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More backlash has followed the endorsement of Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Edward Clark, as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the south-west has outlined the action of the two statesmen older as a blessing in disguise for Bola Ahmed Tinubu to win the next general election.
Isaacs Kekemeke, APC national vice president for the southwest, and Ayotunde Bally, APC Presidential Campaign Council secretary for the Ondo central senatorial district, said this Thursday in Akure, the Ondo state capital, at the time of the official inauguration of the Coalition. of Christian Leaders in Politics for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC aspirants in collaboration with Yoruba Young Christian Leaders Forum, South-West Region.
According to Kekemeke, “for us it is good news and the joy of the news is that those who they supported will not win the elections, they will fail. They backed in 2015 and 2019 and lost and will lose this time too.
“In this election, it is not a question of who will be the CAN president, but who will serve Nigeria best and the only person who can serve Nigeria best is Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Also read: Oyetola inaugurates Osun's Tinubu/Shettima presidential campaign council
“Who will give us security to serve our God, who will give adequate security to us and to others? Anyone who can't tell the story of him can't be given a chance to fill a position."
Kekemeke therefore advised Christians in all states not to be fooled in the name of religious affiliations to make the wrong choice in the upcoming general election in the country saying that "what we need right now is someone to deliver and serve Nigeria". better."
“My good message to the good people of the Southwest is to fully support Tinubu's ambition to become president because he is the single best candidate among other candidates. Tinubu is the best and most qualified person who can rule this country,” Kekemeke added.
For his part, Ayotunde Bally said Nigerians are not gullible as they would massively support Tinubu despite Peter Obi's endorsement.
Ayotunde, who said Obi's endorsement would help Tinubu's landslide victory, noted that the APC presidential candidate is the only candidate in this year's elections who could bring sustainable development and economic change to the country.
"Nigerians are not gullible, they know Asiwaju Tinubu's ability, no endorsement can make them change their mind not to vote for our candidate."
Guest speaker at the event, Kayode Oladipupo, while speaking said that “if Tinubu wins, it will become an opportunity for Christians in all states to prepare for the future presidency.
According to him, “What we need in this incoming Tinubu government is an Attorney General, who is Christian in mind and truth, we need the President of the Senate and the SGF. If we can have these three positions, it is enough for Tinubu's eight years of rule."
Oladipupo, however, said: "Muslim Muslim is a strategy from God to reposition Christianity in Nigeria and that is why we should vote for Tinubu and his running mate Shettima in the next general election."
Credit: https://businessday.ng/politics/article/endorsement-of-obi-by-obasanjo-clark-will-aid-tinubus-victory-south-west-apc/
President Muhammadu Buhari has opposed the jurisdiction of the Abuja Federal High Court to consider a lawsuit by Ifeanyi Ararume challenging his removal as non-executive chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a preliminary objection notice filed on behalf of Mr. Buhari by the Federation Solicitor's office, the president said that Mr. Araraume's removal from the NNPCL board as president was made in his capacity as a public official under Section 251 (1) of the 1999 constitution.
It was signed by Maimuna Shiru, Acting Director of the Department of Civil Litigation and Public Law of the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Citing relevant provisions of the Law for the Protection of Public Officials of 2004, the president further argued that Mr. Araraume's lawsuit was time-barred, having fired the latter on January 17, 2022, being a period of approximately seven months before the filing of this claim. on September 12, 2022.
He maintained that, since the case is an abuse of the judicial process, it robs the court of jurisdiction to hear it and determine it.
The notice of objection was filed on December 8, 2022.
Senator Ifeanyi ArarumePREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr. Ararume, who was appointed to the position in September 2021, was removed shortly before the company's board inauguration in January 2022.
The former gubernatorial candidate in Imo state filed the suit with the Abuja Federal High Court on September 12 to challenge his ouster some eight months earlier.
He argued that his dismissal was "unfair" and amounted to "disruption and interruption" of the term of office.
It said that it violated several provisions of the Companies and Related Matters (CAMA), 2020, the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 and the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association.
He prayed for 100 billion naira in damages and an order reinstating him in office.
He also urged the court to annul all decisions the NNPC Limited board had made since his wrongful removal from office.
Thursday's hearing stalledThe scheduled hearing before the judge, Inyang Ekwo, was stalled due to the incorrect delivery of court documents on Thursday.
The amended source citation for the newly incorporated Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) was found to have been delivered to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
In proceedings on Thursday, NNPCL's lawyer, Oluseye Opasanya, Chief Advocate for Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that their submissions were based on the initial source summons.
Mr. Opasanya told the judge that he was not served with the initial source summons that he ordered amended to accommodate the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a defendant in the lawsuit.
In response, Mr. Ararume's lawyer, Chris Uche (SAN), disagreed with Mr. Opasanya's assertions, adding that the amended source citation had been served on all parties as required by law.
But a search by the judge for proof of delivery in the case file showed that the delivery of the source summons was at the Federal Ministry of Justice and not at the NNPCL.
READ ALSO: Buhari Replaces Ifeanyi Ararume as NNPC Board ChairmanThis prompted NNPCL's lawyer to volunteer to liaise with the Ministry of Justice to collect the amended citation of origin and resubmit their processes to list CAC as one of the defendants.
Subsequently, Mr. Ekwo adjourned the case until January 11, 2023 to allow the parties to modify their filings to accommodate the CAC.
The judge warned that all the lawyers involved in the lawsuit must present and exchange all their documents before the postponed date.
He added that any lawyer who did not comply with the warning would be personally sanctioned by the court.
FILE: President Muhammadu Buhari flanked by rivers Rotimi Amaechi left accompanied by Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as the two paid a courtesy visit to the president in Daura Katsina state. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. APR 14 2015BackgroundMr. Ararume filed the lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022 through a group of senior lawyers including Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, Ogwu James Onoja, Kingsley Nwufor and Gordy Uche, all SAN .
In the lawsuit filed in September, Mr. Ararume raised four issues for the court's determination.
One of the issues is whether, under the interpretation of Section 63(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the chairman can lawfully remove you as non-executive chairman of NNPC Limited for any reason outside the provisions of the law. .
He prayed for a N100 billion demand as compensation for his alleged illegal removal as non-executive chairman of the NNPCL.
He demanded the sum as damages that he caused him in the alleged illegal way in which he was relieved of his position as head of the NNPCL after using his name to establish the entity.
Mr. Ararume also wants the court to determine whether Mr. Buhari can dismiss him without complying with the expressly stated provisions of the Articles of the Company's Deed of Incorporation, section 63(3) of the PIA Act 2021 and section 288 of the CAMA 2020 Law.
He also urged the court to declare that under the provisions of section 63(3) of the PIA Act, the CAMA Act and the NNPC Memorandum of Association, the chairman cannot remove him from his position as non-executive chairman without following due law process.
The plaintiff sought a court order to vacate his removal from Mr. Buhari, see letter dated January 17, 2022 with reference number SGF.3V111/86.
He also sought a court order immediately reinstating him and restoring him to office with all the rights and privileges that accrue to the position of non-executive chairman of the NNPC.
The plaintiff further urged the court to vacate and vacate all decisions and resolutions of the NNPC Board made in his absence from January 17, 2022 to date, and another order preventing defendants from withdrawing his name as director of the business.
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Credit: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/570643-nnpc-appointment-buhari-opposes-araraumes-n100-billion-suit.html
The hearing in the N100 billion lawsuit instituted against President Muhammadu Buhari by Senator Ifeanyi Godwin Ararume was stalled at the Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday over improper service of court documents.
Although the lawsuit was scheduled for a hearing, it was moved to another date after the discovery that the amended source citation intended for the newly incorporated Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited was delivered to the Federal Ministry of Justice.
In Thursday's proceedings, NNPCL's lawyer Oluseye Opasanya informed the court that all their proceedings were dropped based on the initial source summons.
He told Judge Inyang Edem Ekwo that he was not served with the initial source summons ordered to suit the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, as a defendant in the lawsuit.
At this point, Ararume's attorney, Chief Chris Uche, disagreed with the NNPCL attorney's claims, adding that the amended source citation had been served on all parties as required by law.
However, a search for proof of service in the case file by Judge Inyang Edem Ekwo showed that the service of the source summons was at the Federal Ministry of Justice and not at the NNPCL.
This prompted NNPCL's lawyer to volunteer to liaise with the ministry to collect the amended citation of origin and resubmit their processes to list CAC as one of the defendants.
Subsequently, Judge Ekwo moved the final hearing in the lawsuit to January 11, 2023, to allow the parties to modify their processes to accommodate the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Judge Ekwo warned that all lawyers involved in the matter must file and exchange all their processes before the adjourned date, adding that any lawyer who fails to comply with the warning will be personally sanctioned by the court.
Ararume had sued President Buhari last month for 100 billion naira over his alleged illegal removal as non-executive chairman of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited.
He is demanding the sum of damages caused by the alleged illegal way in which he was removed as president of the NNPC after using his name to incorporate the entity.
The lawsuit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022 was instituted on his behalf by a group of senior Nigerian lawyers consisting of Chief Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, Ogwu James Onoja, Kingsley Nwufor and Gordy Uche.
Ararume requested a court order to annul his dismissal by means of a letter from Buhari vide dated January 17, 2022, with the reference number SGF.3V111/86.
He also sought a court order immediately reinstating him and restoring him to office with all the rights and privileges of the position of non-executive chairman of the NNPC.
In addition, it calls for the annulment and annulment of all decisions and resolutions of the board of directors of NNPC Limited made in his absence from January 17, 2022 to date and another order prohibiting the defendants from withdrawing his name as a director of the company. .
Credit: https://dailypost.ng/2022/12/15/ararumes-n100bn-suit-against-buhari-over-alleged-unlawful-removal-as-nnpc-chairman-shifted-to-jan-11/
* Since the court suspends the session until January 11
Alex Enumah in Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection (NPO) challenging the jurisdiction of the Abuja Federal High Court, to hear Senator Ifeanyi Araraume's lawsuit over his alleged illegal removal as non-executive chairman of the Board of Nigerian National Petroleum. Limited Company (NNPCL).
The NPO was filed on December 8, 2022 by the Acting Director of the Department of Civil Litigation and Public Law of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Ms. Maimuna Lami Shiru.
While Araraume is the sole plaintiff in the lawsuit, Chairman Buhari, the NNPCL, and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) are the first, second, and third defendants, respectively.
In addition to the president, the NNPCL also filed its preliminary objection brief challenging the jurisdiction of the lawsuit and asking the court to issue a stay order; or failing that, issue an order crossing out the summons of origin of Araraume dated September 12, 2022; or make such additional order(s) as (the court) considers making under the circumstances.
In his NPO filed on his behalf by his legal team led by Konyin Ajayi (SAN), Etigwe Uwa (SAN), the second defendant, among others, based his request on the grounds that Araraume's action was time-barred taking into account Section 2 (A) of the Law for the Protection of Public Servants Cap P41 LFN 2004.
NNPCL further held that Ararume's lawsuit constituted an abuse of judicial process that was not supported by law, taking into account the provisions of the 2004 Interpretation Act; the Petroleum Industry Law of 2021; the Business and Allied Affairs Act 2020; and the NNPCL Articles of Association.
In addition, they asserted that the lawsuit was improperly initiated when originating the subpoena since the 75-paragraph affidavit that supports it, raises inherently contentious facts; and the citation of origin required proof by means of oral evidence; and that the plaintiff's claim, as constituted, is incompetent, lacking any cause of action; nor carry any right of action, given the legal powers of the first defendant/respondent involved in this action.
Specifically, Buhari based his objection on three grounds, namely: that the removal of Araraume (the plaintiff/respondent in the lawsuit) as non-executive chairman of NNPCL (second defendant/respondent) was made in his capacity as a public official under Section 251 (1) of the Constitution of 1999 (as amended); that the claim was a time-barred action, which violated the provisions of Section 2(a) of the Public Officials Protection Act of 2004 with respect to its administrative acts or decisions taken on January 17, 2022, being a period of approximately seven months prior to the filing of this lawsuit on September 12, 2022; and on the grounds that the claim amounted to an abuse of judicial process, ultimately depriving the court of jurisdiction to hear it.
However, when the case was called on Thursday, Araraume's lead attorney, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), informed the court that, in accordance with the court's directive in the latest proceedings, all proceedings have been filed and served. to the three defendants, adding that he was ready to identify their processes.
In response, Buhari, represented by a lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. AH Shuaibu, told the court that although he is in the process of presenting his defense, he has filed a notice of objection to the lawsuit.
The third defendant (CAC) represented by Mr. SS Umoru, while admitting the service of court proceedings in the matter, also stated that the third defendant had not yet presented his defense.
Although the second defendant (NNPCL), represented by Mr. Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), also informed the NPO court of his client in the Araraume lawsuit, he stated that he had not yet received the amended originating summons for allow you to notify the third defendant.
Ararume had initially sued Buhari and the NNPCL, but had to include the CAC, following the court's directive that the CAC is a necessary party and as such should be included in the lawsuit.
The trial judge, Judge Inyang Ekwo, in a ruling on November 9, invoked Order 9, Rule 14 (2b), of the Federal High Court Rules, which allows a judge to order a party whose presence in a matter is pertinent to join the matter.
Judge Ekwo ordered the CAC to join as a party as the case concerned the interpretation of the Business and Related Matters Act (CAMA).
Having issued an order to join the CAC, the judge ordered Araraume's lawyer to modify the original summons and notify all parties and postponed until December 15.
However, following claims of non-delivery of the amended source summons in the NNPCL, the court, after verifying its own record, found that contrary to the position of counsel for the second defendant, the NNPCL was delivered.
In a brief ruling, Judge Ekwo, while instructing the NNPCL to do a proper cleanup, ordered all parties to the lawsuit to file and exchange all relevant processes, adding that any lawyer who files their process in the morning of the next postponed date will be sanctioned. .
Accordingly, it adjourned the matter until January 11, 2023 to allow all parties to file and exchange the necessary processes in the lawsuit.
Araraume had filed a N100 billion lawsuit against the federal government in the Abuja Federal High Court over his alleged illegal removal as non-executive chairman of the newly incorporated Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
He had asked for 100 billion naira for damages caused to him in the allegedly illegal and unconstitutional manner in which he was removed as head of the NNPC after using his name to incorporate the entity.
In the marked lawsuit, FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022, the former senator formulated four questions for the determination of the court.
One of the issues was whether, in view of the provisions of the NNPC Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Companies and Related Matters Act of 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, the non-executive chairmanship It is not governed or regulated by what is established. provisions of the law.
Araraume had also asked the court to determine whether, under the interpretation of Section 63(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the president could legally remove him as non-executive chairman of the NNPC for any reason outside of the provisions of the law.
In addition, he requested the court to determine whether the president could dismiss him without complying with the expressly stated provisions of the Articles of the Company's Deed of Incorporation, Section 63(3) of the PI Act 2021 and Section 288 of the CAMA Act. 2020.
Another issue to be determined was whether his alleged removal by letter of January 17, 2021 without compliance with the provisions expressly established in the law was not unlawful, illegal, null and void and without any legal effect.
The plaintiff had requested the court, upon determination of the issues in his favor, to make a statement that his position as non-executive chairman of the NNPC is exclusively governed and regulated by CAMA 2020, PI Act 2021 and Memorandum of Association of the Company .
“A statement that under the provisions of Section 63(3) of the PI Act, the CAMA Act and the NNPC Memorandum of Association, the president may not remove you from office as non-executive president without following due process of law ”.
The former deputy asked the court for an order to nullify his dismissal by the president by letter dated January 17, 2022 with reference number SGF.3V111/86.
He also applied to the court for an order to reinstate him and restore him to office with all the rights and privileges of the position of non-executive chairman of the NNPC.
In addition, he applied to the court for an order to set aside and annul all decisions and resolutions of the NNPC board made in his absence from January 17, 2022 to date.
He also asked for an order preventing the defendants from withdrawing his name as a director of the company.
He asked for 100 billion naira as damages for the wrongful removal, interruption and interruption of his tenure as non-executive chairman of the NNPC.
In a 75-paragraph affidavit in support of the lawsuit, Araraume asserted that following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the former NNPC and its subsidiaries were spun off to become the Nigeria National Petroleum Company registered with CAC with the number 1843987.
“On October 20, 2021, the Chairman approved my appointment as Non-Executive Chairman for an initial term of five years, and subsequently my name was recorded in the Company's Articles Memorandum and the appointment was announced to the world.
“Based on the appointment, I attended the 23rd World Petroleum Congress in America but surprisingly on January 7th, the President inaugurated the Board of NNPC without resorting to me, while someone else was appointed in (my) place.
"By letter dated January 17, I was informed of the withdrawal of my appointment but without any reason that justifies the alleged removal," he asserted.
The plaintiff asserted that he was not guilty of any of the preconditions for removal or declared medically unfit for work.
He claimed that he had suffered loss of credibility and goodwill, untold emotional, mental and psychological trauma, and public humiliation due to his alleged illegal removal.
Therefore, he had asked the court to award him compensation of 100 billion naira and to order his return to office in accordance with the letter and conditions of his appointment.
Credit: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/12/15/nnpc-board-chairman-buhari-replies-araraume/
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate application of traffic regulations throughout the country to reduce accidents and guarantee safety on the roads.
Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), gave the directive in Abuja at the commemoration of the World Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Road Traffic Accidents 2022.
The Nigerian News Agency reports that the theme of the 2022 remembrance day is “Justice, act slow and act for slow speed streets”.
Mustapha said that the enforcement of existing road safety laws must be vigorously pursued and violators severely punished.
He said the country had many road safety laws that should be enforced to increase the level of compliance.
The SGF added that public awareness and road safety campaigns need to be strong and sustained throughout the year and not limited to just the festive seasons.
According to him, awareness and compliance with road safety regulations are important to reduce the frequency of traffic accidents.
“The relevant authorities who have this responsibility must find ways to ensure that the mix of awareness and enforcement is prioritized at all times.
“In this regard, FRSC must ensure that only trained and certified drivers are allowed to drive in Nigeria,” he added.
Mustapha expressed concern that the majority of citizens “view the driver's license as an identification tool and not for its intended purpose.
“The consequence is that incompetent and unfit people can be certified to drive and this could spell disaster.
“Above all, public information programs aimed at educating road users on safe road use must be vigorously pursued.”
The SGF, who was represented by Corps Marshal Dauda Biu, said Nigeria would continue to develop road safety management capacity and improve road infrastructure.
According to him, injuries, disabilities and deaths resulting from traffic accidents continue to be a public health problem.
“As Nigeria's economy grows, traffic volume is projected to increase from eight million vehicles in 2013 to 20 million-40 million by 2030.
“With this in mind, the present administration has committed enormous resources to improve road safety management and ensure that the FRSC's mandate is met.
“That is why the administration has remained determined to ensure that policy formulation and implementation at various levels of government take place in recognition of this growing problem as a public health crisis.
“The Federal Government has also ensured that the proper budget allocation is channeled to road infrastructure, as seen in the massive construction of new roads and the rehabilitation of existing ones nationwide,” he said. .
edited
Source Credit: NAN
The Federal Government has advocated for victims of traffic accidents to receive prompt and adequate justice in terms of quality care and quality rehabilitation, such as physical, emotional and official compensation as part of post-accident activities.
Federation Government (SGF) Secretary Mr. Boss Mustapha said this during the 2022 World Road Traffic Victims (RTC) Commemoration Day commemoration on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Nigerian News Agency reports that the theme of Remembrance Day 2022 is "Justice, Act Slow and Act for Slow Speed Streets" and the motto is "Remember, Support and Act".
Mustapha, who was represented by Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Dauda Biu, said that they are all victims of RTCs or are affected by their consequences.
He said that RTCs have physical, social, emotional and economic implications, adding that deaths, physical disability and morbidity from traffic accidents predominantly affect the young and economically productive age groups.
He also said that survivors often suffer the ordeal of a diminished quality of life due to deformities and disabilities, post-traumatic stress and a great official loss.
According to him, the implication is that the rest of the population lives in perpetual fear of traveling safely on the roads.
“To achieve this, we will ensure that accidents are properly investigated and speedy justice is ensured for accident victims.
"Traffic offenders must be duly prosecuted according to existing laws and those found guilty must receive appropriate sanctions according to the rules provided," it said.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Health, Mr. Joseph Ekumankama, said it is imperative to remind stakeholders that Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) have caused and continue to cause economic loss. to our citizens, their families and Nigeria as a whole.
Ekumankama, Atuwo's representative, said these losses were sometimes due to the cost of treatment and lost productivity.
He said the theme focusing on Justice could not have been more appropriate as that aspect of road safety is often neglected.
According to him, “it is an aspect of road safety that helps put road users in check. Speedy trial and punishment of identified traffic offenders serve as deterrents to potential; traffic offenders.
“We look forward to an improved justice system for traffic offenders and victims of traffic accidents.”
Likewise, the Head of Mission and representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Walter Mulombo, said that it was necessary for everyone to prioritize roads, vehicles and behaviors that are safe and guarantee alternative models such as walking, cycling, among others. to ensure a healthier, greener and more sustainable response.
According to him, “I would like to remind all of us that to achieve our goal of halving traffic deaths by 2030, urgent action by each one of us is key.
“We do not want to remember more victims, we want to live our lives together with them. Therefore, we must all rise to the occasion to achieve this feat by 2030.
“As WHO, and the UN family at large, we will continue to support the country's continued drastic and concerted action to achieve this goal. We must all Remember, Support and Act,” he said.
edited
Source Credit: NAN
Senator Ifeanyi Ararume has filed a N100 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government in the Federal High Court in Abuja for his alleged illegal removal as non-executive chairman of the newly incorporated Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Ararume is asking for 100 billion naira for the damages caused to him by the allegedly illegal and unconstitutional manner in which he was removed as head of the NNPC after using his name to incorporate the entity.
When the matter was called on Wednesday, one of Ararume's lawyers, Mr. Chris Uche, (SAN) told the court that all parties to the matter had received due process.
Judge Inyang Ekwo, however, invoked the provisions of Order 9 Rule 14(2b) of the Federal High Court Rules which allows a judge to order a party whose presence in a matter is pertinent to join the matter.
Judge Ekwo ordered the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to join as a party as the case concerned the interpretation of the Companies and Allied Affairs Act (CAMA).
There was no objection by either party.
The judge adjourned the matter until December 15 for citation and ordered that the amended summons of origin be served on the parties before the adjourned date.
The Nigerian News Agency, reports that the lawsuit marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022 was instituted on behalf of Ararume from Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) which includes Messrs. Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, James Onoja, KC Nwufor, and Gordy Uche.
Meanwhile, Mr. Alhassan Shuaibu, Principal State Counselor at the Ministry of Justice, announced the appearance of the Federal Government.
The former senator formulated four points of determination.
One of the issues was whether in view of the provisions of the NNPC Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the Companies and Related Matters Act 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the position of non-executive chairman would not is governed and regulated by the provisions of the law.
Ararume also asked the court to determine whether under Section 63(3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the president could lawfully remove him as non-executive chairman of the NNPC for any reason outside the provisions of the law.
In addition, he asked the court to determine whether the president could fire him without complying with the expressly stated provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company, Section 63 (3) of the PI Act 2021 and Section 288 of the CAMA Act. 2020.
Another issue to determine was whether his alleged deportation vide letter of January 17 without complying with the expressly established provisions of the law was not unlawful, illegal, null and void and without any legal consequence.
The plaintiff requested the court, upon determination of the issues in his favor, to make a declaration that his position as non-executive chairman of the NNPC is exclusively governed by, and regulated by, the PI Act 2021 and the Company's Memorandum of Association.
“A statement that in accordance with Section 63(3) of the PI Act, the CAMA Act, and the NNPC Memorandum of Association, the chairman may not step down as non-executive chairman without due process of law.”
The former deputy asked the court for an order of dismissal through a letter dated January 17 with the reference number SGF.3V111/86.
He also petitioned the court for an order reinstating him and restoring him to office with all the rights and privileges of the position of non-executive chairman of the NNPC.
In addition, he applied to the court for an annulment and annulment order for all decisions and resolutions of the NNPC board made in his absence from January 17 to date.
He also asked for an order preventing the defendants from withdrawing his name as director of the company.
He asked for 100 billion naira as damages for the wrongful removal, termination and termination of his term as non-executive chairman of the NNPC.
In a 75-paragraph affidavit in support of the lawsuit, Ararume stated that following the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the former NNPC and its subsidiaries spun off to become the Nigeria National Petroleum Company registered with the Petroleum Commission. Corporate Affairs with the number 1843987.
“On October 20, 2021, the Chairman approved my appointment as Non-Executive Chairman for an initial five-year term, and thereafter my name was recorded in the Company's Memorandum of Articles and the appointment was announced to the world.
“Based on the appointment, I attended the 23rd World Petroleum Congress in the Americas but surprisingly, on January 7, the president inaugurated the NNPC Board without recourse to me, while another person was appointed in my place.”
“On January 17, I was informed of the withdrawal of my appointment, but without any reason that justifies the alleged removal.”
Plaintiff asserted that he was not guilty of any of the preconditions for dismissal or declared medically unfit for work.
He claimed that he had suffered loss of credibility and goodwill, untold emotional, mental and psychological trauma and public humiliation due to his alleged illegal expulsion.
Therefore, he begged the court to award him compensation of 100 billion naira and to order his return to office in accordance with the letter and conditions of his appointment.
edited
Source Credit: NAN
Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, says President Muhammadu Buhari, APC Northern Governors and leaders have proved that Nigeria can survive its unity and other challenges.
According to a statement by Mr Tunde Rahman, Tinubu’s Media Officer, on Sunday in Abuja, the APC 2023 presidential candidate said this in Akure, Ondo State, at the residence of Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti.
The statement said Tinubu spoke during an interaction with Afenifere leaders while presenting his policy document and Action Plan for a better Nigeria.
It recalled Tinubu’s earlier visit to Pa Fasoranti on March 4, during his nationwide consultation before the APC presidential primaries when he promised Afenifere leader that he would come back after winning the party’s ticket.
It said the visit was in fulfilment of Tinubu’s promise and to ask Yoruba leaders to thank President Buhari and APC Northern Governors for their steadfastness and for being promise-keepers.
“The North proved to me Nigeria can survive its unity, some people wanted President Buhari to announce someone, but the president said no.
He insisted the process must go on democratically.
“The president said anyone that would mess up the APC process would see the other side of his eyes, he remained upright and saw to the process to the end.
“Northern APC Governors resolved that the presidency must go to the South, and especially South-West, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State and others supported me to the end.
“The battle was tough and at a point I was in doubt, there were many rumours and I became confused of what to believe,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
Tinubu said he won the APC presidential primary election because the process was clean and transparent, adding that nobody could accuse Buhari of manipulating the process.
“President Buhari said I gave him credibility and I deserved to be President.
When I asked him to nominate the Vice-Presidential candidate for me, he said I should pick whoever I want,” Tinubu said.
He added that this was why he chosed a competent man in Sen. Kashim Shettima, who according to him, never lost any election and protected Christians in time of trouble in Borno State as its governor.
The statement added that while welcoming Tinubu and his entourage, General Secretary of Afenifere, Chief Seinde Arogbofa, charged Tinubu to be a leader that would unite Nigeria and work for the progress and development of the country.
Arogbofa said Tinubu was not just a Yoruba man, but a Nigerian, adding that when he became president, he should take Nigeria into consideration and never to forget home.
“Our demands are what you know already.
restructuring, security and fixing the economy; our country is no longer safe, we want state police so that the country will be safe,” the statement quoted Arogbofa as saying.
According to the statement, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, received Tinubu and his entourage on behalf of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu at the meeting.
Aiyedatiwa said Ondo people were Afenifere and would support Tinubu to win the election because he had the reach and competence to lead Nigeria.
The statement said the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji at the meeting, assured the Yoruba leaders that all South-West governors and Ekiti people were solidly behind Tinubu.
It added that former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Chief Olu Falae, and Afenifere leader charged Tinubu to work to fix the country’s economy.
“When you become president please work to fix this country, we are here to offer advice.
I am old and no longer looking for job.
“We need to fix security, fix our economy, our naira is almost becoming useless and will soon become N1,000 to a dollar.
“We must change that.
I know your ability, we will always be here to support and I wish you well.
We will be here when you bring the throphy home by the grace of God,” the statement quoted Falae as saying.
It said leaders of Afenifere from the six South-West states, including Kwara and Kogi were present at the Akure residence of the Afenifere leader to offer support to Tinubu.
It listed Afenifere leaders at the meeting to include: Chief Pius Akinyelure, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Alani Akinrinade, Olu Bajowa, Mr Sola Iji and Dr Kunle Olajide.
Others it said were General Secretary of Yoruba Council of Elders, Sen. Cornelius Adebayo, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, Chief Bisi Akande, Dare Babarinsa and Chief Pius Akinyelure.
The statement said Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal represented Gov. Seyi Makinde, the state governor at the meeting.
Also at the meeting were Chief Segun Adesegun who represented former Governor Segun Osoba, Sen. Tony Adefuye, Sen. Dayo Adeyeye, state leaders of Afenifere and many others, the statement said.
Afenifere was formed as a socio-cultural and political organisation for the Yoruba people of Nigeria, with Chief Abraham Adesanya as its leader and late Chief Bola Ige as deputy leader at the time.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has expressed worry over irregularities in the roles of governing boards of federal agencies.
Mustapha made the observation at the induction programme for chairmen, governing board members and chief executives of parastatals, agencies and commissions inaugurated by the Federal Government.
According to him, ”Parastatals are government establishments created by statutes to provide specified services, the structure and operating instruments of which are derived from their respective Acts of Establishment.
”
He said that these parastatals were placed under the supervision of the presidency or a ministry.
Mustapha however, said that the agencies were superintended by a governing board headed by a chairman, to provide policy guidelines and liaise with the supervisory ministry through the permanent secretary.
According to him, ”they are also appointed for effective monitoring, policy guidance; and ensuring that government policy directives relating to the functions of the parastatal are carried out.
“I have observed with concern divergent interpretations to the roles governing boards of federal parastatals are expected to play in the corporate governance of their organisations.
”Arising from this, a number of worrisome issues have begun to emerge.
”
Mustapha listed them to include: Disagreements on who is responsible for the day-to-day running of parastatals and agencies as well as disregard for extant regulations guiding and restricting the conduct of board meetings.
The SGF said: “Others are interference in the function of the office of the chief executive officer; issuing directives to staff without recourse to the chief executive officer, thereby creating disharmony amongst personnel.
” Initiating unlawful disciplinary measures against the chief executive without requisite guidance and approval from the supervisory ministry and instigating the labour unions and associations as agents of distraction in the parastatals.
”
Mustapha also said the observed poor and unhealthy relationships existing between governing boards and their CEOs have become very worrisome to the government and are unacceptable.
He said, ”this could be avoided if chairmen and members of governing boards acquaint themselves with the instrument of establishment of their respective organisations, where the roles and responsibilities of the board are prescribed.
”Equally relevant are referrals, authorities and other relevant government circulars that guide the conduct of public officers.
”
He listed some of the documents to include: Public Service Rules; Financial Regulations; Guide to Administrative Procedures in the Public Service; Public Procurement Act 2007 and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.
Mustapha highlighted the roles and responsibilities of boards and councils to include setting of operational and administrative policies in accordance with government policy directives and shall supervise the implementation of such policies.
He said: ”A board shall not be involved directly in the day-to-day management of a parastatal or agency and a minister exercises control of parastatals at policy level through the board of the parastatal only.
”The board should only operate as a part-time board in accordance with extant rules that forbid allocation of official quarters to members on a permanent basis and use of official vehicles by members on a permanent basis.
”
Mustapha added that payment of estacode allowances for only overseas’ travels was only approved by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Director-General, BPRS , Dasuki Arabi, said the induction programme was apt especially in view of the growing concerns expressed about the weak corporate governance practice.
He said, ”it is a known fact that top-level federal civil servants, such as Permanent Secretaries, Directors and their equivalent in the service grow through the Federal Civil Service and acquire varied public service knowledge and cognate experience in the conduct of government business.
”
He, however, said that most members of governing boards of federal agencies largely lacked such knowledge and experience.
“This is as a result of the fact that most of them are appointed from outside the public service, and assume duties in their respective agencies with limited knowledge of the workings of the public service, corporate governance practices and conduct of government business.
“Note that parastatals are important institutions, because most citizens experience governance and service delivery directly through them,” Arabi said.
He said the overall objective of the exercise was for governing board members to gain understanding of their roles, key responsibilities and the behaviour required of them in their respective organisations, both as individuals and as part of the Board’s collective responsibility.
Mr Clem Agba, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, represented by Mr Philip Ugbodaga, Special Assistant, Administration, commended Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), Bureau of Public Service Reforms and Ministry of Budget for the successful hosting of the training.
Agba charged the participants to constantly challenge themselves to enhance their leadership capabilities.
He said: “The ability to overcome the challenges confronting our nation is predicated on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance.
”This can only be achieved through inherent capacities of those chosen by President Muhammadu Buhari to lead the process of designing and implementing appropriate policies of the Government.
”
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated a 13-member Presidential Committee on the review of number and strategy for resourcing Nigerian foreign missions worldwide.
Inaugurating the committee, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha explained that the action is to enable President Muhammadu Buhari to tackle the root cause of the critical state of affairs of Nigerian diplomatic missions.
This, he said, is in addition to the missions’ impact on the image of Nigeria in particular and on the international arena in general.
“As we are all aware, our diplomatic missions around the world are currently faced with multifaceted challenges following, among others, the scale of perennial indebtedness they find themselves.
“This poses attendant damage to our nation’s integrity.
Consequent upon these, Mr President approved the constitution of this Presidential Committee.
“As we are all aware, our Diplomatic Missions around the world are currently faced with multifaceted challenges following, among others, the scale of perennial indebtedness they find themselves.
“This poses attendant damage to our nation’s integrity.
Consequent upon these, Mr. President approved the constitution of this Presidential Committee.
“Let me recall at this point, some cost saving measures taken by previous administrations in this regard including; reducing the number and size of missions, authorising concurrent accreditation to other countries, enhancing and prioritizing budgetary releases to Missions.
He, however, said all the efforts were unfortunately short lived, adding that preliminary findings revealed that the root causes of the challenges were inter-woven and systemic in nature.
“The challenges will have to be addressed holistically in short-, medium- and long-term basis.
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According to him, the timeline for the activities of the committee is three months and its terms of reference are to determine the current number, categories of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions; subject matter desks worldwide
And to categorise their strategic importance and impact worldwide and make appropriate recommendations, identify and categorise the revenue generation capacity of missions.
“Performance in this regard, causes and level of indebtedness,
review the understanding and application of critical extant policies, guidelines, circulars, codes, regulations, financial management systems, statutes, across Nigeria’s missions.
“
This, he explained was with a view to minimizing bottlenecks, misapplication and curbing infractions, review all previous reports on establishment of missions and measures taken to effectively and economically manage Nigeria’s mission.
He said the committee would identify challenges, make appropriate recommendations on sustainable steps to be taken as well as identifying reasons why previous measures by the previous government were not effective.
Responding on behalf of other members, Amb. Martin Uhomoibhi, Committee’s Chairman thanked the president and the SGF for the honour of such assignment.
Uhomoibhi, however, affirmed the committee’ readiness to do all things within their capacities to fulfill demands and confidence reposed on them by president Buhari.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
