Home Blog Page 2769

Bizarre: How Man Born In 1996 Was Employed in 1992 By The BPP |The Source

By
The Source
-
0

By Charles Igbo

Here is the news. In Abuja, Nigeria, a staff of the  Bureau for Public  Procurement, BPP, secured a job, four clear years before he was born.

The BPP is a federal concern.

The man was born on January, 8, 1996, but was employed on December 15, 1992. On January the 1st, 2019, he was promoted to the position of a Deputy Director.

How such a bizarre incident took place is a knotty issue members of the House of Representatives are poised to unravel.

Termed stranger than fiction, it was discovered on Thursday by the House during the ongoing budget defence.

Members had expressed worries  over  what they saw as “inefficiencies in the operations of the BPP.” It was at the Budget defence  that they resolved to investigate the embarrassing case.

He is now a Deputy Director, (Accounts), on Grade Level 16.

The Lawmakers were not impressed  by the  performance of the 2020  Budget  and defence of the 2021, demanded “for the utilisation of various subheads on N22.666 million spent on welfare packages, N17.912 million on local training, N57.7 million spent on local travel and international travels during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in the 2020 Budget”, among others.

The Lawmakers, also, frowned at the submission of the 2015/2016 audited report of the Bureau in 2020, also mocked the management, which superintended  “the audit report of 850 agencies (out of which 32 agencies have so far been concluded) for failing to comply with extant financial regulations on the submission of audit report annually.”

Hon. Kingsley Uju, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, was disgusted over the agency’s incompetence. Uju: “I don’t think there is any other job provided in the schedule of your assignment.

“It baffles this Committee that since the appointment of the DG, it is taking about four years to submit report from 32 agencies out of over 850 agencies for us to know whether they are complying with the law.

“We are shocked as a Committee on Public Procurement that we don’t even have materials to work.

“We are doing Budget defence, but this Committee is vested with the responsibility to ascertain the usage of previous funds.

“I agree with you that audit is going on, but if your performance is less than five per cent, I don’t think we are ready to do the job.

“I, therefore, move a motion that the committee should mandate the Bureau to submit all procurement audit report of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 before the end of this year.”

Responding to issues raised by the lawmakers, the BPP Director General, Mamman Ahmadu, revealed that  of the N1.485 billion allocated to the Bureau, N250.479 million was for capital expenditure, N750.060 million for overhead expenditure, and N484.236 million for personnel expenditure.

He noted that the  sum of N1.485 billion allocated to the Bureau was reviewed downward to N1.425 billion. “In order to consolidate on the achievements of the due process reform and to address some of the core mandates that will help realise effective contracts administration, the total sum of N250,478,701 was allocated to the Bureau in the 2020 Budget, but this was, however, reviewed downward to N190,363,813 in the 2020 amended budget.

Before the “review of the 2020 revised appropriation, the sum of N190,363,813 was released to the Bureau, out of which total sum of N149,153,212.64 has so far been expended, leaving a balance of N141,210,600.36 in the revised capital vote.

On the fund released for overhead expenditure, out of a total sum of N750,059,898 approved, the sum of N437,534,940.50 has so far been released, while N196,714,057.95 (45 per cent of the released fund) has been utilised, leaving a balance of N240,820,882.55 as at October, 2020, which is already committed to settle pending liabilities”.

The Committee, therefore,  ordered the BPP Boss “to furnish the details of the pending liabilities.

For the 2021 proposed budget, out of total sum of N1,436 billion proposed for 2021 fiscal year, the sum of N205,929,069 is for capital expenditure, N750.060 for overhead expenditure, while N479.899 million is for personnel expenditure.”

But, the BPP Director General submitted: “We have published some procurement audit and submitted same to the committee.”

But  the already upset Chairman of the Committee, expressed sadness over the DG’s stand  and said: “Let me stop you there.

“You said you have submitted procurement audit for this year to the committee.

“I am not aware of that.

“Audit is supposed to be on continuous basis.

What it mean is that a lot of reports are still pending.”

Commenting,  Hon. Ossai said: “It means you have been in office for four years now and yet your office has not done its job.

“I see this as an infraction to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“If that is so, the House should be able to summon the political courage and will and be able to do the needful and an affront on the Constitution and the Appropriation Act.

“Every year, we appropriate money for this purpose and we budget money for a particular purpose and it is misapplied, that is another infraction.

“I think we should go beyond the issues of questions and answers on the 2020/2021 appropriation and make far reaching recommendations.”

To this end, the Committee resolved to set up a Technical Committee that will investigate various queries raised by the lawmakers, with the view to ensure value for money and efficiency.”

For now, Nigerians are applauding members of the Committee, and are anxious to know how the Deputy Director, Accounts, was able to get employed before he was born.

My Mother, By Barrack Obama |The Source

By
The Source
-
0
Barack Obama

Barrack Obama, the 44th President of America, has praised his mother to high heavens while promoting his new book, A Promised Land.

Obama recounted how his mother made him the man he is today. “My mother shaped me”, he said.

Obama was born of an American mother, and a Kenyan father, whose name he bears. But he was brought out by his mother, Dr Ann Dunham,  after she divorced from his father.

The former President, also,  flaunted a throwback photograph of his mother, carrying him as a baby.

Obama: “As I recount in my book, A Promised Land, my mother, Ann Dunham, was strong, smart, and marched to her own beat.

“For her, the world offered endless opportunities for moral instruction. My sister,  Maya, and I got early lessons about the struggle for civil rights, the impact of poverty on people around the world, and the importance of respecting other cultures and considering other points of view.

“My mother believed that power came not from putting people down, but rather through lifting them up.

“And she was always certain that in the face of injustice and humanity’s more primal impulses, logic and progress would always prevail.

“The world is complicated, bar,” she used to say. “that’s why it’s interesting.”

A promised Land is already enjoying raving reviews in the Media, including one by Nigeria’s Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

EFCC Accuses Gov Udom Of Hiring SANs With State Funds |The Source

By
Bayo Bernard
-
0

By Fola James

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state spent a whopping N1.4 billion state fund to hire lawyers in 2015 during the legal challenge against his victory.

This was disclosed by an investigating officer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Abdulraman Arabo.

He told the court that the governor hired the immediate-past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro alongside other Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, to defend him at the election tribunal.

EFCC said this at the resumed money laundering trial of Usoro before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on Thursday, where Usoro is facing amended six counts of money laundering.

Other defendants in the case are the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Nsikan Nkan; the state’s Accountant General, Mfon Udomah; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uwemedimo Nwoko; and the cashier at the Akwa Ibom State Government House, Margaret Ukpe.

The investigator also told the court how Usoro gave back N55milion to the state’s Attorney General as possible kick back from the legal fees paid him by the state government.

But under cross-examination, Usoro’s lawyer, Offiong Offiong, a senior advocate asked the EFCC investigator, if “During your investigation you see that the money in issue was for legal fees of the service rendered to Governor Udom?”

“It is a payment made from government treasury for personal election tribunal pursuit of the governor,” the investigator said.

 

2022 AFCON: Super Eagles Gun For Victory Against Leone Stars |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will, on Friday, file out against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in the 2022 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State.

A Victory for the Coach Gernot Rohr-Super Eagles will see the team maintain an unbeaten record, needing just a victory at Freetown, Sierra Leone Capital to cement its place at the Continental showpiece.

Captain of the National team, Ahmed Musa, has said that the side is  battle-ready for their African opponent, promising victory.

Rohr on his side said his players know the importance of the match, and will not leave any stone unturned to a victory.

Visiting the team during their training session yesterday, Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State told the players  to go all out and get the needed victory to put the country in top position in the qualification series.

He stressed that victory for the Super Eagles will be a gift to the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration that was just sworn in for its second term in office on Thursday.

Maduka Okoye, Super Eagles Goalkeeper, and one of the early birds to arrive the country for the cracker said that the Players know the importance of the match, and are  going out for victory against the Sierra Leone team.

The match is to kick off by 5pm Nigerian time Friday  evening in Benin.

Coach Rohr is likely to start Maduka Okoye in goal, Leon Balogun, William Troost Ekong, Tyronne Ebuehi and Zubairu in the defense.

Etebo Oghenekaro, Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze in the midfield, while Victor Osimhen and Ahmed Musa would lead the attack.

Ondo: Bandits Terrorize Residents; Govt. Begs Police |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has admitted that there is an astronomical upsurge in crime rate in the state of recent.

In the last one week, not less than 50 persons, including market women and local government workers have fallen victims of kidnapping by gunmen operating along Iwo/Benin/Akoko axis of the state.

The state government has, therefore, put in place measures to curtail the trend.

A statement on Friday by the Commissioner for  Information, Mr Donald Ojogo, listed some of the measures to include reduction of working hours for commercial motorcycle riders popularly called okada.

The statement reads “Ondo State Government has noted with concern, the worrisome spike in crime rate across the State. In particular, security reports at the disposal of Government are considered signs deserving of serious attention.

“Specifically, the last one week witnessed an unimaginable upsurge in robbery, kidnapping and in some cases, murder. This is no doubt, condemenable.

“Government, therefore, urges all security agencies to come out and confront this abhorent development. Every necessary support in terms of both human and logistics aids shall be provided to ensure the safety of residents within the State.

“As a Government, one major responsibility is the provision of security as well as protection of lives and property. In this regard, measures aimed at achieving such goals are the least Government can enunciate.

“Consequently, the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN has directed with immediate effect as follows:

“That all commercial motorcycle operators, otherwise known as Okada, are to, henceforth, operate within the hours of 6 am and 6 pm. In other words, none in this category shall operate beyond 6 pm in the evening. Anyone found flouting this directive shall have his motorcycle impounded.

“That all vehicles with unauthorized tinted glasses are hereby banned from plying the roads. Every of such vehicle without a duly certified permit issued by a relevant security agency shall be impounded.

“Finally, it is pertinent to reiterate that security enhancement and war against insecurity are everybody’s responsibility. While Government and the security agencies play their parts, it is expected that the citizens also support by way of collaborating with the relevant agencies of Government.

“In this regard, residents of the State are urged to provide useful information about crime, criminal elements and activities in their immediate environment.”

Pope Francis Calls Biden |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0

By Adesina Soyooye

From the Vatican City, Rome,  came inspirational words to the President-elect of America, Joe Biden, and Vice President-elect, Kamala  Harris.

His Holiness, Pope Francis, put a call across to Biden on Thursday, prayed for him, and congratulated them on their hard-earned victory in the Presidential election.

Biden is the second Roman Catholic to be elected the President of America.  The first was the late President John F. Kennedy.

Even though Biden trounced Incumbent President Donald Trump in the November 3 election, having secured the mandatory 270 Electoral Votes, and even more popular votes to the tune of over five million votes, Trump has refused to  concede defeat, alleging electoral fraud, and throwing America’s democratic claims into the dust bin.

The Pope’s phone call to Biden is significant. Trump has always played the religiin card, riding on the back of influential Evangelicals in America, painting a picture of Biden as un-Christian, and himself, as the protector of the Christian faith.

Even though not a few of Trump’s actions and lifestyle mock the Christian beliefs of  kindness, compassion, family values, care for the underprivileged and loving one’s neighbour as oneself, Trump’s religion card got as far as Nigeria, and earned him fanatic supporters, his outrageous treatment of Nigerians and Nigeria, notwithstanding.

The Pope joins the creme of World Leaders who have congratulated Biden.

The Chinese  President, who had been dilly-dallying, on Thursday, also,  congratulated  Biden, leaving only the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who for  obvious reasons,  prefers to wait for Trump’s concession.

America is still waiting.

Zamfara Gold: South-South Decides On Control Of Oil, Gas |The Source

By
The Source
-
0
South South Leaders

By Charles Igbo

All eyes will be on the  South-south of Nigeria as  the Zone meets on Friday, (today), to take a firm stand on how, and why, it should  control its God-given  natural resource – Oil and Gas.

To attend the meeting are all its six State Governors, National and State Assembly members, Ministers Elder statesmen, and other Stakeholders from the Zone.

The meeting is the aftermath of the decision of the Federal Government to allow Zamfara state to be in-charge of its Gold.

The State had, recently, mined, and sold a Bar of Gold to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, for a whopping sum of N5billion. It kept the huge amount in its coffers, instead of remitting it to the Federal coffers. The action attracted no raised eyebrows from the Federal Government.

But it has attracted shock and condemnation from a cross section of Nigerians, especially the South-south and, at least,  one strongly worded Editorial from a high profile National newspaper.

Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, and Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, were among the first to condemn the Zamfara issue.

The question on the lips of all those who condemned it is: Why would Zamfara State  control its Gold, and South-south not control its Oil and Gas?

The Federal Government has not offered any concrete  reason or explanation, instead, it, along with the CBN, celebrated Zamfara’s feat.

On Thursday, while addressing the Media in Asaba, Delta State Governor,   Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, disclosed that the South-south would meet in Porthacourt on Friday, to decide the fate of the Federal Government’s continous control of the Oil and Gas deposited in the Zone. The thorny issue to be deliberated upon, strongly, according to Okowo is: Why the South-south should not take a firm control of its Oil and Gas, when Zamfara is controlling its Gold? Okowa described Zamfara’s control of its Gold as unlawful.

Okowa: “South- south Governors, before now, have been talking about the need for restructuring and need for resource control. Obviously we are on that because we feel there is the need to restructure not only the country, but the management of resources.

“But as at today, there are acts in the National Assembly that guide the issue of oil production and with the solid minerals, those are not covered in these acts, and obviously, this is already a sore point in our nation’s governance system  and we hope to express this very strongly during the meeting taking place in Port Hacourt on Friday.

“We cannot apply laws in our nation to the point that it becomes discriminatory because if people are allowed to process for their solid minerals, they should also be allowed to do the same for their oil. So, we are going to be very hard, and try to make our voices as strong as possible during the meeting.

“I believe that at some point in time, these discriminatory  tendencies will have to be revisited in our nation at some point in time.”

The opinion in the South-south, supported by a couple of other zones, is that the FG cannot allow Zamfara State to control National assets, while the same FG controls that of the South-south.

All eyes and ears will be focussed on Porthacourt for the outcome of the meeting, which Okowa has said will be strong.

Rawlings: President Akufo-Addo Says Great Tree Falls; Cancels Campaign |The Source

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Nana Akufo-Addo

By Adesina Soyooye

Ghanaian President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says a great tree has fallen in Ghana, adding that the fall has made the country poorer.

The President declared this on Thursday, while officially, announcing the passing of former Ghanaian President, Jerry John Rawlings to  Ghanaians. “A great tree has fallen, and Ghana is poorer for it”, he declared.

Describing Rawlings’ death as tragic, Akufo-Addo said: ” The tragic event occurred at 10.10am, on Thursday, 12th November 2020, at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where the former President was receiving treatment after a  short illness.”

He declared a seven-day national mourning, ordering all flags in Ghana to fly at half mast.

“I have directed that all national flags should fly at half mast for the next seven (7) days in all parts of the country, and have declared seven days of national morning from Friday, 13th November, to Friday, 20th November”, the President said.

Jerry Rawlings
Jerry Rawlings

He also suspended his re-election campaign. “In honour of the memory of former President Rawlings, the Vice President and I have suspended our political campaign for same period”, he declared.

The death of the former Ghanaian President, Rawlings, who was the first President of Ghana’s 4th Republic, took many by surprise in Nigeria where he had many fans because of his exploits as a young military officer. A well- grounded coupist, many say he cleaned the political augean stable in his country.

Popularly known as a Ladies man, especially in Nigeria, obviously,  because of his good looks, he was passionately devoted to his wife, Nana, with whom he raised a closely-knit family.

He was aged 74 years.

Ekiti Govt To Rebuild Burnt Police Stations |The Source

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0

By Ayodele Oni

The hope of an early return of policemen to Ikere Ekiti has been raised by Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

The Governor has promised that his administration would rebuild the three Ikere police stations and others in the state destroyed in the wake of the  #EndSARS protests.

The state police command, had early this week recalled policemen serving in Ikere Community since their stations had been razed by mobs during the protests.

Police Public Relations Officer, in the state, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the withdrawal of their men in the Division saying the three Stations in the town had been set ablaze while operational vehicles and other vehicles parked in the premises were vandalised.

Abutu told residents of Ikere to make distress call to the Command  Headquarters anytime there is robbery attack.

However, during a visit to the command headquarters on Wednesday, Dr Fayemi assured that the buildings and vehicles destroyed would be replaced soonest.

He also urged officers that lost personal property to lodge complaints with the appropriate committee handling the issue.

The Governor commended the maturity displayed by the Security Agents assuring them that as Chairman, Governors’ Forum in Nigeria, he would rally his colleagues to ensure welfare of men of the Force .

According to him, the Judicial  Panel  on Police  Brutality was not meant to witchunt any Officer.

He disclosed that a delegation from the office of Inspector General of Police would soon visit the state to assess the level of destruction.

In his remark, the Police  Commissioner , Mr Tunde Mobayo,  commended Governor Fayemi for his support to the command, assuring that despite the setback caused by the protests, his men would continue to carry out their statutory duties of protecting life of the citizenry.

Breaking: Jerry Rawlings Dies Of Covid-19 |The Source

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Jerry Rawlings

By Akinwale Kasali

Former Ghanaian President, Jerry Rawlings has died of complications from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thesourceng.com gathered that the ex-president died at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, capital of Ghana, on Thursday morning.

A military ruler, who later joined politics, Rawlings ruled Ghana from 1981 to 2001.

He led a military junta until 1992, and then served two terms as the democratically elected president of Ghana.

A flight lieutenant of the Ghanaian Air Force, Rawlings first staged a military coup as a young revolutionary on May 15, 1979, five weeks before scheduled elections to return the country to civilian rule.

When it failed, he was imprisoned, publicly court-martialed and sentenced to death.

After initially handing power over to a civilian government, he took back control of the country on 31 December 1981 as the chairman of the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC).

He then resigned from the military, founded the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and became the first president of the Fourth Republic.

He was re-elected in 1996 for four more years. After two terms in office, the limit according to the Ghanaian constitution, Rawlings endorsed his vice-president John Atta Mills as presidential candidate in 2000.

He was born on June 22, 1947. Married to Nana, he was aged 74.

1...2,7682,7692,770...3,162Page 2,769 of 3,162