NEWS
Senator Sues Buhari for Sack as NNPC Chairman
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Former Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, filed an N100 billion suit against President Muhammadu Buhari, at a Federal High Court in Abuja, over the alleged unlawful removal of his name as a non-Executive Chairman of the newly Incorporated Nigeria National Petroleum Company.
He said the monetary claim was for the damages that were wrought on him, by the alleged unlawful and unconstitutional ways and manners he was sacked as the NNPC Chief after using his name to incorporate the entity.
The suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/691/2022 and obtained by journalists on Wednesday was instituted on his behalf by seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria comprising Chief Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, Ogwu James Onoja, K.
C Nwufor and Gordy Uche.Araraume, in the suit, formulated four issues for determination by the court among which was whether, in view of the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NNPC, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the office of the non-Executive Chairman is not governed and regulated by the stated provisions of the law.
He was also asking the court to determine whether, by the interpretation of section 63 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the President can lawfully remove him as non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC for any reason outside the provisions of the law.
The Imo State-born politician also wants the court to determine whether Buhari can sack him without compliance with expressly stated provisions of the Articles of Memorandum of Association of the Company, section 63 (3) of the PIA Act 2021 and section 288 of the CAMA Act 2020.
Also listed for determination was whether his purported removal letter of January 17, 2022, without compliance with expressly stated provisions of the law is not wrongful, illegal, null and void and of no legal consequence whatsoever.
Upon the determination of the issues in his favour, the plaintiff wants the court to make a declaration that his position as non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC is exclusively governed and regulated by CAMA 2020, PIA Act 2021 and Memorandum of Association of the Company.
He also asked the court for a declaration that by the provisions of section 63 (3) of the PIA Act, CAMA Act and Memorandum of Association of the NNPC, the President cannot by removing him from office as non-Executive Chairman without following due process of the law.
Ararume, therefore, prayed for an order of the Court setting aside his removal by Buhari vide letter of January 17, 2022, with reference number SGF.3V111/86.
He also sought an order of the court reinstating him forthwith and restoring him to the office with all the appurtenant rights and privileges of the office of the NNPC non-Executive Chairman.
The plaintiff further demands nullification and setting aside all decisions and resolutions of the NNPC Board made in his absence from January 17, 2022, to date and another order restraining the defendants from removing his name as Director of the Company.
He requested N100 billion as damages for the wrongful removal, disruption and interruption of his term of office as non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC.
In a 75-paragraph affidavit in support of the suit, Ararume averred that upon the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the former Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation NNPC and its subsidiaries were unbundled to become Nigeria National Petroleum Company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission with the number 1843987.
Recall that on October 20, 2021, President Buhari approved his appointment as a non-Executive Chairman for a period of initial five years and subsequently, his name was registered in the Memorandum of Articles of the Company and the appointment was announced to the whole world.
Based on the appointment, Ararume averred claimed that he attended the 23rd World Petroleum Congress in the United States of America but surprisingly on January 7th, 2022, Buhari inaugurated the NNPC Board without recourse to him while another person was named in his place.
By a letter of January 17, 2022, he was informed of the withdrawal of his appointment but without any reason whatsoever to justify the purported removal.
Plaintiff asserted that he was not guilty of any pre-conditions for removal and was never declared bankrupt or adjudged medically unfit for the job.
Based on the unlawful act of the defendant, the plaintiff said that the action has fuelled public suspicion and rumours against his person.
Subsequently, Ararume asserted that he has suffered the loss of credibility and goodwill, untold emotional, mental and psychological trauma and public humiliation, degradation and embarrassment by his purported removal by President Buhari.
He, therefore, prayed the court to award him N100Billion naira compensation and to order his return to office in line with the letter and conditions of his appointment.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered that the Corporate Affairs Commission be joined as a party following no objection from Chief Chris Uche (SAN) who stood for Ararume and Alhasan. Shuaib who represented President Buhari.
Justice Ekwo subsequently fixed December 15 for further mention in the suit and ordered that the amended originating summons be served on parties before the adjourned date.
Mr Lere Olayinka, spokesman of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has faulted the position of Sen. Ireti Kingibe on the enforcement of ground rent by the FCT Administration.Kingibe, representing the FCT in the Senate under the Labour Party, had challenged the sealing of property by the FCT Administration, describing it as unconstitutional.
The senator in statement noted that although enforcement of tax obligations was necessary, defaulting in ground rent payments was no legal ground for arbitrary takeover of property. Responding, Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communications and Social Media, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, that the senator was unaware of the provisions of the Land Use Act.He described Kingibe’s comment on the enforcement of payment of ground rent as illogical, explaining that land allocation comes with conditions.According to him, land allocation comes with conditions that must be met, one of which is the annual payment of ground rent without demand notice.He advised the senator against using the ground rent enforcement to score cheap political gain.“It is surprising that a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose duty is to make laws, is ignorant of the provisions of Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act.“Section 28, Subsections (a) and (b) of the Land Use Act provides that ‘The Government may revoke a Statutory Right of Occupancy on the ground of; (a) a breach of any of the provisions which a certificate of occupancy is by Section 10 deemed to contain; and (b) a breach of any term contained in the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).“Now, is annual payment of ground rent not part of the terms contained in the C of O? ,” he asked.The spokesperson asked whether Kingibe would look away if land allottees refused to pay ground rent for 10 to 43 years if she was the FCT minister. Report says that the FCTA had on Monday, began taking over 4,794 revoked properties in the territory over unpaid ground rent, amounting to more than N6 billion.Tinubu, however, gave the defaulters 14-day grace to pay the outstanding ground rent and associated penalties. (NAN)
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that his administration has committed over N40 billion to clearing arrears of salaries and pensions in the past two years.Otti said this on Thursday during an event organised to mark his administration’s two years anniversary with the theme “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum”, in Umuahia.
The governor said that this move was aimed at restoring dignity and financial stability to the state’s workforce and retirees. He said that prompt salary and pension payments had become an integral part of the system with workers now paid by the 28th of every month.Otti added that pensioners now receive full monthly payments, ending the era of partial disbursements experienced by retirees.He also announced the full renovation of the previously abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, now housing nearly 1,000 civil servants.The governor revealed efforts to digitise government operations and phase out manual filing systems through the provision of computers.He also said that an agreement with MTN would ensure full network coverage across the state by Dec. 31, 2025.Otti said that the state would also be witnessing the development of the first Aba Digital Mall by MTN, aimed at boosting e-commerce and local trade.Otti reiterated the sustained resolve of Abia Government to allocate 20 per cent of the state’s budget to education, and confirmed that smart schools were under construction across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).According to him, the state’s free basic education policy had increased enrolment, prompting the transparent recruitment of 5,300 new teachers earlier this year.He also disclosed that another 4,000 teachers would be recruited to match the growing student population across public schools.The governor assured equal opportunities for all, regardless of state of origin, ethnicity, or religion during the exercise.On health, he said that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) had been renovated, with commissioning set to begin on June 1.Otti also said that renovations were ongoing at ten general hospitals and two specialist centres to improve healthcare delivery in the state.Otti revealed plans for a medical village to tackle outbound medical tourism and position Abia as Nigeria’s healthcare hub.On security, he credited the government’s security intervention code named ”Operation Crush” for reclaiming territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminals, restoring peace and safety.He praised security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.Otti stated that several roads in Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of the state were ready for commissioning starting June 1.He stressed that good governance, accountability, and prudent spending of public funds remain his administration’s core principles.Otti reaffirmed the state’s private-sector-driven economic strategy and commitment to creating a conducive business environment.He highlighted the government’s ₦1 billion empowerment of 10,000 nano-businesses to support entrepreneurship and reduce financial hardship.On electricity, he confirmed that Geometric Power now generated 141 megawatts, with the fourth turbine expected to boost capacity further.He revealed discussions with Enugu DISCO to isolate Umuahia as a power island, following the Aba model.Otti said the move aims to ensure stable electricity across Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.He also noted the installation of nearly 7,000 solar streetlights, part of efforts to improve security and drive a 24-hour economy.On sanitation, he celebrated the state’s transformation from one of the dirtiest to among the cleanest in Nigeria.He praised citizens for embracing cleanliness and environmental responsibility as a collective lifestyle.Otti commended civil servants, appointees, healthcare workers, and cleaners for driving the administration’s achievements.He attributed his administration’s success to divine guidance and the unwavering support of the people of Abia.The governor also expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their support before, during, and after the 2023 elections.He further reaffirmed his commitment to building a functional, safe, and prosperous Abia for all.In their good will messages, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, commended the governor for his transformational leadership style.They urged the people of Abia to continue to support the programmes and policies of the state government.Also, in their remarks, the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and his deputy, Mr Austin Mmeregini, passed a vote of confidence on the governor.They expressed the resolve of the legislature to continually give the governor all the legislative support required to execute his rebuilding agenda.Report says that the event was attended by the former deputy governor, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, former Chairman of Ohafia LGA, among other dignitaries. (NAN)
Gov. Hyacinth Alia said his administration established the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh, Vandeikya Local Government Area, to meet the growing needs for higher education in the state. Alia stated this on Thursday in Makurdi when addressing Benue people on the occasion of his 2nd-year anniversary as governor.
According to him, the establishment of the new university is to produce specialised graduates to boost the state economy. Alia stated that it became imperative to engage youths in agricultural activities to ensure food security; hence, establishing the university would help the state achieve that objective.The governor stated that education remained at the heart of his development agenda, adding that over 9,000 qualified teachers were recruited to boost the primary education sector.“For the first time in the history of Benue State, we have recruited over 9,000 qualified teachers through a transparent Computer-Based Testing (CBT) process. “We approved a new ₦75,000 minimum wage for public school teachers and for all state civil servants, reflecting our respect for their essential role in public service. “Infrastructural development in our schools includes the massive construction of new classrooms, libraries, sanitation facilities, and perimeter fences. “Computer-based learning has been introduced in model schools like the UBEC Smart School in Makurdi, with many more to follow,” he said. Alia also said that his administration also constructed and renovated over 253 school structures, including modern storey buildings. He said they have also supplied over 13,347 units of classroom furniture, including facilities for Early Childhood Care Development and Education (ECCDE). The governor said in collaboration with the Federal Government, Benue established a state-of-the-art fashion hub and ICT training centre here in Makurdi. He said the initiative was designed to harness the creativity of young people, promote entrepreneurship in the ICT and fashion and garment industry, and position Benue as a new frontier for ICT and textile innovation and production in Nigeria. He said security remained the top priority of his administration, adding that he inherited a fragile security situation in the state in 2023. “The establishment of Operation Anyam Nyôr, a security outfit backed by legislation, has empowered law enforcement agencies to tackle insecurity head-on. “We have distributed Hilux vans, security vehicles and motorcycles to various mainstream security agencies and quasi-security outfits for effective combating of crime. “Let me assure you that we are on the trail of the terrorists, armed herders and bandits terrorising some parts of our state, and very soon, we will decimate them and all other criminal syndicates in the state,”” he said (NAN)
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