Four armed men on Thursday at the city centre, opposite the NUJ Press Centre, Umuahia, dispossessed a man of N1m.
The armed men operating in an SUV, shot the man, identified as Basil, in the stomach before driving away with the money, as people scampered for safety.
The victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, for treatment.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Basil said he was a palm oil produce dealer and had just withdrawn the N1m from a bank before the incident.
He said, “The money was to pay the people I bought palm oil from.”
Former governors of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha and Rochas Okorocha said on Thursday that they were not bothered by Governor Hope Uzodinma’s resolve to probe the financial activities of the state from 2010 till date.
Former Governors Ikedi Ohakim, Okorocha and Ihedioha were in charge of the state during the period.
Uzodinma had, in his inaugural speech said, “I hereby direct the Accountant-General of the state to, within four days, forward to me the comprehensive financial status of the state from May 2010 till date.
“I also direct the permanent secretaries of all the ministries to, within the same period, forward the status of the contracts awarded within the time frame. Payment of all ongoing contracts is hereby stopped.”
But Ihedioha on Thursday said he did not misappropriate the state’s funds while in office between May 29, 2019, and January 14, 2020.
Ihedioha was sacked by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
The former governor spoke to our correspondent through his media aide, Chibuike Onyeukwu.
Onyeukwu said Ihedioha’s administration was hinged on due process, accountability and transparency.
He said, “The former governor is not tensed about the probe order. His Excellency hinged his administration on due process, accountability and transparency.
“There is nothing wrong if the new governor says that he wants to look into the books. We are fine by it.”
Also, Okorocha said he was not opposed to the planned probe.
The former governor, in a tweet on Thursday, said, “Let me reiterate that I have nothing against being probed. What I did not agree with was the attempt to misuse power to harass and intimidate me or any of my supporters.”
Okorocha also dispelled the speculation that he was having a serious political battle with Uzodinma.
The former governor, who spoke to our correspondent through his spokesperson, Sam Onwuemeodo, said the political disagreement he had with Uzodinma ahead of the All Progressives Congress’ governorship primary election in the state in 2018 did not resort to a quarrel.
Okorocha, who described the governor as his brother and party man, said whatever disagreement he had with Uzodinma remained “politics.”
An uncompleted three-storey building, on Friday, collapsed at 12 Alasepe Street, off Community Road, Ago Palace Way, Okota in Lagos State.
The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who confirmed the incident, said a yet-to-be-identified man is trapped under the rubble, adding that a rescue operation is ongoing.
He stated that the impact of the collapse affected other adjacent structures around the scene of the incident, adding that once the recovery operation was completed, the remaining parts of the collapsed building would undergo a controlled demolition exercise.
a yet-to-be-identified man is trapped under the rubble
Oke-Osanyintolu said, “Upon arrival at the incident scene, it was observed that a three-storey building approaching completion had collapsed.
“An adult male is presently trapped under the rubble and we have commenced a rescue operation.
“Initial findings revealed that the collapsed building is a three-storey building under construction. The impact of the collapse has affected the adjacent structures but the resultant crowd is under control.
“Extrication and recovery of the trapped man are ongoing using all emergency light tools at our disposal. Once completed, the remains of the structure will undergo a controlled demolition exercise.”
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said that plans are ongoing by the Federal Government to expand the use of Compressed Natural Gas in order to stop subsidy payment on Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol.
Sylva, who made this known while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, said that the government was set to discourage the use of petrol, especially for commercial transportation.
Sylva said that payment of subsidy on petrol was taking a toll on the finances of the country, adding that the government was working toward encouraging Nigerians to use CNG as fuel for transportation.
The minister of state noted that government had over the years done a pilot scheme on CNG in Benin City, and it had proven that it would go a long way in serving as an alternative to fuel if expanded to the entire country.
According to him, while PMS at subsidised price goes for N143 per litre, CNG goes for between N95 and N97 per litre
“We will start very soon to roll out. Already, there is a pilot programme in Benin, which has worked for a long time.
About 4,000 vehicles are already on CNG in Benin.
“We want to expand that CNG programme across the country and we believe it is going to create a lot of opportunities for Nigerians and also give Nigerians a new lease of life because the commodity would be accessible,’’ he said.
Sylva said that the Ministry would focus on two key areas in 2020 to help in the stabilising the oil and gas sector and move it to the next level.
He said that the government would support all efforts to ensure the increase in crude oil production level.
According to him, the country currently produces about 1.774 million Barrel Per Day which is still far behind the target.
“A few years ago, we produced more than two million barrels per day but we are projecting three million barrels and ultimately to get to four million BPD.
The United Arab Emirate used to produce 2.7 million BPD but today, they have moved to four million per day.
“We have gone back, today, according to OPEC report, we are producing 1.774 million BPD. You can see the need for us to move forward and that is actually the mandate of President (Major General) Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) to us,’’ he said.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva
He added that the ministry would ensure the improved relationship between industry stakeholders and the common man on the street by ensuring accessibility of petroleum products.
The minister of state said that the ministry would also in 2020 focus on tackling the insecurity challenge around oil and gas facilities in the country.
“Crude oil theft is being contained with strong legislation but it has continued to linger, this is because of lack of community inclusion.
“Our recommendation will be the use of technology, community participation, engagement of Petroleum Technology Institutes and infrastructure development in the Niger Delta region among others,’’ he said.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and security chiefs are meeting right now at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting is holding a few hours to the take-off time of Buhari’s UK trip today, and it is believed that the key issue on the agenda, is to give an update on the security situation in the country.
Buhari will travel to London later in the day to participate in the inaugural UK-Africa Investment Summit.
The summit itself opens on Monday, January 20, but Buhari jets out of Abuja today.
Buhari is expected back in Nigeria on Thursday, next week.
President Muhammadu Buhari has included the Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to be in a Nigerian delegation to attend the maiden UK-Africa investment summit taking place in London, United Kingdom on Monday, January 20, 2020.
The Nigerian delegation will consist the president, three governors and others.
The Delegation will depart Abuja for London on Friday January 17, 2020.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka, made available to ABN TV, the Summit which will be hosted by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is expected to bring African Leaders, International Business Chief Executives and Heads of International Organizations to create new partnerships that will deliver more investments and jobs to the benefit of people and businesses in African countries and the UK.
The release also added that the Nigerian delegation will further showcase what the Federal Government has done through policies and legislations to improve the investment and business climate in the country.
“The Enyimba Economic City Project will be one of the projects to be presented to a group of selected potential investors, on the invitation of the Department for International Development (DFID).
“Governor Ikpeazu’s inclusion in this Presidential Delegation is yet another vindication of his relentless drive for investment promotion in the State.
“The Presidential Delegation will return home by Thursday next week” he concluded.
President Muhammadu Buhari has included the Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to be in a Nigerian delegation to attend the maiden UK-Africa investment summit taking place in London, United Kingdom on Monday, January 20, 2020.
The Nigerian delegation will consist the president, three governors and others.
The Delegation will depart Abuja for London on Friday January 17, 2020.
According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka, made available to ABN TV, the Summit which will be hosted by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is expected to bring African Leaders, International Business Chief Executives and Heads of International Organizations to create new partnerships that will deliver more investments and jobs to the benefit of people and businesses in African countries and the UK.
The release also added that the Nigerian delegation will further showcase what the Federal Government has done through policies and legislations to improve the investment and business climate in the country.
“The Enyimba Economic City Project will be one of the projects to be presented to a group of selected potential investors, on the invitation of the Department for International Development (DFID).
“Governor Ikpeazu’s inclusion in this Presidential Delegation is yet another vindication of his relentless drive for investment promotion in the State.
“The Presidential Delegation will return home by Thursday next week” he concluded.
The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia has dismissed the salary padding and money laundering case filed against Mrs Charity Ukonu, Uche Udeachara and Idika Kalu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC) for lack of evidence and diligent prosecution.
The suspects were arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering, stealing and diversion of funds to the tune of N6, 260,321.08( (Six Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty One Naira, Eight Kobo only), contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended).
The three who are employees of Abia State Government and members of Abia State Salary Verification Committee, were accused of defrauding and stealing money from the funds designated for salaries by the State Government to the tune of N6,260,321.08( Six Million, Two Hundred And Sixty Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty One Naira, Eight Kobo only).
Recall that the EFCC had invited some staff of the Ministry of Finance to answer to the allegations of salary padding and money laundering following a petition by one Barr Guy Okite who is a Board member of the State Civil Service Commission. Among those invited by the EFCC was a former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Mr Obinna Oriaku, who was detained but later released. The anti-graft agency was said to have later exempted Oriaku from the alleged crime.
Counts one and eight of the charges preferred against the defendants, read: “That you Charity Nneoma Ukonu, Udeachara Uche, Idika Kalu and others, sometime in the year 2015 at Umuahia within the jurisdiction of this Court conspired amongst yourselves to do unlawful act to wit: money laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(a) and punishable under Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended).
“That you Udeachara Uche, whilst a member of the Abia State Salary Enhancement and Audit Committee between July and December 2017 at Umuahia within the jurisdiction of this Court, indirectly took possession of the cumulative sum of N1,667,892.43 (One Million Six Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety Two Naira, Forty Three Kobo) transferred from the account of the Abia State Government into the account of your son, Chidiebere Udeachara, a minor and which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).”
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them and were subsequently remanded in Afara Correctional Center, Umuahia.
When the case came up on Monday, January 13, the prosecution counsel was absent from the court after due service of notice. After reviewing the matter, the Presiding Judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, dismissed the case for lack of evidence and diligent prosecution.
The Federal High Court sitting in Umuahia has dismissed the salary padding and money laundering case filed against Mrs Charity Ukonu, Uche Udeachara and Idika Kalu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commision (EFCC) for lack of evidence and diligent prosecution.
The suspects were arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on money laundering, stealing and diversion of funds to the tune of N6, 260,321.08( (Six Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty One Naira, Eight Kobo only), contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended).
The three who are employees of Abia State Government and members of Abia State Salary Verification Committee, were accused of defrauding and stealing money from the funds designated for salaries by the State Government to the tune of N6,260,321.08( Six Million, Two Hundred And Sixty Thousand, Three Hundred and Twenty One Naira, Eight Kobo only).
Recall that the EFCC had invited some staff of the Ministry of Finance to answer to the allegations of salary padding and money laundering following a petition by one Barr Guy Okite who is a Board member of the State Civil Service Commission. Among those invited by the EFCC was a former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Mr Obinna Oriaku, who was detained but later released. The anti-graft agency was said to have later exempted Oriaku from the alleged crime.
Counts one and eight of the charges preferred against the defendants, read: “That you Charity Nneoma Ukonu, Udeachara Uche, Idika Kalu and others, sometime in the year 2015 at Umuahia within the jurisdiction of this Court conspired amongst yourselves to do unlawful act to wit: money laundering and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(a) and punishable under Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2012 (as amended).
“That you Udeachara Uche, whilst a member of the Abia State Salary Enhancement and Audit Committee between July and December 2017 at Umuahia within the jurisdiction of this Court, indirectly took possession of the cumulative sum of N1,667,892.43 (One Million Six Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety Two Naira, Forty Three Kobo) transferred from the account of the Abia State Government into the account of your son, Chidiebere Udeachara, a minor and which sum you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful act, to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).”
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them and were subsequently remanded in Afara Correctional Center, Umuahia.
When the case came up on Monday, January 13, the prosecution counsel was absent from the court after due service of notice. After reviewing the matter, the Presiding Judge, Justice Evelyn Anyadike, dismissed the case for lack of evidence and diligent prosecution.
Barely 48 hours after the Supreme Court sacked Chief Emeka Ihedioha as Imo State Governor, former Deputy National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Regis Uwakwe, has dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Addressing a press conference Thursday in Owerri, Chief Uwakwe explained that he opted to join the APC, following the current political events in Imo State and Nigeria, after due consultation with his family and political associates.
“I was part of the Ali Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP, with the new Imo Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, while that crisis lasted. It is, however, sad to note that the ousted governor, Chief Ihedioha, neither implemented our terms of agreement nor appointed any of us to any office, during his short-lived administration”, Uwakwe said.
Making reference to the Supreme Court judgment, the former PDP chieftain opined that since the position of the Apex Court is final, the citizenry must accept its judgment.
“As I always tell people to support and pray for the Governor of Imo State, I do same for Senator Hope Uzodinma”, Uwakwe said.
According to the new APC loyalist, “having worked closely with Senator Uzodinma, I am positive that he has the capacity, charisma, compassion and focus, to lead the state.”
While blaming politicians, including himself, “for running away from the state, at the peak of Senator Rochas Okorocha’s autocratic rule”, Uwakwe, however, regretted that “relocating to Abuja or elsewhere, was a very costly mistake a lot of us made”.
The Federal Government, alongside other stakeholders in the health sector, on Monday in Abuja, inaugurated the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan...
