News

Zamfara Gov, Dauda Lawal Loses Private Jet in Lagos Over Alleged Scam

Published

5 months ago

July 9, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal was the victim of an elaborate scheme that saw him lose ownership of a private jet worth $6.3 million to a crafty pair of aviation business executives in Lagos.

Peoples Gazette learnt through documents and sources that Mr Lawal has been silent about the fraud because he feared raising it with Nigerian authorities would trigger suspicion about how he managed to heap over $6 million on a personal aircraft in the first place.

He was a banker at First Bank of Nigeria Plc when he bought the plane, which he secretly registered under the name of a couple running a jet-leasing venture at Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos, The Gazette learnt.

The Gazette heard that the husband, Ovi Osazele, changed ownership of the jet to his own name after parting ways with his wife, Gloria Osazele, and fleeing to the United States, leaving Mr Lawal in limbo.

The governor did not return The Gazette’s requests for comment. His press secretary committed twice to get a response for this story but ultimately declined. A legal representative for Ms Osazele did not return a request seeking comments. Mr Osazele could not be reached for comments, and The Gazette heard he was at large.

Mr Lawal’s ordeal began in 2014 when he moved to buy the plane by paying Jet Leasing Support Services Ltd, a firm run by the now-estrange couple that purportedly handled fleet management and aircraft acquisition and services for high-net-worth individuals.

Our sources said that Mr Lawal, elected governor in 2023, concealed the purchase under the couple’s name because he knew his legitimate earnings as a First Bank official were significantly below the multimillion-dollar deal. He paid Jet Leasing a $250,000 broker fee to hold the title of the jet and manage its use for him.

“The governor refused to report the matter because it would raise questions about how he got the money,” a source close to Mr Lawal said.

The arrangement, however, turned sour after Ms Osazele discovered in 2015 that her husband had changed the jet’s ownership to his name. She claimed she made several attempts to recover the jet for Mr Lawal, but a source familiar with the matter said Mr Lawal believed she was in on the same. The couple had a nasty fallout that ended in divorce in 2020.

Ms Osazele fled Nigeria to Canada shortly after the divorce and told authorities there that her ex-husband was trying to kill her because of their disagreement over Mr Lawal’s private jet.

She accused her husband of sending Black Axe cult members to make an attempt on her life, leading her to seek asylum in Canada. However, Canadian asylum officers rejected her application for asylum because it was replete with inconsistent and outright false submissions.

Notwithstanding, a judicial review of her application overturned the decision to deny her asylum and remanded the matter to another asylum officer for a fresh evaluation. This decision, which came in May, would allow Ms Osazele to linger in Canada for a few more years while her case is reprocessed.

Even though Ms Osazele told Canadian authorities the jet was later returned to Mr Lawal, sources close to the governor said it was not returned, and the governor was still trying to get hold of the couple.

“They both disappeared and no one could tell us their whereabouts,” a source close to the governor said. “She lied that she returned the jet.”

Mr Lawal was identified as one of Diezani Allison-Madueke’s top allies, particularly in the former petroleum minister’s multibillion-dollar money-laundering scandal that made headlines in Nigeria, the United States and the UK. He tried to retrieve $40 million from over $153 million forfeited by Ms Allison-Madueke to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2017.

Mr Lawal’s name was repeatedly mentioned in several charges stacked against Ms Alison-Madueke and was invited on several occasions by the anti-graft commission to clarify his role, or lack thereof, in the alleged fraud.

He denied all allegations of helping Ms Allison-Madueke hide stolen public funds and insisted their relationship was purely “professional.”

According to a statement in 2016, Mr Lawal said all Nigerian banks were eager to establish a rapport with Ms Alison-Madueke, who was petroleum minister between 2010 and 2015, implicitly suggesting that First Bank was no exception among businesses that sought favours from the infamous ex-minister.

Mr Lawal resigned from First Bank to successfully seek elected office in Zamfara’s 2023 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party, facing and denying accusations by political opponents that he was a money-launderer.

Source: The Gazette

News

See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London

Published

6 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Naijablitznews

The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.

Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.

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“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”

Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.

Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.

Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”

“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.

“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.

Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

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The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.

Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.

Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.

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Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.

According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.

On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.

News

Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps. Tajudeen Abbas, has lamented that the health sector is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries, despite the considerable amount is allocated annually by the Federal Government.

The Speaker also said alot more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.

Abbas stated this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.

The Bills are “A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018”; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021”; “A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act”; and “A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria”.

The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Obordor Mitema, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said it was for this reason that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the urgency of this situation, prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.

According to him, this was to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it receives the necessary support partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria are being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future we shall see vast improvement.

He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.

“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.

“It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.

“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.”

Speaker Abbas commended the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bassey Akiba and the entire members of the committee for organizing this hearing.

He said it is a reflection of their commitment and support to do their quota towards helping Nigerians achieve not only better health but having access to better healthcare.

“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.

“The House Committee on Healthcare Services and other Health related Committees of the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly are fully committed to doing their part by initiating and amending laws that will always be people friendly with the aim of bringing succor and positive changes towards the Health sector in Nigeria.,” he said.

Rep. Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years has gone through a myriad of challenges.

The challenges, according to him, includes the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.

“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact possibly other people.

“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance. Like I mentioned, there are four bills.

“Three of these bills are an amendment bill, three of the bills are an amendment bill, and one is an establishment bill. I wish to assure you all that as legislators and members of the Committee on Health Care Services.

“We are conscious of our constitutional and legislative resources towards the people. We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and support any genuine effort required to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said, A Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.

The Association said the Medical Residency Training Act was a bill primarily sponsored by Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), an affiliate member.

First Vice President of the NMA, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin, said It was a surprise to them that the primary constituency on the Bill was never contacted for input.

He urged that the Bill be stepped down to get more input of relevant stakeholders.

“So, in solidarity to our affiliate NARD and the validation of the Medical Residency Training Act we strongly advise that this bill be stepped down until every stakeholder involved and primarily NARD and then NMA is on the table from the very beginning,” he said.

Stakeholders who attended the hearing included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Committee of Chief Medical Directors among others.

News

Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget

Published

7 hours ago

November 22, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to provide details of all projects embarked on in the last year.

The Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi gave the directive when the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mary Ogbe, appeared before it to defend the 2024 budget.

The committee members expressed displeasure with the inconsistencies in the presentation by the Permanent Secretary and resolved that all documents pertaining to all jobs carried out by the Ministry be made available before next Tuesday.

The lawmakers also queried the Ministry for not capturing most of the projects it embarked on in the presentation it made.

Gbefwi said, “We are expecting the budget and we cannot appropriate if we do not know the true status of the utilisation of what has been given you in 2024.

“We were quite detailed when we sent you then documents we required. You must provide details of all the projects, budget codes, budget items, appropriated amount, contractors, amount awarded, date of award, the status of the projects, the percentage with regards to performance, and the lot numbers among others.

“So all these individual items must be captured in detail in this document so that Nigerians would know how the money that has been appropriated has been utilised.

“There are a number of projects that were not captured in the presentation to the Committee. There was no explanation whatsoever.

“Don’t give us any half baked documents again. Every line must be adhered to. And give us the advertisment that was done, the code the contractors and everything. Even if it is before. FEC. Kindly put it in the remark section. Go and work on your documents again and make proper presentation. Let’s have a comprehensive submission,” he said.

Earlier the Permanent Secretary said a total of N25.05 billion was appropriated as expenditure outlay for the ministry in the 2024 budget.

“This comprised of 894.4 million as overhead cost and 23.15 billion as capital expenditure. The personnel cost of the Ministry was captured in the captured still in the Ministry of Steel Development for 2024 because the personnel separation had not been fully executed.

“On appropriation releases to the Ministry, she said for overhead, the total appropriation is N895, 441, 335. As at October 31st 2024, N745, 367, 779 had been released. Balances as at October 31, is N149, 073, 555. Percentage of releases of the appropriation for the overhead is 83 percent. Expenditure on release is the same amount that has been released. So there is a hundred percent performance. For capital appropriation it is N23, 150, 884, 863. Out of which N2, 724, 818, 977 has been released. 11 percent had been released and percentage performance is 100 percent.

“The Ministry achieved a 100 percent utilisation mainly of non debt recurrent expenditure and the percentage utilisation in capital as at the end October is 11 percent. This is because procurement process is still ongoing and some are awaiting FEC approval. With the bottom up cash plan, works must be executed before payment,” she said.