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Your allegations against me untrue, embattled producer tells Singer, Mercy Chinwo
The Founder, Eeze Conceptz Limited, Mr Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, has told the popular gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, that her allegations against him were untrue and baseless.
Onyedikachukwu’s lawyer, Mr Maxwell Opara, stated this in a statement he signed and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
Opara said Chinwo allegedly reneged on the record label and management contract with her label, Eeze Conceptz Limited, and presented falsehood to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against his client.
The lawyer, who clarified that Onyedikachukwu was never Chinwo’s manager, said his client was her producer who, sometimes in 2017, scouted and discovered her singing talent, developed the talent as well as promoted and brought her to the limelight in the gospel music industry.
He also said that the allegation that the embattled producer diverted the singer’s $345,000 U.S. dollars in royalties was false.
“The members of public must take note; that the allegations made against our client by Mercy Chinwo and the EFCC before obtaining the arrest warrant order for the arrest of our client were false and unfounded.
“This is evident as contained in the processes presented by the EFCC before the Honorable Court prior to obtaining the said order, wherein the EFCC alleged our client was Mercy Chinwo’s manager which he is not and never was.
“Again, the allegation that our client diverted Mercy Chinwo’s funds is also totally false and that our client could not be reached, which both Mercy Chinwo, and the EFCC very well know how our client could be reached and apprehended in such events.”
“Consequently, we have commenced the procedure in line with the rules of the Honorable acourt to have the said order set aside or vacated.
“And we strongly believe that, once the facts and evidences are truthfully placed before the Honorable Court, the Honorable Court will do that which is right and just in the circumstance.
“Hence, we urge the members of the public to disregard every smear publication and campaign coordinated by Mercy Chinwo against our client.”
He alleged that Chinwo signed a Label and Artist Management Contract for a five-year term beginning from 2017 to 2022 with their client but reneged.
According to Okpara, the contract covers among other things, ownership of the catalogue and splits of all royalties derived from the exploitation of music catalogue developed, financed and promoted by the record label.
The lawyer said in the midst of the dispute, Onyedikachukwu was allegedly detained at the EFCC Ilorin office between April 16, 2024 and April 25, 2024,
He said during the period, the commission carried out extensive audit of Onyedikachukwu’s bank accounts and found no evidence of wrongdoings.
He said a fundamental rights enforcement suit was filed at the Federal High Court (FHC) in Lagos Division on July 17, 2024, against the anti-graft agency, Chinwo and others, to restrain them from further harassment, arrest and detention of their client.
“It therefore came as a rude shock for the same commission to claim that Mr Onyedikachukwu’s had not been located and procured an ex-parte warrant of arrest on him.
“These schemes are targeted to malign the Label and its Founder and they will be very firmly resisted within the ambit of the law,” he said.
NAN reports that Justice Alexander Owoeye of a FHC in Lagos had, on Thursday, issued an arrest warrant against Onyedikachukwu.
The order followed an ex-parte motion moved by EFCC’s lawyer, Bilikisu Buhari, over alleged diversion of the singer’s $345,000 in royalties from her digital platforms and events.
Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter until Jan. 24 for Onyedikachukwu’s arraignment.(NAN)
The Nigerian electricity sector slowed in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with the electricity production index declining by 1.64% year-on-year (y-o-y).
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says this marks a reversal from the 5.55% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024 (Q3 2024).
Average estimated electricity generation rose by 2.34% to 4,206.50 megawatts per hour (MW/h) from 4,110.47 MW/h in Q3 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption saw a modest increase of 2.63%, reaching 4,105.66 MW/h from 4,000.24 MW/h in the preceding quarter.
This is as the Nigerian economy witnessed widespread expansion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024), with 21 out of 22 subsectors recording positive growth.
On a quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) basis, however, the subsector showed signs of recovery, as the index rose by 22.50% compared to a significant decline of 49.46% in the previous quarter.
The broad-based economic expansion in Q4 2024 can be attributed to several factors, including improved business confidence, increased consumer spending, and enhanced performance in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and telecommunications.
The government’s fiscal and monetary policies, aimed at stabilising inflation and boosting investment, also contributed to the positive momentum.
According to the CBN, the improvement was largely attributed to enhanced gas supply to thermal power stations and the continued implementation of the Siemens Power Project, which has positively impacted power generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
Notably, the oil and gas sector benefited from relatively stable crude oil prices and improved domestic production, which provided a boost to overall economic output.
The data also stated that the non-oil sector, particularly fintech and digital services, also played a significant role in driving economic activities.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups in Port Harcourt.
Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the ongoing political crisis in the state will ultimately strengthen the people rather than weaken them.
Fubara made this statement when he received Muslim leaders from 20 Islamic-based groups, including the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, at his private residence in Port Harcourt during an Eid-El-Fitr Sallah visit.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Fubara urged them and his supporters to trust in God’s process, saying: “This season is one of love, sharing, and sacrifice. You have come to share in our pain and have made a great sacrifice through your prayers. As Christians, we believe that everything happens for a purpose, and I strongly believe that this situation is leading us toward a greater purpose.”
He acknowledged that the current political tension might leave many feeling depressed but emphasised that supernatural forces may be at play beyond human understanding.
“No matter what we see, we must remain steadfast. In all things, we give glory to Almighty God. I believe that in the end, we will emerge stronger,” he added.
He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and equality, stressing that his administration envisions a society where no one is oppressed.
“We believe in egalitarianism, and if our beliefs bring us some pain, so be it. The most important thing is that we stand on the side of truth and righteousness,” he stated.
He regretted that he was unable to formally reach out to the Muslim community during their celebrations but promised that the relationship between religious groups and the government would be strengthened once the current uncertainties are resolved.
He also assured the leaders that their pending requests would be addressed after the crisis subsides.
Urging patience and perseverance, Governor Fubara drew an analogy from religious history, saying, “If God could be patient with Noah to allow even the snail to enter the Ark, then patience remains an essential virtue in our struggle.”
He also cautioned against falling prey to those who want engineer violence by fanning provocative acts, warning his supporters and Rivers people to avoid certain elements who sought to destabilize the state.
“Their goal is to create problems and deny people their means of livelihood. We will not allow that. We will continue to operate peacefully and respect constitutional authority to ensure that our state remains a model for others in Nigeria,” he concluded.
Speaking earlier on behalf of the Muslim community, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, declared their solidarity with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, assuring him of their prayers and support as he navigates the state’s current political challenges.
Alhaji Uhor stated that the majority of Muslims in Rivers State stand with Governor Fubara due to his inclusive approach to governance and his recognition of the Islamic faith.
He noted that unlike the previous administration that declared Rivers a 100% Christian state, Governor Fubara, upon assuming office, acknowledged the state as Christian majority while allowing room for inclusiveness.
Encouraging the governor to remain steadfast, Uhor reminded him of the Islamic belief that Allah rewards patience.
He said the present challenges align with the teachings of Islam, where the Creator tests His people through wealth, power, and authority.
He further called on President Bola Tinubu to review the emergency rule in Rivers State and restore Governor Fubara’s full authority, emphasizing that the governor has been performing effectively despite the crisis.
During the visit, prayers were offered for suspended Governor Fubara, his family, Rivers State, and Nigeria as a whole.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising junta-led Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso have imposed a 0.5 percent import duty on goods from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member nations.
The move further strains relations between the three junta-led nations and the ECOWAS, which they withdrew from earlier this year following a series of military coups and economic sanctions.
The AES, which began as a security pact between the military rulers of the three countries in 2023, has now metamorphosed into an aspiring economic union with plans for biometric passports and closer economic and military ties.
In a joint statement last week, the AES said the levy aims to generate revenue to fund the alliance’s activities.
The tax, which came into effect on Friday, applies to all imports from ECOWAS countries, except humanitarian aid.
The taxes also disrupt the free trade once enjoyed by all countries in the West African region.
The economic implications could be severe, leading to higher consumer prices, supply chain disruptions, and strained regional economic stability.
While it may provide short-term revenue for the junta-led governments, it risks other long-term consequences, including weakened regional integration.
ECOWAS has maintained that it will keep diplomatic channels open with the junta-led states until July, despite announcing their permanent expulsion from the bloc earlier this year.