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Intra African Travel: NANTA Cannot Be Ignored, Says Amb Manta

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Nigeria High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Haruna Manta says he is impressed with the high profile intervention on joint Africa Tourism prosperity by National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), noting that the association cannot be ignored in the quest to address tourism trade matters in Nigeria nay Africa.

During an interview on the sideline, after a farewell dinner, organised by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa for NANTA delegates and their partners from the Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) held Hotel Sky in Johannesburg, Saturday night, Ambassador Manta disclosed that the determination of nanta to bring about change to the narratives of Intra African tourism, resonates with the dreams of most African people, emphatic that collaboration rather than individualism is the way to go in defining the prospects of Intra African cultural tourism trade and business opportunities.

“We are certainly proud of nanta for this collaboration with TOUGHA and which was endorsed by South Africa Tourism. At the embassy, we are always happy to receive Nigerian business trade groups, coming to South Africa to discuss business collaborations with groups here and by such efforts, we rekindle hope in the Nigeria and South Africa relationships, which over time has brought both countries and people together.” He noted

On the difficulty in obtaining visas to Nigeria, the ambassador explained that the process is being addressed and with the expected posting more Nigerian immigration personnel to South Africa, the overwhelming pressure of visa requests by those wishing to visit Nigeria, will ease out over time.

“These are issues which were on the table when our president and that of South Africa met not too long ago , and the whole idea is to tackle the issues with diplomatic understanding. At the commission here, we receive lots of visa requests that will take more hands to handle, but I like said, it is an issue that we confidentially expect that should be resolved ” Ambassador Manta explained further

Describing the NANTA initiative as octane to future trade professionals collaboration and partnership, Ambassador Manta stated that it’s difficult to deny visas to groups as suspicious profiling usually administered to an individual, will never be applied to collaborative and united efforts in the mould of nanta initiative.

“An individual as against a corporate effort may arouse immigration detailed profiling particularly when the individual may have enough funds to channel his visit and to which such pecuniary luxury may attract immigration deep examination as against spending by groups to an economy or destination which usually gets positive nods from host nations.” Ambassador Haruna Manta stated, adding that for every South African group or individual that visits Nigeria, there are possibilities to many trade groups from Nigeria, will be welcomed to South Africa thus spiking the trade relations and opportunities for Africa to Africa shared prosperity.

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Ex-Gov Bello Stripped of Security Details, Placed on Watchlist

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has placed Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, on a watchlist, just as the police headquarters in Abuja “ordered the withdrawal of all men attached to his excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, former executive governor of Kogi state”.

Bello was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on April 18 after his absence from the federal high court in Abuja “stalled his arraignment”.

The anti-graft agency alleges that Bello, alongside Alli Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi; and one Daudu Suleiman, diverted about N80.2 billion belonging to the Kogi government.

In a statement signed by DS Umar, assistant comptroller of immigration, on behalf of Kemi Nandap, comptroller-general of the NIS, the agency said “the above named person has been placed on watch list”.

“The subject is being prosecuted for breach of trust and money laundering. If seen at any entry or exit point, he should be arrested and referred to the Director of Investigation for further action,” the statement reads.

On April 17, the EFCC ended its siege on Bello’s residence in Abuja after Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, arrived at the house and was later seen leaving with his predecessor.

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N80.2b Fraud: EFCC Declares Ex- Gov Bello Wanted

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted. Yahaya Bello was declared wanted for offences bordering on economic and financial crimes, with special emphasis to an alleged N82.2 billion fraud.

This was contained in a press statement made available to news men on Thursday.

The statement signed by Commission’s management reads as follows:

“Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCCfor offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.2 bn.

“Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the commission or the nearest police station.”

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EFCC Seeks Military’s Help to Arrest Fleeing Ex-Gov Bello

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned to April 23, the suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello.

The adjournment is for substituted service and possible arraignment of Bello for alleged N84billion money laundering.

At the sitting, counsel for the EFCC, Kemi Phinro, told the court that Bello was absent from court for his arraignment because he was being protected by someone with immunity.

Phinro complained that the former governor was whisked out of his Abuja residence by the same person with immunity.

Phinro said the anti-graft agency might seek the help of the military to fish him out to come face his arraignment.

Responding to this submission, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, Abdulwahab Muhammad, told the court that there is an order of the court restraining the EFCC from arresting or arraigning him.

Muhammad said a Kogi State High Court had on February 9, 2024 restrained the EFCC from arresting or arraigning the former governor.

He added that the EFCC has appealed the ruling and the Court of Appeal was yet to decide on the matter.

He pointed out that the action of the EFCC was unconstitutional and the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain any charge from the EFCC.

Counsel for the EFCC, however, disagreed with the submission of the counsel to Bello.

The EFCC counsel held that the ruling in the substantive matter on the suit was delivered on March 17, 2024 by the Kogi State High Court.

He cleared the air that the court in its ruling held that for the former governor to be arrested or arraigned, the EFCC must first seek leave from the court to do so.

He said it was in line with that judgment that the EFCC, through an exparte application, filed for the order seeking the arrest of the former governor which was granted by the court.

Counsel for Yahaya Bello, however, insisted before the court that the order for the ex-governor’s arrest was made out of jurisdiction. He said the former governor is not a fugitive, but relying on the order of the Kogi State High Court to take protection.

On Wednesday, EFCC operatives stormed Bello’s residence in the Wuse area of Abuja and spent most part of the day attempting to arrest the former governor whom the Commission later confirmed was whisked away by his successor.

The EFCC subsequently warned members of the public that it is a criminal offence to obstruct officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

The Commission’s spokesperson said that Section 38(2)(a)(b) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the Commission from carrying out their lawful duties.

According to him, culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years.

“On several occasions, operatives of the Commission have had to exercise utmost restraint in the face of such provocation to avoid a breakdown of law and order.

“Regrettably, such disposition is being construed as a sign of weakness.

“The Commission, therefore, warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by any person or organisation to obstruct its operation as such will be met with appropriate punitive actions,” the statement added.

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