Operations Running Smoothly - EFCC Spokesperson | Leadership Newspaper

The spokesperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Dele Oyewale has said normal activities and operations are running smoothly and seamlessly in all its Zonal Offices across the country and its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

This is coming after of days of interrogation and intensive scrutiny of the management of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which has led to the suspension of its acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu and some directors.

Oyewale noted that “admittedly, latest developments in the Commission and the subsisting Coivd-19 protocols have necessitated a scaling down of activities.

“However, visitors on invitation by the Commission are, in no way, affected by the restriction.”

He also noted that the EFCC is deeply committed to the anti- corruption agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari and every Nigerian is enjoined to continue to shun and expose corrupt practices anywhere, anytime, noting that “The EFCC is on course and its values remain sound and robust.”

Our correspondent, who visited the Jabi office of the EFCC observed that the tension which had hitherto, taken over the office, has reduced as everyone was going about their daily activities.

Also, some staff who spoke to LEADERSHIP stated that everyone has come to the understanding that Magu was no longer in charge and everything has changed.

Recall that there was mild drama in the EFCC as to who takes over leadership at the Commission, pending the appointment of a new chairman.

While some supporters of the secretary to the Commission, Olanipekun Olukoyede had prepared for him to take over since he is the second in rank of leadership of the Commission, a memo, with order from the presidency had came and changed the game plan.

By the memo, the Director of Operations, Mohammed Umar took over the leadership of the Commission in acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive chairman by president Mohammadu Buhari.

Corruption fight: We’re behind you, Youth Council tells Buhari

ABUJA-THE National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, declared support for President Muhammadu Buhari in his anti-corruption war, urging him to sustain the tempo.

The youth body which insisted that it was solidly behind the president, assured him of its total support in his anti-corruption drive.

Speaking in Abuja during an anti-corruption walk tagged, “National Youth Solidarity Anti-Corruption Walk”, it organised, NYCN President, Comrade Solomon Adodo, said Nigerian youths were impressed with the determination of the president to rid the country of corruption and return it to its glorious past.

The walk, which drew hundreds of youth from across the country, commenced at the Unity Fountain and was expected to terminate at the Villa gate, where the council will deliver a letter of solidarity to the President.

In the letter read to journalists, Adodo applauded the President for the huge cash and assets recoveries made so far by anti-graft agencies, arguing that never had such feat been achieved in the nation’s recent history.

He said of particular note, was the ongoing forensic audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with attendant shocking Revelations by the dramatis personae.

“We write to you, our father, role model and capable leader on the above subject matter, and we bring you solidarity greetings from the Nigerian Youths at home and in the Diaspora.

“Your determination to save us from the destruction which endemic corruption entails for the future is appreciated by the Nigerian Youths. This is the reason for our Solidarity Rally today, and this letter to convey our stand to you in writing.

“The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) thank you and stand by you for all the loots recovered so far. Despite all the sabotage by some of the people you have entrusted with sensitive assignments, the Anti-corruption fight is on a good course.

“Today, amongst other things, the country has recovered a lot of monies looted from our common treasury, and properties acquired through corruption. We have also been saved from the criminal nightmare of the P&ID by the focus of your Government, especially through the efforts of your Patriotic and loyal Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN.

“We know that hell has been let loose because of your insistence that the quantum corruption in the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) must be thoroughly investigated. This is the first time a Nigerian President is committed to saving the Niger-Delta people through Probity. All the culprits and opposition have aligned to deceive the country, malign your person, and criticize the Government. But the Nigerian Youths are with you. We shall win those detractors and punish them under our law for their crimes”, Adodo said.

He added that: “Despite the works of the opposition, we thank you for being open about the sabotage of the Anti-corruption fight from within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This is the first time the EFCC itself is being cleansed, all because of your single-mindedness in fighting corruption. God bless you.

“Your Excellency, let us use this opportunity to thank you for your leadership recruitment ingenuity in appointing and supporting a capable Attorney General and Minister for Justice like Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN who has against all odds kept faith with your Sanitization Agenda. The enemies of your Rescue Government are deploying all strategies.

“But our observation shows that he is equal to the task of defending and protecting your vision for a corrupt-free Nigeria. While expressing our unshaken solidarity with you, we commend him for the sincerity and courage in utilizing his office to help protect your Government and its mission and vision.

“The distractions of the naysayers are being tackled by the youths, whose future you work for. Just stay focused and busy with the more important things of building a country that will not collapse on us. They shall be defeated, Insha Allah!

“Finally, we use this medium to bring to your attention desperate attempts by traducers of your government to sponsor and string Media campaign including sponsored editorials against your good person and the ever-diligent Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice”.

Vanguard

NiMet predicts thundery, rainy weather for 3 consecutive days

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rains from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja, said there were active weather systems currently observed over parts of Borno, Abuja, Kogi, Taraba and some parts of the southeast.

According to the weather outlook, there are chances of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Kano, Yobe, southern Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Adamawa and Taraba on Tuesday.“Thunderstorms are still expected over parts Borno, Katsina, Yobe, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Gombe, Zamfara and Bauchi during the afternoon and evening hours.

“There are prospects of morning rains over Nassarawa, Abuja, Plateau and Kogi, leaving other places in the central region in cloudy skies in the morning hours.

“Thunderstorms are anticipated over the entire region in the afternoon and evening periods,’’ it said.NiMet predicted cloudy skies across the inland cities of the south with chances of light to moderate rains over the southeast inland to affect parts of Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Cross River in the morning hours.

The agency, however, envisaged the afternoon and evening to hold prospects of thunderstorms over a wider area of the entire inland cities.

It forecast, predominantly cloudy in the morning over the coastal cities with possibilities of morning rains over Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom.

It further forecast light to moderate rains over the stretch of the coastal belt during the afternoon and evening period.

According to NiMet, cloudy skies are expected over the Northern region in the morning of Wednesday with chances of thunderstorms over Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Taraba.

“In the afternoon and evening period, few thunderstorms are expected over Borno, Bauchi, Yobe, Jigawa and Adamawa while morning rains are likely over Niger, Abuja, Benue and Nassarawa as other places remain cloudy.

“During the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Plateau, Nassarawa and Kogi axis.

“The inland cities of the south should be predominantly cloudy in the morning while the entire region should watch out for rain showers in the afternoon and evening hours,’’ it said.

The agency predicted intermittent rains over the coastal cities throughout the forecast period.

According to the agency, morning thunderstorms are likely over parts of Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi on Thursday with the rest of the region in cloudy skies during this period.

“Thunderstorms are expected over Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Katsina, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba while the north-western parts should be in cloudy skies during the afternoon and evening hours.

“The north-central cities are likely to be cloudy with prospects of overnight thunderstorms over Abuja, Niger, Nassarawa and Plateau in the morning.

“Later in the day, cloudy skies with thunderstorms are expected over the region.

“Moderate rains are anticipated over the southern region in the morning hours while the coast is expected to experience moderate rains in the afternoon and evening periods.’’

 (NAN)

Third Mainland Bridge closure:FERMA intensifies alternative routes rehabilitation

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on Monday said it was speeding up alternative routes repairs to ensure smooth rides and avert gridlock during closure of the Lagos Third Mainland Bridge for repairs.

Mr Rufus Onimisi, FERMA South West II Zonal Coordinator, said this during site inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in Ijora 7Up area of Lagos.

Recall  that the Third Mainland Bridge will be closed for six months for another phase of repair works from Friday.

Onimisi said that FERMA had been busy fixing bad roads and fast tracking rehabilitation of major alternative routes to avert traffic congestions during the bridge’s closure.

He said that the agency had completed repairs of the Oyingbo/Iddo section and immediately moved its equipment to continue work on the Ijora 7Up area.

“Our agency carries out maintaince all year round and these roads are in our programme but we are expediting action because of the Third Mainland Bridge that will be closed on Friday.

“Here the graders are scarifying the bad materials, it is damaged ashpalt so we are removing them.

“We will now introduce stone base, and then we have two layers of asphalt, we have the binder course which we are going to lay on the stone base after which we will now lay the wearing course.

“We just finished the work at Iddo we started since Saturday and moved our equipment here, and we have a load of ashpalt to lay on the already prepared portion over there,” he said.

He said that the agency was stabilizing the road on Agege Motor Road with bounders while it tackles a major drainage problem causing flooding before embarking on permanent repairs.

“As I am talking, we are working between Moshalashi to Mushin on the road,” he said.

Onimisi listed roads that had been repaired and still receiving attention to include Herbert Macaulay Way, Oyingbo, Bode Thomas, Eric Moore, Ijora Course Way, Ijora Olopa and Iddo roads.

He added that the Federal Ministry of Works and the Lagos State Government were also working on some sections.

Onimisi said that desilting of major drains between the Iganmu and Ijora Bridges were ongoing to address flooding and constant road failure around the area.

Drama as Fayose-led Ekiti PDP camp take secret oath

Drama ensued in Ekiti State on Monday as members of the political camp of the former governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Ayodele Fayose was allegedly forced to take a secret oath as contained in a viral video.

It was just like a home movie as the wards executives, in the video which lasts five minutes and seconds, pledged unflinching allegiance to Fayose and laid curses on should they by any means betray him.

Vanguard gathered that the move was allegedly taken to prevent some of them from shifting allegiance and moving to Senator Biodun Olujimi’s Repositioning group.

The PDP in the state has for some time been polarised into two factions over leadership issues between Fayose and Olujimi.

In the video, each party executives after mentioning their names, then they declared; “If I betray Osokole Ayo Fayose, may the ground swallow me.”

Among the notable personalities in the sinister oath-taking process include the former PDP Chairman in the state, Chief Bola Olu-Ojo, former member of the State House Assembly, Hon Dayo Akinleye Maxima and Mr. Mike Adeosun.

Others include Mr. Segun Ademile, Mr. Aniyikaye Michael Ayo, Mr. Olayiwola Oderinde, Princess Oriade Adefunke, Mr. Ayo Komolafe, Mr. Michael Ojo, and Mrs. Yemisi Fajuyi. The others were Mr. Taye Olusile, Osalusi Niyi (Youth Leader), Oni Dada, Wale Owoeye, Dele Mackurly, Mr. Abiodun Olu, Kehinde Agbede, Olu Asiwaju, Adeola Adebayo, Kayode Olaleye and others.

A party source, who confided in our reporter said the party leaders were coerced into the oath-taking

Reacting to the video, the former state PDP Chairman, Chief Olu-Ojo denied indulging in any secret oath, describing the allegation as malicious”.

Olu-Ojo said, “it was not oath-taking but an affirmation of loyalty to our leader Fayose”.

“There was nothing secret. It was an open meeting. It was not an oath-taking because in the course of activities there was a Bible, Quran, Iron, blood, and other objects to swear with.

“It was an individual opinion. Nobody repeated anything after me. Everybody stated whatever they wanted to say on his or her own accord. There was no Special language while reading. It was individual words that were used. And we were making their pledges in the manner which is an affirmation”, he added

Also reacting, Fayose who spoke through his media aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka denies that there was oath-taking.

“Did you see Fayose in that video? Did you see any object like the Bible, Quran, iron, if no, how does that amount to oath-taking?

“When people gathered to express their allegiance to their leader, how does that amount to oath-taking. I can tell you that the video was not leaked, it was released by one of the people there. If they have done something wrong, would they have released it?

” We have seen the picture of Chris Ngige in Okija shrine, did you see those people in good the shrine performing the ritual. There are more important issues in the country than what happened at Ijero Local Government. ”

Vanguard

'I only smoke, I don’t sell hemp’, suspect told court

A suspected Indian hemp smoker, Babarinde Muritala, 30, on Monday told a Federal High Court, sitting in Osogbo, Osun state, that claim by the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, that he was selling Indian hemp was false.

He admitted to smoking Indian hemp but stated that the two bags claimed by NDLEA officials to belong to him were not his property.

The prosecutor, Mr. Ogaga Azuigo had told the court that the defendant was arrested at Akinlalu village, Modakeke, Osun State.

Meanwhile, a narcotic officer, Yakubu Umar, who testified against the defendant, said a wrap of Indian hemp was found with the defendant at a bunk in Akinlalu village.

He added that the defendant took the officials of NDLEA to a house where 4.7kg of cannabis was found.

But, the defendant insisted that the hemp belonged to another person who took to his heel on sighting the NDLEA officers.

Justice Peter Lifu thereby adjourned to July 24 for the defense to open his case.

Vanguard

I’ll ensure women’s interests are protected, says Ajibade, NBA presidential candidate

One of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA’s presidential candidates, Mr. Babatunde Ajibade(SAN), has promised to provide standards and regulations to ensure that guidelines are put in place that enable women to ‘whistle-blow’ when they are harassed in the workplace.

He said: “Women have come a long way in the legal profession in Nigeria. They have made great advancements. But we are clearly not where we would like to be. There is a lot of ground to cover still.

“For example, what is the ratio of women in NBA appointments? Is it anywhere close to the ratio of women who are members of the NBA relative to men?”

Ajibade continued: “What is the state of our work environment? How many of our law firms provide crèches for our nursing mothers, so that they can look after their children while at work?

“How many of our law firms provide women with flexible working hours so that they can work as well as meet their obligations to their families? How many of our courts have conveniences that women can use?

“What about the big elephant in the room? What about sexual harassment? What about the fact that women are being molested and many a time feel like they are not in a position to complain? The NBA must address all these issues.

“What is my plan? My plan is to work actively with the NBA Women’s Forum. The forum is a veritable platform to address the challenges that women face in the profession.

“And under its current leadership, it has been doing great things. But it needs more support. It needs the support of NBA leadership.

“We will improve the standards, the regulations and ensure that guidelines are put in place that enable women to whistle-blow when they are harassed in the workplace.

“We will ensure that there is greater gender inclusion in NBA appointments not just in elective offices. Join me to make the NBA better for women.”

VANGUARD