society
LICENSED LOTTERY OPERATORS FORUM DISAGREES WITH HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OVER SUPPOSED INDICTMENT
We are solicitors to The Licensed Lottery Operators Forum which comprises most of the registered lottery operators in Nigeria.
Our clients have briefed us that at the proceedings of the House of Representatives on the 21st of May, 2018 certain comments were made by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Governmental Affairs with reference to lottery operations in Nigeria. The relevant conclusions to be deduced from the totality of the comments are as follows:
1. All licenses issued from 2008 till date were not validly issued and all lottery operators including our clients are operating illegally as only one lottery company is legally authorized to practice in Nigeria.
2. That Lottery Operators including our clients fraudulently diverted Government funds and are therefore indebted to the Federal Government to the tune of N1.3trillion naira only.
3. That the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will be mobilized to recover the said N1.3trillion Naira from the Lottery Operators.
It has become necessary to issue this Press Release to create the correct impression as most members of the public will give serious attention to the above comments coming from an institution as respectable as the House of Representatives.
As a preliminary point, our clients are not a Department or Agency of Government charged with the responsibility of disbursing or administering moneys appropriated by the National Assembly and cannot by any stretch of interpretation be the subject of investigation by the National Assembly. Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides as follows:
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, each House of the National Assembly shall have power by resolution published in its journal or in the Official Gazette of the Government of the Federation to direct or cause to be directed an investigation into –
(a) any matter or thing with respect to which it has power to make laws; and
(b) the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, Ministry or government department charged, or intended to be charged, with the duty of or responsibility for –
(i) executing or administering laws enacted by the National Assembly, and
(ii) disbursing or administering moneys appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.
(2) The powers conferred on the National Assembly under the provisions of this section are exercisable only for the purpose of enabling it to –
(a) make laws with respect to any mater within its legislative competence and correct any defects in existing laws; and
(b) expose corruption, inefficiency or waste in the execution or administration of laws within its legislative competence and in the disbursement or administration of funds appropriated by it.”
A cursory reading of the above constitutional provision clearly shows that in seeking to investigate our clients, the House of Representatives have obviously stepped outside their constitutional roles.
With respect to the first issue raised by the House of Representatives, the procedure for the issuance of licenses to Lottery Operators is clearly set out in the National Lottery Act. The provisions of the Act were duly complied with in the issuance of lottery licenses to our clients by the National Lottery Regulatory Commission. In any event, it is not the duty of the House of Representatives to determine the validity of the licenses and it is ultra vires the House of Representatives to revoke the licenses of Lottery Operators by proclamative fiat.
We do not want to assume, despite its probability, that these proclamations made by the House of Representatives are targeted at eliminating perceived competitors in the lottery industry and entrenching a monopoly as such a move will be resisted being contrary to the Federal Government’s policy on liberalization of businesses.
On the issue of the indebtedness of our clients to the Federal Government to the tune of N1.3trillion naira, it is important to point out that the House of Representatives is not in the proper position to assess the workings of the lottery industry. The fact remains that the lottery industry is bedeviled with many challenges and the revenue projected by the House of Representatives is unrealistic and far from the present state of affairs. As law abiding citizens, the Lottery Operators are willing to submit their books to scrutiny to the relevant agencies as evidence of the transparency of the Nigerian Lottery Scheme.
We would have thought that the House of Representatives would have devoted this time and effort into looking for ways to solve the problems bedeviling the lottery industry like multiple taxation, excessive regulation, high import duties and irregular cost template than dissipating energy on the present course.
While we recognize the oversight and investigative powers of the legislature under sections 88 & 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the said powers like we pointed out above are not at large and have been circumscribed by judicial decisions, the most recent of which is FESTUS KEYAMO V. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/163/2009) By necessary application, the position of the court is to the effect that the House of Representatives of any of its Committees does not have the powers to accuse private citizens of companies of unwholesome or fraudulent conduct neither are they empowered to make recommendations or pass any resolution concerning the conduct of any private persons or company who is not charged or intended to be charged with the duty of administering laws enacted by the National Assembly or disbursing funds appropriated by the National Assembly.
The general public and investors are therefore alerted not to be misled by the so-called Resolution of the House of Representatives as it relates to the operations of our clients as the so-called Resolutions do not reflect the true position of facts and the law.
Thank you.
JOHN AINETOR, ESQ.
Assistant Head of Chambers
society
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade
It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.
At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.
Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.
The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.
During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.
Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.
Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.
society
Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace
The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.
“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.
The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.
The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.
According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.
The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.
It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.
The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.
“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.
The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.
The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.
“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.
society
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London
Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.
The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.
He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.
“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.
“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.
“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.
“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.
“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”
The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.
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