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Anti-corruption CSOs, constitutional lawyers petition Buhari, demand probe of EFCC under Bawa

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Why EFCC Invited Eight Of Buhari's Ministers

Anti-corruption CSOs, constitutional lawyers petition Buhari, demand probe of EFCC under Bawa

 

 

 

. Allege ‘Bawa’s modus operandi causing serious concerns among Commission’s officials’

. Ask President to direct IGP to effect his immediate arrest

. Uncover EFCC’s plan to sponsor launch of ‘attack organisation’ against perceived enemies

 

Scores of Anti-corruption Organisations and constitutional lawyers in Nigeria, on Thursday, submitted a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, protesting what they described as brazen disobedience of court orders by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa; alleged reckless politicisation of the Commission under his watch and his continued stay in office, in spite of a court order committing him to prison for contempt.

In a press statement signed by Spokesperson for the over 130 CSOs, including more than 20 Constitutional lawyers, Olufemi Lawson, the activists disclosed that they had also submitted a copy of the petition to the Inspector-General of Police.

This, according to them, is “to intimate the Police authorities that a convict cannot be allowed to be walking freely without being reined in as ordered by the Courts.”

They called on President Buhari to immediately suspend Bawa to restore confidence in the capacity of the commission to truly fight financial crime; direct the IGP to effect his arrest in line with a court order; and commission an enquiry into the workings of the EFCC, its present engagements and happenings within the agency.

The activists said, being anti-corruption crusaders themselves, they could not stand by while the EFCC boss allegedly makes a mess of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, noting specifically that his modus operandi in the Commission was reportedly “causing serious concerns and disgust among the top hierarchy of the Commission.”

In the petition, a copy of which was made available to the press, the activists stated, “It is on the basis of the continued perpetration of illegality in the EFCC, that we promptly alerted the Nation to it, issuing a 7-day ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police to effect Bawa’s arrest and make him face justice.

“It is worrisome that weeks after we issued this ultimatum, Bawa is still walking free, continuing the perpetration of illegality that has become the identity of the EFCC.”

They listed the alleged unruly activities of the EFCC under Bawa to include “arrests without valid warrants, detention of suspects beyond the duration allowed by the courts, seizure of properties belonging to suspected persons before any such declaration by a court of competent jurisdiction, rascally handling of suspicions of financial crime that appear like witch-hunting, and brazen disobedience of court orders, among others.”

“Aside from the above, the EFCC under Bawa is also quickly becoming a cesspool of internal corruption with several reports of corrupt practices going on within the Commission.
There are allegations of age falsification to remain in office beyond the statutory limit of civil service regulations, involving very senior officers of the commission.

“If a government agency expected to fight crime is found going about its business in a manner that mimics witch-hunt and rascality, while also being unable to deal with corruption going on within its own workforce, we fear that the Nation may slide into some real crisis of confidence in our systems,” the petition said.

The anti-corruption activists also disclosed that they had uncovered plans by the EFCC to sponsor the launch of a faceless organization, led by “discredited activists”, for the purpose of laundering Bawa’s tainted image before the incoming administration takes charge.

“At the said launch of the organization, the plan is to call on the Commission to seek the services of INTERPOL to harass perceived opponents of some political godfathers and other unpatriotic government officials, to whom we believe Bawa defers,” they said.

They recalled that, upon his nomination for the position of the Commission’s chairman in 2021, several groups of Nigerians had opposed the appointment of Bawa, based on what was described as his antecedents.

According to the petition, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), in a letter dated 18th February 2021, had asked the National Assembly to reject Bawa’s nomination as EFCC chair, based on several controversies that characterised his tenure in previous positions in the EFCC, giving the grave implication of such, on the exalted position.

In the light of the aforementioned, the anti-corruption CSOs urged President Buhari to: “Direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately effect the arrest of Abdulrasheed Bawa in compliance with a subsisting order of the court and make him face the full consequences of his actions, based on court orders that we are sure he is aware of, but has refused to act upon.

“Commission an enquiry into the workings of the EFCC, its present engagements and happenings within the commission.

“Immediately suspend Mr Bawa as head of the Commission to restore confidence in the capacity of the commission to truly fight financial crime and purge itself of bad elements while discharging its job.

“Order an immediate overhaul of the commission and where necessary lobby the National Assembly to amend the EFCC Act to make the structure less prone to high-handedness and make the Chairmen answerable to the laws of the land.”

The ‘Bawa Must Go’ protests, which continued on Tuesday are being led by CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran; Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem; Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson; Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun; Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihehaire; and Ahmed Balogun of Media Rights Concern, among over 120 notable leaders of Anti-corruption CSOs.

Barr. Mogbojuri Kayode of the Citizens Rights Advocacy Group (CRAG), is also leading over 20 constitutional lawyers in the protest.

 

 

 

Anti-corruption CSOs, constitutional lawyers petition Buhari, demand probe of EFCC under Bawa

PRESS STATEMENT
(16-03-2023)

BAWA NOT FIT TO REMAIN EFCC CHAIRMAN

In continuation of our advocacy for the maintenance of the sanctity and inviolability of the rule as related to our nation’s judiciary, we have submitted a petition to the office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, today, March 16, 2023, in Abuja, to further drive home the point that impunity cannot be allowed to thrive at any level of governance institutions.

A copy of the said petition has also been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police in order to intimate the Police authorities that a convict cannot be allowed to be walking freely without being reined in as ordered by the Courts.

For the umpteenth time, we wish to reemphasize that our primary interest is in protecting our Judiciary from heads of government agencies with anarchist mentality of reckless impunity. Such opprobrious indiscretions have no place in a democracy.

It is in this regard that we appreciate and commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his decisive action on the recently contrived complications vis-a-vis the Supreme Court judgment on the Naira swap policy. Mr. President’s exemplary stand against purveyors of impunity in his government shows him as a true Democrat and an astute statesman.

It is in this same wise that we call on him to ensure that all renegades against the rule of law in his government are firmly reined in, the latest example being the outgoing Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, who seems to be totally oblivious of the workings of governance with regard to separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary while his modus operandi with the Commission is allegedly causing serious concerns and disgust among the top hierarchy of the Commission.

We are not unaware of the targeted sponsored attacks by the Commission against our patriotic interventions, including the planned launching of a faceless organization, led by discredited activists whose stomachs are their God, for the purpose of continuing to launder Bawa’s tainted image. At the said launch of the organization,  the plan is to call on the Commission to seek the services of INTERPOL to harass perceived opponents of some political godfathers and other unpatriotic government officials, to whom we believe Bawa defers.

As veteran credible activists, no amount of threats or compromising overtures can dissuade us from the genuine cause that we have embarked on to ensure that our Judiciary is not rubbished by power in the service of political machinations, and to ensure that politics has little or no space in the discharge of EFCC’s duties.

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Jamsalod Nigeria Limited Director, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele Honoured With Exemplary Leadership Awards

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Jamsalod Nigeria Limited Director, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele Honoured With Exemplary Leadership Awards 

Jamsalod Nigeria Limited Director, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele Honoured With Exemplary Leadership Awards

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Managing Director of Jamsalod Nigeria Limited, Engineer Jamiu Ogundele has been awarded with exemplary leadership awards by Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta today 26th of July 2024.

 

 

 

 

Jamsalod Nigeria Limited Director, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele Honoured With Exemplary Leadership Awards 

 

 

 

 

According to Distinguish Senator Oluwashina Aramide Bello, he said Engineer Ongundele Jamiu was awarded based on his exemplary leadership acumen and philanthropy to the people at large.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The awards were presented on the 26th of July, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his acceptance speech, Engr. Jamiu Ogundele appreciated the Students of Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta FUNAAB for deeming it necessary to bestow him with a leadership awards. He promise to continue rendering assistance to the less privileged and sponsorship of education for children and youths whose parents are not financially buoyant to send them to school.

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10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

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10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong 

10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever thought about buying a house or apartment that hasn’t been built yet? This is called buying “off-plan” property. In Nigeria, more and more people are choosing this option when they want to own a home. Let’s explore 10 big advantages of buying off-plan property in Nigeria.

 

 

 

10 Advantages of Buying Off-Plan Property in Nigeria by Dennis Isong 

 

 

1. Lower Prices

 

One of the best things about buying off-plan is that it’s usually cheaper than buying a finished home. When you buy early in the building process, developers often offer lower prices to attract buyers. This is because they need money to start or continue building. By buying off-plan, you can get a great deal on a property that might cost much more once it’s finished.

 

For example, let’s say a developer is planning to build a block of apartments in Lagos. They might offer the first few buyers a 20% discount on the final price. This means you could save millions of Naira just by buying early!

 

2. More Time to Save Money

 

When you buy off-plan, you don’t have to pay for everything at once. Usually, you pay a deposit first, and then you make more payments as the building goes up. This gives you more time to save money or arrange a mortgage. It’s like having a savings plan that ends with you owning a home!

 

Let’s say the apartment you want costs 50 million Naira. You might pay a 10% deposit (5 million Naira) when you agree to buy it. Then, you could have 18 months or more to save up or arrange the rest of the money before the apartment is ready.

 

3. Customization Options

 

Another great thing about buying off-plan is that you often get to choose how your home looks inside. You might be able to pick the colors of the walls, the type of flooring, or even the layout of the rooms. This means your new home can be just the way you like it, without you having to do any extra work.

 

Imagine being able to choose between having a big kitchen or an extra bedroom. Or picking the perfect tiles for your bathroom. When you buy off-plan, you often get these choices!

 

4. Newer Designs and Technology

 

Off-plan properties are usually more modern than older homes. Developers use the latest building techniques and include new technologies. This could mean better insulation to keep your home cool, solar panels to save on electricity, or smart home features that make life easier.

 

For instance, your new off-plan apartment might come with high-speed internet already installed, or a modern security system to keep you safe.

 

5. Higher Potential for Increase in Value

 

Property values in Nigeria often go up over time, especially in big cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. When you buy off-plan, you’re locking in today’s price for a property that will be finished in the future. By the time your home is ready, it might already be worth more than what you paid for it!

 

Let’s say you buy an off-plan apartment in Abuja for 40 million Naira. Two years later, when it’s finished, similar apartments in the area might be selling for 50 million Naira. You’ve already gained 10 million Naira in value!

 

6. Better Locations

 

Developers often choose great locations for their new projects. They look for areas that are growing or improving, places close to important roads, schools, or shopping areas. By buying off-plan, you might get a chance to own property in an area that will become very popular in the future.

 

For example, a developer might start a project in an area of Lagos that’s getting a new train station. By the time your home is ready, you could be living in a well-connected, sought-after neighborhood.

7. Guaranteed New Home

 

When you buy off-plan, you know you’re getting a brand new home. Everything will be fresh and unused. This means you probably won’t have to spend money on repairs or renovations for a long time. New homes also often come with warranties, so if anything does go wrong, it can be fixed for free.

 

Imagine moving into a home where you’re the first person to use the kitchen, or sleep in the bedroom. Everything is clean, new, and working perfectly!

8. Easier Budgeting

 

Buying off-plan can make it easier to plan your finances. You know exactly how much you need to pay and when. This can help you avoid surprises and make sure you have enough money saved at the right times.

 

For instance, if you know you need to pay 20% when the foundation is laid, 30% when the walls are up, and the rest when it’s finished, you can plan your savings or loan payments to match these stages.

9. Potential for Better Deals

 

Developers want to sell their properties quickly, especially at the start of a project. This means they might offer special deals to early buyers. You could get extras included in the price, like air conditioning units, a parking space, or even furniture.

 

Some developers might even offer a guarantee to buy back the property at a higher price if you decide you don’t want it when it’s finished. This can give you peace of mind about your investment.

 

10. Excitement and Anticipation

 

Last but not least, buying off-plan can be really exciting! You get to watch your future home being built from the ground up. Each visit to the site shows more progress. It’s like watching a dream come true in front of your eyes.

 

This excitement can make the waiting time feel special, rather than frustrating. You have time to plan how you’ll decorate, or to save up for furniture. By the time you move in, you’ll already feel a strong connection to your new home.

 

 

Dennis Isong is a TOP REALTOR IN LAGOS.He Helps Nigerians in Diaspora to Own Property In Lagos Nigeria STRESS-FREE. For Questions WhatsApp/Call 2348164741041

 

 

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ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

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ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), has flagged off the construction of a N280 million Abdul Samad Rabiu Integrated Publishing House for Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. This project will enhance the capacity of the University from basic press status to a modern, integrated publishing house to encompass publishing, print production, and other related diversified services. The one-storey building facility will serve as a laboratory and studio for training students of communications, media studies, and allied disciplines as well as other disciplines.

 

 

 

ASR AFRICA FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF A N280 MILLION INTEGRATED PUBLISHING HOUSE FOR BABCOCK UNIVERSITY, ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

 

 

 

 

At the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Ademola S. Tayo, expressed satisfaction at the nomination by ASR Africa, under its Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. He added that the choice of the project was a response to the vision to take the Mass Communications Department of the University to a whole new level. According to him, the university’s vision is to produce young men and women capable of critical thinking, and problem-solvers capable of proffering innovative solutions to problems of everyday life, be it social, political, and cultural.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, expressed his delight at the University’s choice of establishing an Integrated Publishing House. He added that when information is appropriately applied, human society is empowered to liberate itself from limitations and attain its full potential. Dr Udoh reiterated the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu to supporting quality education within the tertiary education system in Nigeria and urged the institution to focus on the sustainability of this noble project. He also reiterated the importance of cooperation and collaboration between the university and the contractor for the timely delivery of the publishing house.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About ASR Africa

ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.

 

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