The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has disclosed that it recorded a total of 126 convictions in 2014 on corruption cases pending in courts.
The agency said the figure was higher that the 117 convictions it secured the previous year.
Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, who addressed the media at the commission’s zonal office in Enugu, described it as “a feat in the light of the shenanigans that goes on in the Nigerian judicial system.
“This, to all intent and purposes is a healthy progression that should be applauded. Obviously, there is something that the EFCC under Lamorde has gotten right with investigation and prosecution of cases, and the commission is poised to sustain this momentum with a view to recording more convictions this year”, he said.
On its current efforts, he said the commission remained committed to see that cases pending in court were disposed of as quickly as possible.
“God willing, and if the strike by the judicial workers permits, the commission is expecting judgement in the N25 billion money laundering case instituted against Michael Igbinedion, younger brother to former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion and one Eboigbodin, on Friday January 30”, the EFCC spokesman said.
“In the same vein, a Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to rule in the extradition proceeding initiated against Emmanuel Okoyomon, a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Minting and Printing Company”.
While noting that the challenges of finance, frivolous applications by defence counsel were hampering the activities of the anti-graft agency, Uwujaren disclosed that the Commission was benefiting from global partnership against corruption.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
THE Benin monarch, Oba Erediauwa, yesterday, warned that the call for the postponement of the forthcoming general elections is a call to chaos and anarchy. He predicted that the elections will be peaceful, but warned supporters of both President Goodluck Jonathan and Gen.Muhammadu Buhari to stop utterances capable of creating tension in the country.
The Oba spoke through the Benin Forum, an umbrella of all Binis at home and in Diaspora, led by the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri. The BF is the mouth piece of the reverred monarch.
In a statement signed by Edebiri and General Secretary of the Forum, Barr. Henry Ogbodu (SAN), the monarch also urged the Binis in Edo South to ensure that they pick their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure that they vote candidates of their choice, asserting that the Binis as a race “ can no longer afford to play the second fiddle in any future Federal Government in Nigeria”.
“ The Forum frowns at the activities of few anti-democratic forces who in recent times called for the shifting of the elections to a future date citing the on going distribution of the PVCs as a reason for such a mischievous call. The Benin Forum emphatically calls on the relevant authorities to ignore the unpatriotic suggestion which to all intents and purposes is a direct invitation to chaos and anarchy. The election must hold in February 2015 as scheduled to save our nascent democracy”, he said.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the DSS and the Police for their loud silence on the threats of war by ex-militants if President Goodluck Jonathan should lose this month’s elections, saying the failure of the security agencies to act is an indication of their double standard and lack of fairness
In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it is insightful to note that the same security agencies that reacted with hysteria to the harmless comments by Gov. Rotimi Amaechi have suddenly lost their voices when the ex-militants threatened to wage war on the nation.
”When Gov. Amaechi said soldiers had the right to protest if their welfare was not taken care of, the DSS was at its most efficient level, with its voluble spokesperson threatening fire and brimstone and only stopping short of arresting the Governor,despite his immunity.
”When the same Gov. Amaechi said the APC will form a parallel government if the Feb. 14th and 28th elections are rigged, the same DSS and the police sought to outdo one another with threats and condemnation of what they called ‘inciting comments’, even when Gov. Amaechi’s warning was conditional.
”Now, the ex-militants have said President Jonathan must be re-elected or they will unleash violence on the country. In other words, it is immaterial whether or not he loses in a free and fair elections. There is no clearer indication of impunity than the action of the ex-militants, who issued their threats in the Bayelsa government house, with the Governor of the state in attendance.
”More than a week later, the DSS has been missing in action while the police, in what can pass as a most shocking reaction, said they are still studying the ex-militants’ comments. Even after former Defence Minister Gen.Theophilus Danjuma called for the arrest of the ex-militants for their treasonable threats, and the ex-militants had the audacity to repeat the threats, the police still continued to ‘study’ the threats. This is simply unbelievable,” it said.
APC said the implication of the conspiracy of inaction by the DSS and the police is that, under the Administration of President Jonathan, there are different rules for different Nigerians, wondering how the security agencies can be trusted to provide a level playing ground for all political parties before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
”For supporters of President Jonathan, there is no law, there is no police, there is no DSS. Their support for the President is a licence for lawlessness and irresponsibility, and if at all there is any law, they remain far above such law. That is why they could dare the entire nation by issuing such treasonable comments and get away with their action,” the party said.
It called on Nigerians to take note of the glaring double standard of the security agencies, while urging local and international observers to closely monitor the activities of the security agents before, during and after the polls.
”On our part, the fact that the DSS and the police, both of which have issued their last warnings against those making inciting comments, have failed to move against the war-mongering ex-militants is a confirmation of what we have always believed: that national institutions have been deployed in the pursuit of partisan, rather than national interests under the Administration of President Jonathan,” APC said
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has praised the gallantry of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces repelling insurgents in Borno and other troubled states in the north.
PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh in a statement on Sunday said “the members of the armed forces have shown exceptional patriotism while risking their lives to protect those of other citizens and intensifying efforts to ensure that the nation is rid of terrorist activities.”
The party said it recognizes the sacrifices being made by the military adding that “what is needed at this point is for all Nigerians to close ranks and support them with words of encouragement, prayers and helpful information where necessary”.
“This is no longer the time to dwell on politics or engage in unnecessary blame-games. We cannot continue to seek political capital while terrorists slaughter and maim our people. To win this battle therefore, all citizens must come together, stand with our government and the military and present a common front against terrorism irrespective of our religious, political and ethnic differences”, the party said.
The PDP condoled with the families of the victims of the attacks, comforted the displaced and the wounded and prayed God to restore enduring peace in the country.
The party also restated President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment to security and the unity of the nation adding that with the support of all citizens, “Nigeria will come out of all its challenges a stronger, more united and more prosperous nation where all will live in peace and harmony.”
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Chadian aircraft struck Boko Haram positions in the Nigerian border town of Gamboru for a second straight day on Sunday, an AFP journalist in a neighbouring town said.
Two military choppers pounded targets in Gamboru for about two hours, setting off loud explosions and sending thick clouds of smoke into the sky, the journalist said from the town of Fotokol about 500 metres (yards) away.
The town in far northeastern Nigeria, on the border with Cameroon, was already strafed by two Chadian fighter jets on Saturday.
Boko Haram overran Gamboru several months ago as part of its campaign to seize territory in the region and create an Islamic state.
The uprising has become a regional crisis. In January, Chad sent a large contingent of troops to Cameroon to help fight incursions by Boko Haram into its territory.
Three Chadian soldiers and 123 Boko Haram fighters were killed in two days of clashes in northern Cameroon earlier this week, according to Chad’s military.
A fourth Chadian soldier died of his injuries in hospital, according to the military hospital in Chad’s capital N’Djamena.
On Sunday, Chadian and Cameroonian troops travelling in armoured vehicles equipped with artillery had massed in Fotokol.
“Through these air strikes we aim to neutralise the enemy to pave the way for Gamboru to be liberated,” a Chadian army officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Islamic State group beheaded an Iraqi police officer and two soldiers, the latest in a long series of atrocities committed by the jihadists, according to pictures posted online Sunday.
In one photo, a blindfolded man said to be a police lieutenant colonel kneels in a street in front of a row of gunmen.
A masked militant is then shown beheading the victim with a machete, after which his severed head is placed atop his body and the machete driven into his back.
Another photo shows an overweight masked militant apparently struggling to behead a man identified as a captured Iraqi soldier.
A second soldier was beheaded at the same location, according to another photo of the scene.
The authenticity of the photos could not be independently confirmed.
IS spearheaded a sweeping militant offensive in June that overran large areas north and west of Baghdad, and also holds significant territory in neighbouring Syria.
The brutal militant group has killed thousands of people in both countries, some of them in highly-choreographed videotaped sequences in which the victims are beheaded.
Iraqi security forces, backed by Kurdish troops, Shiite militias, Sunni tribesmen and a US-led campaign of air strikes, have managed to regain some ground from IS.
But the jihadists still control significant territory, including three major cities.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will run the Nigerian economy aground if not voted out on February 14, saying already the party has killed the nation’s currency, the naira.
Speaking at two separate rallies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area and at Udaba, Etsako Central Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, Oshiomhole said the PDP is clueless on how to handle the economy and have left the economy worse than they met it in 1999.
He said: “when the PDP took over power in 1999, the naira was better than it is today. Now they have killed the naira. Today, a dollar is equivalent to 210 naira, that means cost of products, especially imported products have all gone up and all the basic things needed by the poor have all gone up as a result of the devaluation of the naira.”
The Governor says the PDP only tells Nigerians empty promises of what they intend to do, saying “the PDP is full of promises. They keep telling you we will do this, we will do that, whereas APC believes in eye-mark. We show you what we have done and what we intend to do more.”
He said, “We are victims of 16 years of darkness imposed on our country by a party that is led by rogues. According to their National Chairman, theirs is a party that doesn’t have justice, that doesn’t have fairness even to its own members. Theirs is party that is based on the principles of slaves working for the benefit of a few privileged masters. That is what their Chairman said.
“When their Chairman says his party is based on these principles, who are the slaves working and who are the privileged masters? PDP leaders are the privileged masters benefitting from the system and the Nigerian people are the slaves working for them. That is a reason why you must kick out these masters”, he said.
Oshiomhole continued, “Why do we want to get rid of PDP leadership in Abuja? We have seen in Edo State a replica of the Nigerian story. The typical PDP legacy was to destroy our system. The changes we have brought to the state replacing PDP legacy of poverty, abandonment, degradation and rottenness is an emphatic statement about the infinite possibility that exist if we have a leader with the fear of God.
“For 16 years, they spent over $30 billion in the energy sector. The more dollar they spend, the more darkness they bring yet they keep bringing exorbitant bills that even the average villagers can’t pay. This is how PDP extort money from even the poorest of the poor.”
Announcing plans of the state Government to build a dam in the Agbede area, Governor Oshiomhole said, “We tried to dig boreholes here and discovered it doesn’t bring the kind of water we want. We have now decided to work on a dam. That is the best way to get water for Agbede Area.
“We want to dam the Aviele River so that we can pipe the water to the city. We believe that dam will be the best answer. With that one, you will have water 24 hours of the day . Even during the dry season, the water gathered during the rainy season will last up to the following year because it is a river that it flows from. We will make sure that is done”, he assured.
Oshiomhole further said, “At the time I assumed office, there was not one road done in Afemai land but now, we have worked on many roads and we still have two years under my own tenure and we will do the remaining ones. Those we can’t finish, once we start it, the next person will be able to complete it. That is why we need a government that must continue.
Governor Oshiomhole while presenting the Party’s flag bearers urged the people to vote wisely for all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections as PDP government at all level have shown gross incompetence in the last 16 years.
The APC candidates presented by the Governor include Barrister Francis Alimikhena for Senate, Edo North Federal Constituency, Hon. Philip Shaibu, for Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Gani Audu for Edo State House of Assembly, Etsako West 1 Constitiency; Dr. Gowon Yakubu for Edo State House of Assembly, Etsako West 11 Constituency and Barr. Damian Lawani , Edo State House of Assembly, Etsako Central Constituency.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign Organisation (PDPPCO) is insisting on the participation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari in a live television debate with President Goodluck Jonathan.
Director of Media and Publicity of the PDPPCO, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, in a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, said that the PDP was ready to attend any debate, anywhere in the country with the APC candidate even if that debate was organised by the APC’s spokesman Lai Mohammed, and the APC itself, as long as it would be televised live.
Buhari had said he would not participate in the debate being organized by the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) for 14 presidential candidates and their running mates.
The APC candidate alleged bias because, according to him, the organisers of the debate were federal government agencies and parastatals.
“The decision of the APC not to participate in the debate organised by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) on the grounds of alleged bias is baseless and absurd. The decision of the APC to boycott the debate provides ample evidence of their cowardice and their unrelenting contempt for the Nigerian people,” Fani-Kayode said.
“The truth is that the electorate would like to see the presidential candidates of all the political parties square up in a television debate to answer questions on their blueprint for governance and national development.
“The PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation is interested in our candidate, President Jonathan, engaging General Buhari in a robust and lively debate so that both men can speak about issues like corruption, insurgency, the fight against terrorism and the economy all of which are areas in which Buhari has grounded his unjustifiable and mischievous attacks on our candidate.
“Since the APC is not comfortable with anyone else handling and organising the debate and since they keep alleging bias on the part of any sensible and impartial organizer, we challenge them to organise the debate themselves. As long as the debate is live and they will allow our candidate to speak his mind on all issues, without any interruption and without cutting him short, we assure them that we will attend. Our candidates-President Jonathan and his Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo will take up the gauntlet and join issues with them anywhere in this country and at anytime as long as the Nigerian people can witness the event live and as long as it is done openly for the world to see.
“We know that they may have a few challenges with the English language; so, if they like they can even conduct the debate in vernacular: we would be prepared to pay for a translator or an interpreter just so that they could understand the proceedings. Whenever they want to organise such a debate and wherever they choose as the venue, we will be there, as long it will be televised live. This is because we believe that under any circumstances and in every situation President Goodluck Jonathan will give Buhari the thrashing of his life in any frank and open discussion about his record in public office.”
Meanwhile, Labour Party (LP), yesterday, urged Buhari to participate in the debate.
The party said Buhari’s participation in the debate will dismiss doubts on his ability to administer the nation.
In a statement by its National Secretary, Mr Kayode Ajulo, the LP pointed out that the debate would help put issues in proper perspectives, devoid of propaganda.
According to him, “the excuse given by the APC candidate that the organisers were Federal Government agencies is not tenable because INEC too by law is a Federal Government agency. It then follows that if Buhari should boycott the debate, then he ought to also boycott the election since it is being organised by a federal agency (INEC).”
The party scribe noted that the expectations of Nigerians and the international community will be dashed if Buhari should stay away from the debate. He stated that the major contenders in the election should take advantage of the debate platform to clear all doubts about issues raised against them by their opposition.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Two blasts rocked north Nigeria’s Gombe city on Sunday, killing five people, with one of the attacks targeting a military checkpoint, witnesses and a military source said.
The first blast appeared to be a bomb attack at the Tsohuwar Kasuwa market that killed two people, according to one witness, Muktar Abbani, but the cause of the explosion was not immediately clear.
Moments later, a suicide bomber on a motorcycle blew himself up at a checkpoint in the Kasuwar Katako area, killing a soldier and two others, said another witness, Musa Badamasi, and a military source in the area who requested anonymity.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Iran’s hardline former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday launched his official website, in a possible return to the political scene a year before legislative elections.
The site Ahmadinejad.ir, showing Ahmadinejad with a big smile, was launched at the same time as a Google+ page for the two-time former president and an account on Instagram.
The hardline conservative has stayed out of the public eye since his mandate ended in June 2013 and the election of Hassan Rouhani, his moderate successor as president of the Islamic republic.
Last month, Mohammad Reza Rahimi, Iran’s first vice president under Ahmadinejad, was sentenced to five years in prison, state media said.
The supreme court’s verdict came after a long-running trial on what Iranian media said were corruption charges.
Ahmadinejad has said the charges against Rahimi stemmed from before the time he was named vice president.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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