At Last, FG Hands over National Theatre to Private Investors for Renovation

July 12, 2020

The President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government Sunday handed over the National Arts Theatre complex in Lagos State to the private sector for a complete revamp and modernisation.

This was coming as Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the proposed transformation of the theatre complex give Nigeria an opportunity to harness her creative industry, describing the revitalisation of the cultural edifice as a goldmine for revenue generation.

The National Arts Theatre complex, sitting on an expansive space and an adjoining 134-hectare fallow land in Iganmu area of Lagos, has been abandoned over the years due to mismanagement and non-maintenance.

Moved by the need to restore the glory of the epicentre of cultural activities in Lagos and turn around its capacity to develop the creative industry, Buhari recently approved the regeneration of the theatre complex through a public private partnership.

The presidential approval culminated into the official hand over ceremony of the edifice at the theatre complex’s Banquet Hall to private investors led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bankers’ Committee (a team of private investors) under the chairmanship of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The N25 billion project, tagged the Lagos Creative and Entertainment Centre, which is expected to be completed in 18 months, would be executed in two phases.

Phase 1 involves the restoration and upgrade of the National Theatre to its glorious days at a cost of N7 billion, while Phase II would involve the development of the adjoining fallow land at a cost of N18 billion.

Highlights of the first phase include the upgrade of the theatres (the main halls and cinema halls, conference and banquet halls, press hall and the bar); installation of new seats, upgrade of the sanitary facilities, installation of lifts, acoustics and specialist lightings, as well as replacement of the air
conditioning, lighting and plumbing.

Phase II would involve the development of purpose-built clusters to provide world class facilities for Nigeria’s Creative Industry, with the clusters having four hubs: Fashion, Music, Film and Information and Technology (IT) hubs.

The creative clusters would be supported by other facilities, including multi-storey parking to accommodate 1,000 cars, a Visitors’ Welcome Centre which would house commercial and retail facilities, as well as administration and management offices.

Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, who officially transferred the monument to the team of private investors for regeneration, said the project is expected to be delivered in the next 18 months.

The minister said the planned restoration and upgrade of the iconic National Theatre would generate about 10,000 jobs during and after the restoration.

He said: “Please permit me to start off by making a clarification: this iconic National Theatre remains a national heritage and will not be ceded to any person or group, as some have chosen to frame what we are doing here today. What we are here to do is to hand over the National Theatre for restoration and upgrade and the fallow land within the premises to the Central Bank and the Bankers’ Committee for development.

“The Federal Ministry of Information and Culture holds the keys to the National Theatre on behalf of all Nigerians.

“The good news is that this project will not lead to a single job loss. Instead, it will create more. Some 6,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, while the completed project could generate up to an additional 600 permanent and 2,000 to 3,000 call-on/call-off jobs. This is as good as it gets!”

The minister described the handover of the facility as a “historic day in the annals of the Creative Industry in Nigeria,” describing the project as a win-win for all those involved.

“For over 40 years, no major renovation work has been done on the National Theatre, while the adjoining land has been lying fallow. Many attempts to restore the National Theatre
have failed. And the government has no money to restore the complex.

“As you know, this is the hub of the Creative Industry in Nigeria. The National Theatre was established to encourage the advancement of the performing arts throughout the country; to create opportunities for performing artists of the country as well as to aid the promotion of social development and the improvement of the quality of life. In its present state, it is not living to its billing,” the minister added.

Recalling the glory days of the National Theatre, Mohammed said the edifice once hosted all Nigerian state government functions and musical extravaganzas such as the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Roy Ayers, Skyy, Shalamar, Whispers, Third world and Dynasty; stage events like Wole Soyinka’s adaptation of D. O. Fagunwa’s Langbodo and even Stevie Wonder, who received one of his numerous Grammy Awards at the National Theatre.

In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos State as the centre for innovation, noting that the Centre of Excellence would benefit hugely from the monument’s revitalisation.

Sanwo-Olu said harnessing the potential of creative industry remained vital to diversifying the national economy and transforming Lagos economy to be 21st Century compliant, adding that a modernised National Arts Theatre would empower innovative youth across the country to develop creative skills in fashion, performing arts, music and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

“As the governor of the state where this national monument is sited, it gives me a great sense of joy to see the National Arts Theatre being revitalised. When the conversation around setting up the biggest black heritage started in the 1970s, Lagos was the centre of the discussion.

“It feels good to see that the conversation around revitalising the monument turning it around for the generations to come is taking place in Lagos. Everyone of us growing up about 30 to 35 years ago knew what the National Theatre stood for. Given that we have had good times in this monument, it would be shame on all of us if we didn’t do what we are doing today and leave this national heritage to die,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu observed that before the move by the Federal Government to revamp the theatre, Lagos State Government had deployed resources to modernise the areas around the monument, pointing out that the state government built a Light Rail station in the theatre.

The governor said synergy between the state and federal governmenta in equipping the monument with Light Rail station is an asset that would help in mass transportation in and out of the edifice when the revamping is completed.

Sanwo-Olu said: “There’s no way we can transform Lagos economy and make it 21st Century compliant if this national centrepiece is not re-engineered to develop our creative industry. Therefore, this revitalisation exercise speaks to our vision in the pillars of our development agenda.”

The governor assured the investors and the Federal Government that Lagos would be part of every process required to turn around the heritage.

Emefiele, on his part, said the partnership would transform the monument to a world-class arts and entertainment centre.

He said the handing over of the theatre to private investors was timely, given the challenges facing the economy that earns revenue from single source.

The CBN boss added that the nation had the potential to generate annual revenue of $20 billion from creative industry, noting that such could help cushion the effect of instability on the national economy.

Emefiele thanked Lagos State Government for creating an infrastructure around the monument, pointing out that the rail station would open the theatre up for seamless traffic.

“Upon completion in another 18 months, this entire area would have transformed into a creative centre which will only be comparable to world-class entertainment and convention centres in this part of the world.

“Our goal to revamp this National Arts Theatre is to create an environment where startups and existing businesses can be rewarded for their creativity. When the renovation is completed, this monument will support skill acquisition and creation of jobs for over one million Nigerians over the next five years,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare, said the partnership was another giant step by the Buhari administration to strengthen the youth and invest in their creativity.

“I commend the Bankers’ Committee for this new vision to engender a rebirth of millennial economy. A modernised National Arts Theatre will help our young people to hone their skills and divest their energy to create values for themselves and the country,” Dare said.

The revamping of the monument would be handled by SANEF Creatives Limited. When completely revamped, cinemas of the modernised National Arts Theatre would now have digital screens and modern lighting system.

Its three exhibition centres and banquet halls would be completely regenerated. It would have a multi-storey car park, ICT incubation centre, cultural and entertainment hubs, including apparel factory, film village, and music hub for young musicians to have an opportunity to record.

The ceremony was witnessed by Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; the Chairman of the Committee of Banks’ CEOs, Herbert Wigwe; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Culture, Grace Isu Gekpe; among others.

Idowu Sowunmi

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‘How Magu Allegedly Re-loots Recovered Funds’

B.O.B Echoload

July 12, 2020

Suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, has been accused of re-looting funds recovered by the commission as well as bribery.

Magu, who is currently being interrogated by a Presidential Investigation Committee on the EFCC-Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances from May 2015 to May 2020, headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami, has been accused of mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets by EFCC.

A final report of the presidential probe panel obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had seriously indicted and implicated Magu on various allegations levelled against him.

The new facts have emerged on how interest rates accruing from N550 billion recovered by EFCC in the period under review were allegedly re-looted.

Read Aldo… You’re unfit to lead an agency like EFCC, PDP condemns Magu

Magu is now expected to disclose the whereabouts of the missing interest funds running into millions of naira.

NAN also observed that the Final Report of Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) that covered the period of May 29, 2015, to November 22, 2018, had also confirmed the concerns of the public about contradictory recovery figures emanating from Magu.

“It is quite disturbing that conflicting figures are being circulated in the public space by EFCC as the amount of recovered funds.

“For foreign currency recoveries, EFCC reported a total naira equivalent of N46,038,882,509.87, while the Naira equivalent of the foreign currency lodgments was N37,533,764,195.66, representing a shortfall of N8,505,118,314.21.

“These inconsistencies cast serious doubt on the accuracy of figures submitted by EFCC. It is the committee’s view that EFCC cannot be said to have fully accounted for cash recoveries made by it.

“While EFCC reported total Naira recoveries of N504,154,184,744.04, the actual bank lodgements were N543,511,792,863.47. These discrepancies mean that EFCC’s actual lodgment exceeded its reported recoveries by N39,357,608,119.43.

“It must be pointed out that the discrepancy of more than thirty-nine billion naira does not include interest accrued in this account since it was opened.

“It, therefore, casts serious doubt on the credibility of the figures and means that a substantial amount of money has not been accurately accounted for.

“Failure to report on the interest on actual lodgements clearly establishes that the interest element of over N550 billion has been re-looted relating to the period under review.

“This is an apparent case of manipulation of data in a very brazen and unprofessional manner and this has greatly eroded the public confidence in the anti-corruption efforts,’’ the report stated in part.

NAN also reports that PCARA revealed how the investigative reports on EFCC’s activities by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) exposed acts of corruption and money laundering against some EFCC officials, including Magu.

“The NFIU reports established that the Acting Chairman has been using different sources to siphon money from EFCC, and in some cases collecting bribes from suspects.

“The report has shown that a particular Bureau de Change, owned by Ahmed Ibrahim Shanono linked to the Acting Chairman based in Kaduna has more than 158 accounts and has been receiving huge sums of funds.

“The link to Magu was also established by the payment of N28 million to Falana who is a close associate and ally of the Acting Chairman,’’ PCARA report further revealed.

NAN reports that the Salami probe panel is expected to continue sitting on Monday, while Magu’s lawyer, Oluwatosin Ojaomo, had on Friday applied for an administrative bail for his client, who is facing corruption and other charges before the panel.

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Buhari Breaks Silence on Magu, Says Suspended EFCC Acting Chairman Not Above the Law

B.O.B Echoload

July 12, 2020

Buhari attends Virtual Flag-Off of Construction Phase of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project in State House on 30th June 2020 4 — File photo: President Buhari at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari Saturday broke silence on the travails of the suspended Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

The President explained that the guiding principle of his administration is that there are no sacred cows, adding that when allegations are made against the chief executive officer of an institution, the chief executive officer has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

Buhari noted that a series of documented allegations were made against EFCC under the leadership of Magu, which led to the constitution of an investigative panel in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.

“A series of documented allegations were made against the Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following a preliminary review of the allegations leveled against the Ag. Chairman and several other members of his staff, there were grounds for a detailed investigation to be conducted.

“Hence, an investigative panel was constituted in compliance with the extant laws governing the convening of such a body.

“As is the proper procedure, when allegations are made against the Chief Executive of an institution, and in this case an institution that ought to be seen as beyond reproach, the Chief Executive has to step down from his post and allow for a transparent and unhindered investigation.

“EFCC does not revolve around the personality of an individual, and as such cannot be seen through the prism of any individual.

“Therefore, the suspension of Mr. Ibrahim Magu, allows the institution to continue carrying out its mandate without the cloud of investigation hanging over its head.

“EFCC has many good, hardworking men and women who are committed to its ideal and ensuring that the wealth of our country isn’t plundered and wherein there is an act of misappropriation such person(s) are brought to justice,” Buhari said, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

The statement added that the embattled EFCC acting chairman was being given opportunity to defend himself in accordance to the rule of law.

“Mr. Magu is being availed the opportunity to defend himself and answer the allegations against him. This is how it should be, as is the fact that under the laws of Nigeria every citizen is presumed and remains innocent until proven guilty.

“We must realise that the fight against corruption is not a static event, but a dynamic and ever evolving process, in which the EFCC is just one actor; and as we continue to work towards improving our democratic process so shall every institution of ours also embark on that journey of evolution.

“What is however important is that there must be accountability and transparency and our people must realize that they would be held to account. This is the building block in the fight against corruption, the establishment of the concept of Accountability and the recognition of the rule of law.

“Those who see Mr. Magu’s investigation, as a signal that the fight against corruption is failing, have unfortunately, missed the boat.

“There is no better indication that the fight is real and active than the will to investigate allegations in an open and transparent manner against those who have been charged to be custodians of this very system.

“Under this President and Government, this is our mantra and guiding principle. There are no sacred cows, and for those who think they have a halo over their heads, their days are also numbered.

“Mr. Magu was not immune – and regardless of the obvious embarrassment that potential acts of wrongdoing by him, given the office he held, may appear for the government.

“No other administration in the history of Nigeria would have moved to bring into the light and public domain such an allegation,” the statement pointed out.

Meanwhile, the President has urged African leaders to ensure the immediate actualisation of the Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR), as the continent celebrated Anti-Corruption Day on July 11.

Buhari, in a letter to President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairman of African Union, asked for a re-commitment to the anti-corruption war by leaders on the continent to engender an “integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.”

The Nigerian President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, lamented that “the massive corruption being perpetrated across our national governments has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socioeconomic and political situation in Africa.”

The letter by Buhari reads in part: “As Your Excellency is aware, the continental fight against corruption has been premised on an irreducible minimum that can pave the way for Africa’s transformation.

“In this effort, the emphasis has been on the continent’s collective determination to forge resilient partnerships among our national governments, civil society organisations and other interest groups, such as women, youth and the physically challenged, to ensure improved socio-economic, political and security development and ultimately, the improvement of our continent.

“The concern of the African Union is that the massive corruption being perpetuated across our national governments, has created a huge governance deficit that has in turn created negative consequences that have worsened the socio-economic and political situation in Africa.

“Your Excellency may recall that these continental concerns led our colleagues at the African Union, to appoint my humble self as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion. I believe that the efforts and focus of the Nigerian Government at home, partly informed this decision as well as the need for Africa, as a continent, to recommit herself to the fight against corruption and the imperative to free resources for meaningful development.

“I am, therefore, in full support of the call for the issuance of a continental message to commemorate this day, on July 11, 2020, to re-commit the African Union to the continental fight against corruption, including through a robust approach to assets recovery, hence the need for a strategic framework on a Common African Position on Assets Recovery (CAPAR).

“Happily, in February 2020, at the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa, CAPAR was adopted. In my view, the African Union must go beyond the mere annual celebration of the Africa Anti-Corruption Day by moving swiftly to operationalize the African Common Position on Assets Recovery by all member states. This is an excellent way to drive Africa’s Agenda 2063, for an ‘integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.’

“As current Chair of our Union, I sincerely commend to you, this suggestion that seeks to call our leaders in Africa to recommit ourselves to this very important task of reclaiming our continent from the vice of systemic corruption.

“Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Ogun Govt will now extend Panseke-Adigbe road Project to Opako bridge

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 11, 2020

IMG-20200710-WA0002 — Executive Goverrnor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun

The Ogun State Government says it is looking at the possibility of providing durable drainage by extending the ongoing construction work on the Panseke-Adigbe road in Abeokuta, to reach the popular Opako bridge along Obada road.

According to a statement made available to Echotitbits by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, the state government took the decision in order to put a permanent stop to the perennial destruction of the retaining walls on the busy bridge, due to the lack of proper drainage.

The original Panseke-Adigbe road project, which was started at the twilight of the immediate past government , was 500-metre short, with the intent to stop the new road around Alowonle area.

However, the current Administration of Governor Abiodun is working with contractors handling the ongoing project towards extending drainage to the bridge, so that there will be proper flow and channeling of water, especially during the rains which have currently destroyed the approach to the bridge, even as the bridge itself remains intact.

As at Saturday afternoon, engineers were at the bridge with excavators to put washed off materials back in place so that the road may become motorable, pending the time when drainage work must have reached the site.

The State Government pleads with road users and residents to cooperate with engineers on site, while they carry out their duties in reasonable time.

Photos:

Tobiloba Kolawole

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You’re unfit to lead an agency like EFCC, PDP condemns Magu

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 11, 2020

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Saturday said the President Muhammadu Buhari-Federal Government must not cover for the indicted Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but ensure that he answers for alleged corruption, reported violation of rules, victimisation of Nigerians and stealing of recovered funds for which he has been suspended.

“What Nigerians expect at this time is for the Federal Government to ensure Magu’s prosecution in court as well as take necessary and decisive steps to restore the integrity of the EFCC by ensuring that Magu’s replacement as EFCC Chairman is thoroughly screened to avoid the ills and violations experienced under the suspended acting chairman,” PDP said.

The party described Magu as not only being unfit to lead an agency like the EFCC, but has also allegedly “reduced the anti-corruption agency to a house of corruption and a partisan witch-hunt organisation that thrives in violation of rules, abuse of investigation processes, manipulation of court procedures as well as a vehicle to harass and extort money from innocent Nigerians.”

The opposition party stated that “Magu should be made to provide answer to allegations in the public space that he was more interested in securing politically induced convictions rather than justice, for which he allegedly turned EFCC into a terror house where innocent Nigerians are harassed with trumped-up charges and convicted on media trial even before being allowed to defend themselves in court.”

The party said: “There are also allegations of violation of rights, including allegedly making his victims to make statements in custody without the services of their lawyers. This is in addition to insinuations in the public that the indicted EFCC boss was also harassing certain judges to get conviction on cases.

“Similarly, there are several cases of officers and ranks of the commission whose employment in the service were unjustly suspended or terminated.”

PDP accused Magu og destroying “the integrity of the anti-corruption agency with his manifest selective fight against corruption, in which no member of the current administration, including those who have been openly indicted for corruption, has been prosecuted by EFCC.”

“Nigerians can recall that under Magu, the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, was bold to state that once a corrupt person joins the APC, all his sins are forgiven.

“Moreover, the memo by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, detailing charges of diversion of recovered funds, secret sale of seized property and insubordination among others now validates the position of most Nigerians that Ibrahim Magu lacks the required discipline, exposure and experience to head an agency like EFCC,” the party added.

PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, also urged “an investigation into the alleged connection between the indicted EFCC boss and certain judges handling EFCC cases, while calling on the judiciary to sanitise the courts in this direction.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Ortom to Buhari: Declare herdsmen in Benue as terrorists now

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 11, 2020

images — File Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari recieves Benue State Goverrnor, Samuel Ortom.

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, Saturday told President Muhammadu Buhari to declare armed Fulani herdsmen killing innocent people in the communities of in the state as terrorists.

The governor’s call was coming after the incessant herdsmen attacks on different communities of the state in the last couple of months.

The latest of such attacks took place Friday night at Tse-Chembe community near Anyiin in Logo Local Government Area of the state, where the herders murdered seven persons in cold blood and left many others badly injured.

Ortom, who condemned the invasion and killings, described the situation as unacceptable.

He alleged “Benue State has a law which prohibits open grazing of livestock, and stresses that only a terrorist group would deliberately choose to violate the legislation as Fulani herdsmen have done since the law was enacted in 2017.”

The governor added that “declaring the armed herders operating in Benue State as terrorists will end the wave of impunity and guarantee the rule of law.”

He called on people of the state, especially those living in the affected areas to report any suspicious persons to security agencies.

Ortom commended “officers and men of Operation Whirl Stroke for their prompt responses to distress calls, particularly that of yesterday when the people of Tse-Chembe came under herdsmen’s attacks.”

He reassured Benue people that his administration would “not surrender the state to criminal elements, be they herdsmen or any other group.”

The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, said “no amount of threats and attacks will stop the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state.”

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You don’t meet constitutional requirements to impeach Deputy Gov. – Ondo Chief Judge

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 10, 2020

Ondo-State-Deputy-Gov-Agboola-Ajayi and Chief Judge — L-R: Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu.

Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu, has explained why she could not set up a seven-man investigative panel for the impeachment proceeding against the state’s Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi.

The chief judge explained that she could not constitute the panel until all constitutional processes are followed.

It would be recalled that Ondo State Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun, had written to the chief judge, informing her that impeachment notice has been served on Ajayi, which was signed by 14 lawmakers.

Oleyelogun informed Justice Akeredolu that setting up of the panel was in line with section 188 (5) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“By the Resolution of the House today pursuant to Section 188 (3) and (4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended it was resolved that the allegations be investigated forthwith.

“It is in line with the above that we request you set up the seven-man panel to conduct the investigation as resolved by the Honourable House, and the Panel report back to the House,” reads a letter to the chief judge by the speaker.

The chief judge, however, in a letter dated July 9 and addressed to the Speaker, said the lawmakers have not completed the constitutional process that would lead the Speaker to invite her to set up an investigative panel as stipulated by the constitution.

Justice Akeredolu said she also received a letter from Kayode Olatoke SAN that the matter of the impeachment of Ajayi was subjudice.

The chief judge said: “The Deputy Governor, Hon. Alfred Agboola Ajayi, must be served with notice of impeachment signed by not less than one-third of members of the House of Assembly of the state.

“The notice to be served on him must state that he is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office and must specify the particulars of the gross misconduct.

“He must be allowed to respond to the allegations.

“Within 14 days of receipt of the notice of the Honourable Speaker, whether or not the Deputy Governor responds, the House of Assembly shall pass a resolution supported by not less than two thirds majority of all the members of the House of Assembly that the allegations be investigated.”

Idowu Sowunmi

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Blogger dares Osinbajo, again alleges daughter illegally acquired N800 million property

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 10, 2020

Kiki-Osinbajo Yemi Osinbajo — Nigeria's Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and his daughter, Kiki Osinbajo, CEO, Glamd Africa

The blogger, Jackson Ude, who alleged that Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo collected the sum of N4 billion, a part of recovered stolen funds, from the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Ibrahim Magu, has declared that he was not afraid of the Vice President.

The Vice President had on Thursday, asked the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, to investigate allegations that he received N4 billion from Magu.

Osinbajo’s petition, addressed to Adamu through his lawyer, Taiwo Osipitan and dated July 8, 2020 asked IGP Adamu to initiate criminal proceedings against Jackson Ude if the allegations are proven to be untrue after investigation.

And reacting to this, Ude said the Nigerian police cannot arrest him and insisted that Osinbajo must first resign as Vice President before dragging him to court.

He said that since the Vice President is denying the allegation, the Presidential Panel investigating Magu and the police, should be compelled to release the verbatim transcripts of Magu’s confessions.

Ude, a former Director of Strategy and Communications under President Goodluck Jonathan administration,wrote on his twitter page: “Since Osinbajo, the Star Boy, is denying, let’s have lawyers compel the Presidential Panel investigating Magu and the Police, to release the verbatim transcripts of Magu’s confessions. This is not about waving immunity.

“I am not afraid of Osinbajo and his minions. If he indeed wants to go to court, he needs to resign first, and sue me. He cannot be VP and be using state resources to intimidate the Judiciary. He cannot wave an immunity that he didn’t place. Osinabjo should resign first!

“Osinbajo should have used the U.S Police, FBI or even the CIA to charge me for criminal defamation. Using the Nigerian Police is a waste of poor Nigerian taxpayers money. Except his aim is to arrest me in Nigeria, lock me up forever. Anyway, perhaps Na my ghost dem go arrest”, Ude stated.

In another statement, Ude who seemed not done with the Osinbajos hurled another salvo, this time claiming that the Vice President’s daughter, Kiki Osinbajo acquired a property in Abuja with stolen funds.

In his words, Ude, without any substantiated reference wrote: “How did Kiki Osinbajo, VP Osinbajo’s daughter, earn N800million she invested in the property housing her Glam’d Africa Beauty House in Abuja on 10 Durban Street, Wuse 2. Abuja?”

Property alleged to have been bought for N800 million by Kiki Osinbajo, daughter of Nigeria’s Vice President.

However, investigation revealed that the house Ude claimed Ms. Osinbajo acquired has number 40 on it, while the current property housing the said Glamd Africa business belonging to the VP’s daughter is number 10.

In her reaction, Kiki Osinbajo debunked the alleged illegal purchase of a property worth N800 million and described the claim it as “unbelievable”.

Kiki Osinbajo and Friends at the launch of Glamd Africa.

Kiki Osinbajo in a statement posted on her Instagram page stated that: “For me it is completely unbelievable that a grown man will sit in his home and lie about me, a grown man who possibly has children my age.

“Like many young women in Nigeria I work hard , It may be difficult for people like him to understand that a young woman can work hard and succeed on her own steam.
Anyone can verify the ownership of the property of Glamd Africa at Agis in Abuja. I am a tenant in that property. My landlord’s name is Mr Musa Adams”, Ms. Osinbajo stated.

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EFCC: FG confirms Magu’s suspension, Umar’s appointment as Acting Chairman

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 10, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate suspension of Ibrahim Magu as Ag. Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in order to allow for unhindered inquiry by the Presidential Investigation Panel under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act and other relevant laws.

This is contained in a statement issued by Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice made available to newsmen on Friday the 10th day of July, 2020.

According to the statement, President Muhammadu Buhari has also approved that the EFCC Director of Operations, Mohammed Umar, should take charge and oversee the activities of the Commission pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and further directives in that regards.

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Magu Probe: Osinbajo requests IGP to investigate N4billion allegations by blogger

Tobiloba Kolawole

July 10, 2020

images (1) — Nigeria's Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has written to the Inspector General of Police damanding investigation into some “vicious and malicious” allegations that he had obtained part of a N39 billion recovered loot in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Vice President’s move follows allegations by an online journalist, Jackson Ude, who in an article published in Point-Blank news on the 8th of July alleging that VP Osinbajo collected N4 billion from the suspended EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

Vice President Osinbajo, who wrote through his lawyers is asking the Inspector General of Police to conduct full investigation into allegations made by Ude from Point-Blank news.

The blogger had also alleged that embattled Magu is begging for a soft landing from the presidential panel because of the alleged illegal transaction between him and the Vice President.

According to the letter written by Prof. Yemi Osinbajo’s lawyers from the chambers of Bayo Osipitan and Co dated 8th July 2020, Ude’s allegations were described as vicious and malicious meant to portray the vice president as a dishonest and disloyal public officer unfit for the office of the vice president.

The letter called for a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Jackson Ude, noting that if those claims are found to be false, then criminal proceedings for criminal defamation should be brought against Jackson Ude.

Osinbajo’s call comes on the heels of an ongoing probe into the operations of Ibrahim Magu as acting boss of the EFCC.

Magu, who is believed to have been removed from office is spending a fourth day in the custody of the Nigeria Police.

This comes as the presidential panel continues its investigation into the activities of the commission under the leadership of Magu.

The panel is reported to have extended its probe to properties alleged to have been acquired by Magu in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

On Tuesday night, a team of security officials reportedly searched his homes in Abuja and were reported to have left with some documents, although it was not confirmed if anything incriminating was found during the search.

The investigation of Magu followed the allegations of misconduct levelled against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami

Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was said to have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, demanding the removal of Magu as the acting chairman of the anti-graft agency.

Meanwhile, the Presidency believes the probe has reinforced the commitment of the Buhari administration to transparency and accountability.

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