CODED ALOOTERS !! Buhari, Osinbajo’s assets: Disclosure battle shifts to Court of Appeal

The battle for the disclosure of the assets declared by both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has shifted to the Court of Appeal.

The prime mover for the disclosure, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has asked the Court of Appeal to order the disclosure, undaunted by the rejection of the request by the Federal High Court.

SERAP is seeking a blanket order by the appeal court that covers assets declared by all politicians since 1999.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had on 11 May dismissed the application filed by the group seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel the Code of Conduct Bureau to make available to the public specific details of asset declarations submitted to it by successive presidents, vice-presidents, senate presidents, speakers of House of Representatives, state governors and their deputies since 1999.

Justice Muslim Hassan declined the prayers.

Hassan ruled: “I agree with the CCB that the duty to make the asset declaration form of public officers available is dependent upon the terms and conditions to be proscribed by the National Assembly.

“The terms and conditions must be specific and related to asset declaration of public officers and not legislation of general nature such as the Freedom of Information Act.”

SERAP in the appeal filed last week contended that, “The learned trial judge misinterpreted the provision and purport of paragraph 3[c], Third Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).

“The judge did not consider that the Freedom of information was enacted by the National Assembly in 2011 to grant public access to public documents.”

SERAP also argued that “the learned trial Judge erred in law by holding that the Freedom of information Act is a legislation of general nature in relation to public access to asset declaration forms of public officers.

“The judge erred in law when he held that SERAP’s application ‘is unmeritorious and it is accordingly dismissed.’”

SERAP also contended that “the learned trial judge failed to apply the provisions of Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which allows access to public documents to the facts of this case.”

“The failure or refusal by the CCB to provide the information requested by SERAP constitutes a violation of their right to freedom of information guaranteed by Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” SERAP argued.

The appeal was filed on SERAP’s behalf by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare, Opeyemi Owolabi and Adelanke Aremo.

It read in part: “The learned trial judge failed to determine whether the asset declaration forms kept in the records of the CCB are public documents.

“The judge failed to determine whether the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs whatever injury that the disclosure would cause the CCB and public officers.

“The learned trial judge erred in law when His Lordship failed to determine the real questions in issue in the suit.

“The judge failed to determine whether SERAP’s freedom of information request falls within the purview of those exempted under the Freedom of Information Act.”

“Asset declaration forms submitted by public officers are public documents in the custody of the CCB. The CCB is under a legal obligation to provide the information requested by SERAP in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”

SERAP is therefore seeking “an order allowing the Appeal, and setting aside the judgement of the Honourable Justice Muslim Hassan delivered on Monday, 11th May, 2020.”

SERAP had in suit number FHC/L/CS/1019/2019 argued that asset declarations of presidents and state governors submitted to the CCB are public documents.

“Public interest in disclosure of the details of asset declarations clearly outweighs any claim of protection of the privacy of presidents and state governors, as they are public officers entrusted with the duty to manage public funds, among other public functions.”

“Disclosing details of asset declarations of public officers such as presidents and state governors would improve public trust in the ability of the CCB to effectively discharge its mandate.

This would in turn put pressure on public officers like presidents and state governors to make voluntary public declaration of their assets.”

“Democracy cannot flourish if governments operate in secrecy, no matter how much open discussion and debate is allowed.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the appeal.

- PM NEWS

Massive protest as NSCDC officials allegedly gun down two youths in Cross River

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have allegedly shot two youths in Bakassi community, Bakassi local government area of Cross River State.

DAILY POST gathered that one of the victims was reported dead on the spot, while the other who was injured critically, is receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility in the State.

An eyewitness, who declined giving his name, said that the incident occurred in Ekpri Ikang, Bakassi, on Friday.

“The altercation began when officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (Yet to be identified) serving at the Bakassi division raided black market petrol (Premium Motor Spirit, PMS) dealers and seized their gallons.

“The angered black marketers gave the NSCDC jeep carrying their gallons a hot chase. Attempting to scare away the pursuing black marketers, a trigger-happy NSCDC officer fired some shots and the stray bullet caught two youths.

“One of the victims is Effiong Ezekiel, a staff of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) who was on duty. The other is a black marketer who was among those who gave the officers hot chase,” he alleged.

It was also gathered that the angry Bakassi youths protested the incident at the NSCDC divisional office and burnt a Toyota Hilux jeep.

From Bakassi, the protesters headed to Calabar, the State capital which is 40 minutes drive from the LGA, with the dead body.

Our reporter gathered that the angry Bakassi youths moved along Eta Agbor in Calabar Municipality to UNICAL main gate where they were stopped by a combined security team.

When newsmen contacted the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Danjuma Elisha, he said that he got the information and that he was still interviewing his men about what happened.

“You know, in issues like this you don’t jump into conclusion, we have checked their riffles, their armour and they’re still intact.

“I learned they went to our office, burnt down the Hilux vehicle that was there and even burnt down the office. That was what I heard, though I’m not sure of it because they’re yet to send me pictures.

“They attempted holding two of our men hostage but the military were able to intervene and the other two yet to be rescued have gotten in touch,” he stated.

But when DAILY POST contacted the PHED Corporate Communication Manager, John Onyi via phone on Friday night, he said the company had conducted an in-house census and observed that nobody was missing.

However, the Special Adviser to the Governor Ben Ayade on Security, South South, Mr Ani Esin, confirmed the alleged shooting.

“I wouldn’t know what happened in Bakassi. The matter is being investigated and within a shorted possible time, the truth shall be unravelled. It was alleged that Civil Defence shot the victims in Bakassi

“The community and youths in the area brought the corps to Calabar in anger and protested which almost turned out to be a serious riot and we stepped in to control the situation.

“We calmed them down and advised that the corpse of the disease be deposited at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital mortuary. The bullet got two boys and one died on the spot while the other sustained serious injury and was obtaining treatment,” he said.

- DAILY POST

20 YRS ON MADNESS !! FG inaugurates committee to oversee development of national ID database

The federal government has inaugurated a steering committee for the Nigeria Digital Identity for Development Ecosystem project aimed at fast-tracking the development of a digital identity management system.

Boss Mustapha, the secretary to the government of the federation, also doubles as the chairman of the team.

Other members of the committee are Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget and national planning (alternate chairman); Abubakar Malami, minister of justice and attorney general of the federation; Adamu Adamu, minister of education; Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior; Osagie Ehanire, minister of health; Isa Ali Pantami, minister of communication and digital economy; Garba Abari, National Orientation Agency DG; Aliyu Aziz, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) DG.

At the team inauguration on Friday, Mustapha said a digital identity management system is important in realising the government’s economic and recovery growth plan (ERGP).

The SGF said the federal executive council approved a strategic roadmap for the project on September 12, 2018.

“Government considered and adopted a three-tiered institutional arrangement comprising of a steering committee, a strategic unit, an implementation unit situated in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and with responsibilities for providing overall governance and coordination, ecosystem partners’ coordination and communication and day-to-day project implementation respectively,” a statement signed by Kayode Adegoke, NIMC head of corporate communications, quoted Mustapha to have said.

According to Mustapha, the project steering committee is the highest body with the responsibility of providing policy, institutional and operational guidance towards delivering on the identification vision.

“As a nation, we have a lot of grounds to cover and our fundamental ID goal can only be reached through joint efforts and coordinated approach,” he said.

“One major objective of an accelerated digital identification system is to increase the enrolment of the entire eligible population, which means increasing the database by 187 million within the next three to five years’ duration of the project.

“You would all agree with me that there is no time than now for this project, especially as it would have considerably reduced the number of challenges we are facing with identifying and locating poor and vulnerable Nigerians in the effective and efficient distribution of palliatives to cushion the effect of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

“Of course, without meaning to enumerate the issues associated with the absence of a foundational ID system which you are all familiar with, the existence of a national identification number (NIN) for all Nigerians would improve our delivery of government services.”

Mustapha assured that the government is “fully committed to early actualisation of the project to enhance effective development and efficient delivery of government services” adding that the committee’s decisions will help build the foundations of a robust and reliable identity management system.

The inauguration was witnessed by the World Bank Team led byShubham Chaudhuri, the country director for Nigeria, and Andrew David Adejoh, the permanent secretary for political and economic affairs in the Office of the SGF.

- THECABLE

Klopp opens up on Timo Werner move with Chelsea in driving seat

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has spoken about his admiration for RB Leipzig striker, Timo Werner.

Klopp, however, admitted that the uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, made it difficult to make a move for his compatriot.
Werner had been heavily linked with a switch to Liverpool, but their Premier League rivals, Chelsea are now close to signing him.

“Timo Werner is a great player, Kai Havertz is a great player.
“Right time, opportunity – everything has to come together.
“Six, seven weeks ago, we didn’t know if we could play again this year,” Klopp told Sky Germany.

Werner has a €55m release clause in his deal, which expires on Monday, June 15.

- DAILY POST

Religious leaders involved in rape cases I’m handling – Nollywood actress reveals

Popular Nollywood actress, and founder of Passion Against Rape and Abuse Africa, PARAA, Foluke Daramola-Salako has revealed that about 75% of rape cases her organization had handled were perpetrated by religious leaders.

The actress disclosed this during her conversation with Funmi Iyanda on Public Eye Live on Saturday, an Instagram live session, while narrating how she was raped by her tenant when she was 17.

According to her, “75% of the cases I have on my table are from religious leaders and most times we don’t get to the end of it.

“This is because when we start investigating the cases, the family would come and tell us we should leave the religious leader to God.”

She further dismissed claims that indecent dressing by ladies is responsible for the increase in the number of rape cases.

The actress stressed that rape is just a sign of weakness by rapists, adding that “Nothing attracts rape. Why do they rape minors, teenagers, and even old women. Is that also about indecent dressing?

According to her, most victims of rape cases in Nigeria are children, teenagers, and elderly women who do not dress indecently.

She added, “You hardly find rape cases against young women except for sexual assaults and abuse in workplaces, we find it mostly amongst children, teenagers, and elderly women, how come you are now telling me it is indecent dressing?

Speaking on the role of Nollywood in the activism against rape and abuse, she says, “The role of Nollywood is for us to create more awareness programs, have more movies that are preaching the negativity of rape and abuse, the reason it can happen to anybody, and the reason under no circumstances should any rapist be made to look like a good person.”

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) on Saturday demanded for death sentence as punishment for rapists in Nigeria.

- PM NEWS

Rape: Oluwo asks FG to legalise stun guns, pepper spray for women

Abdulrosheed Akanbi, oluwo of Iwo, has called on the federal government to legalise the use of stun guns and pepper spray for women as protection against rapists. 

In the past week, Vera Uwaila Omozuwa, a student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Barakat Bello, a student of Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training, Ibadan were raped and killed. 

Reacting in a statement signed by Alli Ibrahim, his media aide,  the monarch said the use of the items would serve as short term defence for women. 
“Apart from a constitutional penalty against rapists, I want to charge the government to consider the legalisation of the use of stun guns and pepper spray by females as protective items against unapproved sexual attempts,” he said. 

“Many ladies were raped and killed. I’ve strong trust that the items, when approved for females will protect them against such an unjust treatment and return sanctity to our society. 
“By that, the constitutional provision is a long term punishment while pepper spray and stun gun are short term defence measures. The defence instruments could form part of females’ accessories in their handbags and purses. 

“The spate of recurrences is unassuming. It must be checkmated through further constitutional legislations to invite sanity to our society and respect the dignity of Nigerian females. 
“There are training sessions available overseas even in South Africa for females to learn how to use it in warding off attackers. Rapists are coward animals and not human. The trauma of their victims is an eternal curse of no remedy. Raped victims are no doubt mentally disturbed and emotionally imbalanced. When done with mutual consent and agreement, the two enjoin and enjoy in merriment.” 

Oluwo said raped victims should not be ashamed, but rather talk about it and get help.
He also warned perpetrators not to take advantage of a lady visiting their home. 
He added that lawmakers can come up with stricter legislation to protect the pride of Nigerian females and approve the use of defence items. 
“Doing such will speak sense to greedy sexual men and restore normalcy,” he said. 

- THECABLE

I was asked to run with Atiku, Churches may soon be empty – Tunde Bakare

Latter Rain Assembly President, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has warned that Churches may soon be empty.

He gave the warning on The Future of Faith Instagram Live with Chude Jideonwo.

Bakare spoke on governance and the responsibility of the church amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He stressed that the church is a body that is required in these trying times to show up for its members.

“The church, which is you and I and the millions of Christians in this country, has one duty; to nourish the body of Christ, honor and serve it. That is you and I.

“If the church does not do its duty, it will soon be empty and cockroaches and spiders will take over,” Bakare said.

On his presidential ambition, Bakare mentioned that in the 2011 elections, he was “pressured to run with Atiku.”

He said God’s counsel to him has remained that his political career is not over.

The cleric added that the counsel also included that he will be called upon for more responsibilities and he is obligated to answer.

The conversation also touched on gender and the state of violence against women.

It also discussed the role of religion in the continued subjugation of women and how women continue to suffer violence at the hands of men.

- DAILY POST

UFC ex-champ Conor McGregor retires for third time

Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor announced his retirement from the sport on Sunday, his third time of doing so.

The two-division Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) World Champion said his fighting days were over in a Twitter message posted on his verified account, alongside a picture of the Irishman with his mother, Margaret.

“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!” he wrote.

“Here is a picture of myself and my mother in Las Vegas post one of my World title wins! Pick the home of your dreams Mags I love you! Whatever you desire it’s yours.”

The controversial fighter, nicknamed “The Notorious”, previously announced his retirement from the sport in March last year after being battered into submission by arch-rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in October 2018.

In April 2016 he also said he was retiring with a now-famous tweet: “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya’s later.”

His last appearance in the octagon was in January after a 15 month-absence when he knocked out American Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in a ruthless 40-second destruction in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old, an icon of the UFC, is no stranger to controversy and hit the headlines last year for an attack on an older man in a Dublin bar that was captured in a viral video.

McGregor, one of the most popular fighters in MMA history, has a record of 22-4 and was the first UFC fighter to hold two championship belts at the same time.

He achieved that feat in 2016 when he stopped Eddie Alvarez in a lightweight title fight, adding it to his featherweight title.

That triumph was followed by a loss to boxing great Floyd Mayweather in a cross-combat superfight in 2017, his loss to Nurmagomedov, announcements of retirements and returns to fighting.

UFC president Dana White paid tribute to McGregor after the conclusion of UFC 250 in Las Vegas early Sunday morning.

“If Conor McGregor feels he wants to retire, you know my feelings about retirement, you should absolutely do it,” White said at the post-event press conference.

“I love Conor. There’s a handful of people that have made this really fun for me, and he’s one of them.”

-PM 

Gates Foundation commits fresh $1.6bn to Gavi in preparation for COVID-19 vaccine

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a five-year, US$1.6 billion commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to deliver life-saving vaccines to the world’s poorest countries.

According to the Gates, the “funding and global coordination will ensure” people all over the world are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine when they become available. 

The commitment was announced at the Global Vaccine Summit 2020, hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom. 

Funding secured today for Gavi’s next strategic period will help the Alliance reach an additional 300 million children in the world’s most vulnerable communities and save up to eight million lives, bringing the total number of children immunized with Gavi support to more than one billion since its inception in 2000. 

In addition to supporting the continuation of routine immunization services during the current COVID-19 crisis, Gavi will play a vital role in efforts to end the pandemic, leveraging its two decades of experience in vaccine delivery to deploy potential COVID-19 vaccines to low-income countries when they become available. 

“Not many people outside the global health sector have heard about Gavi, but over the past twenty years, it has transformed the way the world invests in and protects the health of its children,” Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said.

“If the current pandemic has reminded us of anything, it’s the importance of vaccinating against deadly diseases. The pledges that leaders are making today will help Gavi save even more lives.” 

Working closely with developing country governments, vaccine suppliers, donors, and other partners around the world, the Alliance has achieved extraordinary results.

Yet, despite this unprecedented progress, one in ten children still did not receive basic vaccines in 2018. In addition, as COVID-19 disrupts health systems, supply chains, and the ability of health workers to safely reach communities, millions more are at risk of missing out on protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. 

“To beat the COVID-19 pandemic, the world needs more than breakthrough science. It needs breakthrough generosity. And that’s what we’re seeing today as leaders across the public and private sectors are stepping up to support Gavi – especially Prime Minister Johnson,” Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said.

“When COVID-19 vaccines are ready, this funding and global coordination will ensure that people all over the world will be able to access them.” 

The foundation has supported Gavi since its founding more than two decades ago. In that time, Gavi has immunized more than three-quarters of a billion children, saved 13 million lives, and cut child mortality in half in supported countries. 

“As we enter one of the toughest periods in our history, with the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting vaccine programmes across the globe and causing huge economic damage, this pledge will play a vital role in supporting countries’ efforts to prevent the resurgence of other deadly, vaccine-preventable diseases.” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, chair of the Gavi Board, said. 

The Gates Foundation is also committing $100 million to Gavi’s new effort to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for lower-income countries through a new COVID-19 Vaccine Advance Market Commitment.

This includes $50 million of new funding announced today, as well as the foundation’s $50 million pledge that was made at the Coronavirus Global Response International Pledging Event in May.

Friday’s pledge also includes $75 million to the Gavi Matching Fund that was announced in January 2020. 

- THECABLE

Popular Prophet Odumeje signs endorsement deal with ‘Liquid Metal’

Popular controversial cleric, Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, better known as Odumeje ‘The Lion’, the founder of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, has signed a management deal with Liquid Metal Management.

According to reports, Liquid Metal Management is a media and Communications (Brand Development & Management) team in media/communication, talent management, and PR strategies.

The Anambra based pastor has now become the first pastor in Nigeria to officially sign an endorsement deal.

Prophet Odumeje was unveiled as part of the team on Saturday as he was welcomed by the Executives of the brand as their first signing.

Liquid Metal management took to their social media handle to announce the new deal.

“We’re excited to announce the official unveiling and sign on of the Indaboski brand-aka-The lion himself into the @liquidmetalng management firm.”

Prophet Odumeje is known for his controversial style of preaching as well as describing himself as the Liquid Metal among other sort of names.

- PM NEWS

Escaped COVID-19 patient arrested in Ondo market selling ‘Okrika’

A coronavirus patient was on Saturday evening arrested at the popular Oja-Oba market in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The patient, a female was said to be a trader selling second-hand clothes popularly known as ‘okrika’ in the market.

It was gathered that the patient had been diagnosed with the deadly disease in Imo State before she travelled down to Akure, the Ondo State capital without submitting herself for treatment.

Confirming the development, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Wahab Adegbenro explained that the escape of the patient prompted both the Imo and Ondo Governments to mount surveillance for her.

The tracking eventually paid off when she was traced to Oja-Oba where she was eventually picked up.

She was caught where she was selling second-hand wares popularly called ‘okrika’ at the market.

Dr. Adegbenro disclosed that contact tracing of the patient’s family, friends, and neighbours had begun and urged all who had transacted business with the woman to report for diagnosis.

With the patient already at the state Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, Igbatoro road, Akure, the Health Commissioner hinted that confirmed cases of COVID-19 has risen to 41 as at Saturday.

- DAILY POST