13 Apr 2010 19:02 Africa/Lagos
Mali Remains a Country of Emigration and Transit, IOM Migration Profile Confirms
BAMAKO, April 13, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- IOM Press Briefing Notes
A migration profile of Mali released today finds that this landlocked West African country remains essentially a country of emigration, although increasing numbers of irregular migrants appear to transit through Mali on their way to Europe via the Maghreb countries.
According to the report, demographic growth, poverty, increased unemployment and difficult climatic conditions continue to push many Malians to migrate internally from rural to urban areas, within the West African region and beyond.
Based on the 2000 Census Round Data, the report estimates the number of Malian abroad to be in excess of 1,5 million, with a 32 per cent living and working in Côte d'Ivoire, 28 per cent in Burkina Faso, 10 per cent in Guinea, 6 per cent in Nigeria and 5 per cent in Ghana.
The remainder are thought to be employed in OECD countries, primarily in industry, construction; agriculture and fishing. Most of them have a low level of education.
However, the report notes that Mali is confronted with a certain brain drain, since 15 per cent of Malian university graduates emigrated during the 1995-2005 period. In the health sector, 23 per cent of Malian doctors and 15 per cent of nurses found employment in 9 developed countries, with France remaining the favoured destination.
Despite the country's political commitment in favour of regional integration, the report notes that immigration to Mali remains very limited with an estimated 164,000 migrants representing just 1,4 per cent of the total population in 2005. Immigration to Mali is mostly regional, with migrants coming from Burkina Faso (23 %), Ghana (13 %), Guinea (10 %), Benin (9 %) and Niger (8 %).
Although data on transit migration remains scarce, the report states that Mali seems to have become an important point of passage, with routes linking countries in Central and West Africa to the Maghreb and Libya.
As for remittances, they reached 212 million USD in 2007, representing 3, 3 per cent of the country's GDP. Although remittances are mostly used to improve the living conditions of families left behind, the emergence of structured migrants' associations has increased the share of funds used for social and productive investments.
In the Western region of Kayes, the report notes that migrants' associations in France have funded over the past decade more than 220 community projects in dozens of villages.
The IOM profile, which is funded by the European Union, the Belgian Development Cooperation and the Swiss Federal Office for Migration, says that the Government of Mali has achieved some success in drawing on the expertise of its diaspora by encouraging the return of qualified migrants through programmes such as the UNDP implemented Transfer of Knowledge through Expatriate Nationals (TOKTEN) programme.
It notes efforts deployed to incorporate migration into the National Strategic Framework on Development such as the priority solidarity fund for co-development programme established with France to support the activities of associations, facilitate the mobilization of remittances and strengthen ties between emigrant youths and their country of origin.
The report underlines the scarcity of reliable data on migration as the last general population census in Mali and the only specialized survey on migration were undertaken more than ten years ago, and cannot therefore reflect the current trends.
Furthermore, national structures dealing with migration do not have the capacity to properly manage and analyse data. To improve data on migration, there is a need to develop and establish a coherent data management system, involving all relevant partners and in keeping with the guiding principles of the country's national plan for statistics.
Source: International Office of Migration (IOM)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
Nigerian Senator Paid $100, 000 To Marry A 13 Year Old Egyptian Girl
Senator Ahmed Sani
Nigerian Senator Paid $100, 000 To Marry A 13 Year Old Egyptian Girl
The bearded Senator Ahmed Sani, who is a former governor of Zamfara state in northern Nigeria has paid a bride price of $100, 000 to marry a 13 year old Egyptian girl.
Old men dating and marrying under age girls is common practice among the Muslims in Northern Nigeria.
Full details on Page 9 of The Punch newspaper on Monday April 12, 2010.
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Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Untold Story of the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 1
On 1st July, 2005, ABZ Integrated Limited, a Nigerian company based in Abuja broke the news of the $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud by the Nigerian branch of the Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX Euronext: CHTEX), an American multinational energy corporation headquartered in San Ramon, California, (see annexure 1b).
Following the disclosures, ABZ was duly engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria under the Executive Chairmanship of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (see annexure 1a) as a consultant for the recovery of the unpaid taxes from Chevron Nigeria Limited. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) under Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili acknowledged the engagement and financial entitlement of ABZ Integrated Limited (see annexure 5b).
In the last quarter of 2005, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), under the chairmanship of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, had a public hearing on the allegation of $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron Nigeria Limited. And in September 2006, the Chairman vindicated ABZ and confirmed that Chevron evaded tax as alleged and was ordered to refund the sum of $492 million. NEITI’s auditors also validated the claims of ABZ. But Chevron has only refunded a fraction of the total Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded, without paying the penalties required by PPT Act. And ABZ has not been paid its entitlements since Chevron has refunded the sum of $866 million of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded so far.
This is the untold story of the whole financial scandal as reported by Fidelis Uzonwanne, the Managing Consultant of ABZ Integrated Limited.
~ Nigerians Report
UPDATE ON THE ALLEGATION OF $10.8 BILLION TAX EVASION AND FRAUD AGAINST CHEVRON AND ITS ASSOCIATED COMPANIES BY ABZ INTEGRATED LTD
THE UNTOLD STORY
In July 2005, when ThisDay Newspaper published ABZ Integrated Ltd’s open letter to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the allegation of $10.8 Billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron Nigeria Ltd, some Nigerians believed it. Some took it with a pinch of salt. While some dismissed it with utmost disbelief.
Before ABZ took that bold step, an in-dept investigation of the activities of Chevron had been painstakingly undertaken. This culminated in a 106 –page report being forwarded to EFCC on the 12th of May 2005, with over 400 page annexures (Annexure 4).
The way and manner the relevant government agencies in Nigeria reacted to the issue was very shocking and unbelievable. Organizations such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary NAPIMS, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) etc, stood in stout defense of Chevron’s position and treated ABZ with disdain and scorn. We were undaunted because we were very sure of what we stated and were prepared to defend it till the last day.
Following our publication, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), under the chairmanship of Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili, held a meeting of stakeholders in Nicon Hotel on the 9th of August 2005. NEITI issued a press release (Annexure 5a) on the outcome of the meeting confirming inter alia:
(i) That ABZ was duly engaged as consultants by EFCC and that ABZ’s effort led to the recovery of $6.5 million
(ii) That the information provided by ABZ (i.e. the report) has been referred to the Hart Group to verify the claims made therein.
Other confirmations of ABZ’s efforts and entitlements are enclosed herewith as (Annexures 5b, c, d & e).
+TO+FIDELIS+UZONWANNE+OF+ABZ.JPG)
Recall that field work on the ABZ’s investigation of Chevron under EFCC Committee on Government Revenue Fraud was done between December 2003 and January 2005. FIRS and other Government agencies were answering questions on their respective roles relating to Chevron’s operations and their culpability thereon (Annexures 6a, 6b, 6c & 7a, 7b).
Between September and November 2005, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), under the chairmanship of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, carried out a public hearing on the allegation of $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron. About September 2006, the report of the Committee’s investigation was laid before the plenary. The chairman in a press conference confirmed to the whole world that indeed Chevron evaded tax as alleged and was ordered to refund the sum of $492 million (Annexure 8).
On November 9, 2006, Segun Adeniyi, a former Editor of ThisDay Newspaper, Spokesperson to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and then a member of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of NEITI, confirmed to the whole world that ABZ had been vindicated because NEITI’s auditors had confirmed to them the veracity of ABZ’s claims (Annexure 9a). Please find enclosed an except from Hart Group report dated 14th August, 2006 for more details (Annexure 9b).
We want to confirm to you that the harassment Ribadu’s EFCC was giving to ABZ in 2005 was merely a decoy to shield the main issues from people’s prying eyes. This dummy sold by Ribadu’s EFCC enabled the trio of FIRS, Chevron and EFCC to conceal the recoveries being realized from Chevron through ABZ’s effort. Recent events have confirmed that the maneuvers were intended to enable them dip their fingers into the official tills. Their campaign then was that ABZ was making false claims, that Chevron never evaded tax and no money was refunded. Unknown to so many people was the fact that as at that time (July 2005), Chevron had refunded over $130 million and part of it diverted.
By a letter dated 6th October 2008, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mrs. Ifueko Omouigui-Okauru, in response to Nigeria’s House of Representative’s Ad-hoc Committee’s inquest, claimed that the sum of $131 million had been recovered from Chevron but that it was not from ABZ’s effort (Annexure 10). At the time of this claim (i.e. October 2008), ABZ, through its own information network was aware that Chevron had refunded $491 million (Annexure 11). ABZ, through its Solicitors, Messrs Fountain Advocates, petitioned Farida’s EFCC, alleging a diversion of $360 million. The petition was dated 17th November, 2008, with all the necessary attachments including bank statements treasury receipts, correspondences from Chevron (Annexures 12a, b, & c). Two reminders dated 12th January 2009 and 14th January 2010 have been sent to Farida’s EFCC and mum is the answer (Annexures 13 & 14).
As at December 2008, Chevron had refunded the sum of $866 million of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded (Annexure 15). The relevant penalties based on the provisions of PPT Act is three times the tax evaded i.e. $2.598 billion (Annexure 16). FIRS has no choice than to abide by the law. There’s no evidence that FIRS is prepared to make this demand on Chevron. Besides, ABZ is still willing and prepared to provide a report that will turn in additional recoveries of $2.0 billion from Chevron.
As at today, ABZ has not been paid its fees for this assignment. Instead, FIRS and Chevron have been busy plotting how to silence ABZ. One way they thought they could achieve this was to encourage Chevron to seek ICAN’s (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) support to “deal” with the Managing Consultant of ABZ. Chevron petitioned ICAN that ABZ’s report was baseless, unprofessional and that Fidelis Uzonwanne, the Managing Consultant of ABZ, should be charged with professional misconduct. The company represented to ICAN that it never refunded any tax evaded (Annexure 17a, b & c). This is contrary to its various letters evidencing refunds e.g. letters of January 24, 2005, November 29, 2005 and receipts obtained (Annexures 17d, e, f & g). True to type, ICAN set to work through malicious advertisement of the fact that Fidelis Uzonwanne was facing ICAN investigating Panel without first writing him as a member. He is currently facing trial at Disciplinary Tribunal for exposing corruption and helping his country to recover $866 million of lost revenue (Annexures 18a, b & c). That is the sorry state of the Nigerian Nation.
Over $400 million out of the $866 million recovered from Chevron through ABZ’s effort has been diverted by FIRS and their collaborators in CBN (Annexures 19 & 20). Farida’s EFCC does not appear prepared to bring the criminals to book despite all the information made available to it (Annexures 21a, b & c). See Annexure 25 for more details on diverted funds. Instead, the conspirators have vowed not to pay ABZ its dues and will prefer the option of eliminating Fidelis Uzonwanne by any means. Yes, the plot to assassinate Fidelis Uzonwanne is thickening and he is aware of it. What is his offence? He led a team that exposed tax evasion and fraud perpetrated by Chevron. The first process of his annihilation is through financial strangulation by denying his company its dues. The next in the chain is to make sure he stops practicing his profession by using forged documents, falsehood and undue influence to get ICAN do its bidding. The final is assassination.
Please ventilate this to the whole world. The Nigerian economy is seriously being threatened by the cabal in government revenue agencies, who have vowed not to allow any of their own go down no matter how corrupt. The anti-corruption crusade is at its lowest ebb. Nigeria’s economic future is getting dimmer with every passing day. The Executive Chairman of FIRS, who supervised and managed the looting of the money recovered from Chevron in a letter with reference no FIRSB/MD/001/130 of 4th February, 2009 requested CBN, its accomplice, to give her a clean “bill of health”. CBN, by its letter dated 12th February 2009, with reference no. FOD/DIR/GA/SEC/012/68, acted accordingly (Annexure 22). The duo made a fruitless attempt to conceal a diversion of $112 million. ABZ, by its letter of 2nd December, 2009, knocked the bottom off the unwholesome arrangement (Annexure 23). The same goes for the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) (Annexure 24). It set up a committee to investigate the allegation of fraudulent diversion of $360 million, concluded its investigation and attempted to give Ifueko a clean “bill of health” without inviting the company that made the allegation (Annexure 25). Although the OAGF confirmed a diversion of $8.6 million, those indicted are still sitting comfortably on their seats and using tax payers’ money to campaign and launder their image.
Like all other financial scandals that have rocked Nigeria, this would have fizzled out long time ago but because of the plan of the treasury looters to “kill the goose that lays the golden egg”. If the same Chevron project had been awarded to a foreign firm, the Federal Government would have easily parted with hundreds of millions of Dollars as professional fees with the perquisites attached thereto. Believe it or not, no foreign company would have been able to match ABZ’s achievements. After ABZ’s investigation of Chevron what happened next? Other oil companies are still enjoying their illicit funds.
Since the exit of Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili from NEITI, the agency has since joined the band wagon of other government agencies who are more interested in budgetary allocations than performing the role for which they were established. ABZ by a letter dated 20th April, 2009, alerted the organization of several issues that it should ordinarily make effort to know (Annexure 26). The organization never even bordered to respond. The reason is very simple. The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mrs. Ifueko Omouigui-Okauru has pocketed the organization and has ensured no further audits are carried out especially 2006 audit of the oil & gas industry in Nigeria, because of the unprecedented fraud by FIRS that year. The Nation lost over $3 billion of PPT and Royalty revenue to fraud.
By Fidelis Uzonwanne
Managing Consultant of ABZ Integrated Limited,
Abuja (FCT),
Nigeria.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
ALL THE REMAINING DOCUMENTS ON THIS CASE FOLLOW BELOW.
On 1st July, 2005, ABZ Integrated Limited, a Nigerian company based in Abuja broke the news of the $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud by the Nigerian branch of the Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX Euronext: CHTEX), an American multinational energy corporation headquartered in San Ramon, California, (see annexure 1b).
Following the disclosures, ABZ was duly engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria under the Executive Chairmanship of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (see annexure 1a) as a consultant for the recovery of the unpaid taxes from Chevron Nigeria Limited. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) under Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili acknowledged the engagement and financial entitlement of ABZ Integrated Limited (see annexure 5b).
In the last quarter of 2005, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), under the chairmanship of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, had a public hearing on the allegation of $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron Nigeria Limited. And in September 2006, the Chairman vindicated ABZ and confirmed that Chevron evaded tax as alleged and was ordered to refund the sum of $492 million. NEITI’s auditors also validated the claims of ABZ. But Chevron has only refunded a fraction of the total Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded, without paying the penalties required by PPT Act. And ABZ has not been paid its entitlements since Chevron has refunded the sum of $866 million of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded so far.
This is the untold story of the whole financial scandal as reported by Fidelis Uzonwanne, the Managing Consultant of ABZ Integrated Limited.
~ Nigerians Report
UPDATE ON THE ALLEGATION OF $10.8 BILLION TAX EVASION AND FRAUD AGAINST CHEVRON AND ITS ASSOCIATED COMPANIES BY ABZ INTEGRATED LTD
THE UNTOLD STORY
In July 2005, when ThisDay Newspaper published ABZ Integrated Ltd’s open letter to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on the allegation of $10.8 Billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron Nigeria Ltd, some Nigerians believed it. Some took it with a pinch of salt. While some dismissed it with utmost disbelief.
Before ABZ took that bold step, an in-dept investigation of the activities of Chevron had been painstakingly undertaken. This culminated in a 106 –page report being forwarded to EFCC on the 12th of May 2005, with over 400 page annexures (Annexure 4).
The way and manner the relevant government agencies in Nigeria reacted to the issue was very shocking and unbelievable. Organizations such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its subsidiary NAPIMS, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) etc, stood in stout defense of Chevron’s position and treated ABZ with disdain and scorn. We were undaunted because we were very sure of what we stated and were prepared to defend it till the last day.
Following our publication, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), under the chairmanship of Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili, held a meeting of stakeholders in Nicon Hotel on the 9th of August 2005. NEITI issued a press release (Annexure 5a) on the outcome of the meeting confirming inter alia:
(i) That ABZ was duly engaged as consultants by EFCC and that ABZ’s effort led to the recovery of $6.5 million
(ii) That the information provided by ABZ (i.e. the report) has been referred to the Hart Group to verify the claims made therein.
Other confirmations of ABZ’s efforts and entitlements are enclosed herewith as (Annexures 5b, c, d & e).
+TO+FIDELIS+UZONWANNE+OF+ABZ.JPG){kind=spacer}
Recall that field work on the ABZ’s investigation of Chevron under EFCC Committee on Government Revenue Fraud was done between December 2003 and January 2005. FIRS and other Government agencies were answering questions on their respective roles relating to Chevron’s operations and their culpability thereon (Annexures 6a, 6b, 6c & 7a, 7b).
Between September and November 2005, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), under the chairmanship of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, carried out a public hearing on the allegation of $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron. About September 2006, the report of the Committee’s investigation was laid before the plenary. The chairman in a press conference confirmed to the whole world that indeed Chevron evaded tax as alleged and was ordered to refund the sum of $492 million (Annexure 8).
On November 9, 2006, Segun Adeniyi, a former Editor of ThisDay Newspaper, Spokesperson to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and then a member of the National Stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) of NEITI, confirmed to the whole world that ABZ had been vindicated because NEITI’s auditors had confirmed to them the veracity of ABZ’s claims (Annexure 9a). Please find enclosed an except from Hart Group report dated 14th August, 2006 for more details (Annexure 9b).
We want to confirm to you that the harassment Ribadu’s EFCC was giving to ABZ in 2005 was merely a decoy to shield the main issues from people’s prying eyes. This dummy sold by Ribadu’s EFCC enabled the trio of FIRS, Chevron and EFCC to conceal the recoveries being realized from Chevron through ABZ’s effort. Recent events have confirmed that the maneuvers were intended to enable them dip their fingers into the official tills. Their campaign then was that ABZ was making false claims, that Chevron never evaded tax and no money was refunded. Unknown to so many people was the fact that as at that time (July 2005), Chevron had refunded over $130 million and part of it diverted.
By a letter dated 6th October 2008, the Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mrs. Ifueko Omouigui-Okauru, in response to Nigeria’s House of Representative’s Ad-hoc Committee’s inquest, claimed that the sum of $131 million had been recovered from Chevron but that it was not from ABZ’s effort (Annexure 10). At the time of this claim (i.e. October 2008), ABZ, through its own information network was aware that Chevron had refunded $491 million (Annexure 11). ABZ, through its Solicitors, Messrs Fountain Advocates, petitioned Farida’s EFCC, alleging a diversion of $360 million. The petition was dated 17th November, 2008, with all the necessary attachments including bank statements treasury receipts, correspondences from Chevron (Annexures 12a, b, & c). Two reminders dated 12th January 2009 and 14th January 2010 have been sent to Farida’s EFCC and mum is the answer (Annexures 13 & 14).
As at December 2008, Chevron had refunded the sum of $866 million of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded (Annexure 15). The relevant penalties based on the provisions of PPT Act is three times the tax evaded i.e. $2.598 billion (Annexure 16). FIRS has no choice than to abide by the law. There’s no evidence that FIRS is prepared to make this demand on Chevron. Besides, ABZ is still willing and prepared to provide a report that will turn in additional recoveries of $2.0 billion from Chevron.
As at today, ABZ has not been paid its fees for this assignment. Instead, FIRS and Chevron have been busy plotting how to silence ABZ. One way they thought they could achieve this was to encourage Chevron to seek ICAN’s (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) support to “deal” with the Managing Consultant of ABZ. Chevron petitioned ICAN that ABZ’s report was baseless, unprofessional and that Fidelis Uzonwanne, the Managing Consultant of ABZ, should be charged with professional misconduct. The company represented to ICAN that it never refunded any tax evaded (Annexure 17a, b & c). This is contrary to its various letters evidencing refunds e.g. letters of January 24, 2005, November 29, 2005 and receipts obtained (Annexures 17d, e, f & g). True to type, ICAN set to work through malicious advertisement of the fact that Fidelis Uzonwanne was facing ICAN investigating Panel without first writing him as a member. He is currently facing trial at Disciplinary Tribunal for exposing corruption and helping his country to recover $866 million of lost revenue (Annexures 18a, b & c). That is the sorry state of the Nigerian Nation.
Over $400 million out of the $866 million recovered from Chevron through ABZ’s effort has been diverted by FIRS and their collaborators in CBN (Annexures 19 & 20). Farida’s EFCC does not appear prepared to bring the criminals to book despite all the information made available to it (Annexures 21a, b & c). See Annexure 25 for more details on diverted funds. Instead, the conspirators have vowed not to pay ABZ its dues and will prefer the option of eliminating Fidelis Uzonwanne by any means. Yes, the plot to assassinate Fidelis Uzonwanne is thickening and he is aware of it. What is his offence? He led a team that exposed tax evasion and fraud perpetrated by Chevron. The first process of his annihilation is through financial strangulation by denying his company its dues. The next in the chain is to make sure he stops practicing his profession by using forged documents, falsehood and undue influence to get ICAN do its bidding. The final is assassination.
Please ventilate this to the whole world. The Nigerian economy is seriously being threatened by the cabal in government revenue agencies, who have vowed not to allow any of their own go down no matter how corrupt. The anti-corruption crusade is at its lowest ebb. Nigeria’s economic future is getting dimmer with every passing day. The Executive Chairman of FIRS, who supervised and managed the looting of the money recovered from Chevron in a letter with reference no FIRSB/MD/001/130 of 4th February, 2009 requested CBN, its accomplice, to give her a clean “bill of health”. CBN, by its letter dated 12th February 2009, with reference no. FOD/DIR/GA/SEC/012/68, acted accordingly (Annexure 22). The duo made a fruitless attempt to conceal a diversion of $112 million. ABZ, by its letter of 2nd December, 2009, knocked the bottom off the unwholesome arrangement (Annexure 23). The same goes for the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) (Annexure 24). It set up a committee to investigate the allegation of fraudulent diversion of $360 million, concluded its investigation and attempted to give Ifueko a clean “bill of health” without inviting the company that made the allegation (Annexure 25). Although the OAGF confirmed a diversion of $8.6 million, those indicted are still sitting comfortably on their seats and using tax payers’ money to campaign and launder their image.
Like all other financial scandals that have rocked Nigeria, this would have fizzled out long time ago but because of the plan of the treasury looters to “kill the goose that lays the golden egg”. If the same Chevron project had been awarded to a foreign firm, the Federal Government would have easily parted with hundreds of millions of Dollars as professional fees with the perquisites attached thereto. Believe it or not, no foreign company would have been able to match ABZ’s achievements. After ABZ’s investigation of Chevron what happened next? Other oil companies are still enjoying their illicit funds.
Since the exit of Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili from NEITI, the agency has since joined the band wagon of other government agencies who are more interested in budgetary allocations than performing the role for which they were established. ABZ by a letter dated 20th April, 2009, alerted the organization of several issues that it should ordinarily make effort to know (Annexure 26). The organization never even bordered to respond. The reason is very simple. The Executive Chairman of FIRS, Mrs. Ifueko Omouigui-Okauru has pocketed the organization and has ensured no further audits are carried out especially 2006 audit of the oil & gas industry in Nigeria, because of the unprecedented fraud by FIRS that year. The Nation lost over $3 billion of PPT and Royalty revenue to fraud.
By Fidelis Uzonwanne
Managing Consultant of ABZ Integrated Limited,
Abuja (FCT),
Nigeria.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
ALL THE REMAINING DOCUMENTS ON THIS CASE FOLLOW BELOW.
Update on the Allegation of $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion Fraud against Chevron and its Associated Companies 4
EXPOSED:
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Post Script: Chevron, EFCC and FIRS Are Not Above the Law
Enlighten the people, generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like spirits at the dawn of day.
~ Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)
On 1st July, 2005, ABZ Integrated Limited, a Nigerian company based in Abuja broke the news of the $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud by the Nigerian branch of the Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX Euronext: CHTEX) is an American multinational energy corporation headquartered in San Ramon, California in the United States of America.
Following these disclosures, ABZ was duly engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria under the Executive Chairmanship of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as a consultant for the recovery of the unpaid taxes from Chevron Nigeria Limited. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) under Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili acknowledged the engagement and financial entitlement of ABZ Integrated Limited
I have been following this case since I reported the $10.8 Billion tax evasion and fraud allegation against Chevron on Monday, August 01, 2005 and also posted the refutation by Chevron in their rejoinder on Wednesday, August 03, 2005.
In the last quarter of 2005, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), under the chairmanship of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, had a public hearing on the allegation of $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron Nigeria Limited. And in September 2006, the Chairman vindicated ABZ and confirmed that Chevron evaded tax as alleged and was ordered to refund the sum of $492 million. NEITI’s auditors also validated the claims of ABZ. But Chevron has only refunded a fraction of the total Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded, without paying the penalties required by PPT Act. And ABZ has not been paid its entitlements since Chevron has refunded the sum of $866 million of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded so far.
The untold story of the whole financial scandal as reported by Fidelis Uzonwanne, the Managing Consultant of ABZ Integrated Limited has been published on Nigerians Report in seven parts since Wednesday, March 31, 2010 to date.
I have nothing personal against the Chevron Corporation, First Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and they have the right to challenge or dismiss the statement of ABZ Integrated Limited. But if they fail to prove that ABZ Integrated is wrong, then they must follow the due process of the law to let justice prevail.
Chevron, EFCC and FIRS are not above the law.
We must not condone corrupt practices at all levels of public service or private practice whether indoors or outdoors. We must not compromise the ethics of equity and justice no matter the temptations, trials and weaknesses of life.
We must not be afraid to preach and publish the truth and we must practice what we preach and teach or hang our heads as cowards and retards.
We must stand up for what is just and right or we shall lick the dust off the feet of those who perpetrate and perpetuate corruption and we shall forfeit the dignity and integrity of humanity.
Whosoever knows and sees what is bad and does not report, prevent or stop it is equally bad, evil and wicked as the devil.
Corruption causes the destruction of human civilization.
If we do not destroy corruption today, corruption will destroy us tomorrow.
I do not compromise my faith in truth for selfish interests.
Faithfully,
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
The Publisher/Editor
Related articles from newspapers, magazines, journals, and more
~ Thomas Jefferson, 3rd president of US (1743 - 1826)
On 1st July, 2005, ABZ Integrated Limited, a Nigerian company based in Abuja broke the news of the $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud by the Nigerian branch of the Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX Euronext: CHTEX) is an American multinational energy corporation headquartered in San Ramon, California in the United States of America.
Following these disclosures, ABZ was duly engaged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria under the Executive Chairmanship of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as a consultant for the recovery of the unpaid taxes from Chevron Nigeria Limited. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) under Dr. (Mrs.) Obiageli Ezekwesili acknowledged the engagement and financial entitlement of ABZ Integrated Limited
I have been following this case since I reported the $10.8 Billion tax evasion and fraud allegation against Chevron on Monday, August 01, 2005 and also posted the refutation by Chevron in their rejoinder on Wednesday, August 03, 2005.
In the last quarter of 2005, the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), under the chairmanship of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, had a public hearing on the allegation of $10.8 billion tax evasion and fraud against Chevron Nigeria Limited. And in September 2006, the Chairman vindicated ABZ and confirmed that Chevron evaded tax as alleged and was ordered to refund the sum of $492 million. NEITI’s auditors also validated the claims of ABZ. But Chevron has only refunded a fraction of the total Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded, without paying the penalties required by PPT Act. And ABZ has not been paid its entitlements since Chevron has refunded the sum of $866 million of the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) evaded so far.
The untold story of the whole financial scandal as reported by Fidelis Uzonwanne, the Managing Consultant of ABZ Integrated Limited has been published on Nigerians Report in seven parts since Wednesday, March 31, 2010 to date.
I have nothing personal against the Chevron Corporation, First Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and they have the right to challenge or dismiss the statement of ABZ Integrated Limited. But if they fail to prove that ABZ Integrated is wrong, then they must follow the due process of the law to let justice prevail.
Chevron, EFCC and FIRS are not above the law.
We must not condone corrupt practices at all levels of public service or private practice whether indoors or outdoors. We must not compromise the ethics of equity and justice no matter the temptations, trials and weaknesses of life.
We must not be afraid to preach and publish the truth and we must practice what we preach and teach or hang our heads as cowards and retards.
We must stand up for what is just and right or we shall lick the dust off the feet of those who perpetrate and perpetuate corruption and we shall forfeit the dignity and integrity of humanity.
Whosoever knows and sees what is bad and does not report, prevent or stop it is equally bad, evil and wicked as the devil.
Corruption causes the destruction of human civilization.
If we do not destroy corruption today, corruption will destroy us tomorrow.
I do not compromise my faith in truth for selfish interests.
Faithfully,
Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
The Publisher/Editor
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Friday, April 9, 2010
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 7.
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 7.
The following are 10 more documents on the case.
Related Reports:
How Multinational Corporations Dodge Taxes
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
The following are 10 more documents on the case.
Related Reports:
How Multinational Corporations Dodge Taxes
U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson's Travel
9 Apr 2010 12:17 Africa/Lagos
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson's Travel
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is traveling to France, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), and the United Kingdom from April 8 to April 19.
Assistant Secretary Carson will begin his trip in Paris, France where he will deliver a speech to the French-American Foundation Symposium. The topic of the speech will be Transnational Security Challenges in Africa. In addition, Assistant Secretary Carson will meet with a number of senior French officials.
Upon departing from Paris, Assistant Secretary Carson will head to Brazzaville where he has requested meetings with President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Foreign Minister Basile Ikouébé, and members of the political opposition. He will also confer with Embassy staff about the U.S. engagement plan for the Republic of Congo.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Assistant Secretary Carson has requested meetings with President Joseph Kabila, Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, and various other senior Congolese officials. In addition to meeting with Embassy staff on our engagement in the DRC, he will travel to Kisangani to visit a U.S.-funded training mission for a Congolese light infantry battalion. The mission is a collaboration between the State Department and AFRICOM as part of our effort to further the professionalization of the Congolese military. Upon his return to Kinshasa, Assistant Secretary Carson will participate in a signing ceremony for the President's Emergency Plan for AID's Relief (PEPFAR) Partnership Framework with Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito before departing the country.
Assistant Secretary Carson will conclude his trip in London where he has a meeting scheduled with his counterpart in the Foreign Office. He will also participate in a press roundtable.
Source: US Department of State
12:16 12th IMF-East AFRITAC Steering Committee Meeting Concluded in Addis Ababa on April 7, 2010
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson's Travel
WASHINGTON, April 9, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson is traveling to France, the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), and the United Kingdom from April 8 to April 19.
Assistant Secretary Carson will begin his trip in Paris, France where he will deliver a speech to the French-American Foundation Symposium. The topic of the speech will be Transnational Security Challenges in Africa. In addition, Assistant Secretary Carson will meet with a number of senior French officials.
Upon departing from Paris, Assistant Secretary Carson will head to Brazzaville where he has requested meetings with President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Foreign Minister Basile Ikouébé, and members of the political opposition. He will also confer with Embassy staff about the U.S. engagement plan for the Republic of Congo.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Assistant Secretary Carson has requested meetings with President Joseph Kabila, Foreign Minister Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, and various other senior Congolese officials. In addition to meeting with Embassy staff on our engagement in the DRC, he will travel to Kisangani to visit a U.S.-funded training mission for a Congolese light infantry battalion. The mission is a collaboration between the State Department and AFRICOM as part of our effort to further the professionalization of the Congolese military. Upon his return to Kinshasa, Assistant Secretary Carson will participate in a signing ceremony for the President's Emergency Plan for AID's Relief (PEPFAR) Partnership Framework with Prime Minister Adolphe Muzito before departing the country.
Assistant Secretary Carson will conclude his trip in London where he has a meeting scheduled with his counterpart in the Foreign Office. He will also participate in a press roundtable.
Source: US Department of State
12:16 12th IMF-East AFRITAC Steering Committee Meeting Concluded in Addis Ababa on April 7, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Finalists Announced
For release: 8th April 2010
CNN MULTICHOICE AFRICAN JOURNALIST 2010 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Finalists in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Competition were announced today by Joel Kibazo, Chair of the independent judging panel. The competition is now in its 15th year.
This year the competition received entries from 975 journalists from 40 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.
There are 27 finalists from 15 countries:
• Halima Abdallah Kisule, East African, Uganda
• Kofi Akpabli, freelance for Daily Graphic, Ghana
• Njaka Andriamahery, TV Plus, Madagascar
• Pelu Awofeso, freelance for NEXT on Sunday, Nigeria
• Najlae Benmbarek, 2M TV, Maroc
• Teresa Chirwa, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Malawi
• DispatchOnline Team, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder SIMBA Radio, Somalia
• Thanduxolo Jika, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Zipporah Karani, KTN, Kenya
• Charles Kariuki, World Vision Kenya for NTV
• Alexandre Lebel Ilboudo, Le Patriote, Côte d’Ivoire
• Lucas Ledwaba, DRUM, South Africa
• Tsitsi Matope, Public Eye, Lesotho
• Emmanuel Mayah, Daily Sun, Nigeria
• Kassim Mohamed, Star FM, Kenya
• Oarabile Mosikare, Botswana for Mail & Guardian, South Africa
• Francis Mugo Mwangi, freelance for NTV, Kenya
• Boniface Mwangi, freelance for The Star, Kenya
• Rose Ramsay, eNews, South Africa
• Sam Rogers, e.tv, South Africa
• Sergio José Sitoe, Rede de Comuniação Miramar, Moçambique
• Leon Ssenyange, NTV, Uganda
• Lamia Tagzout, El Watan, Algérie
• Sebastião Vemba, Novo Jornal, Angola
• Kaara Wainaina, NTV, Kenya
• Roseline Wangui, NTV, Kenya
This year the recipient of the Free Press Africa Award is Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder of SIMBA Radio in Mogadishu and founder of Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). He is awarded this prize for his work in Somalia including the ‘Peace Journalism’ initiative which he launched with the help of fellow Somali journalists. The Award is also in recognition of all the journalists in Somalia who have put their lives at risk in telling the story. There are nine journalists who died during 2009 whilst fulfilling their professional duties:
Abdulkhafar Abdulkadir Hasan, freelance
Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, Radio Shabelle
Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, Al-Arabiya
Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf, Radio IQK
Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, Radio Shabelle
Nur Muse Hussein, Radio IQK
Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, Radio Shabelle
Said Tahlil Ahmed, HornAfrik
Hassan Mayow Hassan, Radio Shabelle
The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 29th May 2010.
The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, presenter of CNN International’s weekly programme ‘Inside Africa’ and Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang, a well-known Ugandan presenter.
Announcing the finalists, Joel Kibazo said: “2010 is a record breaking year for entries to these awards. Not only do the numbers continue to grow each year, but the standard rises too. I was particularly impressed by the increasing number of journalists that crossed borders in pursuit of stories. This maturing of journalism, across the continent, combined with technological advances, created a greater body of work and made the awards more exciting to judge.”
Reflecting on the role of the awards, Kibazo added: "The competition is now truly established as a way for African journalists to better their lives. I firmly believe the quality and number of people entering reflects the fact that the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to change an individual’s future.”
The independent judging panel, chaired by Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant, includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, France 3 TV; Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa; Arlindo Lopes, Secretary General, Southern African Broadcasting Association; José Luís Mendonça, Press Counsellor, Angolan Permanent Delegation to UNESCO; Zipporah Musau, Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN Bureau Chief, South Africa.
The prestigious sponsors include: Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Kampala Serena Hotel; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); NN24 Nigeria; Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry solution; Safebond Africa Ltd and A24 Media.
The Kampala Serena is the delegate hotel for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010. The hotel extends a truly warm Kampala welcome to finalists, judges, attending media and guests from across the continent. The finalists will enjoy an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and have the opportunity to see some of the sights of Kampala.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, coinciding with CNN celebrating 30 years as the world’s pioneering news provider. As CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism at all levels, we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent our future. I have witnessed the quality and excellence of work in this competition strengthen year on year, and am proud that it continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist awards.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “We congratulate the 27 finalists of this year’s awards. The great success that this event has enjoyed over the past 15 years makes the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards the one honour that journalists and media houses throughout the continent want to be associated with. Through these awards, MultiChoice in partnership with CNN, continue to acknowledge and celebrate the best journalistic talent and skills that Africa’s media have to offer.”
About the award:
The CNN African Journalist of the Year Award was founded in 1995 by Edward Boateng (formerly African Regional Director for Turner Broadcasting System Inc., CNN’s parent company) and the late Mohamed Amin, to recognise and encourage excellence in journalism throughout Africa.
Note to Editors: Competition Criteria
To enter the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 competition the journalist must be an African national and work on the continent for African owned, or headquartered, media organisations that produce a printed publication or broadcast through an electronic medium (television broadcaster, radio station or website) primarily targeted at and received by an African audience.
Entries were published or broadcast in 2009 for the following awards:
Arts & Culture: Digital Journalism Award; Economics and Business: Environment: Free Press Africa; HIV/AIDS Reporting; MSD Health & Medical: Mohamed Amin Photographic; Print General News; Radio General News; Sport; Television Features; Television News Bulletin; Tourism; Francophone General News Awards (Print and Electronic Media); Portuguese Language General News
www.cnn.com/africanawards
Issued: 8th April 2010
For further information please contact:
CNN International: Joel Brown + 44 20 7693 0967 joel.brown@turner.com
MultiChoice Africa: Caroline Creasy + 27 11 289 3081 ccreasy@multichoice.co.za
MultiChoice South Africa: Marietjie Groenewald + 27 11 289 3067 Marietjie.Groenewald@multichoice.co.za
CNN MULTICHOICE AFRICAN JOURNALIST 2010 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Finalists in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 Competition were announced today by Joel Kibazo, Chair of the independent judging panel. The competition is now in its 15th year.
This year the competition received entries from 975 journalists from 40 countries throughout the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.
There are 27 finalists from 15 countries:
• Halima Abdallah Kisule, East African, Uganda
• Kofi Akpabli, freelance for Daily Graphic, Ghana
• Njaka Andriamahery, TV Plus, Madagascar
• Pelu Awofeso, freelance for NEXT on Sunday, Nigeria
• Najlae Benmbarek, 2M TV, Maroc
• Teresa Chirwa, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Malawi
• DispatchOnline Team, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder SIMBA Radio, Somalia
• Thanduxolo Jika, Daily Dispatch, South Africa
• Zipporah Karani, KTN, Kenya
• Charles Kariuki, World Vision Kenya for NTV
• Alexandre Lebel Ilboudo, Le Patriote, Côte d’Ivoire
• Lucas Ledwaba, DRUM, South Africa
• Tsitsi Matope, Public Eye, Lesotho
• Emmanuel Mayah, Daily Sun, Nigeria
• Kassim Mohamed, Star FM, Kenya
• Oarabile Mosikare, Botswana for Mail & Guardian, South Africa
• Francis Mugo Mwangi, freelance for NTV, Kenya
• Boniface Mwangi, freelance for The Star, Kenya
• Rose Ramsay, eNews, South Africa
• Sam Rogers, e.tv, South Africa
• Sergio José Sitoe, Rede de Comuniação Miramar, Moçambique
• Leon Ssenyange, NTV, Uganda
• Lamia Tagzout, El Watan, Algérie
• Sebastião Vemba, Novo Jornal, Angola
• Kaara Wainaina, NTV, Kenya
• Roseline Wangui, NTV, Kenya
This year the recipient of the Free Press Africa Award is Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder of SIMBA Radio in Mogadishu and founder of Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). He is awarded this prize for his work in Somalia including the ‘Peace Journalism’ initiative which he launched with the help of fellow Somali journalists. The Award is also in recognition of all the journalists in Somalia who have put their lives at risk in telling the story. There are nine journalists who died during 2009 whilst fulfilling their professional duties:
Abdulkhafar Abdulkadir Hasan, freelance
Mohamed Amin Adan Abdulle, Radio Shabelle
Hassan Zubeyr Haji Hassan, Al-Arabiya
Mohamud Mohamed Yusuf, Radio IQK
Mukhtar Mohamed Hirabe, Radio Shabelle
Nur Muse Hussein, Radio IQK
Abdirisak Mohamed Warsame, Radio Shabelle
Said Tahlil Ahmed, HornAfrik
Hassan Mayow Hassan, Radio Shabelle
The winners of the competition will be announced at an Award Ceremony and Gala Evening in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday 29th May 2010.
The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, presenter of CNN International’s weekly programme ‘Inside Africa’ and Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang, a well-known Ugandan presenter.
Announcing the finalists, Joel Kibazo said: “2010 is a record breaking year for entries to these awards. Not only do the numbers continue to grow each year, but the standard rises too. I was particularly impressed by the increasing number of journalists that crossed borders in pursuit of stories. This maturing of journalism, across the continent, combined with technological advances, created a greater body of work and made the awards more exciting to judge.”
Reflecting on the role of the awards, Kibazo added: "The competition is now truly established as a way for African journalists to better their lives. I firmly believe the quality and number of people entering reflects the fact that the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to change an individual’s future.”
The independent judging panel, chaired by Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant, includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, France 3 TV; Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa; Arlindo Lopes, Secretary General, Southern African Broadcasting Association; José Luís Mendonça, Press Counsellor, Angolan Permanent Delegation to UNESCO; Zipporah Musau, Managing Editor, Magazines, The Standard Group Ltd, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN Bureau Chief, South Africa.
The prestigious sponsors include: Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Kampala Serena Hotel; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); NN24 Nigeria; Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry solution; Safebond Africa Ltd and A24 Media.
The Kampala Serena is the delegate hotel for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010. The hotel extends a truly warm Kampala welcome to finalists, judges, attending media and guests from across the continent. The finalists will enjoy an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and have the opportunity to see some of the sights of Kampala.
Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, coinciding with CNN celebrating 30 years as the world’s pioneering news provider. As CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism at all levels, we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent our future. I have witnessed the quality and excellence of work in this competition strengthen year on year, and am proud that it continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious Pan African journalist awards.”
Collins Khumalo, President MultiChoice Africa, said: “We congratulate the 27 finalists of this year’s awards. The great success that this event has enjoyed over the past 15 years makes the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards the one honour that journalists and media houses throughout the continent want to be associated with. Through these awards, MultiChoice in partnership with CNN, continue to acknowledge and celebrate the best journalistic talent and skills that Africa’s media have to offer.”
About the award:
The CNN African Journalist of the Year Award was founded in 1995 by Edward Boateng (formerly African Regional Director for Turner Broadcasting System Inc., CNN’s parent company) and the late Mohamed Amin, to recognise and encourage excellence in journalism throughout Africa.
Note to Editors: Competition Criteria
To enter the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2010 competition the journalist must be an African national and work on the continent for African owned, or headquartered, media organisations that produce a printed publication or broadcast through an electronic medium (television broadcaster, radio station or website) primarily targeted at and received by an African audience.
Entries were published or broadcast in 2009 for the following awards:
Arts & Culture: Digital Journalism Award; Economics and Business: Environment: Free Press Africa; HIV/AIDS Reporting; MSD Health & Medical: Mohamed Amin Photographic; Print General News; Radio General News; Sport; Television Features; Television News Bulletin; Tourism; Francophone General News Awards (Print and Electronic Media); Portuguese Language General News
www.cnn.com/africanawards
Issued: 8th April 2010
For further information please contact:
CNN International: Joel Brown + 44 20 7693 0967 joel.brown@turner.com
MultiChoice Africa: Caroline Creasy + 27 11 289 3081 ccreasy@multichoice.co.za
MultiChoice South Africa: Marietjie Groenewald + 27 11 289 3067 Marietjie.Groenewald@multichoice.co.za
| Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time | |
| 8 Apr 2010 | |
| 15:05 | IBM Selected to Support Nigerian Healthcare and Social Welfare Initiatives |
| 13:30 | Lesley University Welcomes U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan at Centennial Commencement |
| 13:27 | Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company S.A. Announces Appointment of New Region Director |
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 6
The Untold Story of the $10.8 Billion Tax Evasion and Fraud By Chevron Nigeria Limited and Its Associated Companies 6.
Nigerians Report has been updating the facts and figures on this case since last week and if we are going to win the war against corruption and ensure global financial integrity and transparency, we cannot ignore the facts and figures of this case that is even worse than the Halliburton bribery scandal.
Two officials of Chevron in Nigeria have responded since we started the updates. The first official called the Publisher/Editor of Nigerians Report in a subtle attempt to influence us and the second official sent two e-mails with the same intention. The telephone discussion and contents of the e-mails have proved that the allegations of ABZ Integrated Limited were not baseless, and reinforced our resolution to address this case until justice is done.
The following are more documents on the case.
Nigerians Report has been updating the facts and figures on this case since last week and if we are going to win the war against corruption and ensure global financial integrity and transparency, we cannot ignore the facts and figures of this case that is even worse than the Halliburton bribery scandal.
Two officials of Chevron in Nigeria have responded since we started the updates. The first official called the Publisher/Editor of Nigerians Report in a subtle attempt to influence us and the second official sent two e-mails with the same intention. The telephone discussion and contents of the e-mails have proved that the allegations of ABZ Integrated Limited were not baseless, and reinforced our resolution to address this case until justice is done.
The following are more documents on the case.
Pacific Asia Petroleum and CAMAC International Complete Transaction Regarding the Oyo Oilfield
8 Apr 2010 00:04 Africa/Lagos
Pacific Asia Petroleum and CAMAC International Complete Transaction Regarding the Oyo Oilfield
HARTSDALE, N.Y., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) and CAMAC International jointly announced that Pacific Asia Petroleum has completed the acquisition of all the interest held by CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited and certain of its affiliates ("CAMAC") in a Production Sharing Contract for the Oyo Oilfield, an offshore oil asset in Nigeria that started production in December 2009. CAMAC now owns 62.74% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Pacific Asia Petroleum. In addition, Pacific Asia Petroleum's name has been changed, effective today, to "CAMAC Energy Inc."
This announcement is made following the receipt of approval of the acquisition and related matters from Pacific Asia Petroleum's stockholders at the Company's special meeting on April 5, 2010.
New Board of Directors
With effect from the closing of this transaction, Mr. Robert Stempel and Ms. Elizabeth Smith have resigned from the Company's Board of Directors. Additionally, the number of directors on the Board has been increased from five to seven. The four vacancies created by these resignations and newly created directorships have been filled by the appointment of the following individuals:
-- Dr. Kase Lawal, the Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International. Dr.
Lawal is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and serves as
the Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority and as the Vice
Chairman of Houston Airport Development System Corp.
-- Ms. Hazel O'Leary, the President of Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee. Ms. O'Leary formerly served as the Secretary of Energy
under President Clinton.
-- Mr. John Hofmeister, the Head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, a
not-for-profit firm he founded in 2008. Mr. Hofmeister is the former
President of Shell Oil Company.
-- Dr. Lee Patrick Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Brown Group
International and the Chairman of the Board of Unity National Bank.
Dr. Brown, the former Mayor of Houston, also served in President Bill
Clinton's Cabinet as Director of the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy from 1993 to 1996.
Commenting on the closing of the transaction, Pacific Asia Petroleum President and CEO, Frank Ingriselli, stated, "Today's closing caps a many months-long process and hard work by all of the parties involved in the transaction. We are now prepared to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this acquisition. We expect that the addition of the Oyo Oilfield asset, combined with our existing China assets and the wealth of experience from the new board members and CAMAC, will further enhance our capacity to achieve the Company's strategy to aggressively grow shareholder value with high-return and early cash flow assets."
Dr. Kase Lawal, Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International, and new member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Asia Petroleum, noted, "We are very excited about the possibilities our new relationship presents. We are very pleased to be a part of the next phase of the development of CAMAC Energy Inc. on the NYSE Amex platform. I look forward to working with the management and the Board to continue creating value for all our shareholders."
About Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) is a U.S. publicly-traded energy company engaged in the development, production and distribution of oil and gas and is focused on early cash flow, high return projects. The Company controls the rights to significant gas acreage under contract in China and is a strategic partner with several major energy companies in high-value oil fields in China and Nigeria. The Company was founded in 2005 by a group of former senior Texaco executives and is led by President and CEO Frank C. Ingriselli. Pacific Asia Petroleum is headquartered in Hartsdale, New York, and also has offices in Beijing, China.
About CAMAC International Corporation:
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, CAMAC International Corporation is a privately-held, global energy corporation with interests in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in West Africa and South America. The company is also engaged in engineering and consulting services, crude oil and refined products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, North America and South America. CAMAC recently ranked #193 in Forbes list of America's Largest Private Companies.
Cautionary Statement Relevant To Forward-Looking Information
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the general ability of the Company to achieve its commercial objectives; the business strategy, plans and objectives of the Company and its subsidiaries; and any other statements of non-historical information. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The statements are based upon management's current expectations, estimates and projections, are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the SEC and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov/). You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless legally required, Pacific Asia Petroleum undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Source: CAMAC International; Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
CONTACT: media, Bonnie Tang of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.,
+1-914-472-6070, bonnietang@papetroleum.com, www.papetroleum.com; or Linda
Pickett of CAMAC International Corporation, +1-713-965-5123,
linda.pickett@camac.com, www.camac.com; or investors, John Liviakis of
Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc, +1-415-389-4670, John@Liviakis.com,
www.liviakis.com
Web Site: http://www.camac.com/
http://www.papetroleum.com/
Pacific Asia Petroleum and CAMAC International Complete Transaction Regarding the Oyo Oilfield
HARTSDALE, N.Y., April 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) and CAMAC International jointly announced that Pacific Asia Petroleum has completed the acquisition of all the interest held by CAMAC Energy Holdings Limited and certain of its affiliates ("CAMAC") in a Production Sharing Contract for the Oyo Oilfield, an offshore oil asset in Nigeria that started production in December 2009. CAMAC now owns 62.74% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Pacific Asia Petroleum. In addition, Pacific Asia Petroleum's name has been changed, effective today, to "CAMAC Energy Inc."
This announcement is made following the receipt of approval of the acquisition and related matters from Pacific Asia Petroleum's stockholders at the Company's special meeting on April 5, 2010.
New Board of Directors
With effect from the closing of this transaction, Mr. Robert Stempel and Ms. Elizabeth Smith have resigned from the Company's Board of Directors. Additionally, the number of directors on the Board has been increased from five to seven. The four vacancies created by these resignations and newly created directorships have been filled by the appointment of the following individuals:
-- Dr. Kase Lawal, the Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International. Dr.
Lawal is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and serves as
the Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority and as the Vice
Chairman of Houston Airport Development System Corp.
-- Ms. Hazel O'Leary, the President of Fisk University in Nashville,
Tennessee. Ms. O'Leary formerly served as the Secretary of Energy
under President Clinton.
-- Mr. John Hofmeister, the Head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, a
not-for-profit firm he founded in 2008. Mr. Hofmeister is the former
President of Shell Oil Company.
-- Dr. Lee Patrick Brown, the Chairman and CEO of Brown Group
International and the Chairman of the Board of Unity National Bank.
Dr. Brown, the former Mayor of Houston, also served in President Bill
Clinton's Cabinet as Director of the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy from 1993 to 1996.
Commenting on the closing of the transaction, Pacific Asia Petroleum President and CEO, Frank Ingriselli, stated, "Today's closing caps a many months-long process and hard work by all of the parties involved in the transaction. We are now prepared to capitalize on the opportunities presented by this acquisition. We expect that the addition of the Oyo Oilfield asset, combined with our existing China assets and the wealth of experience from the new board members and CAMAC, will further enhance our capacity to achieve the Company's strategy to aggressively grow shareholder value with high-return and early cash flow assets."
Dr. Kase Lawal, Chairman and CEO of CAMAC International, and new member of the Board of Directors of Pacific Asia Petroleum, noted, "We are very excited about the possibilities our new relationship presents. We are very pleased to be a part of the next phase of the development of CAMAC Energy Inc. on the NYSE Amex platform. I look forward to working with the management and the Board to continue creating value for all our shareholders."
About Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PAP) is a U.S. publicly-traded energy company engaged in the development, production and distribution of oil and gas and is focused on early cash flow, high return projects. The Company controls the rights to significant gas acreage under contract in China and is a strategic partner with several major energy companies in high-value oil fields in China and Nigeria. The Company was founded in 2005 by a group of former senior Texaco executives and is led by President and CEO Frank C. Ingriselli. Pacific Asia Petroleum is headquartered in Hartsdale, New York, and also has offices in Beijing, China.
About CAMAC International Corporation:
Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, CAMAC International Corporation is a privately-held, global energy corporation with interests in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in West Africa and South America. The company is also engaged in engineering and consulting services, crude oil and refined products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, North America and South America. CAMAC recently ranked #193 in Forbes list of America's Largest Private Companies.
Cautionary Statement Relevant To Forward-Looking Information
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the business of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc. (the "Company") and its subsidiaries. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements" including statements regarding: the general ability of the Company to achieve its commercial objectives; the business strategy, plans and objectives of the Company and its subsidiaries; and any other statements of non-historical information. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The statements are based upon management's current expectations, estimates and projections, are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict, including those discussed in the Company's periodic reports that are filed with the SEC and available on its website (http://www.sec.gov/). You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless legally required, Pacific Asia Petroleum undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Source: CAMAC International; Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.
CONTACT: media, Bonnie Tang of Pacific Asia Petroleum, Inc.,
+1-914-472-6070, bonnietang@papetroleum.com, www.papetroleum.com; or Linda
Pickett of CAMAC International Corporation, +1-713-965-5123,
linda.pickett@camac.com, www.camac.com; or investors, John Liviakis of
Liviakis Financial Communications, Inc, +1-415-389-4670, John@Liviakis.com,
www.liviakis.com
Web Site: http://www.camac.com/
http://www.papetroleum.com/
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton Announces Partnership with Nigeria
The U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission is a big step in the right direction in the consummation of the bilateral relations between the United States of America and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I hope the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission will help us in the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa in the comity of nations.
~ Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Alhaji Yayale Ahmed and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton signing the Framework for the Establishment of a Binational Commission between the Government of the Republic of Nigeria and the Government of the United States of America, in Washington, DC. on Tuesday April 6, 2010.
U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton Announces Partnership with Nigeria
Verbatim: Today, we are taking a concrete step forward that will strengthen and deepen the partnership between our two nations. The Commission will help us work together... I want to assure the Secretary, the Government and the people of Nigeria that President Obama, the Obama Administration and the people of the United States will stand with the Nigerians. (RT 4:00)
The U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission is a strategic dialogue designed to expand mutual cooperation across a broad range of shared interests. The Commission is a collaborative forum to build partnerships for tangible and measurable progress on issues critical to our shared future. We have agreed that the Commission will operate working groups on Good Governance, Transparency, and Integrity; Energy and Investment; Food Security and Agriculture; and, Niger Delta and Regional Security Cooperation. These working groups will meet in either Washington or Abuja over the coming months.
| Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time | |
| 7 Apr 2010 | |
| 13:02 | Partnership Africa Canada / New report assesses APRM's achievements |
| 13:01 | U.S. - Nigeria Binational Commission |
6 Apr 2010
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