Conduct Bureau: Buratai declared $1.5m mansions in wife’s name

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has opened up on the acquisition of $1.5 million mansions by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

The bureau said its records showed that the assets of Buratai in Dubai were declared in his wife’s name

The CCB made the clarification in a July 11 letter by Mrs. Ijeanuli Arinze Ofor, to Ugochukwu Osuagwu of St. Francis Xavier Solicitors and Advocates in Abuja.

Osuagwu had requested information on Buratai “pursuant to Section 1 and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

The CCB said: “We refer to your mail dated Jun 29, 2016. We wish to state here that Gen. Tukar Yusuf Buratai, after his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, declared his assets as required by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He was served the Form CCB-I on July 21, 2015, and returned same on August 21, 2015.

“We also wish to confirm that his property at Dubai was declared in the wife’s name. Please, accept the warmest regards of the chairman.”

In a June 29, 2016, letter of the chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Osuagwu sought clarification on whether or not Buratai declared the controversial mansions.

The letter said: “We request that the CCB, pursuant to the FOI Act 2011, avail us the following concerning the declarations of Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

“On July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Gen. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff. The newspapers are awash that Gen. Buratai and his two wives in 2013 paid 1,498,534.00 AED (N120 million/ $419,000) for a Dubai property, Project TFG Marina Hotel, Unit 2711.

“Sale documents indicated that the property was handed over to the Buratais on January 13, 2013, prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff.

“For the purpose of clarity sir, we request you as follows: (1) Confirm if Gen.Tukur Yusuf Buratai declared his asset with you upon his appointment on July 13, 2015, as Chief of Army Staff; (2) Whether the above property he bought with his wife was also declared with the CCB.

“Kindly avail us a reply within the time allowed under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 as much as you can sir.”

The Executive Chairman of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Mr. Debo Adeniran, said assets declarations to the CCB, by public officials,  should be made public for the purpose of transparency and public scrutiny.

Adeniran, who made his position known in a statement in Lagos, said public officers should not hide their assets.

He, however, asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe Gen. Buratai.http://thenationonlineng.net/conduct-bureau-buratai-declared-1-5m-mansions-wifes-name/

Court dethrones Ekiti monarch over ‘illegal’ selection

AN Ekiti State High Court, sitting in Ikole-Ekiti, has dethroned the Owa of Odo Ayedun, Oba Ilesanmi Ajibade, who was enthroned in 2010 despite the pendency of a suit challenging his nomination.

Justice Abiodun Adesodun, in the judgment, approved the nomination of his challenger, Adekunle Adeniyi, as the Owa-elect.

He granted a restraining order against the kingmakers and warrant chiefs from disturbing the claimant’s nomination.

He ruled that Ajibade’s selection on January 29, 2010, when the case was still pending and his approval five days later, on February 5, 2010, violated Section 132 of the Chiefs Law, which stipulated a time frame of 21 days.

Justice Adesodun held: “It is my humble opinion that conducting the selection process on the 29/1/10 during the pendency of this case by the defendants was in contempt of this court. They cannot now approach the court for redress without purging themselves of the contempt.

“The whole exercise, that is the appointment of warrant chiefs, the second nomination exercise of January 29, 2010 and the appointment of the 15th defendant, from the circumstances of this case and the evidence on record is nothing short of an exercise in futility.

“Come to think of it, the 15th defendant was purportedly appointed or elected Owa-elect on January 29, 2010 and his appointment was approved February 3, 2010, five days after the election contrary to section 13(2) of the Chief Law which stipulated mandatory 21 days. Why the hurry in this case?”

Justice Adesodun added that the claimant has been able to establish his case based on the pleadings and the totality of evidence before the court to give him reliefs sought.

“It is hereby declared that the selection of the claimant to fill the vacant stool of Owa of Odo Ayedun is valid and legal. It is equally declared that the notice of intention to set aside the nomination of the claimant to the vacant stool of Owa of Odo Ayedun is illegal, null and void.

“I also grant an order directing the 10th defendant to approve the nomination of the claimant as the Owa of Odo Ayedun. I also declared that the nomination of the 11th -14th defendants as warrant chiefs is null and void.

“I also grant a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, servants, privies or any other person from appointing warrant chiefs or taking any further step to disturb the nomination of the Claimant as Owa of Odo Ayedun.

“On the whole, the claimant’s action succeeds” Justice Adesodun declared.

http://thenationonlineng.net/court-dethrones-ekiti-monarch-illegal-selection/ 

The Voice Nigeria: Chike, Cornel evicted

With the eviction of Chike and Cornel in the ongoing The Voice Nigeria musical reality show, contestants are down to 16, with four coming from each team.
This round of live shows involves the four members left from each team performing, with the coach choosing to save one contestant and the three remaining contestants put up for public voting. This time Nigeria gets to save the two lucky contestants who amass the most votes.
#TeamTubaba kicked off the show with David Operah revealed as the contestant with the most public votes. Brenda, the tomboy with a strong voice, sang Beyonce’s if I were a boy whilst the shy Jennifer rocked the stage with some diversity by performing Evanescence’s Bring me to life. The saved David Operah serenaded with R Kelly’s classic I believe I can fly and Viveeyen sang When love takes over by David Guetta and Kelly Rowland.  David Operah was two times lucky as he is saved by Tubaba.
Meanwhile, the last week from #TeamWaje had Arese, Chiche and Dawn up for voting and Nigeria chose to save Arese. The performances began with Promise singing Miguel’s Adorn whilst Patrick the hustler was next with Reekado Banks’ Katapot. Michael, affectionately known as Waje’s “jollof rice”, sang John Legend’s Everybody Knows and the recently saved Arese sang Inogen Heap’s Hide and Seek. Waje saved Michael.
#TeamTimiDakolo was next as Nigeria had to pick from Armstrong Martins, Kofo or Tobore. Armstrong came through with the most votes and was saved. The music teacher and fan favourite Cornel waxed nostalgic as he performed Bryan Adams’ Have You Ever Loved a Woman whilst Dewe gave an amazing performance singing Fire by Bez. The recently saved Armstrong Martins sang Let it Go by James Bay and Vicky sang Adele’s Make You Feel My Love. Vicky, one of the few ladies left, is saved by Timi.

Melaye under fire for attacking Senator Tinubu

Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye came under attack yesterday for charging at Senator Oluremi Tinubu during the executive session of the Senate on Tuesday.

Senators were meeting over the forgery case filed against Senate President Bukola Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu when Melaye seized the floor and poured invectives on his colleagues and the Executive for their perceived role in the matter.

Sources at the meeting said Senator Tinubu (Lagos Central), who was speaking, continued with her speech against indecorous acts by senators. Melaye was angry, it was learnt. He reportedly used unprintable words to describe her. He was said to have attempted to physically attack.

The other Lagos State Senators – Bareehu Olugbenga Ashafa (Lagos East) and Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Lagos West)- yesterday condemned Melaye’s unwarranted outburst against Senator Tinubu.

The lawmakers dissociated themselves from Melaye’s comments and behaviour.

Ashafa and Adeola, in a joint statement, said:  “We the two Senators representing Lagos East and Lagos West, having reviewed the recent happenings in the hallowed Chamber of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly at the executive session of 12th July, 2016, which dwelt on the running of the Senate and now in the public domain without any denial from the affected parties, feel compelled to state as follows:

“We deplore in very strong terms the use of abusive, threatening, uncouth, vulgar and un-parliamentary language by any senator against any other senator, particularly our female colleagues.

“As distinguished members of the Red Chamber, we are strongly in favour of resolving any conflict that has arisen in course of our representation and national duty through dialogue and due process and we will not be part of any solution obtained through any form of coercion, threat, intimidation and ungentlemanly conduct of the distinguished office of a senator.

“We dissociate ourselves from the comments and behaviour of Senator Dino Melaye (APC – Kogi West) at the Executive Session of 12th July 2016 as we represent people known for finer character and noble culture of social interaction.

“We equally state that we will be part of efforts to instill and enshrine decorum and gentlemanly conduct associated with the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“While condemning the use of any vulgar and un-senatorial language in all ramifications, we particularly take offence to the use of such abusive and denigrating words against the person of Distinguished Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC- Lagos Central).

“As such words greatly demeaned the female gender and the hallowed chamber of the Senate.

“Finally, pursuant to the threat of physical abuse against Senator Oluremi Tinubu (APC- Lagos Central) by Senator Dino Melaye (APC- Kogi West), we state that we are not lily-livered and cannot be intimidated or deterred from our primary assignment of representing the good people of Lagos State and carrying out our national duties of law making, even if it entails testifying in court on the side of the truth as part of the resolution of any conflict in the upper chamber.

Senator Ajayi Boroffice (Ondo North) also condemned the attack on Senator Tinubu:

He said last night: “In actual sense, the unsenatorial utterances of Senator Melaye constitute threat to the life of a fellow senator. It is not only condemnable, it is also criminal.

“At a time when Nigeria is faced with rising cases of violence against women, it is utterly unfortunate that a senator threatened to beat up a fellow senator. To say the least, that nature of threat should not be associated with the Nigerian Senate. “

He however added that “it is comforting that Senator Tinubu has forgiven Senator Melaye and has decided to move on.”

Former Deputy Senate Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora also condemned Melaye’s unruly behaviour.

Senator Mamora  said for Melaye “to have threatened to beat up  Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a fellow senator for that matter, he has gone too far”.  “There is minimum standard of modicum expected of a senator; Melaye fell short of that modicum.”

 “I had expected the Senate President Bukola Saraki to caution him but there was no report that he did. Melaye should apologise in his own interest; whatever respect people have for him must have dropped; he should apologise and redeem his image.”

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch, Chairman Monday Ubani condemned the un-parliamentary behaviour and language used by Melaye in addressing his colleagues.

 “I have said it many times that this eighth National Assembly may be the worst in the history of this country’s democracy. The leadership of the Senate has lost respect of the people; they think of themselves and not the people that they are representing. It i s unfortunate we have found ourselves in this mess,” he said.

http://thenationonlineng.net/melaye-fire-attacking-senator-tinubu/

Kaduna power plant to be inaugurated in 2017 – Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday said the 215 Megawatt (MW) Dual Fired Kaduna Power Plant will be completed in June 2017.
Fashola gave the assurance after he inspected the power project in Kaduna, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
He said the contract was awarded in 2009 and was expected to be completed within 36 months.
According to him, the project cannot be completed as schedule due to inadequate budgetary allocation by the previous administration.

The minister said work had since resumed at the site in Kudenden Area of Kaduna, adding that the project would be completed in the second quarter of 2017.
Fashola commended the state governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, for his determination to ensure the timely completion of the project.
El-Rufai, who accompanied the minister, said the state government had sourced for N7.5 billion loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure prompt completion of the project.

Court rules on Boko Haram sponsor’s bail August 4

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday picked August 4 for ruling on the bail application filed by a suspected Boko Haram sponsor, Salami Abdullahi.
Justice Gabriel Kolawole fixed the date after hearing the submissions of the defence and prosecuting counsel, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
Kolawale also fixed October 25 and November 3 for continuation of trial.
Abdullahi, a businessman, is standing trial for allegedly sponsoring activities of the Boko haram sect.

His counsel, Mr. Jubril Okutepa (SAN), said the law allowed multiple applications for bail in the same court and when there were exceptional circumstances.
Okutepa said Section 161 (2b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) defined exceptional circumstances to include instances where the prosecution exceeded one year.
He said, “It will be recalled that my lord ordered accelerated hearing of this case since 2014 and we are now in 2016. The accelerated hearing ordered by the court has not been followed.
“Besides there is a change in circumstances, the prosecution called seven witnesses and the evidence they have is consistent with the extra-judicial evidence of the second defendant that he knows nothing about Boko Haram.
“There is inordinate delay and what if at the end of the day, the defendant is not found guilty, will he be compensated?”

UPDATE: Husband of murdered Redeemed church preacher: I warned my wife weeks before her death

There were no signs that it would be her last day on earth.
When Mrs Eunice Elisha, a deaconess with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) set out from her home at about 5.30pm last Saturday, she had no premonition that some assailants were going to cut her life short and send her packing from this world. But that was the case. She was gruesomely murdered while preaching around Gbazango-West area of Kubwa in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Even now, days after her demise, Pastor Olawale Elisha, her bereaved husband, and indeed, the entire family, are still finding it hard to believe that the preacher is no more.
He told Daily Sun: “I am a pastor, and a pastor depends on what God gives to him. Sincerely speaking, my wife was the breadwinner of this home. That is the truth. She sold things to take care of the house. She was the one God used to take care of this house.
“In the past, I was into business. But my wife and I agreed about two years ago that I needed to face the ministry since the business was affecting it. She said I should be fasting and praying for people. She was the one who paid the school fees and took care of other things,» Pastor Elisha revealed.
The cleric was surrounded by family members and some of the children of the murdered mother of seven when the correspondent paid a visit to the house on Monday.
He continued: “My wife always went out early in the morning for the ‘Morning Cry,’ to preach. On that fateful morning, she went around 5.30am and I was still in bed because we had a vigil overnight. She participated for a while and slept because she was going out to preach in the morning. Two of my boys are footballers, so they went to the field to play. And when they came back, they told me that they heard some footballers saying that they butchered a woman preaching early this morning.
“So, when I heard this, we trekked down with the short I was putting on and we did not see anybody, but we saw blood on the ground. I asked a policeman around and he said it is true but that they had taken her to Phase 4 Police Station. I went to the station with my children and when we got there, I saw the lifeless body of my wife at the back of the police van and there, she was taken to the mortuary. The incident happened between 5am and 5:30am because she usually went out by 5am and came back by 6am.»
How did he receive the devastating news? And what was the immediate reaction of the family? Pastor Elisha said sorrowfully: “I fell down when I saw the body of my wife covered. I cried. I was too tired and could not drive back home. Someone had to drive us back to the house.»
He disclosed that his wife was a peace-loving woman, explaining that she was at peace with everyone. He also told the reporter that he warned his wife three weeks before her gruesome murder. He said an Imam in a nearby mosque had commended her wife’s preaching, but informed that he was uncomfortable with the whole thing.
Said he: “My wife never argued with anyone. She was the giving type and the church can confirm that. About three weeks ago, my wife went to the back of my house. That morning, after preaching, she came and told me that a man in the mosque heard her and called on people to listen to what she was saying.
“When she came back and told me about it, I warned her. I did that because I was a Muslim before I converted and became a Christian. I told her to be careful. I told her that although what the man in the mosque said was commendable, she needed to be careful.
“For about a week, she did not go out to preach because of the warning. That was about three weeks ago that I warned her. The comments made by the man in the mosque were not against her. In fact, they were commending her.”
Pastor Elisha said there was no prior warning from the assailants before they murdered his wife. But he affirmed that he had forgiven the assailants. According to him, as a Christian, it was not in his nature to seek personal revenge.
“There was no harassment or warning before she was murdered. My wife was a child of God. She did not have issues with anybody. We were married for 16 years and had seven children. I am not a lawyer or a law enforcement agent. All I can say is that I forgive those that killed my wife.
“There is no need to avenge her death. When we went to the place where her lifeless body was kept, the crowd said her head and breasts were removed. Till this moment, I have not seen her body. I only heard. I have not confirmed,» he said.
Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, who is also a pastor with the RCCG, visited the Elishas at about 1:30pm on Sunday, the day after Mrs. Elisha’s killing.