The office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has faulted claim by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that the charges filed against before the HIgh Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Federal High Court in Abuja amounted to an abuse of court process.

The AGF’s office said the charges were duly filed upon comprehensive and conclusive investigations and having established a prima facie case against her.

The office of the AGF, in a counter affidavit, also faulted the Senator’s claim that her petitions were not investigated.

The counter-affidavit was filed in reaction to a notice of preliminary objection filed by Natasha in opposition to both charges.

She is charged with criminal defamation before the HIgh Court of the FCT, while a charge of alleged cybercrime is pending against her before the Federal High Court in relation to her claim that Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and ex-governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello planed to kill her.

In the counter affidavit, the prosecution stated that contrary to her claim, the three-count charge before the HIgh Court of the FCT was filed against her “after a thorough Investigation of the case and a prima facie case was established.

“The three-count charge was preferred against the defendant pursuant to the Penal code Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the bonafide exercise of the prosecutorial powers of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999(as amended) and in the best interest of justice.

“The actions and conducts of the defendant/applicant (Natasha) contravened the penal code law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The criminal charge against the defendant is borne out of the comprehensive and conclusive investigation of the case, including all petitions and parties related to the case by the Nigerian Police Force.

“All the petitions filed by the defendant were duly investigated and charges filed at the FCT High Court against her colleague senator.

“The Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation filed the criminal charge against the defendant after due regard to the public interest, the interest of justice and the need to prevent abuse of legal process.

“The charge against the defendant is consistent with the extant laws and does not constitute an abuse of the legal and prosecutorial powers of the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation,” the prosecution said.

When the case came up on Monday before the HIgh Court of the FCT, the prosecuting lawyer, David Kaswe said although the case was slated for the hearing of the defendant ‘s preliminary objection, the prosecution filed a counter affidavit, which it was unable to serve on the defendant.

Kaswe prayed the courtfor a short adjournment to enable the prosecution properly serve the defendant with its response to her preliminary objection.

He said: “It will not be fair for the prosecution to insist that the matter goes on as the defence team has indicated that it will respond to our counter affidavit.

“In the circumstance, we are asking for a short adjournment to enable us (prosecution) to effect proper service on the defence.”

Responding, Natasha’s lawyer, Ehiogie West-Idahosa (SAN) confirmed that the defendant was not served with the prosecution’s counter affidavit.

West-Idahosa said his client would respond once she is properly served and prayed the court for a long adjournment on the grounds that members of the defendant’s legal team plan to attend this year’s Internation Bar Association’s meeting in Canada.

Justice Chizoba Oji adjourned till December 1 for the preliminary objection and the counter affidavit.

A real estate and hospitality firm, AIBEN Investment and Properties Limited, has unveiled its new luxury facility, Bourdillon Hotel, in the Gwarinpa area of Nafikns Capital Abuja, with a pledge to redefine the city’s hospitality and tourism experience.

Speaking during the launch of the edifice, Chief Executive Officer of AIBEN Group, Chief Andrew Elerewa, said the multi billion Naira project is a dream fulfilled, saying it represents the company’s belief in Nigeria’s tourism potential.

He said the project reflects the company’s confidence in the viability of Nigeria’s tourism sector, which he described as an industry of the future capable of generating significant revenue if well supported.

“I feel very elated, highly excited, and deeply fulfilled. Going through the process of building and eventually seeing it come to reality, I’m very thankful to God. A lot happened along the way, but we’re happy to finally have something that can serve the people, deliver quality service to the Gwarinpa community, and by extension, contribute to our nation’s development.

“The tourism industry in Nigeria has a lot of potential, and taking a step like this is one of the ways to build infrastructure that will help harness that potential. We believe the industry has come of age, and facilities like this will help to boost government revenue and increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Elerewa urged the government to continue providing an enabling environment for investors, adding that the private sector has a key role in developing the industry.

According to him, the facility has already created employment opportunities and will continue to generate revenue for the government through taxation and other channels.

He added: “Government’s role is to provide the right environment, while investors bring in the funds to build infrastructure that can strengthen the sector.

“Whether we like it or not, tourism is a money-spinning industry, and Nigeria must begin to believe in it. Many countries without natural resources make huge income from tourism alone.”

“You have to first believe in your country. This project has already generated a lot of employment. We’ve completed three similar projects, and each one creates hundreds of jobs. Government also benefits through taxes, which is how the economy grows.”

Elerewa, who described tax as an essential part of business, advised entrepreneurs to operate legitimately and take advantage of government incentives.

“Tax is part of business. As a legitimate business owner, you shouldn’t run away from it. Government has also provided incentives that can ease the tax burden on investors. If you stay on the right course, do what’s right, and grow with the system, it will ultimately be beneficial to everyone”, he added.

Speaking, Project Manager of Bourdillon Hotel, Ajayi Simeon, said the hotel was conceived to set a new standard in luxury and service.

According to him, the facility was built with a vision to create something classic, special, and different from what already exists,”

“We benchmarked against the best, and what we have here can stand anywhere in the world. We also value our staff and pay above the minimum wage because we believe excellence must be rewarded”, he stated.

Also speaking at the event, former Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and father of the CEO, Timothy Elerewa, described the edifice as a landmark achievement for the family and a contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

He lauded the Federal Capital Territory Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike for improving infrastructure, noting that good roads and utilities encourage investors to build and expand.

“Twenty years ago, I didn’t see this day coming. The edifice is of international standard, and I’m so proud of my son’s contribution to the economy. With over 600 staff across his hotels, he’s helping the government to create jobs because he understands that government alone cannot do everything.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the weekend said, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not blame All Progressives Congress (APC), or any party or individual for its internal crisis, because the crisis is self inflicted .

Wike stated this during a live media parley monitored by our correspondent in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the FCT Mininster, had been at disagreement with top members of the party, advised that exclusion of members for meetings will not help the progress of the party.

“All these talks about APC are rubbish. Is it APC that makes you take wrong decisions? You mean two or three people, because they are governors and receive large allocations, will go and decide, and you tell me to follow? Follow who?”, he said.

The FCT Minister, gave conditions for attending the peoposed party convention, he said nobody must be sidelined and it must be properly organised.    

He said: “With what is going on politically, PDP will continue to lose if there is no change. It is very embarrassing, I know from the beginning that some PDP members are playing games. House that has died since. PDP did not do the right thing. They should follow due process to the national convention.

“If you think you will sideline people to hold the convention, it will not be possible. If a proper convention is to be held I will attend, but if the convention is not a proper one, I will not attend.”

Wike said the leadership had failed to complete necessary congresses and other key processes, which he claimed were stalling progress.

“If they do the right thing, will anybody stall the convention? They have not done the congresses and other things that should be in place,” he said.

He said: “Have I not said it before now that the booby trap you are setting will consume you? The way these present governors are doing, they will bury this party.”

The Minister questioned why his exclusion was justified simply because he no longer holds a governorship position.

“I am the FCT Minister. Are you telling me that because I am not a governor, you will hold a PDP stakeholders’ meeting and exclude me, and then expect the party to survive?” he queried.

He added: “Assuming I am not a Minister, by the role I have played in the PDP till now, is it right to say I cannot be consulted in taking decisions of the party? Certainly not.”