Zamfara: How Fmr. Gov. Matawalle Bought Massage Chairs N50m Each, Empowered Bandits, Accommodated Them In Govt. House

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November 3, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The immediate past Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle has been accused of unprecedented recklessness while he was Governor. Matawalle, currently the Minister for State, Defence, has also been accused of empowering and encouraging murderous bandits by buying vehicles for them, and giving them asylum at Government House.

These allegations were made during an interview by AbdulMalik Gajam, the State’s Commissioner for Budget and Planning.

According to Commissioner Gajam, Matawalle ran the State aground by spending money recklessly as if it was going out of fashion.

“This administration spent more than N15 billion in the Government House alone, and now, if you go to Zamfara State, there is no Governor’s office that is functioning. They even bought massage chairs for N50million in a state where people are hungry and are dying of illiteracy and insecurity and people are dying of malnutrition.”

He, also revealed that the State does not have upto two vehicles capable of taking one from Zamfara to Abuja “efficiently and effectively in time.”

His words during the interview when asked the situation the new administration met in the State and how they have coped so far.

“My name is AbdulMalik Abubakar Gajam, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning.

“You see, when we came into the saddle, we met Zamfara State in insecurity crisis. When you talk of economic output, Zamfara State is 32 over 37, and when we talk of importation, Zamfara State is 32 over 37. But when we talk about business competition and industrialization, Zamfara State is 35 over 37.

“When we talk about Healthcare, Zamfara State is 26 over 37. In terms of Education, Zamfara State is 30, when we talk about ICT, Zamfara State is 34. So, when you look at all these numbers, this is based on statistics that was done by ADSR that showed the scorecards of Nigeria States and overall averagely, the high mark is 45 in which Zamfara State was under 40, so Zamfara State was 36 over 37 overall In Nigeria. That means we are last, we are taking the Zee.

“This year alone, Zamfara State is to pay Debt Servicing of over N30 Billion. We have paid more than N20 Billion from January till date.

“As it stands today In Zamfara State, they do not have two vehicles that can take you from Zamfara to Abuja efficiently and effectively in time.

“A Government that removes from Public Account, Tax Payer money to put into construction and nothing is built.

“There is nothing to show on Healthcare, even those Primary Healthcare, when you go around now, you cannot even take animals into those structures you have built for us as Primary Healthcare Centers and Hospitals with World Bank money, and then suspended work, and at the end of the day, there are no equipment, there is no manpower, there is no planning, there is no policy. We are still having emergencies in Marafa and Anka Local Government where Children are dying of Cholera.

“You think that the Government will be sensible enough to invest those monies into education sector, it is sad that we do not have a functioning education system In Zamfara State.

“What will amaze you is the idea that the past administration spent three years without paying for WAEC and NECO fees. That means every young person In Zamfara State that graduated from Secondary School in the past three years has become a second person to somebody from Imo State and Sokoto State that is of the same age of what we are engaged into, that were enrolled into schools together. Now he is three years far behind.

“The past administration spent over N15 billion in the Government House alone, and now if you go to Zamfara State, there is no Governor Office that is functioning, we are even rehabilitating at the moment.

“They even bought Massage Chairs for N50 Million in a State where people are hungry and are dying of illiteracy and insecurity, and people are dying of Malnutrition. There is no 5KM Road constructed in Four Years.

“They have spent billions of Zamfara State’s hard earned money. They came to AMCON, the contribution of Pension was supposed to be since inception in 2005, the employer was meant to contribute, the employee will also contribute from the beginning of time, since its inception, but the Government of Zamfara State that is the employer never put in their contribution, in which the employees were contributing.

“At the end of the day, the past administration came to AMCON, withdrew the money, and removed themselves from that engagement of a fiscal policy that transform the Pension processes and enable our people to get access to their investment after retirement, they withdrew that money and squandered over One Point Something Billion Naira out of the Pension Money.

“The legacy the past Government left in Zamfara State is that he bought vehicles, Hilux Vehicles and dash them away to Bandits, the evidence is there for all to see. He was giving asylum to Bandits in Government House, people that killed even in tl barbaric manner. There has never been a time where an Emir or a King would give asylum to somebody that kills people.”

Reps Member Urges FG To Address Exodus Of Professionals Abroad

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Ayodele Oni

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November 3, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

The Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency one, in the House of Representatives, Ojuawo Adeniyi, has tasked the Federal Government to urgently put policy and programmes in place to stop their mass exodus abroad.

The lawmaker observed that professionals and graduates should be motivated to dissuade them from leaving the country in droves for a greener pasture, a move, popularly known as the ‘Japa Syndrome’.

In a motion of national importance at the green chamber, Ojuawo canvassed the need for policy and programmes to reduce the brain drain in the country.

He said “The rate at which our professionals and graduates leave the country is worrisome and there is an urgent need to stem the tide.

“It is the right of every citizen to choose where to live or work as enshrined in the constitution, but we must also guard against loosing the best hands to this surge for us to maintain our growth and development as a Nation.

“Our human capital resources daily declines to this scourge in every sector and badly affected is our health and educational sectors where our doctors and lecturers left most of our hospitals and universities to United Kingdom and United States respectively in their hundreds in the last two years.

“We need to arrest this ugly situation on time before it set us backward. Our human resource capital is an asset to our nation building and development therefore we must prioritize their welfare and motivate them to discouragement of this syndrome called Japa.”

Ojuawo urged the house to consider his motion as matter urgent of national importance and make a resolution to Federal government.

“I urge this hallowed chamber to task the government on introduction of policy and programmes that will discourage our professionals and graduates from seeking for greener pastures abroad.

“Government should see it as a national malady and as a matter of necessity, involves critical stakeholder on incentives to demotivate this migration because it will have great impact on our national growth if is left unchecked now.”

Veteran Actor, Amaechi Muonagor Bedridden, Seeks Financial Support From Colleagues, Nigerians

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 3, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Amaechi Muonagor, Veteran Nollywood Actor has called on his colleagues in the industry and well meaning Nigerians to come to his aid financially as he battles stroke.

The Actor shared pictures of himself on a wheelchair and lying down on a chair as he struggles with a paralyzing Stroke.

In a widely shared video, he was seen lying flat on his back, explaining how his ordeal began and the medical course he’s taken thus far. He explained how he was rushed to the hospital after his initial stroke , and stayed for several months.

However, because his condition showed no signs of recovery, he was sent to Nnewi Teaching Hospital in Anambra, where he is still receiving treatment.

Muonagor went on to explain that seven months ago, this misfortune befell him after he had just wrapped up a tasking shoot alongside his colleagues Emeka Ani, Patience Ozokwo, Rita Edochie, and Ebele Okaro on a movie set. Just as he was preparing to hit the road in his car, he found himself suddenly struck by a debilitating stroke.

Since that ill-fated day, the actor revealed that his condition has been deteriorating. He can no longer move his legs or walk independently, and half of his body is now paralyzed.

He apologized for not sharing this publicly earlier, as he never anticipated the illness would persist for so long.

Now, he is reaching out to kind-hearted Nigerians, seeking financial assistance for his paralysis, which has caused significant swelling in parts of his body and rendered him unable to eat.

He also mentioned that during his three-month stay at the current hospital, they have run out of the necessary medications for his treatment.

Amaechi added that he is in desperate need of help from his colleagues, fans, and friends.

Bayelsa Guber: PDP An ill Wind Says, LP Candidate

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James Orji

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November 3, 2023

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The governorship candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the November 11, 2023 election in Bayelsa state, Udengs Eradiri has described the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as an ill wind for the people of the state.

The LP candidate made this known in his reaction to a recent report that the state has been ranked the second poorest state in the country.

Bayelsa is an oil-producing state with billions of dollars received by successive governments in the state.

In spite of the huge funds that the state has received as one of the oil-bearing states in the country, not a few insist that its predominantly fishing and agrarian population are still very poor.

The state is set for another election in a few days and the incumbent Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is seeking a reelection.

The PDP has ruled the state for close to 24 years since the country returned to constitutional democracy in 1999.

Speaking in Yenagoa, the state’s capital on Thursday, Eradiri, a former President of the Ijay Youth Congress, IYC, said successive PDP administrations have misruled the state, he stressed that his party, LP, is a better alternative that can bring development to the state.

He blamed the current despondency and poverty facing the state on the incompetence of the PDP’s successive administrations which Governor Diri represents. The governor, he said, has nothing to offer.

According to him, the report “shows that the PDP leadership and the current government of Douye Diri diverted and squandered all our commonwealth.”

He stated further, “Bayelsa has a red flag in all developmental indices. It will shock you to know that 2.61 million people out of the 2.9 million people are languishing in abject poverty. This is to say that 88 per cent of our population are extremely poor despite the humongous resources and revenue coming into this state.

“While Sokoto, a desert, occupies the first position, Bayelsa, an oil-rich state is coming second. What other proof do we need to know that the PDP has remained the whirlwind that will not blow this state and our people any good?

“What other evidence do we need as a people to know that this forthcoming election affords us, the people, an opportunity to kick out Diri and his party? They mean no good for our state and should be given a red card.”

CBN Assures Naira Free-Flow Following Pockets Of Scarcity

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James Orji

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November 3, 2023

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has assured Nigerians that there is enough cash in circulation, in response to the report that some parts of the country have been witnessing cash scarcity in the last few days.

The apex bank urged Nigerians not to panic as it would ensure sufficient cash in circulation, it also advised Nigerians not to embark on panic withdrawals, adding that transactions could also be carried out through electronic and internet banking to reduce pressure on the available cash in circulation.

The reaction comes amidst reports earlier in the week that cash scarcity is being experienced in some parts of the country, particularly in the northern parts of Nigeria.

Some commercial banks in Lagos Island also experienced the same problem on Tuesday, according to customers who said they were forced to resort to POS operators for their transactions after most ATMs failed to dispense cash.

According to sources who spoke to the magazine, the problem was caused following rumuors that the CBN was planning to redesign the naira. The apex bank has already debunked the suggestion.

In its reaction in a statement signed by the apex bank’s spokesman, Isa AbdulMumin on Thursday, the CBN said it noted “the concerns of Nigerians’ but allayed fears that economic activities are being disrupted due to the perceived problems by some Nigerians, adding that everything is being done to ensure a free-flow of cash.

The CBN said, “While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country,” the statement read.

“The branches of the CBN across the country are also working to ensure the seamless circulation of cash in their respective states of operation.”

The Yemi Cardoso-led apex bank had on Monday debunked reports that it was planning to push on with the naira redesign policy introduced by Godwin Emefiele, the sacked CBN Governor.

Meanwhile, the CBN said it has started to clear the estimated $7 billion outstanding foreign exchange obligations of the Federal Government, on foreign currency forwards contracts owed to banks. The apex bank spokesman confirmed this to Reuters yesterday.

Ajaero’s May Be Flown Abroad For Treatment

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 2, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero may be flown abroad following the degree of injuries sustained on Wednesday in Owerri, Imo State.

Ajaero had mobilized Imo State Workers for a protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of the rights and privileges of workers by the state government. But the planned protest turned violent when Police Operatives allegedly pounced on him, and manhandled him. He was, thereafter, arrested detained and released later following an outcry.

But the Police denied they brutalized Ajaero, and insisted the NLC President was only taken into protected custody to save him from being lynched by a mob.

Benson Upah, NLC’s Publicity Secretary disclosed that Ajaero could not be treated to the satisfaction of the NLC and families of the NLC at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri because of the nature of the injuries he sustained during the scuffle, leading to the plan to fly him abroad for better healthcare.

FG Bows To Pressure, Removes Controversial Acquisition Of Yacht From 2023 Supplementary Budget

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 2, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the public outcry that trailed the plan to buy a Presidential Yacht, the Federal Government has removed the controversial Presidential Yacht Purchase from the 2023 Supplementary Budget.

The FG had planned to spend a whopping sum N5 Billion to purchase the Presidential yacht in the midst of an economic hardship, leading to mixed reactions.

Though, President Tinubu’s aide clarified that it wasn’t meant for President Tinubu, that it was meant for the Nigerian Navy.

However, Abubakar Bichi, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations disclosed that the budget for Presidential yacht has been transferred to Student loan.

Ekiti Power Project To Accommodate Private Concerns, Begins Test Running

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Ayodele Oni

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November 2, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Independent Power Project (IPP) which is currently undergoing test running, will be expanded to cover private concerns on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, Commissioner for infrastructure and public utilities, Bolaji Aluko has revealed.

The Commissioner said in Ado Ekiti that the project has been tested successfully for two weeks with 700kw distributed so far out of the total strength of 3.5megawatts and room for expansion.

Aluko added that the test covered Governor’s Office, Government House, State Secretariat Complex, House of Assembly Complex, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, (EKSUTH) and streetlights along major roads in the metropolis.

Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, explained that the power projecth is part of efforts at addressing the shortage of electricity supply to the State.

Speaking during a facility tour of the Power Plant Station in Ado Ekiti, the Commissioner said that the project initiated by the immediate past administration of Dr. Kayode Fayemi and completed by Governor Biodun Oyebanji, was one in the series of interventions to address inherent challenges in electricity supply to the State.

Olatunbosun stressed that the development was geared to boost industrialization and socio-economic development, as well as enhance good governance.

He noted that doing away with the hitherto ubiquitous generators with attendant huge cost of diesels and environmental pollution used to power public facilities like streetlights and government offices would block a lot of wastages.

Reiterating the commitment of the administration to the general well-being of people in the State, Olatunbosun stated that the completion of the Power plant came in the heels of several other similar interventions including the restoration of electricity at Ekiti East and Gbonyin (Ayekire) Local Government Areas within his one year in office after fifteen years of blackout.

The Commissioner added that the tourism hub in Ikogosi, Erijinyan and Ipole-Iloro axis has also been connected back to the National grid through a dedicated feeder line from the 132/33KVA power substation at Omisanjana in Ado Ekiti after almost two decades of power outage.

He pointed out that it was the determination of government to boost the local economy and propel industrial development via robust growth of Small, and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the State adding that government places a high premium on provision of stable supply of electricity across the state to serve as an impetus and a major boost to the growth of SMEs.

He appealed for the continued support of residents for Government’s efforts at developing the State and improving their lot, stressing the need for stakeholders to take ownership of public projects and ensure their safety.

Imo: APGA Gov Candidate Condemns Attack On NLC President

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James Orji

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November 2, 2023

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The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, candidate in the 2023 Imo state governorship election, Sir Tony Ejiogu, has expressed sadness over the brutal attack on the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero in Owerri, the state capital.

The NLC president was in Owerri on Wednesday, November 1, to mobilize Imo workers for a protest rally in the state over an alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the state government, but the planned peaceful protest turned violent with allegations that thugs emerged and descended on the protesters and labour leaders.

In a statement on Thursday November 2, Ejiogu described as a huge embarrassment to the highly cultured and peace-loving people of Imo state, the news that a man of Joe Ajaero’s status would be so treated in his own state where he should be lovingly welcomed.

“Regardless of the sentiment that the perpetrators of this act might express, there is no moral or legal justification for violence against a fellow citizen. There should be no place for violence in the Imo state that we all want to live in and prosper.

“How did we get here as Imolites? When did we become a state where leaders and elders are being disrespected, beaten up and disgraced while our children are watching? When did we become a state that has no respect for the leadership of the working population of our nation?” he said.

The NLC stated that Ajaero was arrested, “beaten up and blindfolded and taken to an unknown destination where more brutalisation took place, sometimes with bottles”. Images of a badly battered Ajaero later emerged on the internet to the shock of many Nigerians.

While there are divergent reports about the circumstances around the attack on Comrade Joe Ajaero and how he was whisked away by men of the Police, Sir Ejiogu wants the police to ensure that the perpetrators of this “shameful act” are brought to book.

“While the police have been providing the public with their details of this sad event, please permit me to state that an issue like this should not end on the pages of newspapers and social media, because our state and the police leadership will be on the wrong side of history.

“This is not just a crime against Ajaero’s person, but against Nigerian workers, our state and humanity. I appeal to the Imo State Police Command to ensure thorough investigation of this shameful act, so that its perpetrators are exposed, charged and made to face the consequences of their crime.”

The APGA candidate then appealed to the people of the state not to lose hope in the future of Imo state. “Do not be discouraged by these events. Rather, let them inspire you to troop out on November 11 and use your votes to choose a new future for our state. Vote for a new leadership that has genuine respect for human lives and places the security of the state as its top priority.”

Senate Passes President Tinubu’s N2.18tn Supplementary Budget

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 2, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate on Thursday passed the N2.18 trillion 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill forwarded to it for consideration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Supplementary Appropriation Bill sent to the Senate, was read, earlier, on the floor of the Senate and given expeditious consideration.

The budgetary proposals made in the bill were debated, passed for a second reading, and the Committee on Appropriations mandated to interface with heads of affected agencies for defence on proposals made.

The Committee chaired by Senator Solomon Adeola, representing the All Progressives Congress, Ogun West Senatorial District met with Heads of the seven affected agencies till the late hours of Wednesday and told journalists that the reports on the supplementary budgetary proposals will be submitted to the Senate for final consideration and passage on Thursday.

Adeola said, “As mandated by the Senate on the strength of the request made by President Bola Tinubu, the Appropriations Committee has met with heads of the affected seven agencies supplementary budget proposals were provided for.

“Heads of each of the agencies have defended proposals made for them by the President and convinced the committee on the need for the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly to approve the N2.17tn 2023 supplementary budget.

“The committee has carried out the assignment given in line with the urgency required on the basis which reports for final consideration and passage of the bill, will be submitted to the Senate today (Thursday)”.

It would be recalled that the Budget Committee met with Heads of various agencies, that included the Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, defended the N100 billion budgeted for the Federal Ministry of Housing in the supplementary budget which according to him, would be spent on construction of housing estates across the country.

In his presentation, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, defended the N100 billion provided in the supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory out of which N22 billion was earmarked for the completion of metro rail.

For security and safety in FCT, Wike told the committee members that all abandoned structures would be brought down so as not to serve as hideouts for criminals from neighbouring states.

Other Ministers who made presentations before the committee were the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who defended his almost N400 billion appropriation; the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, as well as service chiefs.