Lagos Safe For Your Investments, Speaker Obasa Tells Qatari Government
Qatari officials with the Hon. Temitope Adewale, representative of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, at the event.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described the State as one that guarantees safety of investors and their businesses since the government takes seriously the protection of lives and property.
Dr. Obasa said this at the Qatar-Nigeria Business Matchmaking Event which had officials of the govermment of the two countries on Wednesday. The event also had businessmen and prospective investors in attendance.
The meeting, it was learnt, is aimed at deepening trade between the two countries in manufacturing, construction, oil and gas, technology and other related areas.
Represented by Hon. Adewale Temitope, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Transportation, the Speaker noted that the growth and advancement of Lagos in various areas of the economy are the result of true leadership.
He added that for investors in Lagos, it has always been a symbiotic relationship since the State has the needed human capital and the market while they have the resources.
“It is, therefore, going to be a symbiotic relationship between Qatar and Nigeria,” he said while urging prospective investors to also consider the transportation and health sectors of the State in view of government’s successful effort to create an enabling environment.
Speaking at the event, Ali Ghanem Al-Hajri, ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nigeria, said the meeting would further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and his country.
“We think this meeting to deepen bilateral relations to build an economic bridge between the two markets.
“Nigeria is the biggest market in West Africa, and there are lots of potentials and opportunities to deal with the Qatari market. I can see a huge economic bridge between the two countries,” he said.
Qatar Development Bank (QDB), which organised the business matchmaking event, used the opportunity to engaged with Nigerian businesses on strengthening investment ties across diverse sectors.
Obasa Congratulates Adeboye At 80, Says RCCG Leader Divinely Chosen
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has described Pastor Enoch Adeboye as a man divinely chosen by God to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Dr. Obasa, who said this in a message congratulating Adeboye on his 80th birthday on Tuesday, added that the Pastor’s leadership style has resulted in massive growth, progess and expansion of the church making him one of the most popular religious leaders across the globe.
The Speaker also thanked the General Overseer for his advice to leaders, encouragements and contributions to the efforts to have a peaceful Nigeria.
“We thank God for picking you to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today, like always, there is no doubting the fact that you were truly and divinely chosen to lead His flock,” he said.
Read the full Congratulatory message below:
Tribute To Pastor Adeboye At 80
Your humility, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, respected man of God and General Overseer of one of the largest churches in the world, is topnotch.
As you clock 80, I want to say it is only God that could have blessed you with such an age and agility. Many people would hardly believe that you are already 80. Your physical strength remains. I have never seen you read the Bible or any other material with difficulty, your gait confirms your strength. This proves Gods words that He would bless those He would bless. It also reminds of how God blessed Moses in Deuteronomy 34:7 to the extent that even at 120, his eyes were not dim and his vitality never waned. Dear Pastor Adeboye, you are blessed!
Thank you for being a foster father to a lot of Nigerians. Thank you for adding your voice at all times when issues that need your fatherly advice or words of wisdom arise. Your contributions to the efforts at having a peaceful Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. We follow your teachings, we hear your appraisal and words of encouragement.
We thank God for picking you to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today, like always, there is no doubting the fact that you were truly and divinely chosen to lead His flock. The growth, progress and expansion of Gods work across the globe with you being the head of the RCCG are attestations to your effectiveness as a religious leader. There is no way religious leaders would be listed globally without your name in a prominent position. And to many clergymen in Nigeria, you remain a father figure, a teacher and inspiration.
You have been a source of encouragement to us in Lagos State. We thank you for always praying for us and for your wise counsels. We appreciate your time because you are always there whenever we need you.
Your attainment of 80 years on earth is significant in the sense that it proves God’s love for you and for us who gain from your tutelage.
On behalf of my family, colleagues and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I celebrate you on this special occasion of your 80th birthday. I also pray that God bless you with more wisdom, divine health and protection so that you can continue to be of service to Him and humanity, amen.
Former Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi has explained why he was sacked from his position as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor and Emir of Kano.
Sanusi disclosed this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the AIG Public Leadership Programme Class of 2021, in Abuja, yesterday.
The former CBN governor explained that his attitude of speaking the truth to those in power cost him his positions.
According to Sanusi, he has “always stood to speak the truth to power, the reason I was removed as CBN governor and Emir of Kano, but that did not stop me from doing what I see as the right thing.”
He lamented that Civil Servants have traded their conscience for personal gains.
Stressing that civil servants no longer perform their duties creditably, Sanusi said: “over 80 per cent of them have lost their conscience for personal gains.”
Also speaking, the Chairman and Co-founder of Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede said the foundation spent £563,000 in training 49 top civil servants for the Public Leaders’ Programme Class of 2021.
He disclosed that having partnered with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the foundation drew top executives as beneficiaries from across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Khe Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on Thursday, reacted to the process to extradite the former head of the IGP Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari to the US.
Naija News had earlier reported that Malami filed an application before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.
The application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 was filed under the Extradition Act.
Malami noted that the application was filed before the court following a request by the Diplomatic Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
The extradition request of the suspended deputy commissioner of police is connected to his indictment in the $1.1million fraud perpetrated by confessed internet fraudster, Abass Ramon, popularly known as Hushpuppi and four others.
The minister on Thursday while speaking through his media aide, Isa Gwandu said, after “thorough studies and reviews of issues regarding the application and components thereof, processed the application and forwarded same to the relevant authorities for further necessary action.
“As you are aware extradition is a process that involves multifaceted components.
“The components are usually multi-territorial, international, local and judicial. Submission of request from the concerned party to the relevant authorities constitutes one of such components.
The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice received the extradition request in respect of the officer in question.”
Kyari is currently being detained by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over an allegation linking him to drug trafficking.
The embattled police officer was arrested by the Nigeria police force alongside four others and handed over to NDLEA.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has started the process to extradite the former head of the IGP Intelligence Response Team, Abba Kyari following a request by the United States.
The suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police was accused of taking bribes from confessed internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi.
A grand jury on the 29th of April, 2021 had filed an indictment against the embattled police officer with the approval of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami on Wednesday, filed an application before the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja for Kyari’s extradition.
The application marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/249/2022 was filed under the Extradition Act.
According to Malami, the application was filed before the court following a request by the Diplomatic Representative of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja.
The minister said, “for the surrender of Abba Alhaji Kyari, who is a subject in a superseding three counts indictment”.
Malami in the affidavit filed in support of the extradition application noted that he is satisfied that provision is made by the laws of the U.S. such that so long as Kyari has not had a reasonable opportunity of returning to Nigeria, he will not be detained or tried for any offence committed before his surrender other than the extradition offence which can be proved by the fact on which his surrender is sought.
He further stated that he is satisfied that the charges levelled against Kyari are not political nor is it trivial.
The AGF also expressed satisfaction that the request for Kyari’s extradition was not made to persecute or punish him on account of his race, religion, nationality or political opinions but in good faith and the interest of justice
He added that Kyari, “if surrendered, will not be prejudiced at his trial and will not be punished, detained or restricted in his liberty, because of his race, nationality or political opinions”.
The AGF said having regard to all the circumstances in which the offence was committed, it will not be unjust or oppressive, or be too severe a punishment, to surrender him.
Malami said he was also satisfied that Kyari has been accused of the offence for which his surrender is sought.
He noted that there was no criminal proceeding pending against Kyari in Nigeria for the same offence.
According to court documents, the three count-charge marked: 2:21-cr-00203-RGK, was filed on April 29, 2021, before the US District Court for the Central District of California, USA.
The charge filed along with the extradition application reads
“Count one: Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1349, carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
“Count two: Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1956(h), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
“Count three: Aggravated identity theft, and aiding and abetting that offence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1028A(a)(1) and 2(a), carrying a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.”
kyari is currently in the detention of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over a crime related to drug trafficking.
Mrs Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, spends a lot of time in Dubai, sometimes being in the middle-eastern city for several weeks, allegedly on taxpayers funds.
The Nigerian Governors Wives Forum (NGWF) has confirmed that the viral video showing its members celebrating Aisha Buhari’s birthday in Dubai is real.
The forum, however, says though the celebration held in Dubai, it was a coincidence as that was not the main reason its members travelled to the UAE city.
The position of the NGWF was contained in a statement by the wife of the Ekiti State Governor and chairperson of the forum, Bisi Fayemi, on Wednesday.
Mrs Fayemi, who was in the video, stated that the Nigerian First Lady’s birthday coincided with an official trip which some wives of governors were part of.
Many Nigerians have criticized the video that shows Mrs Fayemi holding a cake while leading the other women to present a cake to Mrs Buhari during the latter’s 51st birthday in Dubai.
Mrs Buhari, Nigeria’s first lady, spends a lot of time in Dubai, sometimes being in the middle-eastern city for several weeks, allegedly on taxpayers funds.
Although her office is not recognised by the Nigerian constitution, the federal government allocates funds for the running of the First Lady‘s office including its retinue of aides.
The governors’ wives also travelled for the trip at a time millions of Nigerians are unable to get petrol for their vehicles and generators, with many spending hours at filling stations.
The fuel situation adds to the worsening economic situation in a country where about half of the population live below the poverty line and millions of people are unemployed.
In their statement Wednesday, the governors’ wives were unapologetic about their trip and the Dubai celebration, saying both were necessary.
NIRSAL AD
“For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria who was on an official trip to the UAE,” Mrs Fayemi wrote in the statement.
“The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers. After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day.”
Mrs Fayemi said the governors’ wives were “dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.”
Read full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT
Our attention has been drawn to a social media post shared on the 1st of March 2022 suggesting that some Nigerian Governors’ Wives were in Dubai to surprise the First Lady of Nigeria Dr. Aisha Buhari on the occasion of her birthday on the 17th of February 2022.
For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of the public, the Nigerian Governors Wives were on the entourage of the First Lady of Nigeria who was on an official trip to the UAE.
The trip included visits to Dubai Expo 2020, and tours of the Dubai e-learning center, Dubai Youth Hub and meetings with foundations and agencies in UAE who are interested in investing in education, health and technology in Africa, with priority given to women and young people.
The trip coincided with the birthday of HE Aisha Buhari. On the morning of her birthday, which was February 17th, the delegation of Governors’ Wives paid a private visit to present a cake and flowers. After the brief presentation, we proceeded to attend the scheduled meetings for the day.
We were therefore dismayed to see footage of the visit interpreted to mean Governors’ Wives left Nigeria for the sole purpose of celebrating HE’s birthday.
This is not true and we find this assumption scandalous. We are all dedicated to supporting our spouses as well as our First Lady, and we would never be a party to anything that will bring embarrassment to them and ourselves.
Our key learnings from our visit to the various agencies in Dubai and the briefings we received points to the need for Nigeria to scale up investments in education, science and technology and provide more opportunities for young people, who are the key to the future. We will continue to address these issues in our own work as well as advocate for increased commitments in these areas from our leaders.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday approved $8.5 million for the immediate evacuation of Nigerian citizens from Ukraine.
In a statement to newsmen, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, said no fewer than 5,000 citizens will be evacuated.
The approval was issued earlier today at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
In preparation for the evacuation, Air Peace and Max Air airlines have been reportedly contracted to provide three aircraft to facilitate the rescue.
Naija News understands that the evacuation became necessary following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Women protesters have stormed the National Assembly to kick against the outcome of the voting on constitutional amendment.
Naija News recalls that four bills promoting the interest of women were rejected by members of parliament on Tuesday during the electronic voting process.
The rejected bills are special seats for women in the legislature, reserve quota for women on appointments, citizenship and 35 percent party leadership.
On Wednesday, the women groups across the country blocked the Federal Secretariat axis entrance of the National Assembly to protest against the rejection of the bills.
The protesters, who were not allowed into the legislative complex by security operatives, called on the lawmakers to reconsider the rejected gender bills.
The women promised not to leave the National Assembly gate until the leadership of the legislature address them.
According to the protesters, the national leadership must reveal how each lawmaker voted on the bills.
Recall that a civil rights activist, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, had said that women groups all over the nation would storm the national assembly in protest of the lawmakers’ actions.
Speaking during a virtual media briefing on Tueday, Akiyode-Afolabi said Nigeria women are disappointed by the actions of the national assembly.
She said: “The proposed gender bills in the constitution alteration bills that were all rejected are bills targeted at addressing the current gender imbalance across the legislative arm of governments across the country, whilst reducing the under-representation of women in political office.
“The men of the ninth national assembly, by their actions, have taken us backwards. Their actions undermine the importance and relevance of women’s contribution to the governance of Nigeria, including the key role women play to bring victory to political parties in elections at all levels across the country.
“Nigerian women, therefore, demand that all gender bills be reconsidered. We call on the national assembly to re-present these bills as a matter of urgency and ensure that they are passed.”
Heavyweight boxer, Vitali Klitschko on Tuesday addressed the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine.
Klitschko who took up arms alongside his brother, Wladimir Klitschko last Friday noted that they are ready to die protecting Ukraine.
Russian troops invaded Ukraine last Thursday following an order from President Putin
Klitschko who is the Mayor of Kyiv disclosed that there are enemies on the outskirts of the capital, but added that the Ukrainian military is ‘preparing to defend Kyiv’.
Klitschko in an interview with CNN said, “We were in the USSR, we don’t want to go back to the Russian empire.
“I am very proud to see how patriotic people are. We’re not interested in how strong the Russian army is, we’re ready to fight.
“And we’re ready to die for our home country and our families, because it’s our home, it’s our future and somebody wants to come to our home and steal our future from us.”
Klitschko when asked how long Kyiv can hold out, “I’m not ready to give you a clear answer. So long, so long time, if we’re still alive.”
The war has left hundreds of people dead, properties destroyed, and thousands have been rendered homeless.
The Oyo State Government has condemned the arrest of arrested the Accountant-General of the state, Alhaji Gafar Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Naija News had reported that the anti-graft agency arrested Bello and a yet-to-be-identified politician last week Friday over his alleged involvement in N9billion money laundering.
It was learned that Bello was arrested over the deduction of N9billion from the local government funds to finance the upcoming elections in the state in 2023.
In a statement on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatubosun described Bello’s arrest as illegal and unacceptable.
The commissioner said the continued harassment and intimidation of officials of the state government by the EFCC is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.
He said officials of the agency have since last year been mounting pressure on the state and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of some funds and security vote lawfully passed into law by the state House of Assembly.
The statement reads: “The continued harassment and intimidation of the Accountant General and other officials of the state government by the EFCC is totally unconstitutional and unacceptable and is being contested in a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The EFCC and its officials have, since last year been mounting pressure on Oyo State and its officials to provide documents regarding disbursements and expenditure of the Consolidated Revenue Fund, Contingencies Fund and Security Vote lawfully approved and passed into Appropriation Law of Oyo State by the Oyo State House of Assembly. This is despite the fact that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has decided in a long line of cases that the EFCC lacks the powers to prosecute issues that are not corruption cases.
“We would like to put it on record that by virtue of Section 128 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, unless and until the Oyo State House of Assembly reports or exposes any corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it to the Executive Governor of Oyo State and Commissioner for Finance, Section 6 (h) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 (as amended) cannot be triggered.
“The Oyo State House of Assembly has not made any such reports and thus the actions so far by the EFCC and the EFCC Chairman are unconstitutional and ultra-vires.
“In line with this conviction, the Oyo State Government had approached the Federal High Court, in the Ibadan Judicial Division on February 8, 2022, for declaratory reliefs and to among other things, issue an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendants (1. Attorney General of the Federation; 2. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; 3. President of the Federal Republic Of Nigeria and 4. The Chairman EFCC) their functionaries or agencies or whosoever from interfering with the activities of any government officials in Oyo State (i.e. any public officer or functionary or officer or servant of the government of Oyo State) in the exercise of powers purported to be conferred by or under the provisions of the EFCC Act, 2004 with relation to the expenditure and or spending of the Oyo State Government or security votes as vested in the Governor of Oyo State.
“The EFCC had brazenly refused service of the processes at the Abuja Head Office for reasons unknown to the law but as of today, March 1, 2022, at the hearing in Ibadan, Hon Justice N. Agomoh directed the EFCC to accept service of the Oyo State Government originating processes and pending applications in the full glare of the Court. The Trial Judge also ordered that all forms of arrest and intimidation by the EFCC should cease. The case has been adjourned to March 9, 2022 for the hearing of all applications.
“The arrest of the Oyo State Accountant General on Friday, February 25, 2022, was a desperate and malicious attempt at thwarting a constitutional process that had already been instituted at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, with a hearing date of Monday, March 1, 2022.”
