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Plateau APC Elders Commend Lalong, Task Him On Internal Security
By Ugar Ukandi Odey, Jos
Elders Council of the Plateau State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has commended Governor Simon Lalong on his handling of recent moments of unrest in the State and the trajectory of his administration in keeping peace in the State in the past six years.

The APC Elders however noted that improved security in the state will be the better for it if Governor Lalong harnesses from the arrangements of his predecessor who had trained about three hundred indigenes of the state on intelligence gathering and tracking, and use them to boost the strength of the state owned Operation Rainbow and vigilantes, with a view to step up local policing of the state.
Condemning the attitude of the youths who took the corpses of those killed on the Yelwa Zangam attack and dumped at the Government House as “uncultured and traumatizing”, the Elders say the stand with Lalong and the people of the State at these trying times.

In a 15-point resolution presented at a press conference by Captain J M Din rtd, the Elders noted, among others, that
they “sympathize with the Berom Nation, Irigwe Nation, the families of victims of the Rukuba Road Attacks, the Anaguta Nation, the Fulanis and all families who lost their loved ones on account of the senseless killings”.

They also “condemn in totality any form of unwarranted and unprovoked attack and destruction of human lives, farms and cattle while also calling on the security agencies to be up and doing in the protection of the lives and properties of citizens of Plateau State and Nigeria in General”.
They have also called on the “security agencies to present the perpetrators of the heinous acts for immediate prosecution so that justice will be served to all who are affected”.
According to the statement, they have also called on the “people of Plateau to eschew bitterness and embrace peace, dialogue, reconciliation and forgiveness which is divine”.
“The Plateau State APC Elders Council condemns the uncultured manner with which the corpses of the dead victims were mishandled. It is not in the character of the people of Plateau State to desecrate the body of the dead. This singular behavior has further traumatized and caused pains to the families of the deceased and citizens of the State”, the statement further said.

“Even when we respect the right of our citizens to protest, we advise that protest should be carried out in a responsible and civilized manner.
We call on all citizens of Plateau State to stop forthwith the politicization of killings arising from the crisis for it will do us no good.
“The Council wishes to call on all its citizens including politicians to refrain from influencing and encouraging citizens to resort to self help; this when encouraged will allow for proliferation of arms in our society with attendant negative consequences in the near future”.
September 3, 2021
Taraba council chairman dragged before High Court Sitting in Jalingo
By our Correspondent.
The Chairman of Kurmi Local Government area of Taraba State, Mr John Joseph Amamzalla has being dragged before the Taraba State High Court sitting in Jalingo by Environmental Activists known as, Kurmi Movement For Sensitization and Environmental Protection, (KSAEP) for mobilising a thuggery attack against the Activists while on a sensitization outreach in Baissa the headquarters of Kurmi LGA.
Mr. Joseph John Amamzalla was dragged before Justice Nuhu Adi, of the Taraba State High Court sitting in Jalingo, after hearing from both parties and letter adjourned the case for a ruling on 21 October.
The adjournment was sequel to request by the responded for a out of court settlement for both parties.
Speaking to newsmen after the sitting in Jalingo, Barrister Micah Josiah, Counsel to complaint said that his client’s Fundamental Right was infringed upon, informing the decision to approach a court for the interpretation of fundamental human rights accrued to his client.
Micah however, stated that he was ready for the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
He gave assurance that he would weigh the out come of the resolution if it considered pains and lost occasioned by the action of the responded.
Counsel for the defendant, Barrister, Nerus Johnson on his part told journalists that he hoped the resolution would be worthwhile, adding that nobody is against settlement.
“In law, the modern train is for parties to resolve their issues amicably and this case is not a unique one that can not be resolve amicably. We adjourned to today 2nd day of September to report to the court as whether the parties have met and have resolved their differences.
“We just rose from the court and it was reported in court that parties are still talking, so the matter has been adjourned to October.
It could be recalled that the Activists members were on their way to Baissa when they were violently attacked and their vehicles smashed, while many sustained injuries and loss of other valuable items.
Our Correspondent further reports that the Activists filed the matter against the Local Government council chairman John Joseph Amamzalla in August 2021
September 3, 2021
ActionAid Nigeria decries increase in electricity tariff for Nigerians
…laments impending poverty effect on masses
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
ActionAid Nigeria, AAN,. has decried the alleged new astronomical increase in electricity tariff resolution by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, directing all 11 Electricity Distribution Companies, Discos to increase their tariffs from today Wednesday, 1st September, 2021.
In a press statement issued by AAN, it posits that the increase in electricity tariff will further erode the purchasing power of Nigerian workers in formal and informal sectors and will further impoverish more Nigerians.
Speaking in Abuja, the Country Director, Ene Obi lamented that the increase in electricity tariff is not only ill timed but insensitive to the precarious plight of Nigerians whose lean disposable incomes are already decapitated.
The Non Governmental Organization, NGO, position it said is hinged on the premise that previous hike in electricity tariffs had not translated to effective and regulatory strategies to manage the impact of such hikes on macro-economic indices affecting end-users that are currently economically crippled and trapped.”
Obi who condemned the tariff move also reminded the Federal Government that more than a hundred million Nigerians are living below the poverty line.
nstead of this tariff hike, NERC should compel all the actors in Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry to ensure increased efficiency in the power sector including managing energy loses to make erratic power supply a thing of the past as a way of boosting productivity and Nigeria’s GDP, she said.
“We urge NERC to rescind this decision and ensure that the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry improve its performance before considering a tariff increase.”
The statement said, ” If this purported decision is not reconsidered, the cost of production of basic items produced in the country will increase and this may also lead to job losses in the already ailing medium and small-scale industries in Nigeria. Investors who rely largely on power supply will obviously not be able to break even. To remain afloat, they will have to shift the burden of increased cost of production to the final consumers of their products and services in an economy already choked by inflation.”
ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, and the Federal Government, to halt the planned electricity tariff increment and uphold its values of transparency, fairness, and accountability by ensuring continuous consultation with the masses while protecting consumer rights.
September 3, 2021
IYC to Buhari: Sack Akpabio now over doctored NDDC audit report
urges Presidency to disregard Akpabio’s selfish recommendations
Publish names of indicted contractors
By Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa
The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The IYC in a statement signed in Port Harcourt by its President, Peter Timothy Igbifa, said sacking Akpabio would pave the way for the inauguration of the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) following the submission of the forensic audit report.
Igbifa said Akpabio deliberately mismanaged the audit process deploying delay tactics, selfish politics and wicked maneuvering to maintain his stranglehold on NDDC against the collective interest of the region.
Igbifa noted that Akpabio was not ready to relinquish the NDDC to serve the collective interest of the region but was determined to keep the commission under his whims and caprices.
The IYC boss said Akpabio had worked out his plans to retain the control of NDDC and keep the commission running under a sole administration, adding that the only way to give the NDDC the desired board was to sack the minister.
Igbifa appealed to the Presidency to approach with caution some of the recommendations said to be contained in the forensic audit report submitted by Akpabio.
He said: “We were told that Akpabio ensured that selfish recommendations were smuggled into the report. If these recommendations are implemented, they will deny states adequate representation on the board and give Akpabio more time to continue running the NDDC with a sole administrator.
“For instance, we learnt that there are recommendations for a part-time board and reduction in the number of the board members. These suggestions are not feasible because they are designed to extend the sole administrative regime in NDDC. They require amendments of the Act establishing the NDDC and this will take at least six months to achieve.
“Besides, how can you think of reducing the board members. Which state are you going to exclude from the board? Or do you think IOCs should not be part of the board? These are obviously selfish recommendations and we are calling on the Presidency to be careful to avoid promoting one man’s selfish tendencies ahead of the collective interest and development of the Niger Delta.
“We are calling on the President to sack Akpabio for all the embarrassment he has caused for the Presidency in his insatiable appetite to maintain his stranglehold on the NDDC. Since he has submitted the report, it is time for him to go home and allow the NDDC have a fresh breath. His continuous stay in office is an obstacle to President Buhari’s desire to inaugurate the board of the commission”.
Igbifa further asked President Buhari to empanel an inquiry into what transpired in NDDC within the period of the audit especially how funds meant for the commission were used.
The IYC boss commended Buhari for his determination to prosecute persons and contractors behind litany of abandoned projects despite collecting monies meant for them.
He said: “We, however, appeal to the President to first publish the names of persons and companies behind this collective rape and destruction of our commonwealth.
“We want their names to be made public. We are challenging the Presidency not to allow this to slide and end up as one of the empty threats consumed by lack of political will”.
September 3, 2021
Lekki is now the hotbed of Cybercrime- EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has said that Lekki, the fast-developing upper middle-class area of Lagos Metropolis, is emerging as the new hub of internet-related fraud.
A statement released by the agency says data from the investigation activities of the Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the second quarter of 2021, indicates that Lekki District is the preferred location for all manner of cyber fraud syndicates.
Between April and June, 2021, the Advance Fee Fraud and Cyber Crime Sections of the Command recorded a total of 402 internet-related fraud arrests. While the Advance Fee Fraud Section was responsible for 243 arrests, the Cyber Crime Section executed 18 sting operations which resulted in 159 arrests, from which 13 convictions have so far been recorded.
Of the 159 suspects arrested by the Cyber Crime Section, 70 are from Lekki, comprising communities such as Ajah, Badore, Victoria Garden City, Sangotedo and Oniru.
Ajah accounted for 24 suspects, while Oniru and Sangotedo had 14 and 13 suspects respectively. Badore had 8 suspects. Neighbouring Ikoyi and Eko Atlantic had 2 and one suspect each. Ikorodu and Alagbado on the Lagos Mainland make up the remainder.
According to the agency, the suspects are mostly millennials, with 82 of them aged between 25-34 years, which ”speaks to the fact that most of the individuals arrested are either still in school, recent graduates or university dropouts”.
”Analysis of the data from the Cyber Crime Section further shows that the dominant form of internet crime is Dating Scam/Online Dating Scam/Romance Scam. Sixty Four percent (64%) of individuals arrested are involved in romance scam, followed closely by “Middle Man Scam” and “Picking” which account for 8% and 7% respectively of those arrested.
The 64% involved in the dating scam benefitted to the tune of N8, 310,000; $349,290 USD; £ 900; €10 and Cryptocurrency 0.17513.
Other typologies of fraud identified include forgery, possession of fraudulent documents, spamming, credit card fraud, impersonation, rental scam, loan fraud, Business Email Compromise, Hacking, stealing, cheque scam, phishing, and money laundering.
The data also reveals gift cards, at 39%, as the prevalent method employed by the suspects to access their illicit funds. It is followed by bank transfers at 27% and Cryptocurrency at 21%”the statement further read
September 3, 2021
Abuja soon to become Africa’s Gold hub as group seeks establishment of buying centre in FCT
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT is set to become Africa’s Gold hub as a group, Precious Metal Gold Processors and Exporters Association of Nigeria, has sought the partnership of the Federal Capital Territory Administration for the establishment of a gold buying centre in the nation’s capital.
This was contained in a press release signed by the SA Media to FCT Minister of State, Austine Elemue.
The statement read that the national chairman of the group, Alhj. Muhammed Ahmed Masud, made this request when he led a delegation of his executive on a visit to the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani.
Masud said that the establishment of the centre would serve as the next gold trading hub attracting investors from other parts of the globe, just as it was obtained in the gold buying centre of Dubai Gold Souk in the United Arab Emirates.
Masud, also noted that the establishment of the centre in Abuja would further create the enabling environment to operate in line with the Federal Government policies on diversification of the economy to non-oil sector particularly gold mining, processing and exporting.
According to him, the establishment of the Nigerian gold buying centre will also generate more revenue, boost sustainable economy growth, increase investor’s traffic and create job opportunities for the country.
The national chairman revealed that gold mining industry contributed over US$171 billion to global economy, noting that as a major stakeholder in the mining sector the presence of the association in FCT would bring all mining stakeholders together under one umbrella.
In her response Aliyu, assured the group that the administration would partner the association and other viable organisations with programmes and policies geared towards the development of the territory.
The minister, who was represented by the Special Assistant on Technical Matters, Tpl. Mudiyu Mustapha, commended the association for the proposed partnership, assuring that the present FCT Administration has keyed into the federal government policy on diversification.
September 3, 2021
Farouq condemns Kaya students kidnapping, calls for adequate security in schools
By Joyce Remi- Babayeju
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has condemned the recent kidnapping of 73 Government Day Secondary School, Kaya in Zamfara State.

This was contained in a press statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali made available to newsmen in Abuja.

According to the statement, Farouq sympathised with the Zamfara State Government , the school and the parents of the abducted students adding that the recent kidnapping is one too many.

The minister prayed for the safety of the students adding that adequate measures are being taken by relevant security agencies to ensure the safe rescure of the kidnapped students.
In a report the Police Spokes person in Zamfara, Muhammad Shehu who confirmed the incident on Wednesday said that a large number of bandits stormed the Public school and whisked away the students. This occurred following the new stringent policies announced by the state governments of adjoining north-west states to cut off supply of enssential commodities to bandits operating from Forest in the states.
The Minister however, urged State governments and school authorities to provide adequate security in all schools across the country to avoid future occurrence. She further pledged the readiness of the Ministry to provide any humanitarian assistance that would be required in the affected villages.
September 3, 2021
Ronaldo to wear number 7 shirt at Manchester United
Manchester United have confirmed that Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the number seven shirt on his return to the club.
The 36-year-old completed a sensational move back to Manchester United on transfer deadline day, rejoining from Juventus on a two-year deal.
During his first six-season spell at Old Trafford, Ronaldo wore the number seven shirt.
It was a period during whichbhe helped Sir Alex Ferguson’s side secure the UEFA Champions League and three Premier League titles before moving on to Real Madrid in 2009.
Manchester United confirmed Edinson Cavani would now take up the number 21.
But there was no mention of whether special dispensation had been requested from the Premier League to process the switch following the start of the domestic campaign.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will wear number 7 for Manchester United again, like he did between 2003 and 2009. As we all know, the number 7 is a special number in the history of Manchester United,” the club said on www.manutd.com.
“It has previously been worn by club icons like George Best, Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona and David Beckham. Now, it returns to the man who succeeded Beckham in it, Ronaldo.
“Ronaldo inherits the number from Edinson Cavani, who wore the shirt last season and in our away win at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend.
“As our new signing is allocated number 7, El Matador will switch to number 21, the same number our prolific striker wears for the Uruguayan national team.”
On Wednesday night, Ronaldo broke the men’s international scoring record.
He grabbed a late double as Portugal came from behind to beat the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in a dramatic finish at the Estadio Algarve.
However, after removing his shirt in celebration during stoppage time, Ronaldo was cautioned.
Having been booked earlier in the World Cup qualifying campaign, the forward is suspended for Tuesday night’s trip to Azerbaijan.
As a result, Ronaldo has been released from the Portugal squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly against World Cup hosts Qatar in Hungary.
This is to enable him to be set for an early reunion back with Manchester United.
September 3, 2021
Court freezes N19.17bn belonging to convicted ex-bank boss, Atuche
A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has frozen assets and funds worth N19.17bn allegedly kept in 24 banks by a convicted former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB, Francis Atuche.
Justice Lateefat Okunnu made the order sequel to an August 17 application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a suit between the Federal Government and Atuche, as well as Ugo Anyanwu, the first and second defendants respectively.
Anyanwu, a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, is also serving time in jail following his conviction and sentencing to six years’ imprisonment on June 16, 2021 for fraud involving about N25.7bn.
Justice Okunnu, while sentencing the duo, had ordered that they should make a restitution of the N25.7bn to the Federal Government in order to replace the funds stolen from the public to bail out the bank.
The judge, therefore on Thursday, granted the agency’s 12 prayers pursuant to sections 6(d), 20, 24, 26(1), 30, and 34(1) of the EFCC Act, as well sections 290, 294 and 297 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015.
The application was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission prosecution team, led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Kemi Pinheiro.
Justice Okunnu held, “An order is made restraining the first defendant, whether by himself, or acting through the persons or entities listed from dealing with the value of the assets and proceeds of economic and financial crimes or otherwise in the name of the first defendant.”
The judge further froze any bank account being run and operated by Atuche, personally or jointly, whether in his personal name or otherwise in any of the respondent banks to the tune of N19.17bn.
The judge added, “A mandatory order of injunction is made directing the named respondent’s banks to file within 48 hours of service of the order of this honourable court on them returns of the statements of account of the first defendant.”
EFCC had said that 15 persons were used by Atuche to launder the funds.
They are Anthony Atuche, Emeka Atuche, Paul Okobi, Felix Oyiana, Moruf Adisa, Olatunji Abiodun, Daniel Enebeli, Aina Olugbenga, Augustine Nwabueze, Omonua Benedict, Oliver Nduaaron, Chris Ogbechie, Murat Bektaslar, Attah Olukemi, and Thomas Etuh.
September 3, 2021
Buhari Orders Criminal Investigation Into N6Trillion Investment In NDDC For 19 Yrs
… 13,777 Projects Substantially Compromised
… Decries 362 NDDC Bank Accounts
From Leo Nzwanke,
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered criminal investigation into an approximated six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since 2001.
Recall that the President had ordered for a holistic forensic audit of the activities of the Commission from from inception to August 2019 in response to the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region to reposition it for the effective service delivery.
Buhari gave this order Thursday in Abuja after receiving the final forensic audit report from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.
Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, Buhari stated: “The Federal Government will in consequence apply the law to remedy the deficiencies outlined in the audit report as appropriate.
“This will include but not limited to initiation of criminal investigations, prosecution, recovery of funds not properly utilized for the public purposes for which they were meant for amongst others.
“In all these instances of actions, legal due processes will strictly be complied with.”
According to the President, the forensic audit report will be forwarded to the Federal ministry of Justice for a legal review and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government will be engage in doing justice to the findings accordingly.
Buhari disclosed that, It is on record that between 2001 and 2019, the federal government has approved three trillion, three Hundred and Seventy five billion, seven
hundred and seventy six thousand, seven Hundred and ninety four naira, ninety three kobo as budgetary and two trillion, four hundred and twenty billion, nine hundred and forty million, and, eight hundred and ninety four thousand, one hundred and ninety one naira as income from Statutory and non-Statutory Sources, which brings the total sum to six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission.
He said it was also on record that the execution of over 13, 777 projects in the oil rich region were substantially compromised.
Buhari noted that the Federal government is also concerned about multitudes of Niger Delta development commission’s bank accounts amounting to 362 and lack of proper reconciliation of accounts.
He stated that the call for the audit by the people of the Niger Delta Region arose from the huge gaps between resources invested in the region vis a vis the huge gap in infrastructural, human and economic development.
Buhari said he was not oblivious of the interest generated by Stakeholders towards the forensic audit exercise and the agitation for the constitution of the Board
of the NDDC.
He went on: “However, this Administration is determined to address challenges militating against the delivery of the mandate of the NDDC to the people of the Niger Delta Region.
“It is in the broader context of the foregoing developments that the recently signed into Law the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which has been a contentious issue over the years for successive governments, to bring about the prudence and accountability in the Petroleum Sector and to give a sense of participation and ownership to the host communities.”
According to him, the report on the forensic audit of the NNDC and recommendations will be critically analysed for necessary action and implementation.
“We owe it a duty to the people of the Niger Delta Region to improve their standard of living through the provision of adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development.
“The welfare and socio- economic inclusion of the Niger Delta Region is paramount to the development and security of the Region and by extension the country.
“Funds spent on development activities should as a consequence promote political and socio-economic stability in the Region,” Buhari added.
Earlier in his remarks, Akpabio disclosed that the auditors have concluded examination
and documentation of a total 13,777 contracts for projects and programmes awarded to Contractors and consultants in all Niger Delta States from 2001-August 2019, at a total final contract value of N3,274.206,032,213.24.
According to Akpabio, the name and identity of a vast number of beneficiary companies were also captured as well.
His words: “Via Field Verification, the Forensic Auditors established the exact status of all contracts for projects and programmes in all constituent states during the period under review classified into completed, ongoing, abandoned, terminated, taken-over and non-existence.”
The Minister disclosed that the auditors also focused on funding gaps, Irregularities, mismanagements and Due Process Violations/Conflicts of interest.
He went on: “A Personnel Audit and Review of the governance and organisational structure of NDDC was also carried out. An operational guideline/Manual and a fit-for-purpose organogram that would aid the transformation of NDDC to a globally competitive development agency has been developed as well.
“Available financial records of the commission were analysed with the aim of establishing the total amount of funds received by the Commission from all sources, both statutory and non-statutory and the total funds and other resources paid to contractors as well as the total amount outstanding as debts with regards to such projects within the period under reference.
“The Auditors have also provided policy recommendations, in terms of measures that should be taken to ensure the prevention of such irregularities and mismanagement, going forward.
“With utmost respect Sir, I crave the indulgence of Your Excellency that after my speech, the Lead Forensic Auditors will present to you a quick summary of their Findings and Recommendations.”
September 3, 2021