The appointment of Olinzele (Chief) Anthony Nwaeze Enurah as the traditional Chief for Otulu Ogwashi-Uku has been authorized by the Delta State government.

The new Chief was appointed by HRM OBI (Dr) IFECHUKWUDE ANINSHI Okonjo II, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom and the Traditional Ruler of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government in Delta State, in August of 2021.

Anthony Enurah, the new Chief, was given the certificate that had been approved by the office of the Deputy Governor of Delta State and had been signed by Mr. Frank Aghara, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs.

Responding to questions from journalists about the issuance of the Certificate, the Palace Secretary stated that he was indeed very happy that government has taken the step to affirm the appointment of the traditional Chief by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

He said: “We are very grateful to the Delta State government, the governor and Deputy Governor, for this approval. It will ensure that there is a proper legal authority appointed by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku to manage the affairs of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.

“Otulu is one of our satellite farming communities. Let me use this opportunity to warn any persons who are making false claims about rulership in Otulu to stay clear of the community. The Obi of Ogwashi-Uku intends to turn around the affairs of that community, and restore sanity and peace to the community, so serious development can commence. This can only be achieved when there is law and order. We have informed the relevant authorities about the appointment, and requested their assistance to provide all the necessary security support to the new Chief so he can carry out his duties.”

The Palace Secretary also thanked the representatives from the Agidiase and Agidiahe communities in Ogwashi-Uku who will nominate representatives to assist the new Chief in managing the affairs in Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.

Chief Anthony Enurah also spoke with our reporter.

According to him, “Otulu Ogwashi-Uku is in bad need of proper leadership.”

Adding: “We need to move the community forward and I use this opportunity to thank our King, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II for finding me worthy for this appointment. I promise to bring reconciliation and leadership to the Otulu people and for them to unite in full support of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom. I give God all the glory. Today is a good day and we will start afresh for the community.”

“I am a blue blood son of Ogwashi-Uku from Umudei and I will fulfill my responsibilities in the interest of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.

You will recall that last year, a fugitive from justice one Francis Oduwanor Odiakose aka (Medolue) had unilaterally declared himself the traditional ruler of Otulu Ogwashi-Uku and even went as far as attempting to change the name of the community. This led to a breakdown of law and order and the Delta State government through the Inspector General of Police declared him wanted for terrorism, attempted murder and other charges.

“Francis Oduwanor Odiakose and his brother Christopher Odiakaose aka (Big fish) are suspected to have led the cultists who attacked the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku when he visited Otulu Ogwashi-Uku last year when he went to perform traditional annual prayers for the community. Christopher Odiakaose aka (Big Fish) after being declared wanted was arrested at the scene of a bank robbery in Agbor, Delta State and is currently in Ogwashi-Uku prison facing trial for attempted murder amongst other charges. Francis Odiakaose Oduwanor aka Medolue is still on the run.

“The Area Commander Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP Lamba urged all members of the Otulu Ogwashi-Uku community to rally round and support their new Chief.”

He opined that this will bring peace and stability to Otulu Ogwashi-Uku.

In order to discover the most effective methods for enhancing Nigeria’s migration governance, the Civil Society Network on Migration and Development held its annual Civil Society Forum yesterday.

A number of significant players in the field of migration governance attended the forum’s inaugural event in 2021, and this year is no different.

Dr. Emeka Xris Obiezu the CSONetMADE’s National Coordinator, thanked the federal government for recognizing CSOs as significant partners in the regulation of migration in his speech.

He said that without influence from outside sources, the Forum would let the participants evaluate and criticize their viewpoints on immigration policy.

The national coordinator stated that the 10 point statement from the Forum that was released during the 2021 event has been incorporated into national policy.

Hajia Sadiya Umar Faruq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disater Management and Social Development said the federal government was taking the issue of migration seriously because of the continued increase in the world population and the crisis in some parts of the world.

Represented by a Deputy Director in the ministry, Mr. Charles Anaelo, also commended the contributions of the CSOs in the migration governance and assured that their inputs, as it will be contained in the communique to be issued at the end of the deliberations, would be part of the national policy on migration.

Speakers at the event including the representatives of the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, International Organisation on Migration(IOM), the European Union, and NACTAL, believe that the deliberations would promote effective and sustainable migration governance in Nigeria through the Technical Working Group.

This year’s event has its theme as ‘CSOs’ role and contributions in achieving sustainable migration governance through the Technical Working Group on Migration and Development.

A crack team from the Delta State Police command arrested Mr. Collins Afuwah, a prominent member of the Ogwashi-Uku community, on Monday, December 5th 2022 during a sting operation.

He was placed on remand at the Nigerian Federal Custodial Center Ogwashi-Uku Prison after being charged with attempted murder yesterday, December 6, 2022, in the Magistrate court in Ogwashi-Uku (Charge No. MO/193/2022).

You will recall that five members of the Ogwashi-Uku and Otulu Ogwashi-Uku community including notorious criminals Michael Arueze Njoh, Monday Okondo, Chinedu Anene and Agaliga Okolie were recently found guilty for the attempted murder of Chief Onyema Igbokei a new Chief newly installed by the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and sentenced by Justice Umukoro to life imprisonment.

According to a confidential source who wanted to remain unnamed, the detectives had been trailing and tracking the movements of the accused suspect for several weeks using sophisticated devices. The police officers from the Delta State command anti kidnapping and Eagle Net units had arrested Christopher Nduka Odiakaose aka Big Fish after trailing him to Agbor in Delta State in September 2022 for the same crime.

There was widespread jubilation in parts of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom as community members expressed their happiness about the arrest and remand of the person they claim is the godfather of the suspects who have been causing mayhem in Edo Ogwashi-Uku, Otulu Ogwashi-Uku, Ubulu Okiti and surrounding areas.

When contacted, the Palace Secretary in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi confirmed the arrest and remand of Collins Afuwah but declined to make any further statement on the matter. According to him, the Palace doesn’t comment on matters already in court but expressed his firm belief in the judiciary in the state to dispense impartial Justice. The Palace Secretary restated that the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku has already assured members of the community that all those involved in criminal activities will be brought to justice.

The Church of Christ, Karu-Jikwoyi Congregation celebrated evangelist Milling Chukwumaeze, who is stepping down after twenty-one years as the congregation’s minister, in a moment of joy, thanksgiving, and excitement.

Evangelist Innocent Agu, the congregation’s new preacher, organized the other members to give the departing preacher with a bank check of three million naira as a token of appreciation for the good work he had done.

Evangelist Obakemi Moses of the Church of Christ, Nyanya congregation gave a speech at the event dubbed “Celebration of Service,” challenging preachers of the Lord’s church to always be passionate about their vocation.

He emphasized that they have been called by God to devote their lives to serving him. He praised the Church of Christ Karu-Jikwoyi for hosting the Evangelist Milling Chukwumaeze celebration.

Evangelist Obakemi tasked the Churches to always be focus on its goals as stated in the holy scriptures.

In welcome remarks, the host Evangelist, Innocent Agu thanked his predecessor for diligently servicing the congregation in the past twenty-one years. He noted that the Church will continue to respect and love the outgoing Preacher. He gave a historic explanation of how Evangelist Milling Chukwumaeze became a member of the Lord’s Church while praising his dedication all these years.

In their Goodwill messages, Evangelist Imoh Atakpa of the Church of Christ, Kubwa and his Kagini Counterpart Evangelist Uche Onyeike tasked members of the Lord’s Church to take proper care of their Evangelists if they hope to get the best of them. They lauded Evangelist Milling Chukwumaeze for his commitment to duty, especially in the Television Evangelism activities of the Churches of Christ in Abuja and its Environs.

In his response, Evangelist Milling Chukwumaeze thanked the Church of Christ Karu-Jikwoyi for giving him the opportunity to serve in God’s vineyard and supported him throughout the last two decades on the saddle. He said though age was not on his side he was not willing to quit, but the congregation decided otherwise. Evangelist Chukwumaeze enjoined the members to be heavenly minded at all times while running the Christian race with purity and steadfastness. He prayed for the congregation to do better under his successor while enjoining everyone to support him physically and spiritually.

Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the celebration cake and general presentation of gifts by members.

In a petition addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, the head of the European Union in Nigeria, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete, Executive Director (Business Development) at the Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, has been criticized for her “lack of experience” and alleged corruption (SGF). The Lawyer for Reform Group served as the petition’s sponsor (LRG).

Aare Oladotun Hassan, the group’s executive director, Juryman Associates Chambers’ principal partner, and the secretary of the Epe branch of the Nigeria Bar Association all signed copies of the appeal dated November 30, 2022, which were provided to journalists.

Others copied in the petition include the UK High Commissioner , US Embassy, IGP, NBA President, Attorney General of the Federation and the Managing Director of the NEXIM Bank.

It would be recalled that Okotete was in April 2022 re-appointed by President Buhari for another term of five (5) years despite issues regarding her qualification for the post.

It was reported that she did not have the 18 years of post-graduation experience required to occupy such high office as specified by the Central Bank of Nigeria circular of 15th October 2015

“A minimum of first degree or its equivalent in any discipline plus a higher degree or professional qualification in any business-related discipline. Candidates must also have a minimum of 18 years post-graduation experience, out of which at least 13 must be in the banking industry and at least 2 as General Manager,” the CBN document read.

In the petition captioned “ Save Our Soul/Appeal for and Urgent Action”, the lawyers noted that Okotete does not have any experience in the banking industry as required by the law.

They also accused her of “serial criminal activities bordering on excessive and reckless abuse of office, deceitful misrepresentation of her qualifications to earn the post of the Executive Director of the NEXIM Bank.”

The group also called on President Buhari to ensure that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and 9th Senate leadership of Senator Ahmed Lawan investigate a 2019 unimplemented Senate Report of a 13-member committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions on the matter.

The petition reads: “ It was well investigated and resolved Petition submitted in 2018 by Myson Law Practice represented by Mr Myson Nejo, Esq. on behalf of the Ilaje Global Think Thank Initiative AGAINST Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete nomination and appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on 20th April, 2017 demanding her immediate REMOVAL AND PROSECUTION based on her fraudulent misrepresentation in gross violation of the CBN’s statutory laws.

“On this premise, we anticipate your good office’s independent, swift and fair investigation, while hoping on your authorized reversal of all discharged transactions, and further accord the investigating team to act decisively through the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, particularly EFCC and office of the Inspector General of Police to recover all fraudulent payments earned as Executive Director of the NEXIM BANK; during the entire years and period of her appointment till date, as well as harmonize their investigation accordingly.

“Our humble appeal is done in due recognition of your responsive call to duty. Our petition is predicated on the fact that consequent upon Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete’s long years of unchecked nefarious activities and continuous massive corruption currently perpetrated at the NEXIM BANK; hence our economy has suffered greatly as a result of her lack of capacity, technical know-how, financial accounting and administrative management knowledge in the handling and management of the day to day running of the apex financial institution regulating Nigeria’s Exports and Imports Businesses, inevitably leading to untold hardship, monumental embarrassment and aggravated economic loss.

“We write your good office for onward implementation, investigation and compliance with the statutory legislative resolution of the House of Senate dated April 2019 (Attached herewith), this is done in accordance with the operational laws and 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended) respectively.

“Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete’s gross misconduct, ineptitude, massive corruption and embezzlement is most inhuman, wicked, most corrupt, highly demeaning and unlawful to say the least.

“We further reiterate, if nothing urgent is done to rescue the situation, the culprit is ready to wreak further monumental havoc; what a double jeopardy.

“Our request is that we appeal to your good office should please direct an independent team of law enforcement agents to investigate our complaint and HARMONIZE all the facts and evidence for proper investigation, in order to avoid injustice and ensure possible conclusion on the criminal aspect of the case, so that the erring suspects would be charged to court in due time soon.”

“We hereby reiterate for the umpteenth time that our demand for Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete’s removal and replacement as Executive Director of the NEXIM Bank is in the interest of fairness, equity and justice.

The lawyers futher threatened to sue the Federal Government if it fails to address their demands, adding that : “ We further reiterate that if nothing meaningful and urgent is done in compliance with our fundamental demands on or before 7th of December, 2022(Seven Days Ultimatum) we shall not hesitate to seek legal sanction Against President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria forthwith.

Established in 1991, NEXIM Bank is an export credit agency of the Federal Government, which focuses on the development and expansion of the non-oil sectors of the Nigerian economy, with a view to reducing the country’s over-reliance on oil exports as part of its mandate.

The Greenville LNG Company is on the verge of another litigation in connection with its supply agreements with the massive manufacturing conglomerate BUA Group, which is situated in Nigeria, two years after it was hit with a $9 million claim for contract breach by a US Court.

With three liquefaction trains and a combined capacity to produce 2250 MT of LNG per day, Greenville is the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and distribution company in Nigeria. It is owned by Belgian cement magnate Eddy Van Den Broeke.

Since April 2019, the company, which was founded in 2013, has produced and marketed liquefied natural gas to consumers across Nigeria.

It should be noted that the company is a Nigerian subsidiary of the International Engineering & Construction (IEC), a Luxembourg-based construction company.

However, in 2018, there are reports of how Broeke was struggling to get his LNG project off the ground in Nigeria and also facing a $9m claim from his subcontractor Baker Hughes.

How it started

In 2014, IEC through Greenville LNG entered into an agreement with Baker Hughes Energy Services LLC, formerly known as GE Oil & Gas (GEOG), for the purchase and installation of two small-scale liquified natural gas plants in Rumuji, Rivers State, Nigeria.

According to the documents obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, GEOG agreed to supply IEC with two small-scale liquified natural gas production plants — the first by June 24, 2015, and the second by September 24, 2015— for use at the Rumuji Site.

In exchange, IEC agreed to pay GEOG $95 million. Both parties also agreed on a payment schedule, which would require IEC to pay various percentages of the $95 million at specific milestones.

It was stated that the agreement would be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York.

Unfortunately, GEOG failed to deliver the gas plants by their contractual delivery deadlines and this stalled installation, commissioning, and start-up of the Plants.

Arbitration

On July 31, 2018, IEC filed a Notice of Demand for and Commencement of Arbitration under the Contracts on behalf of itself and Greenville.

IEC initially sought approximately $75 million in damages but its demand increased to $700 million by the end of the arbitration.

The $700m claims included the liquidated damages for delayed delivery and damages associated with the delayed entry into operation of the gas plants.

But GEOG also filed counterclaims against IEC for breach of the contracts, asking for damages up to $40.1 million.

In 2020, the American Tribunal gave its verdict, ordering IEC and Greenville to pay GEOG over $9.5m for breaching contracts.

The Tribunal held that IEC had breached the Equipment Contract by failing to make two Milestone payments.

Dissatisfied with the judgement, On January 27, 2021, IEC filed a petition to vacate the Award in New York state court but the court rejected IEC’s arguments.

“In short, due to the strong deference owed to the decisions of arbitrators, the Court is compelled to reject IEC’s arguments and confirm the Award,” the court ruled.

Poor Ethics/Underhand Business Practices

It is believed that the posture of the company and record of breaching contract is owing to its owner’s secretive and shady business activities. Prior to setting up Greenville, Eddy Van Den Broeke ran ASCA bitumen from 1996 and grew the company into becoming a giant monopoly with over 90% of the Nigerian market by 2015.

Through this position, he was famed to hold everyone to ransom through alleged arbitrary price increases, artificial scarcity, amongst others. Eddy Broeke’s families were one of six of Belgium’s wealthiest families that featured on the Panama Papers, a cross-border investigation that revealed a list of thousands of people who channelled funds to tax havens.

“The family of Eddy Van Den Broeke, who turned the Eres company into an international player, is also mentioned. Eddy Van Den Broeke is identified as the sole beneficiary of at least five offshore companies in the BVI,” the ICIJ report read.

Eddy was named in the Panama Papers having had an extensive network of shell companies to hide his funds and avoid government oversight.

Another multi-million dollar breach of contract suit looming

Our investigations also revealed that recently, BUA, which is one of Greenville’s largest clients, is set to allegedly sue Greenville for 50 billion Naira for a possible breach in contract and reneging on its obligation to supply gas to its businesses in the far north.

According to sources, this uj is as a result of Greenville LNG reneging on their contract with BUA to supply gas and also increasing prices arbitrarily despite the contractually agreed oil-indexed pricing for any changes in price.

Industry watchers have claimed that Greenville is trying to take advantage of its near monopoly in the domestic trucked LNG market hence their habit of entering into contracts and reneging on it after starting.

With Eddy and his companies’ history of reneging on contracts entered into with the Federal Government, partners, suppliers, communities and clients, it is unlikely that Greenville LNG or its billionaire owner Eddy and Managing Director Ritu Sahajwalla would stop such behaviour anytime soon.

Experts familiar with BUA’s history of ensuring its rights are enforced, believe BUA will pursue this issue to a logical conclusion at the courts and till their rights are enforced.