News
Another Arbitration award Execution against FG Looms In UK
Report have indicated that the Federal Government cannot account for most of its properties situated in the United Kingdom and that the use to which some of these properties have been used in the past did not serve the purpose they were meant for.
Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, made this known in a report his Chambers OBLA & CO, sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and which was equally copied Ambassador George Adesola Oguntade, the High Commissioner of Nigeria to United Kingdom, called the attention of the federal Government to the great risk this nonchalant attitude pose to the country.
The Senior Advocate acting on behalf of his client who had dragged the federal government to the London Court of International Arbitration, LCIA, after an earlier arbitration to make the federal government compensate EURAFRIC Power limited over an alleged breached of contract failed.
According to the report, EURAFRIC power Ltd, enter into a Share sale Agreement, SSA, with the Bureau of Public Enterprise, BPE, and the Federal Ministry of Finance, both acting on behalf of federal government on the 21st February 2013 for the purchase of Sapele power Plc (owners of Sapele Power Station) at a purchase price of $201 million.
The report stated further that; According to Schedule 9 of the SSA, which includes list of material properties and core assets of the company which both clearly list ‘site land’ as one of its properties.
Chief Obla in his report stated that after the completion of all documentation and shortly after the handover was done, the FGN acting in concert with the Niger delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, began arrangements to expropriate its client’s assets by severing a substantial portion EURAFRIC premises in favour of one Ogorode power generation Company.
The SAN maintained the failure of FGN and the BPE to honour the terms of the SSA after several meetings and representation, his client was constrained to invoke the Clause 15 of the SSA by commencing an arbitration against the Nigerian government in the London Court of International Arbitration, LCIA, which later awarded the following sums EURAFRIC.
US$ 2,500,000 (Two million, five hundred thousand US Dollars) as legal costs; 215,930.68 (Two hundred and fifteen thousand, nine hundred and thirty pounds, Sixty-eight pence) as advanced paid on costs; N57, 959,069.2 (Fifty seven million, nine hundred and fifty nine thousand, sixty nine naira, two kobo; 10,018.5 (Ten thousand, eight Pounds and fifty Pence) and US$ 11,158.33 (Eleven thousand, one hundred and fifty pounds and thirty-three Cents) as disbursements.
Sequel to this judgment and in seeking recognition of the award, a foreign counsel was mandated by EURAFRIC to locate properties of FGN in the UK, which with partnership with a third-party provided a summary of findings/report identifying at least thirty-three (33) FGN properties across the UK which are been put to various uses.
Obla in his report hinted that; “Having extensively reviewed the report submitted by the foreign counsel to its client, it was of the view that the use to which some of the properties have been put suggest that the FGN may not be aware of the existence of the properties, it is doubtful that the FGN would have sanctioned the various non-diplomatic activities carried on within their premises which could potentially serve as a source of embarrassment to the government,” the report stated.
The SAN posited that the FGN should avoid the embarrassing situation caused by the P&ID case, and that it will not augur well for potentially hostile interests to gain access to actionable information on FGN’s assets in the UK.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader