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EFCC: Nigerians Facing Unjust Humiliation Under Bawa’s Watch, Ohanaeze Laments

Published

2 years ago

November 16, 2022

Editor

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has again taken a dig at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, under Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.

The group, in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday, said the EFCC under Bawa was at an all time low.

It, therefore, urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to take urgent steps aimed at saving the anti-corruption commission.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike and Comrade Obinna Achionye, the National President and the National Secretary, respectively, of the group.

While recalling what they called “the gestapo style with which the EFCC operatives invaded the residence of Senator Rochas Okorocha in Abuja, the Federal Character Territory, the Ohanaeze youths said Bawa had destroyed the reputation of the federal agency.

“The Zamfara State Government under the administration of Governor Bello Matawalle is also been harassed unnecessarily by agents of the EFCC. Governor Matawalle, who has restored some level of normalcy in Zamfara State does not in any way deserve such a reckless distraction. We have no doubt that the move, like many others, is politically induced. Enough of the media trial and withunt, the Governor must be allowed to concentrate.

“The EFCC has never been this ridiculed in such a manner as we are seeing under Bawa. The agency has become an agent of witch-hunt and one that is merely doing the bidding of some powers that be.

“It has not been forgotten how the EFCC under Bawa invaded the residence of Senator Rochas Okorocha, a serving Senator and treated him as a common criminal. Such a manner of invasion is unprecedented in the history of the country.

“Just the other day, the EFCC sneaked into a court and got an interim forfeiture order against Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a man who is already undergoing the most excruciating trying moment.”

“Several residents of the Southern part of the country have also fallen victims of EFCC brutality as homes innocent residents are invaded in the dead time of night, with their windows, burglary and roofs removed, only for the EFCC to apologise later that it acted in error.

“It is our considered view that the country cannot continue in such a crude form of operation. Media trials, illegal invasion and arrests can never be the hallmark of a serious anti-corruption agency. Nigerians have suffered enough unjustified humiliation and this is why we are demanding that it is time for Bawa to go,” the group further stated.

News

BREAKING: CBN Withdraws Circular On Cyber Security Levy

Published

42 mins ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has withdrawn the circular directing banks and other financial institutions to implement the 0.5 per cent cyber security levy.

The withdrawal of the circular was announced via a statement signed by Haruna Mustafa, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Department and Chibuzo Efobi, Director, Payment System Management Department.

The circular stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria circular dated May 6, 2024 (Ref. PSMD/DIR/PUB/LAB/017/004) on the above subject refers. ‘

“Further to this, please be advised that the above referenced circular is hereby withdrawn.”

News

JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Spokesperson, Ngelale, As Special Envoy On Climate Action

Published

2 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has appointed his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, as Nigeria’s Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action.

This was as he established a 25-person committee to oversee the country’s green economic initiatives.

“Ngelale will serve in this role as part of a larger Presidential Committee, to be chaired by the President,” the office of the secretary to the government of the federation revealed in a statement signed Sunday by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.

“Ngelale will retain his role as the Official Spokesperson of the President and Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity while serving on the committee,” it added.

The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu establishes a committee to oversee green economic initiatives, appoints Chief Ajuri Ngelale as special envoy on climate action.’

Imohsien said the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions will “coordinate and oversee all policies and programmes on climate action and green economic development.”

“This is to remove the constraints to coordination, foster a whole-of-government approach to climate-action programmes, provide an efficient governance architecture, and ensure that all relevant institutions in the sector are plugged into the President’s vision and are collectively implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda on climate action,” it further explained.

The new committee which has the President as its Chairman also includes the Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal as its Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Ajuri Ngelale as its Secretary/Special Presidential Envoy.

Members are the CEOs of, InfraCorp, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo; National Council on Climate Change, Mr. Salisu Dahiru; Infrastructure Council Regulatory Commission, Mr. Michael Ohiani, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, Mrs. Aisha Rimi and National Social Investment Fund, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq.

The committee also consists of the CEOs of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, Mr Yusuf Maina-Bukar, Energy Commission of Nigeria, Mr Abdullahi Mustapha; Rural Electrification Agency, Abba Aliyu; CreditCorp, Uzoma Nwagba, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu Member, Solid Minerals Development Fund, Fatima Shinkafi; CBN Deputy Governor (Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate) Mr Bala Bello; UN SE4ALL, Lolade Abiola; Member and an Adviser to the NCCC Adviser, Teni Majekodunmi.

Others are representatives of the Federal Ministries of FCT, Finance, Industry, Trade & Investment, Water Resources, and Agriculture & Food Security.

The committee also consists of representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The OSGF outlined eight objectives of the Presidential Committee. They are to:

“Identify, develop, and implement innovative non-oil & non-gas climate action initiatives.

“Coordinate all activities of relevant federal institutions towards the attainment of all agreed climate action and green economic objectives and non-oil/non-gas ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with all relevant government, subnational governments, non-government, and civil society entities towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and ambitions of the federal government.

“Collaborate with national governments and multilateral institutions towards the attainment of the climate action objectives and carbon market ambitions of the federal government.

“Monitor, evaluate, and guide the progress of all climate action and renewable energy projects and activities of the federal government.

“Track and guide the implementation of initiatives and developments conducted by the Energy Transition Working Group.

“Supervise the work of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen and

“Prepare a half-yearly green ambitions update, covering all associated climate action achievements of the federal government.”

News

Hilton Expands Presence in Nigeria With Two New Hotel Signings

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Editor

By Tari Ayesinghan | Lagos

Hilton has announced the signing of two new hotels in Nigeria, Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu.

The move marks a significant expansion of the global hospitality company’s presence in the country.

Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island will feature 176 guest rooms and suites, a rooftop bar, and a conference room.

The hotel is located in the heart of Victoria Island, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Hilton Garden Inn Enugu will have 150 guest rooms and suites, a gym, and an outdoor pool.

The hotel is situated in the HELIU Health Tourism District & Residences, a new development that includes a hospital, shopping mall, and office park.

The two new hotels will join Hilton’s existing properties in Nigeria, Transcorp Hilton Abuja and Legend Hotel Lagos Airport, Curio Collection by Hilton.

The company has also announced plans to develop Koko Beach Resort Ilashe Lagos, Curio Collection by Hilton.

Carlos Khneisser, Hilton’s Vice President of Development for the Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to announce the signing of Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island and Hilton Garden Inn Enugu. These new signings reaffirm Hilton’s commitment to Africa’s hospitality sector and confidence in Nigeria as a dynamic and growing market.”

The new hotels are expected to provide guests with a unique and welcoming experience, with a focus on local culture and hospitality. Hilton Garden Inn Enugu is set to open in 2025, while Canopy by Hilton Lagos Victoria Island is expected to open in 2026.