IS NAIJA A COUNTRY ? GERC to construct 340km railway line in Ghana at $2bn — cost of 156km Lagos-Ibadan rail line

The Ghanaian- European Railway Consortium (GERC) has agreed to construct a 340km standard gauge railway line in Ghana at $2.2 billion, the same contract price as the 156km railway line between Lagos and Ibadan.

In 2016, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), had signed a $2 billion agreement with the Nigerian government to build a 156 km railway line between Lagos and Ibadan.

A ground-breaking ceremony for the construction held in March 2017.

The Eastern Railway line, which links Accra, Tema and Kumasi, is expected to boost economic activities along the corridor, especially at the Boankra Inland Port after completion.

Joe Ghartey, Ghana’s minister of railway development, said the project is based on a build, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement.

GERC is expected to operate 24 passenger trains and six freight trains after completion of the 340-kilometre railway project.

The construction is expected to last for three years. The consortium has pledged to commence works in earnest.

There would be 6 main stations and 34 sub-stations along the double track corridor. The concession period is 27 years and the consortium hopes to recoup its investment within the period.

Ghartey recently visited Nigeria on the invitation of Rotimi Amaechi, Nigeria’s minister of transportation, inspect and assess the railway construction projects that the Chinese conglomerate has completed and that are currently being undertaken in Nigeria.

- THECABLE

US-based Nigerians to pay N15,000 each for NIN

Nigerians based in the United States are to pay between $40 and $50 each to be enrolled for the national identity number (NIN).

Uche Chigbo, the special assistant to the director-general of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), stated this in New York on Thursday.

NAN reports that Chigbo spoke during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Consulate shortly before the exercise was launched in the city.

She said that registrants aged 15 years old and below would pay $40 each, while those from 16 years and above will pay $50.

At the official exchange rate, $50 is equivalent to N15,300, while $40 dollars amounts to N12,240.

Chigbo, who is also the deputy general manager of NIMC, explained that the commission came up with the fee after looking at the entire process and what it involved.

“NIMC does not have the legal backing and the resources to go to another country to enrol people and capture biometrics and other data,” she said.

“It is in this light that we decided to license private sector organisations which have the legal backing to engage in such services.

“They made investments in terms of equipment because we didn’t give them the equipment they are using; they have to buy all of that.

“They are also renting offices, employing people and establishing connections between whichever country they are operating in and Nigeria so that they can seamlessly send the records real-time online.

“All of these are investments they are making and as a going concern, a token should be paid for this service that they are going to be rendering.”

NAN reports that the diaspora NIN registration was launched in Houston, Texas on Thursday after it took off in Atlanta and Washington on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to Chigbo, the exercise is ongoing in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, and would be extended to China, Europe and India soon.

Listing its benefits, the NIMC official said it would provide a database for the implementation of the much-desired diaspora voting.

She also said the NIN has become a requirement for accessing services provided by the government and private organisations in Nigeria.

- THECABLE

Kanye West opens up on his struggles with Bipolar disorder

Award-winning rapper, Kanye West has opened up on his struggles with bipolar disorder.

West, who has been campaigning against the stigmatisation of people with mental health issues, in his new season of David Letterman’s Netflix show, “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction”, confessed that he has health issues.

Husband to the reality star, Kim Kardashian, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder two years ago, explained how he feels whenever he notices a change in his health.

“I wouldn’t be able to explain that as much just because, you know, I’m not a doctor.

“I can just tell you what I’m feeling at the time, and I feel a heightened connection with the universe when I’m ramping up. It is a health issue.

“This — it’s like a sprained brain, like having a sprained ankle and if someone has a sprained ankle, you’re not going to push on him more.

“With us, once our brain gets to a point of spraining, people do everything to make it worse.

“You have this moment [where] you feel everyone wants to kill you. You pretty much don’t trust anyone.

“When you’re in this state, you’re hyper-paranoid about everything, everyone. This is my experience, other people have different experiences.

“Everyone now is an actor, Everything’s a conspiracy. You feel the government is putting chips in your head. You feel you’re being recorded. You feel all these things,” West said.

- DAILY POST

Daddy Freeze reacts to pastor’s warning against eating Titus fish, taking Vitamin C

Controversial On Air Personality, OAP, Daddy Freeze, has reacted after a pastor warned her church members against taking Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Titus fish.

DAILY POST reported earlier that the female pastor, in a viral video, advised her congregants against eating Titus fish and taking Vitamin C, warning that they will not make heaven if they do so.

She said that those still in the habit of taking Vitamin C and enjoying Titus fish must go for deliverance.

According to her, vitamin C and Titus fish are got from the deep sea which is marine kingdom, and people who take such need deliverance before they can make heaven.

She had said, “If you continue taking Vitamin C you can’t make, how can you make? Unless you stop it and do your deliverance. Is it not ascobic acid? Ascobic acid is not produced anywhere on earth. Ascobic acid come direct from the deep sea. Some of you still enjoy Titus fish.

“You can’t make heaven while you are still eating Titus fish. You can’t make heaven. You must go for deliverance.”

Freeze took to Instagram to react to the sermon, describing the woman as an ignorant dingbat behind a pulpit.

He wrote, “What an ignorant dingbat behind a pulpit….You can’t make heaven if you use vitamin C? You can’t make heaven if you eat Titus fish???? WTF.”

- DAILY POST

TRANSFER NEWS : Barcelona sign Nigerian striker on permanent deal

Barcelona have exercised the option to sign Nigeria striker, Asisat Oshoala, on a permanent deal from Dalian Quanjian.

The 24-year-old initially joined Barca on a six-month loan deal in January, following the postponement of 2019 Chinese Women’s Super League.

Oshoala netted eight goals after 11 games in all competitions since then.

Her impressive performances have convinced the club to hand her a two-year contract, that will keep her in Catalonia until June 2022.

“Asisat Oshoala and FC Barcelona have linked a new contract until June 30, 2022, after the agreement for transfer from the club on the 1st of July between Dalian Quanjian and Dalian club.

“The Nigerian forward, 24, arrived at Barca on January 31 as a transfer from the Chinese entity. In these four months, Oshoala has played eleven official games as a player and scored eight goals, including the first team in a Champions League final in Budapest.

“The three-time best African soccer player of the year is currently concentrated with the Nigerian national team before playing the World Cup in France, starting June 7. When the calendar so permits, the act of signing of the new Oshoala contract with Barca will take place,” an official club statement read on Friday.

- DAILY POST

China to issue new versions of visas from June 1

The exit-entry departments of China’s public security authorities will start issuing new versions of visas and residence permits for foreigners from Saturday, June 1.

Xinhua reports that the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said this on Friday.

“The current versions will no longer be issued on the same day, while the documents already issued are still valid until their dates of expiry,’’ the NIA said.

“Compared to the current versions, the new versions have made adjustments in the documents’ formats, sections and machine readable codes.

“The means and requirements for application, procedures for examination and approval, and the standards, charges and requirements of port examinations will remain the same.”

- DAILY POST

Magu calls for Inter-Agency collaboration to combat corruption, terrorism

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu has called for the strengthening of inter-agency collaboration, as an essential ingredient needed in effectively combating corruption and terrorist financing in the country.

He made the call at the Inter-Agency Cooperation and Coordination Seminar, which held at the Army War College, Abuja, on Thursday, as part of the eight-month study programme for 66 senior officers of the Nigerian Army.

“Synergy among agencies will no doubt go a long way in ensuring that our country is safe, and there is need for more efforts in the investigation of where funds are gotten from,” he said.

Magu, who was represented by Chidi Chukwuka Boniface, a Director with the EFCC, further called on other agencies and bodies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN to curb inflow of foreign currency.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant agencies should be able to supervise these inflows and should find ways to track monies used in these insurgency,” he said.

He further stressed the need for all agencies in the country, to salvage the country from the grips of corruption, stressing that, “there is the need to fight corruption with total commitment and dedication as this is the only viable alternative available to us to move from where we are to a stable society”.

Director General, Services, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, James Akujobi, said inter-gency collaboration was essential to enhance joint efforts and cooperation among independent agencies with shared responsibilities and overlapping jurisdictions.

“Collaboration builds synergy and creates oneness to meet the common goals,” Akujobi said, noting that inter-agency collaboration also helps to address capability shortfalls.

The Commandant of the Army War College, Major General Charles Ofoche commended participants for a robust and rewarding session, he said, “we all are instruments of the state, regardless of the colour of the uniforms we wear.”

Other agencies represented were: Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Immigration Service, Department of States Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Nigerian Prison Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and Nigerian Civil Defense Corps.

- PM NEWS

EFCC arraigns Insurance Officer over alleged N12 million scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Port Harcourt’s Zonal Office on Friday arraigned Nkechi Stella Nwoke before Justice I.M Sani of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

She was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on stealing to the tune of N12, 000, 000, punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C 38 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 read together with Section 1 (1)(b) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debt) and Financial Malpractice in Bank Act cap B3 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007.

The count charge read: “That you Nkechi Stella Nwoke between the months of December, 2013 to August, 2014 at Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court whilst you were a Staff of Mutual Benefit Life Assurance Policy stole the sum of N12,000,000 (Twelve Million Naira) only, property of one Austin Ihiamadu and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C 38 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007 read together with Section 1 (1)(b) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debt) and Financial Malpractice in Bank Act cap B3 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007.”

She pleaded not guilty to the count charge.

In view of the defendant’s plea, the prosecution counsel, M.T. Iko prayed for a date for the commencement of trial. However, the defense counsel, N.D. Nweke, orally applied for bail for his client and prayed for accelerated hearing of the case.

Justice Sani granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5, 000, 000 and one surety in like sum. The surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and must have a traceable and identifiable address. He or she must swear to an affidavit of means and must present two recent passport photographs which must be verified by the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court in conjunction with the Counsels of the case.

The Judge adjourned the matter to June 24 and 25, 2019 for commencement of trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

Troubles started for Nwoke, a former Insurance Officer, when a petitioner alleged that, sometimes in December 2014, within Port Harcourt, the defendant fraudulently deceived him into embracing a Life Assurance Policy while she was working with Mutual Benefit Insurance Company. He further stated that he saved a total sum of N18, 000, 000 (Eighteen Million Naira), in the Policy.

However, the petitioner later found out that, the defendant was not remitting the money accordingly to the designated bank, but saved only N12,000,000 for her personal use. All efforts to get the defendant repay the un- remitted money proved abortive.

- PM NEWS

Customs intercepts 1,582 parcels of cannabis in Indomie truck

The Customs Service, Seme Border Area Command, says it has intercepted 20 sacks of 1,582 parcels of Cannabis Sativa(Indian Hemp) worth over N30 million, smuggled into the country through the border.

ASC Nuruddeen Saidu, the Customs Public Relations Officer, Seme Area Command, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

The statement disclosed that the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mohammed Garba, confirmed that the items were concealed in a Mitsubishi Canter branded in Indomie noddles insignia.

Garba said that the vehicle was believed to be coming from Ghana.

He said that gallant Seme officers of his command seized the items through intelligence and arrested one suspect accordingly.

Garba said that the arrest was made around Mowo-Elijah axis by Patrol Team ‘A’ led by CSC Abubakar Dakingari, supported by SC Hamisu,, ASC I Umar Danbuzu, among others.

The Comptroller reiterated that the command would not relent on its efforts against illegal trade activities and other trans-border crimes.

- PM NEWS

Tinubu barred for five years

The Securities and Exchange Commission wielded the big hammer on Friday against Wale Tinubu, banning him and his deputy, Omamofe Boyo from being directors of any publicly quoted company for five years.

The duo were punished over infractions committed as leaders of oil and energy company, Oando Plc.

SEC also demanded the resignation of Tinubu and other board members and the convening of an extra-ordinary general meeting before July 1 to appoint new directors.

In addition, Oando and the board members will pay unspecified penalties and refund “improperly disbursed remuneration”.

Read the full statement by SEC:

Following the receipt of two petitions by the Commission in 2017, investigations were conducted into the activities of Oando Plc (a company listed on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges). Certain infractions of Securities and other relevant laws were observed. The Commission further engaged Deloitte & Touche to conduct a Forensic Audit of the activities of Oando Plc.

The general public is hereby notified of the conclusion of the investigations of Oando Plc. The findings from the report revealed serious infractions such as false disclosures, market abuses, misstatements in financial statements, internal control failures, and corporate governance lapses stemming from poor board oversight, irregular approval of directors’ remuneration, unjustified disbursements to directors and management of the company, related party transactions not conducted at arm’s length, amongst others.

As part of measures to address these violations, the Commission has directed as follows:

Resignation of the affected Board members of Oando Plc,

The convening of an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting on or before July 1, 2019, to appoint new directors,

Payment of monetary penalties by the company and affected individuals and directors,

Refund of improperly disbursed remuneration by the affected Board members to the company,

Bar of the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (DGCEO) of Oando Plc from being directors of public companies for a period of five (5) years.

As required under Section 304 of the Investments and Securities Act, (ISA) 2007, the Commission would refer all issues with possible criminality to the appropriate criminal prosecuting authorities. In addition, other aspects of the findings would be referred to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

The Commission is confident that with the implementation of the above directives and introduction of some remedial measures, such unwholesome practices by public companies would be significantly reduced.

Therefore, in line with the Federal Government’s resolve to build strong institutions, Boards of public companies are enjoined to properly perform their fiduciary duties as required under extant securities laws.

The Commission, as the apex regulator of the Nigerian capital market, maintains its zero tolerance to market infractions, and reiterates its commitment to ensuring the fairness, integrity, efficiency and transparency of the securities market, thereby strengthening investor protection.

- PM NEWS

EFCC to arraign woman who said snake swallowed JAMB’s missing N36m Friday

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on Friday arraign the controversial official of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Philomina Chieshe who claimed that the missing N36 million JAMB proceeds in her custody was swallowed by a snake in Makurdi, Benue State.

Chieshe will be arraigned alongside five others, namely: Samuel Umoru, Yakubu Jekada, Daniel Agbo, Priscilla Ogunsola, and Aliyu Yakubu before Justice Peter Afen of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja.

Chieshe became notorious when she made an outlandish claim that a mysterious snake swallowed about N36 million cash arising from sale of e-JAMB cards in the state.

The controversial JAMB official is being prosecuted by the EFCC on an eight-count charge, following her refusal to furnish the management of JAMB the true information on the financial status of JAMB e-cards supplied to the Benue Zonal office between 2014 and 2016.

Chieshe’s action is contrary to Section 139 (a) of the Penal Code Law.

- PM NEWS

Senate approves N129bn subsidy payment to oil marketers

The senate has approved a sum of N129.4 billion as payment to oil marketers importing refined crude into the country.

The upper legislative chamber approved the sum after Kabir Marafa, senate chairman on petroleum resources (downstream), presented a report on Thursday.

While moving a motion for the report to be considered, Marafa noted that the aforementioned sum is the last payment to the marketers.

“It was first considered on the 31st May 2018. After submissions made by the ministry of finance observed as follows that the oil subsidy arrears claims were based on three elements namely; subsidy, forex differentials and bank interests,” he said.

“The recent claim is based on one of the identified elements that is the forex differentials. It is pertinent to note that this is that last tranche of payment.

“The committee after due consideration [recommends] that the senate approve the sum of N129.4 billion as final subsidy arrears claim.”

However, he did not disclose the number and names of marketers the sum is to be paid to.

Contributing to the debate on the motion, Yusuf Yusuf, senator representing Taraba central, said until the value of the naira is addressed, there would always be fuel subsidy issues.

“Until we tackle the value of the naira, we will be having subsidy,” Yusuf said.

“The fundamental issue is that the value of the naira needs to be addressed.”

On his part, Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, wondered the next line of action after the sum has been paid.

“What happens after this arrears have been paid?,” Umeh said.

“Last year, it was close to a trillion naira. It is a terrible situation for Nigeria. Why can’t we use what we realise from sale of crude to have functional refineries.”

He said the federal government must find a way of addressing the problem.

Also speaking, Barnabas Gemade, senator representing Benue north-east, said: “If this subsidy does not die, it will end Nigeria.”

The fund was approved after it was put to a voice vote by Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president.

- THECABLE

Church treasurer in court for allegedly scamming pastor of N850,000

A treasurer in the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Friday Robbinson, who allegedly duped a Senior Pastor of N850,000, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the police charged Robbinson, who resides on No.18 Bankole St., Isheri, Berger in Lagos, with two counts of theft and obtaining under false pretext.

Sgt. Michael Unah, the Prosecution Counsel, told the court that the defendant allegedly collected N850,000 from Pastor Victor Ekong, under the pretext of introducing him to oil and gas business, a representation he knew to be false.

Unah told the court that the defendant committed the offence in August 2018 about 10.25 a.m. at No.2 Olanipekun St., Mobil Bus Stop, Ore- Ira, Ogba, Lagos.

He noted that the defendant, who was an elder and also a treasurer in the church, obtained the N850,000 from the complainant and relocated to an unknown destination.

He said, “The defendant approached the complainant that he wanted to introduce him to oil and gas business”

“The complainant initially transferred a sum of N500,000 to the defendant’s FCMB account and also gave him N350,000 cash belonging to the church.”

“The defendant stopped coming to church and fled to an unknown destination the moment he collected the money.”

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. (Revised)

Robbinson however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

If convicted, he is liable to three years in prison.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr A.A. Fashola admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Fashola ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The Magistrate adjourned the case until June 17 for mention.

- DAILY POST