STOP PRESS: How Mischief Makers Planned To Malign Nsima Ekere Over Fake Resignation Uncovered

                             

The present dispensation of politicians is leaving no stone unturned to malign the good name and reputation of their opponents in whatever way they can to carry out their heinous act.

One of those who has been dragged into this cyber disrepute is former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Obong Nsima Ekere, who officially tendered his resignation letter honorably to focus on his gubernatorial campaign and activity.

It has been uncovered that some unscrupulous element of people has been sending a fake document as resignation letter allegedly tendered by the APC governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom state, Ekere on the social media sphere.

Attached herewith is both original and fake resignation letters.

Original Letter

Fake letter

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Be In The Know: Fashion Trends For 2019

It is no longer news that we are in a brand New Year and while we might still be reveling in some festivities, it is time to turn our attention to fashion trends that are projected to be big this year. 

Drawing from last year’s fashion and runway shows and trending pieces, some outfits and accessories are staying put, others are making a fresh comeback while a couple is new trends.

Chosen by color forecasters at Pantone, Living Coral (Pantone shade 16-1546) is set to be this year’s color, making a change from last year’s deep purple shade of UltraViolet. 

The color is supposed to “embrace us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment;” so we expect to see this shade feature prominently in this season’s designs. 

For outfits, oversized coats, dramatic patterns, big blazers, sheer dresses, polka dots, ruffles, lace, and fringe are expected to be huge this year. Short, dramatic suits are also likely to make a comeback this year and if you were a bit shy of them last year, they might just be the rave this year. 

Tie and dye as well as statement tees are expected to be “in” this year as well if last year’s fashion shows are any indication. We can only hope that biker shorts die a natural death this year.

Several avant-garde looks that were worn as street style, whilst popular, might not make way into mainstream fashion. Items such as leather outfits, fur, fishnet, thigh-high boots and so on. Since our weather is usually hot, these styles would sadly never make it to the mainstream.

For footwear, barely-there sandals, masculine flat strapped sandals, statement sneakers, and block heels are expected to be huge. We already saw these at last year’s GTBank Fashion Weekend among several designers.

Accessories would boast of bucket hats, berets, biker caps, retro shades, bold belts, durags, waist bags, and mini bags. Taibo Bacar already gave us a scintillating taste of his mini bags at last year’s fashion weekend and before that, the fashion scene has been inundated with all manners of waist bags. Expect more of those this year as well as retro oval shades. Huge, square frames are out of fashion and tiny, oval-shaped frames have taken over. Bold, statement jewelry is also expected to be huge this season as well as bold, dramatic silhouettes.

Switch Up Your Style With These Maxi Dresses

Usually, maxi dresses are known for their casual and comfort tendencies but what if we told you there’s a way to add glam to the other elements they come with? Because of the somewhat glam details that our finds possess, we think these maxi dress styles will be perfect for you this weekend. We all know it is a gold mine when comfort and glam meet and that is what this offer. You might have heard how fashion is a pain but rest assured, there is no pain involved here. The maxi styles have been broken down to help you pick the best fit for you.

Belted Kimonos
Belted kimonos are such a double score as they serve many purposes, freedom of movement and fitted glam all at once. Do not be told, try it today.

Straight Maxi Dresses
If you take no days off from form-fitting pieces, then this one is definitely for you. You could jazz yours up with embellishments or opt for a plain mix of colors to add a dash of pizzazz. Boubous

Boubous have been around since forever, our mothers and grandmothers all had several and wore them everywhere. They absolutely knew what they were doing as this maxi dress style is known for working round the clock so what can you do to make the look refreshing? Well, the trick is to get them modified. Choose boubous made out of fabric with wild floral prints, introduce new, amazing necklines and accessorize appropriately for the occasion.

Loose-fit Dresses
A somewhat recent style and this LDA piece is quite the elegant revelation. We love the drop skirt feature, plain silk fabric with vibrant colors, the distinct necklines and of course, the floor length feature. There is absolutely no way you won’t stand out with this and the best part is you’ll be very comfortable doing that.

President Muhammadu Buhari Loves The “Niger-Delta”, Says NDDC’s New Ag. MD.

The Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Professor Nelson Brambaifa, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating an enduring love for the Niger Delta region.

The new Chief Executive Officer of the interventionist agency, who spoke during the inaugural meeting of the new management at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, noted that the Federal Government had “indeed begun refunding over N1.3 Trillion owed the Commission since inception.”

Prof. Brambaifa, whose appointment was announced on Friday, January 25, 2019, alongside that of the Acting Executive Director Finance and Administration, Mr. Chris Amadi and the Acting Executive Director projects, Engr. Dr Samuel Adjogbe, said the new management team was a response to the growing unhappiness in the Niger Delta region over government’s commitment to developing the region and improving the living conditions of the people.

The Acting Managing Director said that Niger Delta had suffered enough and President Buhari recognised this and had taken prompt action to redress the situation and reassure the people on government’s commitment to their welfare. 

Prof. Brambaifa reiterated that President Buhari, had for the first time since the establishment of the NDDC, ensured that the Federal Government started to meet its statutory financial obligations to the Commission in full.

He said that President Buhari also ensured that all other statutory contributors to the funding of NDDC met their obligations, noting that the President also worked to restore peace and security in the region by tackling all grievances of the people.

The new NDDC boss said that the appointment of the management team was another step in the effort to offer hope to the Niger Delta people and restore their confidence and faith that he would take decisive action to rebuild the region.

Prof. Brambaifa pledged to do everything necessary to respect and implement the mandate of the Commission, “which is to facilitate the sustainable development of the Niger Delta, into a region that is socially stable, economically prosperous, politically peaceful and ecologically regenerative.”

He stated that it was necessary to start work immediately, stating: “The task of developing the Niger Delta is too important to be toyed with, and too compelling to waste time on.”

He urged all stakeholders in the Niger Delta to “join hands with members of the new executive management to ensure a smooth transition, as well as contribute to the immediate delivery of Mr. President’s mandate.”

Also addressing staff of the NDDC, Prof Brambaifa urged them to embrace teamwork. He declared: “I will change NDDC and take it to the next level.” 

Tony Elumelu Foundation Supports Sèmè City-Benin’s Int’l Knowledge and Innovation Hub

Sèmè City, the International Knowledge and Innovation City, has partnered with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), the leading philanthropic organization empowering African entrepreneurs to train and empower additional 50 Beninese entrepreneurs. Sèmè City will join a growing list of governments, development agencies, and private sector organizations partnering with the Tony Elumelu Foundation to explore the Foundation’s sustainable model of philanthropy geared at addressing the root cause of poverty in Africa while creating jobs and economic wealth for all.

As part of the partnership with the Foundation, Sèmè City will invest $250,000 for the sponsorship of 50 additional Beninese entrepreneurs with innovative projects across various sectors ranging from tourism to health, energy, ICT, environment, fashion, media, entertainment and agriculture. This partnership aims to provide beneficiaries with the necessary skills to develop high-impact ventures as well as encourage female entrepreneurship.

The 50 beneficiaries will be selected in addition to the 1,000 African entrepreneurs selected during the 5th edition of the Foundation’s flagship Entrepreneurship Program. The beneficiaries will benefit from the training and mentorship programme offered by the Foundation, at the end of which they will receive $ 5,000 each to develop their businesses which will, in turn, contribute to the creation of jobs and wealth in Africa.

Speaking about the partnership, the incoming CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu said: “We have always advocated for a collaboration between the public and private sector and this partnership exemplifies our conviction that working together to empower African entrepreneurs is the only way to create sustainable economic The Managing Director, Sèmè City Development Agency, Claude Borna, said: “Sèmè City supports innovative entrepreneurship so that it becomes a key growth factor to boost productivity, create jobs and help improve the quality of life in Benin. With its unique large-scale programme that promotes “Africapitalism”, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is a partner of choice to accomplish our mission of developing a vibrant knowledge-based economy in Benin”.

Other partners of the Tony Elumelu Foundation who have committed to empowering additional entrepreneurs include Indorama, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

Why Ameachi Bypassed SGF, Unilaterally And dissolved NDDC Board

Emerging facts have shown that the Hon. Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi is the brain behind the dissolution of the Niger Delta Development Commission board, and the appointment of Prof. Nelson Brambaifa as the MD of the interventionist agency.

Available information reveals that Mr Amaechi bypassed the Secretary to Federal government, Mr. Boss Mustapha, in dissolving the NDDC board.

According to available information, Amaechi has for long sought for the removal of Mr. Derek .L. Mene, who is said to be an ally of Magnus Abe, who the Transport minister is having a running battle of supremacy with, in the Rivers state All Progressives Congress.
Amaechi was said to have written a memo to President Muhammadu Buhari, requesting the dissolution of the board of the interventionist agency. This was said to have been overridden by the SGF, Boss Mustapha, who made it known that the offices are tenured, thus advised against the dissolution. 

On Friday, the 25th of January, 2019, the outgone MD, Mr. Nsima Ekere, was at the presidency to submit his resignation letter, and to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to serve. This information, sources claimed, threw Mr. Amaechi into a desperate state, as he dashed down to the presidency with an old memo earlier assented to by Mr. President, before the attention of Mr. President was drawn to the impropriety of acceding to Amaechi’s request.

According to credible sources, it was the old memo that Mr. Amaechi handed over to President Buhari’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adeshina, prevailing on him to announce the dissolution of the NDDC board, who thought he was carrying out Mr. President’s order.

The announcement which came through some online media portals and social media sites has been generating negative responses from across the Niger Delta. Some Niger Deltans are of the opinion that since the outgone MD, Mr.Nsima Ekere’s tenure is expected to expire by 2021, his replacement in the light of his resignation should have come from Akwa Ibom where the outgone MD hails from as stipulated by the act to complete their tenure. By procedure, the executive director finance and administration should have acted as managing director till such a time a replacement is appointed and confirmed by the Senate.
In the light of this that the transport minister who sees the EDFA Mr. Derek Mene an allay to senator Abe a threat who must be removed. Seeing the difficulty in singling him out for removal, went for the dissolution of the entire board damning the consequences it would have on the government and the complete violation on the act establishing the NDDC without recourse to the law. The appointment of Prof. Nelson Brambaifa, a Bayelsan and his returning officer in the 2015 elections, by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi from the position of a state Rep, to an acting MD, is done in bad taste, and is seen in many quarters as a slight on chief Timipre Sylva who is the leader of the party in Bayelsa state. Also, the removal of Mr. Derek Mene, an Ogoni man who is being replaced by Mr. Chris Oyendah Amadi, an Ikwerre man is a slight to the Ogonis who are the largest oil producers. These appointments have created an imbalance in the spread of offices, as Mr. Chris is from the same zone with Minister Amaechi, and doubles as his personal assistant.

What is the essence of dissolving an entire board only to handpick loyal individuals in acting capacity?

Nsima Ekere Leaves NDDC To Concentrate On His Governorship Campaign

                         

Twenty-six months after he assumed office as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, resigned today, 25th January 2019, to focus his energies on his electioneering campaign. In September 2018, he has nominated the Governorship Candidate and flagbearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State.

The Presidency has already announced Professor Nelson Briambriafa as the Acting Managing Director. Until his appointment, Professor Briambriafa was the Bayelsa State Representative on the NDDC Board which has been dissolved with the resignation of Mr. Ekere.
The President also appointed Mr. Chris Amadi as the Acting Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Engr. Dr. Sam Adjogbe as the Acting Executive Director, Projects, the position he held in the now dissolved Board.


Mr Ekere held a valedictory management meeting earlier today where he thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve the region and thanked the management and staff of the Commission for the support and cooperation extended to him during his tenure.
“There is a time for everything and today is the time for my departure. I urge you to continue with the single-minded commitment to transforming the Niger Delta Region and bringing development to the people and communities across the nine states.”“I am moving on the serve my state and if elected, I will continue to push ahead with the change and transformation agenda of President Muhammed Buhari’s administration.”

Mr Ekere’s tenure began with the launch of his strategic roadmap, the 4R Strategy for the Commission. Under the programme, his administration focused 70 per cent of its budget on completing ongoing projects and initiated several strategic interventions in infrastructure and human development initiatives.
He leaves the Commission to fly the flag of the APC in the March 2, 2019 Governorship election. His resignation comes more than 30 days to that election as stipulated by law.

INEC allegedly plotting chaos in Akwa Ibom State – Group

A group, Credible Elections Watch, has expressed concerns over what it called the unprofessional activities of the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Mike Igini. 

The group through its leader, Moses Etim, in a statement, said that for the forthcoming elections to be credible in the state, the umpire, which is the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC) must be neutral.

In a statement issued in Uyo yesterday, Etim maintained that people of the state, including the opposition parties, do not have confidence in Mr Igini and do not think that with his activities, he could preside over free and fair polls.

He alleged that Mr Igini’s recent activities are indicative that he may be supporting a particular party to the detriment of others in the state.

“Only recently, Mr Igini made some changes which were not only unnecessary but capable of derailing the process in the state. We want the changes overturned and the matter investigated. Aside that Mr Igini has consistently made things difficult for the opposition in the state. As stakeholders in the electoral process, we are worried of this development and of the view that the matter be addressed immediately.

“The government at the centre has promised free and fair elections, but with what is happening in the state, we doubt if that will be possible if things are not changed. The credibility of the forthcoming elections is very important and nothing must be left to chance. We also want INEC to sound a note of warning to all its personnel to ensure that they remain neutral all through the electoral process,” he said.

The group emphasised the need for a level playing field for all parties in the election, saying that is the only way the forthcoming exercise can be termed credible.

“We want a situation where the votes of Akwa ibomites will count. It will be really sad if the people of the state come out en masse, cast their votes and yet are denied their wishes.

“We therefore call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to beam its searchlight on 

Akwa Ibom State, to ensure that its personnel are not violating the code of conduct and when it observes any infractions, we urge the commission to take urgent action”, he said.Etim alleged that feelers in the state suggest that the main opposition party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) is planning to use the INEC to rig the elections.

“Some persons in the state have been boasting that they have nothing to worry about and that once it is time for the elections, they would use INEC officials to rig it in their favour. Now, whether this is true or not, we cannot take chances.

“We are raising the alarm now so that desperate persons do not engage in actions that would cause havoc in the state. We implore INEC to take complaints such as this seriously and it is a good thing it is coming now so that necessary actions/ changes can be made before the elections. Akwa Ibom State is a peaceful place and we would like it to remain that way”, he added.

NBC Boss,Modibo Kawu In Trouble Over N2.5 Billion Fraud

The federal government has charged Modibbo Kawu, director-general of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to an Abuja federal high court over an alleged N2.5 billion fraud.

Pinnacle Communications Limited; its founder, Lucky Omonuwa, and Dipo Onifade, its managing director, were also included in the suit.

The charges were filed following an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Acco12 charges were preferred against the accused persons by Henry Emore and Adenekan Shogunle, on behalf of the attorney-general of the federation.

The federal government had in 2016, released N10 billion to the ministry of information and culture for the digital switchover programme, aimed at the migration of telephone lines from analog to digital platforms.

A White Paper was issued directing that the process is explicitly handled by government-affiliated companies.

The amount of N1.7 billion was subsequently as a seed grant for the commencement of the switchover.

During its investigation, the ICPC said it discovered that the process was fraught with corrupt practices.

It alleged that Kawu fraudulently recommended Pinnacle Communications Limited, a private company, to the ministry for the release of N2.5 billion against the guidelines contained in the White Paper.

According to the charges filed before the court, Kawu’s action contravenes Section 26(1)(c) and is punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.rding to those who should knowKawu was accused of “recommending to the Minister of Information to approve payment of the sum of N2.5bn to Pinnacle Communications Ltd, a private company owned by Sir Lucky Omonuwa as a ‘seed grant’ under the DigitalSwitch-Over programme of the Federal Government when you knew that the company was not entitled to receive such a grant and you thereby committed an offense contrary to Section 26(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”

Omonuwa was accused of transferring N167m out of the N2.5bn to one Daura Mamman, a bureau de change operator, and thereafter taking the dollar equivalent of the sum in cash to his residence in Kaduna.

Kawu and Pinnacle Communications have both denied the allegations.

Kawu had said there was nothing fraudulent in the transaction between the commission and Pinnacles Communications, adding that the firm was paid for services rendered just the way the 1st signal distributor (ITS), an affiliate of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was paid.

My Sterling Performance In Office Will Ensure My Re-election Bid-.Hon Olayiwola [Omititi]

    

Recently one of the most popular Politician in the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon Abdul-Sobur Olawale Olayiwola fondly called Omititi spoke to us on his several achievements representing Mushin Constituency 11 at the State Assembly ahead of his re-election bid coming up March 2nd according to INEC timetable across the country. 

Q Why did you think you deserved to be re-elected by your constituents?

ANS We give glory to Allah because when I looked back  I know have served my constituents very well. Some of the things we did were Kick Malaria Out of Mushin Project, lots of people were able to benefit from this, I achieved this in collaboration with Rotary International. On education, we were able to cloth over 60 pupils from about 5 different schools in the constituency. We did this to reduce the burden on their parents which they really appreciated. Not only that I have been assisting my constituents in buying GCE forms for the past 4years now, every year I buy close to 200 forms and distribute to prospective students. We equally give them training, that is coaching classes to prepare them for the exam. Another high point is the computer training programme for my people, it has been running for years, we have over 2,500 graduands from that programme. We also did the Make-up/Headgear tieing programme to assist those that want to take that as their profession after looking for jobs for years. We trained them as well as empower them with the kits they will use. On my primary assignment which is legislative duties, I have done well, moving lots of Motions. Hopefully, my Bill will be passed at the 9th Assembly, its about how Bureau de Change operators in the state will be well registered and regulated by the state so that the state can benefits from there operation to increase the internally generated revenue of the state.. For representation, I have really fought for my people on several occasion, when Alamutu market was closed down i intervened and consulted with the Governor to make sure it was reopened. When over 213 members of my constituency were arrested in Akala, I also intervened to make sure all of them were released.

Q Do you see some of this achievement as a big edge ahead of other contestant?

ANS There is what we called Unique selling Point USP, my accessability has always be my USP my people have free access to me and apart from that the experience have garnered over the years is a huge plus for me, none of my co-contestant possesses it, I already know in and out of legislative duties.

Q What are some of the things you still has in plans for the people if you are able to win the re-election?

ANS   I hope to achieve that Bill on regulations of Bureau De Change so that we can increase our IGR in Lagos, I also hope to start free bus transport for my constituents, it will also be taking students to school, infact it wont be limited to my Constituency because it will run from Oshodi to Lagos Island.

Q How do you plan to achieve some of this things considering the short of funds available?

ANS Like I said initially, we collaborated with some agencies to achieve some of the programmes, this time around we will do the same apart the ones we will fund on our own. For instance, the Make-up programme we did was funded by one of member of my constituency just like a support, we are expecting more of that.

Q How much time do you have for you family, constituency and primary assignment now?

ANS He who want to serve must be ready to make sacrifices, in the family they know the job we do. My constituency office is also open everyday apart from Sunday's, that is why people believe we are the most accessible in the history , we thank God for that.

Q The smooth relationship that exist between members of Lagos State Assembly has continue to improve much unlike before, what is the magic?

ANS There is no magic there, its all about good leadership, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Obasa has proved to be a good administrator, that is why the result has been good. This is a man that will go extra mile to satisfy his colleagues regardless of any issue. He has been around for long so he understand how to carry everybody along without rancour, he has mastered the job

Q How would you rate the performance of the 8th Assembly?

ANS I will boldly say its excellent, especially in terms of legislative bills that we passed, they have been very impactful in the state. Before now, Lagos State University used to have succession problems but since we passed a bill to give the Vice Chancellor single term there has not been such issue again. When we talk of kidnapping, we came up with a bill and passed it which has helped to nip kidnapping in the bud in the state. We have also re-engineer the financial income of Lagos State through various bills we passed. Lots of such achievement has been recorded by the 8th Assembly.

Q How would you rate your popularity at the moment sonsidering while you are not in office and now?

ANS I used to be a timid person, very shy individual but the political name Omititi that people gave me has really brought me out of my shell. When I go out to the event, people will be asking, are you the one called Omititi, I think its because the names connotes a strong person who can shake the ground. Many even taught my surname is Omititi, we give glory to Almighty Allah. Not that people have not known be before but because of my sterling performance in the House, it has really soared my popularity.

Q What is the relationship between you and leaders of your Party in your Constituency

ANS Very cordial and I thank God for that.

Q What kind of future do you see for yourself in Politics?

Fake Group Stages Protest At EFCC Office Against Akpabio

Following the sponsored protest staged last Monday by a civil right group at the zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Wuse 2, Abuja, against former Akwa-Ibom governor, Godswill Akpabio and demeaning allegations leveled against him were mere sabotage and sponsored a campaign of calumny.

It has been discovered that the mounting support from different quarters for Akpabio and his adopted APC candidate, Nisma Ekere is a strong defeatist approach by the sitting governor, Emmanuel Udom of PDP. This is coming on the hills of Akpabio changing camp from the PDP to APC with a strong and still growing numbers of supporters in his trail.    

The protest and the allegation leveled against Senator Godswill Akpabio was described as blatant lies and a campaign of calumny orchestrated by the group to pull down the senator, so as to stop him from winning the state to the opposition party in the forthcoming general election.

Little wonder, Gov. Udom feeling jittery about an intending loss at the poll in a few months. Therefore, he has been using every strategy and orchestrated plans to truncate and demobilized Akpabio and party’s moving train. But the Senator remains undaunted and unshaken by the false and fallacious allegations by Gov. Udom and his cohorts under the aegis of these baseless and unfounded by this civil right group.

With information at our disposal, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is yet to take any plausible decision against Senate Akpabio purportedly believing that it shouldn’t be now that the election is fast approaching that they would now come up with these false allegations.

Even at the live broadcast interview with President Buhari, he declared that he had never interfered in the activities of the anti-graft agencies, EFCC or ICPC on probing anybody including Akpabio. With the civil right group listed properties in the petition as belonging to Akpabio, there are no concrete evidences to support their claim and allegation; even previous petitions had been withdrawn by their originators because of lack of evidence.

This is not the first time Senator Akpabio has been going to EFCC to respond to petitions against him since he left office as governor four years ago. The protest by the group and the petitioners were pursuing a ‘political vendetta’.According the senator in a recent interview stated that ‘I went to the EFCC personally to ensure that I answered to the petition and I answered them. I am the most investigated former governor in Nigeria. Go to anywhere in the world; I don’t have a single house that I could sell, whether in the United Kingdom or Dubai. I m one of the few Nigerians who doesn't operate any foreign account. And I challenge anyone from anywhere in Nigeria to prove me wrong. So, forget about the contrived negative story that you heard about Godswill Akpabio.’

It was gathered that at the end of the protest which was allegedly ignored by the anti-graft agency, was said to have ended with disagreement as protesters were spotted at the front of Wuse Central Mosque, fighting over money as the leader of the faceless group as he was said to have shortchanged other members of the group as against the agree sharing formula.

Even it was said the sponsored protest was hurriedly put together by a top member of federal executive council in person of minister of transportation Mr. Rotimi Amaechi who is believed to be scary of Akpabio growing popularity in the South-South and this might have an effect on Amaechi’s established leadership role and authority in the entire south-south region; such that this leadership role will not be consumed by Akpabio in the final analysis.

UBA Customers Win N30m in Wise Savers Promo, N90m Still Up for Grabs

A pan-African financial institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has rewarded 20 loyal customers with N1,500,000 each, in the first edition of its quarterly draw for the ongoing UBA Wise Savers Promo, which was held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos on Tuesday.

At the event, a total of N30,000,000 was won by 20 lucky customers who were selected following a draw that was witnessed by key regulatory officials including representatives of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, (NLRC); Lagos State Lottery, Board, (LSLB) Consumer Protection Council (CPC) as well as members of the media.

To qualify for the draws, new and existing customers of the bank are expected to save at least N10,000 each month for three consecutive months, or N30,000 for 90 days in the  promo, which will run for the rest of the year. Apart from the N30 million won by 20 customers on Tuesday,  another N90 million is still expected to be won by 60 more loyal customers in the remaining three quarters of the year.

The winners, who cut across all regions of the country, are: Nnadumije, Ebube Dawn; Onwochei Christiana Okwukwe; Eze Mathias Nnaji; Christian N Orie; Uka, Okwudiri; Okata Stephen Uche; Okafor Onyinye Esther; Nwanekezi Chimezie Jude; Ayomide V Yahaya and Olanegan, Oyetunde Keji.

Others are Emmanuel Onu Chidozie; Mohammed Fatima; Aminu, Mustapha; James Nanre; Pahinti Albert; Emmanuel O Adeniji; Jaki Movihinze Mercy; Saminu Muritala Mohammed; Ezeh Raphael Uballa; Uchenna Iheji. When contacted on the phone, one of the 20 lucky winners; Nnadumije, Ebube Dawn, excitedly expressed gratitude to the bank and said he was happy to be a customer of the bank. He thanked the bank and said the move was thoughtful and will help to enrich customers especially during these trying economic times. 

The Group Executive, Digital and Consumer Banking, Mr. Anant Rao, who addressed participants at the event, said the promo was launched as part of the bank’s initiatives towards prioritizing customers. He added that customers who save consistently would be rewarded in order to promote the financial inclusion initiatives of the bank.  ‘We believe it is time we rewarded our customers who have been very loyal over the years. Without them, we would not have made the giant strides attained thus far’ .

According to Rao, “Because our customers are invaluable to all that we do, we listen and give them nothing short of the best that they deserve’

 
“We remain committed to consistently improving customer service and rewarding our loyal customers. The Wise Savers Promo seeks to complement current initiatives aimed at growing savings,” he noted. 

 Wise Savers Promo 1: l-r: Head Lagos Office, Consumer Protection Council, (CPC)  Susie Onwuka; Group Executive, Digital & Consumer Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Anant Rao; Officer, Lagos Office,  CPC,  Abideen Onifade; Executive Director, UBA Plc,  Liadi Ayoku;  Regional Head, Lagos , UBA Plc , Aminat Tunji-Akinwande;  Marketing Monitoring and Enforcement Officer, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Ayeniyi Idowu;  and Head, Retail Liabilities, UBA Plc, Tomiwa Sotiloye,  at  the First Quarter Draw of  UBA Wise Savers Promo where 20 Savings Account Holders  won N1.5m  each,  in Lagos on Tuesday.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading pan-African financial services group, with a presence in 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States of America and France. UBA was incorporated in Nigeria as a limited liability company after taking over the assets of the British and French Bank Limited who had been operating in Nigeria since 1949.  The United Bank for Africa merged with Standard Trust Bank in 2005 and from a single country operation founded in 1949 in Nigeria - Africa's largest economy - UBA has become one of the leading providers of banking and other financial services on the African continent.  The Bank provides services to over15 million customers globally, through one of the most diverse service channels in sub-Saharan Africa, with over 1,000 branches and customer touch points and robust online and mobile banking platforms.

Akwa Ibom Governor,Udom Emmanuel, Wife In Trouble Over Alleged N7bn Withdrawal From State's Account

An FCT High Court has granted a non governmental organization – Incorporated Trustees of Hope Development and Empowerment Foundation – to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the Attorney General of the Federation to order the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, to investigate the wife and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr and Mrs Udo Emmanuel, over an alleged huge withdrawal from state’s accounts.

Granting an ex parte motion filed by the counsel to the applicant, Martin Onyedika Okoye, the court, presided over by Justice O. A. Musa, directed the Attorney General of Federation to immediately ask the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest and investigate Mrs. Deaconess Martha Udo EmmanuelIn the suit, No. FCT/HC/BW/M/25/2018, has Government of Akwa Ibom State, Attorney General of the Federation and Her Excellency Deaconess Martha Udo Emmanuel as the first, second and third defendant

A true certified copy of the order, dated Dec. 7, 2018, cited by this paper, granted leave to the “applicant to apply for an order of mandamus, compelling the second defendant/ respondent through the anti-corruption agency, under his supervision, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately arrest and investigate the third defendant/respondent (Mrs Emmanuel) and every other person involved in the mindless looting of the Treasury of the first defendant/respondent especially in relation to the huge cash withdrawals (amounting to over seven billion naira) on the first defendant/respondent’s Zenith Bank account numbers: 1014539562, 1014358342, 1014358342, and 1014317094, and deposit the outcome of investigation with the registry of this Honourable court within one month of the making of this court’s order.

“An order of this Honourable court granting leave to the applicant to apply for an order of mandamus compelling the second defendant/respondent through the anti-corruption agency under his control and supervision, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately commence the investigation of the third defendant/respondent of Mr.Udo Emmanuel, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his roles in the unlawful multiple cash withdrawals on the first defendant/respondent’s Zenith Bank Account Numbers 1014539562, 1014358342, and 1014317094, and to arrest and prosecute him immediately upon ceasing to be the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

“An order of this Honourable count granting leave to the claimant  to serve the first, second, third defendants/respondents herein with the originating processes in this suit (including exparte order) by leaving same with any staff or clerk at Akwa Ibom State Liason Office, located on Plot 816zAhmadu Bello Way, Central Business District, Abuja”

Mercedes-Benz posts eighth consecutive record year and maintains number 1 position in the premium segment

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  Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold more than 2.3 million cars worldwide (+0.9%), making 2018 the most successful year in terms of sales in the company’s history.

• The passenger car division of Daimler AG sold a total of more than 2.4 million Mercedes-Benz and smart vehicles last year (+0.6%).

• Mercedes-Benz is the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry for the third time in succession.

• Despite challenges for the entire industry, 2018 was the eighth consecutive record year for Mercedes-Benz.

• Mercedes-Benz completed its strongest-selling year along with the best quarter in the company’s history and a new sales record for December.

• The best full-year unit sales of all time were achieved in the Asia-Pacific region.

• With an increase of more than 11%, China was once again the market with the strongest growth in absolute terms and the biggest individual market for Mercedes-Benz.

Stuttgart – Mercedes-Benz continues to be the leading premium automobile brand in terms of unit sales. In a challenging year, the company with the three-pointed star increased its global car sales to 2,310,185 units in 2018, its eighth consecutive record year (+0.9%), making Mercedes-Benz the best-selling premium brand in the automotive industry for the third time in succession. The new sales record in the car division of Daimler AG was driven in particular by the success of Mercedes-Benz in the Asia-Pacific region and its core Chinese market there. Worldwide, models including the SUVs and the E-Class Saloon and Estate were able to generate significant sales impetus in 2018.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “In 2018, Mercedes-Benz was at the top of the premium segment in the automotive industry for the third year in a row. In a highly competitive environment, we also remained at the top from month to month, thanks in particular to double-digit growth in China and many new models that have delighted both existing and new customers worldwide. We will continue rejuvenating our portfolio systematically in 2019. We see the major successes in our core business primarily as paving the way for shaping the individual mobility of tomorrow.”

Mercedes-Benz completed its strongest-selling year also with the best quarter in the company’s history (595,098 units, +4.0%). In addition, a new December record was set last month with sales of 206,532 units (+6.7%). In 2018, Mercedes-Benz maintained its position as the premium brand with the most new registrations in many markets, and secured market leadership in markets including Germany, France, Russia, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Turkey, Denmark, Hungary, Romania, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Thailand, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, USA, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.

“With more than 2.4 million vehicles delivered by Mercedes-Benz Cars in 2018, we once again surpassed our own sales record - for the eighth time in succession. In addition, despite a challenging year, we maintained our position at the top of the premium segment. The excitement for our models and the loyalty of our customers spurs us on to continue giving the best in the new year,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “In recent months, the strong growth of the new A-Class has shown the impetus high-calibre innovations such as MBUX can have in the market. In 2019, more than 10 Mercedes-Benz models will inspire our customers with the intuitive operating concept of MBUX and its artificial intelligence – not only in the compact car segment, but also in SUV segment.”

Mercedes-Benz full-year unit sales by region

Asia-Pacific was most important growth driver also in 2018

The number of 943,473 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars delivered to customers in the Asia-Pacific sales region was higher than ever before in one year (+7.8%). China was once again the company’s biggest sales market – not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but worldwide. Last year, 652,996 cars with the three-pointed star were handed over to customers. The strategy of “Made in China, for China” therefore helped Mercedes-Benz to achieve another sales record in 2018 with an increase of 11.1%. And together with the models sold of the smart brand, the car division of Daimler AG was the first premium manufacturer to pass the milestone of 600,000 cars delivered in China in one year – a milestone reached in November. Growth in unit sales to a new record was achieved also in South Korea (+4.9%), the second-largest market in the Asia-Pacific region. And Mercedes-Benz delivered more passenger cars than ever before in one year also in Japan, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Unit sales by Mercedes-Benz in Europe at high prior-year level

In the Europe region, a total of 933,697 passenger cars were delivered to customers in 2018 (-2.3%). SUVs, the S-Class Saloon and the new A-Class recorded the highest growth. In Germany, 303,862 cars with the three-pointed star were sold in the past twelve months (+0.1%), thus secured market leadership for Mercedes-Benz in the premium segment of its domestic market once again in 2018. The double-digit growth of the new A-Class contributed to this in recent months. Mercedes-Benz set new sales records in many European markets, including Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Denmark and Hungary.

Sales of about 380,000 units in NAFTA region

In the NAFTA region, 378,013 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars were handed over to customers from January to December (-5.6%). Mercedes-Benz thus continued to be the best-selling premium brand in the NAFTA region in 2018. In Mexico, more vehicles were delivered than ever before last year (+8.4%). In the United States, 315,959 vehicles with the star were sold in 2018 (-6.3%). Mercedes-Benz was able to maintain its market leadership in the premium segment in the United States for the third year in a row and increased its sales to a new record level in the important SUV segment there. Mercedes-Benz was also the best-selling premium brand in Canada, where it maintained its market leadership for the fifth year in a row.

Mercedes-Benz full-year unit sales by model

Growth in sales of SUVs leads to new record for a year

With 820,721 units sold and a growth rate of 1.9%, Mercedes-Benz SUVs made a significant contribution to the sales success of last year. In all three core regions Asia-Pacific, Europe and NAFTA region, more SUVs with the star were sold than ever before. This segment now accounts for more than a third of all Mercedes-Benz sales. The main markets in 2018 were China, the United States and Germany. The best-selling SUVs last year were the GLC and the GLA. The success story of off-road vehicles with the star is set to be continued in 2019 by the GLE, the EQC, as well as the model upgrade of the GLC and GLC Coupé among others.

Every fourth car sold by Mercedes-Benz was a compact car

In the year of the A-Class model change, more than 609,000 customers worldwide received their new A-Class, B-Class, CLA, CLA Shooting Brake or GLA. This means that every fourth vehicle sold by Mercedes-Benz in 2018 was a compact car. The two largest markets for compact cars last year were China and Germany. The new A-Class recorded global growth of 3.4% in 2018 and achieved a strong sales growth of 21.8% in Germany, its domestic market. Mercedes-Benz will continue to build on this success in 2019 with further models of the next generation of compact cars - including the A-Class Saloon, the B-Class and the CLA.

C-Class continues to be highest-volume Mercedes-Benz model

The C-Class Saloon and Estate were again the highest-volume Mercedes-Benz models in the year of the model upgrade. About 397,000 units of these two models were sold last year. The long-wheelbase version of the C-Class Saloon, which is built and sold exclusively in China, set a new record with a double-digit growth. Developing a vehicle in China for China pays off and shows how important it is to respond to local customers’ needs: China was both the largest and fastest-growing market for the C-Class in 2018. Overall, every second C-Class Saloon was sold in the Asia-Pacific region last year, setting a new record (+11.4%).

E-Class continues record-chasing in second year after launch

From January to December, more than 355,000 units of the E-Class Saloon and Estate were delivered to customers. In the second full year of sales of the new generation, an increase of 1.3% was achieved. Although Mercedes-Benz is constantly expanding its portfolio, no year before has seen as many E-Class models sold as in the past twelve months. An important driver of this growth is the continuing popularity of the long-wheelbase version in China (+32.7%).

S-Class: Mercedes-Benz flagship shines with double-digit sales growth worldwide

The S-Class Saloon continued to enjoy great popularity in 2018: Approximately one-and-a-half years after the model upgrade, 77,927 units of the S-Class Saloon were sold in 2018 (+12.2%). The S-Class Saloon also achieved sales growth of 7% in Europe. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Saloon is very successful and stands for the utmost exclusivity and quality: In 2018, more Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Saloons were sold than in any previous year (+21.8%). More than two-thirds of these vehicles went to customers in China.

Dream cars: sales impetus provided by new CLS Coupé 

Once again last year, many customers fulfilled their dream of a new coupé, cabriolet or roadster from Mercedes-Benz, so that sales remained at the previous year’s level: Almost 166,000 new dream cars with the three-pointed star were delivered worldwide last year. The CLS Coupé contributed to the success of the Mercedes-Benz dream car family (+69.7%). Many customers have chosen the new C-Class Cabriolet and the C-Class Coupé, which have been available from dealerships since the second half of 2018.

Ongoing growth in sales of V-Class and X-Class

In 2018, the V-Class set a new sales record for a full year with sales of 62,699 units. From January to December, unit sales increased by 6.8%. Demand for the multipurpose vehicle was particularly strong in Germany. The strongest absolute growth was recorded in China. The X-Class has been available in Europe since late 2017 and was successfully launched in additional core markets such as South Africa and Australia in 2018. The 6-cylinder engine, which can be ordered for the X-Class since July 2018, has delivered further sales impetus. In total, more than 14,000 units of the pickup with the star were sold in 2018.

Mercedes-AMG sells more than 118,000 vehicles in 2018

AMG, the performance and sports car brand from Mercedes-Benz, achieved six-digit unit sales last year, as well as in 2017. Despite delays in certification in some international markets, 118,204 vehicles worldwide were handed over to customers last year (-10.4%). In China and Japan, two of AMG’s main sales markets, the Affalterbach-based company achieved double-digit growth rates in 2018, setting new records in both markets. The past year at Mercedes-AMG was characterized by the continuous expansion and shift of the product portfolio. With the “53” models of the CLS, E-Class Coupés and Cabriolets, three new models with hybrid functions and a new type designation were added in 2018. Another highlight was the market launch of the AMG GT 4-door Coupé, the third sports car developed entirely in-house, following the SLS and the GT. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC (fuel consumption combined 7.4 - 7.3 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined 169 - 167 g/km)* completes the product range and is the new entry-level model in the world of driving performance.

smart achieves high prior-year volume in 2018

In the year of its 20th anniversary, the smart brand achieved its third-strongest sales of the past decade: 128,802 customers opted for a smart fortwo or smart forfour in the past twelve months (-4.6%). A significant increase in sales was achieved in Germany, where more than 41,000 units of the urban microcar were delivered between January and December (+14.0%). The smart enjoyed great popularity also in China, where it achieved its second-best full-year sales since its launch in that market in 2009. Last year, the changeover of the smart into an electric brand made further progress: 2018 was the first year of full availability of all three smart models with electric drive. Never before have so many units of the electric smart models been sold in a year as in 2018. With the integration of the electric smart into the EQ product and technology brand last spring, the three electric smart models represent the first series-produced models in the EQ family. The aim is to convert the smart brand to electric drive in Europe completely by 2020, following the conversion already completed in the United States, Canada and Norway.

Overview of Mercedes-Benz Cars unit sales

	December 2018	Change in %	Jan.-Dec. 2018	Change in %
Mercedes-Benz	206,532	+6.7	2,310,185	+0.9
smart	10,290	-13.5	128,802	-4.6
Mercedes-Benz Cars	216,822	+5.5	2,438,987	+0.6
Mercedes-Benz unit sales in the regions/markets
Europe	82,740	+9.7	933,697	-2.3
- thereof Germany	27,528	+27.6	303,862	+0.1
Asia-Pacific	81,054	+11.5	943,473	+7.8
- thereof China	49,907	+3.7	652,996	+11.1
NAFTA	37,449	-7.3	378,013	-5.6
- thereof USA	32,016	-9.1	315,959	-6.3