BY Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Abdulraheed Bawa, to re-engineer and restore professionalism in the anti-graft agency.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, on Sunday in Abuja urged Bawa to avoid the pitfalls of his immediate predecessor.

Ologbondiyan advised him to resist all partisan pressures to use the agency as a tool for political persecution, harassment of dissenting voices, settling of personal scores as well as for personal enrichment.

He said that such tendencies eroded professionalism in the EFCC, compromised its activities and diminished the public confidence with regard to fairness, impartiality and even-handedness in the handling of cases.

Ologbondiyan noted that the EFCC was established to fight corruption and not as a tool for oppression and intimidation of innocent Nigerians for political and other unjustified reasons.

“The PDP notes that for the first time, the Chairman of the EFCC is drawn from the pool of trained investigators of the commission

“Nigerians expect the new chairman to bring the benefits of his training to bear by sanitising the system and restoring professionalism in line with international best practices.

“Furthermore, our party urges the new EFCC Chairman to bear in mind that, given his young age and training, he should exhibit the ideals of the Generation-Next Nigeria in reciprocation of the confidence Nigerians repose in him.”

By Dorcas Elusogbon

A former President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Ifeayinwa Omowole, was on Saturday installed the Yeye Omisewa of Araland in Osun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Omowole was installed by the Alara Oodaye of Araland, Oba Adebisi Layade, at his palace in Ara, Ife South Local Government area of the state.

The traditional ruler said that the Oba-in-Council decided to choose Omowole for the chieftaincy because of her love for women and the fact that she had carried out several children empowerment in the town.

According to him, the newly-installed Yeye Omisewa has contributed immensely to the progress and development of the town.

He urged the new chief to further utilise the chieftaincy for the development of the community.

Layade said that the chieftaincy was the first of its kind, liking it to riverine title: Omisewa of Araland.

According to him, water is life, noting that the community is situated around a living spring and that the river therein flows to Osun Osogbo river and Ogun river, among others.

The traditional ruler said that the citizens of the town were predominantly farmers, planting cash crops for human benefits.

He urged Omisewa to use her capacity and connections to bring infrastructure to the community, as people had not been enjoying any government assistance.

“In this village, we lack electricity, good road, potable water, qualitative health facilities and standard schools, among others,” the royal father said.

In his speech, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Culture and Tourism, Mr Raheem Opesina, described the newly-installed Yeye Omisewa as a round peg in a round hole, noting that she was worthy of emulation and deserved the chieftaincy.

Opesina added that Omowole had been useful to the state in her advisory roles to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

“Omisewa Omowole deserved the chieftaincy because she’s interested in cultural activities and tourism.

“I knew this woman last year during Osun Osogbo festival; she advised us on ways of boosting the state economy through our ministry, which we have since been planning on.

“So, I am sure that this chieftaincy will benefit the people of this community, for she will surely bring some investors to the land and the state at large,” he stated.

“Responding, the newly-crowned Yeye Omisewa thanked the traditional ruler and the Oba-in-Council for the honour done to her, promising to bring more development to the land.

She expressed appreciation to the chiefs, her colleagues and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.

Omowole said that she would try everything within her capacity to standardise the village to the extent that foreigners would be coming for tourism.

“We Yoruba don’t value our culture and tradition, and many valuable things have eluded us. So, it is better we gear up and resuscitate our values, instead of deceiving ourselves.

“I will try to revive all the abandoned tourism sites to the extent that foreigners will be coming for them,” she said.

The installation was attended by staff members of NAN and NAWOJ national officers, led by its National President, Mrs Ladi Bala, Mrs Lilian Ogabi-Okonkwo, Deputy National President; Mrs Fatima Rasheed, Treasurer and Mrs Helen Udofa, Secretary.

Other NAWOJ officers present were: Mrs Nawoola Akingbehin, Vice-president, B Zone; Mrs Funmi Adekoya, Secretary, B Zone and Mrs Yinka Bode-Are, Assistant National Secretary.

Also in attendance were: Mr Sola Oladapo, Secretary, NUJ, Oyo State council; Mr Debo Osundun, SWAN Chairman, Lagos chapter; Mr Tunde Olalere, Secretary, NUJ, Lagos State council and Mr Akeem Abass, Treasurer, NUJ, Oyo State council, among others.

By Lizzy Okoji

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi says national unity is critical in achieving peace, security and development as he called for a new Nigerian devoid of ethnic and religious divide.

Bello made the call on Saturday in Abuja after receiving an award of Excellence conferred on him by some former Super Eagles players for his excellent leadership in Kogi.

The players, led by a former striker, Augustine Eguavoen, included some of the National team that led Nigeria to the African Cup of Nations (Tunisia 94) and the Olympics (Atlanta 96).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegation includes Austine Okocha, Taribo West, Tijjani Babangida, Victor Ikpeba Garba Lawal, Victor Aghali and Ifeanyi Udueze

According to Bello, Nigeria can become at par with developed countries and enjoy peace if citizens become united same way they are united while watching football, a game he described as a unifier.

He said that unity, cooperation, dedication, selflessness and sacrifices were the factors that made the Super Eagles to excel back in the days, wining at the African Cups of Nations in 1994 and the Olympics in 1996.

Bello said that the same opportunity for national unity was, however, being provided in the All Progressive Congress (APC) under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The governor urged Nigerians to use the current opened window to join the APC irrespective of their tribe or religion to advance national unity.

“Our people say if you do not know where you are going you should know where you are coming. We must at all times reflect on all of these and the time is now.

“1994, 1996 is just yesterday and what we would hope is that after the Tunisia 94, Atlanta 96, our hope would have been that we should have lifted the World Cup back to back but it is still a mirage.

“We hoped that by the year 2021 that we are in now, we should have a developed Nigeria, we hoped that by now we should have been competing with the United States of America, Great Britain and every other developed countries of the world,” he said.

According to him, as of 94, 96, those years, when you see your arch enemy, you will embrace him because the Super Eagles were winning.

“In those days, we do not care if you are a Yoruba man or a Fulani man, all we cared about was let the Super Eagles win at that time.

“You played in synergy, worked together, you created a synergy. You all seized that opportunity, the leadership of that moment that put you together.

“That opportunity is available now and it is being presented to us now and I want Nigerians, not only the citizens of Kogi State, not only the Footballers but Nigerians generally,” he said.

He said that what happened far back in 94, 96, not only for the Super Eagles that brought that unity, victory and development was available now in the APC.

“It is available under our leader, and our father, President Muhammad’s Buhari has provided that opportunity for us.

“You would not have been able to develop your self if you have not been given the opportunity. That is the opportunity the APC is providing now.

“In this country, we want unity, in this country we want peace and security, in this country we want development, in this country we are aspiring that one day we should be able to complete with the developing worlds.

“And, we must participate in the process that is on going to usher that great leadership,” he said.

He said that was the kind of leadership his government was providing in the state where more than 95 per cent of his Cabinet and government officials have never met him before.

“But what is important for me is your patriotism, your ability to serve and contribute to make our state develop”, Bello said.

Bello said that in a bid to achieving development, his administration built a state that was previously disjointed, disunited by ethnic divided, and a hot bed of criminality in the country.

He, however, noted that he was able to change the narratives by putting the already existing security agencies together, changing the orientation of the people to embrace peace and security and today

“Kogi State is one of the most secured states in the country,” he claimed.

Bello also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for listening to the call of the youths by appointing Abdulrasheed Bawa as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said that as a youth he was optimistic that Bawa would change the narrative of the commission, with good leadership to curb corruption, a leading cause of underdevelopment and insecurity.

Bello said that the youths were ready to take leadership in 2023 and President Buhari had provided an opportunity for the next generation that would fix Nigeria

He said that he would not fail in the task given to him by the party to mobilise youth, women and People Living with Disabilities

Speaking earlier, Eguavoen commended Bello for the giant stride he had achieved in the state and beyond.

Eguavoen said that Bello had made great impacts especially in youth and women empowerment and they are proud to identify with his moving train.

He pledged the support of the ex-football nationals to his political ambitions as they called him to vie for positions that would make his good deeds even more beneficial to more Nigerians.

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Lizzy Okoji

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has dismissed the application of a third-party applicant, representing 6,500 parties seeking inclusion to benefit from a N50 billion consent judgment of the court.

The court had awarded a consent judgement on the matter in 2017, ordering N50 billion as compensation to the victims of remnants of explosives from Nigeria’s three year civil war.

The Court disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja following its ruling on the matter on Feb. 25, read by Justice Dupe Atoki, judge rapporteur.

Atoki said that the Court ruled that the Applicant TP3 provided no evidence to substantiate its claim qualifying all 6,500 applicants under TP3 to partake in the compensation awarded in the consent judgment of the Court.

Atoki said that the Court also ordered all the parties to bear their costs.

According to the statement, the ruling of the court was premised on the provisions of the United Nations Policy on Victim Assistance in Mine Action, 2016 and Article 9 (1) B.

Justice Atoki affirmed: “It is expedient at this point for the Court to state clearly that a third party application is not a carte blanche (French expression for unrestrained freedom) for all comers to seek to be joined in a process that has led to a judgment.

“It is a closed door that can only be opened to parties who must prove a prejudice will emanate from their continuous shut out having established concurrently that they fall within classification of victims in the said judgment.

“Although the Court held it had jurisdiction to hear the suit and declared it admissible, the Court upheld the preliminary objection of the initial Applicants – Vincent Agu & 19 others.

“And the fourth and fifth respondents comprising two companies retained by the government for the demining exercise in the original application – and declared TP3 as lacking locus standi/legal personality to file the application.

“The Court upheld their argument after it observed that TP3 did not establish a right inherent in the consent judgment.

“For it to be joined as party since they did not justify their claims by proving they were directly affected or inflicted with injuries from the mine explosives and remnants of the war.

“However, the Court dismissed their objection that the application was statute barred for lack of evidence,” Atoki said.

According to Atoki, the third party Applicant TP3 comprising Pastor Dan Ekpemsidem & 6,499 allegedly living in communities in Nigeria’s Delta, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa and Benue states filed an application premised on the consent judgment.

She said that in the suit ECW/CCJ/APP/06/12/TP.3, the Applicant had alleged that only selected victims were captured in the consent judgment of the Court.

She said that the Applicant had urged the Court to stay execution of judgment and vary it to include them as beneficiaries of the compensation awarded by the Court.

Atoki further said in a counter argument, that the initial Applicants, Vincent Agu & 19 others in the original application and the fourth and fifth Respondents raised preliminary objections challenging the appropriateness of TP3 before the Court.

She said the initial applicants alleged TP3 were not victims of mine explosives thereby lacking locus standi to file the application and urged the Court to dismiss the suit alleging that TP3 application was equally statute barred.

She said that the Court had awarded N50 billion as compensation to enumerated victims of land mines explosives and other remnants of the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970 as identified in its consent judgment.

Atoki added that the Court also awarded another N33 billion to the fourth and fifth defendants for completion of the demining of the areas affected.

“All Third Party Applicants TP1-11 claimed to be victims of mines and explosives, remnants of Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970, who were excluded from the consent judgment.

“However, the Third Party applications of 10 of the third party applicants – TP1, TP2, TP4 to TP11 excluding TP3, which were earlier consolidated.

“Notified the Court that the terms of settlement has been drafted as agreed by the parties excluding TP3 and presented to the Attorney General of Nigeria,” Atoki said in the ruling.

According to the statement, Counsels to the parties involved in the present terms of settlement urged the Court to deliver a ruling barring the filing of further third party applications concerning this matter pending the adoption of the terms of settlement scheduled by the Court for 9th of March 2021.

Also on the panel were Hon. Justices Edward Amoako Asante (presiding) and Januaria Moreira Costa.

By Angela Atabo

Save the Children International (SCI), an NGO has urged  journalists to create awareness on government’s social protection programmes among citizens.

Mr Kayode Ajumobi, National Programme Manager of Child Development Grant Programme (CDGP), a Social protection programme under the SCI made the call during a three-day Social Protection Awareness Training for media in Kaduna .

Ajumobi said that such media informative reportage would help to ensure that the country was on the right path in terms of social protection.

He commended the Federal Government who in spite of the decline in the source of revenue continued to fund the social protection programme .

He added that the government needed to do more to create awareness and improve transparency and accountability in the sector.

“We believe journalists have a very important role to play in helping to hold the government to account to live up to their responsibilities .

“You won’t be able to do this work if you don’t have a good understanding of what social protection means and I thought that this training affords us the opportunity to provide you an orientation on social protection and its key concepts.

“To know what the Federal and state governments are doing at the moment in terms of social protection and the participation of citizens and civil society organisations in the current social protection landscape.

“We believe with you being aware of all of these going on in the social protection landscape; you will be able to play a very important role in helping to disseminate these information create awareness among citizens hold government officials to account.’’

Ajumobi said that a lot of people did not know that social protection or palliative distribution was their right and an obligation of the government and thought they were being magnanimous.

He said that social protection was a human right, and the Nigerian government signed up to it and not that they were doing citizens a favour .

He said that by bringing journalists together to enlighten and provide them with index orientation on social protection, SCI believed that their reportage on social protection would significantly improve .

He said that as part of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) involved in third party monitoring of social protection programmes some loopholes were observed.

Ajumobi noted that  the Federal Government had continued to pay cash to beneficiaries in the cash transfer program and it brought a lot of operational cost to the progamme.

He called for a full digitalisation of Cash Transfer for the social protection programme to save cost adding that if beneficiaries got the cash paid into their accounts for easy access, most beneficiaries won’t have to travel long distances.

He said that another challenge observed was that the grievous mechanism needed to be properly redressed.

This ,he said was because some people might get their payment cash receipts of  three thousand  instead of five thousand naira, unaware of the opportunities or tools in which they could complain and seek redress.

Ajumobi said that although the Social protection was a Federal government initiative, SCI Child Development Grant Programme (CDGP) was strengthening the social support system in Nigeria.

“We have three outputs which we are working towards in creating an enabling environment for social protection policy and institutions, ensuring evidence for social protection in collaboration with CSOs.

“This creates accountability, transparency for social protection policies and institutions, we work to help strengthen the system of the government with the revision of the national social protection policy. ‘’

Ajumobi said that the policy which was developed in 2017 ran out in 2020 and was spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning and SCI was at the forefront as well.

He said that CDGP, was being implemented by Save the Children and Action Against Hunger since 2014 in Nigeria.

He said that in the first phase, the progamme was positioned as a “Cash Plus for Nutrition”, aimed at contributing to the reduction of the high malnutrition levels in Northern Nigeria.

Ajumobi said that it targeted and provided cash-transfer to pregnant women and women with children under the age of two years, in selected communities of Zamfara and Jigawa states.

He said that since the commencement of the second phase of implementation in 2019, CDGP continued to collaborate with the government of Nigeria at the national and state-levels across its four focal states of implementation.

“The programme has continued to support the government to strengthen policy and legislation, support the design and delivery of social protection programmes, and work with CSOs and media to stimulate political will and promote accountability.

Delta Government says the Asaba Airport Concession will fetch more than N80 billion revenue at the end of the 30-year period.

Prof. Sylvester Monye, Senior Policy Adviser to Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, said this while briefing newsmen on decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba on Thursday.

He explained that contrary to opinions, the whole process that led to the concessioning of the airport were open and transparent and took almost five years to actualise.

He said that there was no state in Nigeria that had the capacity to manage airport, saying that the state government had instead sought the help of the Federal Government.

According to him,  the consortium Asaba Airport Company Limited is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which represents a bigger umbrella that houses many business entities that also won their bids to perform specific transactions to work together for the realisation of a common goal.

“So, this consortium was registered as a legal entity in Nigeria on Oct. 13, 2020 as an SPV to enable the state government monitor the concessionaire to meet the requirements for the transaction.

“Let me take you through the process that we are very proud of.

“Before we started with the issue of concession, as a state we did not have the expertise, so we engaged the services of transaction advisers,’’ Monye said.

He added that the state government advertised for the financial adviser, saying that this was done in a transparent manner and government finally engaged an adviser of international repute.

“There was an inception report. That is the feasibility study of the project; the status of Asaba Airport to date.

“Nobody will invest into a business if it is not viable and we did not just arrive at 30 years.

“It was based on detailed financial analysis of investment returns. So every stage of the transaction was done in a transparent way.

“We had several meetings with various interest groups. We published, we had road shows and we went to China to talk to the Chinese.

“So, we advertised in three national newspapers where we invited the bidders to an open bid process and the whole process took close to five years,’’ he said.

According to Monye, the concessionaire will pay N1 billion to the state government in 15 days’ time.

“Again in this transaction, they will pay annual royalty of 2.5 per cent of their turnover, which according to the feasibility study will amount to about N43.4 billion,” Monye said.

He said, “In addition, they will give us investment in assets; hotel, cargo terminal, among others, the upgrade of the airport to the tune of N28 billion and in addition pay the state N100 million yearly with 10 per cent escalation.

“So, on the whole, we expect to get about N80 billion in terms of revenue over the period of concession.

“Currently, what we are getting from the airport as revenue is less than 25 per cent of the cost of running the airport,’’ he said.

“Currently, Delta state is owing National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) N70 million and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMe)t about N70 million as well.

“We are owing Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) about N67 million but today all these cost and liabilities will be wiped by the concessionaire.’’

Monye said that at the end, the state would build a giant airport city because at the end, everything that would be invested would be handed over to the state.

On his part, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said all who won their bids separately were required by the state government to function under a single umbrella, Asaba Airport Company Ltd.

“We did not sell our airport; we want to take it beyond flying and flying out but make it an economic hub.

“Because the various business entities are now to operate under the same umbrella, the concessionaire’s document was signed by certain persons on behalf of the consortium,’’ Aniagwu said.

He noted that the council had directed heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strictly enforce the Coronavirus (COVID-19) protocols.

He said that the council also approved for construction, rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of four roads in Warri and Asaba.

By Sunday John

Nasarawa State Government has lauded the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for empowering 1, 200 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Awe and Keana local government areas.