Connect with us

news

NGF’S RESPONSE TO NED MUNIR NWOKO’S PRESS STATEMENT DATED 20TH AUGUST, 2022

Published

on

NED MUNIR NWOKO

NGF’S RESPONSE TO NED MUNIR NWOKO’S PRESS STATEMENT DATED 20TH AUGUST, 2022

NED MUNIR NWOKO

Not surprisingly, the desperate, spurious and futile advocacy mounted and coordinated by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on behalf of the so-called Paris Club Consultants to justify the plundering of the humongous sum of USD418.9m from the public treasury of the States and Local Governments continued on Saturday 20th August 2022, when Ned Nwoko, in a press statement attempted to blur and obfuscate the real facts and legal issues in controversy by dishing out blatant lies and half-truths.

The facts are and will always remain: whether the claims of the consultants are lawful and justified under our constitution and whether any Judgment which is a subject of a pending appeal can be enforced or executed as the consultants now attempt to do? If both questions are answered in the negative, it does not matter if the contracts leading to the claims were entered into by any public official, past or present. No person or persons can agree to blatantly circumvent our Constitution and get away with it. Neither is the period when Judgments were obtained of consequence in this case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Undoubtedly, the salient facts on the fraud associated with the Paris Club refunds can never be changed by a thousand Press Statements by the AGF or any of the Consultants. As the Judgments of the appellate courts, particularly that of the Supreme Court have begun to expose the creepiness and unlawful nature of the consultants claims; it is not surprising that they are now afflicted by dizzy spells, seriously discomforted and are now driven by desperation to ensure that the plundering and fleecing of the State is quickly completed before the determination of the pending proceedings in the appellate and other courts in order to foist a situation of frustration and helplessness on the States. This is apparent as the consultants are not in a position to restore the funds to the States if they lose on appeal; as it is becoming apparent.

It is therefore needless joining issues with NED NWOKO or indeed any of the consultants. It is however imperative to debunk patent lies dished out in order to disabuse the minds of the undiscerning public. It is curious that in the introduction of himself, Mr. Ned Nwoko said nothing about his current status with the UK Law Society and the widely held belief that he was disbarred for fraudulent activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While he strenuously tried to single out and justify his own bogus claim of USD$68 million; the total amount which all the consultants working in concert, collectively seek and claim from the States and Local Governments, albeit unlawfully is USD$418,953,690.59 broken down as follows:
i. NED MUNIR NWOKO ($68,658,192.83)
ii. DR. TED ISIGHOHI EDWARDS ($159,000,000)
iii. PANIC ALERT SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD ($47,831,920)
iv. RIOK NIG. Ltd (USD142,028,941.95)
v. PRINCE ORJI ORIZU (USD1,219,440.45)
vi. BARRISTER OLAITAN BELLO (USD215,195.36)
TOTAL – USD$418,953,690.59

 

 

It is instructive to note that all the claims by the consultants are rooted in Suit No FHC/ABJ/CS/130/13 BETWEEN: LINAS INTERNATIONAL LTD & 35 ORS VS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & 3 ORS in which NED NWOKO instituted, and was awarded a bogus 20% of the sum of $3,188,078,505.96 from the States and Local Government Paris Club refunds. The Judgment has been challenged on appeal by the States and NGF in Suit No CA/ABJ/PRE/ROEA/CV/327M1/2022: ATTORNEY GENERAL OF ABIA STATE & 35 ORS VS LINAS INTERNATIONAL LTD & 239 ORS.

The attempt by NED therefore to separate his own claim of $68 million as if it is not related to the claims of other consultants is being clever by half. All the consultants claim to have rendered the same or similar service of helping the States and Local Governments to recover over-deducted Paris Club refunds by the Federal Government performed some contracts to be paid from the Paris club refunds. Their cases therefore rise or fall together. A poison of the part is a poison of the whole. What is unlawful remains unlawful. Its origin is immaterial and the part or role played by all parties separately or collectively at all times is unlawful and cannot be remedied.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As it is common with all unholy alliances, it does appear that the romance between the consultants and their determination to fight together under the AGF’s tacit coordination to pull out of the States the sum of USD$418,953,690.59 may have suffered a crack. This must have led NED to address the press alone and single out his unmerited claim of $68 million as justifiable. This is also coming just on the heels of a similar press briefing by the AGF, a few days ago during which he stoutly defended all the consultants and berated the States for opposing or delaying the prompt payment of the sum claimed. It was thought that the AGF had done a good job of defense for all of them; but NED’s decision to go solo to make his own case without reference to others suggest that the union of consultants is gradually falling apart. What however NED did not tell the public is: If all the Local Governments engaged him directly as claimed and if he acted for the States through his lawyers and the NGF requested that he extends the services to all the States as also claimed, what different service did TED ISEGHOHI-EDWARDS, his collaborator and conspirator (indicted by the EFCC) rendered for which he is being paid the whooping sum of $159,000,000 also from the Paris Club refund?

In his desperation to justify his claim, NED peddled untruths that his team was a member of the Federal Government Committee constituted to reconcile figures under the Paris Club refunds to the States and Local Governments. That is patently false. The report of that committee dated May, 2007 shows that only the FMF, OAGF, CBN, DMO and RMFC (secretariat) were members. Private persons who were not privy could not have been included in a committee that was meant to examine purely public financial records. It was this Committee that did all the work now claimed by NED and the other consultants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

While it is possible that the unlawful scheme hatched by the consultants to feast on public funds may have over the years been executed with the cooperation of enemies of the State without anyone raising an eye brow; the bubble has now burst and the time to account has come. It is an irony that NED and other consultants who flaunt Judgments of courts as justification for payment are now uncomfortable and jittery when the same Judgments are tested on appeal. An appeal is not a circumvention of a Judgment as NED may want the public to believe. It is a constitutional right. The consultants have no choice but to pursue the various appeals. While NED has vowed to fully enforce the Judgment in FHC/ABJ/CS/130/2013; may we remind him that the law does not permit the enforcement of a Judgment that is on appeal. Let him reserve all his vituperations against the NGF Chairman and canvass them on appeal as the law may permit him.

Understandably, the SC has in its Judgment dated 3rd June, 2022 sent a clear signal in SUIT NO 337/2018: RIOK NIG LIMITED VS NGF 7 ORS that the claims of the consultants are unequivocally unconstitutional as funds of States and Local Governments cannot be attached in the Federation account in the manner approved and pushed by the AGF. Let the consultants therefore have their day in court with the NGF and upon victory; they can seek to be paid. It is absurd to pursue payment in the face of all pending cases. While the consultants are strangely emboldened by those who should ordinarily oppose the payment and protect public trust; the law is not silent. It upholds the truth at all times no matter how long it takes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No professional advocacy or media campaign to hoodwink the public can change the law. We are not unmindful of the ridiculous claim by one of consultants that it was his media campaign that swayed a Federal High Court Judgment in favour of the NGF. Interestingly, the public which is the greatest victim in the mismanagement of scare public resources has since been well informed and is on red alert to avert and stop what is apparently an attempt by some ravenous rent seekers masquerading as consultants to further exacerbate the economic woes of citizens under the prevailing dire economic situation.  The use of libelous language on the person of the Chairman of NGF who has refused to be compromised and has firmly stood his ground on the unconstitutional and unlawful nature of the consultants’ claims is not helpful to their case either.

The NGF is an apolitical organization that operates under defined principles targeted at good governance. Its role in the whole of this Paris Club refund debacle to consultants is to ensure that Nigeria citizens are not unlawfully deprived of resources meant for their development. NGF will not therefore waste its valuable time to defend unsubstantiated allegations against individuals or persons who are in a position to defend themselves. If NED is sure of his facts, he is at liberty to approach the necessary authorities to bring to justice any person or persons and all conspirators (including himself) who were allegedly involved in misappropriating public resources for campaign financing. The NGF hereby states unequivocally that it has not at any time been involved in or been in receipt of USD$100m or any other funds from NED Nwoko to finance elections in any State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps, confirming our fears and that of the public that the AGF has abdicated his role as public defender and trustee and became the strongest advocate to the consultants is now evident in NED NWOKO’s press statement wherein he praised the role played by the AGF describing it as inevitable. NED cannot say that the consultants have no official Platform to canvass their case, when the AGF has, in spite of public protestation, provided the strongest and most virulent platform to campaign for the expeditious payment of the sums claimed. The AGF has addressed and issued over half a dozen press statements justifying why the consultants should be immediately paid. Not even NED’S solicitors could have done any better.

The NGF and its leadership remain focused and determined to diligently pursue all appeals on the Judgments on the Paris Club refunds. All that it request of the AGF and the consultants is to allow the appeal processes to run and be exhausted. It may be that the consultants will successfully defend the appeals after which they will be paid. However, if they lose as RIOK NIGERIA LTD has lost; which is the most likely verdict that shall befall all the other consultants; let the public funds in issue remain protected. We urge NED and the other consultants to end the media war and direct all energies towards defending the appeals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
Director, Media and Public Affairs
Nigeria Governors’ Forum Secretariat

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

Published

on

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Shimawa, a once tranquil and little-known town in Ogun State, has emerged as the premier real estate location in the region, thanks to the transformative efforts of Adron Homes. This metamorphosis has redefined the town’s identity, making it a beacon of modern living and investment opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

How Adron Homes Transform Shimawa into Ogun State Premier Real Estate Hub

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes’ strategic initiatives have played a central role in Shimawa’s transformation. By developing numerous estates with state-of-the-art amenities, Adron has set new standards for residential living. These estates are equipped with modern infrastructure, including well-paved roads, reliable water supply, and efficient drainage systems, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The real estate has sold out four estates in shimawa over 10 years and is currently selling five different estates in shimawa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

List of Adron Homes Estates In Shimawa

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 2 (City of David)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 3 (Capetown)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 3 Extention (Jerusalem City)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 4 (Jerusalem Extention)

 

Treasure Park and Gardens Estate Phase 5 (City of God)

 

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes has introduced a range of affordable housing solutions that cater to different income levels. This inclusivity has attracted a diverse population, fostering a vibrant community. The availability of affordable, yet high-quality housing options has made Shimawa an attractive destination for both first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The influx of new residents and businesses has spurred economic growth in Shimawa. Adron Homes’ developments have created numerous job opportunities in construction, real estate management, and ancillary services. This economic activity has not only improved the standard of living for many but has also positioned Shimawa as a hub for business and commerce in Ogun State.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adron Homes’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly initiatives. Green spaces, parks, and recreational areas have been incorporated into the estates, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. These efforts have not only beautified the town but have also contributed to the well-being of its residents.

 

 

Shimawa’s transformation has caught the attention of investors, both local and international. The town’s strategic location, coupled with Adron Homes’ high-quality developments, has made it a prime investment destination. This influx of investment is set to further accelerate Shimawa’s growth and development.

 

 

Adron Homes places a strong emphasis on community building. Regular events, social gatherings, and initiatives to foster a sense of community have been integral to the company’s approach. This focus on community has created a welcoming and cohesive environment, making Shimawa not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

 

 

The transformation of Shimawa into Ogun State’s best real estate location is a testament to Adron Homes’ vision and dedication. By providing affordable housing, fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability, and building a strong community, Adron Homes has set Shimawa on a path to continued success and prosperity. As a model of modern urban development, Shimawa stands as a shining example of what strategic planning and investment can achieve.

Continue Reading

society

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

Published

on

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Property and Oil mogul, Aare Bashir Fakorede has openly debunked a land-grabbing allegation levelled against him by some unscrupulous elements using some section of the media to malign his persona.

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recently, this unscrupulous elements have been in the news with their recent land-grabbing fiasco with the Oni-Orisan chieftaincy family of Lagos Island and Epe after they took thugs and police to beat family members who own the landed property situated at Oju-Ota, Oko-Orisan Epe Lagos, which Aare Bashir Fakorede acquired from the family in 2016, with a family-issued receipt, official gazette from the Lagos state on the 28th of June 2007, deed of assignment, Joint Venture agreement between his property development company and the family, survey plan among other documents to show he acquired the land.

 

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede Distance self from Land Grabbing Allegations, Calls for Proper investigation

 

 

 

 

 

Few days ago, the court Sheriff, acting under the writ of execution granted by Hon. Justice I. O. Harrison in suit number: M/762/11 on the 25th of April,2024, where the Honourable Justice reevaluated the court judgement which authenticates the Oni-Orisan as the rightful owner of the land. The court empowered the claimant to take possession of the land which they went to do on the 12th of July 2024, in the company of the court’s deputy Sherrif, Adeyemi Adeyinka and Adebayo Moshood and some policemen, where all encroaching erected structures were removed while they erected a notice boards which clearly stated the original owners according to the court judgement. In a reprisal attack, armed thugs and security personnel removed the erected court notice boards strategically placed on the land among other things. While many onlookers condemned this actions, legal experts tagged the act as a deliberate contempt of court by undermining the declaration of a competent court of jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday the 22nd of July, the family and its representative visited the land on the intelligence that some armed thugs and security personnel were stationed on the land. The family visited the AIG zone 2 office where they reported the case which they envisaged might likely lead to the disruption of public peace. The Zone 2 command attached some policemen with the family to go to the land to ascertain the authenticity of the claim of the armed thugs and security personnel stationed there. When the police and the family got to the land, they were immediately overpowered and attacked by thugs who inflicted various degrees of injury on them. They injured 2 family members and 3 policemen who were dressed in mufti. They also seized the mobile phones of one of the family members and threw it in the water to cover their tracks while they also abducted Chief Mrs Modupe Oni-Orisan, who is the head of the Oni-Orisan Chieftaincy family alone with two other members. One of them escaped while two were held captive for hours before the intervention from the police which led to her release. The Area commander requested that they return with the abducted women to the station which led to the apprehension of two of the thugs currently in police detention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aare Bashir Fakorede disclosed that out of 15.360 hectares owned by the family, he legally acquired 7 Acres of land from the Oni-Orisan Chieftaicy family who owns the landed property according to family history and a judgement from a court of competent jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Oni-Orisan Chieftaincy Family has petitioned the police to do a proper investigation and also called the attention of the AIG Zone 2 AIG Durosimi to wade into the lingering issues.

Continue Reading

news

Rotary International District 9112 launches its coastal restoration initiative by planting 1,000 coconut trees in Lagos

Published

on

 

 

In a bid to promote its mission of improving the environment, Rotary international District 9112 on Sunday kicked off an environment-saving intervention tagged: Coastal Restoration Initiative at Westside Beach, Okun, Ajah, Lagos, where 1000 coconut trees were planted along the coastal shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Speaking at the event,  the Governor of Rotary International, District 9112 Rotarian  Femi Adenekan said the “initiative is conceived to save the environment as well as reduce the adverse effect of the climate change.”

 

According to him; “the environment is one of the main focus areas of Rotary International. We need to consciously come to the realization that we need to save our environment. We need to save ourselves. So that in the future, those that will come after us will have life.”

 

“People assume that the world belongs to them. They have forgotten that they are just tenants on the surface of the earth. If you try to change nature, nature will react, which is the reason we are having a lot of environmental damage in the world. Some of wrong human activities, such as throwing plastics and other items into water or where it ought not to be is causing us environmental challenges. If we don’t take care of our environment, the environment will react and take us out of the surface of the earth,” He said.

 

 

The chairman of the District 9112 Tree Planting Committee, Rtn. Gboyega Bada recommended the adoption of an “Every Rotarian Plant a Tree Every Year” policy and also indicated plans for Rotary International District 9112 to propose a Private Bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly  to enable all Lagos Residents plant a tree every year for the next five years to address the challenges of climate change.

 

Rtn Bada stated that the vision of Rotary District 9112 on Tree Planting is to achieve a safer and cleaner environment by planting 10,000 seedlings of Coconut, Mango, Breadfruit, Avocado and other ralated crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was well attended by Stakeholders in the Private and Public Sectors. Pan African Towers Ltd, Tolaram Group, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica Ltd, amongst others were well represented.  Past District Governor Tunji Funsho led other Rotary Leaders to give their support. The DG’s wife Rtn Tayo Adenekan, the District Governor elect Rtn Lanre Adedoyin, General Manager of Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Dapo Olakulehim and Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, Club Presidents and Rotarians from the 73 Clubs graced the occasion.

 

 

Also speaking at the event, one of the Guest Speakers, the world acclaimed horticulturist, Mr. Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group and The Lagos Free Zone, highlighted the importance of trees, saying; “planting trees improves air quality, reduces air pollution, and illnesses from air pollution. More so, plants produce oxygen and provide shelter, medicine, and many more.”

 

In his own special remarks, Chairman, LUFASI Park and DG Coconut Naija, Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi, said; “the basic fact about the environment is that whatever you sow, you shall reap. The environment will always treat you, the way you treat it.”

 

It is of note that the vision of District 9112 on tree planting for this year is  to achieve a safer and cleaner environment through the planting of 10,000 seedlings of coconut, mango, breadfruit, avocado and other related crops that have economic, health and environmental benefits.

 

The event was witnessed and supported by main stakeholders in the industry, agencies and partners which included, Mr Dapo Olakulehin, General Manager, Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), Mr Andrew Vale of Tolaram Group, Channel Scott from Pan African Towers, Azeez Amida Foundation, Telenoetica, The Legend Lifeskills Foundation, Etam Avitat, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) , presidents and members of various Rotary Clubs in District 9112 amongst others.

 

Rotary leaders who witnessed the event are PDG Tunji Funsho, PDG Kamoru Omotosho, PDG Omotunde Lawson amongst others.

 

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending