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Presidential Jets: Ogun moves to vacate seizure order, faults fraudulent legal process by Zhongshan

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Confusion As Chinese firm targets Nigeria assets in eight countries

Presidential Jets: Ogun moves to vacate seizure order, faults fraudulent legal process by Zhongshan

 

 

The Ogun State Government on Thursday faulted the judicial process that led to the provisional attachment of three Nigerian government-owned aircraft in France by the Judicial Court of Paris on March 7th and August 2nd, 2024.

It would be recalled that a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd, had sought several orders from the court over an aborted underlying contract between the company and the Ogun State Government, which was initiated in 2007.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Ogun State Government described the latest development as new antics by the Chinese company to appropriate Nigerian assets in foreign jurisdictions, as past efforts had continually failed.

The statement described the whole legal process as nothing but a total charade with fraudulent notions, adding that the company deliberately concealed the litigation from both the Nigerian government and Ogun State, as well as their legal counsels, before hurriedly securing orders of seizure.

It added that the company must have misled the Judicial Court of Paris regarding the use and nature of the assets it sought to attach and failed to make full disclosure to the court as required by law.

According to the statement, Ogun State, together with the Federal Government, had already taken immediate action to ensure that those provisional attachments are lifted quickly, even as it accused the company of reneging on the earlier discussion for an amicable resolution of the case.

It likened the case to that of P&ID, describing it as another unfortunate case of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as foreign investors with the sole aim of defrauding Ogun State and Nigeria at large.

The statement said: “On August 14, 2024, the attention of the Ogun State Government was drawn to the provisional attachment of three Nigerian government-owned aircraft in France by the Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. (Zhongshan). Ogun State also learned of two orders of the Judicial Court of Paris dated March 7, 2024, and August 12, 2024, respectively, both obtained by Zhongshan without notice being duly given to the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State, or their legal counsel.

“This is the latest in a series of ill-advised attempts by Zhongshan to attach Nigerian-owned assets in foreign jurisdictions, none of which have to date led to the recovery of any sums from Nigeria.

“Each of the three aircraft is used solely for sovereign purposes and as such are immune from attachment under international and French laws. In obtaining the provisional attachments, Zhongshan deliberately withheld information from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State, and their legal counsel.

“Just like the P&ID case, this is another unfortunate case of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as foreign investors with the sole aim of defrauding Ogun State and Nigeria.

“It should be recalled that the underlying contract between Ogun State and Zhongshan was executed in 2007, 12 years before the present administration, for the management of a free trade zone. The parties entered into a dispute in 2015 with arbitration commencing in 2016.

“By 2019, when the current State Administration took office, the hearing at the arbitration had been all but concluded. The Arbitral Panel awarded over 60 million USD against the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), which was a co-defendant, when all Zhongshan had done was to build a perimeter fence around the free trade zone. Needless to say, this was a bad/unfair decision.

“The present State Administration could not, in all good conscience, allow such an unconscionable and baseless decision, which would dissipate the commonwealth of the good people of Ogun State, to stand.

“Accordingly, and based on erudite legal advice, this Administration resolved to resist the enforcement of the award. The resistance was successful in eight different jurisdictions. Currently, there are pending appeals against recognition orders issued in both the US and UK,” the statement read.

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Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu’s government, he should resign – Campaign for Democracy

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N80.2bn fraud: Controversy trails ex-Kogi gov, Yahaya Bello’s visit to EFCC

Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu’s government, he should resign – Campaign for Democracy

.EFCC has ulterior motive on Yahaya Bello, not fighting corruption

The Campaign for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately relieve the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, of his job, saying he has demonstrated lack of capacity to hold such office.

 

Olukoyede has disgraced President Tinubu's government, he should resign - Campaign for Democracy

.EFCC has ulterior motive on Yahaya Bello, not fighting corruption

CD, a frontline Civil Society Organization in Nigeria, said it was unimaginable that the former governor, who the same EFCC had placed on watchlist, who the Commission enlisted security agencies in Nigeria and Interpol to help fish out, walked into the EFCC premises, waited for about three hours and no arrest or interrogation happened.

“Instead, they told him to go, that they would get back to him only to issue a laughable statement that he was still a wanted man,” the President, Campaign for Democracy, Comrade Ifeanyi Odili, said in a statement on Thursday.

According to him, EFCC’s excuse that they couldn’t arrest him because a sitting governor accompanied him to their office is the main reason Olukoyede should be asked to go.

“Many people had castigated this man for long even though many others believed the case was mainly that of persecution. In all of this, CD did not dabble into the matter. Now that the matter has taken a dramatic turn, one that touches on democratic principles and affects the country’s image, it is pertinent for well meaning Nigerians to lend their voice.

“Associates of the former governor had been raising the alarm that his life is at risk. With the events of yesterday (Wednesday 18th September, 2024), any right thinking person would conclude that his life must be truly at risk.

“You said you couldn’t arrest him or interrogate him in your office because his governor was there, yet you went, at night, to the official residence of the same governor in Abuja to start firing gunshots as if Nigeria is a lawless society. This is unacceptable,” he stated.

The Campaign for Democracy said, in saner climes, the EFCC boss would have been fired the next morning.

“The man, Yahaya Bello, has fulfilled all righteousness. With the turn of events that culminated in a show of shame last night, it appears the EFCC has an ulterior motive definitely different from the fight against corruption,” the CSO submitted.

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GyC set to shake Kenya, S/Africa, Mozambique with electrifying performance

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GyC set to shake Kenya, S/Africa, Mozambique with electrifying performance

Bullion Records’ star artist, Fortune Kingsley, popularly known as GyC, is set to embark on a highly anticipated tour across Southern and East Africa. The tour will take GyC and the executive team of Bullion Records to Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique. This strategic tour will further expand the label’s growing influence on the African continent.

 

The tour, scheduled from September 16 to October 8, 2024, will begin with performances in Kenya from September 16 to 24, followed by shows in South Africa from September 24 to 30, before culminating in Mozambique, where GyC will perform from October 1 to 8.

CEO of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, expressed great enthusiasm for the tour.

GyC’s music resonates with audiences across different regions, and we are thrilled to bring his talent to Southern and East Africa. This tour is part of our vision to promote cultural exchange and showcase the best of Nigerian music across the continent,” he stated.

Accompanying GyC on the tour will be key executives from Bullion Records, including Managing Director Mr. Femi Elegbede Ajibola, who highlighted the tour’s significance for both the artist and the label. “This is more than just a tour; it’s a movement to connect with our brothers and sisters across Africa. We want to strengthen the bonds of music, culture, and collaboration,” said Mr. Ajibola.

GyC, whose recent West African tour was a huge success, shared his excitement about this new phase of his journey. “I am beyond excited to bring my music to Southern and East Africa. Performing in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique is a dream come true. These countries have rich musical histories, and I look forward to connecting with the fans and sharing my sound with them,” GyC said.

The tour will feature live performances of his popular single, “Woman,” along with his new hit, “Mailo” from his discography.

As Bullion Records continues to break new ground, the label’s leadership sees this tour as an opportunity to cement their position as a leading force in the African music scene.

Ambassador Oguntoyinbo reiterated the importance of the tour: “Bullion Records is dedicated to fostering African unity through music, and GyC is the perfect ambassador for this mission. His talent knows no boundaries, and we are excited to see how his music will resonate with audiences in Kenya, South Africa, and Mozambique.”

The Southern and East African tour promises to be a milestone in GyC’s burgeoning career and another testament to Bullion Records’ commitment to excellence in the music industry.

Fans across Africa are eagerly awaiting GyC’s performances, and the artist’s dynamic stage presence, coupled with his infectious music, is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

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Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold’s Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

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Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold's Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside ~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold’s Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

 

During Dele Gold’s wake-keeping service in Lagos on Thursday, September 18, 2024, Prophet Oladele Ogundipe Genesis and Lanre Teriba, also known as ‘Atorise,’ reconciled, illustrating Christianity’s role in promoting unity.

 

Prophet Israel Genesis and Lanre Teriba Unite at Dele Gold's Wake Keep, Putting Past Differences Aside
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

Following Prophet Genesis’s inspiring message, the wake keep turned into a lively celebration, and Dr. Lanre Teriba, known as Atorise, mounted the podium to entertain the crowd, expressing his admiration for Prophet Genesis. Dr. Lanre Teriba sent greetings to Prophet Israel’s wife, whom he warmly addressed as ‘Shola’, indicative of their long-established close relationship.

 

Atorise began his musical performance with the declaration, ‘No matter how long we fight, we shall settle amicably,’ and reiterated this idea in Yoruba, ‘Ija o do la.’ He then invited Genesis Son, also known as ‘Winners,’ to the stage, noting that him ‘Atorise’ was the musician who performed at his naming ceremony twenty-five years ago.

On stage were prophet Genesis, his wife, Winners, Esther Igbekele, and others, witnessing the successful reconciliation of the Genesis family with Dr. Lanre Teriba, following the amicable resolution of their past differences.

A somber mood settled in as the Genesis message on mortality was presented, commanding the rapt attention of all and eliciting tears from the assembly.
Dele Gold’s wake keep ceremony was attended by a significant number of esteemed individuals, such as Yinka Ayefele, Esther Igbekele, clergy members, and distinguished dignitaries, demonstrating his profound influence on the gospel music industry.

Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a Lagos-based journalist, offers authoritative insights

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