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Tag: Chairman

  • BREAKING: Court orders arrest of INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu

    BREAKING: Court orders arrest of INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu

    A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the arrest of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, for failing to appear in court.

    Justice Stephen Pam issued the warrant of arrest on Thursday after Mahmood’s absent in court for the third time.

    Justice Pam had on July 5 ordered Yakubu to appear before him to show cause why he should not be sent to prison for contempt of court.

    The judge made the order for Mahmood to appear before it while ruling on a preliminary objection by INEC and its Chairman in a contempt proceeding filed by Ejike Oguebego and Chuks Okoye, Chairman and Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, respectively.

    Five days later, on July 10 when the court sat again, the INEC boss did not appear before the court.

    The trial judge asked the police to effect the arrest immediately.

    Justice Pam had at the last three sittings ordered the INEC chairman to appear before the court to show cause as to why he should not be committed to prison for contempt.

    The INEC chairman is however yet to respond to the court’s ruling.

  • BREAKING: Buhari emerges new ECOWAS chairman

    BREAKING: Buhari emerges new ECOWAS chairman

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday emerged the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS).

    This was revealed by the Chief Official photographer to the president, Bayo Omoboriowo on Tuesday via his official Instagram handle @bayoomoboriwo.

    President Buhari appointed Chairperson of ECOWAS

    A post shared by Bayo Omoboriowo (@bayoomoboriowo) on

    Buhari was elected during the 53rd Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government which concludes in Lome, Togo on Tuesday.

    He is expected take over from President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo.

    Recall that Buhari departed Abuja on Sunday for Lome in company with a team of two governors and five ministers.

    Also in the delegation are Babagana Monguno, the national security adviser (NSA); Abayomi Olonisakin, chief of defence staff; Ahmed Abubakar, the DG of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); and Godwin Emefiele, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Other countries that initially showed interested in the chairmanship are Ghana, Sierra Leone and Cape Verde.

     

    Details later…

  • JUST IN: Lagos PDP chairman, 10 others, arraigned, remanded for murder

    The Lagos State Magistrates’ Court in Yaba has ordered that the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State, Moshood Salvador, and 10 others should be remanded in the prison custody over the alleged murder of the party chairman in the Apapa Local Government Area of the state, Adeniyi Aborishade.

    The remand order was made by a chief magistrate, Mr Oyetade Komolafe, shortly after Salvador and the others were arraigned by the Police on two charges of conspiracy and unlawful killing.

    The Police told the magistrate that Aborishade was murdered last Saturday, July 21, during the PDP’s “visitation meeting” that held at Igbosuku Village, Eti-Osa Local Government Area.

    The prosecution said Salvador and the others “acted contrary to the law” and were liable to be punished under sections 233 and 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    Those charged along with Salvador were Kehinde Fasasi, Rotimi Kujore, Fatai Adele, Ismaila Abiola, Amos Fawole, Victoria Falowo, Mukaila Odukoya, Oropo Isaac, Mohammed Babangida and Ugochukwu Nwoke.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the two counts pressed against them.

    The magistrate, while adjourning the case till August 27, 2018 to await the advice of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions, ordered that the politicians be remanded in the prison custody.

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police had, earlier in the week, cautioned the PDP against the disruption of peace in the state.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Police spokesman in Lagos, CSP Chike Oti, said Aborishade was allegedly shot last Saturday during a fight between the loyalists of Salvador and Kehinde Fasasi.

    Oti said, “In the melee, one Honourable Borishade Adeniyi was allegedly shot and injured on the leg and was rushed to First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, where he was treated but eventually died.

    “The corpse of the deceased was deposited in the hospital mortuary and two other persons allegedly injured during the clash were also receiving treatment in a hospital in Ajah.”

    The police spokesman added that five suspects had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.

  • Senate confirms Musiliu Smith as PSC chairman, six other members

    The Senate on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Musiliu Smith as chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

    Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari recently nominated Smith to take over from Mike Okiro, also a former IG.

    Others confirmed by the Senate are Clara Ogunbiyi, Lawal Bawa, and Muhammad Najatu.

    Others are Braimoh Austin, Rommy Mom and Nkemka Oshimiri Jombo-Ofo.

    The lawmakers made the confirmation after voice votes which followed the consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Police Affairs.

    While congratulating the new appointees, Senate President Bukola Saraki said the Senate fast-tracked the approval because of the competence of nominees.

    “Let us congratulate the new members of the Police Service Commission and at the same time commend the quality of the candidates that have been nominated and brought forward by Mr. President. It gives us all a lot of hope and encouragement that all our efforts to see that this crucial aspect of our security architecture reform will begin with this process.

    “We wish all the members the best of luck. They have a lot of expectation from Nigerians and before this nomination that is why we fast-tracked the nomination. A lot of people are expecting, with their experience, the capacity of the people now in the service commission, to support the police in carrying out the necessary reform that is required; particularly in ensuring that we drive a merit orientated police force, performance driven, that would motivate all the necessary members to do the right thing to provide us security.

    “Let us at the same time also ensure that they look into the areas of rewarding performance in being able to compensate those who have worked hard.

    “Once again I congratulate these members and I wish them the very best,” he said.

  • Buhari mourns late Punch Chairman, Wale Aboderin

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr Gbadebowale Aboderin, who passed away at the age of 60.

    The President, in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Garba Shehu, also commiserated with all members of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the media and sports industry in the country on the death of the respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.

    President Buhari believed that Aboderin, who was greatly admired by his peers in the media and sports industry, will be long remembered for his resourcefulness, managerial proficiency and invaluable contributions to the growth of these sectors.

    The President prayed that God Almighty will comfort all who mourn him and grant his soul eternal rest.

     

  • Alleged fraud: Court declares Innoson motors chairman wanted

    Justice Mojisola Dada of the special offences court sitting in Lagos, on Thursday declared the Chairman of Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma wanted over his failure to make an appearance in court for his arraignment for the fifth time.

    Chukwuma, alias Innoson is standing trial in a matter between his company and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

    Justice Dada had declared the automobile boss wanted, granting the request of Anselem Ozioko, the lead prosecuting counsel of the EFCC.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Innoson had previously failed to make an appearance in court for his arraignment on Jan. 17, Feb. 9, March 14 and April 25.

    His failure to appear before the court for five consecutive times informed the issuance of bench warrant.

    During the proceedings of March 14, it was revealed that Innoson had petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) over Justice Mojisola Dada, the judge trying the case.

    Ozioko in his submission seeking the declaration of Innoson wanted said: “This appears to be the fifth time this matter is coming up before your Lordship for arraignment.

    “The learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria representing the second defendant (Innoson) is still insisting on taking his application without ensuring the defendant is physically present in court.

    “The question is, where is the second defendant? Is he too big for the court? Is he too big for the Federal Republic of Nigeria? Is he too big because he has money? Where is he?

    “What my learned friends, the defence counsel are doing is contemptuous.

    “We shall be applying for an order to declare the second defendant wanted.”

    Acceding to Ozioko’s request, Justice Dada said, “The second defendant is hereby declared wanted and the case adjourned until June 22 for possible arraignment.”

    Earlier, during the proceedings, Ozioko had informed the court that the anti-graft agency will also be taking some steps to ensure Innoson’s attendance in court on the next adjourned date.

    Counsel to Innoson, George Uwechue (SAN) had requested that the court hear his application despite Justice Dada’s declaration that no application will be heard until Innoson is physically present in court.

    “At the last hearing, the court maintained its position that it will not take its pending application unless the first defendant is arraigned.

    “We were about to cite our position regarding the court’s declaration but we were interrupted by the prosecuting counsel and that interruption led to today’s proceedings.

    “Whatever we did that day, we sincerely apologize; we urge this court to allow us to continue our presentation.’’

    Prof. J. N Mbadugha, counsel to Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd, in his submission told the court that he had an application challenging the jurisdiction of the court.

    Mbadugha informed the court that he had made an appeal at the Court of Appeal over the case.

    Justice Dada however maintained her position that the applications of the defence will not be heard until Innoson is physically present in court.

    NAN reports that Chukwuma and his company, Innoson Motors Nigeria Ltd., are to be arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to obtain property by false pretences, obtaining property by false pretences, stealing and forgery.

    According to the charge sheet, the defendants committed the offences between 2009 and July 2011 in Lagos.

    The EFCC alleged that the defendants with intent to defraud; conspired to obtain by false pretences containers of motorcycle, spare parts and raw materials, property of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) from Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd, Apapa, Lagos.

    They are alleged to have fraudulently induced staff of Mitsui OSK and Maersk Line to deliver to them via their clearing agents the goods which were imported from China in the name of GTB by falsely pretending that they were authorised by the bank to clear the goods.

    The prosecution claimed that the defendants in order to facilitate the fraud forged a bill of lading numbered 598286020 of Maersk Line Limited and 11007950841 of Mutsui O.S.K Lines by knowingly putting a false GTB stamp and signature of the bank staff.

    The alleged forgery was in order that the forged documents be used or acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of any person within Lagos or elsewhere.

    The offences contravened Sections 1(1)(b), 1(3), and 8(a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2016 and Sections 309(9), 388, 465 and 467(1)(j) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State 2003.

  • Buhari appoints former IG Musiliu Smith PSC chairman

    …to succeed Mike Okiro

    President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed former Inspector-General of Police, Musiliu Smith, as Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

    Smith is to succeed former IGP, Mike Okiro.

    Buhari also appointed five others as members of the PSC.

    President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, read Buhari’s letter seeking legislative confirmation of the appointment as well as members of the commission

  • 2019: Oyinlola writes Buhari, tenders resignation as NIMC chairman

    2019: Oyinlola writes Buhari, tenders resignation as NIMC chairman

    A former governor of Osun, Mr Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has resigned his appointment as the Chairman of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Oyinlola, in a resignation letter dated May 9, and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, said he resigned his appointment to attend to a greater political engagement.

    The letter, which was signed by Oyinlola in Osogbo on Thursday reads:

    “Sir, I write to resign my appointment as the chairman of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with effect from today, 9th May, 2018.

    “Your Excellency, I must put on record my very deep sense of appreciation for the special privilege and consideration you gave me to serve our fatherland in that capacity.

    “As I stated in my appreciation letter to you shortly after the appointment, the offer was a clear call to service.

    “I gave the job the dedication it deserved and would have loved to continue but I regret to inform Your Excellency that I have a new, greater political engagement that will make that difficult and even impolitic.

    “Sir, as one of my bosses in the army, I believe you would understand my stand given recent political developments.

    “The training I got as a decorated officer and gentleman precluded me from engaging in any act that could amount to disloyalty and conflict of interest.

    “I am moving on to chart a new course in my politics outside the ruling party and this thus, demands my dropping the NIMC chairmanship.

    “I thank you, sir, once again for the great honour and confidence reposed in me.

    “However, there is time to take a job and another time to leave it and move on.

    “For me, the time to work on something else in the interest and service of our people is now.

    “I wish Your Excellency goodluck while praying that you will finish well and strong in the service of our country.”

    NAN reports that Oyinlola was appointed as NIMC Chairman by President Buhari on September 2017. (NAN)

  • Fashola inaugurates NERC Chairman, charges Commission on Customer Service

    Fashola inaugurates NERC Chairman, charges Commission on Customer Service

    Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has inaugurated the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) urging the commission to focus more on customer service to move the power sector forward.

    Speaking after the brief ceremony, Fashola, on Thursday in Abuja, said customer service was “a challenging bridge that must be crossed”.

    He said it was the duty of the commission to make consumers understand what was going on with their metering, what are their rights and who to hold accountable when things go wrong with service delivery.

    The minister said to the NERC Chairman, Prof. James Momoh; “Consumers must understand what is going on with their metering.

    “What are their rights and so on and so forth; who do they hold accountable, where are the NERC field offices to which they can complain”.

    “What is the process of getting remediation for service that is not in sufficient quantity and of quality?”

    Fashola said he would always make himself available to render assistance in terms of policy guidelines, policy directions and help to move the wheel of bureaucracy to make progress.

    He said the commission also had to do a lot of enlightenment among the customers to make them understand who and where to complain when they needed service.

    Fashola, who described the commission as the policeman of the power sector, expressed delight that it now has the full compliment of its membership with a Chairman.

    According to the Minister, “The truth is that we don’t buy meters and we don’t supply meters. really and truly our role now is just to make policies;

    “Our quality of energy, type of energy; whether it is hydro, thermal, and solar or wind and to make sure that if there are problems we go and solve them. And that is in terms of government activities”.

    Fashola pointed out that the power industry was now a business where the GenCos, DisCos the core investors are now responsible for providing electricity to Nigerians.

    He said Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), owned by the government, was now run as a business to transmit electricity.

    He said the organisations, both private and public, were subject to the regulatory power of NERC whose Chairman was being inaugurated. “So that is the policeman of the power industry”, he said.

    Describing metering as a “big issue” in the industry, Fashola, noted the commission has already issued regulations concerning the problem .

    He promised that government was working hard on how quickly meters could come, adding that for those people not connected to the grid, NERC has also issued regulations for mini-grids and how it would happen.

    He expressed delight that between 2015 and now, many consumers have experienced better supply by way of having power for longer hours, buying less diesel and running their generators for shorter periods .

    He, however, said in some places people still say that their experience was not good. “So that means there is still a lot of work to do”, he said.

    In his acceptance remarks, the new Chairman, Prof. James Momoh, pledged to abide by the oath of office he had taken.

    He said he was proud to return and serve his country in the capacity he had been chosen after serving in the U. S. for so many years.

    “I understand that I have been given a trust. My job is a trust. I want to assure you that I am a team player.

    “I will work with the commissioners of NERC, I will work with the ministry and I will work with the legislative arm of government so that together we will forge a relationship.

    “We understand we have been given a trust to move the power sector to the next level”, he said.

  • Sheriff´s planned return to APC a “rumour” – Chairman

    The Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State, Ali Dolori, has described alleged defection of former factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to the APC as a rumour.

    He said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, while reacting to the development.

    “I want to assure you that the news remains a rumour, because somebody is only trying to fly a kite that is capable of causing dangerous confusion during the state congress.

    “We are aware of the well-articulated plan and we are ready to defend any attempt toward destroying our party at the ward level and in any state not just Borno.

    “We shall conduct our congresses peacefully without any rancour and I assure you that nobody can create any faction for our party in Borno during the congress expected to hold in less than two weeks,” he said.

    He noted that article 9.1 of the party´s 2014 amended Constitution was specific that application “for membership shall be made to and cleared by the party´s ward executives in the Local Government Area where the person was born, resides, works or originates’’.

    The section the chairman further said “online registration shall also be acceptable provided that it was cleared by the party´s National Working Committee.

    “Where an application is refused, the applicant may as of right appeal to the Local Government Area Executive Committee of the party or to the National Secretary or National Chairman in case of online registration.

    “I, therefore, don’t see any how the party´s national chairman can receive any person into the party when the constitution is clear about the process in that regard,” he said.