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Breaking: Lagos Assembly Demands Constitutional Amendment To Accommodate State Police

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday held its first plenary since its inauguration with a call on the National Assembly to commence actions that would lead to the establishment of state police.

The House also called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently equip the Neighbourhood Safety Corps of the State so that its personnel could effectively perform the task of community policing.

These actions, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, said, would stem the increasing spate of insecurity in the country.

Dr. Obasa noted with concern, recent attacks on communities in some states of the federation with many citizens losing their lives and belongings.

Recalling some of the latest attacks, the Speaker said he read about the killing of some residents in Plateau State. He also noted the abduction of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Paul Omotoso.

Obasa said though the Lagos Assembly had consistently clamoured for the establishment of state police, it is an appropriate time for the Senate and the House of Representatives to begin an amendment of the Constitution to contain the creation of the alternative policing system.

“While I commend the ninth National Assembly for doing a lot to amend the constitution, there is a need for us to call on the 10th National Assembly to see it as a matter of urgency to make the issue of state policing a major factor of development,” Obasa said.

Supporting the Speaker, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, commended the Speaker for bringing up the issue of state policing again.

“We remember very well that it was you that sponsored the bill on Neighbourhood Safety Corps and we see what it has done for our State and how other states are copying it,” Yishawu said.

While noting that President Bola Tinubu started well with moves to rejig the economy, Hon. Yishawu said security remains at the heart of a country’s progress urging for more focus this area.

The motion was supported by other lawmakers who complained about the inadequate number of police personnel in Lagos and also suggested police reforms at the national level.

The lawmakers argued further that the establishment of state police would boost employment across the country.

Meanwhile, the House, through Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu over his election as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The House said it believes in Tinubu’s capacity to bring the countries under ECOWAS to work together.

At the plenary, the House also resolved a report relating to issues of legislative compliance on appointment of some Governor’s nominees without approval of the House of Assembly. The lawmakers called on the Executive arm to henceforth act in conformity with the law.

Eromosele Ebhomele
Media aide to the Speaker.

Billionaire ‘Jite Okoloko, Ex-wife Fight Dirty over Multimillion Dollar Debt

Billionaire Oil Mogul, Onajite Okoloko, and his estranged wife, Salma Okoloko, are currently at war over outstanding contract debt his company, Eroton Exploration and Production Company is owing his wife’s company, Tectonic Oil Tools Limited (TOTL) for job executed for Eroton’s OML 18.

Court papers and documents detailing correspondence between both companies on one hand and between Tectonic and NNPC Limited (new owners of OML 18 oil field) showing that the original debt owed Tectonic by Eroton was $37million and N5.3 billion respectively has emerged

A letter from Tectonic dated April 6, 2023 and addressed to the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, said the money was for contract awarded Tectonic by Eroton dated May 1, 2016 for the provision of Coiled Tubings, Pumping, and Nitrogen Lift Services with contract No. EEP 16-0125.

The letter stated that TOTL has since executed the contract but is yet to be fully paid by Onajite’s Eroton.

It will be recalled that NNPCL took over operatorship of the OML 18 Asset from Eroton Exploration and Production Company. It was gathered that while NNPCL has duly paid Eroton all its dues, Eroton was yet to pay off TOTL the balance of $14 million and N2.9 billion for the said contract executed.

It was also gathered that following a court order, Eroton had in a letter dated 2nd July 2021, addressed to The Vice President Operations, Tectonic Oil Tools Limited, No 4, Okunola Martins Close, Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, admitted to owing TOTL a balance “sums (net of taxes) of NGN 2,969,754,531.07 (Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty One Naira, Seven Kobo Only) and USD 14,030,212.87 (Fourteen Million, Thirty Thousand, Two Hundred and Twelve United States Dollars and Eighty Seven Cents Only) due and payable to your company.”

The letter which detailed a Payment Plan to liquidate the debt owed TOTL by Eroton read in part: “We also recognize that some other claims have been submitted and confirm that same are currently undergoing verification and reconciliation. These additional claims would be included in the outstanding sums detailed above upon completion of the reconciliation exercise. The payment plan will be amended accordingly to include the additional claims and paid within the same time frame.

“In respect of the reconciled outstanding sums referenced above, please find below our payment plan,” the letter said.
While the letter listed how the outstanding debt will be paid between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022 for the N2.9 billion, it also listed how the outstanding $14 million will be liquidated between Q4 2021 and Q3 2022.

The letter signed by Ibironke Olaniyi, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Eroton Exploration & Production Company, ended with “Please be advised that we would notify you of the payments as they are made in line with the specified timelines and assure you of our highest regard.”
However, it was reliably learnt that despite the tone of camaraderie of the letter, Eroton has reneged on the payment terms and agreement.

“We are shocked that in spite of our mutual respect for and patience with Eroton, they have reneged on a mutually agreed payment plan which was the aftermath of a court order. We have laid our complaint with appropriate authorities including the NNPCL. We will use every legal means available to us to recoup our money,” a source at TOTL told our reporter.

Onajite and his wife, Salma, had been locked in a divorce drama. Onajite had filed for a divorce in 2020, threatening to send his wife out of their Florida (United States) home with their two kids.

But rather than filing for divorce in Florida where they got married and where he confirmed as his place of residence, he went to a court in Badagry, Lagos. The divorce case is currently at the Appeal Court.

Recall that NNPCL recently announced acquisition of Eroton’s OML 18 in what industry watchers said was a move to maximise productivity of the oil field which had suffered deep slump recently just before the acquisition

Tinubu Presidency: A Truly Renewed Hope – PRINCE DAPO ADELABU

Tinubu Presidency: A Truly Renewed Hope

– PRINCE DAPO ADELABU

The swearing in of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the 16th president of Nigeria on May 29th, 2023, brought a ray of hope that things would change for the better very soon. Nigerians were waiting with bated breathe to see whether or not the new administration would be a marked departure from what they had become used to – dashed hopes.

Happily, there are great signs that there is light at the end of the tunnel after all. In fact, the way it is going, we may not wait to get to the end of the tunnel to see the light, as there have already been flickers since the inception of the Tinubu administration, a very clear indication that things are turning around for good.

Putting it succinctly, going by the appointments so far announced by the Presidency, it is quite clear that Nigeria is on the march again. Square pegs are readily being fitted into the square holes, and round pegs are equally settling into the round holes.

A pattern is beginning to emerge in Mr. President’s choice of men to work with. He seems to be going for the best in their class. And this started with the list of the highly cerebral and internationally exposed special advisers, which include the likes of Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Yau Darazo, Mr. Dele Alake and Nuhu Ribadu who has since resumed as National Security Adviser.

We saw yesterday what appears to be a monumental win for Nigeria if indeed Dr. Ali Pate is joining this government. Dr. Ali Pate is a world-renowned medical doctor and public health expert who has garnered awards and accolades from almost every health organization in the world, top of the pack being Harvard health leader, awarded him in 2012.

Dr. Pate had earlier served Nigeria in the capacity of minister state for Health. He was also the global director for Health, Nutrition and Population and Director of the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) at the World Bank Group.

These are great signs of things to come and we are here, ready and eagerly anxious to celebrate our nation’s rebirth. Well done Mr. President.

– Prince Adelabu is an Abuja-based businessman.

Speaker Obasa Congratulates Sanwo-Olu At 58, Celebrates Gbajabiamila On Birthday

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, as they mark their birthdays.

While Governor Sanwo-Olu is 58, Gbajabiamila, immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, is 61.

In a message celebrating Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Obasa described the Governor as a Lagosian whose background and experience in the corporate world have helped in sustaining the position of Lagos as the yardstick for measuring development in Nigeria.

Obasa described Sanwo-Olu as an exemplary Governor with a sense of purpose and commitment to the ideals that make Lagos great.

“You have constantly ignited the passion for the sustenance of the dream, vision and the inclusiveness that have kept us achieving more for the people of our dear State.

“Your life speaks a volume of blessings, God’s favour and, because you are a technocrat of repute, our State of excellence will continue to benefit from your wealth of knowledge and experience as you increase in age.

“Indeed, this is just the beginning of greater years to come,” the Speaker said in a statement by his media office.

Rejoicing with Gbajabiamlia, Dr. Obasa described the former Speaker as a compassionate person and one who breathes life into every task to which he finds himself assigned.

“You have consistently displayed genuineness of purpose and leadership.

“We witnessed this in the various positions you held at the House of Representatives and more especially as Speaker. History will always throw you up as the leader of one of the most peaceful periods of the House of Representatives in Nigeria.

“Your leadership skills, diligence and commitment to nation-building are few of your radiant and remarkable attributes that will continue to help you meet the tasks ahead as you support Mr. President in his pursuit for a greater Nigeria.

“On behalf of my family, colleagues, management and staff of the Lagos legislature, I pray that Almighty Allah will always empower you to remain of service to Him and humanity, amin,” Speaker Obasa prayed.

Eromosele Ebhomele

FIRSTBANK WINS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AT THE AFREXIM BANK PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

The award was bestowed on FirstBank in recognition of the Bank’s role in promoting trade and investment endeavours across the continent.

With its subsidiaries across the FirstBank Group, FirstBank has continued to play a leading role in boosting cross-border businesses, including trade and investment opportunities, essential to enhancing trade relations amongst countries. Continue reading FIRSTBANK WINS FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR AT THE AFREXIM BANK PAN-AFRICAN BUSINESS AND DEVELOPMENT AWARDS

BUA Foods to maintain rice prices across Nigeria…restates commitment to supporting Local Rice Farmers for Food Security in Nigeria

In a remarkable display of commitment to the Nigerian agricultural sector and the economy, BUA Foods has informed distributors of its rice products that it would maintain prices of its BUA Rice to support efforts at making rice more affordable in Nigeria. According to a statement by the company, this is due to the strong sales potential from the company’s newly upgraded 200,000tonnes per annum rice mill in Kano using locally sourced rice paddy.

According to the company, this decision to maintain prices is as a result of the little reliance on FX for rice production. Prior to the BUA Foods business integration which saw its listing in 2022, the BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, had stated that BUA’s goal would be to focus areas where raw materials can be sourced locally across all its business areas including rice in order to promote food security in Nigeria and support the government in National development.

According to a key distributor in Kano, he said distributors were excited by this development and were sure that BUA Foods in its usual fashion would crash the rice prices further as it had consistently done with its other food products like flour, sugar, and pasta.

By prioritizing local agricultural resources, BUA Foods is not only supporting Nigerian farmers but also contributing to the nation’s self-sufficiency in rice and sugar production through backward integration.

BUA Foods steadfast commitment to its vision has gained recognition and appreciation from stakeholders across the industry. The company’s efforts to bolster the Nigerian agricultural sector have garnered praise, positioning BUA Foods as a leader in the drive towards sustainable food production.

The upgraded rice mill and parboiling plant will further enhance BUA Foods’ rice production capacity, enabling the company to meet the growing demand for its high-quality rice products whilst remaining committed to delivering excellence and ensuring that consumers have access to top-notch rice that is locally produced.

As BUA Foods continues to make significant strides in advancing the Nigerian rice industry, the company remains focused on building strong relationships with farmers, empowering local communities, and contributing to the overall development of the nation’s agricultural landscape.

Heritage Bank Engulfed in Leadership Crisis …MD Akinola George-Taylor goes on vendetta sacking to oust ‘owners’

* Bank battles liquidation, struggles to stay afloat

A seeming boardroom crisis that may rock troubled Heritage Bank to its foundation is currently brewing in the bank, THE WITNESS exclusively reports.

Competent sources within the bank told THE WITNESS that the imbroglio involves the current managing director and chief executive of the bank, Mr. Akinola George-Taylor and some board members.

Less than one year after assuming office as bank’s head honcho, the new bank chief may have plunged the distressed bank into further boardroom crisis, compounding the lender’s many challenges.

George-Taylor, who joined Heritage Bank as acting managing director/chief executive officer on September 12, 2022, succeeded Ifie Sekibo, the bank’s founder and pioneer managing director who served out his 10-year tenure in September 2022. George-Taylor was, however, confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the substantive managing director of the lender in April 2023.

But while the bank’s shareholders may have been expecting that the new helmsman would change its fortunes and drive growth, sources say he has instead, allegedly, instigated internal crisis, in an attempt to rid the bank of those suspected to be loyalists of some board members, and employ his own people. The move, sources disclosed were unconnected with the new bank chief’s plan to oust some board members who are said to be at loggerheads with him, from the bank.

The bank’s chief is said to be enjoying the support of a top shareholder of the bank whom sources say is allegedly determined to solely take over the bank and get rid of the owners.

Top sources in the bank, which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent months, informed THE WITNESS that not less than 70 senior staff members have been sacked, while a number of others were asked to resign. Besides those who were forced to leave, sources say that some resigned voluntarily over poor working conditions, while the once active branches of the bank are as quiet as graveyards. THE WITNESS further gathered that the affected staff were disengaged without paying them their accrued entitlements and allowances.

This development comes despite an order by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) barring deposit money banks from mass sack of their workers.

“I can tell you that there is war at Heritage Bank as we speak. Over 70 persons have been asked to go, while some were asked to resign. Mind you, those who were asked to go have not been paid any compensation,” said a management staff who preferred anonymity.

“The mission of the new managing director is to ease out those who are loyal to some board members whom the managing director is not in tune with, so he could employ his own people,” one of the sources said.

The latest crisis comes amid persisting financial distress in the bank.

THE WITNESS gathered that the bank has been struggling to pay workers’ salaries for some time now, even as depositors have not been able to access their funds.

The apex bank, it would be recalled, had come under pressure to withdraw the bank’s license over its alleged bankruptcy issues, and inability to meet obligations to depositors.

Many had wondered why the Nigeria’s banking regulator had not wielded its hammer on the bank despite its troubled and distressed state.

Further investigations by THE WITNESS however revealed that apart from the issues of “Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and the Liquidity Ratio (LR), the commercial bank is also grappling with many other crises that tend to threaten its survival.

One of them is its poor services which are staring its customers in the face. Already, most of its branches are awash with complaints of unsatisfied customers whose singsong is their plans to close their accounts due to long hours they experience to get services from Heritage Bank staff.

In our fact-finding mission, THE WITNESS contacted Ozenna Utulu, the head of Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank for the bank’s angle.

In her response, Utulu said: “These things are not true, there is no boardroom crisis at the bank. Of course, organizations everywhere restructure from time to time.”

Just In: Akpabio Emerge Senate President with 63 Votes While Abbas Emerge Speaker in Landslide Victory

Just In: Akpabio Emerge Senate President with 63 Votes While Abbas Emerge Speaker with Landslide victory

The tussle for the leadership of the national assembly of the 10th Senate and the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives has been put to rest with the election of Godswill Akpabio, senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West as the senate president.

He polled 63 Votes to defeated Abdulaziz Yari, senator representing Zamfara Central who polled 46 votes, to win the election on Tuesday.

Also in the Green Chamber House of Representatives, Honourable T J Abbas emerge as Speaker in a one sided landslide victory against Hon Idris Wase and Hon Jaji Aminu

More details later…

JOHARRY CHANGES THE MUSIC SCENE WITH NEW SINGLE “COME CLOSER”

Sensational Afro-Soul act, Harrison Joseph Chijioke popularly known as Joharry is set to change the music scene in Nigeria with the official unveiling of his new single entitled; Come Closer from his anticipated extended play (EP) tagged- Red Room.

Joharry, the talk of the town artiste, is under the running of Forth Plus Management, owned by Mr. Biodun Otun, proudly known and called Biddy by friends and associates.

The Nigerian based talented artiste is unique with his powerful vocal delivery, captivating performance with extraordinary stage craft that are rare to find lately among up and coming artistes in the music industry in this part of the world.

Joharry has been uniquely different and much focused on his music passion at a very young age, trying to perfect his act of singing and writing good songs. And, he is no doubt geared up to send warning signals to the self- acclaimed heavy weights in the music industry that he is ready to take over the scene at the right time.

Information has it that the digital space is dying to get the new single- Come Closer by Joharry and professionally mixed and mastered by Lahlah_Smoke plugged on the music hub for downloads and full listening pleasures, which was officially released on Wednesday June 7, 2023 to the admiration of his fans and good music lovers around the world.

Surprisingly, those who should know squealed that some top notch radio AOPs and Disc Jockeys have already gotten the song for massive airplay on different radio stations like no other and you are assured of new spanking hit as you come closer to your radio set.

The unveiling of Joharry the new Afro-Soul king with a media parley took place on Wednesday June 7, 2023 and it was packaged by 1908SOLE, a reputable production and creative event management company in Nigeria.

We also learnt that the industry watchers agree that Joharry has been a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry from different shows and engagement and he had really stepped up his game and very soon his new single will become a household anthem for good music lovers.

To keep the record straight, Joharry is not new in the game but he is one of the rare sensational talents that wait for their time to shine like a real star and do the real thing in the music industry.

And, if you are dying to meet with Joharry, you can simply hook him up on instagram@iamjoharry or Twitter@iamjoharry

Just In: Obasa Makes History, Reelected Speaker 3rd Time

Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has been re-elected by his colleagues to lead the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker for the third consecutive time.

The lawmakers also elected Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the Deputy Speaker.

Obasa was unanimously re-elected after a proclamation of the 10th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was present with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and top government officials at the chamber of the House.

Obasa, the most ranking member of the House, was nominated by Hon. Temitope Adewale, who was seconded by Sylvester Ogunkelu.

Hon. Noheem Adams, the Deputy Majority Leader in the ninth Assembly, was elected as the new Majority Leader while Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu was elected the Deputy Majority Leader.

Hon. Mojeed Fatai of Ibeju Lekki 1 was elected as the Chief Whip while Hon. David Setonji was elected the Deputy Chief Whip.

Details soon…