The whistle blower, Arch. Obodozie Ihezue alleged in a petition to the House dated 8th May, 2020 that Ihedioha misappropriated the funds during his seven months administration.
The House learnt in the petition that less than eight months Ihedioha piloted the State, huge amount of money meant for the development of the State could not be accounted for.
According to the petition the broke down of the monies gulped by the past administration include: 2019 fiscal receipts brought forward from governor Rochas Okorocha’s tenure which amounted to N48. 5 billion, Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) In addition to Special allocations which the whistle blower said is N54.319 billion, excluding N13.04 billion Value Added Tax (VAT) and N14. 385 billion (IGR).
The Whistle blower further alleged that the Paris Club Refunds was about N4. 85 billion while the Joint Allocation Committee (JAAC) funds for 7 months was put at an average of N3. 86 billion per month totalling about N27.02billion.
State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) fund and the Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP) he claimed was N17.5 billion and N15 billion respectively.
Similarly, the Whistle blower has also alleged that Ihedioha have some choice properties in Abuja, London and in Imo State.
According to him, Ihedioha own a 5 star hotel under construction at 4, Chulkee street Gazope, Asokoro Abuja valued at N10 billion.
He further alleged that the former governor has 10 houses acquired at Achike Udenwa Estate, Imo State through his front who he alleged is his cousin, Chikere valued at N5 billion.
Another multi million mansion at St. John’s Wood NW8, City of West Minister, London the Whistle blower said was owned by Ihedioha.
He also alleged Ihedioha also bought, demolished and rebuild another property he acquired at Charles Amadi Street, Civic Centre, Owerri at the sum of N5 billion as well as the ones he bought at his Mbutu village. He urged the House to investigate the whereabouts of these funds as there was nothing on ground to show that “these funds were judiciously expended.”
Contacted, the Imo State House of Assembly has admitted that it has received a petition from the whistle blower.
Speaker of the State assembly, Chiji Collins who admitted the petition is before the house added that the petition would be looked into when the House resumes sitting.
“We have received it in the Assembly, it has come to my table. We supposed to have handled it but because of Covid, that’s why. I have not presented it to the House but I have seen it, usually when a petition comes in we take it to executive session, then the Clerk will list it. So, it is still with me, once we resume, we are going to look into it. It is a serious matter.”
The report in a section of the media that I, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu has prophesied the sack of a South East Governor before the end of this year is a contumacious falsehood.
The allusions made by the mischievous author of the said report to Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State is a figment of the writer’s imagination.
For the records Adoration Ministry Enugu is yet to resume after I suspended the Ministry’s programme since March 2020 following the restrictions that came with the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic.
Since then I have not made any public prophecy of such anywhere but has been immersed in prayers for the healing of the World of the global pandemic and need not be distracted at this point.
It is a thing of concern that mischief makers, impostors and agent of darkness have continued to use my name to achieve their selfish missions in different media inspite of several warnings.
People should be careful of the wrath of God.
The ministry has taken this ugly trend seriously and shall liaise with security agencies to fish out the culprits and make them scapegoats.
Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka
Spiritual Director,
Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria.
People should be careful of the wrath of God.
The ministry has taken this ugly trend seriously and shall liaise with security agencies to fish out the culprits and make them scapegoats.
Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka
Spiritual Director,
Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday signed his first Executive Order on indiscriminate refuse dumping, traffic management, and Public works.
Sanwo-Olu shared the news on his Twitter handle, @jidesanwoolu. He said,
”I signed an executive order on indiscriminate refuse dumping, traffic management and public works.”
In a video, going viral on social media, the Governor said the executive order wasn’t meant to arrest residents but to ensure that the state is clean.
It was also revealed that the executive order now puts the closing time of operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) at 11:00pm on two shifts.
Confusion has overtaken the political atmosphere of Imo state, over the demolition of the Akachi tower, built by the immediate past governor, Rochas Okorocha, along Akachi road in Owerri.
However, security agents have taken over the location of the Akachi tower thereby stopping the demolition.
While an eyewitness told our source that the demolition was carried out by the agents of the new government of Emeka Ihedioha, others were of the view that the land on which the Akachi tower was built was forcefully collected from the original owners who on their own decided to carry out the demolition.
According to one Onyenso, “We saw some people last night they were in two Hilux vehicles and some security people. They came and moved around the tower and later drove off.
“Just this afternoon, as we are working on our site, we saw a group of people they came with a caterpillar, and they ordered the man in the caterpillar to start pulling down the Akachi tower.
“They were shouting a new government has emerged and we are taking what belongs to us nobody can stop us. There is a new government, old things shall pass away and give way for a new thing.”
A source who did not want his name mentioned said,
“Let me tell you the truth my brother, I think you are a journalist, this land is not a government land it belongs to some people.
“But what I am seeing here today is like some people are angry they want to take laws into their hand. With the way this thing has started anything can happen at anytime. The government must be guided and be careful of those using their name to take actions. This is taking a very bad shape whether you like it or not.”
Source
Vanguard
The House of Representatives on Thursday called on President Buhari to immediately sign into law the bill which seeks to establish National Commission against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons with the view to curb the influx of illegal weapons into the country.
The lawmakers who gave the charge during the debate on a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje also urged President Buhari to rescind the Executive Order which seeks to remove, revoke and banish all firearms certificates and licenses throughout the country.
In her lead debate, the lawmaker expressed grave concern over unabated insecurity challenges which led to the death of thousands of innocent citizens, resulting from terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the country.
She further noted that insecurity which was hitherto confined to the North East and North Central states have spread to the North Western States and all other parts of the country.
She equally noted that in response to the local and international outcry and concerns for Nigeria security situation, Mr. President signed an Executive Order to remove, revoke and banish all gun certificates and licenses throughout the federation.
Worried by the development, Elendu-Ukeje argued that the omnibus order targets legal gun owners and their guns without institutional actionable policy or plan to mop up small arms and light weapons that are at the center of these crimes.
According to her,
“the House is convinced that the high number of illegal guns is responsible amongst other factors for the increase in crime”.
Speaking in support of the motion, Hon Edward Pwajork said that the President should only go after those who go about with unlicensed weapons and those with valid licenses.
He said that the Executive Order signed by the President would only exacerbate the level of insecurity in the country.
Also in his contribution, Hon. Sunday Adepoju stated that the security agencies should ensure that all ammunition outside the legally licensed ones were recovered.
On his part, Hon. Pally Iriase, Deputy Chief Whip said that the insecurity in the land was so pervasive and so government should take proactive measures to address the challenge.
He noted that the cardinal objectives of governance “is the security of lives and properties” and added that the timing of the Executive Order was wrong.
Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon. Yakubu Dogara put the matter to a voice vote which was overwhelmingly voted for by the lawmakers.
To this end, the House urged President Buhari to
“sign into law the Bill on the Establishment of a (National) Commission against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons which is not only a domestic law but also a treaty obligation so as to help curb the inflow of illegal weapons that had been used in the theater of wars.”
The Green Chamber also urged
“President Buhari to, in the interest of the Nigerian people who are left vulnerable to the activities of mindless criminals, terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, to please reverse that decision as it strips the people of the rights to life and self-defense.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced the appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries in the States Civil Service.
Their appointment was announced by the governor on Thursday.
The new henchmen are: Dr. Eniayewun Ademuyiwa Benjamin, former Medical Director, Island Maternity, Lagos; Erinle Olumide Olufolami, former Principal, Apapa Senior High School, Education District 1V; Mrs Oludara Okelola, former Principal of Babs Fafunwa Millennium Senior Grammar School, Education District V1.
Others are: Mr. Akewusola Wasiu Adedamola, former General Manager, New Town Development Authority, NTDA; Mrs Falugba Yewande Abiodun, former Director, Administration and Human Resource, Ministry of Youth and Social Development and Mr. Osi-Efa Mustapha Abidun, former Director, Administration and Human Resource, Ministry of Home Affairs.
The assignment of portfolios to the new Permanent Secretary will be done later.
Perhaps in a bid to avoid a repeat of the 2015 last-minute disappointment, National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu, has reportedly relocated to Abuja to personally monitor shifting political developments regarding the election of the next leadership of the National Assembly, Saturday Tribune has learnt.
Calls to the mobile phone of his media aide, Tunde Rahman, rang out and as of press time, he was yet to either return the calls or reply the SMS sent him.
Tinubu is backing Senator Ahmed Lawan for Senate presidency and Femi Gbajabiamila for the speakership of the House of Representatives, the same candidates he could not carry over the finishing line four years ago.
While Lawan is seen more as President Muhammadu Buhari’s anointed candidate for the job, Gbajabiamila, from Surulere Federal Constituency in Lagos, is an anointed of Tinubu, though Lawan, too, was propped up by the leading party chieftain in 2015, after dropping his initial candidate, former Benue State governor, Senator George Akume.
In 2015, Tinubu reportedly failed to show his hand deep in the contest early enough in order not to be seen as being dictatorial, preferring to line behind the then newly-elected president, Buhari.
Gbajabiamila and Lawan were pretty much doing their campaigning then using the party machinery with Tinubu using the president’s influence to rally support for them.
The duo also got involved in horse-trading with opposition leaders.
Saturday Tribune was privy then to Gbajabiamila’s meeting with a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor from the South at a hotel in a posh area of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), weeks to the parliamentary contest he lost to the outgoing Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.
With the stakes believed to be higher this time, Tinubu is reportedly handling the expected high-wire horse-trading trailing the emergence of the duo again as the preferred candidates of the party, considering the internal opposition to their candidature.
While Lawan is reportedly having it easier, selling his candidacy to stakeholders outside of his party, the unmistaken emblem of the Lagos “godfather” on Gbajabiamila’s candidacy is said to be making things difficult somewhat for the four-term lawmaker.
“Gbaja, on his own, isn’t a problem, though people have been talking about his elitist attitude. But anything with Tinubu’s hand on it, many within the party, do not just want to hear it, especially our people from the other side (North) and oga (Tinubu) doesn’t always know when to back down.
There is a popular joke in Abuja now, especially at the party secretariat. If you say you are broke, they will ask, is Asiwaju not in town and that if he is in town, you can’t be broke because all you need to do is go and tell him some lies that he wants to hear about his candidates or 2023 and you will come back with …. (mentions denomination),” a source who was once chummy with the leader, disclosed.
Tinubu is reportedly handling the reaching-out because his rumoured presidential ambition is said to be closely tied to the success of getting Gbajabiamila and Lawan enthroned, particularly the former as the head of the legislative institution with more youthful, exuberant and impressionable politicians.
For allies of Gbajabiamila and those who would play ball from the opposition to get him to the political Promised Land, Saturday Tribune learnt that their loyalty is going to be sustained for some future assignment.
The implication of having a need for them, according to insiders, is that such tested and trusted allies would have four years of comfort under the Gbajabiamila leadership.
The said bait of not using and dumping them, considering future engagement and partnership, is reportedly working more for the Tinubu camp since any form of betrayal from their end would mean losing massive support for the future aspiration which is bigger and of higher political value than what is being sought now.
It was also learnt that lawmakers from the opposition, especially those not too close to Dogara, may find comfort in Tinubu’s arm and possibly break ranks with their party in the event of the party directing its congressmen and women, to, again, work against Tinubu’s interest.
Gbajabiamila recently boasted that he already had the number to sail smoothly in the speakership contest but some opponents are saying it will be too early to declare victory.
While President Buhari has characteristically not been too loud about his support for Lawan, it was learnt that not saying anything regarding Gbajabiamila’s emergence at the dinner where the Lagos politician was presented has made the journey more tortuous for Tinubu’s camp.
The relocation to Abuja to oversee things directly is also said to be connected with the rumoured power play that could see “one go for one.”
With both Lawan and Gbajabiamila being projected as Tinubu’s anointed, there is the likelihood of the party leader being told at the zero hour to pick one and leave the other position for other tendencies in the party.
His camp is said to be working assiduously to avoid a situation of having to make such a tough call.
His allies in the South-West are also coming in and out of Abuja to confer with him but one ally that would be expected to be by his side at this crucial moment, former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, is reportedly missing in the Abuja action.
Aregbesola spearheaded the defunct Tinubu’s Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) parliamentary mutiny of 2011 which enthroned the current Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as the Speaker of the House of Representatives against then-PDP’s choice, Mulikat Adeola-Akande.
The PDP paid Tinubu back in the same coin in 2015, helping the APC to install Dogara in place of the party’s pick, Gbajabiamila.
Saturday Tribune learnt that Aregbesola is staying back in Lagos fixing the next cabinet of the incoming administration of Babajide Sanwoolu at Tinubu’s behest.
Seen as Tinubu’s closest ally, Aregbesola’s influence has been looming large on Lagos politics since his tenure ended in Osun State.
Saturday Tribune can confirm that names of likely picks for commissioners and special aides have been submitted by party leaders from local governments in the state and the man touching the final list up, in concert with the “Big Boss” in Abuja, is reportedly not the incoming governor but the former governor of Osun State.
Both the incoming governor and his deputy, Femi Hamzat, are said to be having minimal say in the composition of those who will work with them, though they reportedly made nominations.
With many of those expected to be nominated by Sanwoolu and Hamzat left out of the current list, disappointment is said to be setting in for many who worked tirelessly for the party’s victory.
“We are just here; we don’t know our fate yet. They have shared the thing (available positions) among themselves. The hawks are the ones in charge here,” a committed party man lamented to Saturday Tribune.
Meanwhile, the recent involvement of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with the administrative leadership of the National Assembly is said to be part of the game plan to ensure a desired ending to the contest for Senate and House of Representatives’ top jobs.
Clerks of both chambers reportedly played a major role in swinging things in certain directions in 2015 and with the fear that the outgoing Senate President and Speaker may swing the process again using the top officials to keep the party’s anointed out of the seats again, the anti-graft commission is reportedly being involved to “sound a note of warning.”
Operatives of the commission swarmed collation centres in Lagos, Abuja and many other states during the final declaration of results of the 2019 general elections.
The official explanation was to prevent financial inducement of the electoral officers.
The voting procedure for the new NASS leadership has been a major dispute among contending factions with the majority favouring secret balloting, the type that rubbed the ruling party’s face in the mud four years back.
There is palpable fear in the ruling party that another secret balloting could produce a similar result.
The current probe of the assembly’s administrative leadership by the EFCC is said to be a ploy to have an unfettered access to the books and information that could help prevent another humiliating loss.
If things are not going the desired way with the voting procedure, it was learnt, the probe could become a major tool in beating everybody into line.
The move by Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, to establish a legal marijuana industry in the ‘sunshine’ state may have hit the rocks even before his very own eyes.
This is just as findings by journalists on Saturday showed that Akeredolu is not likely to find a willing ally in the Federal Government over his pursuit.
Despite the collaboration being received from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the governor has been disowned by the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA), an appendage of the Presidency.
PACEDA, in a statement made available to the media on Saturday, stated that no amount of money could be worth the lives of those that would be affected should marijuana be legalized in the country, as being canvassed by Akeredolu and, by extension, the NDLEA.
The warning came four days after Governor Akeredolu advised the Federal Government to encourage the cultivation of medicinal cannabis, also known as Indian hemp, in the country.
The statement was signed by the PACEDA Chair, Mohammed Buba Marwa.
Marwa, a retired military top officer, noted that the timing was so inauspicious, considering that the government had been doing everything to eradicate drug abuse in the country.
“It is disturbing that at this time when about 10 million Nigerians are abusing cannabis, anyone or group will be considering or advocating for Nigeria to legalize the growing of marijuana for economic or whatever purposes.
“Our committee has spent the last six months going round the country to obtain firsthand information about the dangers of drug abuse and how to combat it and we have been faced with the stark reality of how deep the menace has damaged and still damaging lives, especially the youths.
“No doubt, President Muhammadu Buhari was worried about this emergency situation, hence the decision to set up PACEDA to find a lasting solution to the threat. We should not, therefore, fold our arms or keep sealed lips while deliberate attempts are being made to sabotage the genuine efforts of the Federal Government in the interest of the nation.
“We should not forget so soon how many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs were made prescription medicines when millions of our young minds and adults were abusing such. How can we then turn around to call for legalizing the growing of cannabis when the Federal Government is still in the process of curtailing and eliminating the same?
“We dare say that no economic gain is worth the life of any Nigerian daily damaged on the street as a result of the effect of cannabis. There is, therefore, the need for all stakeholders at the federal, state and local government levels to rally round the Federal Government’s efforts at eliminating the menace of drug abuse rather than engaging in any counterproductive venture,” the statement read.
Despite the widespread appeal of Akeredolu's position on social media, some critics have rebuked the governor.
Among those who criticized the governor include Senator Shehu Sani, the lawmaker representing Kaduna Central in the National Assembly.
Sani, who took to Twitter via his handle @ShehuSani on Wednesday, May 15, wrote;
“My brother Akeredolu, Lagos partnered with Kebbi for rice, please partner with Niger for beans, Kaduna for ginger or partner with Benue for yam. Please leave this Indian Hemp matter for now, abeg.”
But Akeredolu is determined in his pursuit, despite several condemnation and backlash received in the last few days.
“The governor believes that the global legal marijuana industry is primed to be a jumbo in years ahead and Ondo State is trying to think ahead of time,” an aide of the governor, who did not want his name mentioned, told a reporter on Saturday.
The Minister of Finance, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, has unveiled the achievements of her ministry as the clock ticks for her exit, revealing that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $44.69 billion as at May 13, 2019.
The foreign reserves stood at $28.3 billion in May 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari took over governance from ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The Minister unveiled the position of the ministry in her opening remarks at the quarterly World Press Conference, held in Abuja.
The minister said also that year-on-year inflation rates continued to improve from a high rate of 18.7 percent in January 2017 to 11.37 percent in April 2019.
She also disclosed that states will soon receive their outstanding balance of the Paris Club debts refunds based on the verification made on a total sum of N649.434 billion by the Ministry.
“For the final phase of the Paris Club debts refunds, the total sum of N649.434 billion was verified by the Ministry as the outstanding balance to be refunded to the State Governments.
“The payments made by the CBN as at March 2019, is N691.560 billion.
“The increase in CBN payments partly arose from exchange rate differential at the point of payment. Although, some states still have outstanding balances, which will be refunded in due course.”
According to her, with the implementation of Economic Recovery & Growth Plan (ERGP) which the Buhari’s administration developed in 2017 has led to the economy’s exit from recession and moved upwards on a path of sustainable, inclusive and diversified growth.
She further maintained that it is the resolve of the Ministry to address the long-standing issue of “unsatisfactory revenue performance” in Nigeria, particularly in the non-oil sector, in order to ensure appropriate financing for critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, and ultimately of co-creating a Nigeria where no one is left behind.
She said:
“Our External Reserves on the other hand, grew from $28.3 billion in 2015 to US $44.69 billion as at May 13, 2019 representing significant improvement that has helped stabilize the economy, including our currency exchange rates.
“Our FX market remained relatively stable from 2017 with the convergence of the NIFEX and NAFEX windows witnessed by November 2018.
“Let me first underscore the vital role of domestic revenue mobilization for continued economic success and inclusive growth in Nigeria.
“Indeed, President Muhammadu Buhari underscored the urgent need for improved revenue performance during his 2019 Budget Speech, and he directed the acceleration of all revenue initiatives.
“The time to act is now – if we do not address the long-standing issue of “unsatisfactory revenue performance” in Nigeria, particularly in the non-oil sector, we will never realize our shared goal of ensuring appropriate financing for critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, and ultimately of co-creating a Nigeria where no one is left behind.
“As Minister of Finance, I have taken on the President’s important call to action, by prioritizing revenue generation, and formally launching in January 2019, the Strategic Revenue Growth Initiatives, a suite of comprehensive and cross-cutting interventions aimed at boosting revenue performance.
“I am pleased to share that we have made significant progress since launching the initiatives and I look forward to providing details later in my remarks.”
She also added that the Ministry has achieved seven consecutive quarters of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth since the country’s exit from recession in Q2, 2017. “As at Q4 2018, the economy grew by 2.38% in real terms (year-on-year), representing an increase of 0.27% compared to Q4 2017 and, a rise of 0.55% compared with the growth rate in Q3 2018.
Overall, GDP grew at an annual rate of 1.93% in 2018 compared with 0.82% in 2017, representing an overall increase of 1.11% year on year.”
However, the Minister acknowledged that the expenditure performance cannot be in isolation of revenues, which as a result expenditure outturn largely depends on the government’s ability to generate budgeted revenues with deficits funded through borrowings.
“In 2018 our budgeted revenue was N7.2 trillion this is against the realized figure of N3.96 trillion, signifying a negative variance of 45%.
“Despite this shortfall, we have been able to fully pay salaries and service 100% of our debt. We have also released seven months overhead for 2018, two months for 2019, and N2.079 billion capital expenditure as at 14th May 2019.
“We have adopted a prudent debt management strategy which ensures that we invest what we borrow in capital projects.
“Although our debt by international standards, at 19.09% Nigeria’s debt to GDP ratio is well below the threshold of 56% for countries similar to Nigeria.
“The government is addressing the issue of reducing the debt service to revenue through a combination of debt substitution strategies.”
The Minister maintained that on global risks, the Ministry will continue to remain focused on taking key mitigating actions to safeguard the economy and ensure it is “resilient to external shocks.”
“We will continue to monitor key global risks, and the Federal Ministry of Finance is focused on taking key mitigating actions to safeguard the economy and ensure it is resilient to external shocks.
“As anticipated, the global economy has slowed down in 2019 with a revised growth projection of 3.3%.
“This trajectory is mirrored in Africa, with the continent projected to grow slightly more at 3.5% in the same year. Commodity based economies including Nigeria are expected to continue recovery from the rapid commodity crash witnessed from 2014 to 2016.”
She further explained that,
“This development represents challenging times amidst this year’s volatility in oil prices that has fallen from $86/barrel in October to $62/barrel in December when I gave my last Press Conference, and risen to a five-month high of above $71/barrel as at April 2019.
“While oil prices are expected to remain within the average range of $70/barrel, continued volatility is expected through the end of 2019.”
She said that her ministry was carrying out reforms at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB).
With the reforms, taxpayer database has been expanded to 35 million from 9 million in the four years of the Buhari-led administration.
“Through reforms at the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and the Joint Tax Board (JTB), we have been able to harmonize the Tax Identity Number (TIN) database to cover Federal, States and Local Governments to establish a unified identity number system for uniquely identifying tax-payers.
“The country’s taxpayer database has been expanded to 35 million from 9 million at the beginning of the administration.
“It is anticipated that this figure will grow to 45 million individual and corporate payers when the ongoing integration of different biometric database is completed"
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been conferred the award of Grande Chancellor of Imo State.
Professor Osinbajo was conferred the honour at the Imo Merit Award ceremony which held in the state on Friday, May 17.
At the ceremony, Governor Rochas Okorocha who was the chief host, said the Vice President was being honored for his selfless services to the Nigerian people.
He urged young Nigerians to study and follow the footsteps of the Vice President who he described as a humble man with numerous achievements beneath his belt.
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong was on Friday elected Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, NGF for another four years.
Lalong was elected by his colleagues during the meeting of the Northern Governors Forum in Kaduna State.
The governors, at the meeting agreed to set up a joint financial institution that would galvanize rapid socio-economic development within the region and enable it attain some degree of financial independence.
The governors also resolved to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari over the security challenges in the region.
The meeting of the northern governors which later went into closed door, is expected to receive briefing on the security situation across states as well as submissions from officials of the northern Nigerian development company on the successes made in the areas of oil exploration in the lake chad basin, as well as reviving the collapsed Kaduna textile factory owned by the 19 northern states.
President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday travel to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) on the invitation of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz.
The Presidency in a statement on Wednesday revealed that President Buhari has accepted the invitation of King Salman Bin Abdulaziz, the ruler of Saudi Arabia & Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, to perform the Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) in the Kingdom.
To this effect, the President, accompanied by close personal aides, will embark on the journey on Thursday, 16th May.
He is expected back in the country on Tuesday, 21st May.
Umrah is an optional but recommended pilgrimage to Makkah that can be made at any time of the year.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), led by the Say No Advocacy Group, have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve and replace the current Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami so as to salvage the fight against corruption and recover public confidence and support for the fight against corruption.
The CSOs include African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, Action Aid Nigeria, Connected Development, Lawyers Network Against Corruption, Social Action, Keen and Care Initiative, Civil Society Advocacy Centre, The Cable, Protest to Power, Say No Campaign, Yes Project and YIAGA Africa.
The CSOs who made the call, while briefing Newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, further called on the President to consider separating the office of the AGF from the Minister of Justice to avoid conferring such enormous power to an individual.
In their words
“As President Buhari prepares for the swearing-in and commencement of his second term on May 29, 2019 Civil Society Organization’s advocating on anticorruption and accountability in Nigeria, hereby call on President Buhari and Vice President Osibanjo to consider immediately relieving and replacing the current Attorney General of the Federation Mr Malami in order to salvage the fight against corruption.
The CSOs recalled the Ministers role in the fraudulent reinstatement of the former Chairman of the Pension Task Force, Abdulrasheed Maina who was wanted on allegations of corruption into the Civil Service Commission.
“We recall the shady deal involving the minister which led to the approval for payment of a highly controversial and contentious payment of $17m (N6billion) to two lawyers for an already concluded deal on the repatriation of the Abacha loot from the Swiss Bank
They also recalled that Malami had been fingered in the suspected attempt to frustrate the investigation and prosecution of the Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission for alleged involvement in the diversion of about N2.5billiom among others.
The CSOs urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reconfigure his fight against corruption by ensuring people with questionable characters are not appointed to sensitive positions capable of curtailing the independence of key anti-corruption agencies and the fight against corruption
“That the President considers separation of the office of the AGF from the Minister of Justice to avoid conferring such enormous power to an individual and distance himself from suspected corrupted officials by not defending them and by holding the independence of key anti-corruption.
They also called on the President to order immediate commencement and or continuation of the prosecution of outstanding high-profile corruption cases including members of his political party and his appointees including the former SGF, Babachir Lawal.
“That Mr President insist on accountability of anti-corruption agencies including the CCB/CCT, EFCC, ICPC and others involved in prevention, investigation and prosecution of corruption to ensure probity and accountability”
The CSOs observed that almost twenty years since the return to democracy, widespread corruption have continued to impede development and threaten democracy in Nigeria.
They observed that
“while the past three years had witnessed renewed vigour in the fight against corruption, with injection of political will at the highest level of the administration, introduction of financial and administrative policies to improve transparency and accountability, the attitude and body language of the government in the scandals involving former Secretary General of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and the Kano State Governor, Ganduje left nothing to be desired”.
Nigerians have been advised to install carbon monoxide detectors in their vehicles, houses, offices, and factories to avoid inhaling harmful air.
The admonition was part of the resolutions of a motion sponsored by Gbolahan Dada (Ogun-APC).
Mr Dada bemoaned the growing number of deaths traceable to carbon monoxide.
“The Senate is disturbed that in Nigeria, it is certain that we recorded a high fatality figure of carbon monoxide poisoning during the period in question, if adequate records are kept by the authorities,” said Mr Dada.
“For instance, it was reported in ThisDay newspaper edition of 6 September 2018 that a family of six in Igboetche community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, lost their lives to generator fumes (a component of carbon monoxide poisoning).”
He described carbon monoxide as a silent killer, adding that the country does not have a platform for creating awareness among citizens.
The lawmaker expressed concern that ‘if nothing is done by this hallowed Chambers, innocent Nigerians will continue to be exposed to avoidable health hazards likely to terminate their lives untimely.’
Adopting his two prayers, the Senate urged all ‘Nigerians to use and install carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) in their motor vehicles, houses, dwelling places, offices, workshops and factories for the preservation of their lives from the hazardous effect of carbon monoxide.’
In the second prayer, the lawmakers urged the ‘National Orientation Agency (NOA), Federal Ministry of Information, Federal Ministry of Labour etc to create awareness through Radio, Television, Newspapers and mass media etc among Nigerians, workers and employers on the need to use and install carbon monoxide detectors (alarms) in motor vehicles, houses, dwelling places, offices, workshops and factories for preservation of lives and good health of Nigerians.’
The Department of State Services (DSS) has alerted heads of government agencies of a new pattern of fraud to which they may fall prey, especially during the transition period to President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term.
Vulnerable to the pranksters are CEOs of government agencies or people looking for appointments.
According to the secret agency, the fraudsters use names of the supervising authorities of the CEO to extort or fleece them (the CEOs) of huge sums of money.
“Believing that these fraudsters actually act on behalf of highly placed government functionaries, the victims are deceived to part with their valuables including money.
“In other instances, heads of agencies are made to feel that there are incriminating materials against them for which they must pay or be arrested by security agencies.
“Those also targeted are persons seeking new appointments or renewal of terms. It is envisaged that the act may be at its peak during this transition period when prospective appointees are jostling for positions.
"This notice, therefore, serves as an early warning to possible victims who are hereby advised to be wary of the antics of these merchants. Also, they are enjoined to promptly report to security agencies, when approached by suspected fraudulent persons desirous of using names of high ranking public officials to defraud them.
“On the part of the Service, it will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to apprehend the fraudsters as well as ensure the security and integrity of the nation”.
Wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, on Wednesday distributed food items to Muslims, expressing optimism that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will reclaim power in 2023.
She tasked members of the party to align with the dictates of the leadership of the party, not minding how unpalatable it looked if the party was to reclaim government in 2023.
Speaking while distributing food items to residents of the state for the Ramadan period at Government House, Ibadan, she solicited support for leaders of the party was more essential than ever, especially as the party goes into the opposition from May 29.
She expressed belief that with undiluted loyalty to party leaders and God’s grace, the APC would again become the ruling party come 2023.
Mrs Ajimobi added that the Ramadan season offered another opportunity for all party faithful to introspect into their lifestyles with a view to making amends, changing their attitudes, giving to and forgiving one another.
“APC will reclaim government in 2023 by God’s grace. But, let us align with the dictates of the party, even if they seem unpalatable. We must support our party leaders. We must be loyal to one another as party members particularly now that we will be in opposition,” she said.
Aside from fasting and abstinence, Mrs Ajimobi described Ramadan as a time for people to seek repentance, to seek God’s favour, to show love to others.
She allayed fears of a discontinuance of the distribution of food items during forthcoming Ramadan seasons, noting that despite leaving office as wife of the governor on May 29, the event of next year will be held at her Oluyole private residence.
“By next Ramadan fasting, I will host you in my Oluyole home and God will enable us to continually do this,” she added.
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Abuja said he is conscious of the weight of responsibility on his shoulders and promised not to disappoint Nigerians in providing effective and result-oriented leadership that safeguards and ensures a better life for all citizens.
He spoke after attending the daily Tafsir (Quranic interpretations) marking the month of Ramadhan fast at the State House Mosque.
President Buhari said the reality of his office weighs heavily on his mind at all times, and he will keep working to deliver an improved life to Nigerians.
The President said he knows what to do and will not fail Nigerians.
President Buhari expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the opportunity to serve a second term in office. He said their expectations for giving him the mandate will be met.
“The expectations of Nigerians will be met. I will not let them down. I will continue to do my best,” he said.
The President reiterated his earlier message on the occasion of Ramadhan to Nigerians that discipline should be the watchword of every citizen. He advised citizens to use the fasting period to reflect and be more constructive in purpose by promoting harmony.
He said the fasting period also provides a good opportunity for charity.
In his remarks, Chief Imam of the Mosque, Sheik Abdulwaheed Sulaiman gave thanks to Almighty Allah for allowing the general election to take place peacefully throughout the country. He called for repentance and prayers to avert the current security challenges confronting the nation.
He said the security incidents are a test from God
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday told Senate President, Bukola Saraki not to be afraid if he has no skeletons in his cupboard.
The commission insisted that it must go on with the probe on the tenure of Saraki as governor of Kwara State between 203 and 2011.
A statement issued by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Tony Orilade, said the commission had the sacred mandate of eradicating corruption from the system without protecting any sacred cow.
The statement said the commission would conduct a legitimate forensic inquiry into Saraki’s tenure as a governor.
The EFCC said it had taken note of the reactions of Saraki to the commission’s inquiries regarding his earnings as Kwara State governor as well as on the quality of his financial stewardship in the Senate, saying that while it was his prerogative to ventilate his views on the matter as he deemed fit, the commission took great exception at the desperate attempt to cast a slur on its investigative activities by portraying Saraki as a victim of persecution.
The statement said the commission found the attempt by Saraki to tie its inquest to his International Human Rights Commission, IHRC appointment and his approaching life out of power as misleading, knowing too well that the background to its current inquiries reached several years back.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the EFCC is obligated by law to enthrone probity and accountability in the governance space and has supremely pursued this duty without ill-will or malice against anyone. It is in the interest of the public and for Saraki’s personal good, that he is not only above board, but be seen at all times to be so,” it stated.
It added that Saraki’s probe was guided by the overriding public interest, saying that all the instances in which the EFCC have had cause to sleuth into his financial activities either as a former governor or President of the Senate were driven by overarching public interest and due process of the law.
“Against the background of the possession of indicting petitions and other evidence available to the EFCC, even Saraki will agree with the commission that putting him through a legitimate forensic inquiry is the legitimate route to establish his integrity as a public servant. The distinguished Senate President has no need to fret so long as he has no skeletons in his cupboard,” the EFCC said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has sent greetings to Nigerians in general and Muslims in particular as they commence the month-long Ramadan fast.
The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday, said the President’s greetings followed the sighting of the lunar month of Ramadan.
Buhari called for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.
According to the President, Islam is a religion of peace that upholds the values of tolerance and mutual coexistence without a place for hatred and violence.
He, therefore, urged Muslims to use the period to build a relationship of friendship and harmony with fellow citizens of other faiths.
The President prayed to Allah for the continued peace, progress, and the well-being of the country.
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