N322m fraud: EFCC to appeal Nwaoboshi’s victory as Buhari welcomes him to APC by Eniola Akinkuotu and Matthew Ochei

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says it will challenge the victory of Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, who was recently discharged and acquitted of alleged fraud to the tune of N322m on June 18, 2020. The spokesman for the EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said this during an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday. “We will be taking Senator Nwaoboshi’s case before the Court of Appeal,” Uwujaren said during a brief telephone interview with one of our correspondents. This comes just as the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), personally welcomed Nwaoboshi to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Besides, the Niger Delta Development Commission had last year accused Nwaoboshi of using 11 companies as fronts to secure a N3.6bn contract from the NDDC and failing to execute the contract, an allegation which the senator has denied. In 2018, Nwaoboshi was arraigned by the EFCC before a Federal High Court in Lagos for N322m fraud involving two of his companies. Nwaoboshi and the two companies – Golden Touch Construction Project Limited and Suiming Electrical Ltd – were arraigned for acquiring a property, Guinea House, on Marine Road, Apapa, Lagos for N805m. The EFCC alleged that N322m out of the N805m was part of the proceeds of fraud. However, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke said the EFCC relied on hearsay as evidence. One week after his acquittal, the lawmaker, who is a former state chairman of the PDP, was welcomed by the President, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu. The statement read in part, “President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja welcomed Senator Peter Nwaoboshi to the APC after he left the Peoples Democratic Party, saying ‘you are welcome to the progressives’ family.’ “Senator Nwaoboshi, representing Delta North District, Delta State, was presented to President Buhari and the National Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee at the State House by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege. “The Deputy Senate President said Senator Nwaoboshi’s decision to join the APC clearly shows that the effort of the CECPC was yielding fruit. The senator was warmly welcomed by party members.” Why Nwaoboshi defected to APC –Investigation Meanwhile, an investigation by Saturday PUNCH revealed that Nwaoboshi dumped the PDP for the APC to perfect his ambition of running for the deputy governor of Delta State in 2023. Nwaoboshi announced his defection when he met with President Buhari at Aso Villa on Friday. The lawmaker was said to have been accompanied on the visit by Omo-Agege, who hails from Delta Central and is said to be eyeing the governorship seat. Nwaoboshi’s defection is coming two days after the state PDP suspended him from the party for one month over anti-party activities. According to the PDP, the action became necessary against the backdrop of the recent “romance with an opposition party, APC, verbal recklessness and unprovoked utterances of Nwaoboshi which the state PDP Working Committee views strongly as totally unacceptable and disturbing.” The lawmaker was also said to have been embroiled in verbal attacks against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whom he succeeded at the Senate in 2015. Nwaoboshi had recently rated Okowa’s government as poorly performing compared to his predecessors, James Ibori and Emmanuel Uduaghan. Meanwhile, Okowa on Thursday replied to the lawmaker, who he described as “a stranger”. The governor said Nwaoboshi should not be pitching him with his predecessors. Reacting to his defection, the PDP in Delta State dismissed the claims that Nwaoboshi defected as he had already been suspended. The party, in a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, said, “We wish to state for the avoidance of doubt that Senator Peter Nwaoboshi had already been duly suspended by the state Working Committee of our party following his recent romance with an opposition party, his verbal recklessness, and unprovoked utterances against the person of His Excellency, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State. “Those unbecoming attitude of the senator exposed him as indecorous and lacking discipline which the PDP cherishes so much. The party had to quickly rise to the occasion by treating him like a mad cow in the china shop and manage his exit through suspension so as to save the soul of the PDP in the State. “His inevitable exit, therefore, has left a wave of joy in the party as faithful and loyal party members see the move as good riddance to bad rubbish.” PUNCH.

Buhari to Ijaw leaders: I won’t delay action on restructuring after constitution review

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to expedite action on restructuring, as soon as the national assembly concludes the relevant processes as it relates to reviewing the constitution. He stated this on Thursday, when he met with the national executive council of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), at the state house. The INC delegation was led by Benjami Okaba, president of the congress. According to a statement by Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, Buhari, while addressing their “call for immediate restructuring”, noted that “the national assembly whose responsibility it is to ensure that the constitution responds to the call for a restructured Nigeria has already concluded regional consultations”. ‘‘As soon as they finalise the process, necessary action would not be delayed on my part,” Buhari was quoted to have said. Buhari also commended the Ijaw leaders for promoting unity within the south-south region, and promised to ensure that his administration improves on efforts to address environmental degradation. “He implored the leadership of the association to use its influence ‘in making sure that we keep working together to keep this country a united, indivisible entity, so that we can tackle our problems together and overcome our challenges together’,’’ the statement reads. “On the Hydrocarbon Remediation Project, President Buhari said he had directed the Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure that the remediation efforts in Ogoni are implemented with a high percentage of local content and inclusion of the surrounding communities. “Similarly, the President said the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, under the same ministry of Environment, is working to ensure that oil spills are reduced and new ones prevented while all relevant agencies of government have been directed to ensure that they enforce compliance by the International Oil Companies to international best practices. “On the creation of two additional states and more local government areas for the Ijaw people, the President said it is a legislative matter, which should naturally be handled by the National Assembly with concurrence at the state levels. “On the allocation of operational licenses for marginal fields to Ijaw people, the President said while he completely agrees with the demand, ‘the process of granting licenses is guided by laid down rules and regulations, most of which even favour local content and local contractors. I see no reason why they should not be granted such licenses if they qualify’.” Buhari also promised to ensure that a new board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is inaugurated soon. ‘‘A contentious issue that has been a subject of discourse amongst the Ijaw people of recent has been the need for the Niger Delta Development Commission to live up to its billing by delivering the required succor to the people of the region,” he said. ‘‘Based on the mismanagement that had previously bedeviled the NDDC, a forensic audit was set up and the result is expected by the end of July 2021. I want to assure you that as soon as the forensic audit report is submitted and accepted, the NDDC Board will be inaugurated. “However, I would like to implore you that the Ijaw National Congress should play a more active role in making sure that the mismanagement that occurred in the past is not repeated.”

Polaris Bank returned NNPC’S $300m suspected looted fund – Official

The Managing Director of Polaris Bank, Innocent Ike, has revealed that the bank has refunded $300 million lodged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, in 2012. Mr Ike made the disclosure before the House of Representatives Ad Hoc committee on assessment and status of all recovered loots from 2002-2020. He explained that the money deposited with the bank by NNPC was at no time hidden from any government agencies, adding that the money should not be classified as looted fund. The managing director also explained that part of the strategy adopted in payment of the deposit was to remit it to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, which gave the apex bank instruction to credit the NNPC. See also 11-year-old UK-based Nigerian girl raises £200 for charity According to him, the NNPC was yet to confirm the receipt of the money paid into the apex bank’s account. See also Ramadan: Matawalle urges Muslims to pray against banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling Mr Ike appealed to the NNPC to write and confirm payment, stressing that Polaris Bank had written to the CBN to that effect. He stressed that the money was always disclosed in writing and never hidden from the public or government agencies. The managing director also disclosed that the interest of the sum kept with the bank since 2012 was dully paid. The committee however queried the motive of NNPC keeping the sum with the bank without having an initial account with the bank before the $300 dollars was lodged. See also Fighting corruption is difficult – Buhari The Chairman of the committee, Adejoro Adeogun, stated that the motive was suspicious, adding that money was also quickly paid to the NNPC when the bank received a letter from it to appear before the committee for explanation. Mr Adeogun noted that the money spent seven years in the bank without any action, adding that the bank must have thought the money had been forgotten. “You have about six years when this deposit was in your custody. It is impossible to forget 300 million U.S dollars; were you thinking it is has been forgotten?” he asked. See also Court orders Kano police spokesman to pay N1m damages for unlawful arrest, torture of blogger See also 28 states at risk of severe flooding – Minister The chairman accused the bank of exhibiting carelessness when it came to money deposited by the Federal Government. One of the petitioners, Tosin Ojomo, who appeared before the committee, faulted the managing director’s claim, stating that Polaris Bank was arrested before it confessed that the money was truly in its custody. The committee then summoned the NNPC and CBN for further clarifications on the status of the money, but ordered the bank to furnish it with documents relating to cash movements in the account from 2012 to 2020. NAN

APC names National Secretariat after Buhari as President approves Congresses for July By Omeiza Ajayi

The Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC of the ruling All Progressives Congress APC has renamed the national secretariat of the party on Blantyre Street in the highbrow Wuse 2 District of Abuja after President Muhammadu Buhari. National Chairman of the CECPC, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe state who disclosed this on Friday in Abuja when he led the CECPC to present a progress report to the president, said henceforth the building is now to be known as “Buhari House”. “I also have the honour to inform you that in recognition of the untiring leadership role you have provided to our great party and the nation, and the democratic legacy you have put in place, the CECPC has approved to name the National Secretariat of the Party after you. The secretariat will henceforth be known as ‘BUHARI HOUSE’,” Governor Buni disclosed. Though it was initially a rented apartment, the administration of the Chief John Odigie-Oyegun had taken steps as Chairman of the party to purchase the secretariat. At the meeting, the president also approved the timelines for the conduct of Wards, local governments and states Congresses of his ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as presented to him by the party’s CECPC. National Secretary of the CECPC, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe disclosed this in a statement issued Friday in Abuja. He said the President granted the approval after detailed consideration of the Progress Report, the schedule of outstanding activities with regards to Congresses, the National Convention and the forthcoming Anambra Governorship election. “The President also approved the timetable for APC Ward, Local Government and State Congresses. Ward Congresses will hold 24th July, 2021 followed by Local Government Congresses on 14th August, 2021 and State Congresses on 18th September, 2021.The CECPC National Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni on Friday presented a summary of the Committees progress report to the President at the State House, Abuja. “It could be recalled that at its last meeting the National Executive Committee (NEC) conferred on the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) the power of the National Convention which is in line with powers provided in Article 13.3 of the Party’s Constitution. “The National Chairman had the president’s approval to review the timeline available to the CECPC”, he stated. The Chairman was accompanied by other CECPC members, including Governor Isiaka Oyetola, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Sen. Abubakar Yusuf, Hon. Akinyemi Olaide, Mrs. Stella Okotete, Dr. James Lulu, Chief David Lyon, Abba Ali, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Barr. Ismail Ahmed and the CECPC National Secretary, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe. By the approved CECPC decision, “the tenure of the caretaker committees at each level from Ward, Local Government, State and National will end immediately elections are held at their respective levels and its officers immediately take oath of office terminating with the National Convention. “At the meeting, the CECPC National Chairman expressed the profound gratitude of members of the Committee to the President and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the trust, confidence and the opportunity given to them to serve the party”, he stated. Governor Mai Mala Buni informed the President that the CECPC has during the period under review led the party to contest in several elections and by-elections with overall success rate of 95 per cent. On the peace and reconciliation efforts, the CECPC National Chairman informed the President that the committee commenced its assignment on a desire to foster genuine reconciliation on solid foundation, by giving all issues and every aggrieved member fair hearing and objectively placing party interests above individual interests. Vanguard

President Buhari Approves Review of CECPC Timeline, Timetable for APC Congresses

***Buni-Led CECPC Presents Progress Report To President ***APC National Secretariat now Buhari House President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday approved the review of the timelines available to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC). The President granted the approval after detailed consideration of the Progress Report, the schedule of outstanding activities with regards to Congresses, the National Convention and the forthcoming Ananmbra Governorship election. The President also approved the timetable for APC Ward, Local Government and State Congresses. Ward Congresses will hold 24th July, 2021 followed by Local Government Congresses on 14th August, 2021 and State Congresses on 18th September, 2021. The CECPC National Chairman and Governor of Yobe State, H.E. Mai Mala Buni on Friday presented a summary of the Committees progress report to the President at the State House, Abuja. It could be recalled that at its last meeting the National Executive Committee (NEC) conferred on the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) the power of the National Convention which is in line with powers provided in Article 13.3 of the Party's Constitution. The National Chairman had the president's approval to review the timeline available to the CECPC. The Chairman was accompanied by other CECPC members, including H.E. Governor Isiaka Oyetola, H.E. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Sen. Abubakar Yusuf, Hon. Akinyemi Olaide, Mrs. Stella Oketete, Dr. James Lulu, Chief David Lyon, Abba Ali, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Barr. Ismail Ahmed and the CECPC National Secretary, Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe. By the approved CECPC decision, the tenure of the caretaker committees at each level from Ward, Local Government, State and National will end immediately elections are held at their respective levels and its officers immediately take oath of office terminating with the National Convention. At the meeting, the CECPC National Chairman expressed the profound gratitude of members of the Committee to the President and members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the trust, confidence and the opportunity given to them to serve the party. Governor Mai Mala Buni informed the President that the CECPC has during the period under review led the party to contest in several elections and by-elections with overall success rate of 95 per cent. On the peace and reconciliation efforts, the CECPC National Chairman informed the President that the committee commenced its assignment on a a desire to foster genuine reconciliation on solid foundation, by giving all issues and every aggrieved member fair hearing and objectively placing party interests above individual interests. Buoyed by the CECPC transparent and objective approach to the problems that bedeviled the party and the renewed confidence and trust in the Party, aggrieved individuals and groups who either left or sued the party in various courts, willingly accepted reconciliation and withdrew all litigations against the party, Governor told the Presodent. "Your Excellency, with your excellent leadership roles for the party, we are witnessing high-powered defections including serving governors from the PDP to our great party. It is also interesting that the fortune of the party in the last year has greatly improved across the country, and especially in the South-East, which has been the stronghold of the opposition. I am pleased to state that the party is now more peaceful, more accommodating, and more united with greater prospects than when we came on board," The CECPC National Chairman reported to the President while presenting the Progress Report. On the hugely successful and record setting membership registration, revalidation and register update exercise, the CECPC National Chairman told the President that as part of measures to reposition the party, the Committee found it expedient to establish the numerical strength of the party as provided by the party constitution and help strengthen the partys planning processes for congresses, conventions and general elections. "It is with a sense of satisfaction that I submit to Your Excellency that the exercise was successfully executed with a record of over 40 million members who either registered as new members or revalidated their membership with the party," the CECPC National Chairman stated. The CECPC National Chairman informed the President that the Committee has setup a Registration Appeal Committee to hear matters arising from the exercise to ensure that no member is left out. The CECPC National Chairman informed the President of newly set up committees to reposition the party including a Sensitization and Mobilisation Committee on Youth, Women and People Living With Disabilities which contributed tremendously to the success recorded in the nationwide membership registration, revalidation and update exercise. He also disclosed that a Contact and Strategy Committee was constituted with a clear mandate to meet with all party stakeholders in every state to come up with a generally acceptable and people-based template for the smooth conduct of the Congresses and Convention. On the Constitution Amendment/Review Committee constituted to look into ambiguities and loopholes to check unnecessary litigations and promote internal democracy, the CECPC National Chairman told the President that the Committee has concluded its assignment after conducting public hearings in all the six geo-political zones with 500 memoranda received from party members. He stated that plans are being made to submit the new constitution to the President before presentation to the convention for ratification. To cement the new cohesion in the party, the National Chairman reported to the President that the CECPC administration convened the first ever Conference for Youth. On the forthcoming Anambra Governorship Election, the CECPC National Chairman notified the President that 14 aspirants indicated interest to contest the election through purchase of expression of interest and nomination forms, all of whom had been cleared by the Screening Committee as eligible to contest. A Primary Election Committee has also been constituted to conduct the primary election on 26th June 2021. As a measure to provide a backup to the primary election committee, a ‘Reinforcement Committee has been constituted to ensure that the election is conducted freely, fairly, and transparently. The CECPC National Chairman stated. Among other achievements in the CECPC's administration of the party, the National Chairman informed the President that the CECPC inherited liability of unpaid legal fees to the tune of N340million, but successfully negotiated and brought down the fees to N179 million which is now fully paid. Also, with respect to court cases bordering on CECPCs legitimacy and election-related matters, the National Chairman informed the President that the party secured a judgment affirming the legality of the CECPC. *'Buhari House'* Also, the National Chairman informed the President that the CECPC has concluded payment of the outstanding balance and has taken over the ownership of the building housing the APC National Secretariat “I also have the honour to inform you that in recognition of the untiring leadership role you have provided to our great party and the nation, and the democratic legacy you have put in place, the CECPC has approved to name the National Secretariat of the Party after you. The secretariat will henceforth be known as ‘BUHARI HOUSE,” Governor Buni disclosed. The CECPC National Chairman informed the President that the Committee had been very cautious and meticulous in making arrangements to conduct credible, transparent, flawless and generally acceptable Congresses and Convention for the Party to produce a strong leadership that will enjoy the support, trust and confidence of all members. "At all times, we have enjoyed the confidence of Mr. President and enjoyed your leadership. In developing the timetable for the congresses and convention, the support to conduct a credible election cannot be overemphasized; this will also justify the successes recorded and the status of the new APC that we have all dreamt of. Your Excellency sir, once again, we appreciate the honour and confidence you and the NEC members have reposed in us and our ability to execute this very important assignment." The CECPC National stated. SIGNED: *Sen. John James Akpanudoedehe Ph.D.* National Secretary Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) All Progressives Congress (APC) 25th June, 2021

Buhari allocates houses to Super Eagles AFCON ’94 team by Stephen Angbulu

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), has approved the allocation of three-bedroomed flats to the Super Eagles Squad who won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1994. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Buhari allocates houses to 1994 Super Eagles squad, winners of the African Cup of Nations.’ The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved allocation of three-bedroom houses to the Super Eagles squad that won the African Cup of Nations in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1994, making real a promise by the Federal Government. “Following a memo by Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the President approved the allocations in their states of preference, noting that six players and three technical crews received their houses already. “The players are Peter Rufai, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorounmu, Uche Okechukwu, Samson Siasia, Efan Ekoku, Sunday Oliseh, Benedict Iroha, Isaac Semitoje, Mutiu Adepoju, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Austin Eguavoen and Wilfred Agbonavbare (Deceased). “Others are Uche Okafor (Deceased), Thompson Oliha (Deceased), Stephen Keshi (Deceased), Christian Chukwu, Dr Akin Amao, Stephen Edema, Col. A Asielue and B. Aromasodun.”

More than a year after abrupt cancellation, UNILAG set to hold 51st convocation.By Mojeed Alabi

A pre-convocation press briefing to be addressed by the vice-chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, would hold on June 30. More than one year after the hopes of 13,489 fresh graduates of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, to receive their honours were abruptly dashed as a result of the cancellation of the institution’s 51st convocation ceremonies, the institution has announced new dates for the ceremonies. The cancellation, which followed the directive of the National Universities Commission (NUC) based on an instruction by the minister of education, Adamu Adamu, was announced on March 5, 2020. The announcement came just 24 hours after the university’s vice-chancellor, flanked by the members of the management and senate of the institution, addressed a press briefing to announce the schedules of activities to mark the ceremonies. The decision, which attracted public condemnation, was the climax of the frosty relationship between the Ogundipe-led university management and the governing council which was chaired by Wale Babalakin, an alumnus of the university and a lawyer. But a notice issued on Wednesday by a principal registrar, corporate affairs office at the communication unit of the office of the vice-chancellor. Nonye Oguama, noted that a pre-convocation press briefing to be addressed by the vice-chancellor, Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, would hold on June 30, 2021. Convocation cancellation Since 2017 when Mr Ogundipe assumed office as the university’s 12th substantive vice-chancellor, the relationship between his management and the governing council led by Mr Babala has been frosty. The relationship peaked in May, 2019, when the governing council set up an investigative committee to probe allegations of financial mismanagement, among others, against Mr Ogundipe. There were queries and counter-queries between the two quarters leading to peaceful protests by workers’ unions on the campus. The climax was when Mr Babalakin complained to the minister that the scheduled convocation ceremonies did not receive his blessings and urged the minister to halt the process. But the university management said the same governing council approved the N70 million budget for the ceremonies, and countered the claim that it wasn’t carried along. The workers’ unions on the campus, and particularly the university’s chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also intervened and argued that the law governing the university puts the matter of convocation under the purview of the university senate, the management and the chancellor. The union said the pro-chancellor, who is the governing council chairman, has no role to play in matters of convocation. But in his reaction to Mr Babalakin’s complaint, the minister through the ministry’s permanent secretary, Sonny Echonu, wrote to the NUC, as the regulatory agency, to inform the university of its suspension order. The university, PREMIUM TIMES learnt, received a memo from the NUC on March 3, less than 24 hours after the VC’s pre-convocation press briefing, confirming the decision of the minister. Many graduands, parents and well-wishers who had arrived Lagos from far distances including overseas ahead of the ceremonies, were disappointed by the last-minute action, and heaped the blame on the governing council. Some national dailies including The Guardian, wrote editorials on the development, analysing the possible consequences of the action on the image and branding of the ivory tower. The crisis eventually consumed the university’s governing council as President Muhammadu Buhari, in November, 2020, announced its dissolution and reinstated the then suspended vice-chancellor. Varsity sends results to graduands As a damage control measure, the university opted to send to each of the graduands a soft copy of the statement of results. The decision, which was endorsed by the university’s senate, was aimed at assuaging the angry graduands and offered them an opportunity to own a document that could help in their career or further academic pursuits. New date set Apparently following the constitution of a new governing council, the university has said it is committed to covering the lost grounds. “The coronavirus pandemic did a huge blow too, but without letting down the guard, we are prepared to reclaim the glory and return the university to the right path to excellence,” Mr Ogundipe said recently. The university has, therefore, lined up series of activities to mark the aborted 51st ceremony, including exhibition and convocation lectures. According to the notice by Mrs Oguama, the governor of the central bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, will on July 5, deliver the convocation lecture. The event is scheduled to be chaired by the overseer of citadel global community church, Tunde Bakare. “The congregation for the award of first degrees, diplomas, certificates and prizes to graduating students of the faculties of education, social sciences, arts, environmental sciences and science will take place in the morning and afternoon sessions on Tuesday, July 6,” the notice states in part. The event is scheduled to end on July 8 with the congregation for the award of PhD, degrees and best PhD award of the school of postgraduate studies and conferment of honorary doctorate degrees, emeritus professorship and distinguished professorship.