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Revealed: Why They Want Wale Tinubu Out

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Many,  especially members of the business community, were shocked last Friday when the  Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, ordered the Group Chief Executive Officer,  Oando Plc, Wale Tinubu, and his Deputy,  Omamofe Boyo, to immediately resign from the leading oil firm over alleged infractions and breach of stipulated rules of SEC.
The order, which was relayed via a syndicated press release, also announced an interim management Board, which will convene a special general meeting of shareholders, where new management board would be selected and inaugurated.
However, the severity of the penalties and the timing of the release have roused public curiosity as to the motive and the basis for the penalties. 
Speaking during a press conference held at the Company’s head office, the Chief Operating Officer, Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, said: “We were not given a chance to review and respond to the outcome of the report. You do not sentence a person to death without giving him or her a chance to defend him or herself.
” In this instance, we have been sentenced to death without knowing what our crime is or being given a chance to defend ourselves. 
“At the barest minimum, best practice requires that you give the person a chance of a fair hearing. We have not been accorded this opportunity.”
Irune further explained that when the company made the decision to drop its court case challenging the SEC’s decision to carry out a forensic audit, it was assured that it could trust the system for an independent investigation that would be fair and follow due process. 
He explained further that the Management agreed to the forensic audit, having been assured that it would be done in the spirit of transparency, cooperation and full disclosure.
Since the development,  which many have described as “draconian”, echoes of Oando’s sentiments seem to be  resounding across the country,  with everyone wanting to know what the Oando management had done to warrant such stringent penalties. 
Amidst the increasing wave of criticisms of the SEC order, renowned banker, Atedo Peterside, Founder,  Stanbic IBTC, wondered why the SEC would not share the findings of the forensic audit with Oando, thereby giving the management  an opportunity to defend itself.
Atedo, who expressed his sentiment through the social media,  went further to challenge the SEC to share the forensic audit findings and Oando’s response with the general public for all to judge.
According to a source, the forensic audit report was ready and submitted by Deloitte and Touche as far back as December 2018, adding that “The reason SEC decided to sit on the report for six months without engaging Oando where necessary remains a mystery yet to be unraveled. 
“It also brings to mind the famous quote that “power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Is this a case of abuse of power or has someone been put under duress to release the report without any regard for due process? What are the details of the infractions as opposed to a summary and what are the associated penalties for each infraction according to the SEC rule book?”
The oil giant also wrote a five- page letter dated June 1, 2019, and addressed to the acting Director- General, SEC, Mary Uduk, demanding the withdrawal by SEC of the penalties listed in the letter within three days.
Also, in the letter, the Company insisted that the findings were largely unfounded and remained unsubstantiated in the absence of any representation before the regulator arrived at its sanctions.
Oando also demanded that it should be given the findings of the forensic audit as well as an opportunity to defend itself.
Another source disclosed that SEC officials are playing out a script, after allegedly receiving a bribe from Volpi owned by Gabriele Volpi, an Italian-born Nigerian businessman, who is also a business partner and close ally of the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the last general election,  Atiku Abubakar.
” It is well known to many that SEC sinks with corruption that was the reason it former DG was accused of fraud by the ICPC. ”  A source added. 
It was gathered that it is an agenda to wrestle the company from Tinubu, in order for them to use the Oando resources for Abubakar’s court proceedings since the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) terminated its boats pilotage monitoring and supervision agreement with one of its cash cow,  Intels, for failure to pay $145 million in revenues to the  Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account ( TSA).
Shortly after the purported order by the SEC , Volpi, the Chairman and main shareholder of Intels Nigeria Limited, who has been having a running battle with Tinubu and Boyo over the control of the oil and gas company, commenced a desperate move for the soul of the company that Tinubu sweat to build from the scratch.
It was disclosed that Volpi has begun consultations since last weekend  and is desperate to join Dahiru Mangal to join him, despite Mangal making peace with Tinubu and Boyo and appointing three directors into Oando Plc.  But they would have no quorum to convene the board and take decisions.
However, on Monday, June 3, Tinubu  floored SEC at the  Federal High Court in Lagos. In a ruling, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun restrained the SEC from removing  Tinubu and Boyo as Oando Plc’s Group Chief Executive  Officer and Deputy Group Chief Executive  Officer, respectively.
Justice Olatoregun granted the interim injunction, following an application filed by both Tinubu and Boyo.
The Oando chiefs had applied for enforcement of their fundamental rights.
The court also restrained SEC, its servants or agents from taking any step concerning the Commission’s letter dated May 31 in which it barred Tinubu and Boyo from being directors of a public company for five years.
Justice Olatoregun also restrained the Commission from imposing a fine of N91.13 million on Tinubu.
The Judge also ordered SEC to restrain from all actions on the said letter pending hearing and determination of the applicants’ motion for an interlocutory injunction.
Justice Olatoregun restrained Mutiu Sunmonu from acting as the Head of Oando’s interim management team pending the hearing and determination of the motion.

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ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY: THE HALO TRUST AND US GOVERNMENT PARTNER TO PROVIDE AMMUNITION HANDLING AND ACCOUNTING TRAINING AT IKEJA LAGOS.

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The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (NPF EOD-CBRN) has successfully completed the first batch of training for 19 personnel on Ammunition Handling and Accounting Course. The training, held in Ikeja, Lagos, from December 3-20, 2024, was organized by The HALO Trust and sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

According to The HALO Trust’s Country Director for Nigeria, Prince Ganiyu Otunba, this training is part of aholistic NPF-HALO developed project aimed at supporting personnel capacity building, addressing equipment needs, and enhancing the operational readiness of the NPF EOD-CBRN Command to mitigate explosive ordnance threats in Nigeria. A second batch of 22 personnel is scheduled to undergo the same training in January.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, through the CP EOD–CBRN CP Patrick Atayeroexpressed gratitude to the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs andThe Trust HALO for their support.

The training aimed to equip NPF EOD-CBRN personnel with the knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to handle and account for ammunition and explosives safely and securely. The course also focused on ensuring proper accounting and record-keeping, preventing theft and diversion, reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites, and promoting international best practices.

The NPF appreciates the support provided by the United States government, which will have a profoundly positive impact on the society.

CP Patrick Atayero emphasized the importance of responsible ammunition management in preventing the proliferation of illicit weapons and reducing the risk of unplanned explosions at munitions sites. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate with the Police in efforts to prevent the diversion, misuse, and unauthorized handling of explosive and other hazardous materials.

About HALO

The HALO Trust is the world’s largest humanitarian organization engaged in the field of Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management. With over 35 years’ experience, The HALO Trust is the most experienced organization in the field of Weapons and Ammunition Management, rehabilitating and constructing armouries and ammunition stores to international standards, disposing of unsafe and unserviceable weapons and ammunition, and building national capacity to allow for the safe, accountable and secure management and control of weapons and ammunition.

The HALO Trust presently implements Mine Action and weapons and ammunition management projects in 30 countries and territories. In 2024, HALO trained a total of 106 Nigeria security forces personnel in weapons and ammunition management.

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Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

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By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

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Ogun State Prominent Monarchs, Business Tycoons, Others Honor Olusho Agba At The Confession 2024

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The Olusho Agba’s confession 2024 attracted more dignitaries as three respected monarchs in Ogun honour the event by physical appearance, alongside side most prominent CEOs in Ogun.

 

The royal fathers present at the laudable event held at Continental Suits in Abeokuta include HRM Oba Oyabanji Adetunji (Oloja Of Oja Odan) HRM Oba Buhari Makinde (Oniwoye of Iwoye Land) HRM. Oba Lukmon Kuoye (Olu of Imasayi).

 

Also Chief Executive Officer of IBD Foundation, Dr. Mrs. Lara Dende, the Chief Executive Officer of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited Amb. Dr Tunde Adeyemo and CEO of Zolakaz Oil and Gas Alh. Sanni Azeez was also present at the event.

 

The Confession 2024 features a series of content creators, comedians, singers and dancers, and artists of different fields such as Dr Smile, Hafeez Oyetoro (Simply Saka), Woli 3310, Chukwuka Jude, Babalegba

Biola Adekunle, Femi Obimodede, Ishau Abidemi, and many more.

 

Below are some pictures from the event…

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