Business

Gani Adams Collected N10.6b From Jonathan, $22m from Gadaffi to enrich himself” – OPC Leaders

Published

9 years ago

February 15, 2016

Some state chairmen of the Odua’ Peoples Congress have called on the President Muhammadu Buhari led government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Mr. Gani Adams, who they referred to as a former OPC National Coordinator.

While accusing Adams of financial impropriety, they also called on the EFCC to investigate some aides of Adams such as Ogunshola Olugbade and Femi Felix, who they referred to as his fronts.
They spoke on Sunday during a media briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The OPC Kwara State Coordinator, Mr. Maruff Olanrewaju, who addressed the media conference on behalf of other six states’ coordinators was flanked by the Oyo State Coordinator, OPC, Chief Adeagbo Musediq; his Ondo State counterpart, Mr. Rotimi Akinsonwon, a member of the National Coordinating Council, Mr. Lateef Oshodi; a former National Publicity and Director of Programmes, OPC, Mr. Sunday Bankole as well as some other national and Kwara State executives of the organisation.

Olanrewaju said, the Delta State coordinator, Mr. Hakeem Agbo-ola; his Sokoto State and Kaduna State counterparts, Alhaji Yekini Salaudeen and Alhaji Rasaq Ogunsanwo respectively and that of Bayelsa State though absent were in agreement with their position.

He said, “We also call on President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC to investigate all Gani Adams banks accounts; Ogunshola Olugbade’s account as well as Femi Felix account from February to November 2015.

“More so, President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration should give very closed monitoring to the bank and industry sectors because how can someone within a month save more than a billion in an account without any alarm from the bankers?”
He accused Adams of planning to unleash violence in Kwara State and urged the state government, security agencies to closely monitor the activities of Adams in the state.

According to him, Adams is planning to storm Ira, Oyun Local Government on March 12 allegedly with his hoodlums.

He said Adams was removed as national coordinator of OPC because he allegedly failed the entire members of the organization and allegedly betrayed the entire Yoruba race.

He accused Adams of disrespecting Yoruba leaders including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Olanrewaju said, “Just of recent, you are all living witnesses when a former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo went to Oni of Ife, he prostrated flatly before Oni. But when Gani Adams went, he just bowed his head with hand shake to Oni. That is disrespectful.

Adams is a disgrace to Yoruba culture. When you are promoting culture and you cannot bow in front of one of the most highly respect Oba in Yoruba land that is unacceptable.”

The Kwara State OPC boss further said Adams was not financially transparent to members of the organization.

According to him, Adams had collected N1.6bn from a former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for empowerment of the members, which he did not make the members to benefit from.

He also alleged that Adams collected N9bn from Jonathan’s government allegedly to destabilize the Yoruba race as well as allegedly received take off grant from Jonathan for pipe-line surveillance contract which OPC members executed only to allegedly deceive the OPC members who he said actually executed the contract that the contract money had not been paid.

Olanrewaju said, “Adams promised our members that if Jonathan released money, each member will get between N200,000 and N250,000 as empowerment. When Jonathan released N1.6bn through Musiliu Obanikoro, for that empower, there was nothing to show for it.

“He should explain how Jonathan’s money was spent. Before the election, there was a publication by a former National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress now Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed that Adams had collected N9bn from Jonathan to disorganize the Yoruba race. We denied that but later we came to the realization that truly he collected the money.

“At the first meeting after the election, he told us that he spent N800m on OPU outside the country. Where did he get the money? He also bought some properties. After the election, he went to London to establish Odua Voice Radio, which cost him thousands of dollars. Where did he get the money from if he did not collect N9bn from Jonathan?”
According to the Kwara OPC boss, Adams collected $22m from a former leader of Libya, late Muammar Gaddafi. He further alleged that Libyans had been demanding for the refund of the money.

“Adams should explain how Jonathan’s money was spent. We demand immediate reaction to the allegation of $22m Gadaffi money. He should show to the world the registration certificate of Olokun Festival Foundation, Oodua Economic Empowerment Initiative and that of Oodua Voice Radio,” Olanrewaju said.

He also alleged that Adams became partisan and supported many governorship candidates that later failed.

He added that Adams had boasted that he would mobilize 6m votes for Jonathan from South West. He stated that even with alleged rented crowd, Adams disappointed Jonathan.
According to him, Adams supported Gadaffi against Libyans while Gadaffi later died.

Olawale who said other state coordinators of OPC were solidly behind them in their revolt to Adams challenged him to sue them if he believed that their allegations against him are untrue.

Business

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

Published

7 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Sahara Weekly

UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Business

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

Business

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.