EFCC ARREST
S FORMER MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, CHARLES CHUKWUEMEKA UGWUH, FOR AN ALLEGED CONSPIRACY AND FRAUD TO THE TUNE OF N3.6BN
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Chukwuemeka Ugwuh, for an alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N3.6bn.
Ugwuh was arrested alongside Chief Geoffrey Ekenma on January 11, 2024 at No.2, Musa Yar Adua way, New Owerri, Imo State, following a petition to the Commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-Minister.
Investigations revealed that Ugwuh and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., allegedly obtained a loan facility from the bank for the purchase and production of polished rice.
However, the suspect, according to the petitioner, failed to meet up his obligations to the bank and all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 15, 2024.
EFCC arraigns Joel Mba Okodi on an eight-count charge bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheque.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Command, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, arraigned one Joel Mba Okodi before the Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State.
He was arraigned before Justice C.C. Okereke on an eight-count charge bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheque.
Count 8 of the charge reads: “That you Joel MBA Okodi on or about the 12th of September, 2019 at Orlu within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently issued a First Bank Cheque No. 85621949 dated the 12th of September, 2019 in the sum of Ten Million Naira, N10, 000.00 in favour of Pauly Merchandise Enterprises in partial fulfillment of your financial obligation to him in the sum of Fifty Million Naira, N50, 000, 000.00 only, and when the said cheque was presented for payment, it was dishonoured due to insufficient funds standing to your credit. Issuing dishonored cheques is contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and (b) (i) and (ii) of the Dishonoured Cheque (Offences) Act Cap D11 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation) 2007.”
When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded ‘not guilty’ and in view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, M.T. Iko prayed the court for a trial date, which was not opposed by the defense counsel N.N. Chukwuemeka. He, however, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail.
Justice Okereke granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50, 000,000, Fifty Million Naira, and two surtees in like sum. The two surtees must swear to an affidavit of means of livelihood and must own a landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy, C of O.
Justice Okereke also asked the defendant to produce a three years tax clearance for identification and thereafter adjourned the matter till February 29, and March 7, 2024, for commencement of trial and hearing of bail application He ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending fulfillment of his bail condition.
The defendant was arrested based on the claims of a petitioner alleging that sometimes in 2018, Joel Mba (1st Defendant), his firm, Okosi Brown Enterprises Limited and Okodi Atta (currently at large), Effiong Peter (currently at large), Mohammed Shasi (currently at large), Geogry Edet (currently at large), and Anthony Bassey Etim (currently at large), presented themselves as representatives of the Akwa-Ibom state government. According to him , the defendant and his co-accused approached him that they were authorized to sell a dilapidated Abestonic Industrial Scrap Company located at Oron Local Government Area on behalf of the state government, for N140, 000,000.00 (One Hundred and Forty Million Naira).
The petitioner allegedly made an initial deposit of N52, 000,000.00 (Fifty-two Million Naira) with a promise to make a balance payment of N88, 000,000.00 (Eighty-eight Million Naira) in two weeks. After the initial payment, he allegedly discovered that the said authorization by the state government to Mba and his firm had been reversed. Upon this discovery, the defendant allegedly issued a dishonoured cheque to the petitioner and further efforts made to recover the rest of the money proved abortive.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOVERNORS, OTHERS STORM IBADAN FOR AKANDE AT 85
…President, Lagos Gov Praise Former APC National Chairman
President Bola Tinubu, his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), National Assembly members and eminent Nigerians stormed Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State on Tuesday for the 85th birthday celebration of former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Osun State, Chief Adebisi Akande.
President Tinubu and other dignitaries from all walks of life, which included elder statesmen, serving and former public office holders, politicians, leaders of Civil Society Organisations and Captains of Industry, among others, converged on the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, for Akande’s 85th birthday, celebrated with the unveiling of the Adebisi Akande Foundation and a lecture titled “The Leadership Question: Prospects for Nigeria.”
The Guest of Honour, President Tinubu was represented by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu while Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Guest Speaker, was represented by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum.
The event was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; elder statesmen, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Prince Tajudeen Olusi; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), traditional and religious leaders, among others.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu described Chief Bisi Akande as “one of the moving forces of progressive movement in Nigeria.”
President Tinubu disclosed that Akande has been a close friend, ally and advisor to him through the years, noting that perhaps, he would not be where he is today as President of this country without the help and support Chief Akande has given. “Many countless other people will also affirm that he has had the same positive effect in their lives as he has in mine,” he declared.
The President said: “Baba Akande turning 85 is a landmark achievement that calls for celebration. We must also be thankful to God for his life and for giving the nation an eminent leader like him. He remains one of our respected elder statesmen in Nigeria who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our country for effective governance.
“I have benefited immensely from Baba Akande’s good knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of issues as they affect Nigeria and the Western part of the country.
“Beyond his sagely contributions to our national development and political evolution over the decades, the most enduring aspect of his enviable life is his forthrightness, integrity, reliability and spartan life which he imbibed from his leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. All these attributes have served him well in all the positions he had the rare honour to occupy in his illustrious life.
“A committed democrat, die-hard progressive, and prudent yet compassionate leader of men, Chief Akande has done much for this country and for the progressive family. He has been a prominent architect of our nation’s progressive political parties.”
President Tinubu, stressed further that “If anyone needs a reliable and dependable compatriot as an ally, Chief Akande is that man anyone can go to battle with. Since we transitioned from the defunct Alliance for Democracy to Action Congress, from Action Congress to Action Congress of Nigeria and now the governing All Progressives Congress, Chief Akande has remained a constant feature. l salute his courage and commitment to democratic and Progressive ideals.
“Whether in public office or later in life in his capacity as pioneer Chairman of ACN or as Interim Chairman of APC, Chief Akande brought honour and integrity into the discharge of his responsibilities.
“He could not have done otherwise. Baba had been sold early in life on those noble values of honesty, integrity, conscience, courage, hard work, perseverance and the importance of a good name among others.
“Highly principled and perceptive, Baba Akande is selfless and intensely patriotic. He gave more to others than he gave himself. What he has given to his family, his Osun State, to the Yoruba race, he also gave to this country: the very best.
“He is one of the few leaders still around who can be called a true disciple of Chief Awolowo. Like Chief Awolowo, Baba Akande has devoted his public life to engendering a truly democratic, just and egalitarian society where all people are given the opportunity to attain a happy and prosperous life.
“Just as Chief Awolowo did for him, Chief Akande has been a father figure and a mentor to younger politicians across the country particularly in the South-West. He is a consummate teacher, tolerant and cosmopolitan in outlook, and an excellent human being. He is charitable and equally helpful to all who come in contact with him no matter their station in life.”
Speaking in his capacity, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said Chief Adebisi Akande is a teacher, leader and cosmopolitan man.
He said: “I have the rare privilege to call you my father. I appreciate those little moments when you have called, advised, admonished, encouraged and corrected me as a person, father, and leader of people. I want to thank you for who you are and for what you have been to many of us.
“He is a man that all of us will continue to drink from his wealth of experience. You are a teacher and leader but you are also a cosmopolitan man. You are a man that understands the reality of today because even from your age, you have the sense to put together the reality of today.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
16 JANUARY 2024
PRESS RELEASE
IBADAN EXPLOSION: SANWO-OLU SYMPATHISES WITH OYO GOVT, VICTIM’S FAMILIES
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government over the Tuesday Ibadan explosion that led to the death of two persons and injured 77 people.
He also extended heartfelt sympathies to the immediate families of the victims and the entire people of the State, particularly Ibadan residents over the explosion allegedly caused by illegal miners, who stored explosive devices in one of the houses in the Bodija area of Oyo State capital.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the sad incident as disheartening and unfortunate, wishing the people of Oyo State, particularly the victims, peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Sanwo-Olu also commended Governor Makinde for the prompt deployment of first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State, as well as earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights and security for comprehensive search and rescue operations at the scene of the explosion.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the Ibadan explosion that led to the destruction of many properties in the vicinity with records of two fatalities and 77 people injured on Tuesday night at Bodija in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“It is painful and worrisome that the explosion was caused allegedly by illegal miners, who stored explosive devices in one of the houses in the Bodija area of the State. Sadly, the carelessness and unlawful activities of the illegal miners have brought sorrow to many families and the State.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I sympathise with the immediate families of the victims of the explosion, the government and people of Oyo State.
“I wish Governor Seyi Makinde and all the people of Oyo State, particularly the Bodija residents and victims’ families, peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
“I want to assure my brother-Governor that the good people of Lagos State stand with you in this very difficult time. We pray that God would comfort the victims’ families and the entire people of Oyo State, particularly the Bodija residents, who were affected by the disaster.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 JANUARY 2024
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF BOOKS ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 IN ABUJA
First of all, I thank the organisers of today’s book launch for providing me the opportunity and the ambience to reunite with my predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, since he left office on May 29, 2023.
When President Buhari was leaving office he said he would retire to Daura, far away from Abuja to enjoy his well-deserved retirement from public service. I remember he added that if his supporters and friends deny him of enough rest in Daura, he would run to the Republic of Niger.
Well, as you all know, he can no longer escape to Niger Republic because of the border closure.
I am therefore extremely happy to receive him here in Abuja. We are all here today to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18.
President Buhari served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. First as a military officer who offered unblemished service, manning important commands and political positions, and crowning it as military Head of State on 1st January 1984. Second, as a politician who ran four times for the highest office until he was elected President in 2015.
The authors of the books we are here to present to the public have done justice to the essential Muhammadu Buhari, especially on his tenure and legacy as the 15th President of Nigeria.
Femi Adesina, who served him as the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, authored one of the books titled:’Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity ( 2015-2023).”
I particularly thank Femi for using his memoirs to let us into the challenging eight years of the administration and how his principal steered the ship of State.
President Buhari assumed office at a very difficult period of our national life when the economy was spiralling into recession and Boko Haram had taken over swaths of our territory in North East. At a point it appeared even Abuja, the seat of government would fall into the hands of Boko Haram with the bombing of the UN Building, Banex Plaza, Nyanya and other locations within the Federal Capital Territory. We cannot easily forget how our armed forces battled the Boko Haram terrorists under the leadership of President Buhari to reclaim our territory and push them to the fringes of Lake Chad where they no longer pose existential threat to our sovereignty.
I must say the job of securing every inch of our country is yet to be finished. My government will stamp out the remaining vestiges of Boko Haram, Ansaru, banditry and kidnapping gangs. We won’t rest until every agent of darkness is completely rooted out.
The second book that will be presented today is a collection of five volumes book on the Buhari years. The book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015-2023)” gives an authoritative account of the stewardship of President Buhari.
Beyond what the editor of these volumes has recorded as the achievements of President Buhari in his eight years as a democratically-elected President, history will also be kind to him as the leader who promoted local production of goods to grow our economy.
It will be said glowingly of President Buhari that in his eight turbulent years, marked by acute shortage of revenue, Covid-19 pandemic that shut down the global economy for almost two years, his administration embarked on the most ambitious infrastructural renewal for the country.
President Buhari gave us the second Niger Bridge. He revamped Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He gave us the Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-Itakpe Rail lines. He completed Abuja-Kaduna rail line and Lekki Seaport. He built brand new airports, among many other landmark economic projects. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, which he started, will be completed by my administration, by the Grace of God.
Whatever unresolved challenges faced by President Buhari in his eight years, our administration will endeavour to resolve them. As I said during the campaigns, I inherited all his assets and liabilities.
Our administration will continue to work , from where President Buhari stopped, to make our country better, create a vibrant economy and secure the environment to bring more prosperity to our people.
I thank you all for coming to this event and for finding time to honour President Buhari and the organisers. And I welcome President Buhari back to Abuja.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE WILL RECEIVE MORE ATTENTION, PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES NIGERIANS
President Bola Tinubu says his administration will give more attention to education and healthcare, as well as provide the enablements for industrialization and investments in consonance with his vision of creating an economically stable and prosperous country.
Speaking at the second-term inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, in Owerri, on Monday, President Tinubu said he is well-attuned to the concerns of citizens, assuring them that the challenges brought on by very essential reforms are being addressed.
“In the past 40 years, a few people were cornering our common wealth, and calling it subsidy, but I call it wasteful. Right now, we are all bearing and sharing that pain. But things are looking up. Things will get better for the good of all Nigerians. With me, there is hope.
“I assure you that there will be substantial development in education for your children; priority on industrialization; healthcare will receive more allocation and attention. We will train more health workers,” the President said.
President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodinma for his stewardship in Imo State, describing him as the “real hope” of the state.
“It is a great honour for me to be here in Imo State. And to congratulate the people of Imo for being discerning and determined to vote into a second term, a very unique individual who resonates with a progressive agenda, Senator Hope Uzodinma,” he said.
The President said he is committed to building a united and secure country, noting the peace and security in the state, adding: “Before now, people were afraid of coming to Imo state, but today Imo is safe and open for business. What we have learnt from this experience is the importance of unity, cooperation, and a focus on our internal security.”
President Tinubu implored the governor to work even harder for the people, emphasizing that hard work is the reward for a re-election.
“I assure you that your hopes are renewed. Be assured of the support of the federal government to ensure rapid development of your state,” he concluded.
Speaking after the administration of oaths of office by the Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, Governor Uzodinma pledged that his second tenure would be an uncommon tenure in the execution of policies.
“We have been able to lay a solid foundation for accelerated economic growth and development of our state. We also addressed the decay we met in the civil service, the decay we met in the education sector, and the health sector. In addition, we addressed the lingering problem of unemployment through the variety of youth empowerment initiatives.
“We carried out a digital version of dealing with the unemployment market, which included the provision of digital and other portable skills, including artificial intelligence to our teeming young men and women,” he said.
Unfolding his priorities, the governor said the next four years of his administration would focus on deepening the shared prosperity mantra through massive infrastructural expansion, adding that the vision of his government is anchored on a 10-year development plan which has the capacity to make the state self-sufficient.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 15, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU: KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY UNGODLY; WE WILL EMBARK ON MASSIVE EDUCATION EFFORT
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks, describing the development as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister.
Speaking when he received a delegation of Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden, a highly respected Islamic Movement, at the State House, in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu said while security agencies are acting with dispatch to immediately address the current challenge, all required resources, policies and plans will be rolled out soon for the massive education of Nigerian youths.
The President said education is the antidote to the troubles agitating the nation, adding: “There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning.
“I can assure you that we are here to change the life of our people. We are here to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
“We are dedicated to building a lasting peace with a focus on the comprehensive education of our children. We will get our teachers and their owners involved in an education process that will be relevant to the future of this country. It is important. Knowledge brought me here with your prayers and your support. Without knowledge, there is nothing to generate hope for mankind,” President Tinubu said.
The President also emphasized that it was important to promote updated knowledge through existing islamic learning institutions for youths in Northern Nigeria to speed up development in the region, in Nigeria, and throughout Africa.
“Please embark on special prayers. Embark on proper education for our youths. Kidnapping and banditry are not the way of God. Shedding each other’s blood is bad. And there can be no development without peace. It is only in the area of peace that we can eliminate poverty. We must work for peace in order for our economy to grow better,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, the Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden leader, Sheikh Muhammad Lamine Niass encouraged the President to continue implementing his reform initiatives while affirming that his movement, which is reputed for its promotion of peace and tolerance, would continue to pray for Nigeria’s peaceful development.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 16, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO NIGERIA
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership of Nigeria and commitment to probity, propriety, and service.
Speaking at the launch of two books on the former President; Working with Buhari: Reflections of a former Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, by Femi Adesina, and Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy, by Dr. Udu Yakubu, President Tinubu said Buhari demonstrated integrity and transparency in leadership.
The President said the former President has kept his word not to interfere in government matters after leaving office.
“When you left office, you left a lot of pens and files for me for continuity. I inherited the liabilities and assets of my predecessor.
“You told me it will be difficult to please everyone as a leader. You advised that I should work hard and satisfy my conscience,” he said.
President Tinubu stated that former President Buhari inherited a tottering economy and an overwhelming security situation, but that the former President was able to start the process that would guarantee stability.
“I am glad that history has been reintroduced in our schools, and this will be part of our curriculum,’’ the President said on the books.
Describing former President Buhari as an organized and disciplined person, President Tinubu urged him to continue to be a pillar of the nation’s development, even after retirement.
Earlier in his remarks, former President Buhari thanked the President for attending the event, highlighting some of the peculiarities of the office, which include the likelihood of being misinterpreted and misunderstood.
“We kept records of our stewardship. This event is part of accounting for our two terms in office. Government is a continuum. You run and hand over to the next person,” Buhari said.
The Chairman of the occasion, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, commended the former President for actions taken to buoy the economy, contain insecurity, and stabilize the polity.
“You handed over to President Tinubu; it was great. It was really great to hand over to President Tinubu, another great leader who will give Nigeria a new direction,” General Gowon added.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 16, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISERATES WITH OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, VICTIMS OVER IBADAN EXPLOSION
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.
“It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” the President said.
President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.
The President has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January