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Breaking News, Law and Order, News

BREAKING: GHL Floors First Bank As Court Sets Aside Assets Freezing Orders

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….Judge Says First Bank Suppressed Relevant Facts To Secure Order

In a landmark victory for General Hydrocarbons Limited,  the Federal High Court in Lagos has set aside an order of Mareva injunction freezing  the assets of the company and its directors.

The court, while upholding the arguments of GHL’s counsel, Abiodun Layonu, SAN held that  the injunction violated an existing order from a court of concurrent jurisdiction.In his ruling, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu, stated that when compared with an earlier order issued by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa in Suit No. 1953, the Mareva Injunction should be set aside.

The court found that First Bank of Nigeria and FBNQUEST LTD, at whose instance the order was procured, failed to fully disclose Justice Lewis-Allagoa’s order, which made the Mareva Injunction incompatible with the earlier ruling.

The court consequently agreed with GHL that First Bank deliberately “suppressed facts” to mislead the court into granting the order against GHL.

The court in the circumstance, said it had no choice but to set aside the order freezing GHL accounts.

First Bank had approached the court via an ex-parte application against General Hydrocarbons Limited and 15 other entities even when there was a subsiting judgement.

Responding to the suit, GHL urged the court to  discharge the order freezing its assets and accounts on the grounds that  the court was misled in granting same.

The oil firm argued that the order was obtained through  fraudulent misrepresentation and concealment of material  facts.

GHL and other applicants accused First Bank of misleading the court to obtain orders against them.

They argued that had all the facts been presented before the trial judge, the order against them would not have been granted.

The trial judge upheld GHL’s arguments and consequently set aside the  freezing order. Meanwhile, GHL directors who were also negatively affected by the ex-parte freezing order have begun proceedings worldwide against First Bank, seeking $1bn each in damages for defamation and wrongful freezing of their accounts.

GHL is also bringing a case in the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee against First Bank lawyers, Babajide Koku SAN and Victor Ogude SAN for unprofessional conduct.

Business, News

Nigerian Movie Producer, Duke of Shomolu, Commends Nduka Obaigbena Over Invitation to Thisday Award Ceremony

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Popular Nigerian movie producer and author, Duke of Shomolu, has praised Dr. Nduka Obaigbena, the Chairman of Thisday Newspaper, for inviting him to the upcoming Thisday Awards, which will mark the 30th anniversary celebration of the newspaper.

In a statement shared on social media this morning, Duke expressed his excitement and gratitude for the invitation. He referred to Dr. Obaigbena as “a prince who refused to turn into a frog,” highlighting his admiration for Obaigbena’s understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political structure and his unwavering commitment to his values.

Duke recounted his encounters with Dr. Obaigbena, noting that he had met him only three times in his life. “Twice in his expansive apartment in Ikoyi, and once at the Afrif event last December, where I had gone to meet the governor. Dr. Obaigbena was seated at the front, preparing to take the stage,” he shared.

He further explained the significance of the invitation, especially given his past experiences with being overlooked by the organizers of the prestigious Thisday Awards. “Year after year, I’ve been ignored, left with an ashen face while others are celebrated,” Duke remarked. “But this time, the prince sent me an electronic invite with a personal request to RSVP, and I did so immediately.”

Duke also recounted his long admiration for the Thisday newspaper and its unmatched contribution to Nigeria’s media landscape. He fondly remembered the days when, as a young man, he would walk to Onipanu bus stop to buy the paper. “I fell in love with the beautiful prose of the writers, who became the next generation of superstar editors,” he said.

He acknowledged the transformative impact of Dr. Obaigbena’s leadership, which brought together talented writers and helped shape Thisday into a powerhouse of print journalism. “From the aesthetics of Thisday Style to the brilliant essays and features, it’s simply the best,” he said. “I have always believed this, long before I started writing for them.”

Duke also highlighted the influence of Thisday’s sister company, Arise TV, and its role in shaping national conversations. “Arise TV has become the go-to channel for many Nigerians, taking over as the premier station, even surpassing CNN in local offices.”

Despite his earlier frustrations with being ignored by the Thisday Awards organizers, Duke emphasized the significance of the upcoming event. “Tomorrow, local and international heroes will gather to celebrate Dr. Obaigbena’s vision, and I will be there, champagne in hand, enjoying the company of legends like Diana Ross.”

News, Politics

North Central Youth Leaders Forum Declares Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya As Only Candidate With Capacity For PDP National Vice Chairman

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In a significant show of support and solidarity, youth leaders under the umbrella of the North Central Youth Leaders Forum gathered on Thursday evening at the North Central Zonal meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja to rally behind Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya for the position of National Vice Chairman, North Central Zone of the party.

Hon. Alfa Nma, President of the zonal youth leaders’ body, in a passionate speech emphasized the critical importance of the National Vice Chairman position, which has been micro-zoned to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He urged PDP leaders and stakeholders to carefully consider the capacity and leadership qualities required for the role.

According to Hon. Nma, the North Central Youth Leaders Forum has unanimously endorsed Hon. Ajiya as the most capable candidate for the position, citing his proven track record of dedication and tireless efforts for the PDP.

Hon Stephen Abraham Ajiya
Hon. Stephen Abraham Ajiya

He said “Ajiya is a person that never gets tired when they talk about anything in PDP; he’s always there, morning, afternoon, and night, Ajiya has been there to work for PDP. He has been doing this for a long time and everybody knows him.”

The rally was a call to action for PDP faithful members, leaders, women, and youths to support Hon. Ajiya’s candidacy and avoid past mistakes in leadership selection by the party.

Hon. Nma warned against attempts to impose an unknown candidate, emphasizing the need for proven capacity and leadership as the party prepares for the 2027 elections.

The North Central Youth Leaders Forum’s endorsement of Hon. Ajiya is significant, as it reflects the growing support for his candidacy among key stakeholders in the region. As the PDP prepares for its zonal congresses, the outcome of the National Vice Chairman election will be closely watched.

Law and Order, News

Defence Ministry Directs Relocation of Military Chiefs to Sokoto to Combat Banditry and Terrorism

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The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON, has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi States and its environs. To address this, Dr. Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to relocate to Sokoto, which is the headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states.

“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region,” Dr. Matawalle said. “While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his bandits gang are flushed out.”

Dr. Matawalle condemned the recent incident where bandits circulated videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle stuck in a water-logged area, saying it was “not acceptable.” He assured that the Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West and is ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out.

“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases,” Dr. Matawalle stated. “I will be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.”

Dr. Matawalle called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Security forces, reiterating the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians.

“The security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority,” he emphasized.

The statement reads:
“The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs.

“Consequent to this the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to Sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

“This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of the government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West, they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.

“These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water-logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water-logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it. This incident happened in Kwashabawa, Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state. This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly. We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities, Dr Matawalle stated. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.

“The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.
Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces.

“Matawalle further assured the people of Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces will not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits.
I will be on the ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.

“In addition, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence also called on the people of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states to remain vigilant and cooperate with the Security forces and he reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, emphasizing that the security and well-being of the people remain the government’s top priority.”

News, Politics

Labour Party National Transition Committee Expresses Solidarity With Organised Labour On Struggle For National Minimum Wage

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… Says Workers’ Struggle Has Revealed Abure’s Paymasters

The National Transition Committee (NTC) of the Labour Party has stated that it stands in solidarity with Nigerian workers in their quest for a decent national minimum wage.

In a statement jointly signed by NTC Chairman and labour veteran, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, and the Secretary of the committee, Engr. Nnawuihe Nwauwa, the NTC officials also noted that by their action in “denouncing” the spirited efforts of organised labour through a nationwide strike which was a response to the nonchalant attitude of the current government to workers’ welfare, Julius Abure platoon of ragtag sycophants had revealed who their real paymasters are. 

The National Transition Committee of Labour Party stated that the party also “unequivocally supports” the nationwide strike action by organised labour, which was well received by Nigerian workers with high level of voluntary compliance. Chairman of the National Transition Committee (NTC) of Labour Party, Abdulwaheed Omar

The statement noted that as the entire country rallied behind the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress on the current struggle by Organised Labour for a decent national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, “the political wannabes recruited by one Mr. Julius Abure” released a puerile statement condemning the efforts of Labour for Nigerian workers.

The statement further stated that the latest infantile effort by Abure and his suspended dissidents to ingratiate themselves to the insensitive Federal Government led by President Tinubu and treacherously disparage organised labour in Nigeria has once again revealed to whom Abure and his ostracized political mob truly owe their loyalty and clarified the crass mismanagement of the Labour Party’s fortunes these past few years under the visionless and “shameless political merchants” headed by Abure, who have now in the process “inadvertently committed class suicide. Now, their ruin is complete!

The rest of the statement read as follows:

“Unfortunately, while Nigerians are applauding the NLC and TUC over a successful strike action and the principled position that workers deserve just wages, a few scoundrels masquerading as former Labour Party leaders chose this epoch of dire struggle for the survival of Nigerian workers to cast aspersion on the leadership of Organised Labour and the strike action.

“We are not surprised. The small company of journey men escorting Mr. Julius Abure to perfidy are political merchants. They have never believed in the working class ideals of Labour Party. For them, Labour Party is another “come and chop” party where nominations are sold to the highest bidder and the proceeds are squandered on ventures short on virtues. All that has changed!

“As part of the mandate given to the National Transition Committee (NT) by Labour Party Stakeholders to organise an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the Labour Party in tandem with the Consent judgment delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole and affirmed by an INEC brokered Terms of Settlement between the Nigeria Labour Congress and immediate past leadership of Labour Party, we urge all members of the Labour Party to reconcile themselves to the party’s working class ideology and ethos and to always act in its defence.

“The adornment of the badge of class consciousness, progressivism and egalitarianism is the crux of the Labour Party identity. This identity resonates with the rallying campaign message by the leader of the Labour Party and the Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, that Nigeria must move from consumption to production. A productive economy must prioritise workers by paying the working class a living national minimum wage as a buffer against poverty and indignity.

“By denouncing the spirited efforts of Organised Labour through a nationwide strike which was a response to the nonchalant attitude of the current government to workers’ welfare, the Abure ragtag platoon of sycophants reveal who their real paymasters are.

“The National Transition Committee views this anti-party posture of Mr. Julius Abure and his minions as a further supply of adrenalin to quickly perfect plans for an authentic Labour Party National Convention which would be driven from grassroots to the national level, and which would produce leadership at all levels that represent the ideology, credentials and ethos of a Labour Party.

“Once again, we convey our solidarity with Organised Labour in Nigeria in the resilient struggle for social and wage justice. We shall overcome! Morning comes!” the statement concluded.

News, Politics

One-Year-In-Office: IPAC Enugu State Chapter Scores Mbah High

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The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Enugu State chapter, has scored the state Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah, very high on the anniversary of his one year in office.

Speaking to newsmen on the Governor’s one year in Enugu, the Chairman of the state IPAC, Hon. Obioma Nnamani; the Secretary, Chief Dr. Afam Ani; and the Publicity Secretary, Hon. Chiedozie Ugwu, said that “It was an impressive start full of great expectations”.

IPAC, the umbrella body of the 19 registered and INEC recognized Political parties in Nigeria, further stated that going by the numerous projects ongoing in the state, Governor Mbah has done very well in the past one year.IPAC and Governor Peter Mbah

IPAC also noted especially “the two hundred and sixty smart schools in the 260 political wards in Enugu State, the revitalization of Enugu State water scheme, the reconstruction of dilapidated roads in the city, the agricultural industrialization projects, the new health centers being constructed across the 260 wards of the state, the revamping of the famous hotel presidential Enugu, the international conference center under massive construction at the moment, the five star hotel whose foundation stone has been laid by His Excellency the governor and the concept of world class terminals in the state are among our indices for concluding that His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has done very well in the past one year.”

The political parties in the state maintained that “Like Oliver twist, the body implore him to do more because to whom much is given, much is also expected because the people of Enugu massively chose him as their Governor.”

Breaking News, News, Politics

Kano: Dahiru Bauchi Advices Sunusi to Leave Throne for Peace to Reign

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Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation Calls for Respect of Rule of Law in Kano Emirate Dispute anf advises Sunusi Lamido Sunusi to give up the throne for peace to reign in the state.

The Foundation also called on the Kano State Government and the two emirs involved in the ongoing dispute to respect the rule of law in the interest of peace and stability in Kano State and Nigeria.

Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, the Chairman of the Foundation, Sheikh Ibrahim Sheikh Dahiru, advised the emirs to take a vow of peace and brotherhood to save the lives of innocent people and allow peace to reign.

“In the interest of peace, we want justice to prevail. Since the court has intervened to maintain law and order, we expect each party to respect the rule of law,” Sheikh Ibrahim said.

The Foundation chided the Kano State Government’s decision to continue with the process of appointing the 16th Emir of Kano and dethroning the five emirs despite a court injunction.

Sheikh Ibrahim suggested that the current Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, could learn from the example of Sayyidina Hassan, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who left power to Mu’awiyyah in the interest of peace and brotherhood among the Muslim Ummah.

The Foundation also urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution and enact laws that will protect traditional rulers from being dethroned or appointed at the pleasure of politicians.

The Chairman called on the Kano State Government, the State House of Assembly, and the people of Kano to exercise caution and refrain from making decisions that may jeopardize the state’s stability and exacerbate the suffering of the people.

“We want the parties to work together to build a brighter future for the people of Kano State and Nigeria, where justice, peace, and prosperity reign, and where the rights and dignity of all citizens are upheld and respected,” he concluded.

Breaking News, News, Politics

ALGON Elects Hon Aminu Mu’azu Maifata As New National President

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Chairman of Lafia Local Government Council of Nasarawa State and Association of Local Governments Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Maifata Aminu Mu’azu, has emerged as the National President of the association.

He takes over from Hon. Kolade Alabi, who presided over the affairs of the association from April 2019 to March, 2024.

Until his election, Hon. Maifata Mu’azu served at the National Executive Council, (NEC) of ALGON as National Treasurer and National Deputy President respectively.

Hon. Mu’azu holds a Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Economics from the University of Jos and Nasarawa State University.

He was lecturer at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia between 2003 and 2018. Hon. Mu’azu served as Special Adviser on Solid Mineral Development to the Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State from 2017 to 2018.

Hon. Maifata Mu’azu is expected to bring his tested intellect, proven and vast experience to bear in the acceleration of ALGON’s vision of promoting efficient and grassroot driven local government governance and pursue effective partnerships with critical national, state and international stakeholders.

He is happily married and the union is blessed with children.

News, Politics

International Women’s Day: Nigerian Youth Group Calls Special Attention To Challenges Facing Women in Nigeria

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Young people-driven nongovernmental organisation (NGO), the Not Too Young To Perform (NTYTP), a leadership development advocacy group, has called on governments at all levels “to pay special attention to modern day challenges facing women in Nigeria.”

In a statement signed on behalf of the youth body by its national Executive Coordinator, Comrade James Ezema, the NTYTP noted that “peculiar challenges like increasing cases of insecurity at both the urban and grassroots level, widening poverty, rising unemployment, and bad leadership require special attention of governments at all levels, especially as they affect women and girls.”

The NTYTP observed that it has since became obvious that the worse hit by such challenges “are the girl-child who are now being forced into early married and prostitution just to escape suffering or to merely stay alive.

Comrade James Ezema
Comrade James Ezema

“We therefore call on the three tiers of government to deepen good governance, provide adequate security for the girl-child to go to school without fear of being killed or kidnapped by gunmen.

“Only special government attention to the current plights of women in the country, with a view to addressing them as quickly as possible, that can guarantee a great future for the unborn generations.

“Like it is said, educate the woman and educate nation, we urge the governments bring the woman out of poverty and the nation will overcome hunger and deprivation.

“Women are known for their multi-tasking abilities. Hence, their contributions to national development are inestimable despite the unique challenges they are currently facing.

“While the NTYTP will continue to advocate for a better life for the Nigerian women, we urge the women folks in the country never to relent on their part as a result of the daunting challenges in today’s Nigeria knowing that there will always be light at the end of the tunnel.

“We equally call on young people to renew their interest in participation in leadership processes at every level in the country to contribute their individual quota in providing good leadership through unequalled performance as a way to safeguard their future and that of the girl-children”, the group concluded.

Business, News

VDI Reinforces Pivotal Roles Of Nigeria’s Informal Sector At Abuja Meeting

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The pivotal roles of the countries informal sector in the economic development aimed at creating access to employment opportunities, stimulating income generation and fostering entrepreneurial spirit have again been undeniably reinforced.

This followed some critical strategic resolutions during a recent two-day National Executive Council meeting of the Market Traders Association of Nigeria (MATAN) held in Abuja, the nations Capital.

The promoter and proponent of national Vat Direct Initiative (VDI), Hon Johnson Moses Olakunle, who doubles as the National Secretary MATAN and Chairman Steering Committee of the (VDI) used the 2024 maiden meeting which came barely one month after it’s National Conference and World Media briefing in Abuja in December, to thanked the National Executive Council members and the steering committe members drawn from the 36 states of Nigeria and FCT.

He noted that the meeting which according to him was well attended marks the beginning of its formal take off of advocacy, sensitization, implementation of programmes as he urged each state representatives to commence work and ensure that rules of engagement were applied.

Hon. Olakunle thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the initiative which according to him will mitigate poverty, strengthen the efforts of Nigerian traders and critical informal sector of the economy by creating effective and efficient interaction on issues affecting their well-being and providing solutions like curbing multiple tax regime, unifying and codifying an ICT user-friendly system for ensuring an integrated tax system with improved database that will take proper care of numerous concerns of traders, marketers, distributors and haulage operators.

In doing this according to Hon Johnson, “it is hoped that the Executive Order 5 of the Federal Government which contemplates Ease of Doing Business will bring back maximum confidence in Government- Private Sector Business Relations and cascade down to the businesses of the rural population”.

Hon Johnson further noted that Attendees to the meeting who are majorly the state representatives, members of the steering committe, Zonal coordinators and Exco’s will resume operations in all the states with immediate effect noting that the implementation of the programme which in him words comes with several packages will further cater for the millions of the informal sector amongst which includes but not limited to access to single digit Loan, access to grant, health insurance, promotion of export of goods and services, and other value proposition.

Hon Johnson regretted the unfair manner in which the issues of multiple taxation has drastically affected the defenseless traders and call for total support of both the government and the general public to achieve an inclusive national solidarity towards Nigeria’s growth.

MATAN is a multi stakeholders umbrella body of the informal sectors socio-economic space and has been saddled with the responsibility of administration and management of affairs of the biggest informal sector cluster, over the years with over 40 million documented membership across all the 774and Area Councils in Nigeria.

Amongst some of its notable partners include the FIRS, JTB, Banks, Insurance companies, ALGON and other private sectors of the economy.