Author: Our Correspondent

By Tolu Badmus

The Nigerian police in Abuja are investigating Zenith Bank Plc over alleged falsification of a shareholder’s bank statements and withholding of share dividends.

The investigation was prompted by a petition from Aquitane Oil and Gas Limited which accused the Zenith Bank of falsifying the oil firm’s account statement.

Aquitane Oil also accused the bank of refusing to pay over N1.4billion dividends accrued from 10,775,299 and 17,425,300 shares units belonging to its affiliate firms – Southern Grace Investment Ltd and Globular Trading Investment Services Ltd respectively.

Aquitane Oil, which petitioned the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) in Abuja, accused the bank of falsifying its account statement in an elaborate effort to conceal the non-payment of the dividends of the shares of the two subsidiary firms.

The company said the two subsidiaries had not been paid their dividends since the purchase of the shares about 2008 and that the bank falsified its own account statements to “conceal” the failure to pay the accumlated dividends.

It was further gathered that the police interrogated two representatives of Zenith Bank regarding the case at the FCID Abuja on Wednesday. The Zenith Bank officials were said to be from the oil and gas and legal departments of Zenith Bank.

The police did not detain the officials because they were not direct subjects of investigation.

A source said the police would still interrogate other officials of the bank, like the chief compliance officer and the account officer handling the accounts of the bank.

The FCID launched the investigation after Aquitane Oil and Gas Limited sent a petition dated 11 October 2024 to the Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun.

In the petition, submitted through Lukman O. Fagbemi & Co, the petitioner called on the IGP to investigate Zenith Bank for attempting to “conceal the illegalities” concerning the company’s shares in the bank.

Aquitane Oil and Gas Limited stated that “dividends of 10,775,299 and 17,425,300 units of Zenith Bank shares bought by Southern Grace Investment Ltd and Globular Trading Investment Services Ltd respectively, have not been paid to the firms since 2008.”

The Zenith Bank shares were bought during the Initial Public Offer held by Zenith Bank in 2008 with Veritas Registrars Ltd as the registrar.

Aquitance Oil said in 2020, Southern Grace and Globular Trading realised that the dividends for their shares had not been paid by Zenith Bank since 2008.

Following the discovery, the oil company said its subsidiaries contacted Veritas Registrars Ltd, the registrars of Zenith Bank, to enquire about their dividends, however, Veritas reportedly did not provide any information.

“Our client also holds a bank Account No. 1011453742 with Zenith Bank Plc as a customer,” the petition read.

Aquitane Oil said a bank statement obtained on 21 August 2020, from a Zenith Bank branch, showed the financial institution had not been receiving dividends from the lender.

However, the company alleged that Zenith Bank falsely claimed in letters dated 17 June 2008, and 22 July 2008, that dividends had been paid into Aquitane Oil accounts with the lender and “fabricated and concocted a false Statement of Account with Zenith produced sometime in February 2021 in respect of Aquitane’s Account No: 1011453742,” to show dividend payments into the bank account of Aquitane and a debit balance of about N1 billion.

“Surprisingly, in an attempt to conceal the illegalities committed with regard to the shares dividend, Zenith Bank subsequently produced documents including two letters dated 17 June 2008 and 22 July 2008 to create the false and spurious narrative that the dividends from the said shares were paid into Aquitane Accounts with Zenith Bank,” the company noted.

It added that, “Zenith Bank thereafter fabricated and concocted a false Statement of Account produced sometime in February 2021 in respect of Aquitane’s Account No. 1011453742 which now showed dividend payments into the Bank account of Aquitane and a debit balance well in excess of N1 billion Naira,” noting that the statement of account materially “conflicts with and contradicts the Statements of Account issued earlier by the same Zenith Bank on 21st August 2020” in the normal course of business upon request from a branch.

“This established the fact that the account was in credit and that no dividend payments were lodged into the account at any time,” it added

By Kumo Agbere

A coalition of Niger Delta Oil-Producing Ethnic national­ities has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly revive the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries just as they insisted that this action is essential for the economic well-being of the region.

More than 300 members of the coalition gathered at the NNPCL Zonal Office in Warri, Delta State, which houses Nigeri­an Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Author­ity (NMDPRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regula­tory Commission (NUPRC) on Friday to protest the neglect of the refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Emmanuel F. Pathfinder, President and National Coor­dinator of the coalition led the protest, they called on President Tinubu to support local refin­eries, including the Dangote Refinery to reduce Nigeria’s de­pendence on fuel imports.

In a protest letter, the group called on President Tinubu to implement the National Execu­tive Council’s (NEC) resolution for NNPCL to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery in naira to help lower fuel prices for Nigerians.

According to the group, “we are calling on President Tinubu to overhaul NNPCL and remove corrupt officials who are collud­ing with oil cabals to keep our refineries down.

“This protest is our way of expressing discontent over the abandonment of the Port Har­court and Warri refineries. NNP­CL’s involvement with certain oil cabals, who profit billions from fuel importation, must stop.”

The group further alleged that an oil cabal is working to obstruct efforts to end fuel im­portation, claiming these actions continue under the supervision of NNPCL’s Group Chief Execu­tive Officer, Mele Kyari.

“It’s troubling that Kyari has failed to reactivate Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, while seem­ingly supporting the interests of import-dependent cabals. We commend Alhaji Aliko Dangote recent efforts with a 650,000-bar­rel-per-day refinery in Lagos.”

House Suspends Ukwuani Rep For 14 Legislative Days..

By Anne Azuka

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor on Wednesday condoled with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Army over the Passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.

Rt. Hon. Guwor, also at the plenary of the State Assembly conveyed his condolences to the Lagbaja family of Osun State, South-West Nigeria on the death of Lt. General Lagbaja, who died at the age of 56.

The Speaker prayed God to grant the soul of the late General eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also at the plenary, Guwor condoled the government and people of Delta State, particularly the government and people of Ughelli South Local Government Area and the Utuama family over last weekend’s demise of former Deputy Governor, Prof Amos Utuama, SAN.

The Speaker prayed to God for the repose of the soul of the former deputy Governor and thereafter called for a minutes silence in his honour.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Assembly at plenary on Wednesday, slammed two weeks suspension on the member representing Ukwuani State Constituency, Hon Chukwudi Dafe over alleged misconduct.

The motion for the suspension of the lawmaker for fourteen legislative days was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, representing Aniocha North and seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, representing Sapele constituency and unanimously adopted by the House.

The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Guwor announced that a Committee would be set up to investigate the issues that led to his suspension.

By Anne Azuka

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday said his administration would leverage on the game changing potentials of the Special Agricultural Economic Zones to create over 50,000 jobs for the well being and economic prosperity of the people.

Governor Oborevwori said the programme would enhance food security, agro-processing, employment creation, export earnings, infrastructural development with its overall effect on the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He disclosed this when he received officials of the African Development Bank, (ADB), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI) led by Dr Chuma Ezedinma at Government House, Asaba.

The Governor thanked the delegation for shortlisting Delta State among the successful states for the programme, assuring that his administration would do everything possible to make the programme a success.

He said: “I welcome you all on this final mission to assess our readiness for the establishment and implementation of the Transformational Integrated Special Agricultural Processing Zone for which Delta State has been shortlisted for the second phase.”

He said Delta was endowed with arable land suitable for cultivation of palm fruits, casava, maize, yams, plantain and all sorts of vegetables, saying the Special Agricultural Processing Zone would be a strategic addition and would be hugely successful.

“Let me state without doubt that the Special Agricultural Processing Zone is critical to our strategy to transform and strengthen the entire Agricultural ecosystem of Delta State.

“We intend to attract, engage and recertify farms and agro value chains to the best in class using the template of the African Development Bank.

“We count on your support to see the project to fruition while we pledge as a government to meet all the necessary requirements to enable it’s actualisation,” the Governor said.

Earlier, Dr Ezedinma said Delta State has been shortlisted for the second phase of the programme and lauded the state government for it’s Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model which according to him was unique and a pacesetter.

“Delta State has Economic Zone Management Company designed to manage the industrial zones within the area. Delta has adopted the Public Private Partnership approach which is fundamental for the bank.

“We want to see that the model is used to deliver development of the industrial zones within the state and we want the state to be in the driver’s seat providing the enabling environment while the bank will provide some catalytic financing to help them move forward on this process.”

On his part, Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Free Trade Zone, Pastor Godwin Akpovie said the Free Trade Zone Operations Centre in Kwale, Osubi Agro Transformation Centre, among others in Isoko and Agbor would create over 50,000 jobs for Deltans.

By Anne Azuka

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Tuesday underscored the importance of digital communication in driving sustainable socio-economic growth and development in the contemporary global economy.

Governor Oborevwori disclosed this at the 2024 Chief Executives and Directors Conference/Retreat of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) held in Asaba.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, said digital communications was important to the extent that it is used intelligibly for the audience to fully comprehend both the latent and manifest content of communication.

This, according to him, is essential if the encoder must be understood by the decoder to adjust his attitude, taste and behavioural patterns to suit what was intended, adding that he was quite happy that the NIPR was confronting the challenges head-on.

While noting that the task of matching skills, language and presentation must move fast enough to cope with the growth and expansion in science and technology, he harped on the need for members of the institute to endeavour to segment their publics while on the digital plane.

“The contents of your communication should consider the level of education of a given segment, their social background, their attitudinal disposition, including the current economic challenges. Tailor your message and the language to be friendly even when you are conveying not very popular issues,” the governor said.

While thanking the institute for hosting the conference and retreat in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said; “it is, to a large extent, your confidence in the modest efforts we are making to leave Delta State better than we met it through our all encompassing and well thought out MORE Agenda. We will not relent.

“You are doing well in managing the public perception of your respective organisations, institutions and other entities that you represent.

“The theme of this conference and retreat, ‘Leveraging Technology and Data-Driven Insights for Digital Communication’ is germane, given the jet speed of the growth of science and technology these days. It is a major challenge for public relations practitioners.

“Let me add one of the latest advancements, the Al, which is increasing daily and threatening jobs done by man. It has further expanded the scope of understanding existing modalities for communications.

“It is sincerely hoped that as science and technology grow, institutions should also make necessary changes and investment in adjusting to the terrific advancement of science and technology to make communications easy and effective.

“There is also the growth and advancement of social media, which have become so energetic and diverse, that you have to work hard to fit in”.

The keynote paper presenter, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan who is the Head of Media Relations, Nigerian Communications Commission and Secretary General, African Public Relations and Communication Management, said technology was essentially beneficial to man and the society as it brings values to the society.

While reckoning that technology, data and insights were foundational to the practice of public relations in contemporary society, Ibietan said an irreducible force that drives public relations was a combination of creative entrepreneurship, building a good relationship with people and stakeholders as well as sustaining it.

He maintained that a good interpersonal communication skills and strong aptitude for the written words were necessary ingredients for effective public relations.

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has been Implored to make budgetary provision this fiscal year to support private schools in the state to enable them continue to contribute to the development of education.

Principal of Peniel College, Makurdi, Mr Timothy Iortim who made the call in an exclusive interview with Daybreak in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, admonished the governor to support those contributing in training the youths whom he described as future leaders.

“I call on Benue State Government to come to our aide. They used the palliatives they collected from the Federal Government to pay registration fees for few schools, and we are paying tax. Government need to support or make budgetary provisions to help those who are contributing to training the youths.

“There is provision to cater for the wellbeing of the youths. They only come and say we should pay tax. We have done our part,” adding that the school has been imparting quality knowledge to the learners.

The Educationist identified high cost of items including fuel, following removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government as a major challenge confronting the smooth running of the college, lamenting that the school can’t operate based on its planned budget due to the aforementioned challenges.

“There are a lot of challenges due to high cost of items, we can’t operate based on what we budgeted for. We can’t do it due to lack of funds, no water because there’s no light. To buy fuel becomes difficult because of the increase in the pump price of petrol at filling stations.”

Mr Iortim enjoined parents to encourage their children to work hard to ensure they are successful in their academic pursuit. He urged them to cooperate with the management for the growth of the college.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo on Tuesday in Lokoja affirmed his commitment to partnering with security agencies to reduce criminal activities in the state.

Ododo gave the assurance on Tuesday during an official visit by the State Commandant of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Quadri Ibrahim to the Governor in Lokoja.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, lauded the police force for their role in complementing the state government’s efforts to combat crime effectively.

He expressed confidence in the professionalism exhibited by the police personnel attached to his office, emphasizing his trust in the Nigerian Police Force and other sister agencies in their dedication to the government’s fight against insecurity.

Governor Ododo pledged to allocate additional resources towards enhancing the security architecture in Kogi State, stressing that the ongoing collaboration between the state government and the police has started yielding positive results.

He urged all security agencies within the state to unite in support of the current administration and to demonstrate unwavering faith in the decisions made by the government, particularly in safeguarding the lives and property of Kogi State residents.

Earlier in his speech, the State Commanding Officer of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Police Force, Quadri Ibrahim, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his investments in the security agencies in the state.

He assured of their continued commitment to upholding professionalism in ensuring the safety of the citizenry.

Quadri Ibrahim praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his inclusive governance approach and expressed gratitude for the support extended to the security agencies, which according to him has significantly boosted their morale in carrying out their duties effectively across the state.

By Isreal Adamu, Jos

Plateau Youth activist Comrade Pius Hoomen on Tuesday feliciated with the Federal Lawmaker representing Pankshin, Kanam and Kanke in the House of representatives Hon Yusuf Babayo Gagdi on his birthday.

Hoomen in a statement made available to Journalist in Jos said Hon Gagdi’s exceptional leadership, political sagacity and philanthropic efforts have earned him widespread respect.

The Youth activist praised Gagdi’s selfless service, integrity, and compassion.

He described Rep Gagdi who is also the Federal House Committee Chairman on Navy as a detrablized Nigerian.

While acknowledging Hon Gagdi’s intellectual prowess, noticeable in the quality of legislations he had advanced for the benefits of constituents and Nigeria as a whole, Comrade Hoomen said the lawmaker has continue to justify the huge expectations reposed in him by the electorate.

“Your contributions to your Constituency and Plateau State’s development are invaluable,” he stated.

He wished rep Gagdi a joyous birthday, acknowledging his lasting impact and the good jobs he is doing for his constituents.

From Leo Zwànke, Lafia

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held its state congress on Monday at its secretariat along Jos Road, Lafia, where Hon. Adamu Bako Ninga was declared the new state chairman of the party.

Ninga secured a commanding 1,403 votes, decisively defeating Bar. Mathew John, who received only seven votes, while four votes were deemed invalid. With a total of 1,414 accredited voters

Senator Simon Mwadkwon chairman of the PDP National Committee overseeing the Nasarawa congress on Monday commended the electoral process, describing it as “credible and fair.” In his address, Matcon urged unity among the candidates, emphasizing, “PDP is one big family. There is no winner and no vanquished. Whoever emerged today should remember that their mandate is to serve the people.”

Alongside Ninga’s election as chairman, other key party positions were filled. Engr. Keffas Danlami was elected secretary, Yahaya Usman Bunu as treasurer, Chinenege Inusa Muhammed as state publicity secretary, and Hanatu John as state women leader. Bala Aron won the role of state legal adviser, Dr. Jacob was named state financial secretary, and Awesu Abdullahi as state auditor. The positions of vice-chairpersons for the state’s three zones were filled by Marshin Shema A (North), Isah Bala Mangi (South), and Atahiru Osu Audu (West).

In his first remarks as chairman, Hon. Adamu Bako Ninga expressed gratitude to PDP members for their unity and commitment. “The first thing I’ll do is congratulate our PDP family for coming together with one voice to elect our leaders,” Ninga stated.

He outlined his immediate priorities, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation within the party. “Our duty is to reach out to members who may feel aggrieved, so we can work as one family,” he added.

Ninga also hinted at his intention to address concerns about transparency in election processes, particularly regarding the role of state electoral bodies. He suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could take on a greater role in local government elections to ensure credibility, adding, “Our party will not commit our members to waste their resources and energy unless transparency is assured.”

Dr. Emmanuel Ombugadu, the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Nasarawa, praised the conduct of the congress election, noting it as a victory for internal democracy. “This election reflects the will of the people,” he said, further stressing the party’s commitment to addressing internal issues amicably.

The newly elected leaders are expected to focus on party cohesion and strengthening the PDP’s presence across Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
[11/5, 9:28 AM] Walk away from trouble If: Unity and Reconciliation: Adamu Bako Ninga Pledges to Strengthen Nasarawa PDP as New Chairman

Hon. Adamu Bako Ninga has taken the helm of the Nasarawa State PDP after a decisive win at the party congress on Monday. In his acceptance speech, Ninge emphasized his commitment to party unity and reconciliation, aiming to strengthen PDP’s presence across the state.

Senator Simon Mwadkwon chairman of the PDP National Committee overseeing the Nasarawa congress on Monday commended the electoral process, describing it as “credible and fair.” In his address, Matcon urged unity among the candidates, emphasizing, “PDP is one big family. There is no winner and no vanquished. Whoever emerged today should remember that their mandate is to serve the people.”

Alongside Ninga’s election as chairman, other key party positions were filled. Engr. Keffas Danlami was elected secretary, Yahaya Usman Bunu as treasurer, Chinenege Inusa Muhammed as state publicity secretary, and Hanatu John as state women leader. Bala Aron won the role of state legal adviser, Dr. Jacob was named state financial secretary, and Awesu Abdullahi as state auditor. The positions of vice-chairpersons for the state’s three zones were filled by Marshin Shema A (North), Isah Bala Mangi (South), and Atahiru Osu Audu (West).

In his first remarks as chairman, Hon. Adamu Bako Ninga expressed gratitude to PDP members for their unity and commitment. “The first thing I’ll do is congratulate our PDP family for coming together with one voice to elect our leaders,” Ninga stated.

He outlined his immediate priorities, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation within the party. “Our duty is to reach out to members who may feel aggrieved, so we can work as one family,” he added.

Ninga also hinted at his intention to address concerns about transparency in election processes, particularly regarding the role of state electoral bodies. He suggested that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could take on a greater role in local government elections to ensure credibility, adding, “Our party will not commit our members to waste their resources and energy unless transparency is assured.”

Dr. Emmanuel Ombugadu, the PDP’s 2023 gubernatorial candidate in Nasarawa, praised the conduct of the congress election, noting it as a victory for internal democracy. “This election reflects the will of the people,” he said, further stressing the party’s commitment to addressing internal issues amicably.

The newly elected leaders are expected to focus on party cohesion and strengthening the PDP’s presence across Nasarawa State ahead of the 2027 general elections.