Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo has revealed that the EFCC, is investigating the former minister, Hadi Sirika, over the controversial Nigeria Air deal.

Keyamo said: “The EFCC is investigating that deal. There is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report.”

Keyamo said no local airline would be designated as a national airline, stressing that “we will establish a proper national carrier.”

Recall that, in August, shortly after he was sworn in as minister, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), faulted the deal by Sirika and suspended the whole arrangement to enable a proper audit of contracts.

The Nigeria Air was unveiled days before the end of the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air, had forced veteran aviator Girma Wake to resign as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.

The then Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, had said the aircraft used to unveil the country’s national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines.

He added that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling on the last day of the Buhari administration in May.

Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had both labelled the launch of Nigeria Air as a fraud.

But it was obvious that what worked in Chief Odunukwe’s favour was the fact that as a billionaire, he was regarded as a citizen who is entitled to all the rights and privileges Nigerian citizenship conferred and these include the right to life, right to dignity, right to personal liberty and the ‘right to be protected by the state. But sadly, for every one-off celebrated Odunukwe case, there are scores of other victims of cybercrimes who as subjects as opposed to citizens, don’t have access to Assistant-Inspector-General of Police’s office Zone 2 command and by inference lose the associated rights of citizenship.

The reality today is that most hardworking Nigerians without access to those in power are never treated as citizens but as subjects. They are denied of freedom of worship, of right to dignity, right to life or right to state protection. Evidence abounds in the numbers of subjects periodically attacked, maimed, killed or uprooted from their ancestral home to IDP camps while government embarked on operations with meaningless names.

 Of course, you cannot miss those the state considers as citizens and deserving of state protection. When you see those being sandwiched on the high ways by a number of police vehicles with AK-47 wielding police men, residential houses with permanent presence of policemen or a lonely woman being followed to the market by a policeman, you will be right to conclude they are musicians, motor dealers, indicted politicians or governor’s mother in-law or niece.

But if you are confused about making a distinction between citizen and subjects in the approach to fighting cybercrime by our security bodies and the banking institution where most of cybercrimes take place, let me share with you dear readers the experience of another reader of this column, as reproduced below, when he took a cybercrime petition to the banks, police, EFCC and Alagbon Crime Unit late last year.

“We have this hardworking young lady from one of the north central states, the reader wrote, that lived with us for close to five years during which time she learnt some trades including fashion designing. Since she didn’t need to buy anything apart from sending money to her parents occasionally, the bulk of her money was saved for her. Following her plan to open shop and bring two of her five out-of-school junior brothers to Lagos to start school, we paid her total savings of N1m (one million naira) to her GTB account in October last year. Unfortunately, a day after the amount was paid into her account, she was swindled by one David Eze, a boyfriend she claimed to have met on Facebook and one Okoh Vera, David Eze had introduced to her as his mother, the reader concluded.

On October 25, 2023, she sent a petition titled “Fraud by David Eze” to divisional police station near the scene of the crime with copies to her bank, GTB and Access and Zenith, the banks through which David Eze channelled this particular cybercrime proceeds.

She stated in the petition that David Eze, her Facebook boyfriend directed her to send the sum of N1,045,000 (one million and forty five thousand naira) to Okoh Vera, her mother he claimed was shot by armed robbers.

She gave details of the account numbers and telephone numbers of the swindlers as follows:

1. Of the amount, she paid the sum of N635,000 (six hundred and thirty five thousand naira to Ifeanyi Okeagu, with Zenith bank account number 4206031565 and the sum of N410,000 (four hundred and ten thousand naira) to Okoh Vera, with Access bank account Number 1654011277, as directed by Eze, her Facebook boyfriend.

Telephone Numbers

(a) David Eze +17579827671 and 08148098598

(b) Vera Okoh 09137971902

The petition was however turned down by both the Alagbon Crime Unit and EFCC office in Ikoyi where according to him officials of both bodies who claimed they don’t handle fraud cases below N10 million barred their entry.

For a state that protects the interest of its people as citizens, this petitioner had thought there were no ambiguities in the case in view of stated government public policies.

 First, since it was impossible to open an account without meeting the conditions set by these three banks which included submission of ‘a valid government issued identification, (National Identity Card, Driver’s licence or international passport), passport photograph and valid proof of residence including utility bill issued within the last three months, identification of a fraudsters by banks would not be difficult.

And for the police, tracking the fraudsters should also not be difficult since all telephone subscribers are expected to have their numbers linked to their NIN number especially with the Nigerian Communication Commission’s last December directive to all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of unlinked subscribers.

But they were wrong. The periodic visits to the police station and the three banks since last October by the petitioner and her boss who by our conceptualization, are at best regarded as subjects, have always been “we are working on it”. It was even claimed one official of one of the banks spoke of the need to protect the identity of their client since there was no evidence the lady was forced to transfer the money to his account at gun-point. He might be right on that score.

 But that is exactly because we are not treated as citizens by our government.  And when a state fails to perform its responsibilities of protecting its people’s right to life, right to dignity and right to personal liberty, the state loses the right to expect its citizens to faithfully implement their duties to the state. It should therefore not come as a surprise that many frustrated Nigerians are not only not ready to die for their country, they in fact routinely sabotage the state by breaking laws through tax evasion, voters’ apathy, refusing to protect public properties, have empathy and compassion for others and take responsibility for their actions.

Minister of Youth Development Jamila Ibrahim has unveiled some programmes of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development.

In a document titled ‘A New Era of Youth Empowerment: My Commitment to Transformative Initiatives’, the minister said her resolve to empower Nigeria’s youth had been unwavering since she assumed office.

She explained that since assuming office, she had focused on laying a robust foundation for strategies that will profoundly impact Nigerian youth. Dr. Ibrahim assured the youths that these initiatives would soon bear fruits.

The minister listed some of the programmes to be unveiled soon to include The NextGen Bank – to be launched in April; Youth Villages – to be implemented in partnership with Niger, Katsina, and Ebonyi states.

Others are Restructured and Reinvigorated National Youth Investment Fund; the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) Reforms; Skills Program for Non-graduates and At-risk Youths and the Young Leaders’ Institute.

The minister also said the ministry was working on a Proposal on Mandatory 30 per cent youth quota in government appointments.

She said: “Since assuming my role, I have focused on laying a robust foundation for strategies that will profoundly impact Nigerian youth, as the Chief Responsibility Officer, entrusted with the task of delivering on the consistent promise of President Bola Tinubu to create enduring and sustainable streams of opportunities for Nigerian Youths.

“This foundational phase, essential yet less visible, has involved aligning critical stakeholders within and outside the government to ensure the success of the President’s initiatives. These initiatives represent just a glimpse of what the youths can expect under my tenure. They are immediate, actionable plans set to roll out imminently.

“My commitment to Nigeria’s youth is unwavering. I am here to serve, lead, and deliver on the promise of a brighter future for our youth. Your voices are heard, and your concerns are taken to heart. Together, we will embark on this journey of transformation and success.”

First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc has appointed the 20th richest man in Africa, Femi Otedola, as its new Chairman.

FBN Holdings, in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public, said the decision was made at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the company held on Wednesday.

Otedola, also the Chairman of Geregu Power, succeeds the outgoing Chairman of the FBN Board, Ahmad Abdullahi.

Otedola was recently ranked by American business magazine, Forbes, as the 20th richest African with a fortune of $1.1bn.

Otedola was appointed to the Board of FBN Holdings Plc on August 15, 2023 as a Non-Executive Director, the company said.

“He is a visionary entrepreneur with a track record of pioneering businesses, growing and transforming corporations.

“His first foray Into the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry began with Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited thus disrupting and redefining standards in the industry. He thereafter initiated the purchase of majority shareholding In the then African Petroleum Plc in May 2007 and became the Chairman of the Board on 25 May 2007.

“His vision transformed African Petroleum Plc into Forte Oil Plc (FO Plc). The company grew in leaps and bounds to become a model of the possibilities inherent in Nigeria, winning numerous accolades in recognition of the successful business turnaround, diversified portfolio, prompt financial reporting, strong corporate governance, and investment of choice within the oil and gas industry.

“In December 2018, he divested from the company by selling his shareholdings to the Ignite Consortium led by Prudent Energy Services Limited and handed over In June 2019 after completing the transaction.

“The divestment from Forte Oil Plc and his acquisition of FO Plc shares in Amperion Power Distribution Company Limited, the SPV for the acquisition of controlling shares in Geregu Power Plc, provided the ample opportunity to focus on the Power Sector as the Company’s Executive Chairman.”

Says No Local Airline Will Be A National Carrier

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that relocation of the headquarters of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) from Abuja to Lagos will help the agency save over N500 million on travels alone.

Keyamo made this revelation in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.

The minister insisted that there is no going back on the relocation of the headquarters of the FAAN.

Recall that Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South, as well as chieftains of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum ( NEF), and other northern groups, had kicked against the relocation of FAAN and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) departments to Lagos.

But, Keyamo said the movement of the headquarters of the airport authority has become necessary in line with current economic and operational realities.

Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the movement of the FAAN headquarters would save the government and the people of Nigeria half a billion naira wasted on air tickets by officials of the Authority who have to commute from Lagos to Abuja and back.

The minister said top FAAN officials and aviation unions approached him and that the head office of the authority moved to Lagos for operational efficiency.

On whether President Bola Tinubu was aware of the decision or not, he said, “I take the decision”.

“Infrastructure Development: I did not meet any masterplan on ground in the entire Nigeria… I have told the President that we need to start with masterplans for the five international airports,” he added.

He aslso, said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating the controversial Nigeria Air deal sealed by the Federal Government during the tenure of ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika.

“The EFCC is investigating that deal,” the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Wednesday.

He said “there is a criminal investigation going on. I have called for the report”.

Keyamo also said no local airline would be designated as national airline, adding that “we will established a proper national carrier”.

Last August, shortly after he was sworn in as minister, Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), faulted the deal by Sirika and suspended the whole arrangement which was hurriedly unveiled by days to the end of the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, to enable proper audit of contracts.

The controversy surrounding the establishment of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air had forced veteran aviator, Girma Wake, to resign as Chairman of Ethiopian Airlines.

The then Interim Managing Director of Nigeria Air, Capt Dapo Olumide, had said the aircraft used to unveil the country’s national career was a legitimate chartered flight from Ethiopian Airlines, adding that the aircraft was returned to Ethiopian Airlines after the unveiling on the last day of the Buhari administration in May.

Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation had both labelled the launch of the Nigeria Air as a fraud.

A team of mobile police officers (MOPOLs) attached to the 40 Police Mobile Force in Jalingo, Taraba State has rejected a bribe of N8.5million from a suspected kidnapper and arrested him.
The state commissioner of police, CP Joseph Eribo, disclosed this when he paraded some suspected criminals in Jalingo, the state capital.

He said the suspected kidnapper was arrested on Monday at 9:45 pm in a Toyota Starlet car with registration number YLA 321 ZY on the Jalingo-Yola Bypass Road.
Eribo said, “When interrogated, the suspect could not give a satisfactory account of himself, hence a search was conducted on his vehicle and the following items were in his possession: a cash sum of N8.555 million, seven phones, 3,000 unused MTN recharge cards, four amulets.
“The suspect bribed the PMF personnel, requesting them to take the whole money and allow him to go, but the PMF personnel refused and arrested him accordingly. The case is under investigation and the suspect will soon be charged to court,” he said.

Meanwhile, troops of the 144 Battalion (Rear) of 6 Brigade, Jalingo, have engaged bandits who kidnapped three persons in Jalingo in a gun duel.
The acting assistant director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lt. Olubodunde Oni, in a statement, said the bandits were heading to Yorro when the troops engaged them in a gun battle.
He said, “Acting on intelligence regarding the movement of the bandits with their victims from Ardo-Kola to Yorro, troops deployed in Apawa village of Yorro local government area swiftly mobilised to the area and trailed the armed group.

“The troops displayed exceptional skill and determination, engaging the criminals with superior firepower.
“This forced the bandits to abandon their three abducted victims.
“We are pleased to report that the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families as we continue on the trail of the kidnappers,” he said.

• Receive 40 alteration bills as 1999 Constitution review commences

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that 40 bills have been received for the commencement of the 1999 Constitution review.

He also announced that the review committee would complete its assignment by December, 2025. Kalu made the disclosures at the pre-inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he also doubles as the chairman.

The Deputy Speaker also said the Constitution review committee would be officially inaugurated on February 26, 2024. Recall that the House leadership recently constituted the committee for the 10th National Assembly, making it the sixth time the parliament would be embarking on amendments of the Nigerian Constitution.

The deputy speaker added that the committee would take into consideration the concerns of Nigerians and bequeath to the nation a constitution that would reflect the yearning of the people.

He added that the committee would also consider some important bills that failed to receive the needed attention in the last constitution review.
Kalu urged sponsors and promoters of the bills to ensure early and thorough advocacy on the bills.

“The Committee is fully aware of the concerns of Nigerians on the need to finalise and conclude discussions around Nigeria’s Constitution. I will like to state, however, that the nature of Nigeria’s Constitution and the history around how it was made and handed over to a new civilian government in 1999, makes it imperative for us to continually revisit the several provisions of the constitution and work towards accomplishing consensus on outstanding constitutional debates.”

Kalu highlighted the scope of reference of the committee to include the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) and other Acts that are to be altered, in accordance with Section 8 and Section 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Others, he said, are receiving and considering any proposal, bills for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which may be made or referred to by the Acts, and ensuring the alterations to the constitution are passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also, creating a forum for relevant stakeholders and members of the public to make their inputs to the constitution review process, to enact laws to improve the wellbeing and aspirations of the Nigerian people.

In addition, building a robust and collaborative relationship with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the 36 states Houses of Assembly, whose resolutions are part of the legislative journey to the bills; liaise with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, multilateral and supranational agencies, to achieve a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s constitution; and liaising with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, multilateral and supranational agencies to ensure a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s constitution.

[Guardian]

Some civil society organisations have said the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) poses a significant security threat.

The three countries had on Sunday announced their exit from the ECOWAS due to what they called illegal and inhumane sanctions imposed on them following the coups in their countries.

The regional bloc, chaired by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, had said it had yet to receive any notification of withdrawal from the three countries.

The CSOs, in a joint letter addressed to Tinubu, said the withdrawal of these countries posed a direct threat to the collaborative efforts required to combat regional security challenges. The letter, dated January 31, 2024, was signed by Kabiru S. Chafe of the Arewa Research & Development Project (ARDP); Babayola M. Toungo, Arewa Research & Development Project (ARDP); Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Centre for Democratic Development, Research & Training (CEDDART); Massoud Omar, Centre for Democratic Development, Research & Training (CEDDART); Hashim Tom Maiyashi, Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Association (JACOM) and Ms. Latifa Abdussalam of the Joint-Action Committee of Northern Youth Association (JACOM).

It specifically said Mali and Niger were critical in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, given their geographic positioning and the nature of cross-border security threats.

The letter titled, “Your Excellency, Upholding Regional Solidarity and Nigerian National Unity: An Open Letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on ECOWAS Challenges and Domestic Policy Concerns,” read in part: “One of the most pressing issues needing serious attention is the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, a battle that is intrinsically linked to the stability and cooperation within the ECOWAS region. The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso poses a direct threat to the collaborative efforts required to combat regional security challenges.

“These countries, particularly Mali and Niger, are critical in the fight against terrorism and insurgency, given their geographic positioning and the nature of cross-border security threats. Their departure from ECOWAS not only weakens the regional security framework but also leaves Nigeria more vulnerable to the spillover of instability and terrorist activities from these neighbouring countries.

“The decision of the Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) marks a critical juncture in the history of our region. It has significantly altered the political landscape of West Africa, with multifaceted repercussions extending far across political, economic, security, social, and diplomatic spheres. Understanding the depth and breadth of these implications is essential for devising a strategic response that upholds the integrity and objectives of ECOWAS.”

[DailyTrust]

Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has been cleared to feature for the Super Eagles against Angola on Friday, DAILY POST reports.

Nwabali was a major doubt for the game after sustaining a mild ligament injury in the Super Eagles Round of 16 victory against Cameroon.

The Chippa United shot stopper has now recovered fully from the injury.

The 27-year-old trained fully with his teammates at the Police College, Cocody, Abidjan on Wednesday night.

Nwabali has conceded just once in four appearances for the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles will take on the Black Antelopes in a quarter-final tie at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan.

[DailyPost]