn to an oath of defending the country.

“As such, unprofessional practices such as presiding over meetings with service chiefs and heads of security organisations as well as ambassadors and high commissioners to the exclusion of the NSA and/or supervising ministers are a violation of the Constitution and directly undermine the authority of Mr President.

“Such acts and continued meddlesomeness by chief of staff have not only ruptured our security and defence efforts, but have slowed down any meaningful gain that Mr. President has sought to achieve.”

However, miffed by Monguno’s boldness, sources toldPointblanknews.com that Mamman Daura, Buhari’s nephew, Yusuf, a Personal Assistant to Buhari and Governor Bello Mohammad Matawalle of Zamfara State have ganged up to blackmail the NSA and have him keep quiet from questioning the whereabouts of weapons supposedly paid for.

According to findings, less than 24hrs after Monguno’s interview with the BBC, the cabal led by Yusuf aka Tunde directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to fish for “whatever” to indict the NSA.

Part of the moves according to a source knowledgeable with the scheme, is to investigate Brigadier General Jafaru Mohammed, a Director of Finance in the office of the NSA.

General Mohammed is suspected to be a front of the NSA whom they allege has acquired properties on behalf of Monguno.

Sources told Pointblanknews.com that during the reign of Ibrahim Magu as EFCC Chairman, the cabal through late Chief of Staff Abba Kyari, had used him to investigate Monguno. The investigation yielded no result against the NSA whom many within the security circle see as upright and as someone not interested in primitive acquisition of materialism.

Pointblanknews.com investigations revealed that once Magu was removed and Mohammed Umar appointed as Acting Chairman of the EFCC, he was immediately mandated to investigate the NSA. His investigations of Monguno throughout his short-lived tenure yielded nothing.

According to Pointblanknews.com sources, as soon as Monguno’s BBC Hausa interview over weapons for the military went viral, the cabal and the ex-service chiefs felt embarrassed and immediately commissioned the new EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, to go after the NSA.

“That is why as soon as that BBC interview was aired and the cabal felt embarrassed, they immediately asked Bawa to commence investigation of the NSA,” a source told Pointblanknews.com.

According to the source, “they have investigated the NSA and found nothing. They did that twice with Magu and Umar and since they couldn’t link any corruption directly to him, they are going after his Director of Finance in hopes of getting something and they would fail.”

Pointblanknews.com gathered that most of the properties linked to General Mohammed are the ones he had acquired before he was appointed as Director of Finance in the NSA’s office.

A top security source who described Monguno as a saint among sinners, said the forces fighting the NSA are bent on blackmailing him to make him keep quiet and desist from making further disclosures on the state of arms acquisition to fight insurgents. The network of the Aso Rock cabal namely Mamman Daura and Yusuf , according to our sources, has recruited the likes of Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, two former bosses at EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde and Ibrahim Magu, the new EFCC Chairman, Bawa, the governor of Zamfara, Matawalle, remnants of the cabal namely Babagana Kingibe and Lawal Daura, to prosecute their war of attrition against the NSA.

The latest onslaught against the NSA by Bawa through Brigadier General Jafaru Mohammed is said to be a continuation of the old script drafted by Magu and Lamorde. Bawa is described in security circle as the god son of Lamorde. It was said that Bawa’s loyalty is more to Lamorde than Abubakar Malami who recommended him for the EFCC top job.