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N13.3bn Ikoyi Cash: EFCC Must Name Owner – Saraki

Published

7 years ago

April 19, 2017

Senate President Bukola Saraki has said that the controversy surrounding the recovery of N13.3 billion ($43.3 million) from an apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been poorly managed by the anti-graft agency and the parties involved.
He also said the EFCC has a responsibility to tell Nigerians who the money belongs to, as it had become embarrassing that up till now there was no clarity on the ownership of the money.
Saraki’s remarks on the cash discovery were made yesterday on Arise News, a current affairs programme on Arise News Network, a sister broadcast station, just as it was gathered that the EFCC has obtained a warrant from a court to search all the apartments in Osborne Towers where the cash was discovered.
The Senate President said what was presently going on was not good for the image of the country, and the National Assembly, as a last resort, might step in if the parties involved are unable to resolve it and tell Nigerians what is going on.
“I believe this is something simple that the organisation (EFCC) should manage, even before the speculation started coming out. The circus has to come to end as to whether it belongs to individuals, companies, agencies or a state government.
When asked if it was a failure of law enforcement that the EFCC did not monitor the Ikoyi apartment, Saraki said: “I would rather not comment and prejudge them because they might come before us.
“But clearly, Nigerians must know, to save us this embarrassment. I believe they should come out and tell us who owns the money. I believe an agency like this should monitor and clear this mess.”
Also speaking on the face-off between the executive and the National Assembly, Saraki said he has often explained that the relationship between the two arms of government was cordial, and was far better than it was in 2016.
“What we have now is very cordial. If you look at the confirmation of nominations from the executive, we have cleared over 90 per cent. If you look at the national budget, the process is much better than in 2016. In a few weeks, we will be done with the process.
“I think people just sensationalise situations. The fact that one person’s nomination was rejected does not mean there is controversy between the executive and the House.
“We don’t define democracy based on individuals. We follow processes, and that is exactly what we have done. By virtue of our presidential system of checks and balances, there is bound to be one off frictions. That is what democracy is all about,” he added..
Meanwhile, the EFCC, our source gathered, has obtained a warrant from a court to search all the apartments in Osborne Towers, where the N13.3 billion was discovered.
According to sources in the commission, the EFCC at the weekend wrote to all the occupants of the building notifying them that its operatives will carry out a search of all the apartments.
The Tide learnt that the reason for the search arose from the suspicion that there might be more cash hidden in another apartment at Osborne Towers, other than Flat 7B.

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We’re Delivering Critical Projects, Social Services To Impact Lives Directly – Fubara …Inspects Key Projects …Says Opobo Ring Road To Be Ready In Three Months

Published

12 hours ago

September 11, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the critical projects and social services, including business opportunities being delivered to various communities across the State are targeted at addressing the immediate and remote needs of the people.

The Governor maintained that governance should be people-focused genuinely, and his administration understands that concern, which is why great care is being taken to ensure that the quality of life lived by the people is improved on a sustainable basis.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance when he addressed newsmen shortly after embarking on an inspection tour to assess the extent of work done on the 5.75km Kalaibiama-Epellema Link Road and bridge, and the Opobo Town Ring Road projects, all in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area, and the 13.3km Bori Town Internal Roads project in Khana Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Governor Fubara, who had defied the rains to undertake the inspection tour, said he was out on inspection of some critical projects that will certainly have direct bearing and genuinely have lasting impact on the lives of all residents in the benefiting communities.

The Governor explained: “The first one (project) we visited was a road in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area. It is a project that, we strongly believe, will link two communities together.

“We have a community called Epellema that we normally access through the river. So, we thought it wise that embarking on a project like this that will connect Epellema to Kalaibiama will bring development, and also help in saving lives of our people as a result of boat mishaps and other things.

“We also went into Opobo main town to look at the work ongoing on the Opobo Ring Road. We are very satisfied with what we saw, and we strongly believe that in the next three months, that project will be delivered.”

Speaking on the Internal Road project in Bori Town, Governor Fubara assured that it will not only restore the glory status of the town but create ease of living and improve mobility so that activities at the Zonal Hospital can be seamless when completed and put to use.

Governor Fubara said: “We are in Bori Town. We’ve been here before, if you remember, when this project was somehow stalled. We spoke to the contractor and gave him a marching order, and after then, he came back to site.

“We are here to see what is going on, and I strongly believe that he has really done as we expected. The Bori internal road is a cluster of roads, not connected to one, but about 13.3km road, scattered around different streets.

“The essence of this road is for the Ogoni people here and the strangers that are living here to have easy accessibility, and also feel the impact of government.”

Governor Fubara explained further: “It’s an old city and part of our agenda is to rebuild it, and assure our people that those original cities that were planned by our fore-fathers; the planners and the founders of Rivers State, that we will bring those ideology back.

“So, the major reason of ensuring that this project is completed is because we want to make sure that we bring back Bori to its city position. I want to assure the good people of Bori and Ogoni that this project will be completed in a couple of months, and we will be here to commission it.”

Governor Fubara emphasised that his administration has chosen to do those things that will continue to touch the lives of our people directly, in a positive light.

He assured that all projects under construction, and particularly the Bori Town Internal Roads project, which they yearn for and are also excited about as they herald his visit to the area, will be completed in good time.

He said, “I can assure them that we are not going to limit development to only the roads. We have the hospital that we are working on, and we also intend to bring in other businesses that will create employment in Ogoniland,” he added.

At all the communities visited, residents turned out in their numbers, singing praises of the Governor and dancing in excitement over the monumental infrastructure projects being executed in their communities by the State Government.

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Recreate Rivers Economy As Best Investment Destination, Fubara Charges RSIPA Board

Published

12 hours ago

September 11, 2024

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has restated that the resolve is stronger now than ever to create the climate conducive for growth of agriculture, manufacturing, small and medium enterprises, and key services because they are the productive sectors that will put Rivers’ economy on a competitive pedestal.

The Governor, therefore, charged members of the maiden Governing Board of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (GBoRSIPA) to streamline their activities in such a manner that will attract real investors across critical sectors so that the State can become self-sustaining, comparatively.

Governor Fubara gave the charge when he inaugurated members of the six-man Board at Government House in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Those inaugurated are: Lawrence Fubara Anga, SAN, as Chairman; Dr. Chamberlain Peterside as Director-General; and Mrs Tamunoibuemi Life-George, who is to serve as Secretary.

The rest include, Mr Goodliffe Nmekini, Barrister Havey Ideozu, and Baritor Lenusikpugi Kpagih as members.

Governor Fubara explained that Rivers State used to rank first in the comity of states in terms of productive economic activities, which attracted various business interests and made the State a well-groomed investment haven.

But, he expressed regret that the attendant expansion and population growth were not maximally managed because the challenges overwhelmed those who superintendent over business activities then, lamenting that the expected blessings were wrongly channelled, which left the State in very pitiable economic situation.

Governor Fubara said: “We might be celebrating, that yes, we have a very fat allocation. We have been able to improve our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), but we still have a lot to do; and, that has to do with this agency.

“The purpose of this agency is to give our people – to assure them, that Rivers State can still come back to that enviable position that it once occupied. Those people that were doing business in Rivers State that left, for one reason or the other – that they can still come back.

“We want to see people who intend to come back and invest because Rivers State is blessed – it has oil, the most important item for development today, which is gas, in abundance.

“Look at what is happening in Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout: We can make Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout come back to what it used to be. We can develop the resources that we have in Onne Town. We have Ogba-Egbema gas hub. These are part of the promises we made during our campaigns, and we must fulfill those promises,” he said.

Governor Fubara emphasised that the agency is established to rigorously harness tenable economic and human potentials abundant in the State that can be translated into making Rivers the economic gateway and one-stop- shop for productive economic activities.

The Governor said: “We have waited for this moment for a long time. It is a moment we all have been praying for because we want to leave a State that will be remembered: Rivers State that can compete, and Rivers State that can stand the test of time as a proud State.

“People that are coming here would begin to know that Rivers State is now serious. Rivers State is not about coming here and saying I want to take the side of maybe, I am interested in 10 percent or 20 percent of what you are coming with, that is not the purpose now”.

He explained that Rivers State is about genuine business interactions that will be mutually beneficial to all parties in a sustainable way, insisting that investors desirous of gaining value from their stakes should boldly come to the State for partnerships that will work in the interest of all stakeholders.

He said, “The purpose is to build our State. The purpose is to grow this State economically in such a way and manner that even if we don’t get federal allocation anymore, for example, we can still sustain ourself (as a State) with our IGR.”

Governor Fubara acknowledged that in discharging its responsibilities, the Board will encounter challenges and stiff opposition from those who abhor change but urged the members to brace up and be forthright in their quest to achieve their mandate.

The Governor clarified that the board should not be preoccupied with people who are only interested in real Estate, which seemed to be the current drive now.

Governor Fubara said: “Not just issues of people coming to build houses and other things. I want your concentration to be more on agriculture, (manufacturing).

“Look to find people who are coming in to invest. People that are coming to build factories because it is only when we start production that employment issues will be resolved, (and we will witness economic boom).

“So, please, those things that will solve the problem of unemployment, and promote creation of wealth for the State should be your focus,” he advised.

Governor Fubara further said: “The responsibility of this agency is going to be very challenging because I know they will want to fight back. But, I know that these crop of men and woman have what it takes, and I am very convinced that they are going to lead Rivers State to where we want the State to be.

“The Chairman of this agency is a private legal practitioner and a businessman that has made his name. Let me say it here: let it be on record that I had to beg him to accept the offer. I even had to send emissaries to him to plead with him.

“He said he doesn’t want to get involved with any political thing. I said this is not about politics. You live in Lagos, you have made your name in Lagos. Please, come and help us. We need help, Rivers State needs to be salvaged.”

Governor Fubara charged them to approach their task with an open mind to make a difference, adding that he nurses no doubt that they will make the State proud with the results they will achieve.

The Governor also assured that his doors will remain open, should they require his attention to tackle any challenge in order to get the necessary support to ensure success.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman of the Governing Board of Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (GBoRSIPA), Lawrence Fubara Anga, SAN, said they consider their appointment as an opportunity to serve among other Rivers people who are willing to be so appointed.

Anga noted the enormity of the task before them but expressed appreciation that even the Governor understands it so, which is why he consulted widely to gather very distinguished, proven and tested personalities, who depict his foresight.

He said: “Your Excellency, we have heard, listened very attentively to your charge, and that charge resonates, I believe, with everybody in this room.

“This is the time, whether we like it not, to many people, it is a time to want to despair. It is a time of problems, and it is also a time of challenges. And everybody has an option: your cup can either be half-full, or half-empty.

“But Your Excellency has decided that the cup of Rivers State shall be completely full. For every challenge, there is an opportunity. And what His Excellency has done is to tell us: go and look for those opportunities.”

Anga reaffirmed that Rivers State, known and still is the ‘Treasure Base of the Nation’, noting that the charge before them is to make that appellation march the reality of what prevails, desirably.

The chairman assured that they shall offer their best by delivering on their mandate but solicited support to work in strong synergy with other organs: ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government, to succeed.

This, he noted, will reduce unhealthy competition and bureaucratic bottlenecks that often frustrate genuine development efforts because of what he described as likely policy inconsistencies.

He said, “The charge is to restore it (State) to be the ‘Treasure Base of the Nation. The charge is to make Rivers State economy probably the 10th or 12th largest economy in Africa, standing on its own. The charge is to turn Rivers State into the Dubai of Africa. That is what you have told us to do.

“It is not going to happen overnight. It is not going to happen just through us as individuals. It is a collective effort. But, we are convinced that with your support, and with the kind of leadership that you have already provided, it is very possible in the shortest period of time to start the transformation to change the narrative. And once the ship has left the port, nobody can stop it.”

Anga further said: “Your Excellency, investors’ monies have choices. No matter how potentially attractive a business proposition is, where there is insecurity, where there is confusion, where there is bureaucratic bottleneck, investors will run away because they have choices.

“And, one of the things your administration is trying to do is to restore security, safety of lives and property; security of tenor, when you buy land, you know that your title is secured because without security of tenor, you can’t get a loan.

“These are the things your administration is doing, which will go a long way to achieving the goal you have set. I am happy, this is a brand new agency, and we don’t have any excuse. What comes out; we are the ones that will shape it,” he emphasised.

Anga also reassured that: “This board will try its best to provide oversight. This board will try and provide the policy guidance. This board will try and use the rich connections it has to reach out locally and internationally (to attract investments).

“But, in all of these, our youths should stop being applicants. We want to create an environment where the unemployed become entrepreneurs, they become employers of labour. We want to triple the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the State from our home grown businesses.

“We are not just looking for people to bring their money from outside. It’s been proven time and again that if the owners of the place don’t invest, outsiders will not come to invest. And so, your charge to us is to make Rivers State attractive for Rivers people. And when Rivers people invest, the whole world will come and invest. That is our task, and we will strive to achieve it,” he assured.

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LP crisis: I’m Disappointed, Not Surprised, Obi Replies Abure

Published

13 hours ago

September 11, 2024

The Tide

Presidential candidate of Labour Party in last year’s election, Mr Peter Obi, has replied Barrister Julius Abure who accused him of betrayal.

The Tide source reports that at the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, on Monday, Mr Abure accused both Mr Obi and the sole governor of the party, Dr Alex Otti of Abia State, of ganging up against him by organising a stakeholders meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, where a former Minister of Finance, Mrs Esther Nenadi Usman, was elected as chairman of a 29-man caretaker committee to resolve the crisis in the party.

When contacted, Mr Obi, who spoke through Comrade Ibrahim Umar, spokesperson of Peter Obi Media Reach (POMR), expressed disappointment with Mr Abure.

“I am disappointed, but not surprised, by the false accusations of betrayal label against our principal Mr. Peter Obi by Julius Abure, the embattled national chairman of the party. It is clear that this is a politically motivated attempt to mislead the public.

“The stakeholders meeting of the LP held at Umuahia, on Wednesday, was meant to resolve the lingering leadership crisis and chart a way forward. The decision was not in anyway personal.

“Therefore the Obidient Movement have taken a stand in total solidarity with the actions and decisions of the stakeholders, which have always been guided by a commitment to unity, justice and transparency,” Comrade Umar said.

He accused Mr Abure of misleading the public and defaming the character of Mr Peter Obi and even reaching the extent of calling him a betrayer.

He said, “Simply because he intervened for Justice? His (Abure) tenure ends in June, but he refused to leave the stage, and also vowed that he is ready to fight. Who is he fighting? We understand his desperation for power, but it is high time for him to put the interest of the party over his personal interest. We will not engage in name calling and character assassination. Instead, we call on Julius Abure to accept the outcome of the intervention by Mr Peter Obi and Gov Alex Otti which aimed to resolve any misunderstandings, and chart a way forward.”