NEWS
Tinubu Appoints Convicted Ex-FRC Secretary To Probe CBN, Others
President Bola Tinubu has assigned Jim Osayande Obazee, a man previously dismissed by his predecessor due to numerous allegations of corruption, abuse of office, federal racketeering, and conviction for sexual harassment, to lead an investigation of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other federal agencies.
In a letter dated July 28, the president instructed Mr. Obazee, as a special investigator, to uncover extensive corruption within the nation’s main banker and other institutions suspected of promoting a culture of public graft.
The president said Mr Obazee, who was controversially removed from office in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari following multiple charges that included fraud and sexual assault of a federal official, should “immediately take steps to ensure the strengthening and probity of key Government Business Entities (GBEs), further block leakages in CBN and related GBEs and provide a comprehensive report on public wealth currently in the hands of corrupt individuals and establishments (whether private or public).”
He would operate with “a suitably experienced, competent and capable team and work with relevant security and anti-corruption agencies to deliver on this assignment,” Mr Tinubu added in the letter, noting that he would anticipate updates from Mr Obazee’s team on a weekly basis.
This is coming approximately seven weeks after President Bola Tinubu dismissed Godwin Emefiele as the head of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and detained him.
Despite court orders, he appointed Jim Osayande Obazee to lead an essential anti-corruption investigation
It seems that President Tinubu may not have thoroughly considered Mr. Obazee’s controversial background before assigning him to this crucial portfolio.
In 2013, Mr. Obazee, who was then the executive secretary of the Financial Reporting Council, faced accusations of sexually abusing a federal official named Abimbola Patricia Yakubu and subsequently retaliated against her by terminating her employment with the federal agency.
Ms. Abimbola Patricia Yakubu took swift action and filed a lawsuit against the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) for wrongful termination and allegations of covering up sexual assault by its leadership.
The case was heard in the Kano Division of the National Industrial Court, where Justice Oyebiola Oyewunmi presided over a lengthy trial.
In the ruling on November 24, 2016, Justice Oyewunmi found in favor of Ms. Yakubu and ordered Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee to pay her N5 million in damages.
Additionally, the judge ordered the immediate reinstatement of Ms. Yakubu to her former position with full payment of her salaries, including the period she was away from work due to the illegal termination.
The court found that Ms Yakubu “suffered unquantifiable mental and psychological trauma, low self-worth and dignity,” from Mr Obazee’s treatment.
“I award the sum of N5,000,000.00 against the 2nd defendant for sexually harassing the claimant, discrimination against her, inhuman and executive recklessness of the 2nd defendant, thereby creating a hostile working environment for the claimant and for the violation of her human dignity and self-worth-respect,” the judge ruled.
Despite the judgment against him, Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee maintained his innocence regarding all charges.
However, it remains unclear whether he pursued an appeal. The special investigator did not respond to a request from Peoples Gazette seeking comments on his background.
In addition to the previous sexual assault case, in 2016, Mr. Obazee faced accusations of embezzling public funds from the agency. There were also allegations that he accepted bribes to advocate for a federal takeover of certain banks and the removal of Lamido Sanusi, who was then the CBN governor.
In January 2017, Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee was dismissed from his position as the head of the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The decision to remove him came after significant controversy surrounding his move to impose strict regulations on churches, mosques, and other faith-based entities across Nigeria.
This move was particularly linked to the decision of Enoch Adeboye to step down as the head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. However, the church denied any involvement in Mr. Obazee’s removal.
There was no response from a spokesman for the president regarding how Mr. Obazee was vetted for the position when sought for comments.
Mr. Tinubu has faced persistent allegations of corruption and drug dealing throughout his decades-long political career, and he has maintained close relationships with individuals of questionable character.
For instance, his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, was accused of accepting bribes to pass a law in 2021 and had previously faced punishment for misappropriating funds from clients during his legal practice in the United States.
Additionally, Abdullahi Ganduje, a key political ally of the president, was caught on video accepting bribes from a public works contractor.
While Mr. Tinubu continues to deny corruption allegations, he did acknowledge forfeiting drug money to the U.S. authorities in the 1990s.
In a letter to Mr. Obazee, he stated that the decision to appoint a special investigator aligns with his administration’s commitment to eradicating corruption in public service.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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