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Kogi: My lawyer’s name is ‘my lawyer’, witness tells Tribunal, says ‘I spoke to him in vernacular

Published

4 weeks ago

April 4, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Kogi: My lawyer’s name is ‘my lawyer’, witness tells Tribunal, says ‘I spoke to him in vernacular’

. I forgot to say I was SDP agent in my deposition – Witness

. Sitting adjourned to April 4 for continuation of hearing

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Hearing continued at the Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Wednesday with four witnesses testifying for the petitioners, the Social Democratic Party.

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The witnesses’ accounts, like in previous sittings, followed virtually the same patterns even when they voted in different polling units.

Visible contradictions were also discovered during cross-examination, which, in most cases, could not be explained by the witnesses concerned.

While one of the four witnesses, Danlamin Abaji Yakubu, from Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State, claimed that he was an agent of the SDP during the election, others said they were not agents.

Yakubu, who said he was a member of the SDP, a voter and the Party’s agent during the election, however, noted, under cross-examination, that he had lost everything that could prove that he was an agent.

When asked if he stated in his deposition that he was an agent in the election, he told the Tribunal that he forgot to say so.

He also admitted that he did not write his deposition but explained to his lawyer, who he said wrote it for him.

When his attention was also brought to the fact that in Paragraph 4 of his deposition, he did not indicate the total number of accredited voters, he said it was a mistake by the typist.

The Respondents’ counsel asked him to state the number he meant to write if it was a mistake. But he said, “I don’t know the number.”

In his deposition, he indicated that the number of registered voters in his polling unit was 771, but when he was asked to confirm the number, he said, “I did not indicate that I voted in my deposition.”

This was amusing because his answer did not tally with the question he was asked.

Another witness, Abdulkareem Muhammed Ogeja, also from Ajaokuta, created room for a mild drama under cross-examination.

He said though he was a member of the SDP, he did not state in his deposition that he was a member of the party.

But he confirmed that he was not the party’s agent during the election and that the SDP had an agent at his polling unit.

The Respondent’s counsel asked, “Are you surprised that the SDP agent did not complain and you were the only one that complained? He said, “I’m not surprised.”

The interesting part of his appearance was when he was asked if he wrote the deposition by himself and he said his lawyer did after he explained what happened to him.

When he was told to mention the name of his lawyer, the witness said, “His name is my lawyer.”

The Respondents’ lawyer then asked him, “Which language did you use to communicate with your lawyer?” Ogeja said he communicated with his lawyer “in vernacular”.

Investigations, however, revealed that there was no illiterate jurat in his deposition as required.

He also noted that he did not know the number of registered voters in his polling unit and that he did not also receive any paper indicating the number on the day of election, whereas he was said to have quoted the figures in his deposition.

On his part, Emmanuel Ohiare, from Okehi Local Government Area, said he was not a member of the SDP neither was he an agent but noted that the party had an agent at his polling unit.

It was therefore an issue of concern that the SDP agent did not complain of irregularities but a random voter.

He also admitted, under cross-examination, that the election went on smoothly and proper procedures were followed, noting that voters were validly accredited. But he maintained that there was over-voting even though it was observed that he could not substantiate this during cross-examination.

He told the Tribunal that his lawyer prepared the deposition for him but did not know the name of his lawyer.

The judge observed that the witness, Ohiare, was being evasive during cross-examination.

Abdullahi Musa, from Ajaokuta Local Government Area, said he was not at his polling unit as the agent and did not know whether the SDP had an agent.

He told the Tribunal that proper procedures were not followed, but during cross-examination, he was confronted with Paragraph 5 of his deposition, where he had said that the procedures were properly followed.

He indicated there that there was voters’ accreditation and that he was fully accredited.

Another interesting twist to his claims was that he had made reference to a particular Form EC40H(1)PWD in his deposition. But when asked, during cross-examination if he knew the said form, he said no.

When the witness’ attention was drawn to Paragraph 5(F) of his deposition, which contained the Form EC40(1)PWD, and the fact that his response meant that the statement in that paragraph was not correct, he said, “I know.”

Sitting was subsequently adjourned to April 4, 2024 for continuation of hearing.

Four witnesses had testified on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, and they all confirmed that they were voters and not party agents.

One of the witnesses, Abdulsalam Adamson, from Okehi Local Government, had said no one threatened him not to testify in court, contrary to claims that the SDP witnesses were being threatened.

Others that testified on Tuesday were Salawudeen Abdulraheem, Adavi Local Government;
Abdulazeez Abdulkareem, Okehi Local Government; and Raji Usman, also from Okehi.

The lead counsel for the petitioners at the hearing on Wednesday was Pius Akubo, SAN.

Kanu Agabi SAN represented the Independent National Electoral Commission,
A.M. Aliu SAN, appeared for Governor Usman Ododo, while
E.C. Ukala SAN, represented the All Progressives Congress.

On Tuesday, Alex Iziyon SAN appeared for Governor Ododo.

The SDP is challenging the victory of Gov. Ododo of the APC in the November 2023 Governorship election in the state.

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FRN V. Ali Bello & 3 Ors: Court adjourns to May 27 for continuation of hearing

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Panic As The Cardoso Family Takes Possession Of Lagos Land With 300 Houses

FRN V. Ali Bello & 3 Ors: Court adjourns to May 27 for continuation of hearing

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned further hearing in the alleged money laundering charges against Ali Bello and three others to May 27, 2024.

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The Judge, on Thursday, adjourned the trial following the conclusion of evidence in chief by the second witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,
Olomotane Egoro.

The adjournment was to allow counsel to Ali Bello, Abubakar Aliu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, to cross examine the witness in his testimony against the defendants.

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At Thursday’s proceedings, in the suit marked: ABJ/CR/573/2022 (FRN Vs. Ali Bello and 3 others), Egoro, a Staff of Access Bank, tendered Bank Statements of Keyless Nature Limited, Fasab Business Enterprise and Ari Consulting and Integrated Limited and testified of cash lodgements into the accounts from 14 Local Government Areas of Kogi State.

The witness, who did not state the purpose for which the monies were transferred into the accounts, also testified as to withdrawals from the said accounts.

The lodgements and withdrawals were said to have been made from between 2017 and 2022.

At the end of the Witness’ testimony, Counsel to the 1st Defendant, Ali Bello (A. M. Aliyu SAN) prayed the Court for an adjournment to enable him cross examine the Witness. By agreement of Counsel, the matter was adjourned.

Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, SAN, appeared for the Prosecution.

Nureini Jimoh SAN appeared for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Defendants.

Ali Bello and three others are facing trial on an alleged N3 billion fraud charge brought against them by the EFCC.

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STANDARD PROFILE OF BOMA FEMI JULIUS BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

Published

11 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

STANDARD PROFILE OF BOMA FEMI JULIUS

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

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Boma Femi Julius is one individual who has stood out in the dynamic and demanding realm of drilling and well engineering. With a robust educational background and extensive professional experience, Julius stands as a paragon of expertise and innovation in the field. His journey from Nigeria to international acclaim is a testament to his dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

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Education and Skill Set

Julius’ academic foundation is as solid as the wells he helps to engineer. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Polymer and Textile Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria, in 2001. Building upon this foundation, he pursued further studies, obtaining a Mini MBA in Business Administration and Management from the Tekedia Institute in 2020. His crowning achievement came with the completion of a Master of Science in Drilling and Well Engineering from the prestigious Robert Gordon University in 2021.

Armed with this impressive academic arsenal, Julius possesses a diverse array of skills that set him apart in his field. As a drilling engineer and drilling fluids specialist, he combines technical acumen with practical experience to tackle even the most challenging drilling environments. Additionally, his expertise extends to the realm of martial arts, where he serves as a karate coach, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to both professional and personal development.

Professional Experience

Julius’ professional journey is marked by a series of notable accomplishments and contributions to the industry. He has held key roles at leading companies such as Schlumberger Gabon, Baker Hughes GE Saudi Arabia, and Sterling Global Oil Resources, among others.

At Schlumberger Gabon, Julius serves as the Lead Drilling Fluids Consultant, providing invaluable technical guidance and support to Assala Oil Company in navigating complex drilling operations. His role involves supervising all aspects of drilling fluids management, from backloading cuttings waste to ensuring adherence to HSE guidelines.

Julius’ tenure at Baker Hughes GE Saudi Arabia was equally impactful, where he led drilling fluids operations to meet the rigorous standards of Saudi Aramco’s offshore operations. His expertise in hole cleaning simulation and quality assurance helped to optimize drilling performance while upholding the highest safety standards.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Globat Oil and Gas Skills/Mud School, Julius demonstrates his commitment to knowledge dissemination and professional development. Through training programs tailored to industry professionals at all levels, he shares his wealth of experience and expertise, shaping the next generation of drilling engineers and supervisors.

Contributions and Achievements

Julius’ contributions to the field extend beyond his professional roles, encompassing innovative problem-solving, environmental stewardship, and technological advancement. His meticulous approach to mud operations and inventory management has led to significant cost savings and improved drilling efficiency.

Notably, Julius has played a pivotal role in the successful drilling and completion of numerous high-profile projects, including those in H2S fields, HPHT wells, and deep offshore environments. His expertise in mud program development and application of cutting-edge technologies has been instrumental in overcoming complex drilling challenges and achieving operational excellence.

Professional Affiliations and Accolades

Julius is an active member of esteemed professional organizations, including the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Energy Institute. His contributions to the industry have been recognized through various accolades and certifications, underscoring his status as a respected leader and authority in drilling and well engineering. Julius stands among the Amazon 20 best-performing CEOs in corporate Nigeria and ranks among the top 10 notable leaders in the country’s corporate sector.

Additional accolades

His professionalism has been recognized with awards from various organizations, including:

10th West Africa Brands Excellence Awards 2021, bestowed by The Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, for being West Africa’s Best Oil & Gas Training School of the Year 2021.

Positioning of Globat Oil & Gas Skills as one of the best managed businesses in Nigeria’s private sector 2021, recognized by Guardian Newspaper Limited.

Inclusion among the 100 Most Innovative CEOs for the year 2020 by Africa Oil and Gas Brands Awards 2020, presented by The African Brands Magazine.

Acknowledgment as Africa’s Most Innovative Oil and Gas Training Centre of the Year 2020, honored by Vanguard for Developing Careers in the Oil and Gas Sector.

Recognition as one of Vanguard’s Top 40 Best CEOs 2019, awarded by Vanguard Newspaper Limited.

Conclusion

In Boma Femi Julius, the industry finds not only a consummate professional but also a visionary leader and mentor. His unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his passion for innovation and knowledge sharing, continues to shape the landscape of drilling and well engineering, inspiring others to reach greater heights in their own endeavors. As the industry evolves and challenges emerge, Julius stands ready to lead the way, leaving an indelible mark on the world of oil and gas exploration and production.

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LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

Published

15 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Sahara Weekly

LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

…Highlights Benefits of LAG-ID Card

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The Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency (LASRRA) has taken a significant step towards improving its database by launching a registration centre at the Blue Line Rail Terminal.

The event, which occurred at Marina, Lagos Station, on Thursday, seeks to encourage commuters who reside in Lagos State and use the corridor daily to register and validate their information with LASRRA.

The General Manager of LASRRA, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, expressed the agency’s commitment to providing convenient registration facilities for residents. Currently, LASRRA operates 62 registration outlets across the five divisions of Lagos. However, the agency plans to establish more centres to cater to the teeming population of the largest city in West Africa.

She highlighted the importance of bringing the registration process closer to residents, particularly those with busy schedules.

“By setting up centres at strategic locations like the Blue Line Terminal, LASRRA aims to ensure that all residents can fulfill their civic responsibility of registering with the agency.

“Similar registration centres will be established at other terminals across the state in the near future. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no resident is left behind. The benefits of the LAG-ID Card, the end product of the registration process are enormous.

“Besides serving as a legitimate form of identification, the LAG-ID Card offers multifaceted usage. To check the status of their cards, registered individuals can simply dial the short USSD code *347*641#.

“It is important to note that the registration process is not complete until individuals collect their printed LAG-ID Card and receive a notification on their registered phone number for pick-up,” she noted.

The highlight of the event was when participants had the opportunity to use their LAG-ID Cards to board the train and experience a ride from Marina to Mile 2. This symbolic gesture showcased the seamless integration of the LAG-ID Card with public transportation and further emphasized the importance of registration for all residents.

She emphasized that LASRRA remains committed to its mission of capturing the information and biometrics of Lagos State residents to provide better services and meet their needs, and the launch of the registration centre at the Blue Line Rail Terminal is a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring the inclusivity of all residents in the state’s development plans.