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Breaking News

Minister Matawalle Calls For Assertiveness On Global Stage Following Visa Denial By Canada

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Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has issued a resolute call for Nigeria to assert its position on the global stage in the light of recent diplomatic incident involving the denial of visas to the Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, and other members of the Nigerian delegation.

This unfortunate event occurred while they were en route to a significant function honoring Nigerian veterans in Canada.

Matawalle expressed profound disappointment regarding the treatment of the Nigerian delegation, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Canada. “This incident is not merely a bureaucratic oversight; it is a serious affront to our national dignity and integrity. We cannot allow our country to be treated with such disregard and levity on the international stage,” he stated.

He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the reasons behind this visa denial, asserting that Nigeria must respond decisively to uphold its reputation as a key player in global affairs.

“We must not remain passive in the face of such disrespect. It is imperative that the Nigerian government takes a firm diplomatic stance. If no satisfactory explanation is provided, we must be prepared to respond appropriately and assertively,” Minister Matawalle declared.

The denial of visa raises significant concerns regarding Canada’s treatment of Nigerian military officials and the overall state of diplomatic relations between the two nations. While the specific reasons for the visa refusals remain unclear, this incident underscores the persistent bureaucratic and political challenges that Nigerian officials encounter in international engagements.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining its dignity and respect in the international arena, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

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.

Breaking News, Politics

Leadership Claim: Edozie Njoku is an Impersonator – NRM Founding Chair Senator Dansadau

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The National Rescue Movement (NRM) has been plunged into crisis following claims by Edozie Njoku that he is the party’s National Chairman. However, the founding national chairman of the NRM, Senator Saidu Muhammed Dansadau, has raised an alarm over Njoku’s claim, describing it as impersonation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, Senator Dansadau stated that Njoku was never a member of the party and therefore could not have become the National Chairman. “The APGA-dismissed man was never a registered member of the NRM, and he can prove me wrong if he has done that,” Dansadau said.

According to Dansadau, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has, in a letter to the party, also confirmed that only the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) has the legitimate right to call for a party convention. This is in accordance with the provision of Article 8.1.2 (a-c) of the party constitution.

Njoku’s claim is not new, as he was previously removed as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) by the Supreme Court.

Senator Dansadau hailed recent efforts of the judiciary and security agencies in dealing with political cases, saying, “Firstly, kudos to the Nigerian judiciary for their recent judgments on political cases, and to the Nigerian security agencies for their efforts.”

“However, it’s imperative that both institutions deal decisively with ‘political traders’ who view political parties as mere business ventures. These individuals prioritize personal gain over the nation’s well-being, exacerbating Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges,” Dansadau added.

Senator Dansadau highlighted that the country’s underdevelopment stems from its politico-economic system, which emphasizes wealth accumulation and often enables individuals to cheat the system with impunity.

He then appealed to the National Assembly to urgently legislate laws that would help prosecute those who cause party leadership crises for selfish reasons. “Until we have such laws in place, someone like Edozie Njoku will continue to perpetrate crises in several political parties that he was never a member of,” Dansadau warned.

The NRM has scheduled its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting for February 8, where the date for the party’s National convention would likely be fixed.

Senator Dansadau has advised anyone interested in contesting for any vacant position in the party to purchase the party’s scratch card, register online, and be accepted as a member first. “We will not condescend to imposition, and anyone who wishes to lead the party must follow the due process,” Dansadau said.

He equally commended the judiciary and security agencies for their recent roles in dealing with political cases.

Breaking News

THISDAY is 30, and Resilient on Jan 27

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THISDAY, Nigeria’s Foremost Newspaper of Record, has clocked 30 years on the news stands.  

To mark the occasion, it has already set out to honour some of the nation’s ‘Tough and Resilient’ persons and institutions in selected fields of endeavours on Monday, January 27.

The presentation of first awards began in Davos, Switzerland on Tuesday.

Arguably Nigeria’s most influential and innovative print media, THISDAY first started publication as a weekly on January 22, 1995, before quickly transforming into a daily newspaper barely two months later.

In its three decades of trailblazing and robust journalism, THISDAY has without doubt shattered the myths and norms associated with newspaper production and publishing in the country.

Indeed, it has, in no small measure, changed the face of the newspapering industry during that period, including pioneering the now famous colour printing and back page columns.

Till date, THISDAY remains the preferred newspaper among the business, political and diplomatic elite, and has for many years been one of the most recognisable brands locally and internationally.

Thus, to celebrate this milestone, THISDAY recently invited nominations for various categories of nominees for its awards ceremony billed for next Monday, tagged: “When the Going Gets Tough… the Tough Gets Rewarded!”

Breaking News

Actors Guild of Nigeria Warns Members Against Using Live Animals as Props Without Proper Precautions

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The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has issued a warning to actors against using live animals as props on film sets without proper precautions. This comes after a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing actors being persuaded to use a live snake as a prop.

Dr. Rollas in a statement signed by his presidential spokesman, Cornel Udofia, advised actors to ensure that their contracts include well-written terms and conditions that articulate the safety measures to be taken when performing with wild animals. 

He cautioned actors to be mindful of the risks involved in taking up such roles and to prioritize their safety above all else.

“The use of live animals as props on film sets can be hazardous, and actors must take necessary precautions to ensure their safety,” Dr. Rollas said. “It is essential for actors to have proper contracts that outline the safety measures to be taken when working with wild animals.”

Dr. Rollas’s warning is timely, considering the risks associated with handling wild animals like snakes. Experts have long emphasized the importance of prioritizing animal welfare and safety when using animals in film productions.

The Actors Guild of Nigeria’s warning serves as a reminder to actors and filmmakers to prioritize safety and animal welfare on film sets. 

By taking necessary precautions and including safety measures in contracts, actors can minimize the risks associated with using live animals as props.

Breaking News

BREAKING: Nduka Obaigbena Leads ARISE News Teams to Cover Trump’s Inauguration and World Economic Forum in Davos

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ARISE News has dispatched its top teams to Washington DC and Davos to provide extensive coverage of two major global events. Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, Nduka Obaigbena, leads the team in Washington DC, where they will cover the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States.

The ARISE News team in Washington DC includes seasoned journalists Ohi Odiai, Adefemi Akinsanya, and Opeyemi Adenihun. They will provide in-depth coverage of the inauguration, including behind-the-scenes insights and analysis.

Simultaneously, ARISE News Anchors Rotus Oddiri, Adesuwa Omoruan, and Ivica Babic are in Davos, Switzerland, to cover the World Economic Forum annual gathering. The event brings together global leaders to discuss pressing economic issues and shape the global agenda.

Vice President Kashim Shetima will lead Nigeria’s economic team at the forum, which will focus on collaboration for the intelligent age. ARISE News’ coverage of these events will provide its audience with unparalleled insights into global politics and economics.

With its teams on the ground in Washington DC and Davos, ARISE News reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-quality, timely, and comprehensive coverage of major global events.

Breaking News, Law and Order, News

Judge Adjourns for Ruling in Mareva Suit between First Bank Nigeria and General Hydrocarbons Limited and Several Others

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A Mareva injunction suit involving First Bank Nigeria, General Hydrocarbons Limited, and several others took a new turn on Friday, January 17, 2025, as Dr. Abiodun Layonu SAN moved to set aside the injunction and other punitive ex parte orders granted to the plaintiffs.

According to Dr. Layonu, there was a clear case of suppression of facts by the plaintiffs, who failed to disclose material and fundamental facts. Specifically, they withheld information on the judgment of Lewis-Allagoa J of the Federal High Court, which prohibited First Bank Nigeria from enforcing any security or assets of General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) related to its operation of OML 120.

Dr. Layonu argued that the plaintiffs should not be allowed to extract a new cause of action when they are already subjudice on the same matter.

He also pointed out that the plaintiffs misled the court into thinking that a judgment sum had already been awarded in their favor, when in fact, the case is still being contested in arbitration.

The asset in question is an oil block, and Dr. Layonu noted that the plaintiffs failed to show how an oil block can be dissipated or relocated.

He emphasized that General Hydrocarbons is fighting to source funds to develop and produce crude in Nigeria, while the plaintiffs are preventing this from happening through strong-arm tactics.

Dr. Layonu questioned whether the court would have granted the Mareva order if the plaintiffs had been honest about the facts. He submitted that the answer should be in the negative.

Meanwhile, Mr. Olumide Aju SAN, representing the second to fifth defendants, argued that his clients should never have been joined in the suit.

He argued that they are not part of the contract between the first defendant and the plaintiffs and never issued any personal guarantees.

Mr. Aju emphasized that this is a clear case of abuse of court and forum shopping, which should not be tolerated.

He also pointed out that there is no established fraud against the second to fifth defendants and that the word “fraud” should not be used loosely to cover up the plaintiffs’ mistakes.

In addition, Mr. Abiodun Anibaba, appearing for the sixth and seventh defendants, argued that his clients have nothing to do with the case and could not understand why they were included in the suit.

He also noted that an undertaking for damages is a condition precedent that should have been fulfilled by the plaintiffs prior to the Mareva order.

The judge has adjourned the case for ruling, and the outcome is eagerly awaited.

The case highlights the complexities of Mareva injunctions and the need for careful consideration of the facts and the law. As Dr. Layonu noted, the court must ensure that justice is served and that the rights of all parties are protected.

Breaking News, Business, News

GHL Denies Owing FBN $225M, Claims Moratorium Is in Place

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In a recent statement, General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) has vehemently denied allegations of owing First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) $225 million. The statement, signed by Abdelmuizz Bello, Director of Strategy & Operations at GHL, provides a detailed breakdown of the issues in dispute between GHL and FBN.

According to the statement, “We entered a legally binding, enforceable Subrogation Agreement with First Bank on May 29, 2021, with FBN agreeing to fund GHL’s exploration, production and development of OML 120 in exchange for sharing profit from oil proceeds from the OML in a 50:50 ratio after statutory payments and taxes over 8 years.”

However, GHL alleges that FBN failed to meet its agreed-upon financial commitments, resulting in critical challenges for the development of OML 120. As stated in the release, “Essentially, GHL’s grouse is FBN’s failure to meet its agreed and executed financial commitments which GHL had believed would be made, when it signed the agreement resulting in critical challenges for the development of OML 120.”

Despite disbursing $185 million, FBN’s disbursement process was often delayed, lasting up to 70 days after funding requests. This led to massive losses in day rates and downtimes, resulting in inefficiencies and losses of over $147 million. As GHL emphasized, “The way and manner of the disbursement which was agreed to be 5 days after funding request, sometimes lasted up to 70 days after funding request; service providers led by Schlumberger, Baker Hughes and Century that were supposed to be paid at the same time for various interventions were paid sporadically at different times.”

GHL also highlighted that FBN’s credit and risk team verified and approved all contracts and invoices due to contractors engaged for the development and operations of the oil mining lease. Payments were made directly by FBN to these contractors and service providers, rendering allegations of diversion “befuddling and without merit.” As stated in the release, “The allegations of a diversion of the monies advanced to GHL are therefore befuddling and without merit as payment were made by FBN directly to service providers after vetting and approval by its credit and risk teams.”

The statement further noted that the disbursed loan of $185 million is not due for repayment, as it is still within the moratorium period as per the Facility and Tripartite Agreements. The loan is only due when there are profits to be shared 50:50 from commercial oil production. As GHL emphasized, “It is important to note that the disbursed loan of $185million is not due for repayment. The loan is still within the moratorium period as per the Facility and Tripartite Agreements.”

GHL accused FBN of attempting to bully and force GHL out of the transaction, using its directors and other proxies to induce a crisis. As stated in the release, “Instead of performing its role as a lender who was saved from the abyss, FBN is trying to bully and force GHL out of the transaction and take over the oil bloc, using its directors and other proxies with this clearly induced crisis.”

GHL is seeking to exercise its options under the agreement to find new lenders and partners that can efficiently and cost-effectively save the project for Nigeria. As stated in the release, “GHL is seeking to exercise its options under the agreement to find new lenders and partners that can be efficient and cost effective to save the project for Nigeria , should FBN remain intransigent.”

The statement concluded by emphasizing that GHL has obtained injunctions against FBN, restraining the bank from obstructing or preventing GHL from obtaining necessary funding for OML 120. As stated in the release, “GHL approached the Federal High Court and after arguments by both sides, obtained the following injunctions against First Bank on December 12, 2024.”

Despite this, FBN obtained an interim Mareva injunction restraining GHL and its shareholders from operating their accounts over the purported debt. GHL views this as an abuse of the court process and is seeking justice. As stated in the release, “This impunity is now back before the Federal High Court, Lagos. We believe that sooner or later Justice will be served.”

Breaking News

Youth Assembly of Nigeria’s New Speaker Praises Matawalle’s Leadership and Loyalty

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The Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has received praise from Comrade Famuyibo Oluwasegun, the newly elected National Speaker of the Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN).

Oluwasegun commended Matawalle’s courage in combating bandits and terrorists in North West of the country and his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

During his acceptance speech at the national election in Abuja, Oluwasegun described Matawalle as a youth role model.

Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle
Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle

He credited Matawalle’s leadership, direction, and support for his election victory, stating, “My mentor, His Excellency Dr. Matawalle extended an unalloyed hand… instrumental to making my victory a reality”.

The YAN Speaker-elect thanked the YAN Board of Trustees, Convention Planning Committee, and delegates for electing him to lead the 4th Assembly of Nigerian Youths.

Acting BoT Chairman, Hon. Gt. C Samuel, advised the new leaders to be good ambassadors of Nigerian youths and Nigeria.

The election marked a significant milestone for the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, with Comrade Famuyibo Oluwasegun pledging to uphold the organization’s values.

Dr. Matawalle’s commitment to national security and loyalty to President Tinubu has earned him recognition among Nigeria’s youth.

This development underscores Matawalle’s positive impact on the country’s youth population and his dedication to national development.

Breaking News

Abia Labour Party Crises – Is Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu Among The Prophets?

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By Sunday Chigozie
Eziama Afara

… three weeks after his statement in a viral video, there is fire on the mountain.

There was a video interview wherein the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu made some political predictions and urged the Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti to cross over to APC for his reelection, considering the realities ahead in 2027. It was a friendly and harmless advice, which didn’t in anyway suggested directly or indirectly that the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu is harbouring any intension of contesting Abia Governorship against Governor Alex Otti.

Therefore, one wonders why Governor Alex Otti would take such a simple political invitation from a supposedly close friend to another level of animosity. Otti threw caution to the winds by spending Abia resources on social media e-rats to continuously attack the image of the Deputy Speaker; if he wasn’t behind it why hasn’t he made a public statement asking his brothers/friends/supporters, particularly Professor Chidi Odinkalu to desist from his unwarranted attacks on the person of distinguished Deputy Speaker?

. Is Gov Alex Otti really this callous as has been severally accused by his close allies and associates?

It is therefore unfathomable the extent Governor Alex Otti took the mere political advise from Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu when similar invitation was made to the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu during his own time in office. Like the perfect and peaceful gentleman that he is; Dr. Ikpeazu laughed over the invite and simply and jokingly asked Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu to come over to his own party, the PDP. There was no drama, no bad-blood, rather they both laughed over it and still enjoyed robust relationship till date.

Again, same invitation was extended to former Governor T.A Orji, by the Deputy Speaker, Ochendo as he is fondly called simply replied by saying “…my family has joined APC, I have retired from active politics“; and the rest was history as both leaders laughed over it. Why has Governor Otti decided to make a mountain out of a harmless political invite, which other Governors before him didn’t consider as anything serious but has surprisingly triggered a very high level of bitterness in a Governor who pretends to be more Christian than others and follows renowned Pastors around to create a false impression on people.

However, it is pertinent to point out again and clearly too that in the said viral video, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu never said he was running for the office of governor against Governor Otti, but only merely invited him to crossover to APC to run for his reelection because, Rt. Hon Ben Kalu foresaw that the structure Governor Otti was standing on was not sustainable.

Surreptitiously, Governor Alex Otti hired tik-tokers all over the world and a certain pay-to-twit minion of a Law Professor to malign and make mockery of a simple invitation, instead of brush it aside jokingly like other Governors. Thousands and millions of Abia taxpayers money was spent on Lagos state and Abuja based journalists, skit makers, social media influencers to launch series of attacks on his supposed friend and brother, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu. Who does that to another, he calls friend for no just reason.?

The question begging for answer is why a Governor who is struggling to pay Seventy thousand minimum wage and didn’t pay wage award as at when other Governors were paying; could afford to be wasting billions of Naira on National Newspapers, TV stations, bloggers in Lagos and Abuja just to destroy someone he once called a friend?

Expectedly, the Deputy Speaker has remained calm without going to war on the media with a man he called friend, notwithstanding the provocative attacks on his integrity, howbeit his statement in the said viral video seems like a prophecy which is unfolding daily in Abia Labour Party. The structure Governor Otti is standing on now is shaking in line with Ben Kalu’s prediction, only the wise can read the handwriting on the wall. Governor Otti’s woes are compounded by the sack of many Abia workers, inability to show Abians where he built the N6.5billion recreational facilities, lack of transparency and accountability, the government’s penchant for propanganda, deception and lies.

Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu’s prophecy has come true in the sense that, If Abia Labour Party cannot deliver a simple Local Government elections peacefully without Governor Otti running around to secure platforms from Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) to Young People’s Party (YPP) for his nominated candidates to contest under, is it the INEC controlled Gubernatorial election that won’t give Otti even bigger stress?. Recall that the authentic Labour Party leadership just recently concluded to withdraw the automatic reelection ticket hitherto reserved for Otti.
Prophecies of those close to God usually come to pass, is Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu also among the prophets? It is even appearing to be so.

Consequently, these purveyors of political attacks on Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu took their media warfare against an important bill sponsored by the Deputy Speaker seeking to establish a UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIAN LANGUAGES at ABA, as can be seen in the National Assembly journal of 2nd October, 2024 and published by the clerk of National Assembly. There was nowhere in the said journal that “TINUBU UNIVERSITY” was ever mentioned. If not for mischief and wickedness why would these people fighting the Deputy Speaker mock a bill that will eventually upgrade the existing but moribund Nigerian Institute Of Nigerian Languages in Aba to a full university, and ultimately expose the decaying institution to better funding through accessing Tetfund and other federal government policies. Moreover, it will be at no cost on Federal government.

Apart from the many direct benefits to the host community like employment, infrastructural development etc that upgrading the institution to a full university will attract; Nigerian languages are daily eroded by lack of interest of the younger generation, teachers of these languages are diminishing by the day, parents are forgetting to speak it at home and in the process one of the core element of our identity ( language) fades away before our eyes in preference to the language of our colonial masters. We all should be worried as the representatives are worried.

Finally, it is high time, we all supported the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu to continue putting Igboland on the map.

Chief Sunday Chigozie
Eziama Afara wrote this piece.