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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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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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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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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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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.

“Funke Akindele’s “A Tribe Called Judah,” Reflection Of Challenges Being Faced By Nigerians,”  –  Peter Obi

By
Ayodele Oni
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Funke Akindele - A Tribe Of Judah Movie

By Ayodele Oni

The Labour Party presidential candidate in the last general election, Peter Obi, has showered accolades on the Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele over her blockbuster movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ describing it as “a reflection of the challenges facing the less-privileged Nigerians.”

Obi made this assertion in a statement via his verified X handle on Saturday.

A Tribe Called Judah’ broke a box office record within three weeks of its release in cinemas to become the first Nollywood film to gross N1 billion.

Reacting to this development, Obi noted that the movie reflected “some of the complex challenges faced by many less-privileged families in Nigeria, in their struggles for survival.”

He stated, “It is heart-warming to learn that ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ a movie by Nigerian Movie Producer, @funkeakindele, has achieved a record-breaking earning of N1 billion, in just 3 weeks of its release,” adding that the feat was a “historic moment in our Nigerian movie industry.”

According to Obi, Nollywood has remained one of Nigeria’s “biggest exports” in the past 10 years – which is affirmed by the works of the talented actress and movie producer.

He said, “Nollywood remains one of the biggest exports of our country in the last decade and shows the inherent potential in our people which Akindele has copiously brought out in all her works.

“I congratulate Funke Akindele for achieving this feat which is a bold testament to her passion, hard work, and dedication in the movie industry,” he added.

Obi commended Akindele for having two of her previous movies – ‘Battle on Buka Street’ and ’ Omo Ghetto,’ sitting as the “second and third highest-grossing films at the Nigerian box office respectively.”

“It skilfully tells a story that appeals to its audience in a comic and entertaining delivery.”

The LP presidential candidate urged Nollywood to “continue to tell stories that will inspire hard work, integrity, and productivity among Nigerians.

“This, I believe, will play a significant role in positioning our minds for the productivity-driven nation we are trying to build – The New Nigeria!.”

Arewa Youths Reject Computer Based Test For WAEC Examinations, Say Massive Failure Imminent

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Students in Examination Hall

By Ayodele Oni

Plan by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to introduce Computer Based Test (CBT), into the conduct of its examinations is being threatened as a northern group rejected the move.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) which expressed reservations on the move, called for its cancellation for the conduct of the forthcoming West African Examinations Council (WAEC) assessments.

WAEC earlier announced plans to adopt CBT-based testing for its assessments — starting in 2024.

AYCF said such a mode of examination will lead to massive failure among students, especially those in rural areas who are not computer literate.

In a statement signed by Yerima Shettima, president of the AYCF, the group said WAEC should make it optional, allowing candidates to choose between the traditional pen-and-paper format and the computer-based approach.

Shettima maintained that such options would allow students to opt for the format they are most comfortable with in the examinations.

He said research conducted by the AYCF in selected northern states such as Zamfara, Jigawa, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Plateau, showed that the CBT exams have consistently led to failure among students attending public schools, where computer skills are often not taught.

“Even the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) CBT exams have placed underprivileged students in a predicament, as they struggle to answer questions in a format they are unfamiliar with.

“Many students who failed the CBT-based JAMB exams last year argued that their failures were a result of systemic failures, including insufficient facilities or network failures during the exams.

“Additionally, a lack of proper and adequate computer skills, coupled with outdated desktop computers that are not properly maintained by CBT centres further exacerbate the situation.

“As the exams are timed, these delays significantly hinder the performance of students who otherwise possess sufficient knowledge of the content.

“In the light of these findings, the AYCF urgently calls upon the Ministry of Education, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and other relevant Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to unite and reject the planned CBT exams.”

Shettima pointed out that the decision was imperative to prevent a massive failure rate among students who deserve fair and equal opportunities for success.

State of the Nation: Nigeria In Shambles Under Tinubu

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, says the country is in shamble under the watchful eyes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the PDP chieftain, Nigeria “has been completely in a shambolic situation, it is perpetual despair and despondency,” telling the president that it is not the time to play politics with the problem facing the country at the moment.

George said President Tinubu “has a hell of a job to do” to lift the country out of the current economic decadence left by his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

The administration recently accused the former leader of destroying the economy after spending eight years in office.

The PDP chieftain while speaking on a Channels Television programme,  said Buhari left a bad economy that has left many Nigerians in hunger, a situation President Tinubu must now work hard to reverse.

“The state of our nation has been completely in a shambolic situation, it is perpetual despair and despondency. There is hunger in the land and there is anger in the land; the insecurity has gone beyond control,” he stated.

He said further: “So, when you look at all those things; we are all Nigerians and I listened to his (Tinubu) New Year speech and I also listened to what Chief Osoba said, this is not the time to play politics, it is our nation. He (Tinubu) has a hell of a job to do and I have listened to him.

“He has these eight objectives for the year, national defence, internal security, and job creation; the man who left who was my oga did a woeful job, he did not do well at all; they belong to the same party.

“So, we all Nigerians will give him a chance, let us see how he is going to handle it. Bola Tinubu, God will guide him – he is in the hottest seat in the whole of Africa today because for every 10 Africans 6 are Nigerians, brilliant people. So nobody can pull any wool over our eyes, I pray for him, I pray for our country.”

An ardent critic of President Tinubu, Chief George once vowed to leave the country if Tinubu became president.

He has yet to relocate from the country after Tinubu won last year’s presidential election.

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