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My EFCC Story, By Aliko Dangote

By
The Source
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  • The visit of the EFFC to my office was meant to embarrass me

“On 6 December 2023, we received a letter requesting details of all the foreign exchange allocated to our company by the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2014 to the present. We understand similar letters were sent to 51 other Groups of companies requesting for same information spanning the same period.

“We responded to the EFCC to acknowledge receipt of the letter whilst seeking clarification on the subsidiaries or companies within the Group that they required information on. We also requested additional time to compile and properly present the extensive documentation spanning ten years.

“The EFCC did not provide the clarification sought and also did not honour our request for an extension and insisted on receiving the complete set of documents within the limited timeframe.

“Despite this constraint, we assured the EFCC of our commitment to providing the information and pledged to share documents in batches as we complete the compilation.

“On 4 January 2024, our team delivered the first batch of documents to the EFCC. However, officers of the EFCC did not accept the documents, insisting on visiting our offices to collect the same set of documents directly.

“Whilst our representatives were still at the EFCC’s office to deliver the documents, a team of their officers proceeded to visit our offices to demand the same documents in a manner that appeared designed to cause us unwarranted embarrassment.

“Worthy of note is the fact that the officials did not take any documents or files from our Head office during their visit as these were already in their office.

“We must emphasize that, to our knowledge, no accusations of wrongdoing have been made against any company within our Group. At present, we are only responding to a request for information to assist the EFCC with their ongoing investigation.

“As a law-abiding and ethical corporate citizen, we remain committed to providing the EFCC with all necessary information and cooperation.

“We have already delivered the first batch of documents and are actively working to compile and submit the remaining documents, in good time, to aid their investigation.

“Our Group is a key contributor to the national GDP, the largest employer in the private sector, one of the largest groups listed on the Nigerian Exchange, and one of the highest taxpayers in the country.

“We remain steadfast in our belief in Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and its dedication to fostering an environment conducive for investment and value creation for both local and foreign investors.

“We, therefore, call for the understanding and patience of our stakeholders. We will keep our stakeholders informed of any further developments.”

Education Was Focus Of My Administration In Kogi – Gov Bello

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State
Yahaya Bello

By Ayodele Oni

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, now at the tail end of his eight years administration of the State, has awarded himself a pass mark. He said he came, saw, and will be leaving the State better than he met it.

Bello stated this at the fourth Convocation ceremony of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, for 10 sets of graduating students from 2013 to 2022.

Bello said part of his achievements is evident in the repositioning of Kogi Polytechnic and other State- owned tertiary institutions.

“My achievements can be attested to, by where the State Polytechnic was before my assumption of office, where it is now and how we have repositioned it for the future.

”We have taken time to look into the education sector for the benefit of our people; we made education a top priority in our thematic agenda.

“We did not only improve on the infrastructure and learning in our tertiary institutions, but also expanded our educational institution through the establishments of two additional universities.

“This will enable our children not to travel far to seek for knowledge within four years of our second term administration.

“By 16th January 2024, the first set of students would be matriculated at the newly-established Kogi State University, Kabba.”

Bello, the visitor to the polytechnic, thanked the Chairman of the Governing Council, Staff, and Students of the Polytechnic for the cooperation his administration enjoyed.

The governor eulogized the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Ogbo, for his outstanding achievements, which had made the Polytechnic an of envy among others, saying it is worthy of emulation across the world.

”To the Rector, I say I’m proud of you. I’m indeed very proud of you. and I will forever be proud of you.”

The governor commended TETFUND and other donors and financial agencies for their contributions to the repositioning of the Polytechnic.

Earlier, the Rector praised the governor for his unflinching support towards the successes recorded, describing his appointment as a rare privilege, and thanked the governor for finding him worthy to serve.

Ogbo said he was able to use his three “RRRs” agenda of Repair, Reform and Restore, to return the lost glory of the Polytechnic to one of envy.

“The Polytechnic now prides itself as an institution committed to graduating students who are employers of labour in the country.

“A total of 145 students are graduating with Distinction at the National Diploma (ND) level, while 104 students are graduating with Distinction at Higher National Diploma (HND) level from various Schools and Departments.

“A total of 7,653 students are graduating with National Diploma while 4,427 students are graduating with Higher National Diploma.”

On his part, the institution’s Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Isa, said the council would continue to support the Polytechnic to prioritize academic and personal development of students,

Isa promised that the Polytechnic would strive to provide the needed tools and resources for students to continue to succeed.

Imo: Police Goes After Abductors Of High Profile Traditional Ruler, Provides Contact Numbers

By
The Source
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HRH Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri

By Charles Igbo

An enraged Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, Aboki Danjuma, has finally reacted to the abduction of the immediate past Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Eze Samuel Ohiri. Before his reaction, Henry Okoye, Spokesperson for the Imo Police Command had said he had not been briefed on the worrisome incident

Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area was abducted from his Palace in the morning of Saturday January 6, 2024.

Unconfirmed reports say he was abducted with his younger brother, Solomon Ohiri, who returned from the United States of America to spend the holiday with family. However, another unconfirmed report said Solomon managed to escape from the abductors while he was being dragged into the abductors’ operational vehicle.

In reaction to the incident which has shaken the Orodo  Community to its foundation, CP Danjuma has sent a formidable squad after the hoodlums who abducted Ohiri.

A statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Command, Henry Okoye, said: “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad to go all out in synergy with the Military and other sister Security Agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the kidnap of Eze Samuel Ohir, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo Autonomous Community and former Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers in his Palace on 06/02/2024, and possibly rescue him unhurt.

“The Commissioner of Police calls on the general public, in particular,  the family and relatives of Eze Ohiri to remain calm as the Command is on top of the situation and has taken affirmative investigating steps towards ensuring that the victim is rescued unhurt and the kidnappers are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. More so, more Police Operatives have been deployed to the Mbaitoli axis for robust visibility patrol to forestall similar occurrences.

“In the wake of this ugly incident, the Commissioner of Police reaffirms the Command’s steadfastness towards ensuring the maximum safety and security of all and sundry in Imo State.

CP Danjuma condemns the dastardly act in totality and vows that no stone will be left unturned until Eze Ohiri is released and his kidnappers brought to book.

“The Command beckons on the general public who may have any information that may lead to the rescue of Eze Ohiri to kindly do so by reporting to the nearest Police Station or via 08034773600 or 08098880197. Let us collectively work towards stamping out all forms of crime and criminality in the State.”

Ohiri was the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers during the Government of Senator Rochas Okorocha.

Rights Group Urge EFCC To Probe N31 Billion Fraud Allegations Against Umar Farouq

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

As investigation over the alleged N31 Billion Fraud at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development intensifies,  following the a  Civil Society Organisation has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to probe the immediate past  Minister in the Ministry, Sadiya Umar Farouq.

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), urged the anti graft agency,  not to rest on its oars in unraveling the truth.

The anti-corruption group said it is necessary for the FG and the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into the actions of Umar Farouq, inclding her failure to Honour the EFCC on health grounds.

It would be recalled that the anti-graft agency had previously summoned Umar Farouq for questioning as part of an ongoing probe into an alleged N37.1 billion fraud during her tenure in office, but her Lawyer wrote the agency citing health issues as reason for her absence.

In a statement issued and signed by Olanrewaju Suraju, the Chairman of HEDA, the group emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the N31 billion fraud and misappropriation. It stressed that anyone found guilty must be held accountable.

Referring to the President’s earlier call for a thorough investigation into allegations of financial misconduct within the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, HEDA asserted the importance of leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.

The statement highlighted the unfortunate disregard for transparency in the National Social Investment Program, with the open operational policy designed for the agency by the former Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Maryam Uwais, was jettisoned.

Suraju further revealed that HEDA had previously raised concerns about corruption under Sadiya Umar-Farouk, but the authorities failed to address the issue. He also points out HEDA’s past exposure of corrupt activities at the community level within the agency, emphasizing the lack of response to the whistleblowing calls.

“Similarly, we also requested for the breakdown of N535.8 million spent to feed schoolchildren during Covid-19 lockdown under the Freedom of Information Act, but the then Minister, SadiyaUmar-Farouq refused to respond to the information sought, until the court was approached to sought order of mandamus compelling the minister to immediately release and made available to it all information and documents requested.”

“In addition, an independent investigation and available information revealed that the so-called modified and implemented school feeding programme during the lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic was a scam, cover-up and well-articulated fiction to embezzle public funds.”

HEDA called on the current administration led by President Tinubu not only to investigate and suspend corrupt appointees and staff but also to review the activities of the agency. This, HEDA believes, is essential for realizing the administration’s Renew Hope Agenda and ensuring the agency operates with integrity and transparency.

Pastor Adeboye Says Nigeria’s Wealth In Wrong Hands, Will Change In 2024

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

As Nigeria’s economic fortunes dwindled in 2023, with the nation experiencing economic downturn, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, has disclosed that the nation’s wealth is in wrong hands. He said that the wealth of the nation will change hands in 2024.

He said this assertion during the January Thanksgiving Service/First Sunday in 2024 with the theme: “Supernatural Enlargement” held at RCCG Head Quarter, Throne of Grace Parish, Ebutte Metta, Lagos.

His words: “Don’t let anybody tell you money is not in this country, just that it is in wrong hands.This year, wealth will change hand. Wind is going to blow on the Naira”.

Citing the December 2023 Congress themed: “Divine Repositing, he said after divine repositioning the next thing is mountain top.

He admonished the worshipers to praise God massively; seek wisdom to serve and stay connected in 2024 which was the key and three major things that stood Solomon in the Bible out

Adeboye added: “Long before the end of this year, you will know that you are on the mountain top. Some will start the year as nobody but before the end of the year, they will be somebody.

“If you do anything you can to serve God , He will not only reposition you, He would lift you to the mountain top.”

N12 Billion Moral Boost For Super Eagles, Others

By
Ayodele Oni
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Super Eagles New - AFCON 2023

By Ayodele Oni

There is brighter hope of good performance for the various sporting teams including the Super Eagles in the new year as President Bola Tinubu has cleared  outstanding debt owed them by the Federal Government.

According to a statement on the X handle of Tinubu’s Media Centre, on Sunday, the payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team.

The statement reads, “President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others.

“The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team.

“This is coming at a time when the Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which is billed to start later this month.”

Imo: How Gunmen Abducted Former Chairman Imo Council Of Traditional Rulers, Brother

By
The Source
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0
HRH Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri

By Charles Igbo

The peace recorded in Imo State during the Christmas and New Year celebrations was, on Saturday morning, shattered when gunmen abducted the immediate past Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri. The abduction marks the beginning of, perhaps, another round of siege on Imo Traditional Rulers who have been easy preys for gunmen.

Eze Ohiri, the Traditional Ruler of Orodo in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area, was abducted in his Palace along with his younger brother, identified as Solomon, who returned from his base in the United States of America to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays with family. Unconfirmed reports, however, said that as the gunmen dragged the two into their operational Highlander vehicle, Solomon  struggled with them and managed to escape.

Eye witnesses say that the incident took place around 8.30am just as the two men, who had gone out on a visit to a couple of people, returned. As they drove into the Palace, and stepped down, from their car,  a Toyota Highlander drove in and blocked them. And, within a twinkle of an eye, the gunmen, whose number is unknown, jumped out, grabbed the two men, and dragged them into their operational vehicle.

The gunmen has made no contact with the family at the time of filing this report. Nor has the Imo State Police Command which Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, told Reporters he was yet to be briefed on the incident.

In as many months, Traditional Rulers in the State have been targets of gunmen who abduct them for, either to make money, or gruesome killing. The most recent was HRH Eze Ochulor of Amumara, Mbaise, Ezinihitte LGA, who was abducted, and killed a few hours after his abduction. His abductors cut off one of his legs and dumped his body on the roadside.

Ohiri was the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers under the Government of Senator Rochas Okorocha.

Ngige Defends  Buhari’s Administration, Gives APGA Quit Notice In Anambra

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Minister of Labour and Productivity under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Chris Ngige, has told the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Anambra State to be prepared as the All Progressives Congress, APC, will take over power in the State at the next Governorship Election.

Speaking from his home in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra during the distribution of palliatives to party members, persons with disabilities, and the elderly on Saturday, he admitted that APC has two factions in the State but said the division would not stop the party from winning the 2025 governorship election as aggrieved members would be pacified before the election.

His words: “Of course, there is APC 1 and APC 2 in the State. I will not deny that. I am both the father and face of APC in Anambra. I am certain that some newcomers  joined us since 2021.

“Because the party is like a Church, which you do not stop people from entering, you do not stop people from entering the party to look for salvation or to support the government in power.

“But the challenge is that the new entrants do not want to reckon with old members who have laboured for the party.

“The old members laboured for the party from the time we were in the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to the Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD) to the Action Congress (AC) to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and finally birthed as APC.”

According to him, these are facts that are undeniable and palpable. But in politics, you disagree to agree, and if you do not agree, you bear the consequences. We did not agree in the 2021 election, and the repercussions were clear.

“But it will be remedied this time. The party leadership, both at the governmental level and at the party level, is composed of mature politicians who are versed in the intrigues,” he said.

He debunked claim that former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was a failure.

He stressed that under Buhari’s administration the Second Niger Bridge was completed. He, also, pointed out the  school feeding programmes, and Enugu Airport, among others, as some of the projects carried out by the administration.

He explained that his faction remains the authentic APC in Anambra, and insisted there was no crisis in the party.

He said, “It is not true that the Buhari administration was a failure. I was part of the government and the administration completed a lot of projects including the Second Niger Bridge, school feeding programme and numerous railways across the country.

“There is APC one and two in Anambra State. I won’t deny that fact. I am the father of APC here, I am the face of APC in Anambra State and I know for certain that we have newcomers who have been coming since the year 2021.

“… and because the party is like a church, you don’t stop people from entering a church to seek salvation, so also you can’t stop people from entering a party to support government in power.

“We allow everybody but there is a segregation already because the new members don’t want to reckon with the old members who have laboured for the party from the time we were SDP to ACD, AC to ACN and then finally liberated as APC when we collapsed with NNPP and CPC. These are facts, and I don’t like denying things are facts.”

Northern Group Urges EFCC To Beam Searchlight On NSIPA, Flays Attempt To Make Betta Edu Scapegoat

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Betta Edu

By Ayodele Oni

A Northern Group, the Arewa Integrity Group, has stoutly risen in defence of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, over ongoing investigations into some financial deals in her ministry.

At a press conference on Saturday, the Arewa Integrity Group called for an unbiased investigation into the alleged scandal at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The group emphasized the need for transparency, and cautioned against any attempts to cover up the reported financial mismanagement within the agency.

Addressing the media in Kano, Alhaji Ibrahim Sambo, the Convener of the Arewa Integrity Group, expressed concern over attempts to drag the  Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, into the ongoing investigations.

Sambo stated that the group stands firmly against corruption and supports the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) probe into the disappearance of billions of naira from NSIPA.

The group highlighted Dr. Betta Edu’s track record as a high achiever within the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and denounced the campaign to implicate her in the alleged N44.8 billion fraud.

Sambo stressed that the accusations against Dr. Edu are based on deliberate falsehood and disinformation, aimed at diverting attention from the actual investigation.

The Arewa Integrity Group commended the EFCC for its efforts in recovering the fraudulently diverted funds and called on all parties involved to be accountable for their actions.

The group urged the public to rely on credible information and resist fake news and propaganda, reaffirmed support for Edu and commended her for bringing the fraudulent activity to the attention of the government and the EFCC.

Crisis Looms In Ondo Parks As NURTW Faction Demands Power Shift

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Adebo Idajo - Ondo NURTW Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

Crisis is looming among members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, (NURTW) in Ondo state as a section of the union is demanding power shift to the south senatorial district of the state.

Those demanding for power shift base argument on the fact that two other zones, north and central have spent six and eight years respectively, leaving out the south.

Investigation reveal that the NURTW in the state has been polarized to the extent that the incumbent Governor determines who becomes what within the union.

The current leadership of the union is led by one Mr Adebo Idajo, a close ally of the immediate past governor, late Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

Even after a long protracted crisis, which led to the dissolution of the state executive, the park management committee constituted by the state government is still under the leadership of Idajo.

In a letter to the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Ondo South, informed him that it is the turn of the zone to produce the next Chairman of the union.

A spokesman for the union in the zone, Mr. Ojo Dayo made this known while speaking with newsmen in Akure.

According to Ojo, the letter was submitted to the Governor through the office of Chief of Staff to the Governor on Friday 5th January, 2023.

He said, “it is now the turn of Ondo South to produce the next state chairman of the union. During Governor Olusegun Mimiko regime, Mr. Obayoriade Daddymatter from Ondo North, occupied the position of the state chairman for a period of six years or thereabouts. Jimi Obama from Ondo Central took over from Daddymatter and spent six months and later handed over power to Mr. Ariyo Adetula from Ondo Central and spent a year and four months.

“When late Governor Akeredolu came on board, he appointed Mr. Jacob Adebo Idajo from Ondo central again. Following the aforementioned reasons, we want to strongly appeal to the Governor to appoint the next state chairman of the union from Ondo South.”

They also called on the Governor Aiyedatiwa to wade into the matter as a matter of urgency and appoint a southerner who can pilot the affairs of the union and carry everybody along.

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