Nigeria political

Femi Aderupatan: Nigeria News

Etteh: 212 Reps Sign For Impeachment
• As PDP summons Reps again
Even as the House of Representatives is yet to resolve whether Speaker Patricia Olubunmi Etteh would step aside tomorrow or not, 212 members of the house have signed the impeachment register preparatory to force her out of office.But leader of the Integrity Group, Hon. Farouk Lawan, yesterday insisted that the court paper served by pro-Etteh members to stop the house from disallowing Etteh from presiding over the Idoko panel report would not deter the group from following the due process that the speaker cannot be a judge in her own case.This is coming on the heels of the call by Osun Leadership Forum on the speaker to vacate the seat in the interest of her image and democracy...more

NERC Grants Licenses To New Power Producers
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), at the weekend, issued licenses to two new independent power producers (IPPs) to generate electricity in order to boost power supply needs of consumers in the country.The companies are Agbara Shorline, which applied for a license to generate 100 megawatts of electricity and is based in Ogun State, and CET Power, which applied for license to generate 20 megawatts of electricity to serve Tinapa holiday and business resort in Calabar, Cross River State.Presenting the licenses, NERC’s chairman and chief executive officer, Dr. Ransome Owan, stated that the exercise brings the total number of licenses so far issued by the commission to 22 across the country for a total capacity of 8,138 megawatts...more

I Am Ready For Fresh Election – Atiku
• Reconstitute INEC now – AC to Yar’Adua
Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has reiterated his preparedness for the conduct of fresh presidential elections, as he anticipates from the ruling of the election petition tribunal.Atiku, who returns from a medical trip of his knee injury on Saturday, said he felt justified in his consistent and unbending trust in the country’s judiciary following the Supreme Court ruling that removed Sir Celestine Omehia as Rivers State governor.Atiku’s position is coming as his party, the Action Congress, yesterday called on President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to immediately reconstitute the Independent National Electoral Commission, preparatory for the conduct of fresh polls.Speaking through his media consultant, Malam Garba Shehu...more

NCAA Begins Probe Of Chanchangi Airline Today
Following series of near- mishaps involving the fleet of Chanchagi Airline in the last few weeks, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority is commencing the audit of the Boeing 717 aircrafts.A source within the organisation told LEADERSHIP last night that the government is increasingly disturbed over the problems within the fleet.A few weeks ago, fire was reported to have emanated in the cockpit, days later, it was discovered that the crew had forgotten to shut the cabin before take off.Spokesman of NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogbeoye, was quoted saying that the recertification of the Chanchangi fleet has become necessary due to accident of the fleet in recent times.Our correspondent reports that Chanchangi is the only airline operating the Boeing 727 aircraft in Nigeria...more

Botmang Still In EFCC Custody
• Requires two senators to get bail
Former governor of Plateau State, Michael Botmang, is still being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission until he is able to produce two serving senators to serve as his surety for his bail.Botmang, who was picked up by the operatives of the special task force of the EFCC last week, is still languishing at the commission’s detention camp in Kano, pending when he will meet the conditions of his release as specified by the special task force.A top official at the commission’s office in Asokoro told LEADERSHIP that, after series of interrogations and presentations, the Plateau State expenditure during the six-month administration of the ex-governor, the EFCC had asked him to at least present two senators to stand for him before he could be given his freedom...more

PDP Chairmanship: Northern Notables Back Anyim
Some key northern chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have thrown their wrights behind former Senate president, Anyim Pius Anyim, for the party’s chairmanship position.Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Ghali Na’Abba, former Kano State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, and radical Senator Joseph Waku, joined the Anyim train at the weekend, while receiving the chairmanship aspirant who was on tour of some northern states.Na’Abba and Rimi, who just returned from the opposition Action Congress, following their earlier exit, declared support for Anyim as the most credible South-eastern contender for the top party position.Meanwhile, Senator Anyim has revealed that he got interested in the PDP top job because of President Ya’Adua’s love for rule of law...more

Poor Public Perception Worries 36 State Governors
The governor‘s forum today in Abuja agreed that the image perception of its members by the people need to be boosted.This, they say was in view of the negative views being expressed by the governed and the seeming loss of interest in government by the electorate.Rising from a three-day retreat, the chairman of the forum, Gov. Bukola Saraki of Kwara, said "we know what is expected of us by the people. We are assuring that while things were not done right in the past, we will make it right"." We are assuring our people that a new page is being turned. We have also agreed to our collective responsibilities and we will review our own performance in another six months to know where we need to improve on," he said...more

Jigawa Petitions NJC Over Judicial Misconduct
The Jigawa State government has written a strong petition to the National Judicial Commission (NJC) and the chief justice of the federation on the conduct of the Kano high court judge over the injunction granted preventing the state government from probing various contracts in the state.According to the commissioner of information, youths, sports and culture, Alhaji .Muktari Muhammad Birniwa, the state government is not comfortable with the court proceedings on the case instituted by the contractors.Alhaji Muktari Muhammad Birniwa noted that "As a law abiding government, the state has patiently been pursuing the said court process in order to get the injunction quashed so that the substantive case could be heard but all to no avail...more

National Chairmanship: Ahmadu Ali Cancels Zoning
The purported zoning of the office of national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Ebonyi and Imo States by the South-East caucus has been over-ruled by the party's national chairman, Dr. Ahmadu Ali.National chairmanship aspirants from the other three states of the South-East zone had protested the zoning insisting that it was predetermined and aimed at enthroning the former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr. Sam Egwu as the national chairman of the party.The petitioners also accused the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu of acting a script that was written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.It was gathered that the deputy Senate president, who presided over the controversial zonal meeting last Monday..more

Unity Bank Partners Govt On Education
In a bid to complement the efforts of various governments and bodies to rescue the nation’s educational sector, Unity Bank has rolled out a three year-marshal plan for the sector.This was disclosed recently by the managing director of the bank, Alhaji Falalu Bello, while answering questions from newsmen at Birnin kudu Jigawa State shortly after the state governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, had inspected some projects carried out by the bank at various schools in the state.He explained that the management of the banks carried out the projects in line with its corporate social responsibility so as to contribute to human capacity building in the country.Under the marshal plan the bank will embark on the renovation and reconstruction of class rooms, toilets and bath rooms...more

Minister Wants States, LGs To Deliver Cheap Health Care
Minister of Health, Prof. Adenike Grange, has urged the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory and the 774 Local Government Councils in the country to play active roles in the provision of affordable health care delivery to Nigerians.The appeal was given by Grange during the Annual General Meeting of the Health Reforms Foundation of Nigeria (HERFON) which took place at the Gateway Hotels, Abeokuta , Ogun State capital. Speaking further at the well attended AGM,the Minister also assured Nigerians that the President Umar Musa Yar'Adua -led administration would sustain and improve the health reforms started by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.Hear her: "We shall be counting on you, our partners to also continue to work with us in providing affordable health delivery to Nigerians...more

Femi Aderupatan:Etteh bows, agrees to step aside

Finally, the embattled Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Olubunmi Etteh has bowed to pressure, as she agreed to step aside to allow for debate of the Idoko report after weeks of rancour and confusion in the lower chamber, resulting in the death of one of her supporters, Hon. Aminu Safana. However, the speaker took solace in the fact that her stepping aside would not pave way for Speaker ex-tempore as being demanded by her opposition. Rather, her deputy, who was indicted along with her, would preside over the deliberation. This is in sequence to Order 7 rule 2 of the House, which gave the Deputy Speaker statutory power to chair the committee of the whole House when such a report is to be considered, while she assumes the chair of the Committee of the Whole House when reports of ways and means are to be considered. Expectedly, the position of the Speaker did not go down well with the Integrity Group, who insisted that the Deputy Speaker was part of the contract deal and as such disqualified him too. On this, chairman, Rules and Business, James Ita Enang explained on Wednesday night that because of the involvement of the Deputy Speaker, Babangida Nguroje in the scam, the House might decide to elect a chairman ex-tempore who would only moderate debate of the report, after which the Speaker would continue with the business of the House until adjournment. The development is coming as the Nigeria Labour Congress finalized plans to stage a protest at the National Assembly to coincide with the House resumption. The senate on the same day also shot down a suggestion that it should intervene in the House’s imbroglio. Enang said that the grey areas had been smoothened by all the camps to the crisis, adding that four members, comprising two each from the two camps, namely, himself, Hon Friday Itulah from Etteh camp and Emmanuel Jime and KGB Oguakwa from Integrity Group had been appointed to harmonize and come up with a common position. The leadership of the ruling party, the PDP, led by Chief Bode George and Mohammed Bello met with a 14-member reconciliation team to arrive at a convenient point of ensuring that when the House resumes plenary session on Tuesday, there would be no rancour. The Speaker had adjourned the House on Tuesday to the consternation of the opposition group after a commendation session in honour of Dr Aminu Safana who died at the National Hospital after he collapsed in the chamber. PDP had insisted, while imploring the Speaker to step aside, that due process must be followed and named seven members each from the camp of the Speaker and Integrity Group to midwife a peaceful resolution of the crisis. The Deputy House Leader, Baba Shehu Agaie, led the team from the Speaker’s camp comprising Ita Enang, Tam Brisbe, Doris Uboh, Sada Jibia, Jerry Manwe and Melaye Dino. Leading the opposition camp to the peace table is Hon Farouk Lawan, chairman Education Committee, others are Mercy-Alumona-Isei, Chairman of Culture and Tourism, Chuma Nzeribe, Works Committee, Tergu Tsegba, Emmanuel Jime, Aliyu Wadada, Chairman of Capital Market and KGB Oguakwa, who resigned his chairmanship of States and Local Government committee. "What should be expected on Tuesday when we resume is that the Speaker will come into the chamber, say the prayer, read correspondence, take petitions and when it is the time to debate the report, she will vacate her seat for the Deputy Speaker to chair the Committee of the Whole, after the job is completed, the chair will step aside for the Speaker to continue with the business of the House until adjournment," Ita Enang explained. But in a swift reaction, members of the Integrity Group declared that they would not accept the arrangement where the Speaker would have to step aside for her deputy. The view of the group was that both the Speaker and her deputy are co-accused on the matter, thus, a neutral person should take charge of the deliberations of the Idoko report. As at the time of this report, Hon Wadada, who sneaked out of the reconciliation meeting confirmed that the meeting was yet to agree on the modalities of how the Speaker would step aside and how a speaker ex-tempore would be elected. "I think at the end of the meeting we will reach an accord on how Madam Speaker will step aside and how a speaker ex-tempore would emerge. We were making progress before I took excuse to attend my committee meeting," he said. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will stage its protest march and anti-Etteh rally next Tuesday, October 30, to coincide with the resumption of the lawmakers. Acting President of the Congress, Mrs. Ladi Iliya in a notice of action against Etteh issued in Abuja on Wednesday, explained that the rally was to protest the continuing occupation of the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives by Etteh. The labour leader, who is holding forth for the Congress President, who is away to China said that he Congress had exercised restraint "hoping that the mechanism of the Houses would take its course and empower the members to take the far-reaching decision necessary to purge the House of her leadership, in the light of properly established corrupt practices." However, with her adjournment of the House till October 30, Labour reasoned, it was obvious that Etteh had no intention to relinquish office, "as would have been expected of any decent person in her circumstance." According to the NLC, the Speaker has left Nigerians with no other option but to regard her as an impediment to the progress of the House and a liability to the democratic process. She promised that the protest would be peaceful and involve all segments of the Nigerian people to be led by the national leadership of the NLC and leaders of its civil society partners and other concerned organizations. The Senate President, Senator David Mark on Wednesday, stalled an attempt by one of his colleagues to have the Senate discuss the ongoing crisis in the House of Representatives, with a view to intervening in the impasse. Senator Julius Ucha (Ebonyi) who came through Order 15 of the Senate’s Standing Rules, which borders on privileges and rights of the Senators, to table the matter had argued that the situation in the House of Representatives has cast aspersion on the entire National Assembly, noting that the crisis was already assuming a dangerous dimension to the extent that lives of legislators were currently being threatened. According to him, "some legislators are being told to remove their plate numbers so as to hide their identities from angry Nigerians. "To this end, I am enjoining the Senate to constitute a committee to study the crisis in the House with a view to suggesting ways and means of resolving the crisis. The Senate remains the harbinger of moral direction for the Nigerian nation." However, ruling Senator Ucha out of order, Mark said senators lacked the right to legislate for or against activities in the House, saying that the House should be allowed to solve its problems. Amidst protest from a few senators, who wanted the matter tabled, Mark said: "the ruling can only come from me. We can’t discuss what is happening in the House of Representatives, we are not in possession of facts of the matter, if you want to raise a motion come properly with it." Meanwhile, the Senate committee probing the alleged disparaging of the person of the Senate President, David Mark, and the Senate allegedly by Senator George Akume is now to submit its report on November 8. Also coming under Order 43 of the Senate Standing Rules which deals with personal explanations, Senator Omar Hambagda, who chairs the Senate Standing Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, probing the allegation said that his committee would require more time to complete its assignment. He told the Senate that his committee could not present the report on Wednesday because those invited to testify before the investigating panel were yet to take their turns at the committee sitting, which he noted was still on-going. The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), wrote the Speaker, threatening to mobilize themselves and march on the House and shut it, should the members refuse to put their house in order. President of the dockworkers union, Mr. Tony Nted, whose union had just called off a strike against the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, during which the ports were shut, told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday after delivering the letter that his union had no patience to wait for the planned action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and had therefore decided to make its position known. According to him, the union had given the representatives a 48-hour ultimatum after resumption within which to put the scandal behind them and settle down for the businesses for which they were elected. He explained that it pained his union members that the lawmakers were not fighting over developmental issues of national concern but over frivolities involving misapplication of public money. Mr. Nted argued that the House would have played a good role in the settlement of his union’s grouse with the NPA, but that they were not there for his members to complain to. "This is bad for our country, if they can’t make law, and what they want to be doing is to fight over money, then they should move out of the chamber and confront themselves outside, that chamber is not a ring for them to box themselves. We have written some petitions to them over our plight in the hands of those to whom the operational parts of the port were concessioned. Also President Umaru Yar’Adua on Wednesday night defended his decision not to interfere in the current crisis rocking the House of Representatives over the N628 million contract for the renovation of the residences of Speaker Patrick Etteh and her deputy, saying it would negate the values he so believed in. While his position may not appeal to some critics, he said it was the only way to demonstrate his avowed commitment to promoting democracy anchored on due process, rule of law and separation of powers. Presidential spokesman, Mr. Segun Adeniyi restated the president’s position in a statement last night in Abuja made available to the State House correspondents titled "Of Etteh and Yar’Adua: Between convenience and conviction." He said those clamouring for the president’s intervention in the matter and asking that he demand Speaker Etteh’s resignation had forgotten the confusion which characterized the immediate past administration in the country following the executive interferences in the internal affairs of other arms of government. "In seeking a short-cut route to resolving the crisis in the House of Representatives, the president, according to some critics, should demand the resignation of Speaker Patricia Etteh. His refusal to heed this call has therefore led to all kinds of name calling and unfair comments, some indeed bordering on blackmail. "The benefit of hindsight, especially with regards to recent experience, should teach that executive interference in the internal affairs of other arms of government (be it legislature or judiciary) is antithetical to the promotion of democracy anchored on the rule of law, no matter the seeming short-term advantage. "People forget that we had a similar situation in the past when, following a crisis which also bordered on allegations of corruption and abuse of office in the legislative arm, the then President, in a national broadcast, told the world that certain members of the National Assembly took bribes. "Now, of the two former House of Representatives members publicly indicted in that unfortunate episode, one is a governor and the other a senator. Instructively, neither of them was even indicted in the report compiled by the same government before the April elections, raising questions about the propriety of executive intervention on an issue that is better internally resolved by the legislature or at best adjudicated upon by the judiciary", he stated. Like most Nigerians, he said President Yar’Adua shared the conviction that democracy remains the only route to national restoration as well as the need to vigorously tackle corruption in the public arena., which he explained represent the pillar of his policy thrusts. Unfortunately, he said some critics were asking that the president jettison these policy thrusts to satisfy expediency rather than principle while circumventing due process and the rule of law by appropriating to himself powers he did not legally possess. President Yar’Adua, he insisted, had sworn to act within the law at all times and in all circumstances, while at the same time respecting the integrity of the judiciary and the legislature, assuring that he would not deviate from this position. "As it is becoming very clear, the judiciary has risen up to the challenge of their independence in the current enabling environment and the President believes the same can happen with the legislature if only members will live up to the burden of their enormous responsibility. "The argument of people calling on the President to directly intervene is that the crisis in the House of Representatives is capable of derailing our democracy. On the contrary, the crisis can, and indeed should, act as a catalyst to propel the honest and genuine interactions that will not only ensure its resolution but in turn help deepen our democracy. "The hope of the President, and that of well-meaning Nigerians, is that the good people in the House of Representatives - from both sides of the debate – will rise beyond partisan narrow interests, and using their own rules and internal process, resolve this crisis in the national interest," he further pointed out.

Femi Aderupatan:N400m Contract: Senate Rejects Mark’s Offer to Step Aside

Senate President, Senator David Mark, yesterday offered to step aside to enable the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, preside over the debate of the motion on the allegation that he (Mark) approved N400 million for the renovation of the Apo Mansion, his official residence.
The senators, however, rejected his offer, saying that the allegation referred to in the motion moved by the Chairman of the Senate Services Committee, Senator Effiong Bob, was a “mere rumour” and did not warrant Mark to take such an action.
They stated that the allegation as contained in a report published in yesterday’s edition of the Abuja-based Leadership newspaper should be referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions under the Chairmanship of Senator Omar Hambagda.
The committee was given up till Tuesday, next week, to submit its report on the investigation to the Senate plenary, consequent upon which it would be slated on the order paper for consideration.
There were indications yesterday that the Senate President might eventually step aside during the debate on the report of the committee to allow for an unbiased deliberation by the Senate.
However, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Information, Senator Ayogu Eze, who briefed the press at the end of yesterday’s sitting, said “without being prejudicial, it is clear from the trend of debate on the motion that the Senate President did not award any renovation contract.”
According to Eze, “The issue had been whether or not the residence of the Senate President had been renovated since he (Mark) stepped in the saddle.
“You all saw the fervour with which senators addressed the matter because there was no iota of truth in it.  It is an ordinary hot air and we have referred the matter to the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee.”
He said that it was a mark of humility that the Senate President moved into the Apo Mansion without “changing even a blind.”
There was uproar in the Chamber as members took divergent positions on Mark’s offer to step aside for his Deputy, Ekweremadu, to preside in his stead over the debate on the motion.
Senator James Manager said he supported the motion, pointing out that it would afford those who know something about the issue to speak on it before the Committee looked into it.
According to him, “I support the motion from the beginning to the end and, as we speak, if you know anything concerning what the newspaper is talking about, say it now or else you should keep quiet for ever.”
Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, however, appealed to his colleagues not to trivialise the issue.
Ekweremadu zeroed in on Senator George Akume as the mastermind of the allegation, stressing that he (Akume) should be held responsible.
Meanwhile, Akume who had been raising his hand for recognition and was not called by the Senate President, stormed out of the Senate chamber when Mark was about to take a vote on the prayer. 
The Senate unanimously voted in favour of investigation of the newspaper report containing the N400 million renovation contract allegation and its source by the Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee.

Femi Aderupatan:Showdown looms over Etteh

Indications emerged on Friday that the South-East may produce a Speaker Pro-Tempore to preside over the debate on the report of the David Idoko-led House of Representatives ad hoc committee on the N628 million renovation and vehicle purchase scandal

Investigations by our correspondent on Friday showed that the Integrity Group, which is opposed to the Speaker, Mrs. Olubunmi Etteh, is resolved to prevent her from leading the debate on Tuesday when the plenary resumes. Our correspondent, however, gathered that the leadership of the House has concluded plans to engage massive police security on the National Assembly premises.

A member of the House, who pleaded anonymity for strategic reasons, said, “We have pencilled down somebody from the South-East to lead the debate. It will be very absurd if Etteh leads the debate on a report that indicted her. We will ensure we follow the due process and the rule of law.”

The lawmaker, a member of the Integrity Group, said the group was aware of plans by Etteh’s supporters to stage-manage the debate. But he insisted that the hope of the speaker and her loyalists would be dashed on Tuesday. “All plans to make Etteh retain the post will be thwarted. I can assure you that we will follow the due process. We do not want to create an impression that we are bent on removing her. She may be reinstated if the House rejects the report, but I don’t foresee that,” he added.

A source close to the speaker’s camp however said the group had begun moves to prevent her impeachment. The camp, our correspondent learnt, will insist on the speaker presiding over the debate on the Idoko panel’s report. But if this fails, the group will strive to ensure that one from its fold emerges as the interim speaker, to ensure that Ette’s interest is protected.

The source said, “We are aware that the move to appoint a speaker pro-tempore is part of the game to ease out Etteh. We are determined to frustrate them.”

Our correspondents learnt on Friday that both sides of the divide are spoiling for a showdown on Tuesday, with both camps holding secret strategy meetings. A member of the Integrity Group said the camp had perfected plans to disrupt sittings and make the House ungovernable until Etteh is removed, especially as there is no law forbiding them from going riotous if the situation at hand calls for it.

Saturday Punch gathered that the group had started making overtures to those it felt could be of help in realising its objectives.

The group had threatened that if the speaker refused to step aside, its members would not debate the 2008 appropriation bill pending before the House. A leading member of the group, Dr. Ahmed Salik, however refused to disclose further strategies if the threat failed, saying, “We will cross the bridge when we get there.”

But the pro-Etteh camp has dismissed the Integrity Group as paper tigers that can not shake the speaker. The spokesperson of the House, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Mr. Dino Melaye, told our correspondent on the telephone that there will be no problem on Tuesday.

He said the group loyal to the speaker had infiltrated the Integrity Group and snatched about 70 per cent of its members.

Melaye said, “I can assure you that nothing will happen. Democracy is all about numbers and I can assure you that we have more than two-thirds of the members who are with Madam Speaker on this matter. We have infiltrated their (IG) membership and we have snatched 70 per cent of them. You can quote me on this. I am sure of what I am saying.”

Asked about the possibility of an interim speaker presiding over the debate, Melaye said, “Motions and counter-motions are moved on the floor of the House and not on the pages of newspapers. So, let’s wait till Tuesday when this matter will be tabled. On that day, you will see the beauty of democracy, which is about number. ‘The minority will definitely have their say, but the majority will eventually carry the day.”

Melaye also denied reports that Etteh had gone to court to seek an injunction restraining the lawmakers from debating the report.

Femi Aderupatan:UK awaits AG's demand for N1.1bn Dariye loot

ABUJA — A Court of Appeal in London has stayed action on the October 1 order of the Southwark Crown Court lifting the worldwide restraining order on former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori, Erin Aviation and others from dealing with their £35 million property in London. Meanwhile, Britain has said it is awaiting a request from the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Chief Mike Aondoakaa (SAN), before it can release the balance of N1.1 billion due to Nigeria from the money seized from former Plateau State governor, Chief Joshua Dariye, Vanguard has gathered. The London Appeal Court’s decision on Ibori's case followed an appeal by the London Metropolitan Police. The court directed counsel to the respondents to be in attendance on a date to be fixed. Ibori’s counsel was not in court when the order was given yesterday. The development on the Ibori case was confirmed yesterday by his Media Adviser, Mr Sheddy Ozoene, who said in a statement   that “this is expected, considering the massive blow suffered by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) following Judge Goymer’s declaration that it has woefully failed to adduce convincing evidence to sustain the restraining order earlier granted on Ibori’s assets. “Chief Ibori welcomes this development and restates his readiness to defend his name and assets acquired through legitimate pursuits to the highest courts in the United Kingdom. He, therefore, reaffirms his confidence in the Court of Appeal in London to do justice to the matter by dismissing the appeal.” However, the Nigeria Bar Association NBA and former Justice Minister, Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), have both cautioned that the war against corruption be re-energized and re-focussed. NBA said through its president, Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) that the process of fighting corruption should be strengthened while Prince Ajibola called on the A-G not to use his awesome powers to shield corrupt people. In Dariye’s case, however, when Vanguard contacted the Minister of Justice on why he has not asked for the return of Dariye’s loot, a contact in the Ministry of Justice referred us to the presidency, saying it was only the presidency that can comment on it. In details, another source told Vanguard: “The assets in the UK were: (1) the cash money taken from him at the time of his arrest in September 2004 which was held by the Metropolitan Police; (2) his London home; and (3) his bank holding. The FGN applied for the repatriation of all the seized Dariye assets which could only be repaid in three tranches (the cash/the proceeds of the sale of his house, the balance in his bank account(s)). “The cash: this was the N23.9m handed over in two cheques drawn on the Met’s bank account by the acting British High Commissioner. “The first suit was in connection with Dariye's London property which was sold for approximately £430,000 (about £15,000 of this was eaten up in sale costs — estate agent's fees, stamp duty, conveyancing fees etc.) “The FGN was represented in the civil (not criminal) recovery proceedings by a London-based firm of solicitors who specialise in financial cases, Kendall Freeman. Judgement was awarded in favour of FGN in May 2007. So approx N105.25 million is due back to Nigeria from this. “The second suit was in connection with Dariye's London bank account(s), in which he had approximately £2,850,000. In the intervening years, with accumulated interest, the sum  grew to around £4,000,000. Again the FGN was represented by Kendall Freeman and again judgement was awarded in favour of FGN in June 07. So approx N1.1 billion is due back to Nigeria from this. “It seems these two tranches of money have not yet been repatriated. That does not mean they are still in the ‘court process’ as that has been concluded. It may be something technical to do with how to make the transfers. The money technically already belongs to the FGN and is not being held by the police or any other body in Britain... presumably it remains in a holding bank account awaiting transfer. The AGF is the person to ask according to ‘sources close to the judicial process in London." The British Government through its High Commissioner in Nigeria last week handed over N29.3 million to the Federal Government which she claimed was the money seized from the former Plateau State governor. The action provoked Chief Dariye to dispatch a letter to the Presidency claiming that the money declared was a far cry from the total amount seized from him and associates by the London Metropolitan Police. He said over N741 million was misappropriated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). NBA sings new song The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in a statement by its President, Mr Olisa Agbakoba entitled: “Anti-corruption strategy needs re-definition” said:  “The ongoing controversy as to the strategy and tactics of the war on corruption particularly as it relates to powers exercised or shared or not shared by the Attorney-General and the EFCC is now absolutely out of hand and the only beneficiaries seem to be those who should be prosecuted in the first place. “The NBA supports a full scale war on corruption and invites Mr. President to clarify authority levels and strategies of government on the war on corruption. The minimum benchmark NBA expects is that the war on corruption must be prosecuted in contemplation of the Rule of Law. “The NBA also suggests that control of endemic corruption will be sustainable if corrupt public officials come to perceive a substantial risk that they will forfeit corruptly acquired wealth and go to prison. Working backwards from this proposition, it is possible to articulate the kind of institutional framework necessary to control corruption. “First, we need a system to monitor conduct and expose wrongdoing. Second, we need a system for assessing charges for wrongdoing and punishing wrongdoers if convicted. Third, we also need a framework for insulating anti-corruption agencies so that they cannot be subverted. These are the three great challenges for institutional designs to control corruption. “There is a clear need, Mr President, to review our institutional mechanisms to fight corruption with a view to strengthen the process. Personalities will not help in any sustained fight against corruption without strong institutional framework. We await your initiative,” he said. Ajibola cautions A-G Prince Ajibola on a courtesy visit to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State said: “The first word I would use is one of caution on all sides. Undoubtedly, this country is generally itching for stamping out and eradicating corruption. We all hope and pray that corruption stopped in the country. “Therefore, over and above what would be the polemics or the problems between the Attorney-General and the chairman of the EFCC, we must have it at the back of our minds that efforts must be made at all times and everywhere to ensure that those who are corrupt are adequately dealt with and in accordance with the rule of law and with due process and ensuring justice. “Therefore, no person whose ox is gored, no person whatever may be his or her position, the law is above everybody,” he said. Admitting that AG is vested with enormous powers by the Constitution to prosecute cases, he warned that such powers should not be used to shield corrupt individuals from facing the wrath of the law. “The position of an Attorney-General is a very powerful one, he can make and unmake but he must be very careful because the Attorney-General is the Attorney-General of the Federation, wearing the second hand of Minister of Justice is serving that particular government. “Whereas he has that ministerial appointment whose allegiance and service is to the government of the day, while clearly too he is the Attorney General of the whole of our Federation. “Therefore, he must do everything that is just, that is right, that is proper and that is unpolluted, that must be done. He must not be seen to compromise the very heavy position that is being given to him in that constitution. “Of course, you are aware also of the fact that EFCC has its own law. No doubt about that. But that is what we call the adjectival law subsequent to the constitution. If there is anything written in that law that negates the position of the power of the Attorney-General in the constitution, that provision is to all intent and purpose null and void and of no effect,” he said. UK blames EFCC on Ibori The Ministry of Justice yesterday said the British Government had blamed the EFCC for not providing enough information to prosecute Ibori’s case in London. The letter purportedly written by Mr. Ken Macdonald (QC) said. “The purpose of writing is to seek your assurance that the requested evidence will be made available for transmission back to the United Kingdom,” Macdonald said, adding that failure to get Nigeria’s support might lead to abandoning the “appeal against the discharge of the restraint order.” The British Government, however, clarified that it was the Federation Attorney-General, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), that assisted the ex-Governor Ibori to get acquittal. According to the British DPP, “the main factor behind the judge’s decision was the length of time the investigation has taken and the lack of progress towards a decision on whether or not to charge Mr Ibori.” He expressed disappointment at his inability “to assure the judge that we have the full co-operation of the Nigerian authorities and indeed had to concede that there are real practical difficulties about getting unimpeded access to evidence obtained by the EFCC in Nigeria.” For Aondoakaa, the letter by the British DPP was a big reprieve. According to him, “the present administration will not shield anyone accused of corrupt practices from justice. All it is concerned with and which it enjoins all Nigerians to imbibe is the fact that this must be done within the confines of the rule of law and decent behaviour.” A London court had lifted its August 2, 2007 worldwide order preventing the immediate past governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, Erin Aviation and others from dealing with their £35 million property in London. The Southwark Crown Court also ordered the Crime Prosecution Service which brought the matter against Chief Ibori and the other parties to pay costs in respect of the restraint order. Judge Goymer declared that the evidence against Chief Ibori was not strong enough to sustain the order. Counsel for the Crown, Jonathan Hall, had conceded at the hearing on August 2, 2007 that there was “something of a dearth of evidence against James Ibori.” Judge Goymer had also said at the resumed hearing of the case that he would “need to be satisfied that the Crown had made progress” and that “there was a real prospect of prosecuting the respondents.” Judge Goymer deemed “two months sufficient opportunity for the Crown to interview Chief Ibori and reach a decision on whether or not to charge him.” Chief Ibori’s counsel, Mr. Ivan Pearce, in his defence said “there is no predicate offence in Nigeria.” Judge Goymer in his judgment said: “I have allowed the Crown two months to put new material before the court to support the allegations against Chief Ibori. If anything, on the material before me today there is less cause for me to believe that Chief Ibori has benefited from criminal conduct in Nigeria.” Ibori was represented by Ian Timlin (Partner) and Julie Thrower (Solicitor) of leading City dispute resolution solicitors, Speechly Bircham, who instructed barristers versed in criminal jurisprudence, Andrew Mitchell and Ivan Pearce of Furnival Chambers.

Femi Aderupatan:Soyinka cannot frighten me — IBB

Former military president,Ibrahim Babangida, arrived Lagos, yesterday evening, for the 2007 Literature Award of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company, NLNG, saying as a military general, nothing frightens him.

Babangida, who spoke in an interview with airport correspondents shortly on arrival at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos, also said he was more than qualified to deliver the keynote lecture which was part of the award programme.

Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, had spoken against the invitation of the former head of state for the event held in Lagos last night as, according to him, he is not fit to be invited to deliver a lecture at the gathering of scholars and literary minds.

Soyinka said during a press conference in Lagos last Thursday that he and other writers would shun the award ceremony if the organisers insisted on Babangida delivering the lecture.  At press time, 9p.m. yesterday, the Nobel laureate had not arrived for the NLNG Literature Award, fueling the insinuation that he had made good his threat to stay away.  By that time, the former military president had begun to deliver the lecture to an audience which included two other former heads of state, General Yakubu Gowon and Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Babangida told the airport correspondents: “You should know, just like you journalists say ‘publish and be damned’, I’m a general, I have been in the military for 32 years; I don’t get frightened.”

On the N628 million scandal involving the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh, Babangida said the lawmakers should be allowed to handle their own affairs.
According to him, the House, as an independent body, should sort out the issues concerning the scandal.
He also said he was optimistic that Nigeria would achieve the target of Vision 2020, stressing that the country has the wherewithal to make it possible.

“I am optimistic that we shall achieve Vision 2020 because of the quality of people who are pushing hard to do so, very highly educated, very pushful.  So, we as the older generation should sit down and be very happy,” he said.

He said his thought about Nigeria is one that is on course to realise its dream of greatness, in spite of the hiccups here and there.
The former Nigerian leader said his understanding of the country since independence shows that her progression, in comparison with some older countries of the world, gives sign of hope for Nigerians.

“I know where Nigeria was before independence, immediately after independence, immediately before the civil war, I think Nigerians are trying very hard when you compare it with other nations about 1000 years old,” said the former Head of State, who arrived Lagos at about 6:00pm.

Delivering the lecture at the NLNG Literature Award, last night, Babangida stated that the award had become an event for celebrating intellectual and creative excellence in Nigeria.
He described the award also as a tonic for the promotion of excellence.

Commending the NLNG management for instituting the award and sustaining it to conform with international standards, the former military president urged other corporate organisations in the country to emulate the NLNG by instituting similar awards.
He canvassed that the NLNG award be extended to other fields of endeavours and that an academy be established to serve as clearing house.

According to Babangida: “Inspite of our small number, (as historians) we have found our way to attract and retain attention especially of those who make a living dwelling on history both as a subject and a lived experience.

The former Nigerian leader explained that the history of the country is and will remain an area of lively debate for us and for generations to come.

He went on: “I am grateful to Allah that most of us who have had a rare privilege of providing leadership to our nation at critical moments are still around to share in the divergent interpretations and sometimes hasty verdicts about those chapters of our national life which we presided over.  That for me is an exciting part of life in retirement.  More seriously, I always look forward to various public and private occasions that I often get invited to these days because this gathering affords one the refreshing opportunity to meet and renew old bonds of friendship and to catch up with the current trends of things

“The gathering is even more important for me because it affords me the opportunity to meet in some cases some of the men and women whose lives in the arts and science have left our nation on the world knowledge and culture.  My sense of pride is heightened that since inception the NLNG has grown to fulfil the vision and dream that informed its ver establishment”.

Saying he had no hard feelings against his critics, “even the most virulent ones”, he said he still respects “them and even their views”.  “However, I have long understood the nature of their cynicism”, he stated, pointing out: “In a more practical way I see the critics as partners in our march to a better society.

Without them, we could have a very flawed progress.  Sadly, some of them do not even know the way well enough.  For me, I have been driver like Gen. Gowon and Chief Shonekan before and after me, methodically towards what is excellent for our country and her future greatness and together, driver, co-pilot and passengers, we must forward in a creative, positive partnership to hoist high the thought of our claim of excellence.”