General
Oronsaye: Prosecution, Defence Counsels Disagree On Admissibility Of Documents
By Destiny Ugorji
At the resumed hearing of the on-going trial of Nigeria’s former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye before Justice Olasumbo Goodluck of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, Wednesday, counsels to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the defendant had a heated argument over the admissibility of documents presented by the EFCC.
Leading a witness, Bello Hammadhama in evidence, Prosecution Counsel, I.O. Uket had tendered four statements allegedly made by the accused while in EFCC custody, urging the Court to admit them in evidence.
Relying on section 52 of the Evidence Act, he argued that the leader of the EFCC investigating team, who had earlier appeared in Court as Prosecution Witness (1) administered the word of caution on the defendant before extracting the statements from him.
“It is in evidence that the statements sought to be tendered were made by the defendant himself. The four statements were made on: 25/8/2015; 27/8/2015; 3/9/2015 and 29/2/2016. The defendant signed these statements as the maker, while PW 1 signed clearly as a witness. ”
Objecting to the admissibility of the documents, leader of the defence team, A.I. Ola (SAN) urged the Court to reject the document, adding that Prosecution Witness (6) was not the proper person to present same to the Court. He cited section 83, sub-sections 1, 2 and 4 of the Evidence Act, among other authorities, in support of his argument.
“The defendant is prejudiced. PW 6 cannot be giving witness for PW 1. The Statement was recorded by the PW 1. She has been before this Court to testify. The opportunity was there for her to tender the documents. The defence counsel did not cross-examine her on this document because it was not tendered. Now, the prosecution is trying to present it through the back door. Prosecution deliberately denied us the opportunity of cross-examining the PW 1. I urge your lordship to reject the document.”
In her ruling, the presiding Judge, O.O. Goodluck held that: “the documents sought to be tendered are statements of the defendant while in custody. This Court has exhaustively looked at the arguments from both the defence and prosecution counsels and is of the opinion that the documents could be admitted. However, caution must be applied in attaching value to its contents.”
The case was adjourned to September 29, 2016 for continuation of hearing and cross-examination of the PW 6 by the defence Counsel.
General
Oyo Rehabilitates Agbowo Road, Three Others
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Four major roads are being rehabilitated by the Oyo State government to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance mobility.
The chairman of the Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYSROMA), Mr Busoye Ogunlade, in a statement in Ibadan last Friday, said the roads should be completed in less than eight weeks.
The roads include Bashorun Oluwo-nla road, Agbowo road, Eleyele-Water road, and Zion plaza-Olusoji road.
“Work has commenced on some of these roads, as we speak. However, repairs on other roads will commence soon,” Mr Ogunlade said, advising commuters to follow temporary traffic diversions and cooperate with the ongoing construction efforts.
The OYSROMA chief said the ongoing rehabilitation was based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads, noting that the move is in line with the commitment of the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to make the state more attractive to both local and foreign investors.
“Governor Seyi Makinde has given us the mandate to rehabilitate roads across the State, and we have mobilized Engineers, through direct labour to these sites,” he said, adding that to make the exercise have the desired impact on the people, the agency has gone across all zones and picked critical roads that need rehabilitation across the state.
“This is borne out of the complaints we received during zonal town hall meetings from residents of the state. Our Engineers have swung into action and have taken measurements of critical roads,” he said.
General
UNILAG Honours AXA Mansard Chairman Kola Adesina With Doctoral Degree
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The chairman of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Mr Kola Adesina, has been bestowed with an honourary doctorate degree by the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
The prestigious higher institution of learning said the degree was given to the prominent Nigerian businessman because of his exceptional contributions as a “globally renowned entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning academia, finance, trade, diplomacy, and the energy sector.”
The conferment ceremony at UNILAG’s main auditorium last week was graced by dignitaries from various sectors, including academia, finance, and industry, who gathered to honour Mr Adesina’s remarkable achievements and contributions.
The chief executive of AXA Mansard, Mr Kunle Ahmed, lauded Mr Adesina’s virtues and emphasised that the honorary degree is a testament to his exemplary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“Mr Adesina’s visionary approach has been pivotal in driving our company’s success and positively influencing our ambition to transition from a payer to a partner.
“We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition,” Mr Ahmed remarked.
Also, the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard, Ms Rashidat Adebisi, congratulated her chairman on the recognition, noting that it underscores Mr Adesina’s significant impact in Nigeria and Africa’s growth and development.
“As a business, we have greatly benefited from Mr Adesina’s vast expertise and wealth of experience. His outstanding leadership and dedication to our nation’s progress are truly remarkable.
“We are immensely proud to be associated with him and celebrate this milestone. We believe this honour will inspire Mr Adesina to continue being a beacon of progress in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape,” she stated.
General
20,000 Nigerian Armed Forces Personnel to Receive Consumer Credit
By Adedapo Adesanya
As part of initiatives to celebrate the just concluded Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (Credicorp) has kicked off a consumer credit fund for personnel of the armed forces in a partnership with Fewchore Finance.
The scheme aims to benefit 20,000 armed forces personnel in its first phase.
This fund – kicking off with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day – advances President Bola Tinubu’s vision to extend consumer credit access to over 50 per cent of working Nigerians by 2030.
This demonstrates a specific commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian soldiers who protect and serve the nation.
Via affordable consumer credit, members of the Armed Forces can now acquire life-enhancing household assets and meet immediate financial challenges – and at even better terms for locally manufactured goods.
According to a press release, the programme aims to ease their financial burden, boost morale, and enhance the well-being of their families, most of whom they leave for the battlegrounds.
President Tinubu has long championed the welfare of uniformed personnel, and this initiative reflects his commitment to creating meaningful support systems.
“This programme shows Mr. President’s commitment to supporting those who protect and serve our nation,” said Mr Uzoma Nwagba, Managing Director/CEO of Credicorp. “By making credit accessible to armed forces personnel, we not only honor their service but also advance the President’s goal of using consumer credit for much better lives.”
On his part, the chief executive of Fewchore Finance, Mr Sunkanmi Balogun, added, “We are proud to support the courageous men and women of the armed forces. At Fewchore Finance, we have a long-standing relationship with the Armes Forces and remain committed to creating solutions that address real needs.”
The initiative, starting with a first phase targeting 20,000 beneficiaries, will involve all branches of the armed forces.
Phased implementation will ensure equitable access, coordinated with the respective Accounts and Budget departments of the forces.
The programme launched at the last Armed Forces Remembrance Day carries deep symbolic meaning, showcasing the nation’s gratitude and dedication to the brave men and women who protect its peace and security.
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