2019Debate: KOWA party candidate: ‘We will probe OBJ over missing $16bn power projects

Presidential candidate of KOWA Party, Sina Fagbenro-Byron, has vowed to “set up an Independent Body of Investigators with specific powers to reopen the alleged missing $16 billion meant for electricity projects during the government of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and all reports of corruption in the electricity sector and to ensure effective prosecution of corruption allegations in the sector if voted into power.”

The KOWA party candidate said: “I am particularly interested in getting to the root of the allegations of looting of the benefits of families of the deceased employees of Power Holding Company of Nigeria; and the budgeted N16 billion between 2003 and 2007.”

Sina Fagbenro-Byron made the commitment today at the public enlightenment session on anti-corruption commitments for presidential candidates ahead of the February 16 general elections, organized by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

At the event which held at Radisson Hotel, Isaac John, Ikeja, Lagos, the KOWA presidential candidate said: “I also commit to a comprehensive audit of spending on security votes by presidents and governors since the return of democracy in 1999 and commit to direct the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to take legal action, in the public interest to hold governments to account on spending on security votes.”

SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “We welcome the KOWA party presidential candidate’s detailed anti-corruption commitments. We call on other presidential candidates to publicly tell Nigerians what they will do regarding the illegal security votes, constitutional immunity clause, the missing $16 billion meant for electricity projects, and the opacity around asset declaration details by presidents and governors.”

“The leading presidential candidates--President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives’ Party and Atiku Abubakar of the People Democratic Party--should stop taking Nigerians for granted and speak to us directly on how, exactly, they will address these fundamental governance issues.”

Sina Fagbenro-Byron accepted all SERAP’s 5-point anti-corruption commitments for presidential candidates. His statement at the event read in part: “I do not subscribe to the current manner of management of security votes and I commit to subjecting such votes to public audit and scrutiny within 3-6 months of their expenditure and in which case the president and state governors shall be held responsible as Chief accounting officers regardless of whether they have delegated such powers.”

“I commit to decentralize the power generating, transmission and distribution capacity in Nigeria and will immediately institute a Law Review Panel to repeal and replace the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005. Alongside this, I commit to the immediate set up of an Independent Body of Investigators to deeply investigate systemic corruption and impunity within the system.”

“I commit to the engagement of Independent Prosecutors as well as Special Anticorruption Courts in the six-geopolitical zones of the country for the effective and speedy prosecution of all indicted for corruption at state level. I also commit that within the first 365 days in office, to begin the process of a new constitution which will make provision for the institutions stated herein.”

“I commit to amending section 308 of the 1999 Constitution on immunity to exclude acts of criminal breach of trust. I also commit to work with the judiciary to improve the independence of the National Judicial Council, including by reviewing requirements for its leadership to allow retired judges of proven integrity to lead the council. I further commit to working with and encouraging the Chief Justice of Nigeria and National Judicial Council to ensure that the Chief Justice of Nigeria and all other judges make periodic asset declarations and public disclosures of such declarations.”

“I commit to empower the Attorney General and Minister of Justice or an Independent Investigator with an irrevocable instruction to cause to be periodically investigated cases of apparent disparity between the asset declarations of elected public servants, including of the President and Governors before assuming offices and their alleged wealth after leaving to refer such cases to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) the Code of Code Bureau for joint investigation and prosecution with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

The public enlightenment session chaired by Dr Dele Seteolu, Lecturer, Department of Political Science Lagos State University (LASU) was attended by Professor Yemi Oke, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Professor Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf, UNILAG; Dolapo Adeniran, Head Public Affairs, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Seun Ademiluyi, National Human Rights Commission; representative of Mr. Tope Fasua, presidential candidate of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party ANRP; and representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); the Institute of Chartered Accountants; and the Institute of Taxation.

Others at the event were: representatives of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers; the Chartered Institute of Bankers; civil society organizations; the media and development partners, among others.

It would be recalled that SERAP had last month sent an open letter to major presidential candidates for Nigeria’s February 16 election urging them to “publicly commit to revolutionary and innovative anti-corruption reforms in five key areas, such as security votes, power sector corruption, judicial corruption and removal of immunity for presidents, vice-presidents, state governors and deputy state governors.”

SERAP then urged presidential candidates for Alliance for New Nigeria, Fela Durotoye; Young Progressives Party candidate, Kingsley Moghalu; KOWA Party, Sina Fagbenro-Byron; African Democratic Congress, Obadaiah Mailafia; African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore and others to make specific commitments on what they would do to address corruption in the power sector and security votes, among other issues.

The open letter dated 19 January 2019 read in part: “Consistent with their right to participate in their own government, Nigerian voters deserve a substantive debate during the campaign about issues that affect them, particularly with respect to combating corruption. Now is the time to make commitment for specific reforms that will strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption record and standing in global ranking. Set forth below are 5 main anti-corruption priorities that candidates should address. Please let us know which positions you will support.”

“Candidates should commit to scrapping security votes spending by presidents and state governors by repealing the constitution to include specific prohibition of security votes. They should also commit to a comprehensive audit of spending on security votes by presidents and governors since the return of democracy in 1999 and directing their Attorney General and Minister of Justice to take legal action in the public interest to hold governments to account on spending on security votes.”

“Prior to the elections, SERAP will issue a short report on the anti-corruption commitments that candidates and political parties have made. SERAP will then issue an anticorruption assessment report in March 2019, to set clear anti-corruption agenda for the next president and administration, which would assume office May 29, 2019.”

 

Hoax bomb threat : Air Peace commends crew for acting professionally

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace on Wednesday commended its operating crew for acting professionally  following a hoax bomb threat on the airline's Abuja to Lagos flight. 

Mr Chris Iwarah, Corporate Communications Manager, made the commendation in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos. 

Iwarah  said Air Peace Flight P4 7121 made an air return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,  Abuja after receiving information that there was an explosive on board the aircraft.

According to him  the operating crew acted professionally and took the decision to return as a precaution.

He attributed the false information to an intending passenger who was denied boarding after the crew suspected that he might be mentally challenged.

Iwarah said: “We confirm that Air Peace Flight P4 7121, Abuja-Lagos on returned to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja after the crew received information that there was a dangerous item on board.

“In line with procedures and our high safety standards, the captain-in-command acted professionally, briefed passengers on board and took the decision to return as a precaution. 

"The aircraft landed in Abuja without any incident and passengers disembarked normally to enable security personnel conduct a check.

“Passengers on board the flight were screened a second time and the aircraft thoroughly checked. At the end of the exercise, the information was found to be a hoax as nothing was found on the aircraft."

He said the aircraft was subsequently cleared to depart for Lagos and safely landed at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos at about 11.44a.m.

Iwarah said the passenger who gave the information had since been taken into custody by security operatives for exhaustive investigation into the incident.

“We commend our valued customers on board the flight for their calm and cooperation while the checks lasted. 

"The safety, security and wellbeing of our customers and crew will continue to be our priority at all times,” he said.

 Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), also confirmed the incident.

"The threat of a bomb on an early morning Air Peace flight from Abuja to Lagos has been confirmed to be false.

"The passenger that raised the alarm is said to have a history of mental illness and is currently with the security agencies and medical experts for assessment," Yakubu said in a statement. 

According to her, following the false information, officers of FAAN's Aviation Security swiftly evacuated passengers, crew and cargo on board the flight.

She said a bomb squad immediately conducted a thourough check on the aircraft and baggage, which confirmed the information to be false.

"FAAN will like to re-assure passengers and all airport users that our airports are safe and secure. 

"They should carry on their lawful activities without any fear," Yakubu said. 

Air Peace emerges airline of the year, pledges to sustain standards

West Africa’s leading carrier, Air Peace on Thursday pledged to sustain its high safety standards and continue to strive to bring Nigeria honour in the global aviation industry after emerging Airline of the Year at Independent Awards 2018 held in Lagos.

Organisers of the awards, Independent Newspapers Limited said the airline was chosen for impacting the aviation industry in many great ways.

In a letter to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of Daily Independent, Saturday Independent and Sunday Independent, Mr Ade Ogidan said: “The Selection Committee considered how you have redefined flight operations in Nigeria by bringing to bear a regime of safety and comfort for travellers at a phenomenal level.

“Your leadership in the Nigerian aviation industry is loud enough for all to see. For instance, in September 2018, Air Peace signed an agreement with Boeing for the acquisition of 10 new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, making history as the first airline in West Africa to add such airliner to its fleet.

“Besides, your company also set a new record with the acquisition of Boeing 777 aircraft, making you the first and only Nigerian airline to procure and register the brand of airliner in the country.

"Its arrival, no doubt, has further expanded your service profile to several other countries.

“Since you commenced flight operations, we observed with satisfaction that your organisation has been able to focus on developing a customer-centric brand personality that speaks to safety, innovation, dynamism, comfort, fun, sincerity, affordability and quality service.

"These corporate traits have given you a unique identity in the Nigerian aviation industry.”

Meanwhile, Air Peace has dedicated its Airline of the Year 2018 award to its loyal customers, saying it was grateful for the support given it to excel in its flight operations.

It pledged to sustain the high standards of its flight operations and bring Nigeria honour in the global aviation industry with its planned international flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

It commended Independent Newspapers for boldly recognising merit, saying the company had acted consistent with the brand integrity it had been reputed for in the media industry. 

The carrier, which acquired six 50-seater Embraer 145 jets, four Boeing 777s and a couple of Boeing 737 aircraft in 2018, also signed a contract for the delivery of 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in September and set a record with the establishment of a subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.

The airline launched a number of domestic routes, including Kaduna, Kano Yola and Asaba in the period under review as well as expanded its foray into the West Coast of Africa by adding Freetown, Banjul, Dakar and Monrovia to its Accra operations under its no-city-left-behind project.

Dana Air Supports NGO to Raise Over N6m For Cancer Patients

Dana Air has supported a Cancer-fighting nongovernmental organization – Project PinkBlue, to raise over six millon to support people impacted by cancer and treatment of two cancer patients at a music and comedy fundraising recently in Abuja.

According to the Executive Director of Project PinkBlue, Runcie C.W. Chidebe, “Our plan was to raise 100 million to support 56 cancer patients in Nigeria, however, we raised N6million plus. Yes, we didn’t meet our milestones, but, I am extremely happy that we have used the ‘Show Love’ event to express our commitment to support people impacted by cancer.

" With the donations we just paid for two patients’ treatment, one was for radiotherapy N600,000 and another chemotherapy. As people are redeeming their pledges, we would be getting them on treatment gradually.’’

‘’With the support of companies like Dana Air, Ministers, Senators, Celebrities and individuals here present, we are hopeful of meeting our target. I want to also specially thank Dana Air for consistently supporting us since 2015.

" Dana Air has shown that everything is possible and we are grateful and urge other corporate bodies to emulate the commitment and consistency that Dana Air has demonstrated in this fight against cancer. ‘’

Also commenting on the gesture, the Media and Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa said, we are glad to have impacted these patients positively and we hope to do more. We have been supporting initiatives like this since we started operations ten years ago and have touched the lives of many.

"We believe that a person must be healthy to be able to eat, read, work, and function well in the society and as you also know, health is wealth.’’

The event was hosted by Denrele Edun,  Alex Asogwa Unusual, former Big Brother star; Bella Anne Ndubuisi and Koboko Master, a Nigerian comedian and graced by supportive Nigerians  including: Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, The Governor of Kebbi State; Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, Wife of the Governor of Kebbi State, as Special Guest of Honour; Betty Anyawu Akeredolu, Wife of the Governor of Ondo State, H.E. Amina Abubakar Bello, Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Asia Ahmed El-Rufai, Wife of the Governor of Kaduna State; Sterling Tilley, Cultural Affairs Officer & representative to the U.S. Ambassador in Nigeria and many other dignitaries

Dana Air recently celebrated 10 years of service to Nigeria. The airline is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri.

Air Peace lifts Unizik hospital with 550KVA generator

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema on Wednesday extended his philanthropy to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State with the donation of a 550KVA generator to the facility.

Making the donation to the teaching hospital, the Air Peace boss urged wealthy Nigerians to donate to the cause of humanity as government alone could not provide everything for the people.

The donation, he said, was Air Peace’s way of supporting Federal Government’s effort to upgrade facilities and provide infrastructure in the nation’s health sector.

“We are delighted to support the Federal Government’s effort to give facilities in the nation’s health sector a facelift and provide infrastructure. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the advancement of the cause of humanity.

“The donation of the 550KVA generator to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital is in line with Air Peace’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy. We have continued to blaze the trail in giving back to society, especially in the areas of security, peace and health.

"We appeal to other corporate organisations and wealthy Nigerians to generously donate to the cause of humanity. 

"The corporate world must be at the forefront of development of the nation through increased CSR projects,” Onyema said.

Speaking at the donation, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe commended Onyema for the gesture.

He described the donor as a “silent philanthropist and performer” that should be emulated by other wealthy Nigerians.

The donation to the teaching hospital came less than two months after Onyema donated N70 million to the Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Awka in Anambra State and pledged to establish Nigeria’s first Centre for Non-Violence and Peace Studies at the institution.

The Air Peace boss had also built and donated a police station at Uli in Anambra State in August 2016.

About two months later, Air Peace took its CSR project to Yobe State, where it donated relief materials worth millions of naira to internally-displaced persons’ camps in the state in October 2016.  

Dana Air Introduces ‘Mega Miles’ Promo….Rewards Travelers with N5,000 tickets

Dana Air has launched a Mega Miles promo which encourages its guests to book a return ticket and get miles good enough to get an upgrade from economy class to business class at no cost or pay for excess luggage using miles.

According to statement by the airline’s Media and Communications Manager, Kingsley Ezenwa, the offer is only for Dana miles members and the promo will run from 1^st of February to 31^st of March 2019. 

The promo entails guests to book return tickets on same reference within the period, quote their membership numbers when booking for miles to be credited within 24 hours.

‘We are pleased to announce the introduction of Mega Miles promo. It is strictly a promo to encourage members of our frequent flyer programme, to book return tickets to get Mega Miles, which can be explored for upgrade,  exchanged for free tickets, pay for excess, and lots of other cash-saving benefits.’’

‘This offer is also to encourage our guests to plan their trips, book return tickets to get massively rewarded for their membership and participation. Guests are advised to quote their membership numbers when booking.’’

‘’We have also started rewarding our guests with N5,000 tickets in the ongoing Dana Air/ MMA2 travelers reward promo.  This promo has seen the terminal record huge traffic and has also proven its capability to process good number of passengers with its ultra-modern facilities.’’

‘’To take advantage of the MMA2/ Dana Air travelers promo which is valid till August 2019, our esteemed guests are advised to fly Dana Air just four times from MMA2 to any of our destinations to get the 5^th ticket at N5000 only. We believe in offering more for less and rewarding loyalty and this promo is just one of the ways to demonstrate our commitment.’’

Dana Air recently bagged an award from an Akwa Ibom based group for its efficient service delivery, timely departures and for operating in accordance with global best practices.

The airline is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri

Air Peace begins direct flights to Banjul, increases Accra service

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace says it will begin non-stop flights from Lagos to Banjul, The Gambia, from Jan. 7.

The airline made the announcement in a statement signed by its Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, on Sunday in Lagos.

He said:” We are pleased to announce the commencement of our non-stop flights to Banjul, the capital city of The Gambia, from Jan. 7.

“We had routed our flights to Banjul through Accra, Ghana. The new schedule follows our experiment with direct flights from Lagos to Freetown.

“The pieces of feedback we have received from members of the flying public indicate that they prefer to take direct flights to Freetown and Banjul. The option saves air travellers money and time.”

He noted that the carrier had earlier broken its connecting flights to Freetown, Sierra Leone and now operates direct Lagos-Freetown-Lagos flights.

Iwarah, further, disclosed that Air Peace was consolidating its leadership of air services on the West Coast of Africa with scheduling of more flights on the Accra, Ghana route.

According to him, the development will avail travellers an exciting opportunity to cut cost and travel time.

He said the airline would continue to adjust its schedules to better serve its customers on the West Coast of Africa.

“We are a customer-centric airline and the strategy of our leadership of the airline business in Nigeria and West Africa is anchored on attaching great importance to the feedback of our esteemed customers,” Iwarah said.