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Biafra declaration in December will restore peace, stability to West Africa- BRGIE

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The Biafra Republic Government In-Exile said that the declaration of Biafra Liberation on December 2nd, 2024 will bring about peace and stability in the West African region.

The Prime Minister of BRGIE, Simon Ekpa disclosed this in a statement via his official X handle on Thursday.

He noted that the declaration of Biafra meant total freedom from Nigeria.

He stressed that the liberation of Biafra would put an end to the insecurity surge in Nigeria.

According to him, in preparation for the declaration of the Restoration of Independence state of Biafra, BRGIE has engaged a Lobbying Firm in Washington DC to represent the Biafra government effective from June 12, 2024.

He added that the marginalization of Biafrans will be a thing of the past from December.

“As the Biafra Declaration of 2nd December 2024 comes closer, our objective is to see Biafra total freedom from Nigeria, which will help to restore peace and stability in the entire Sahel region, it will also help to end terrorism in West Africa.

“The Biafra Republic Government In Exile BRGIE under my leadership has hired one of the prominent Lobbying Firm in Washington DC to represent the Biafra government effective from 12.6.2024.

“Our arms remain wide open to other possibilities across the board. Biafrans are ready to make friends with whoever is willing to help in the Liberation, we have no enemies other elements in the Nigeria state”, he said.

Recall that barely three weeks ago, BRGIE dragged the Nigerian government to the African Union Court over Biafra Liberation and the continued detention of the Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra.

June 12 not Public Holiday in Biafra land- BRGIE declares

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The Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has said there is no June 12, Nigeria’s democracy day holiday in southeast and Biafran territory.

The prime Minister of BRGIE, Simon Ekpa disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said the only recognized holiday is May 30th.

Ekpa urged Biafrans to go about their businesses as the aspiration of the Biafra independence declaration is on the right track.

According to him, those frustrating Biafra declarations will fail.

“The Nigeria public holidays are no longer recognized as an official National Day within Biafra Territory. We only recognized the 30th of May.

“Biafrans will continue to observe international holidays while we look forward to the official national holidays upon declaration of the restoration of Biafra Independent.

“Following the announcement of 11th as a Public Holiday in Nigeria, BRGIE is making it clear that Biafrans can go about their businesses without obstruction by anyone”.

Earlier, Biafrans celebrated May 30th to honor those who died during the Civil War between 6 July 1967 and 15 January 1970.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government declared Wednesday, June 12 as a Public holiday to mark Democracy Day.

ICPC Case: Immigration Officer Bags 7-Year Jail Term for Passport Fraud

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of one Mr. Quadri Ismail Adeyinka, a staff of the Nigeria Immigration Service for committing a travelling passport fraud.

The Commission’s spokesperson, Demola Bakere disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

The Commission had arraigned the convict before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on a four-counts charge bordering on gratification, conferment of corrupt advantage and cheating contrary to extant provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and the Penal Code Act.

Counsel to the ICPC, Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha had, in the course of the trial, led evidence before the court on how Mr. Adeyinka defrauded one Mr. Ovie Justice Ojeffia under the pretence of regularizing the latter’s international passport.

Adeyinka was said to have received the sum of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) from Ojeffia to regularise the said passport but reneged.

The victim thereafter petitioned ICPC, which led to the investigation and arraignment of the convict before the court.

In his judgement, Justice Onwuegbuzie found Mr. Adeyinka guilty on all four (4) counts charge and sentenced him to seven (7) years each for counts 1 and 2, five (5) years for count 4 and two (2) years for count 3.

The sentences are to run concurrently.

 

NIMC committed to providing Secured Identity for Nigerians

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NIMC and DG

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has  reaffirmed its commitment to providing secure identity services and protecting the Citizens’ data per its mandate as Nigeria’s foundational identity provider.

Kayode Adegoke, Head Corporate Communications of NIMC disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Accordingly, he said the Commission has implemented enhanced measures to safeguard the information stored in its National Identity Database. These actions align with the commitment outlined by the Director-General/CEO, Engr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, upon assuming office in August 2023. Engr Coker-Odusote emphasized that the NIMC collaborates with relevant security agencies to uphold the utmost data security standards and regulatory compliance.

As part of these new security protocols, all Licensed Verification Agents, Front End Partners (FEPs), and Diaspora FEPs will undergo rigorous security vetting to ensure adherence to global best practices in identity management. Any FEPs in violation will face sanctions by established regulations and the nation’s laws.

Furthermore, NIMC noted that law enforcement authorities have been authorized to crack down on and apprehend individuals involved in online phishing schemes targeting citizens’ data from other sources.

The Commission has received numerous reports regarding fraudulent online platforms compelling Nigerians to submit their personal information for National Identification Number (NIN) modification or enrollment services. Perpetrators of these illegal activities will be apprehended and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

In addition, the Commission has temporarily suspended the bypass enrollment process to prevent abuse and rectify any irregularities. NIMC will communicate with the public regarding the resumption of the bypass process later.

 

ICPC Case: Court Orders Arrest of 3 REA Account Staff for Multi-Million Naira Fraud

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ICPC Case: Court Orders Arrest of 3 REA Account Staff for Multi-Million Naira Fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for three staff of the Account and Finance Department of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) after they failed to appear in court for a multi-million-naira fraud case brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In a statement on Friday by the ICPC’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, the Commission had charged four REA employees with allegedly receiving about one billion nairas under the pretense of false project supervision.

When the cases were called on Thursday before Justice Emeka Nwite, Henrietta Onormen Okojie, Umar Musa Karaye, and Emmanuel Pada Titus were absent and they were not represented by any counsel.

ICPC counsel Dr. Osuobeni Ekoi Akponimisingha informed the court that the defendants were duly served and notified of their arraignment but chose not to appear.

The ICPC Counsel citing Sections 114 and 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, requested an arrest warrant for all three accused persons to ensure the defendants’ presence at the next court date.

Justice Nwite granted the request, issuing arrest warrants and ordering the prosecution to enforce them.

The presiding judge thereafter set for June 13, 2024, for the arraignment of Musa Karaye and Emmanuel Pada Titus, and June 14, 2024, for Hanrrietta Onormen Okojie respectively.

In a related development, another REA staff member, Usman Ahmed Kwakwa, appeared in court for an alleged N298 million fraud charge. The ICPC accused Kwakwa of defrauding the REA by receiving the said sum under false project supervision.

Count 1 of the charge states: “That you, USMAN AHMED KWAKWA (M), sometime in March 2023, while being a public officer at the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, received N298,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million Naira) in different tranches under the pretense of project supervision, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Kwakwa pleaded not guilty to the charges. His counsel, S.S. Japan, applied for bail, which the prosecution did not oppose, though they requested conditions to ensure the defendant’s presence at trial.

Justice Nwite granted Kwakwa a N50 million bail and adjourned the case to July 16, 2024, for the trial’s commencement.

 

NASENI’s Commercial Products Are Market-Ready –Halilu

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The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has assured the House of Representatives Committee on NASENI that the Agency’s branded commercial products that have been unveiled are market ready and SON certified.

 

Halilu disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja when the House Committee on NASENI paid an oversight visit to the Agency’s Headquarters to inspect its products and projects towards robust research in technological advancement in Defense/Security Sector, Agricultural Sector, Infrastructural Sector and others.

Amongst the recently unveiled NASENI products included NASENI Laptop, Android Smartphone, Lithium Battery, LED Solar Street Light, Solar Irrigation System, Electric Bicycle, Electric Keke (passenger and Cargo types). The EVC used the visit to showcase two newly branded NASENI electric vehicles (EV) to the lawmakers.

According to Halilu, NASENI has been at the forefront of driving Nigeria’s technological advancement and industrialization. “Over the past few months, we have implemented several key initiatives aimed at transforming our operations from primarily research-based activities to commercialization of our products and services.”
“This transformation is essential for us to contribute more effectively to the national economy and to achieve sustainable development goals,” he said, adding that 85 per cent of NASENI projects are on counterpart funding. “We don’t want to invest alone in what we do and that is why we work with our 3C’s principle of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization, thereby engaging the services of private sector by partnering with them to ensure that we deliver on our mandate.
He stated that about 35 products of NASENI under his watch are market ready. “We are ready for Nigerian market and we want the honourable members to be our first ambassadors through patronage and others. Also, we are establishing show-rooms in all the 36-states of the federation for the marketing of our products. Every activity we do, we have commercial plan. We don’t want our products to end up in shelves, but to get to the end users”, he stated.

Highlighting the achievements of NASENI so far, the EVC/CEO listed some of them to include: Innovation and Research Development, Product Commercialization, Renewable Energy Projects and Capacity Building. He called on the lawmakers to keep supporting NASENI to deliver both capital and consumer goods to the nation, including creating jobs for the teeming Nigerian youths.

In his speech, the Chairman, House Committee on NASENI, Hon. Otunba Abimbola Ajilesoro, said the essence of the oversight visit was to have an opportunity to interact with the Agency towards robust research in technological advancement in Defense/Security Sector, Agricultural Sector, Infrastructural Sector and other areas of human endeavours, adding that it will in turn save and bring in much needed foreign exchange that will impact positively on the economy.

He pointed out that the committee has been following the activities of the Agency. “We have been hearing NASENI branded products, NASENI Laptops, NASENI Android Smartphone, NASENI Lithium Battery, NASENI LED Solar Street Light, etc. The Committee deemed it necessary to see for ourselves, these products and other technologies that will enhance Nigeria’s economy.”

Speaking on the mandates of NASENI Development Institutes, he assured NASENI of the Committee’s readiness to support it in the areas of Appropriation and Legislative framework that will strengthen the Establishment Act to enable the Agency deliver effectively.

“However, while the committee will continually give all necessary support periodically, it will demand for accountability and value for money in the implementation of its lofty programmes embedded in the mission and vision of the Agency. This would enable us expand, deepen and create an enduring part for a sustainable technological advancement, thereby enabling the nation to become an Industrial hub amongst the comity of Nations”, he said.

 

ICPC, States Attorney General Partner to Fight Against Corruption

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the 36 States Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice of the Federation, have pledged a working alliance to tackle the menace of corruption in the country.

In a statement by ICPC, spokesman, Demola Bakare, the two bodies gave this firm commitment when the bodies of Attorney Generals and Commissioners of Justice paid a courtesy visit to the ICPC Chairman in his office at the Headquarters.

The Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu in his opening remarks at the parley stated emphatically that the partnership was necessary as the State Attorney Generals are a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption in the country.

Dr Aliyu expressed the readiness of the Commission to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with Attorney-Generals of the 36 States on how to ensure seamless collaborations to tackle the scourge of corruption in the country.

The ICPC Boss, until his recent appointment as Chairman of the anti-graft agency, was also a member of the body while he held sway as Attorney-General of Jigawa State.

He assured the State Attorney Generals that the Commission under his leadership was ready to work hand-in-hand with them stating that whatever was needed from the ICPC would be provided.

His words, “I want to assure you, whatever support the body wants from ICPC, we are willing to give it to you. We need you and I hope we are going to work together…”

The Team Lead and Chairman of the body of State Attorney Generals, Dr. Ben Odoh in his earlier address congratulated Dr. Aliyu on his appointment as ICPC Chairman saying he was a right fit for the job due to his “proven track record of integrity that is impeccable”.

He promised that the Body of State Attorney Generals would work as the Chairman’s representative in their various states in the fight against corruption.

Dr. Ben also added that the visit was a notification of the body to key into the aspiration legacy of the Chairman just as he pledged their availability and assured the Chairman of their cooperation towards building an enviable nation devoid of corruption.

ICPC Certificate Forgery: Trial Stalls as Dismissed NECO Staff Absent in Court

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The trial of Mrs. Rose Deffi, one of the 89 staff of the National Examination Council (NECO) dismissed in year 2020 over allegation of certificate forgery has been stalled following her absence in the Plateau State High Court, Jos when the case was called on Thursday.

In statement on Friday by the Commission’s acting Spokesperson, Demola Bakare, Mrs. Deffi had been charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegation of forgery of her academic certificate while being a staff of NECO.

During a nationwide certificate verification exercise conducted by NECO in year 2020 for members of staff, 89 workers were indicted and confirmed to be using fake certificates. The Council’s Governing Board thereafter approved the dismissals of the 89 workers and transferred their files to the ICPC and the Nigerian Police for prosecution.

When the case was called at the Court on Thursday before Justice G. D. Fwomyon, Counsel to the Defendant, Mr. P. M. Lere told the Court that his client only got a call at about 9:30pm on Wednesday to receive the charge and to be arraigned the next day.

He added that at the time of the call, Mrs. Deffi was at Minna, Niger State and planned to return to Jos on Thursday morning despite the short notice.

Mr. Lere thereafter applied to receive the charge-sheet on behalf of the defendant.

On his part, Counsel to ICPC, Mr. O. G. Iwuagwu told the Court that the prosecution was unable to serve the charge-sheet on the Defendant because it got notified about the sitting on Monday and only arrived Jos on Wednesday.

He however said that the Defendant was called on Tuesday as against what her lawyer said that she was only informed about the sitting on Wednesday.

“The Defendant had no objection to our coming to Jos from Abuja to serve her but on getting here, the story changed that she was first in Lokoja then we are hearing now that she was in Minna”.

Mr. Iwuagwu informed the Court that the case before it was a criminal trial and the law required that the Defendant be served in person. He however said that given the application by the Counsel to the Defendant for a substituted service, the prosecution “pray on the strength of the application to be served by substituted means on the order of the court. We also pray that the counsel to the Defendant on the strength of his application would ensure her appearance in court at the next adjourned date”

After listening to the submissions of the counsels, the trial judge, Justice Fwomyon ruled that the Defendant be served through a substituted means and her lawyer should ensure her presence in Court at the next adjourned date.

The trial was adjourned to 21st of June, 2024 for the defendant to take her plea.

 

30m Biafrans votes for Biafra self-referendum- BRGIE

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The Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa says over 30 million Biafrans have voted for self-referendum.

Ekpa disclosed this in a statement through his official account handle on Thursday, noting that the flare with which Biafrans embraced its E-voting and physical voting showed their enthusiasm for liberation.

According to him, the number of Biafrans who have voted for self-referendum in the last four months surpassed the number of voters in the 2023 Nigerian presidential election which stood at 25,286,616.

He noted that voting which kicks off in February ends in May and the next stages two and three of Biafra Libration will commence in June and last till November 28th, 2024.

BRGIE had cited marginalization, underdevelopment, insecurity and poverty in the southeast region as justification for self-referendum.

“Biafra Self Referendum has recorded over 30 million votes on the last day of the stage one”, he stated.

BRGIE earlier stated that it is clear that Biafrans are ready to exit Nigeria after decades of marginalization.

“It is clear that Biafrans are ready to go. The first stage of the E-voting and physical voting ends in May 2024. There are three stages.

“Stage one will(Which commenced February 1, 2024, with the E-voting) end in May 30th, stage two start in June 1st and end in August, stage 3 starts in September and end on November 28th, 2024″ Indeed, we are on the verge of achieving liberation”, he said.

Recall that BRGIE declared May 29 to 31st, 2024 as Sit-at-home in honour of the slayed Biafran heroes of the 1967-1970 Civil War in Nigeria.

Stop using force, threats, engage Finland to mediate between us – BRGIE to Nigerian govt

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The Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, BRGIE, has urged the federal government of Nigeria to engage its Finland counterpart for mediation to end the conflict in Biafraland.

BRGIE’s prime minister, Simon Ekpa in a statement on Tuesday while expressing concerns over the battle between the Biafra Liberation Army (Biafra defence forces) and the Nigerian army in the region.

Some stakeholders had continuously called on the Nigerian government to collaborate with the Finnish Government to extradite Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator who is a citizen of Finland and doubled as Prime Minister of Biafra government in Exile.

Recall that the Nigerian Senate in July, 2023 asked the FG to facilitate the extradition of the BRGIE’s prime minister for prosecution.

But Ekpa in his statement on Tuesday, opt for dialogue, saying everything is not by the “use of force and threats”.

Part of the statement reads, “You should engage Finland to be a mediator in the conflict and also mediate the peaceful exit of Biafra.

“I am standing very tall on our rights to self defence. Finland played a key role in the Namibia and South Africa conflict.

“But of course, you think everything is by the use of force and threats”.

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