SDP Presidential Candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo Promises Better Architecture To Tackle Insecurity

The social democratic party presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo has promised to put the right architecture in place to tackle the issue of insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking at an interactive session with The Compatriots, on Friday February 3 in Abuja, Prince Adewole said in the Nigeria Police Force, his party will make sure the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in Police division will be people who are almost the same rank of a deputy commissioner so that they can take decisive actions at their levels.
The meeting was an interactive session with THE COMPATRIOTS and the other top presidential candidates.

He noted that the commissioner of police should have all operational powers to the inspector general of police, so that all matters can end in the state and they can relate better with the state.

Prince Adewole said, “One, even though we abolish the native authority, the DPO’s in Police division will be people who are almost the rank of deputy commissioner so that at the level of the division, they can take decisive actions. There’s enough seniority there to take decisions over serious issues.

“When it comes to the state, if they don’t amend the constitution, I’ll see that except for staff duties, the commissioner of police should have all operational powers to the inspector general of police, so that all matters can end in the state and they can relate better with the state”.
He noted that as Nigeria’s commander in chief, he will have a clear appreciation of the situation of the country in order to know how to address the issues at hand.

“The most important thing is that before you enter that office, you need the minimum about of knowledge that is residence in your head about the situation. So when you’re getting briefing and you’re nodding your head, you know the one which is false, over exaggerated, you know the one which is right. But if you go there and you are waiting for someone to tell you, there is a problem”.

He added that sometimes a different architecture is needed to achieve a different result.
Prince Adewole further stated that his party will do things to restore the armed forces because the when the armed forces are in order, services will be in order as well.
“A lot of things will be done and see that that army is restored, once the armed forces are in order, the services will be order as well”, he said.
He noted that his government will create devolution in the police force.

Prince Adewole while speaking on the judiciary, he advised that the court can be advised by The Compatriots on what to do, so that politicians would allow the judiciary serve the people.

Speaking on behalf of the Compatriots, Obong Victor Attah said the purpose of meeting with the presidential candidates was to discuss on how to get Nigeria to become a better nation, hence the campaigns of political candidates should reflect that.

He said, “The Compatriots requested to meet with you, our top political leaders, to discuss the Nation from a non-partisan perspective. Irrespective of personal partisan preferences, we all want a better Nigeria”.
“We believe that it is of mutual interest to your campaigns and our objectives that Nigerians understand that while there are differences of opinion on how to get Nigeria to become a better nation, there is alignment on what a successful nation looks like. We believe that this private collaborative meeting will elevate the perception of Nigerians about our collective commitment to a better future for them”, he added.

The Compatriots  is a group of well-meaning and eminent Nigerians, cutting across regional, ethnic, religious, ideological and political affiliations who have decided to come together to midwife an initiative aimed at promoting national cohesion, good governance, peace and prosperity.

They promote a network of concerned Nigerians towards assisting in the improvement of governance at all levels as well as in the provision of social services.

Other presidential candidates present at the session were Datti Ahmed – LP Vice presidential candidate representing Peter Obi, Kola Abiola – PRP and Boni Haruna – representing Atiku Abubakar of PDP.

The members of SDP presidential campaign team present were:  Khadijat Okunnu  – Deputy APCO DG, Chief Godwin Osigbeme – Director of protocol and Pst Ade Alabi.

Members of The Compatriot present were : HE Obong Victor Attah – Chairman , Malam Hakeem Baba-Ahmed – Deputy Chairman , Prince Tom Iseghohi – Chief Operating Officer,  Hajiya Inna Chiroma , Rev Bitrus Dangiwa, Dr. Enyantu Ifene ,General Zamani Lekwot rtd, General Saleh Maina rtd, Mrs Nella Andem- Ewa Rabana SAN, FCI Arb, Chief Simon Okeke.

Prince Adewole Adebayo At Presidential Townhall Meeting On Climate Change And Environmental Concerns

The presidential candidate of the social democratic party (SDP), Prince Adewole Adebayo has said that if elected, his party will lead Nigeria well and by extension, West Africa.

Prince Adebayo said this when responding to questions on the tension in the Sahel region and his plan towards environmental development, during the Presidential Town Hall Meeting on Climate Change and Environmental Concerns which held in Abuja.
The town hall meeting which held on Tuesday February 7, had the theme: 2023 General Elections and the Quest for a Greener Nigeria.

Speaking on environmental problems Nigeria is facing, he stated that the problems are caused by failure of the government, adding that the country has enough resources to handle its environment issues.
“Many of the problems you see here, they’re not even environmental problems per say; they are problems of failure of government”, he said.
“First, if you look at the amount of money we need to reflood Lake Chad, it is not up to 10 percent of what EFCC have been announcing all the time that has been stolen from the government. So Nigeria is not a country that we need to call on the world to come and save it and its environment because we have enough resources within the country to do so”.

The SDP presidential candidate further noted that Nigeria is a global power in Africa, hence if there is an efficient government in place, the environmental problems across West Africa can be dealt with. He went further to list the various ways his government would control the challenges facing the Sahel if elected.
He said. “We are the global power around here, by nature of God’s gift. Therefore, if you have an efficient government in Nigeria and through the mechanism of ECOWAS and other bilateral relationships, here is what we will do.
“First, we will mandate by regulation; so when you deal with poverty, across West Africa, the impact on the environment will be minimal. Second, we have a defense policy – the symbol of it is the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), whereby around West Africa you won’t have militants, jihadists, bandits coming there because we have the ability to take care of that if our defense policy is implemented under the proper commander in chief”.

Prince Adewole further noted that there is need for government to have stability in its dealings across board in order not to have communities clashing.

“So I believe that under our government we will lead Nigeria well and once we lead Nigeria well, we will lead West Africa well and anything the international community wants to contribute will be looked at as their own contribution; but in-house house we are fine”.

The SDP presidential candidate further urged Nigerians to pay attention to issues the nation is facing and listen to his ideas and those of the other candidates of the party to know that SDP is an organic party filled with ideas and ready to work for Nigeria.

Other presidential candidates present at the townhall were – Kachikwu Dumebi – ADC, Omoyele Sowore – AAC, Senator Alkali representing Kwankwaso of NNPP.
The Adewole Adebayo Presidential Campaign entourage comprised of:  VP Yusuf Salisu Buhari, Sen. Ugochukwu Uba, Pst Ade Alabi and Chief Godwin Osigbeme .

Currency Swap & Fuel Scarcity: Calm down, be patient-Int’l Activist urges Youth

By Emmanuel Daudu

Nigerians have been going through scorching times which is contrary to the ritual when general elections draw closer.

The policy of swapping some Naira notes for new ones was considered germane when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the policy in late 2022. The policy which was hailed as coming at the right time has turned to inflict suffering and hardship on the people across the country for its apparent mismanagement by the apex and commercial banks. With the February 10 deadline for the end of the exercise, economic activities are being crippled as there is little money in circulation. Citizens at the border towns have adopted currencies of neighbouring countries for transactions as reports have it.

The United Nations Habitat Ambassador to Nigeria, and International Activist, Dr. Raymond Edoh speaking with a cluster of journalists on Thursday urged Nigerians with a biased interest in youths to remain calm and watch patiently as things would unfold for good.

While speaking, the International Activist, Raymond emphasized that burning down facilities and infrastructures owned privately or publicly is not the best option in a crucial moment when a country like ours is at a junction of power transition.

Raymond, while speaking further, said, “Corruption “is synonymous with Nigeria now as banks hardly pay people with new notes because it’s never available but you will see it with those women selling it at parties and event halls; those currencies are not available at the banks but always available at every event halls. Why; the same things apply to the new naira notes which are not available to the common man but are always available at parties.

“With the ongoing swapping of the old Naira notes with the new notes, the rush to beat the CBN extended deadline of February 10, has exposed Nigerians to untold hardships.

” Inasmuch as we calm Nigerians down, we urge those at the helm of affairs to look into the suffering of Nigerians and then fashion out a possible way to soften these policies in other to ensure a leveled playing ground for everyone in the country.

“Just on Thursday, in Gwagwalada, a Nigerian youth was stabbed to death because he has been in the queue for a long and another tends to make withdrawals before him. Please, let’s calm down. No sitting president would wish for the collapse of his nation or its economy. The policies might not be favourable but you are rest assured it would be in the interest of the nation.

The Issue of Mallam El-Rufia Ahmad Nasir, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, and the Supreme Court on naira notes swap. I would wish to say that we have suffered a lot at the hands of the Supreme Court Judges in several ways not limited jn undermining any efforts of credible elections in Nigeria.

” Supreme Court voided card readers which aided and increased official election rigging. Supreme Court declared a man who came 4th in an election as a governor of a state and that alone in itself helped destroy the state.

“The same Supreme Court declared 2 men who never participated in senatorial elections as party candidates and Nigerians are still trying to recover from that shock as the credibility of primary elections has been watered down.

” And today again, the same Supreme Court without jurisdiction in a matter that is not a dispute between the States and federal government. If we understand this very well, the 1999 Constitution as amended has the right and original jurisdiction to entertain matters between the States and Federal Government when it is to the issue of constitutional interpretation. Today, the Nigeria currency redesign policy is a policy by CBN with the backing of Buhari. Now, where is the dispute that should be determined by the court? None, no basis.

“I want to call on all Nigerians to shone Supreme Court judgment on the naira swap deadline, and the likes of Elrufia Nasiru. We the youths shouldn’t allow politicians to frustrate the efforts of the federal government.

“Elections must hold and we the youths must support the federal government to make it hold by all means”.

Reacting to fuel scarcity, “We will stop at nothing until the right thing is done. The scarcity of fuel is evil. Until the right people are in power, we might be rolling from one problem to the other.

” Elections are close and so, you must make sure the right people are voted in”, Raymond Edoh

And the international activist assures all Nigerians that peace must be maintained in the coming elections and afterward.

“I wanna also use this medium to charge parents to speak to their young ones to stay calm and maintain law and order because this is the only country we can call our own.

“Also wanna assure the government and especially INEC that we will continue to preach peace in order to maintain a credible 2023 election.

“To the corrupt politicians.
We are here patiently waiting to see your evil tricks that have brought our nation to the evils we suffer today.

“To the electorate, we have never been this powerful and a high knowledge of the electoral process since democracy and we must utilize this power and opportunities in our hands to vote against all the evil politicians who will not do our nation a favor”, he added.

IPSCL Global Headquarters to observe 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

The Global Commandment of the International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc, has been confirmed to observe the 25th February and 11th March 2023 General Elections in Nigeria.

This was contained in a letter signed by the Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Nigeria, Rose Oriaran Anthony, addressed to the Global Coordinator of the International Police Chaplain Sustainable Development and Law Enforcement Inc, USA dated 13th January 2023.

According to the letter, “as an accredited observer group, you will be allowed to observe all electoral processes as outlined in the commission’s reviewed regulations and guidelines for the conduct of elections.

“Your organization is required to process the online submission of your field on the state by state basis by completing the forms. The field observers presented by your organization would be given identity cards and information kits”, the letter added.

Aftermath the release of the letter of accreditation, the organization while addressing its members across countries of the world disclosed to its officers that the International Police Chaplain IPCSL will be represented by a delegation from 13 countries. She will follow the two elections of February 25 and March 11, she will be in the polling stations and will publish a report no later than March 30 as required by the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Electoral Commission of Nigeria which accredits the various observation missions.

“This Delegation of the IPCSL will be led by the Togolese Ambassador Colonel Johaness M. MAKOUVIA, Africa Coordinator of the IPCSL According to the Ambassador the Gnl Wilkenson CESAR, Vice-President of the Superior Council of IPCSL Florida, USA, Head of the central administration, the planning is underway so that everything goes normally and that a note of satisfaction can sanction the mission” because Nigeria is the heart of Africa, we must take good care of it”, “While relying tirelessly on the dynamism and leadership of our Africa Coordinator, Ambassador Colonel Johaness M. MAKOUVIA, Chief Delegate of the Nigeria 2023 Electoral Mission, as well as its Collaborator Ambassador Capt. Blessing Akinlosotu, National Commandant & Executive Director of Nigeria, all arrangements will be made for the proper execution of the work”

“Remember that the INTERNATIONAL POLICE CHAPLAIN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT, INC. (IPCSL) is an American non-profit organization based in Florida, USA. Established for charitable, religious, scientific, and educational purposes, it contributes to the promotion and sustainable development (SDGs) in the world and also to the application of the law through the ministry of chaplaincy within the Nations. Its objectives are subdivided into seven sections: the defense of human rights, the fight against illegal immigration, it is anti-drugs, the fight against gender-based violence, the fight against child trafficking, the fight against global warming, and the fight against hunger and poverty”.

Data Exchange: Imo State University Seeks NiMet Partnership

Maryam Aminu

The Centre for Atmosphere and Environmental Research (CAER) at the Imo State University, Owerri, has expressed interest in forging partnership with the Nigerian Meteorology Agency, NiMet, in the area of data exchange.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University, the Director of the Centre, Prof Theo Chidiezie Chineke disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to see how NiMet and the Research Centre can work together for a win-win situation

Chineke also used the visit to congratulate and commend NiMet for the successful hosting of the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which he said they joined via Zoom. He added that the university track the partnership.

The representative of the VC came with a copy of a drafted Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for NiMet’s perusal.

Receiving the team from IMSU, the representative of the DG/CEO of NiMet, Director of Weather Forecasting Services, Engr Mailadi Yusuf assured them of NiMet’s commitment towards assisting national institutions through collaborations to do research work together.

To give the team better knowledge of the agency, they were later taken on a facility tour round the agency

HYPPADEC MD Abubakar Yelwa in a mess as Group calls on Presidency to investigate him

The Concerned Stakeholders of the Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission, HYPPADEC, have called on the Presidency to investigate the Managing Director,
of, the Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission, Abubakar Yelwa over corrupt related allegations within the commission.

The Stakeholders forum in a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday disclosed that
Since its creation, there has been no remarkable impact felt by Hosts Communities and States. The Commission, under the leadership of Abubakar Yelwa is almost nonexistent, functioning far below capacity despite huge investments by the Federal Government and Development Partners.

According to the Chairman of the group, Aliyu Oyiza Zuwariat while speaking at the press conference, “It would be recalled that recently some Workers in the Hydroelectric Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) and the Nigerian Human Right Group raised very serious and weighty allegations against the Managing Director of the Commission, Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa.

“The Nigerian Human Right Group went as far as addressing the Press and sending a very sensitive and strongly worded letter to the Honourable Minister of Power accusing Abubakar Yelwa of reckless management of Commission’s Resources, Contract Inflation, and manipulations in favour of cronies, Job Racketeering and Boasting of Protection by Powers that be.

“The Nigeria Human Right Group even threatened to move to the streets in protest if not given necessary attention or nothing significant was done to investigate the matter.

“However, months down the line, we are yet to hear or see any action taken in this respect by any relevant quarters of Government.

“Even the protesting Workers and the Human Right Group have suddenly gone back to deep sleep while the situation is reported to persist at the Commission.

“We in the Concerned Stakeholders of HYPPADEC Host States, suspect that the protesting Workers and Group may have been intimidated by the MD, which explains their sudden back down in the struggle for probity, transparency, and accountability in HYPPADEC.

“More also, we wish to assure all Stakeholders in HYPPADEC and the nation in general that in line with the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to fight down corruption in Nigeria, we have resuscitated this matter and see it to a logical conclusion.

“We must State categorically, at this point, that the CONCERNED STAKEHOLDERS OF HYPPADEC HOST STATES have no bias for or against anyone in this struggle, but base our actions on the reports which are in the public domain already. We cannot go on sweeping allegations of this magnitude under the carpet and expect to make progress as a People.

“We have lined up a series of actions to be taken, this Press Conference is just step one of our Action Plan. Others shall follow subsequently until justice is done on this matter by the Presidency”.

Also speaking at the conference, the Secretary, Concerned Stakeholders Of HYPPADEC Host States,
Ilemobayo Omokehinde Jones stressed that the Buhari-led administration should critically look into the allegation and ensure fairness, equity, and justice.
” All we are saying is, the right thing should be done. Corruption shouldn’t be given a chance in our today Nigeria. The worst of all is, we the youths suffer it most thereby resulting in a bankrupt system.

CAS MEETS OPERATIONAL COMMANDERS, CHARGES NAF PERSONNEL TO REMAIN APOLITICAL

By Aliyu Oyiza Juwairat,

As Nigerians prepares to go to the polls, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao has charged personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to remain apolitical throughout the elections.

The CAS stated this today, 7 February 2023 during his meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), Commandants and units Commanders held at Headquarters NAF, Abuja.

Air Commodore Wap Maigida, Director Public Relations and Information Nigeria Airforce, in a press released on 7 February 2023, said, Air Marshal Amao, urged the Commanders to sensitize NAF personnel on the Code of Conduct for Armed Forces of Nigeria during elections, while also reminding them to be apolitical, particularly now that the elections are close.

He added that the NAF will commence what he described as a realistic pre-induction training in all its units for personnel that would be deployed for election support duties.

He charged NAF Commanders to synergy with other security agencies within their Areas of Responsibilities towards organizing joint inter-agency training in order to enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies in discharging their respective roles during the elections.

“NAF personnel are expected to work in synergy with other security agencies within their respective Areas of Responsibilities to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming general elections”, he said

The CAS highlighted that part of NAF’s responsibilities to provide aid to civil authority, include assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the airlift of election materials to various parts of the country.

Air Marshal Amao also charged field commanders in various theatres of operation across the country to sustain the tempo of operations and onslaught against terrorists. According to him, going by recent happenings in the country, it has become imperative for personnel to avoid any actions or utterances that could tarnish the image of the Service.

While commending efforts of Commanders and personnel at various theatres of operations across the country, the CAS noted that the remarkable successes recorded so far against insurgency and terrorism was as a result of hard work, dedication and sacrifices.

Speaking further, the CAS disclosed that the NAF, in 2021 and 2022 alone, trained a total of 9,148 personnel locally and 786 personnel overseas cutting across all aircrew and ground specialties. According to him, currently a total of 122 personnel are undergoing foreign training while 1,057 are on local training and more would be processed for training in the course of the year.

The CAS went further to state that NAF has developed a workable skill retention strategy to sustain excellence and quality by re-engaging selected highly skilled retired personnel in the scarce skills categories as instructors and mentors to pass on expertise and best practices to the junior ones.

Air Marshal Amao commended the unwavering support of the Federal Government to the NAF, noting that the Service have acquired new and modern platforms and expecting delivery of more within the year to boost its equipment holding. This, he noted will go a long way in boosting NAF air power capabilities.

He thanked the AOCs and Commanders for their commitment to the NAF so far and spurred them not to rest in their oars towards fulfilling their obligation to the nation. He however tasked them to resuscitate regimentation and military traditions in their respective military formations and ensure discipline among the personnel as it remains the hallmark of military profession.
Highlight of the meeting was the brief by AOCs, Commandants and Commanders. The CAS’ meeting with the top echelon of the NAF is strategically important to its operational effectiveness and efficiency as well as service delivery.

Fuel Crises! Joel Opel, Chimeremeze Enwere, Others Charge Professionals To Optimize Oil, Gas And Renewable Energies

As energy crises continue to bite hard in some parts of the world, especially in Nigeria. The maintenance team lead at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria, Joel Opel has charged professionals to optimize oil, gas and other energy sources.

He made this call during the January 2023 technical session of Society of Technology and Energy Professionals-STEP titled ‘’Energy Saving and Emission Reduction in Hydrocarbon Vehicles and Machineries using Combustion Optimization Technology’’. Opel stressed that energy transition is real and the world needs to take climate action serious to save our environment. He maintained  that Shell as a global energy company believes in saving the environment and have commenced massive investments in renewable energies while optimizing oil and gas resources in an environmental friendly manner. He commended the combustion optimizer technology developed by the Italian company, SUPERTECH.

The President of Society of Technology and Energy Professionals-STEP, Chimeremeze Enwere welcomed the entire global stake holders in technology and energy to a new year 2023. Chimeremeze Enwere emphasized that energy plays a key role in all human and economic activities, such as in power generation, transportation, cooking, manufacturing industries etc. Chimeremeze said that meeting global energy demands without impacting the environment negatively remains the responsibility of everyone.

However,  we have to harness other sources of energy such as solar, nuclear energy, wind energy, biofuel, geothermal and hydropower. The combustion optimizer technology developed by Supertech is a welcomed development because it reduces CO2 emission and saves energy in vehicles and machineries. STEP as a global organization will continue to partner and work with critical stake holders in technology and energy sectors to develop the world and achieve energy security, Chimeremeze Enwere affirms.

The Nigeria Country representative of  Supertech Mr Charlse Amanisong, head management Secretary of Supertech Italy, Mrs Gina Cavataio and international commercial director of supertech group, Luigi Salemi stressed on the importance of Supertech combustion optimizer in our vehicles and machineries during this trying times. The team says that in-spite of pollution reduction and 15 percent energy saving, the combustion optimizer improves vehicle efficiency and reduces  maintenance cost.

Finally, Chimeremeze Enwere commended technology and energy professionals and also Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria under the leadership of Osagie Okunbo for being resolute in solving world toughest energy challenges.  Other professionals who attended the meeting are National commercial director, Hawnet-Supertech, Eliada Effiong, MD of Smilling Technologies, Engr Charlse Opara, Senior reservoir engineer, Total Energies, Robinson Madu, metering supervisor, First Hydrocarbon Nigeria, Engr Chika Enwere, Dr Lilian Odelugo, Charles Akagha, Odilile Abbah amongst others.

National Assembly Elections Are As Important As The Presidential Election-APARG Raises Alarm Over Under Reportage By The Media

Bilkisu Adejoh

The National Assembly is both the symbol and an important governance institution that mirrors the democratic character of a nation state. Therefore, priority interest and active participation of voters in the election of the National Assembly Members is crucial to Nigeria’s democracy development and democratic consolidation.

He reminded that on Saturday, February 25, 2023, precisely 17 days from today, eligible Nigerians will gather in the 176,876 Polling Units across the federation of Nigeria to exercise their democratic rights to elect a new President for the country.

The Team Lead, African Parliamentary Advocacy and Reform Group (APARG), Amb. Chibuzo Okereke noted this during the press conference on the state of the 2023 National Assembly Race held on Wednesday 8th February, 2023 in Abuja

On the same day in line with the INEC Time-table, voters will cast their ballots to elect to office, the 109 Members of the Senate and 360 Members of the House of Representatives, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who will form the 10th National Assembly and exercise legislative powers on behalf of the people of Nigeria and their various constituencies.

“While we note with interest the efforts of the INEC, the Media and other stakeholders to deliver a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible elections, APARG is however concerned about what appears to be a deliberate suppression and low interest in the National Assembly Campaigns by the Media and other stakeholders.
Whereas the media platforms are saturated with the Presidential Campaign Rallies and media engagements with presidential candidates and their policy documents in all the political affairs programs of the major media organizations in Nigeria, little or no attention has been channeled towards the electoral campaigns for the National Assembly elections.” Said Okereke

In his words,
“It is important to state that the National Assembly elections are as important as the presidential elections. The legislature is as important as the Executive arm of government. The National Assembly Members do not only perform constituency representation and service functions, they also perform important national functions of lawmaking, oversight, confirmations, loan approvals, policy interventions, foreign relations, quasi-judicial functions and Treaties domestication, etc. But over the years, election reports of several accredited observer groups and the Media have shown near complete disinterest for the National Assembly electoral campaigns and elections.”

He therefore expressed the organization’s sadness over their observation with grave concern that there are no clear and articulated national issues on the ballot for the National Assembly elections. Accordingly, National Assembly candidates make ultra-varies promises on the campaign trail that are outside their constitutional mandates thereby promoting excessive clientelistic relationship with voters, which often creates undue burden on the country’s governance systems.

This is a challenge that we believe can be solved through a strategic mass enlightenment campaigns and public education of the electorates across the constituencies,he said

He called on the National and Community print and electronic Media Organizations, and all relevant stakeholders to use the remaining 15 days campaign window to focus attention and consummate publicity on National Assembly elections to highlight the important facts that no President in a constitutional democracy can successfully implement its policy agenda without the presence of a functional, knowledgeable and consenting National Assembly.

Speaking also,the Executive Director, DEAN Initiative,Semiye Micheal enlightened that the parliament are saddled with the responsibility of making laws,considering bills and scrutinising the work of the Government as such voters should also see them as a priority while casting their votes

“The Parliament in our system has immense powers because it is the representative of the people,vote them” Semiye Micheal added

Court Jails Two in $1.6b Money Laundering Trail of Omokore and Others

Two of the five persons standing trial in the $1.6billion money laundering charge before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Victor Briggs and Abiye Membere, both former top officials of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, were today, February 7, 2023, convicted by the court for “unethically collecting car gifts as public officials,” in contravention of section 98 of the Criminal Code Act.. According to the trial judge, public officials must act at arm’s length with private individuals, especially those that have business relations with their Departments or Agencies.

The court however ordered that the fourth and fifth defendants should be kept in the custody of the EFCC pending their sentencing on Wednesday.

Surprisingly, the court acquitted three other defendants, Olajide Omokore and two companies linked to him, Atlantic Energy Brass Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited, purveyors of the car gifts for which the 4th and 5th defendants were convicted, on the grounds the EFCC failed to prove its case against them.

How the receiver of a gift will be guilty of an offence while the giver is allowed to go home is the key puzzle of this judgment more so as the first defendant, Omokore, is also on the charge for which the 4th and 5th defendants were convicted.

Consequently, ahead of the sentencing of the 4th and 5th defendants on Wednesday, the EFCC will approach the Court of Appeal to set aside the acquittal of Omokore and the two companies linked to him.

Omokore, two of his companies, Atlantic Energy Brass Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited, as well as Victor Briggs, former managing director, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC and Membere Abiye were prosecuted by the EFCC for alleged oil fraud to the tune of $1.6billion.

Specifically, Omokore was alleged to have used the Strategic Alliance Agreement signed between the NPDC and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited to swindle the NPDC and the Nigerian government of monies running into billions of dollars through the lifting of crude oil from some oil wells between March 2013 and May 2014.

The other defendants who were senior management staff of the NNPC were accused of conspiracy in inducing the NPDC to facilitate the lifting of crude by Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited; and receiving car gifts from Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Limited.

One of the charge reads: “That you, OLAJIDE JONES OMOKORE, ATLANTIC ENERGY BRASS DEVELOPMENT LTD, ATLANTIC ENERGY DRILLING CONCEPT LTD and KOLAWOLE AKANNI ALUKO (now at large) between May 2013 and March 2014 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court obtained by false pretense and with intent to defraud, 7,551,867 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) valued at the sum of $823,75,189.95 (Eight Hundred and Twenty Three Million, Seventy-Five Thousand, One Hundred and Eighty-Nine US Dollars and Ninety-Five Cents) from Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria on the false pretence that you had funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited in petroleum operation for the OML 60,61, 62 and 63 and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap. A6, 2010, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.