Nigeria’s Democracy Needs 'Fourth Arm Of Government' —Ekiti Speaker

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Pastor) Kola Oluwawole has said that the nation’s democracy needs a ‘fourth arm of government’ which he called a prayer band.

FG Releases Interim Report On Financial, Assets Recoveries

The Federal Government made cash recoveries totaling N78,325,354,631.82 (Seventy eight billion, three hundred and twenty-five million, three hundred and fifty-four thousand, six hundred and thirty one Naira and eighty two kobo); $185,119,584.61 (One hundred and eight five million, one hundred and nineteen thousand, five hundred and eighty four US dollars, sixty one cents); 3,508,355.46 Pounds Sterling (Three million, five hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and fifty-five Pounds and 46 Pence) and 11, 250 Euros (Eleven thousand, two hundred and fifty Euros) from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016.

In a statement in Lagos on Saturday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also disclosed that Recoveries Under Interim Forfeiture (cash and assets) during the period totaled N126,563,481,095.43 (One hundred and twenty six billion, five hundred and sixty three million, four hundred and eighty one thousand, and ninety five Naira, forty three Kobo; $9,090,243,920.15 (Nine billion, ninety million, two hundred and forty three thousand, nine hundred and twenty Dollars, fifteen cents; 2,484,447.55 Pounds Sterling (Two million, four hundred and eighty four thousand, four hundred and forty seven Pounds, fifty five Pence) and 303,399.17 Euros (Three hundred and three thousand, three hundred and ninety-nine Euros, 17 cents ).

According to the statement, which is based on the interim report on the financial and assets recoveries made by the various government agencies from 29 May 2015 to 25 May 2016, the Funds Awaiting Return From Foreign Jurisdictions total $321,316,726.1 (Three hundred and twenty one million, three hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and twenty six Dollars, one cent); 6,900,000 Pounds (Six million, nine hundred thousand Pounds) and 11,826.11 Euros (Eleven thousand, eight hundred and twenty six Euros, 11 cents).

It showed that Non-Cash Recoveries (Farmlands, Plots of Land, Uncompleted Buildings, Completed Buildings, Vehicles and Maritime Vessels) during the period total 239.

The following is the breakdown of the recovered cash and assets:

INTERIM REPORT ON FINANCIAL AND ASSET RECOVERIES MADE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA FROM 29 MAY 2015 TO 25 MAY 2016

Cash Recoveries

Serial Items Naira US Dollar GB Pounds Euro
1 EFCC Cash at hand 39,169,911,023.00 128,494,076.66 2,355 11,250
2 Royalty/tax/payment to FGN account in JP Morgan account New York 4,642,958,711.48 40,727,253.65
3 ONSA Funds Recovery Account in CBN 5,665,305,527.41 8,000,000.00
4 VAT recovered from companies by ONSA 529,588,293.47
5 EFCC Recovered Funds Account in CBN 19,267,730,359.36 455,253.80
6 ICPC Revenue Collection Recovery in CBN 869,957,444.89
7 Office of the Attorney General 5,500,000,000 5,500,000
8 DSS Recoveries 47,707,000.5 1,943,000.5 3,506,000.46
9 ICPC Cash Asset Recovery 2,632,196,271.71
 Total 78,325,354,631.82 185,119,584.61 3,508,355.46 11,250

Recoveries Under Interim Forfeiture
Serial Items Naira US Dollar GB Pounds Euro
1 Cash in bank under interim forfeiture 8,281,577,243.92 1,819,866,364.73 3,800.00 113,399.17
2 Amount frozen in bank 48,159,179,518.90 7,131,369,498.49 605,647.55
3 Value of properties under interim forfeiture 41,534,605,998.00 77,844,600.00 1,875,000.00 190,000.00
4 Value of cars under interim forfeiture 52,500,000.00
5 ONSA Funds under interim forfeiture 27,001,464,125.20 43,771,433.73
6 Value of Assets Recovered by ONSA 512,000,000.00
7 ONSA Assets under interim forfeiture 260,000,000.00
8 DSS Recoveries Frozen in Banks 658,929,000.00 226,476.20
9 EFCC Cash in Bank under final forfeiture 103,225,209.41 17,165,547.00
 Total 126,563,481,095.43 9,090,243,920.15 2,484,447.55 303,399.17
 Grand Total 204,888,835,727.25 9,275,363,504.76 5,992,803.01 314,649.17

Funds Awaiting Return From Foreign Jurisdictions
 Jurisdiction US Dollar GB Pounds Euro
1 Switzerland 321000000
2 UK 6900000
3 UAE 310501 11826.11
4 USA 6225.1

 Total 321,316,726.1 6,900,000 11,826.11

Non Cash Recoveries
Serial Items Quantity
 ICPC EFCC ONSA
1 Farmland 22
2 Plot of Land 4
3  Uncompleted Building 1
4 Completed Building 33 145 4
5 Vehicles 22 3
6 Maritime Vessels 5
 Total 82 153 4

Segun Adeyemi
SA to Hon Minister of Information and Culture
Lagos
4 June 2016

President Muhammadu Buhari Is Sick

President Muhammadu Buhari is ill and is being treated at the presidential villa, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report.

Shell suspends oil exports indefinitely, confirms Avengers’ attack on facilities

The Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited, the Nigerian subsidiary of Dutch oil giant, Royal Dutch Shell, on Friday confirmed militants’ claims that a major damage was done to its oil installations in Delta State in the early hours of Friday, saying the attack hadforced it to shut down crude exports indefinitely.

Police Arrest 105 Suspects Over Auchi Poly Disturbances

At least 105 suspects have been arrested by the Edo State Police Command in connection with Thursday’s disturbances at the main campus of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali Dies At 74

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali has died at the age of 74, a spokesman for his family has confirmed.

Schools Handover: Oyo NLC Chairman Arrested

Report reaching POLIFOCUS has it that the State Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Waid Ologede has been arrested and detained in the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Iyaganku Police Station, Ibadan. 

Resign If Can't Pay Salaries, TUC Tells Salary-owing Governors

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Thursday asked state governors owing workers’ salaries to resign from office or face the workers’ wrath.

FG Scraps Post-UTME, Pegs Cut-off At 180

The Federal Government Thursday scrapped the conduct of post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) for candidates seeking admission into higher institution.

Bukola Saraki’s CCT Trial To Resume June 7

The trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on charges of false and anticipatory asset declaration before the Code of ConductTribunal in Abuja, is to resume on June 7.

New immigration boss vows to eliminate corruption at passport offices

The new Comptroller General of the Nigeria immigration Service (NIS), Mr Muhammad Babandede has pledged to decentralise and eliminate corruption at all passport offices in the country.

Police Recruitment Update: Applicants Reduced To 338, 227 As Commission Drops 573,211

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Thursdaysaid it shortlisted 338,227 applicants out of the 911,438 that applied for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

I Cannot Pay Workers' Salaries Any Longer - Niger State Governor Declares

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello on Wednesday declared that he is finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries due to the currently economic hardship the country is facing.

Female Pastor Fights 9 Persons While Wearing Bra, Underpants

After 10 years of unresolved marital crises, an Igando Customary Court in Lagos on Wednesday dissolved the marriage between a 42-year- old pastor and evangelist, Racheal, and her businessman-husband, Mr Joseph Aduwo.

Ogoni clean-up: Nyesom Wike cautions politicians, bans Okada ahead of Buhari’s visit

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has cautioned opposition politicians in the state against politicizing the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to flag-off of the much talked-about Ogoni clean-up.

Man City: Pep Guardiola Makes First Signing, Signs Ilkay Gundogan From Dortmund

Manchester City have signed Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal.

Niger Delta Avengers Are Criminals, We Won’t Negotiate With Them —Presidency

Presidential Adviser on Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta, Brig. General Paul Boroh (rtd) has slammed the the Niger Delta Avengers, the militant group sabotaging crude oil pipelines as criminals, who would not be captured in the Amnesty Programme.

Opinion: Corruption List: List Without Names, Fraud In Disguise

As the nation awaits the much publicised 'Corruption List' and the total amount of money recovered by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration since he took over power on May 29th, 2015.

2016 Rio Olympics: IOC Targets Russia, Mexico And Kenya For Drug Testing Ahead Of The Rio Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is to target Russia, Mexico and Kenya for drug testing ahead of the Rio Olympics.

No Reason For You To Be Lazy!

I have studied with keen interest a woman beggar along Lagos-Ibadan expressway here in Ibadan. No matter how I jet out very early, I always meet her at her spot, putting her best in her 'chosen' career.

Glo Rolls Out Jawbreaking Data Plans, 2Gb Now N1,000 As 6Gb Goes For N2,000 (See The Full List)

Globacom Nigeria has once again overtook other telecommunication companies in Nigeria in term of data bundles for its esteemed subscribers. 

Shocking! New Militant Group Emerges, Issues Ultimatum to Private Oil Firms

As the Federal Government moves against the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA), militancy in the region has tak­en another dimension as a new group: The New Delta Suicide Squad (NDSS) has emerged.

Strike: Ekiti Students' Body Makes Shocking U-turn, Backs Governor Fayose

The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (FESSU) has made a sharp u-turn against its earlier stand as to the ongoing strike embarked upon by the workers in the state over backlogs of unpaid five months salaries.

Ekiti Workers' Strike: Drivers, Okada Riders, Artisans Appeal To Labour To Sheath Their Swords And Return To Work

The striking workforce in Ekiti State has been urged to sheath their sword and show understanding with Governor Ayodele Fayose as their colleagues in other states of the federation have done.

Ondo Workers Join Their Ekiti Counterparts, To Embark On Indefinite Strike Over Six Months Unpaid Salaries And Arrears Tomorrow

Ondo State workers have finally woken up from their slumber. The workers have decided to embark on indefinite strike to press home their six months backlogs of salaries and arrears.

Their position was made known through a communique issued at the end of emergency meeting of JNC/NLC/TUC leadership held earlier today.

See the communique below:

It is our hope that the Iroko of Ondo State, Governor Olusegun Mimiko will intervene and do the needful.

It would be recalled that their counterparts in Ekiti are also on strike due to similar reason. It is high time these so-called governors make workers welfare their priorities!

Enough of cock and bull stories!

"It Would Be A Mistake To Focus On City's Pep Guardiola" - Jose Mourinho

New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says it would be a mistake to focus on Manchester City boss and rival Pep Guardiola next season.

Senate Today: Senate Proceedings For Today, Tuesday 31st May 2016

‬PRESENTATION OF BILLS

The Nigerian Senate today presented Two (2) Bills for first reading:

1. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act CAP N30 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2016 (SB. 290) by Senator Gbenga Ashafa (Lagos East Senatorial District)

2. Nigerian Police Service Bill 2016 (SB. 291) by Senator Jide Omoworare(Osun East Senatorial District)

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

The Senate also considered a report from the Committee on Health on the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Est. etc.) Bill, (SB. 10) Chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso (Ogun Central).

The Senate in the Committee of the whole went to the Clause by Clause consideration of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (Est. Etc) Bill 2016 SB. 10 and then moved for the 3rd reading of the Bill which was passed.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

The Senate considered a Bill for an Act to establish the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria to provide for the control of its membership and to promote and foster the practice of the Arts and Science of Management Accountancy in the Federationand for other purposes connected therewith 2016 SB. 236 by Senator Barnabas Gemade of Benue North-East Senatorial District.

Distinguished Senators took turns to speak on the importance of the Bill, including Senator Theodore Orji who said it is time to bring/sponsor a bill to register the Institute of Chartered Politicians.

After the establishment of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria Bill passed 2nd reading, Senate Leader moved that all other matters on the Order Paper be stepped down tothe next legislative day and for plenary to be adjourned and Senate Minority Leader seconded.

Senate President Bukola Saraki then put the question and plenary is adjourned to Wednesday 1st June, 2016.

‪Gavel Bangs‬

I Will Never Allow Fayose Become Vice President, He Has No Respect -Ali Modu Sheriff

Factional national chairman of the Peoples DemocraticParty, PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has explained the drama behind his alleged removal from office by the party’s governors.

Police Arrest 40 MASSOB Members In Nsukka

Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB-BIM) has raised alarm that the police have arrested 40 of her members at St. Theresa’s cathedral, Nsukka Monday while attending a special thanksgiving mass service in commemoration of 49th anniversary of the declaration of the defunct Biafran Republic by the late warlord Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Shocking! 7 Confirmed Dead As MASSOB Protest Turns Bloody In Asaba

No fewer than seven persons have been confirmed dead following protest by members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), in Asaba on Monday. 

#Buhari365Days: Opinion: Buhari Shouldn't Be Condemned But Encouraged

It is no longer news that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration clocked a year yesterday. Many reactions have been trailing the event. 

Serge Aurier Ivory Coast international arrested in Paris

Ivory Coast international Serge Aurier was arrested and placed in police custody on Monday after he was involved in an incident in Paris.

Fayose dares FG to stop him from travelling abroad, says; "Governors not Buhari's appendages”

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has dared the Federal Government to carry out the alleged plot of preventing him from travelling out of the country , saying; “under the federal system of government, State governors are not appendages of the President and as a leading opposition figure in Nigeria, he cannot be cowed by President Mohammadu Buhari and his agents.”

Buhari, APC Totally Not Prepared For Governance, Says Omoyele Sowore Sahara Reporters Publisher

Founder and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore has said that the All Progressives Congress and President Muhammadu Buhari were totally unprepared for the task of governance.

'I Don’t Know What I Sign’, Lionel Messi Told Judge In Fraud Case

Argentina star Lionel Messi, who is due to go on trial in Barcelona for alleged tax fraud, told a judge that he never looks at the contracts he signs, the ElPeriodico daily said Monday.

Man Stabs Friend To Death Over Refusal To Charge Phone In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a bricklayer, Demola Wasiu, for allegedly killing his 27-year-old friend, Lekan Omotosho.

Wilderness Pains In Nigeria Will Soon Be Gone, Osinbajo Assures

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has enjoined Nigerians not to lose hope as God’s hand is upon the nation.Osinbajo spoke at the Democracy Day Inter-Denominal Service at the Christian Centre Abuja,

#Buhari365Days: Charly Boy Pens An Open Letter To President Buhari On Behalf Of All 'Frustrated, Abandoned And Voiceless Youths'

Nigerian singer/songwriter, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa aka Charly Boy, shared this open letter to the President, asking him to make sure his change agenda touches the lives of the youths whose future has been stolen away by fantastically corrupt leaders.

Banks Stop International Transactions On Naira-denominated ATM Cards Over 'EFCC Harassment'

Some banks in the country have made real their threat to suspend international transactions on Naira and Dollar denominated ATM cards.

Revealed: EFCC Recovers N900 From Jonathan’s Ex-aide, Waripamowei Dudafa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has allegedly recovered N900m from Mr. Waripamowei Dudafa, a former Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

MUST READ: Full Transcript Of President Buhari Democracy Day Speech

President Muhammadu Buhari today, addressed the nation in his speech on Democracy Day.