Forfeiture: Court Begins Hearing in Alison-Madueke’s Suit against EFCC October 6

Forfeiture: Court Begins Hearing in Alison-Madueke’s Suit against EFCC October 6

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, adjourned till October 6, for definite hearing in the suit filed by former Petroleum Minister, Deziani Allison-Madueke, challenging the forfeiture of some of her assets to the federal government.

Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after lawyers representing parties in the suit identified and regularized their processes in the matter.

When the case was mentioned on Monday, Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Mr Godwin Inyinbor told the court that the matter was for hearing but that they were served with two motions to which they had responded.

Responding, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Mofesomo Oyetibo, SAN, informed the court that he was appearing in the matter for the first time.

While also admitting that the matter was coming before him for the first time, trial judge, Justice Umar subsequently adjourned the matter until October 6 for definite hearing.

The former petroleum minister in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/21/2023, prayed the court to extend the time to apply for an order to set aside the EFCC’s public notice issued for the sale of her properties, on the grounds that the orders for the forfeiture of her assets were made without jurisdiction.

Alison-Madueke submitted that she was denied fair hearing in the proceedings that led to the forfeiture orders.

Among the reliefs she is seeking from the court includes; the voiding of the EFCC’s public notice on the sale of her properties.

She contended that the various court orders issued in favour of the EFCC violated her constitutional right to fair hearing as enshrined in Section 36 (1) of the 1999 Constitution.

She further claimed that she was never served with the charge sheet, proof of evidence or summons regarding the charge against her.

Besides, the plaintiff argued that the court was misled into granting the forfeiture order due to the suppression or non-disclosure of critical information.

On its part, the anti-graft agency wants the court to dismiss the case on the grounds that she had been properly brought before the court.

According to the commission, the application for final forfeiture of the said assets had been properly instituted and conducted following all legal requirements.

The EFCC in addition pointed out that the properties had been duly disposed of following the court’s order, which had been made in 2017 and which had not been overturned on appeal.

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Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, adjourned till October 6, for definite hearing in the suit filed by former Petroleum Minister, Deziani Allison-Madueke, challenging

Governor Uba Sani makes fresh appointments in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has made several appointments in a bid to reposition some state-owned enterprises, aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and contribute effectively to the government’s economic revitalisation efforts. A statement issued on Monday by Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced that Ahmed Shehu Haruna has been appointed
Governor Uba Sani makes fresh appointments in Kaduna

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has made several appointments in a bid to reposition some state-owned enterprises, aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and contribute effectively to the government’s economic revitalisation efforts.

A statement issued on Monday by Ibraheem Musa, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, announced that Ahmed Shehu Haruna has been appointed as the Acting Managing Director of the Kaduna Markets Development and Management Company.

According to the statement, Barrister Naymarie Musa-Akande is now the Managing Director and CEO of Kaduna Industrial and Finance Company Limited.

The statement further explained that Ibrahim Abdulkarim Adamu is now the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Livestock Regulatory Authority, while Ibrahim Yusuf becomes the Managing Director of Kaduna Ranch Development Company Limited.

The governor congratulated them on their well-deserved appointments, charging them to be adaptive, innovative, and competitive to effectively serve the citizens of Kaduna State while also contributing to the economy.

Governor Uba Sani makes fresh appointments in Kaduna

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CDS Proffers Solutions to Insurgency, Terrorism, Banditry in New Book

CDS Proffers Solutions to Insurgency, Terrorism, Banditry in New Book

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has proffered workable solutions to growing security threats such as insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.

Some of the workable solutions contained in his new book, titled “Insurgency, Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria: Admonition to Nigerian Youths,” include promoting inclusive governance, solving poverty issues in society, and cultivating essential family values like love, tolerance, honour, and empathy.

Reviewing the book during its unveiling and a multi-sector conference on countering extreme ideology among youths in Nigeria, particularly in Northeast operational theatres in Maiduguri, the book reviewer Prof. Ikenna A, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, said the CDS also encouraged extensive development at the grassroots level.

Prof. Ikenna noted that the Defence Chief believes insurgency stems from deep-seated political, social, and economic issues left unchecked for years.

The book reviewer further stressed that the CDS believes addressing interconnected socio-economic and political problems behind insurgency is crucial for peace and harmony to thrive in the country.

In his remarks, General Musa said the security situation in Nigeria is improving and called on Nigerians to support the military and other security agencies to tackle the escalating security situation in some parts effectively.

He said, “I want to appeal that we should not get tired; things are getting better. We must continue to cooperate with the military and other security agencies so that we can have total peace in the North-east, North-west, and North-central.”

The Chairman of the occasion, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, represented by Hon. Engr. Gambomi Marte, assured legislative support to security agencies and the government for peace and progress.

He urged participants to spread knowledge on counter-insurgency operations in the region.

The Chief Executive Officer of Kalthum Foundation for Peace, Ummukalthum Mohammed, appreciated the CDS, his troops, and stakeholders for their efforts against Boko Haram and other terrorism.

General Musa, along with the Theatre Commander North East, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and philanthropist Dr. Paul Odilli, paid a sympathy visit to wounded soldiers, where Dr. Odilli announced a donation of medical equipment and drugs worth billions of Naira and provision of 20 sets of 3-bedroom flats.

The conference, themed “Countering Violent Extremism: The Role of Educational Institutions and Students,” was organised by the Kaltum Foundation for Peace, Network of Civil Society Organizations, and Borno State Youth Parliament.

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Linus Aleke in Abuja The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has proffered workable solutions to growing security threats such as insurgency, terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other emerging

Ekiti: Police probe fatal stabbing, arrest two

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Joseph Eribo, has directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man identified as Deji Ojo, who was stabbed during a violent altercation in the Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti, the state capital. Ojo reportedly sustained stab wounds during a clash on Saturday evening
Ekiti: Police probe fatal stabbing, arrest two

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Joseph Eribo, has directed a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a man identified as Deji Ojo, who was stabbed during a violent altercation in the Atikankan area of Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Ojo reportedly sustained stab wounds during a clash on Saturday evening and was later pronounced dead at a hospital where he had been rushed for medical treatment.

CP Eribo, while addressing the incident, assured the public that the command will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to bring those responsible to justice. He called for calm as investigations unfold.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ekiti State Command, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to the statement, “Preliminary findings show that at approximately 6:45 pm on the said date, an unidentified man arrived at Atikankan to distribute alms to homeless persons and others in need.

“Shortly after his arrival, two rival groups of suspected hoodlums approached him, each demanding financial assistance. An argument broke out between the groups, escalating into a violent confrontation during which the victim, Deji Ojo, was stabbed.”

Abutu added that the police acted swiftly, arresting two suspects, while others involved in the attack are still at large. He confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest all parties connected to the crime.

Ekiti: Police probe fatal stabbing, arrest two

Strike: SSANU insists on payment of two months salary arrears

There are strong indications that the battle to pressure the Federal Government to settle outstanding two months’ salaries owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, is far from over. SSANU members, rising from their 51st National Executive Council, NEC meeting held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology,
Strike: SSANU insists on payment of two months salary arrears

There are strong indications that the battle to pressure the Federal Government to settle outstanding two months’ salaries owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, is far from over.

SSANU members, rising from their 51st National Executive Council, NEC meeting held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State, are set to further pressure the government to pay the salaries. This is seen as a way of demonstrating good faith and maintaining industrial harmony within the university system.

A communiqué signed by SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, also bemoaned the poor welfare of university workers, especially a new trend of salary delays.

“NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. NEC therefore, urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two months withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith and commitment to restoring industrial harmony within the university system.

“NEC also decries the persistent delay in salary payments to federal universities, often weeks after other federal workers have been paid.

“This discriminatory practice is both unjust and unacceptable. The union demands the immediate harmonisation of salary disbursements across all federal and state institutions to ensure fairness and equity,” Ibrahim cautioned.

SSANU equally deliberated on the controversial earned allowances, accusing the Federal Government of double standards.

It’s worth recalling that the Federal Government recently released N50 billion for the payment of earned allowances but directed that the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, take the lion’s share, while other sister unions share 20 per cent of the amount.

Ibrahim stated, “NEC strongly frowns at the inequitable and negligible allocation of the N50 billion earned allowance, wherein only 20 per cent  which amounts to N10 billion was allotted to the members of the three non-teaching unions (SSANU, NASU and NAAT).

“This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian Universities. It is also in breach of the MoU signed with the Joint Action Committee, JAC, of NASU and and SSANU in August 2022. NEC calls for a redress of this injustice meted to our members in the universities and inter universities centres”.

The SSANU NEC also discussed the prevailing insecurity in the country, urging the government to declare a national emergency and instil professionalism among the various security agencies.

“NEC in session expresses grave concern over the worsening state of insecurity across the country, particularly the recent mass killings in Benue, Plateau, and other dtates. The council calls on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on security, including investing in modern security infrastructure and rejigging the security architecture through intelligence gathering and professionalisation of security agencies.

“NEC further urges the government to address the root causes of violence particularly poverty, youth unemployment, and social injustice through targeted development and empowerment initiatives,” Ibrahim stated.

Strike: SSANU insists on payment of two months salary arrears

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Oyetola inaugurates Senator Adeyeye-led NPA governing board

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, led by its chairman, Senator Adebayo Adeyeye. In a statement on Monday by the minister, the inauguration took place in Abuja. Speaking at the event, Oyetola urged the board to focus on strategic policy direction
Oyetola inaugurates Senator Adeyeye-led NPA governing board

Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, led by its chairman, Senator Adebayo Adeyeye.

In a statement on Monday by the minister, the inauguration took place in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Oyetola urged the board to focus on strategic policy direction while maintaining sustained harmony with the management, led by the agency’s managing director, Abubakar Dantsoho.

“Today, I had the honour of inaugurating the Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority, a critical step in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for institutional reform and economic renewal through the marine and blue economy.

“The new board is to focus on strategic policy direction while maintaining a clear boundary from day-to-day management, as outlined in the NPA Act and the Public Service Rules. Sustained harmony between the board and management is key to achieving our shared goals.

“Congratulations to the chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, and all members of the board. I wish you a tenure defined by innovation, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the national interest,” he stated.

For his part, the chairman of the NPA Governing Board, Senator Adeyeye, lauded President Bola Tinubu and the minister for the confidence reposed in them and assured them they would do their best.

This comes months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Senator Adeyeye to the board of the NPA in July last year.

Other members include Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, and Barr. Kelechi Igwe, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel, and Dr. Mercy Ilori, who represents the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Also, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, the Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services, Engr. Olalekan Badmus, the Executive Director of Marine and Operations, and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, are members of the board.

Oyetola inaugurates Senator Adeyeye-led NPA governing board

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