“There Is Plan To Link Me With Certificate Forgery” – Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa Alleges

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January 8, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has cried out over overt allegation to rope him with allegation of certificate forgery.

Aiyedatiwa, who had served as deputy governor for three years during which he acted as a governor, before his swearing in as substantive governor in December last year, following the demise of late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said the latest plot came from those behind the failed impeachment plot.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan on Monday stated that “Our attention has been drawn to the mischievous plans by some political actors to embark on fresh unsubstantiated allegations against the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

“After failing woefully with their attempts to paint the Governor in bad light with the stories around the death of the former Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, these desperate elements have resorted to blackmail.

“The first of such is to use faceless groups and individuals to make allegations of certificate forgery against the Governor.

“A governorship aspirant last night held a meeting with some individuals at a popular hotel in Akure where he gave the directive to those present to write stories alleging that the Governor used forged certificates to contest election.

“It is important to alert members of the public to this plot which is aimed at discrediting Mr. Governor ahead of the coming governorship election in the State.

“Mr. Governor contested in a joint ticket with his former principal in the 2020 governorship election and his credentials were duly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and those are in public domain.

“Any attempt to raise allegations around the credentials of Mr. Governor is nothing but a plot out of the playbook of those who failed in their efforts to impeach him when he was Deputy Governor.

“Mr. Governor remains committed to delivering on his promises to develop Ondo State and will not be distracted by the shenanigans of shameless politicians and their cronies.”

President Tinubu Suspends Betta Edu, Orders EFCC To Investigate Activities Of Her Ministry

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Ayodele Oni

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January 8, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu, reacting to public outcry over Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has approved her suspension from office with immediate effect.

There has been public outcry over the role of the minister over her directive to transfer fund meant for activities in her office to a private account.

A statement on Monday by presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngalele explained that the directive was in line with avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians.

“The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder.

“The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation.

“Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes.

“This is in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. These directives of the President take immediate effect.”

Benue: PDP’s Counsel Pulls Out From Case, As Supreme Court Affirms Alia as Governor

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 8, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governorship Candidate, Titus Uba, challenging the March 18, 2023, Governorship Election Victory of Hyacinth Alia as the Governor of Benue State.

A five-man panel of Justices of the Apex Court on Monday led by Justice Inyang Okoro dismissed the appeal after Counsel for the appellants, Sebastian Hon, SAN, pulled out of the case, which the court noted involved pre-election issues.

It will be recalled that the Court of Appeal in Abuja also affirmed Alia of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the validly elected Governor of the Stat.

The appellate court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel of justices, dismissed Uba’s appeal as lacking in merit.

In its lead judgement that was delivered by Justice Onyekachi Aja Otisi, the court said it found no reason to set aside the verdict of the Benue State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had on September 23 validated Alia’s election victory.

It held that some of the grounds the PDP and it candidate raised in the appeal not only bordered on pre-election issues but also had elements of crime.

According to the appellate court, the appellants had raised the issue of forgery against the Deputy Governor of the State, Samuel Ode.

It held that since the allegation that Ode submitted forged documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in aid of his qualification to contest the election, was criminal in nature, it ought to have been proved beyond reasonable doubt.

The appellate court stressed that the issue of non-qualification of a candidate, being a pre-election matter, could only be ventilated at the Federal High Court and not before the election tribunal, as was done by the appellants.

It held that since the 14-day period that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, allowed for the eligibility of a candidate in an election to be challenged had elapsed, the issue had become statute-barred.

Besides, the court dismissed the appellants’ contention that the APC failed to submit the name of Governor Alia to INEC at least 180 days before the gubernatorial election was held.

It held that the argument was worthless in view of the fact that the primary election that produced Alia as the flagbearer of the APC in the governorship election was ordered by a High Court and conducted within the period the court stipulated.

In its final analysis, the appellate court held that the appellants failed to discharge the burden of proof that was placed on them by the law.

Aiyedatiwa: The Onslaught Continues

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Ayodele Oni

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January 8, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Since providence conferred on him the governorship of Ondo state following the demise of his boss, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, one would have expected that the Cabals that had wanted to put an end to his political career will by now go and rest.

Akeredolu died on 27th December last year in far away Germany after several months of battling with cancer. His death came after applying for medical leave from the state House of Assembly for the second time and constitutionally transmitted power to his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

His first medical leave, which the late Governor got and Aiyedatiwa acting in his absence from April to September last year, witnessed the worst ever political crisis in Ondo state. Intrigues here and there by those that were not comfortable with Aiyedatiwa as acting governor.

The political intrigues piqued when the state assembly joined and forwarded a letter of impeachment to the acting governor with spurious and unsubstantiated allegations. Thank God, the elder in the state led by the revered Pa Reuben Fasoranti, intervened and called on President Bola Tinubu to wade in.

The call worked as President Tinubu immediately summoned parties in the crisis to Abuja where major decisions and orders were handed down and the tension went down drastically. It will be of interest that those undermining the power of Aiyedatiwa were mainly political office holders that believed that their loyalty was only to the then ailing Governor Akeredolu.

They did not see anything good in Aiyedatiwa. He would summon the state executive council meeting, they would not attend but would instead ran down to Ibadan, Oyo state where Akeredolu was repercurating then to tell various lies against the acting governor.

From accolades, condolence messages which trailed the demise, of Akeredolu, there is no doubt that he was loved by all within and outside the state. Everybody loved that he got over the cancerous situation and report back to his duty post. But who are we to query God?

Yes, Akeredolu is no more, but his good works will continue to speak for him. Aiyedatiwa was on the same day sworn in as the substantive governor of Ondo state in line with the constitutional provisions which gives room for no vacuum.

His inaugural speech captured the situation on ground as he not only promised to continue with the good works of his former boss, he equally assured of more dividends of democracy.

“The demise of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON is indeed a great loss to me as an individual as our relationship dated back to many years ago, having closely worked with him when his gubernatorial journey started in Year 2012.

“The loss then did not affect our relationship as we continued to maintain close political and personal relationship which climaxed in Year 2020 when he graciously picked me as his running mate for his Second Term as Governor of Ondo State.

“Governor Akeredolu was a man of courage and conviction who always stood for the truth even at his own detriment. I remember vividly during the time when we had a case in court challenging our Second Term victory.

“He still pursued the matter of emplacing a strong security network for the people of the Southwest codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’.

“The People of Ondo State and the entire people of the Southwest will be eternally grateful for this bold act which has greatly improved the security architecture in the Region and reduced incidents of kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminalities to the barest minimum especially in Ondo State.

“His many legacies in the health sector, infrastructural development, education, industrial development as symbolised in the Ondo-Linyl Industrial Hub, Ore, his innovation in Ondo State Entrepreneurial Development Agency, his Tech Hub, etc will be difficult to surpass.

“The events which culminated in today’s ceremony is a watershed in the history of Ondo State as this is the first time we are having a transition in an administration.”

Just still trying to settle down for business, Governor Aiyedatiwa is confronted with the challenge of picking his deputy. While still shopping for a credible and reliable candidate, groups, individuals and political appointees came up with names and zones where the deputy should come from. All these can still be regarded as part of the politics. But how do we describe a situation whereby the Governor is being compelled or mandated to pick from a particular town and a specific person in memory of his late boss?

Those appointees that know within themselves that they would not fit into the new administration resorted to the honourable path of throwing in the towel. Since they all resigned, the new governor has not sacked any political appointee of his predecessor.

Recount that when Agboola Ajayi, the first person that served late Akeredolu as deputy resigned, he jettisoned all advices even from his party and insisted on picking someone of his choice then which led to the emergence of Aiyedatiwa. One thing that is certain is that the new governor cannot pick from his senatorial zone, his can have his choice either from central or northern districts.

As this seems to be getting to a final solution, the hues and cries about the governor’s resolve to sack the leadership of the ruling APC in the state led by Ade Adetimehin becomes the talk of the town. This plan according to those behind it, is to pave the way for Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as the candidate for the APC during the governorship election slated for later in the year. His Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan has come out to deny this. Going by resolutions arrived at after the meeting with President Tinubu, although, Akeredolu was still alive then, Aiyedatiwa was told to leave the structures as they are presently.

Another issue being played up is that of the removal of members of the local governments care taker committees in the state. The glaring evidence here is that these people were sent packing by a court order before Aiyedatiwa’s emergence as governor, but as far as they are concerned, the hand is that of Esau.

He still has the power to pick those that will work with him, but definitely, he will like to keep distance with his perceived political foes that had almost prevented the God’s wish to manifest.

UBA Faces EFCC Probe Over N600m Humanitarian Ministry’s Saga; Who’s Onyelu Bridget?

By

James Orji

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January 8, 2024

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is beaming its searchlight on a top Nigerian commercial bank, the United Bank of Africa, UBA, over the ongoing financial saga rocking the Ministry of of Humanitarian Affairs.

On Sunday, President Bola Ahmed constituted a probe panel headed by Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to probe an alleged financial diversion against Beta Edu, the Minister.

According to Presidency sources, the EFCC has been ordered by the president to investigate the Oliver Alawyba-led commercial bank and owner of the bank account into which Edu directed the whopping sum to be paid.

“EFCC investigation will include demand from the management of UBA to furnish the anti graft agency with necessary documents and relevant information regarding the owner of the bank account, and her relationship with the embattled minister,” sources in EFCC told the magazine on Monday.

According to the sources who spoke, this is not the first time the commission had been involved in investigating top public officials who opened bank suspicious accounts in commercial banks with the aim of stealing public funds.

“The commission is currently prosecuting Godwin Emefiele, a former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for opening multiple accounts locally and internationally without the knowledge of the federal government,” the source said.

Commercial banks, the source further stated, cannot be totally excuse from the problem of public fund diversion, saying some commercial bank officials have been quizzed in the ongoing probe of Emefiele.

Edu came under scathing public condemnation following a memo she sent to the Accountant General of the Federation, AGF, to pay close to N600 million into a private account.

The Minister, according to the leaked memo directed that N580 million which is suppossed to be paid to some Nigerians in four states under the ministry’s poverty alleviation programme be paid into the United Bank for Africa, UBA account number 0020208461037 belonging to one Onyelu Bridget.

The states are Ogun, lagos, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom state.

The memo from the minister to the AGF with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/S.208 and dated December 20, 2023, was titled: ‘Mandate for payment grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Lagos and Ogun states’ respectively.
The letter, read: “I hereby approve the payment for the accumulative sum of five hundred and eighty-five million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand and five hundred naira (N585,180,500.00). These are payments for programmes and activities of the Renewed Hope grants for vulnerable groups.

“Details provided below: 2023 grant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom State, N219,429,750.00; 2023 grant for vulnerable groups in Cross Rivers, N78,828,750.00; 2023 grant for vulnerable groups in Lagos State, N219,462,250.00 and grant for vulnerable groups in Ogun State, N72,468,750.00 with total at N585,189,500.00.

“The payment should be made from the National Social Investment office account with account number 0020208461037 to the project’s accountant’s details listed above as Onyelu Bridget, UBA account.”

Her action elicited angry reactions from not a few Nigerians, including Femi Falana, a senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN who insist that Edu’s action violates the country’s extant financial laws.

The Minister’s further came under public opprobrium after the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein said she refused to execute the memo because it is against the country’s financial laws, describing the memo as “inappropriate transaction”.

Bawa Mokwa, the Director Press in the office of the OAGF, said in a statement: “The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has clarified that the OAGF does not make payments on behalf of MDAs for projects and programmes implemented by the MDAs.

“The AGF was reacting to media reports concerning a request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to pay grants to vulnerable groups in some States of the Federation.

“She stated that allocations are released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget, and such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.
“In a statement in Abuja, the AGF explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry, it did not carry out the payment. The Ministry was, however, advised on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.

“The AGF noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of Project Accountant.

“She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts. Dr. Madein reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances. She advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.”

Section 713 of the 2009 Public Sector Financial Regulation law, states, “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account. An officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention.”

The Minister, a former commissioner in Cross Rivers state, has defended her action, saying she complied with public service rules.

Falana while calling for a thorough probe described Edu’s defence as an insult to Nigerians, stressing that the minister’s action constitutes a felony even though the Accountant General of the Federation had stopped the fund diversion by refusing to comply with the minister’s order.

The human rights lawyer said: “It is public knowledge that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betty Edu, recently directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay a whopping sum of N585.18 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun states.

“Happily, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, rightly rejected the illegal directive and refused to pay the said sum of N585.18 million to the agent of the minister.

“It is interesting to note that the minister has not denied that she gave approval for the payment of the over half a billion Naira to a private account in contravention of the extant Public Service Rules as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory.

“Instead of apologising to the federal government and people of Nigeria and calling it quits for betraying the confidence reposed in her, the minister has arrogantly said the N585.18 million fraud allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption and uplifting the needy.

“However, notwithstanding that the Accountant-General of the Federation has successfully frustrated the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million from public treasury, it is crystal clear from the leaked memorandum of the minister that the offence of an attempt to commit a felony has already been completed.

“There can be no legal justification for the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun states since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has collated the individual bank accounts of all the vulnerable people

“Having regard to the facts and circumstances of this extremely embarrassing drama, we commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the recovery of the sum of N37 billion meant for vulnerable people in Nigeria.

“We also call on the commission to speed up the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a view to charging all indicted persons before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory as soon as possible,” Falana stated.

Sanwo-Olu Vows To Enforce Traffic, Tax Laws

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Bayo Bernard

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January 8, 2024

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Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated his government’s commitment to enforce traffic and tax laws using all the instrumentality of the state government.

The state helmsman spoke on Sunday during the New Year thanksgiving service held at the Tafawa Balwwa Squeare in Lagos.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs in conjunction with the first family, tagged ‘The righteous shall praise your name” was attended by the Deputy Governor and other members of the State Executive Council, SEC.

Sanwo-olu urged the residents of the state to play their part in moving the state forward by obeying the laws, saying his administration will not relent “in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations” which he described as the foundation of any progressive society.

According to him, “This year will be an important one for us in terms of enforcement of the various laws and regulations that have been meticulously crafted to safeguard our lives and property. Without adherence to the rule of law, no society can guarantee progress and prosperity.

“I, therefore, implore everyone of us, as Lagosians, to play our part in respecting and obeying the laws of the land. From paying our taxes, to obeying traffic rules, to disposing of our waste responsibly, to speaking up when we see other people breaking the law. These are all responsibilities that we carry as good people of Lagos State. “

“On our part, as government, we will continue to strive to make it easier for you to be law-abiding. Our transport reforms are aimed at improving the commuting experience for Lagosians, just as our emergency hotlines are there to make it easy for you to ‘say something if you see something’.

Rivers: What’s Wike’s Next Plot Against Fubara?

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Bayo Bernard

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January 8, 2024

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Amidst the ongoing power struggle between Nyesom Wike and Governor of Rivers state, Simi Fubara, some politicians in the state yesterday pledged their unflinching support for the former governor.

On Sunday, at a luncheon hosted by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, minister prominent politicians pulled their weight behind Wike, vowing to sink or survive with him.

The event which held in Port Harcourt, the state capital paraded who-is-who in the politics of the state, and others across the country who assured the FCT Minister that they are solidly behind him in the ongoing political battle with the state’s helmsman.

Prominent politicians who graced the event included the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, former commissioners, former lawmakers and some serving local government chairmen.

Also, former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuayi and Samuel Orton of Enugu and Benue states, respectively were present at the event.

They all spoke glowingly of the FCT minister, describing him as a loyal and dedicated friend. We will stand by you, all the speakers at the event chorused, to the admiration of Wike.

According to close political watchers, the event was organsied by the FCT minister to showcase his support base, and to rally supporters against the governor who recently turned his back on Wike, his benefactor and Godfather.

Fubara rode on the back of Wike to power in May this year, but their different political interests have set them apart lately.

All effort to reconcile the duo, including that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not yielded positive result.

Close watchers of the state, in their analysis of what transpired when feuding parties were directed by President Tinubu to sheathe their swords, told the magazine that what exist in the state currently can be described as the peace of the graveyard, that contending parties have since gone back to their trenches to prepare for the next ‘assault’.

Who among the two political gladiators will strike first? This is the big poser on the lips of those watching the dogfight in the oil bearing state, as contending forces battle for the control of the soul of the state.

Last October, barely five months after becoming the chief executive of the state, Governor Fubara had thwarted an impeachment plot against him by members of the state House of Assembly loyal to the FCT minister,

The governor had fought back, in a manner that keen watchers of politics in the state, said was a strong signal to Wike that he’s ready for a long battle.

But Fubara’s seeming victory may not last long, according to those who claimed that his predecessor is seriously plotting another deadly plot against him to bring his government down, once and for all.

They posit that Wike’s intentionally hosted the yesterday meeting to test the waters before he makes his next move.

The analysts however did not say whether Wike’s next plot against the governor would be preceded by his rumoured defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

The FCT Minister, according to those close to him, would defect to the APC anytime from now, in preparation for the next governorship election in the state in 2027.

According to this school of thought, Wike had earlier on Saturday hinted on his next onslaught against the governor, while visiting Chief Victor Giadom, a former Vice National Chairman of the APC.

The former governor was quoted to have said he is still firmly in charge in the state.

“Forget about these hungry noisemakers on the road. When the time comes, we will know who is in charge and who is not in charge. There is a time for everything,” Wike said.

From all indications, Wike is seriously plotting his next moves Against Governor Fubara, analysts insist, warning that the governor must watch out.

The question is: when will Wike strike again?

Insecurity: Anyaoku Charges FG To Find Xmas Eve Killers In Plateau, Other States

By

Bayo Bernard

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January 8, 2024

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Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, has called on the federal government to fish out those responsible for the spate of killings in the country.

The former commonwealth scribe made the charge at Oba in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State during this year’s summit and award ceremony of Merchants of Light School’s Old Boys’ Association Worldwide.

Some parts of the country have remained killing fields for none state actors who are battling security agencies for control.

On the Christmas eve, over 120 persons were killed by terrorist who are still at large.

The fleeing terrorists also razed the communities where they carried out the attack.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security agencies to find those responsible for the carnage.

Speaking, Chief Anyaoku stated that enough has not been done to end the killings going on across the country, adding that criminals are operating unchecked.

According to him, “The Federal Government should devote efforts to find those responsible for these killings.

“What’s particularly depressing is that these killings occur and nobody seems to be held responsible and charged accordingly.

“The first thing government should do is to deploy its agencies and forces to apprehend those perpetuating the killings, because that’s the only way to address the problem.”

President Tinubu had last week directed top security commanders to deal with the problem of insecurity in the country, stressing that he was not prepared to accept failure from them to end the menace.

Northern Group Faults Tinubu’s Loan Request, Calls Judiciary Reforms

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The Source

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January 8, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

A coalition of Civil Society Groups from the 19 Northern States of Nigeria under the aegis of Conference Of Northern Nigeria Civil Society Networks, has raised the alarm over what it termed an unbridled quest for loans by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the regime should rather look in wards to raise funds for governance, instead of mortgaging the future of up- coming generations

This is just as it has raised concerns over the spate of conflicting and controversial judicial pronouncements emanating from the country’s Judiciary ,in the aftermath of the 2023 polls. It warned that unless the National Judicial Council NJC wades in to halt the drift, the nation’s evolving democracy may be truncated.

The Source News Magazine reports that the President, in his 2024 budget proposed, a whopping $ 7.83 trillion loan, a development that has raised astronomically the debt profile of the country .

In a communique issued on Sunday, January, 7, 2023, and signed by the duo of Ambassador Ibrahim Waiya and Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf Chairman and Secretary respectively, the Northern Group called on President Tinubu to urgently convene a national economic summit for citizens to deliberate and proffer solutions to the current harsh economic situation in the country.

They lamented that millions of Nigerians have been plunged into unmitigated poverty owing to some unfriendly economic policies of the present administration, warning that the army of deprived citizens particularly from the Northern Region may prove to be handy in any destabilizing scenario.

“Before the advent of the present administration, there were over 130 million Nigerians living in multi- dimensional poverty .This terrifying situation should be seen and considered as a national emergency going by the potent dangers it portend ,which to us is a national security risk.

“Another 30 million Nigerians have since the inception of the present regime been added to the poverty club.

Therefore, igniting any politically motivated conflicts in any parts of the country especially in some opposition States in the North is an open invitation to the destruction of our dear country which we must collectively work to avert.” the group noted.

Consequently, they have appealed to the Presidency and all other political actors in the country to refrain from manipulating the country’s Judicial system ,adding that integrity, fairness and equity are some of the essential ingredients that guarantee an effective judicial system.

“We believe that the NJC has the responsibility to effect the necessary reforms to restore faith in the judiciary.

The conflicting judgments being issued by various courts of the same jurisdiction have created a sense of confusion and frustration among the citizenry, leading to loss of public confidence in the Judiciary.” the Northern Group stated.

The Coalition further expressed its concern about the declining fortunes of democracy in the country owing to manipulative tendencies of the of the political class.

” Some members of the conference in different states of the North participated actively in the the last elections and closely monitored activities and we regret to state that what took place in most states like Imo, Kano, Zamfara, Plateau, and the presidential election were not elections.

“The will of the people which remains the pillar of democracy the world over was suppressed during the last elections ” the group lamented.

Falana Lashes Betta Edu Over N585 Million Scandal, Says She Should Stop Insulting Nigerians

By

Akinwale Kasali

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January 7, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, has come under strong criticism from Human Rights Activist, Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, urging her to stop insulting Nigerians following her claims that the allegations of a N585 million fraud were baseless.

It would be recalled that a memo surfaced last week Friday where Edu directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

Lashing her not to be economical with the truth, Falana, in a statement on Sunday, said that while the Minister has not denied that she approved the “payment of the over half a billion Naira to a private account in contravention of, the extant Public Service Rules as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences, ICPC, Act and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory,” she refused to, “apologise to the Federal Government and people of Nigeria and calling it quits for betraying the confidence reposed in her, the Minister has arrogantly said that the N585.18 million fraud allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption and uplifting the needy.”

Speaking further, Falana noted that though the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, has successfully frustrated the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million from the public treasury, it is crystal clear from the leaked memorandum of the Minister that the offence of an attempt to commit a felony has already been completed.

“There can be no legal justification for the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has collated the individual bank accounts of all the vulnerable people

“Having regard to the facts and circumstances of this extremely embarrassing drama, we commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the recovery of the sum of N37 billion meant for vulnerable people in Nigeria.

“We also call on the Commission to speed up the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a view to charging all indicted persons before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory as soon as possible,” Falana said.