Land of corruption ! Oil marketers warn Nigerian govt over unpaid N650bn subsidy arrears

Oil marketers on Thursday appealed to the Federal Government to hasten payment of over N650 billion subsidy arrears to save their assets from being taken over by banks.

The marketers, under the aegis of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Members of the association include Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN); Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) and Independent Petroleum Products Importers (IPPIs).

The Executive Secretary of DAPPMA, Mr. Olufemi Adewole, urged the government to lessen the bureaucratic process involved in the payment process.

Adewole said that 60 per cent of marketers had been forced out of business, as banks had taken over their depots, assets and properties due to their inability to pay back monies borrowed.

He added that many marketers were forced out of business, while others are presently struggling to survive due to the unpaid subsidy arrears.

“It has had very adverse effects on our operations. I am aware of two depots that have been forcibly taken over by banks because they got injunctions from the courts.

“They did so the moment they heard that National Assembly has approved payment to marketers. Unfortunately, as at today, Sept. 27, the money is yet to get into our accounts.

“Another challenge we have is that many of the marketers had to lay off more than 90 per cent of their staff because of financial challenges.

“Although, few of them are still operating, but not in good number with just about three to four staffs,” he said.

Similarly, the Chairman of South-West Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Tayo Aboyeji, told NAN that loading activities had been bad at most private depot.

“Government should find a way to pay the marketers and deregulate the sector to allow more players into the industry.

“When the downstream is fully deregulated, more marketers will engage in importation and it will help tanker drivers in their businesses because of the financial challenges,’’ he said.

However, he regretted that the government, as against paying part of the money in promissory note and cash, may pay only in promissory note.

Adewole frowned at the prospect of having to go back and discount the promissory note in the bank.

“This means we are losing, because the money had been delayed and this adds up the interest to be charged on our accounts.

“Although, what was approved to be paid is not the actual amount the government owes us.

“The interest came about as a result of devaluation of naira from N197 to N285 to a dollar,” he said. - Daily Post

CDD questions credibility of Osun rerun

The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) says voters and observers were harassed during the Osun state supplementary election which held in seven polling units across four local government areas of the state on Thursday.

In a report signed by Idayat Hassan, director of CDD, the group condemned the conduct of key stakeholders in the election, saying the anomalies recorded during the exercise undermined the credibility of the whole electoral process.

It recommended that the exercise be thoroughly investigated with a view to prevent a repeat during the general election.

“The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has carefully observed the governorship rerun election in Osun State with a conclusion that the conduct of some key stakeholders clearly ran contrary to democratic norms and standards, as well as best practices in the conduct of credible elections,” the report read.

“CDD notes that a number of the incidents recorded during the poll have undermined the sanctity of the vote and the overall credibility of the electoral process. Specifically, CDD frowns at the conduct of the security agents as well as political party stalwarts who took steps that were clearly inimical to the conduct of a free, fair and credible election.

“CDD observers reported several cases of denial of access to Polling Units to observers, and even voters. CDD field observers deployed to observe the process and ensure its credibility, especially in Orolu and Osogbo LGAs, were intimidated, threatened and in some cases arrested by security forces.

“Credible reports from our field observers showed that despite being duly accredited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), several of the observers and journalists were stopped from observing the process.

“CDD observers reported palpable tension in Ifon, Orolu LGAs due to the high-handed conduct of the security agents who seemed bent to sway the vote the way of certain partisan interests. At Ajegunle Roundabout, which leads to Polling Unit 003 Ward 9 Gbogbo Primary School in Orolu LGA, security personnel mounted barricades to obstruct observers and deny them access to the polling unit.

“Observers who attempted to carry out their legitimate duties were arrested and taken to nearby police station. They were only released after being denied the opportunity to keep an eye on the process so as to guarantee its credibility. For instance, a CDD observer, Kemi Busari was arrested by the police on the pretext that he took pictures around a polling unit. The police officer’s stance contradicts the statement of INEC, which made it clear that voters and participants were allowed to go with their phones to polling units but not to polling booths after ballot paper must have been issued to an accredited voter.

“This particular incident clearly demonstrates the fact that the law enforcement agents were not properly informed about or deliberately ignored the INEC directive. CDD also observed attempts by members of the security forces to prevent some voters who allegedly belong to opposition party from accessing PU012 Olode Ward 07 in Ife-south LG, even after showing their PVCs.

“In terms of the sanctity of the vote, CDD observers reported over five attempts by impostors to vote with PVCs from other Wards at PU012 Olode Ward 07 in Ife-south LGA. Although these attempts were unsuccessful, they nonetheless reflect the kind of impunity, which undermines the credibility of the process.

“In the light of these anti-democratic acts, which have undermined the sanctity of the ballot therefore, we hold strongly the view that the rerun poll of Thursday, September 27, 2018 does not meet up with the minimum standards for free, fair and credible elections. It falls short of global best practices in democratic elections which Nigeria aspires towards.

“We recommend an urgent investigation of the roles and conduct of the security forces and political thugs in the Osun rerun with a view to sanctioning infractions and preventing a repeat during the 2019 polls.” - TheCable

David Beckham dodges speeding charge after letter gets lost in post

Football superstar David Beckham has escaped punishment for speeding in his £160,000 Bentley because the police letter about the charge got lost in the post.

The former England captain, 43, admits breaking the 40mph speed limit while driving along the A40 in west London in January this year.

But he hired top lawyer Nick 'Mr Loophole' Freeman to help him beat the charge, successfully arguing that the Met's Notice of Intended Prosecution had not arrived within the 14-day time limit.

At Wimbledon magistrates court today, District Judge Barbara Barnes found Beckham not guilty of speeding at the end of a highly technical day-long trial.

She said police witnesses had given credible evidence that the notice had been sent out on time, but she believed the letter had arrived a day later than expected.

"The defence being put forward may be described as technical, but in consideration of the law it clearly requires offences such as speeding to be pursued swiftly and diligently by the prosecution", she said.

"The timeframe is not lengthy, set at 14 days to turn around service and sending out of documentation."

Beckham was at the wheel of his hired Bentley when it was caught on camera going 59mph at 5.37pm on January 23, and he later told police he had been driving.

A letter saying he was being prosecuted was printed out by a Met Police official on February 2, and was dispatched to the owners of the car, Bentley headquarters in Crewe.

However, the letter was stamped as arriving on February 7, one day after the 14-day statutory time limit had expired.

 "I am satisfied the Notice of Intended Prosecution was indeed sent within the 14 days with allowance for it to be delivered within the 14 days", said the judge.

"But the law does allow for the vagaries of the system to be addressed if it is proved the notice didn't arrive in time.

"In the particular circumstances of this particular case, what I find is on the balance of probabilities it's more likely than not that the notice was actually not served on the registered keeper within 14 days as required.

"Although it was sent on February 2 and should have been served within two working days, it didn't arrive in the post room at Bentley until February 2. That therefore by one day was just outside the required legal limit."

Mr Freeman called a legal advisor and the postmistress of Bentley to back his case that the letter had been late.

"Unfortunately and sadly some post attracts problems, you hear about it in the media all the time", he said.

"It could be simply and inexplicably there was a delay in the sorting office in London or the sorting office in London.

"It might simply be a fault of the system."

Mr Freeman also challenged the Met's system of sending out Notices of Intended Prosecutions, pointing out that Beckham had also been wrongly accused of running a red light in April.

The ex-footballer was sent a letter - to the wrong address - claiming he had been driving a Ford which was caught on camera driving through a red light.

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However, Met case worker Sylvia Gladman was later forced to write to the star to apologise, and say that it had been discovered it was not Beckham's car.

Vivien Howie, a Met Police administrator, told the court she had been given Beckham's speeding ticket letter to be put in an envelope and franked, among a batch of 3,487 similar notices to other people.

"I didn't see the postman coming to collect them", she said, adding that it was "unheard of" for the mail to not be collected.

During the trial, Mr Freeman admitted some may balk at the way Beckham has approached this case.

"He accepts he was driving, he accepts the speed, and that isn't in any way in dispute", he said.

"That may cause some disquiet, but that's a matter for Parliament. It's a statutory requirement and if the law needs to be changed then so be it."

The footballer was not in court today, but posted an "angry" car selfie on his Instagram account complaining about traffic in London.

Beckham was found guilty of speeding in December 1999 but managed to keep hold of his licence when a judge accepted he had been "under duress" because of pursuing photographers.

He was caught driving a Ferrari at 76mph in a 50mph zone in Stockport, and was initially given an eight month ban and an £800 fine.

But he successfully appealed to get his licence back, when the judge decided there were "special circumstances" in the incident.

Beckham, who lives in Holland Park, denied and was found not guilty of exceeding a 40mph speed limit in contravention of a Local Traffic Order. - Evening Standard

Transfer News : Chelsea linked with a move to re-sign Declan Rice

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Declan Rice’s contractual situation at West Ham, according to a report from Graeme Bailey for The Gambling Times.

The Blues are believed to be one of several Premier League clubs to have kept a close eye on Rice’s predicament at the London Stadium, as his contract continues to run down.

Rice has emerged as a key player for the Hammers in recent times, with Manuel Pellegrini’s establishing him as a mainstay in the first team’s starting line-up.

The defender, who is also capable of playing in a holding midfield role, was once involved in Chelsea’s youth setup. When he was released at just 14-years-old, however, he sought pastures new with West Ham.

Pellegrini’s side appear to be sweating over Rice’s long-term future at the club, however, with the youngster’s contract at the London Stadium expiring at the end of the season.

Chelsea, along with a plethora of other apparently interested Premier League clubs, will, therefore, be presented with an opportunity to negotiate a free transfer with Rice upon the opening of the January transfer window. - Read Sport

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Transfer News : Lazio join the race to sign Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey is a wanted man ahead of the January transfer window and, according to claims from the Mirror, Lazio are the latest club to join the race for his signature.

Wales international Ramsey’s future has come under intense scrutiny in recent times, with the Gunners having reportedly withdrawn their offer of a contract extension.

Ramsey’s contract reaches its expiration date at the end of the current season and will, therefore, be able to depart on a free transfer unless Arsenal cash-in on the player in the January transfer window.

Following the stand-off regarding a new deal for Ramsey, it’s reported by the Mirror that Ramsey could be allowed to depart the Emirates Stadium in the mid-season window as clubs begin to circle.

Lazio have evidently identified Ramsey as a player who could improve their midfield, with the long list of potential suitors for the Welshman appearing to grow.

Simone Inzaghi’s side are not the only Italian giants in the race to sign Ramsey, with the Mirror indicating that Juventus are also keen. - Read Sport

APC disqualifies Shittu from guber race over NYSC scandal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has disqualified Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications from the governorship race over his failure to partake in the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Premium Times had reported that Shittu failed to present himself for the scheme despite graduating from the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) at age 25.
Shittu had said his first political post after graduation could suffice as national service, a claim TheCable fact checked and found incorrect.
He was elected member of the Oyo state house of assembly after graduating from OAU.

In a report, the governorship aspirants screening committee of the ruling party said Shittu could not be considered to stand in the election.
Aisha AlHassan, Shittu’s women affairs counterpart, was also disqualified from the race. No reason was given for her disqualification.
Earlier, Shittu had told journalists at the national secretariat of the APC in Abuja that he was against the indirect primary election adopted for the state.

“I, Adebayo Shittu, the leading governorship aspirant of the APC in Oyo State, rejects the recommendation of the NWC for indirect primary in the state,” he had said.
He added that issues surrounding the emergence of the leadership of the state chapter of the party were still being contested at the courts.

Shittu said part of the reasons he rejected the adoption of indirect primaries in the state was because those to serve as delegates, constituted the bulk of those handpicked for the party’s state congresses, which are being contested in court.
“The direct primary system will surely allow all aspirants in the party to test their popularity,” he said.
He added that the system gives party members a fair opportunity of voting for candidates of their choice.

Shittu said if the party members were the true owners of the party, they should be allowed to take its ownership, particularly with regard to selecting a candidate of their choice.
The minister, however, advised the APC leadership not to allow the desperate desire of “some political bigwigs” to produce a stooge as a candidate for the 2019 election in the state.
He said majority of the people in the state had vowed not to support such candidate if presented by the party for the election. - TheCable

BANANA REPUBLIC !!! APC vs PDP: 1983 crisis will be a child’s play in 2019 – CUPP explodes over Osun rerun

The Coalition of United Political Parties has (CUPP) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies of working for the All Progressive Congress (APC) during the Pain governorship rerun election.

Its spokeamn, Imo Ugochinyere, in a statement on Thursday, said the crisis that occured in 1983 over election manipulation will be a child’s play in 2019 if the Osun scenario replays itself.

He said the same INEC that claimed to have cancelled results of some Polling Units due to disruption watched with collaborative silence as security forces comprising the Police, Civil Defence, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Army comfortably turned themselves into joint militant wing of the vote-stealing APC.

CUPP said: “For the very first time in Nigeria electoral history, accredited journalists and observers were man handled, stopped from accessing voting areas. Security forces watched while helplessly while APC thugs molested and intimidated voters, dispossessed them of their permanent voters card and abducted accredited agents of the opposition.

“INEC has finally confirmed the speculation that it was indeed a conspirator in the denial of the mandate of Osun people freely given to Senator Ademola Adeleke. Nobody is in doubt anymore that the shenanigans of INEC during the collation and declaration of result was for a purpose.

“The deduction of votes from Senator Adeleke, the fictitious adding of votes for Alhaji Oyetola and suspicious declaration of an election adjudged by all INEC accredited observers as the freest and fairest in recent times as inconclusive due to disruptions is akin to INEC discrediting its own process just to please the APC.

“The whole world has watched the show of shame in Osun. The whole world has seen Prof Mahmood Yakubu dance shamelessly naked in the market square for personal aggrandizement, all his pontification as a revolutionary and crusader of free and fair election have been washed down the drain. His character was tested, he failed woefully.

“We had expected the INEC Chairman to rise above this madness, alas, he has only shown he is unashamedly one of them.

“We hereby join the call by patriotic Nigerians to demand the immediate resignation of Prof Mahmood Yakubu from office as the INEC Chairman while calling on all international agencies investing their money and other resources to see to a credible election to know that Prof. Mahmood is the singular greatest threat to credible elections in Nigeria. Any investments in INEC while he seats as Chairman is a waste and should be discontinued immediately till he leaves office.

“We also remind our fellow countrymen that freedom cometh by struggle. Osun is the bridge of our tolerance to this quantum of brigandage by state institutions saddled with the responsibility to ensure credible elections.

“Beyond this bridge, we shall not tolerate, accept or condone the acts of stealing of the mandate of the people. Osun is the last, it will not happen again.

“Finally, we call on the good people of Osun to remain peaceful as their mandate will be restored by the judiciary.

“INEC should cancel this sham, this charade, this contraption it conducted in Osun today if they ever want the Nigerian electorate to take them serious.” - Daily Post

NLC strike: Ondo pensioners lament 42 years outstanding entitlements, solicit labour’s intervention

With the commencement of the nationwide strike action called by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to protest government’s poor response to the demand for increment in the minimum wage of workers, the Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, has called on the labour leadership to also come to the aid of senior citizens in the fight for their long overdue entitlements.  

 The appeal to the labour unions was contained in a communique signed and issued at the end of its meeting Wednesday in Akure, the state capital, by the state chairman of the National Union of Pensioners, Chief Raphael Adetuwo.

The NUP chairman who revealed that the years of unpaid entitlements have subjected pensioners to untold hardship in the state disclosed that some of their members are still being owned 42 years of outstanding entitlements.

He also stated that pensioners are yet to be paid five months pension and gratuities since 2012, adding that the 33 per cent pension increment has not been approved by the state government since 2014.

Chief Adetuwo premised the outcry on the recent directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to governors on payment of salaries and pensions, adding that old age hazards are bitter experiences among them as well as on their family members.

“15 per cent pension increase paid to state pensioners in 2012 is yet to be paid to the local government pensioners including primary school pensioners.

“Arrears of monthly pension as a result of delay in the payment of monthly pension after retirement are yet to be paid since 2012. Gratuities to state pensioners who served Federal Government between 1972 and 1976 are yet to be paid.”

The NUP chairman, who accused the state government of shirking away from its responsibilities, urged the labour leadership in the state to come to their rescue.

“The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Ondo State chapter is making a clarion call on Nigeria Labour Congress Ondo State chapter to assist pensioners in the state to fight for their entitlements long overdue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the organised labour Unions in the state had directed all workers to down tools in a bid to press for the implementation of a new national minimum wage by federal and state governments.

In a statement jointly signed by the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Tayo Ogunleye and his Trade Union Congress, (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Soladoye Ekundayo, they said the warning strike would be in line with the directive of their national leadership.

They directed that all public establishments and some private offices including; government hospitals, schools, offices and banks are expected to be shut down. - Daily Post

Osun rerun: Tension as armed ‘thugs’ seize PVCs of voters

The governorship rerun election in Osun state has been marred by violence in at least four of the seven polling units where the exercise is holding.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed the rerun following the declaration of Saturday election as inconclusive.

The election is currently holding at ward 10, unit 2 in Ife north local government area; ward 07, unit 12 in Ife south local government area; ward 8, unit 10 in Ife south.

In Orolu local government area, it is ongoing at ward 8, unit 1; ward 8, unit 4; ward 09, unit 3; and ward 5, unit 17 in Osogbo local government area.

But many residents, especially in the stronghold of one of the leading parties, are being attacked by suspected hoodlums.

At ward 8, unit 1, the suspects invaded many polling units and prevented voters from exercising their franchise.

A resident of Orolu, who preferred to be anonymous for fear of being attacked, narrated how he was chased out of his village on the eve of the election.

“There is no credible election here in Orolu. The thugs working for the ruling party were brought from Ikire (a neighbouring village),” he said.

“After invading out village yesterday, they sent us out. They know Orolu is the stronghold of their opponent. We took refuge in the palace of Olufon. Now, those of us in the opposition are not allowed to vote. My PVC is with them.”

Ruka Ladosu, a nursing mother, was injured while going to ward 9, unit 3, Osogbo, to cast her ballot.

Ladosu narrated how the thugs collected her permanent voter card (PVC) and hit her with a stick.

The PVCs of some voters were also seized at ward 8, unit 1 in Kajola. Earlier, TheCable reporter was sent away from the unit. - TheCable

Arsenal boss hits back at claims he stopped Ozil meeting with Low

Unai Emery has hit back at suggestions that he denied Germany manager Joachim Low the chance to meet with Mesut Ozil at the Arsenal training ground.

Reports earlier this week suggested that the German officials had flown to London specifically to meet with the Arsenal playmaker, but were denied of the opportunity upon arrival.

Emery was said to be keen to keep the German manager away from Ozil in a bid to not distract or unsettle the player who took the decision to retire from international future over the summer.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Brentford in the Carabao Cup, Emery hit back with a defiant interview.

“It’s not true that I didn’t let Mesut meet with Low. I had no problem in our situation in the training ground. It’s not true.”

It had been claimed that Low was aiming to convince the former Real Madrid man to come out of international retirement, but it is yet to be seen if Ozil will reverse his decision. - Read Sport

PL News : Fabregas warns Chelsea about Hazard exit next summer

Cesc Fabregas believes that Chelsea may struggle to keep their hands on Eden Hazard next summer, with his contract running down.

Speaking to the London Evening Standard after Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 win at Anfield, the Spaniard believes that Hazard’s contract situation plays into the hands of potential suitors.

“It was an easy decision, especially now, because at this stage how much can Eden cost? Not many teams in the world can buy Eden Hazard. He still had two years left on his contract.”

“Next year if he has one year left, that’s a different story. You don’t have as much power as a club. Eden is one of the best players in the world. But having two years left, especially how the market is, it’s basically impossible to sign him up. I don’t think it was that hard from the club.”

 If Hazard does not put pen to paper on a new deal at the club, he will enter next season with just one year remaining on his current contract, something that could force Chelsea into selling on the cheap.

In a similar scenario to the one that saw Thibaut Courtois leave the club this summer, with the Belgian approaching the end of his contract, Chelsea were forced to sell him at far less than his market value.

Hazard was at his sensational best when he came off the bench to inspire Chelsea to a midweek victory against Liverpool. - Read Sport

Nine-year-old girl drowns in Anambra flood

Benedict Uzo, a nine-year-old girl, was swept away by a flood in Amiyi, Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state, on Wednesday.

According to Arinze Awogu, chairman of Ogbaru LGA, the girl drowned while fetching water with a bucket.

He said Benedict’s sister, who tried rescuing her, almost lost her life in the process but was quickly saved by neighbours.

“The flood situation in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra state has continued to take a turn for the worst and Ogbaru has lost two persons since it started,” he said.

“The latest casualty is nine-year-old Miss Uzo Benedict Onyebuchukwu, a primary 3 pupil of light international school, Okoti.

“The father of the victim, Mr Izuchukwu Uzo, told me that his daughter was swept away by the flood as she attempted to fetch water with her bucket.”

He said the council will set up an emergency call for a proactive response team to effectively handle emergencies.

The chairman urged people in flood-prone areas to vacate their homes and move to safer areas or the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps.

“We need better equipped hospital to enable us manage this emergency,” he said.

“It is a sad moment for us, we assure the family of our solidarity and support in this time of grief; I promise to inform His Excellency, Governor Willie Obaino about the loss.”

Some states have been experiencing flooding as a result of heavy rainfalls that caused rivers Niger and Benue to overflow.

On September 17, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) declared the flooding in four states as national disasters. - TheCable

154 microfinance banks to lose licence – CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday gave a notification to revoke the operating licences of 154 microfinance banks in the country.

According to Punch newspaper, six primary mortgage banks and 22 other finance companies would receive similar notification from the apex bank.

The CBN said 62 of the microfinance banks had already closed shop; 74 became insolvent; 12 were terminally distressed; while six voluntarily liquidated.

The CBN listed the top mortgage banks for revocation as Accord Savings and Loans Limited in Lagos that failed to recapitalise; and Ahocol Savings and Loans Limited in Anambra (state government-owned) that closed shop.

Other mortgage banks for revocation are Trans Atlantic Savings and Loans Limited in Bayelsa (state government-owned) that became insolvent; Royal Savings and Loans Limited in Delta State that also closed shop; Amex Savings and Loans Limited in Lagos that failed to recapitalise; and Supreme Savings and Loans Limited also in Lagos that closed shop.

The CBN further disclosed that eight finance companies voluntary liquidated; 13 failed to recapitalise; while one became insolvent.

According to the apex bank, the affected institutions are from different states of the federation.- Daily Post