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DSS Seizes Emefiele’s Passport, Plans Home, Office Search

The passport of the suspended Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has been confiscated by the Department of State Services, The PUNCH reports.

The service, it was also learnt, may search Emefiele’s home and office this week.

Following his suspension on Friday as a result of the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector, the service arrested Emefiele in Lagos and flew him to Abuja in a private jet on Saturday.

The spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunanya, in a statement said Emefiele had been taken into custody and was under investigation.

However, a source in the DSS  on Sunday said it was standard procedure for his travel document to be seized pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

The source added that the office and residence of the suspended apex bank governor would be searched.

The source said, “Of course, Emefiele’s travel document would be confiscated as part of the standard process pending the conclusion of our investigation. Also, as part of the investigation, his house and office would be searched for documents that can aid the ongoing investigation on his management of the CBN.”

The spokesperson for the service, Peter Afunanya, in a statement said Emefiele had been taken into custody and was under investigation.

However, a source in the DSS  on Sunday said it was standard procedure for his travel document to be seized pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

The source added that the office and residence of the suspended apex bank governor would be searched.

The source said, “Of course, Emefiele’s travel document would be confiscated as part of the standard process pending the conclusion of our investigation. Also, as part of the investigation, his house and office would be searched for documents that can aid the ongoing investigation on his management of the CBN.”

Our correspondent had reported that other top directors of the CBN might also be invited or arrested for questioning over their roles in the administration of the apex bank.

It was learnt that the DSS might revisit the criminal charges it earlier filed against Emefiele which borders on terrorism financing and fraud.

The secret police similarly accused the suspended CBN box of mismanaging the CBN subsidiary, Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending and the Anchor Borrowers Programme.

The DSS spokesman, Afunanya, could not be reached for comment on Sunday as calls to his line indicated that he was unreachable.

He had yet to respond to a text message on the detention of Emefiele as of the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN,  has said the DSS  lacked constitutional power to investigate and prosecute  Emefiele.

Falana in a message sent to one of our correspondents said Emefiele should be transferred to the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission who according to him, posses the legal right to prosecute Emefiele.

“A few months ago, the State Security Service levelled grave allegations of terrorism financing, money laundering, and other economic crimes against Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. At the material time, the attempt by the SSS to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Mr. Emefiele was frustrated by the erstwhile Buhari administration.

“However, following the suspension of Mr. Emefiele as the Governor of the CBN by President Bola Tinubu, the SSS quizzed him in Lagos and flew him to Abuja yesterday. According to media reports, the investigation of the suspect by the SSS has commenced. Even though the SSS which initially denied the arrest has since turned around to admit that Mr. Emefiele is in its custody.

“In the case of Dr. Bukola SarakI v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2018) 16 NWLR (pt. 1646) 433-434, the Supreme Court ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lacks the vires to investigate and prosecute the appellant for the breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act. It was for that principal reason that Senator Saraki was freed by the apex court.

“In line with the principle of law enunciated by the apex court in Saraki’s case the SSS lacks the power to investigate and prosecute Mr. Emefiele in respect of allegations of money laundering and other economic crimes. Therefore, after investigating the alleged involvement of Emefiele in terrorism financing the SSS should transfer him to the EFCC for the purpose of investigating

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Five Traders Perish In Ondo Boat Mishap

Five traders have been confirmed dead after a boat capsized in Ugbo-Nla in Ilaje council area of Ondo State.

Vanguard learnt that the victims who went to buy seafood at a local market at Ugbo-Nla were involved in an accident on the waterway.

Their boat, a local said “capsized and five of the travellers died, while only one person was rescued, due to use of life jacket.

Reacting to the ugly development, the National President of the Ondo State Fishermen Association of Nigeria, Ambassador Orioye Benedict, has urged the state government to enforce the use of life.

Gbayisemore, who expressed concerns over the development, advised the state government to enforce the use of life jackets to prevent reoccurrence of the unfortunate incident.

According to him, stringent measures should be implemented to enforce mandatory use of life jackets by commuters on waterways.

The President added that this will significantly enhance safety and increase the chances of survival during emergency.

According to him “the presence of a life jacket saved the life of the sole survivor in this tragic incident, highlighting its critical importance in ensuring the safety of individuals, engaging in maritime activities.

“The lone survivor in the Ugbo Nla boat mishap had the foresight to wear a life jacket, before setting out on the ill-fated trip.

“The life jacket was vital to his survival, keeping him buoyant until rescue arrived.

“This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enforce the use of life jackets for all individuals commuting on water.”

Gbayisemore urged the state government to prioritise dredging and clearing of waterways, to facilitate safe and unobstructed movement for passengers.

He said, “it is crucial to that well-maintained waterways enhance ease of transportation and significantly reduce the risk of accidents, ensuring safety and wellbeing of those who rely on water transportation.

“Additionally, the government needs to recognise the significance of investing in water transportation. This mode of transportation can contribute to economic growth in the region.

“The government can promote safe and efficient travel for its citizens by encouraging and supporting investment in water transportation infrastructure”.

He also advised the state government to support boat workers to develop a robust water transportation system.

“Supporting boat workers is crucial to developing a robust water transportation system. Training, resources and necessary support for boat workers will enhance their skills, ensure adherence to safety protocols and foster a culture of professionalism within the industry.

“This tragic event serves as a critical call to the government to enforce the mandatory use of life jackets, prioritise dredging and clearing of waterways for improved passenger safety, recognise the importance of investing in water transportation and support boat workers”.

He noted that ”By so doing, the government can prevent future tragedy and create a safer environment for all water commuters”.

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Teenage Boy Who Stabbed Commercial Motorcyclist Arrested In Osun While ‘Fasting And Praying For Forgiveness’

An 18-year-old suspected robber, Ayomide, who allegedly stabbed a commercial motorcyclist has been apprehended by the Osun State Police Command.

Speaking with Saturday Tribune, the suspect who stabbed the victim in the neck in order to steal his motorcycle, disclosed that he had begun a seven-day fasting and prayer to seek God’s forgiveness when he was arrested.

Briefing newsmen at the weekend, spokesperson of the command, SP Yemisi Opalola, said the injured motorcyclist reported at Iree police station that Ayomide flagged him down at Eyinade area and asked to be taken to Rainbow area in Iree.

The Okada rider told the police that while he was on the way, the passenger suddenly stabbed him deeply with a screwdriver on the neck and made efforts to dispossess him of the Bajaj motorcycle.

He added that as he was bleeding, he struggled with the suspect and raised an alarm which caught the attention of an oncoming motorcyclist. This, he said, made the suspect flee to avoid being caught.

The victim said that he was taken to the hospital for prompt medical attention by his rescuer who also assured him that the attacker would not go scot free.

“Immediately the case was transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the detectives applied available investigation mechanisms, and on May 18, the suspect was arrested,” SP Opalola stated.

“In the course of interrogation, Ayomide confessed to have committed the crime in connivance with one Olusegun Dayo and Ibrahim Ayinde who are still at large,” the PPRO added.

The suspect said that he was in trouble, prompting him to seek a safe haven with his maternal grandmother.

“I have parents but they are separated. I was not staying with either of them, I was sleeping on the streets or wherever I could lay my head on,” he said.

“I’m a commercial motorcyclist but the bike didn’t belong to me. I was usually hired as a rider by the owners to whom I would deliver the proceeds while I would get my own pay.

“I started thinking of how to get my personal bike. The day I attempted it, I had taken alcohol. It is true I stabbed the rider on the neck with a screwdriver. I stopped him to board his bike. When I saw no one on the road, I stabbed him on the neck. After my attempt failed as I saw another bike rider coming, I ran away.

“I went to a mountain where prayers are held to meet my grandmother. I used to sleep in her house sometimes, so I was used to her. I confessed to her what I did and she took me to a prayer mountain in Eripa. I was asked to fast for seven days, but on the fourth day, I left the mountain top and got arrested.”

He said that he was a stubborn child and was not staying with his mother who remained single after separation from his father. He disclosed that his mother has six children, with him as the last born.

“My father has no thought for us because he has other wives and children. I regret my action,” the suspect told Saturday Tribune.

The PPRO said that efforts were being made to arrest other gang members at large, adding that the arrested suspect would be charged to court after the completion of investigation.

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President Tinubu Appoints Folashodun Shonubi Acting CBN Governor

Mr Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi has been appointed as the acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

Shonubi’s appointment followed the suspension of Godwin Emefiele as the CBN Governor on Friday.

Until his appointment, he was the Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate.

Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to Tinubu disclosed this in a post via his Twitter handle on Friday.

He wrote, “Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi is the CBN acting governor. He has been since October 2018, the Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate. He was born on the 7th of March, 1962. He attended the University of Lagos from 1978 to 1983 and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He also represents the CBN on the board of FIRS”.

Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

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President Tinubu suspends CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele from office with immediate effect.

According to a terse statement by Willie Bassey Director, Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Friday night, it is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

We reports that Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

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Tinubu And Kwankwaso In Closed-Door Meeting In Aso Rock

Nigeria’s number one man, President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with Rabiu Kwankwaso.

He is having a closed-door meeting with Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Abuja.

Kwankwaso, a former Minister of Defence, has been a close ally of Tinubu, who has variously described the incumbent President as a strategist.

DAILY POST recalls that the immediate past governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, served under Kwankwaso as deputy governor before succeeding him.

Both men later fell out over some political differences.

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Why Census 2023 Was Postponed

The National Population Commission on Friday, why the 2023 Population and Housing Census was postponed.

The Commission explained that contrary to insinuations that it was rescheduled due to insufficient funds, the NPC postponed the census exercise to save Nigeria from a national crisis.

The  Federal Commissioner in Plateau State, Mrs Cecilia Dapoet made this disclosure on Friday during a meeting with stakeholders  in Jos, the state capital.

The Commissioner said, “The Census exercise was earlier scheduled for May 3-7, 2023, but was postponed, giving rise to many insinuations in the public space regarding the reason for the postponement and these even though are mere speculations had been given much media attention.

“The Commission is compelled to take necessary steps to correct the impression that the 2023 Population and Housing Census is postponed because of lack of funds.

“The real reason is not money, but government’s transition programme and post-election mood in the country. We all saw the cloud of uncertainty that hung above the nation after the elections and were careful not to fall into some pitfalls and plunge the country into more trouble. We cannot take things for granted, and decided to postpone the exercise,” she informed.

The Commissioner  expressed optimism that the postponement of the national census would afford the new administration, led by President Bola Tinubu to prepare adequately for the exercise.

Dapoet who however assured that the NPC would conduct  the first digital census in Nigeria whenever a new date is fixed added, “Presently, we have purchased the handheld devices to be used to capture data and are safely stored at the Central Bank in Jos. This also means the software is ready in hand.

“Presently, we are also getting our new leaders acquainted with the methodology and processes adopted for the current Census exercise.

“We are using the opportunity offered by this postponement to re-assess our Census Work-plan and to inject any input that would add value to the strategies for implementing the methodology for optimal success.

“We need to reassure you that the coming Census will not be like the previous exercises which were marred by incidences of undercounting, multiple counting and inaccurate enumeration leading to Lack of trust in the census data and making it  difficult to use for planning and development purposes.

“We have also put some measures in the process to curtail incidences of political interferences with the census process,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Director of the NPC, Mrs Felicia Mwolpun, urged the citizens to cooperate and support the Commission to enable it achieve it’s goals.

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What G5 Members Discussed With Tinubu

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has opened up on what was discussed during the meeting between the G-5 and President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

The G5 made up of aggrieved politicians within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) kicked against the emergence of PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar in the last elections and backed the return of power to Southern Nigeria.

According to Makinde, the group met Tinubu to brief him on the latest happenings in the country and reiterate their stance on fairness, equity and justice in Nigeria.

Makinde, also acknowledged that nation building is a difficult task and demand constant evaluation.

Addressing State House correspondents on Thursday evening, June 8, the Oyo governor said;

“Nation building is a very difficult task. You have to keep evaluating, you know what you’re doing, where you’re going. So, we have to keep seeing the President, you know, to let him know what is happening.

“The G-5, the Integrity Group, came to let the President know what we stood for: fairness, justice, and equity”.

In attendance at the meeting alongside Makinde were four former governors within the party. They are former Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu).

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10 Benefits Of 2023 Electricity Act Bill Signed By Tinubu

Nigeria’s number one man, President Bola Tinubu recently approved the new Electricity Act, which replaces the 2005 Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act, The PUNCH reports.

The Electricity Act was first passed in July 2022 in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The new bill seeks to promote private sector investments in the Nigerian power sector and de-monopolise the nation’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution at the national level.

Below are 10 benefits of the assented 2023 Electricity Act

1. The passage means that anyone may construct, own, or operate an undertaking for generating electricity not exceeding one megawatt in aggregate at a site, or an undertaking for distribution of electricity with a capacity not exceeding 100 kilowatts in aggregate at a site, or such other capacity as the Commission may determine from time to time, without a licence.

2. Electricity generation licensees are obligated to meet renewable generation obligations as may be prescribed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

3. Electricity generating companies will be mandated to either generate power from renewable energy sources, purchase power generated from renewable energy or procure any instrument representing renewable energy generation.

4. Lawmakers are granted the power to carry out oversight responsibilities and function over the NESI through its respective Committees on Power in the Senate and House of Representatives.

5. Empowerment of states, companies, and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity.

6. States can regulate their electricity markets by issuing licences to private investors who can operate mini-grids and power plants within the state. However, the Act precludes interstate and transnational electricity distribution.

7. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission will be able to regulate the electricity sector within Nigeria.

8. The commission can transition regulatory responsibilities from itself to state regulators when they are established.

9. Until a state has passed its electricity market laws, NERC will continue to regulate electricity businesses in such states.

10. For now, only three states -Lagos, Edo and Kaduna—have electricity market laws and can start regulating their markets. But for other states without such laws, NERC will regulate their electricity generation and transmission.

***

Source: The PUNCH

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WAEC Arrests 20 Exam Officials For Malpractice

The West African Examination Council, WAEC has arrested twenty school officials for allegedly aiding and abetting examination malpractice for candidates in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

The Council said that the arrests were made in various parts of the country.

The Head, National Office of the council, Mr Patrick Areghan, disclosed this on the sidelines of a monitoring exercise he carried out in some schools on Thursday in Lagos.

According to him, the WAEC  has since handed over all the culprits to the police for prosecution.

Areghan vowed that the council would do everything possible to ensure that their prosecution was followed to a logical conclusion.

“The issue of examination malpractice can no longer be treated with kid gloves.

“It is no longer business as usual, as it has completely eroded morals and values in our society. It is taking a dangerous dimension, of which, if not tackled will bring our country to its knees.

“Now, since the commencement of this examination, we have deployed our technology, designed to catch examination cheats and we are happy at the results we have gotten so far.

“For instance, in Ibadan, Oyo, where we have our zonal office, which takes care of Osun, Kwara and Oyo itself, we made three arrests in a school and for the purpose of confidentiality, I will not mention the name.

“There, a supervisor at a centre, principal and invigilator were all arrested. They were arrested for allegedly snapping and posting the questions to some platforms, thereby, aiding and abetting examination malpractices.’’

He said: “Then, in Maiduguri, a supervisor and principal of a school, were both arrested and handed over to the police too.

“In Umuahia, a teacher and a supervisor were arrested in a particular school and they have been handed over to the police.

“In Abeokuta, a school proprietor was the first to be caught at the beginning of this examination on May 8, snapping and posting question papers,” he said.

Areghan described the act as a monumental disgrace.

The WAEC official said that the proprietor and a supervisor had since been arrested and also handed over to the police.

He further disclosed that the same situation was also recorded at

Osogbo, where a principal, invigilator and chief supervisor were arrested for the same offence.

According to him, in Kaduna too, a supervisor and an examination official in a school who were caught in the act, were arrested and handed over to the police.

He explained that the school, which was ceded to Kaduna was supposed to be Kano, but was ceded because it was closer to Kaduna.

Areghan said that the arrests would continue until the end of the examination.

He urged candidates not to allow their future to be compromised by persons who did not wish them well, by promising to assist them pass their examination through illegal means, stressing that WAEC’s examinations could never be accessed illegally.

According to him, all of the culprits caught in the act may have been paid by the unsuspecting candidates and their parents, promising to assist them pass the examination.

“I want to counter this statement that some people are fond of making, which is that our examination questions always leak.

“That does not exist. Our examination is always safe and secured until they get to the candidates in the hall.”

He asserted that WAEC examination questions don’t ever leak and cautioned the media to stop using the word “leak”.

“What actually happens is that, once the examination is about to start, we give the question papers to the supervisors, one hour before commencement, so that they can travel from the collection point to the various schools, where they will administer the examination.

“Immediately they get to the exam hall, they will open the pack in the name of distributing to candidates and they will snap and post to various designated platforms-  WhatsApp, Instagram and others.

“Such persons are members of a syndicate group who collect money,’’ he said.

According to him, once the examination is already in progress, anyone that takes pictures of the papers and posts will be detected.

Areghan noted that the council had a method of detecting who snapped, who posted, who it was posted to and which candidate’s question booklet was posted.

According to him, that is when the council swings to action by rounding all of them up and subsequently handing them over to the police.

“You have been following me around for this monitoring

“You saw me telling these children that they will hardly have time to access any materials snapped and posted on any platforms because they are already in the hall writing the examination.

“From what we have seen so far today at the schools we visited, I will say that the examination has been going on smoothly. There has not been any challenge beyond our control.

“Of course, you will come across persons who will want to prove smart by cutting corners and trying to get things done unethically, but we have been able to beat them to it.

“There are though, some that we do not bother ourselves with, as we will deal with such administratively.’’

He noted that only hard work was the way out to a stable and progressive country, adding that schools should continue to stick to academic excellence and nothing less, in order to sustain quality education.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that schools visited for the monitoring on Thursday included  ST and T in Ikeja, Ikeja Senior High School as well as State Senior High School among others.

NAN

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