EFCC probes Saraki’s aides over N3.5b Paris Club cash

Cash traced to Dubai jeweller

Senate President: it’s mudslinging

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission( EFCC) has frozen 15 accounts of some individuals and companies for the alleged diversion of N19billion from the London-Paris loan refund.

Besides, about $183,000 (N71, 370,000) of  the loan refund has been traced to a jeweller’s account in Dubai.

The anti-graft agency is probing a former  Heritage Bank Executive Director Mr. Robert Mbonu, three aides of Senate President Bukola Saraki and three others on how N3.5billion was wired into some accounts. The cash is said to be part of the  N19billion allegedly diverted from the N522.74 billion initial refund to states.

The others are Melrose General Services Limited, the Relationship Manager to the Senate President, Kathleen Erhimu, Obiora Amobi, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Hon. Gbenga Peter Makanjuola, Mr. Kolawole Shittu and Oladapo Joseph Idowu.

Mbonu is said to be one of the consultants engaged by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

These highlights are contained in a March 10, 2016 report, which has been submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The report got to the Presidency about five days before the Senate’s rejection of Acting EFCC Chairman  Ibrahim Magu’s second nomination.

The report may have fuelled Magu’s rejection by the Senate because some of Saraki’s aides were implicated, a source close to the investigation said.

An EFCC source said: “This agency has frozen more than 15 accounts used to divert the N19billion remitted into the account of the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF).

“Some of these accounts include those of Bureau De Change, companies, mortgage firms, and personal types.

“We have been able to recover some money from these frozen accounts. Also, some bankers have made useful statements to this commission.”

In a report to the presidency, the EFCC confirmed that it had traced $183,000 into the account of a Dubai jeweler.

The EFCC report said in part: “Mr. Robert Mbonu is alleged to have received N3.5billion  into his company’s (Melrose General Services Limited’s) account from the NGF through Account 0005892453 domiciled in Access Bank.

“Investigation revealed that one Kathleen Erhimu is the Relationship Manager to Dr. Bukola Saraki’s account with Access Bank.

“That Saraki at a meeting introduced one Joseph Oladapo Idowu and Gbenga Peter Makanjuola to her and Hon. Makanjuola thereafter introduced Mr. Robert Mbonu to Ms Kathleen Erhimu.

“That Mbonu operates an account , Melrose General Services with Access Bank Plc 0005892453 and 0005653500 which was up till 13th December a business account.

“That Halima Kyari , the Head of Private Banking Group stated in a letter dated 13th December , 2016 , Mr. Robert Mbonu requested a transfer of Melrose General Services Company account from Business Account to a Private Banking Group Platform as he was expecting huge funds into the account.

“Subsequently, on the 14th December , the sum of N3.5billion was lodged into Melrose General Services Company account number 0005892453 domiciled in Access Bank from the Nigerian Governors Forum(NGF).

“That thereafter Mr. Obiora Amobi and Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola were introduced to Access Bank as representatives of Melrose General Services Limited by Robert Mbonu to enable them cash withdrawals from the account.

“That one Oluyemi Braithwaite, the MD/ CEO of Reinex Bureau de Change, Caddington Capital Limited and Westgate Limited also manages a BDC stated to have known Mbonu as a client and he requested for dollars in exchange for the Naira equivalent which were to be handed over to one Mr. Gbenga in Abuja.

“That Ms Oluyemi Braithwaite contacted one Hassan Dantani Abubakar, the owner of Hamma Procurement Limited, Ashrab Nigeria Limited and Insoire Solar Application to make available  the dollars based on the Naira equivalent  as transferred from Robert Mbonu who she had introduced via phone to Hassan Dantani.

“That on 16th December 2016, Melrose General Services transferred the sum of N246million to Hamma Procurement First Bank Accouny No. 2030756168 in exchange for the sum of $500,000 which was handed to one Mr. Gbenga in Abuja who acknowledged receipt of the same amount.

“That on the 21st Dec 2016, Ms Oluyemi Braithwaite contacted Hassan Dantani Abubakar, requesting for another transaction of $370,000. Melrose General Services Company transferred the sum of N181m to Inspire Solar Application. The $370,000 was handed over to one Mr. Dapo in Abuja.

“That on the 4th of January 2017, Mbonu through Melrose General Services Company transferred the sum of N248, 500,000 to Caddington Capital Limited belonging to Ms Oluyemi Braithwaite who transferred same to Hassan Dantani Abubakar’s FCMB account, Ashrab Nigeria Limited for the sum of $500,000. The dollar equivalent was handed over to Mr. Kolawole Shittu in Abuja

“That on the 10th of January 2017, Mr. Robert Mbonu through Melrose General Services Company transferred the sum of N99,820,000 to Caddington Capital Limited belonging to Ms. Oluyemi Braithwaite who transferred same to Hassan Dantani Abubakar’s FCMB Ashrab Nigeria Limited  for the sum of $200,000. The dollar equivalent was handed over to one Mr. Peter in Abuja.

“That on the 19th December, there was a cash withdrawal of the sum of N50million from Melrose General Services account via cheque by Hon. Gbenga Peter Makanjuola.

“Also, the sum of $1,570,000 was received by the trio of Mr. Gbenga Peter Makanjuola, Mr. Kolawole Shittu and Mr. Oladapo Joseph Idowu at various times and locations at Abuja FCT.

“That on the 29th December, 2016, Mr. Robert Mbonu called Mrs. Kathleen Erhimu of Access Bank requesting her to source for a customer that would have the sum of $500,000 in exchange for the Naira equivalent. She introduced Mr. Robert Mbonu to Acarast Commercial Limited and Capital Field Investment to help him source for dollars.

“That on the 21st December 2016, GCA Energy Limited paid the sum of $25,000 to Asterio Energy Services Limited which subsequently transferred the sum of $23,200 to Cactus Communication Limited account with Access Bank.

“The MD of Sought-After  International Synergy Limited, Julius Okedele stated that Mr. Kelechi Edomobi of Acarast Commercial Enterprises contacted him and requested to purchase dollars after the transfer of N73,950,000 to Sought-After  International Synergy Limited. Mr. Edomobi gave him the account number of Cactus Communication Limited Access Bank as the nominated account to receive the dollar equivalent of the sum of $149,000.

“Investigation further confirmed that Cactus Communication Limited  is owned and operated by Joseph Oladapo Idowu, an aide to Bukola Saraki.

“That Mr. Kelechi Edomobi also transferred the sum of N1m on the 15th of January, 2017, to Joseph Oladapo Idowu’s personal account number 0001679877 with Access Bank Plc.

“That Asterio Energy Services Limited on 21st and 22nd December, 2016, transferred $100,000 and $85,000 to Bhaskar Devji Jewellers LLC  in Dubai respectively the same company that Dr. Bukola Saraki repeatedly made transfer to from his Black Card Account.

“That Cactus Communication Limited on 30th December, 2016, paid the sum of $59,,660.67 to Bhaskar Devji Jewellers LLC  in Dubai.

“That Asterio Energy Services Limited on 20/1/2917, 30/1/2017 and 31/1/2017 transferred $46,000, $39,000 and $37,620 to Cactus Communication Limited.”

“That Mr. Obiora Amobi and Gbenga Makanjuola made cash withdrawals of various tranches of N5 million and N10 million.

“Based on the foregoing findings, it is clear that Robert Mbonu, the Managing Director of Melrose General Services Company and his company were used to help divert proceeds of unlawful activities under the guise of payment for contractual obligations with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum ( NGF).

“Suffice to apprise that all payments received by Melrose General Services Company from the NGF have hitherto been diverted directly via cash withdrawals and indirectly through transfers by Hon. Gbenga Peter Makanjuola, Kolawole Shittu and Oladapo Joseph Idowu who are principal aides of the Senate President.

“Furthermore, other payments from Melrose General Services Company has also been linked to companies that Dr. Bukola Saraki has interest in and carry out transactions with.

“This includes the sum of $183,000 which was transferred to Bhaska Devji Jewellers, Dubai, a company Dr. Bukola Saraki had repeatedly made payments to.

“Also, the sum of N200 million was transferred to Wasp Networks Limited that subsequently transferred the sum of N170 million to Xtract Energy Services Limited, a company that routinely made deposits into Dr. Bukola ‘s Access Bank United States Domicilliary Account.

“A prima facie case of conspiracy to retain the proceeds of unlawful activities  and money laundering contrary to Sections 15(3) and 18(9) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004 can be established against the aforementioned suspects.

“Additionally, investigation into their personal accounts is ongoing.”

From the initial tranche of ofN522.74 billion, about N19 billion was remitted by states into two accounts of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) as commission to consultants.

But the commission was found out to have ended up in the accounts of some of the seven governors, some public officers and some individuals who had no business with the refunds.

It was also learnt that some consultants engaged by the NGF and some states have not been paid by the governors.

Besides locating the two accounts where the N19 billion was allegedly remitted into, the EFCC has interrogated more than four people involved in hiring of consultants and payment.

Some states remitted as much as N600 million into NGF’s emergency accounts for the commission.

It was learnt that the two NGF accounts were hurriedly opened in defiance of the agreement.

According to findings, reports made available to presidency by the EFCC and other security agencies showed that the governors did not keep to the terms for the refund.

Do you get a good or bad respon

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Tinubu: Astute administrator and statesman at 65

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, celebrates his 65th birthday this week, Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU revisits his legendary welfarist legacy as governor of Lagos State between 1999 and 2007, which his successors have continued to build on in the Centre of Excellence.

He had a vision for the city state. Thus, he planned well and laid a solid foundation for its future. He assumed the reins at a very challenging period. Therefore, he resolved to make a difference. His two terms of eight years have remained a reference point. Ten years after leaving office, former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu has remained a factor, not only in the Centre of Excellence, but throughout the country.

The Tinubu years in the Round House, Alausa, Ikeja, the seat of government, were memorable. Sixteen years after former Governor Lateef Jakande was forced out of office, Lagos heaved a sigh of relief, following a new dawn. The onus was on Tinubu, a Third Republic senator and pro-democracy crusader, to fulfill his campaign promises to Lagosians who were thirsty of dividends of democracy.

To change the face of the metropolis, he needed an action plan and competent people to drive the vision. Tinubu assembled a cabinet of talents. It was reminiscent of the Awolowo years when the best brains were mobilised to lay a good foundation for the take-off of the most dynamic government the Western Nigeria ever had. Also, Tinubu fashioned out a 24-year Development Blueprint for Lagos, which his successors-Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Akinwunmi Ambode-have successfully built on.

However, his greatest achievement was his triumph over the inevitable succession crisis. Tinubu handed over to Fashola, who built on his feats. After eight years, Ambode received the mantle of leadership. In the last 17 years, Lagos has been working. To other states of the federation, it is a model. The credit goes to Tinubu, a great thinker, financial surgeon, mobiliser, organiser and strategist, who a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Jide Jimoh, has describd as the Tutor-General of Nigerian politics.

In his tribute to the pathfinder during his 60th birthday, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), who is now the governor of Ondo State, noted that Tinubu’s achievements brought back the nostalgic memories of the good days of the Southwest. “Since the commencement of the current democratic experience in 1999, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been the issue in Nigerian politics. From his position as the governor of Lagos State when he was able to display to the holders mendacious mandates that the people must be at the central focus of consideration in government, through the period of intense persecution by the “mainstreamers” to the current struggle for the emancipation of the region from the destructive influence of the locusts, which descended on the land, especially in the Southwest, Tinubu remains a major factor in Nigeria’s politics,” he added.

Before emerging as the champion of the Southwest and a national colossus, Tinubu had, first of all, put his house in order in Lagos. He worked hard to turn around the critical sectors and succeeded in evolving a benchmark for good governance, transparency and accountability in Lagos. Tinubu was a dynamic administrator and workaholic. As noted by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dele Alake, “Asiwaju Tinubu has no apologies for pushing his health to an edge. He says he applied for the job. He begged Lagosians to give him the job, to give him a place to stand so that he could move their world forward. And if the people identified him as the person for the job, he has no option, but to put in his very best.”

Reflecting on the giant strides of the administration, Tinubu’s media aide, Kehinde Bamigbetan, said: “Governor Tinubu’s philosophy of governance was welfarist. He believes the state must serve the interest of the poor and the underprivileged by encouraging the rich to subsidise the poor. He believes that government, as the agency set up to do this job, must be efficient in raising revenue and dispensing services.”

Tinubu inherited a state that has suffered under the military interlopers. Lagos roads were an eyesore. Rehabilitating the bad roads and building new ones to link communities for trade and commerce became a major priority.

In five years, Tinubu had completed over 308 roads projects out of 422 were completed. The former governor had an ally, Chief Rauf Aregbesola, an engineer, as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure. Road projects completed include Ijegun, Ojo; Oshifolarin, Somolu; Rhythm 93.7, Eti-Osa; Arufa Olugbemi, Ojo; Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island; Agege Motor Road (Idi Oro to Ilupeju Byepass),Mushin and Ojuwoye, Eko Akete, Abaronje-Okerube, Ikotun-Igbado; Alakuko, Ojokoro; and Aniyaloye/Edidi/Adegboyega/Fatai Bello, Ifelodun. Othere were Irede, Amuwo-Odofin; Owuto Ajaguro, Ikorodu; Ekoro, Agbado Oke; Aboru, Agbado Oke odo; Okun Alfa, Ibeju; Agunji Ajiran, Eti Osa West; Old Ota, Ifako Ijaye; Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Maroko-Epe Bye-Pass, Eti Osa West; and Oterubi Ogidan, Agboju.  A memoranda of agreement was signed with reputable construction  companies for the construction of Ajao/Ejigbo Road/Bridge, LASU-Iba-igbo Elerin-Agboroko-Badagry Expressway, and Isheri Osun-Isolo Housing Estate-Ago Palace Way.

The Lagos Island Central Business District Road upgrading and renewal project in the most crucial economic zone were undertaken. The roads targeted were Broad Street/Lagos Western outer Ring Road/ Marina/ Third mainland Ramp; Nnamidi Azikiwe/ cater Bridge; Cater Bridge/ Ereko martins/Balogun and Idumagbo/Third mailand Bridge and inner adjoining roads.

The administration also acknowledged the need to reposition the health sector, which was at a low ebb. Tinubu invested heavily in the sector, owing to his belief that health is wealth. Apart from establishing more General Hospitals and rehabilitating the existing ones, the administration also built more health centres at the grassroots. Modern medical equipment were procured for the health hospitals and helath centres. New medical laboratories were also set up. “Taking a large share of the health costs of the citizenry was one of the elements of the government’s welfare package,” recalled Bamigbetan.

It is an understatement. The administration introduced free health policy for children below 18 and adults above 65 years. The drugs for patients were heavily subsidized. Under the Blindness Prevention Programme, millions of Lagosians were saved from sight problems. There was a festival of eye surgery and free glasses (Dingi Bola) were distributed. To reduce the scourge of HIV/AIDS, the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency intensified its enlightenment programme targeted at youths. The adminisration’s “Roll Back Malaria” programme complemented the Eko Free Malaria Treatment programme under which millions of people were treated. Government also combated the dreadful diseases, including tuberculosis by setting up clinic devoted to the disease and polio through the immunization of millions of children.

The LASAMBUS scheme was initiated to attend to emergency medical cases. Dozens of ambulances were provided to ease rescue operations in the nooks and corners of the state. Some reforms were also carried out in the health sector, which led to the decentralization of the Health Management Board, the revatalisation of the Primary healthcare System, the establishment of the Lagos State Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to ensure quality assurance, the establishment of Hospital Services Commission and the promotion of partnerships in health between the government and the private sector.

To Tinubu’s consternation, Lagos had become a city of fifth in 1999, making its urgent transformation into a clean and safe environment devoid of epidemics more compelling. The former separated the Ministry of Environment from the Ministry of Physical Planning and repositioned it to combat critical challenges, including flooding and coordination of waste disposal operations.

Also, the administration was confronted by the rot in the education sector. Lagos is a mini-Nigeria playing host to citizens from other states of the federation. A discriminatory education policy was incompatible with the spirit of Lagos. Tinubu believed passionately that education was the antidote to poverty. That was why his administration decided to shoulder the burden of parents by paying WAEC and NECO fees and fees for internal examinations. The administration kicked-off the Millennium School Projects as part of efforts to guarantee a conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in public schools. In 2001, Tinubu returned the missionary schools to their owners, thereby enhancing private participation in the critical sector.

The youth development programme of the administration led to the annual “One Day Governor” event . Also, the former governor converted the dreadful Ita Oko prisoners camp into a youth skills acquisition centre. There was also a programme of women empowerment targeted at women to enable them cope with the harsh economic realities. More importantly, women were reoriented towards self-employment.

In the housing sector, Tinubu administration facilitated access to quality accommodation and succeeded in making the Lekki corridor the fastest growing estates. The former governor was taken aback by the Federal Government’s failed housing policy and the neglect of the housing needs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He restructure the Ministry of Works and Housing by upgrading the Housing Department or directorate into a full fledged ministry. The ministry was mandated to provide 5,00 housing units yearly and coordinate the activities of the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC) and the lagos Building Investment Company for more effective management. More importantly, the sector was repositioned to attract private sector participation.

There was a turnaround in the fortunes of the LSDPC, whose account was red before Tinubu assumed office. In his first term, the moribund Michael Otedola Low Income Housing was completed. The Jubilee Housing Scheme-q 1,300 units of low income housing designated as Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, was completed. The project was undertaken directly by the ministry. Also delivered were the Lekki Scheme 1, named after the late Eleko of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the Oko Oba units, Oregun Estate, Ikeja, Femi Okunnu Housing estate, Leki and the Mile 2 Housing Estate. Also, concerted efforts were made to develop the proposed estates in Gbagada 1 and 2, Ibeshe, Ikeja 1 and 2, Oko Oba/Alaba and Ewu Elepe. There were proposals on “Teachers’ Village,” “Civil servants’ Village” and “Judges Village.” The mortgage system was strengthened and foreign investors were encouraged.

There were also novel initiatives in transportation, including the development of modern water transportation, BRT and LASTMA.

Under the visionary administration, Lagos blazed the trail in the Independent Power Project (IPP), which continually supplied 270 mega watts of electricity to the national grid. The project demonstrated the capacity of some states to generate electricity, if the power to legislate on it is on the Concurrent List.  Tinubu electrification project covered over 100 communities. In his first term, 53 rural communities were targeted.  The projects were completed in Egan, Atewolere, Ifesowapo, Aboru, Agbado Ayetoro, Akorede, Isheri Ikosi, Orile Aguntan, Rofo, Borokini, Omologbede, Araromi, Oke Agbo, Erekusu, Logberu, Okegelu and Ebute, Lekki. Others were Origanringan, Onigbolakowe, Oke odo Elemoro, Ipaja Isale odo, Agenuba, Ajelogo, Mutaku, Egansando, Ayanfe, topo and Ikola Agbenaje.

Tinubu created additional 37 councils, following the legitimate agitations of Lagosians for improved governance at the grassroots. The number of the councils rose to 57. However, the National Assembly has refused to list the councils in the constitution, despite the fact that their creation by the House of assembly followed the due process of law at the state level. The threat by the Obasanjo administration to scrap the councils failed. Although the allocations to the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) were withheld by the Federal Government, they survived the federal onslaught.

For the former governor, necessity became the mother of invention. When the allocation for Lagos was seized, Tinubu put on his thinking cap. He embarked on a novel and aggressive revenue generation drive, which halted the dependence on federal allocations to the state. His successors have built on the success. Today, Lagos has been able to implement laudable people-oriented projects funded largely from its soaring Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

For eight years, Tinubu also agitated for a special status for Lagos State. Up to now, it is still a dream.

For living up to expectation as governor, Tinubu was showered with accolades by individuals, groups, communities and reputable institutions. The awards of excellence include: Best Governor of for 2001 by the Nigerian/Belgian Chamber of Commerce, Winner of 2002 Best Practices Prize in improving the living environment (by the Federal Ministry of Works and UN habitat Group), 2000 Best computerized Government in Nigeria (by the Computer Association of Nigeria), 2003 Green Crystal Award for Enhancing the Value of the Environment (by Clean-Up Nigeria (CUN), 2002 helath care Award as the best provider of best health services in Nigeria, Presidential Merit Award for technological Development by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, 2001 National Literacy award for outstanding contribution to mas literacy, Co-winner of 2002 Outstanding Alumnus award of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), 2001 Distinguished Alumnus Award by Chicago State University, Distinguished Service Award for Exemplary Leadership by the Lagos State Economic Summit Group, Certificate of Commendation by the national Conference of Black mayors, Silver Jubilee Anniversary Award as Labour Friendly Governor by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural gas Workers (NUPENG) and Award of Recognition by Nigerian Berge Limited for the initiation of the Independent Power project (IPP).

Tinubu was also conferred with a Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree by the Abia State University. He was honoured with chieftaincy titles by some communities. Apart from being the Asiwaju of Lagos, a title that was conferred on him by the late Oba Oyekan, Tinubu is also the Akinrogun of Lagos, Agba-Akin of Ikorodu,

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APC to heads of govt agencies: don’t disrespect National Assembly

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has warned its members, who are appointees of government, not to disrespect the National Assembly.

The party said the National Assembly is the institution at the heart of the nation’s democracy, noting that any form of denigration of that institution was “like flirting with suicide”.

The National Assembly has had running battles with government appointees following their refusal to honour invitations to answer questions on certain issues affecting Nigerians and the day-to-day running of government – the latest being the refusal of the Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali, to honour an invitation from the Senate.

Speaking with reporters at the weekend after a meeting of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) with the APC caucus in the House of Representatives, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party did not intervene early enough on the face-off between the Senate and the Comptroller General of Customs because the matter was not strictly a party affair.

He added that the party believed both parties will  see reasons to amicably resolve the matter.

He explained that taking the matter to court had further complicated the issue at stake.

But he assured the citizenry that the party will ensure the matter is resolved within the shortest possible time.

Abdullahi said: “Yes, you are right. The issue came up. The House of Representatives expressed these concerns.

“They believe that the party has being shielding some people from the Executive arm of government, who are also members of the party and that is why they are able to, in their own words, disrespect the National Assembly.

“Don’t forget that the meeting we had was with the House of Representatives and not the Senate. But I think they felt equally affected by what is going on with the individuals you have mentioned. But the assurance that we gave them is that the party will not do that.

“The party will not support any member, who is an appointed official of government to disrespect the National Assembly because we recognise that the National Assembly is the very meaning of our democracy.

“The difference between dictatorship and democracy is that you have a National Assembly. In military rule, you have the executive and the judiciary. The only institution you don’t have under military rule is the National Assembly or the House of Assembly in the state.

“So, that is the very foundation of our democracy and we believe as a party that every single citizen, regardless of what we feel about some actions or inactions of that institution or some individuals in that institution or the perception we have about some people in that institution, the most important thing is that it is the very institution at the heart of our democracy and any form of denigration of that institution is like flirting with suicide.

“So, as a political party, we are not going to do that. We are not going to support anybody to disrespect our National Assembly and I believe that some of these issues that are coming up will very soon be resolved.

“As you have learnt, the party said we are going to intervene on some of these issues and try to resolve them. I don’t think trying to intervene to resolve the issues should be interpreted to mean that we are protecting some of the individuals that are involved.

“We are not protecting anyone to disrespect the National Assembly. Our desire will be to see that there is stability in the system and the polity is not unnecessarily overheated by issues that can be resolved amicably.”

Abdullahi said the party did not intervene early in the matter because it was not strictly a party affair.

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‘Nigeria imports 70m generators’- see details

No fewer than 70 million generators have been imported into the country, the Chief Executive Officer, Consistent Energy Limited, Mr Segun Adaju, has said.

Adaju told The Nation that shortatge of gas, which is the feedstock for power plants across the country, is the reason for the high incidence of generation units importation in the country..

Adaju said a research by his organisation showed that Nigeria is the net importer of generators with about 70 million generators brought in the past few years.

He said the worsening electricity situation was making Nigerians to seek solace in alternative energy supply, adding that the issue has depleted savings of many individuals and organisations.

Adaju said: ‘’Between 60 and 70 million generators of different brands and sizes have been imported into the country, in the past few years. The generators are of lower and higher voltages, depending on the needs of the owners. Besides, the generators range from the smallest to the biggest, such as Perkins and Caterpillar brand. The generators are worth billions of naira, which means that Nigerians are repatriating funds to access power.’’

He said there are health hazards caused by fumes from the generators, stressing that the issue has made people to inhale carbon monoxide, which is life-threatening.

‘’Many people have died through the inhalation of carbon monoxide arising from the use of generators. Aside this, generators cause air pollution and other environmental hazards,” he added.

Adaju, whose firm specialises in generation and provision of solar energy for individuals and communities nationwide, said Nigerians could replace their generators with solar energy and other renewables, and in return, get better and safer services.

He urged the federal and state governments to invest in solar energy and other methods of off-grid electricity for growth.

He said the intensity of the sun is high in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to leverage it to generate solar electricity for the people.

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