Home Blog Page 30

15 Dead In Lone Trailer Crash On Ogbomosho/Oloru Road

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Trailer accident on Ogbomoso road

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

No fewer than 15 persons have been reported dead following a lone road crash involving a long truck along Ogbomosho/Oloru road in Kwara State.

 

The fatal road mishap which occurred in the wee hours of Monday, July 6, 2026, close to the Muslim Cemetery in Oko-Olowo area of the State, also, saw about 17 other people seriously injured.

 

Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem, of the Kwara State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, while confirming the unfortunate incident, attributed it to fatigue on the side of the driver.

 

The crashed trailer driven by one Nasiru Muhammed was said to be laden with goods, and 48 passengers. About 16 of them came out unhurt.

 

While 17 persons with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to the Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment, the bodies of the deceased victims were released to their identified families through the Sarkin Hausawa, Oko-Olowo.

 

The FRSC Sector Commander informed that rescue and evacuation efforts jointly coordinated by personnel from its Oloru Unit Command ,and the Oko-Olowo outpost are still ongoing with a view to searching more victims who may have been trapped beneath the truck’s body

 

This is as he warned against motorists, especially long truck drivers carrying goods alongside passengers, as well as engaging in night journeys .

Rights Group Demands Gbajabiamila Should Step Aside Pending Outcome Of PFIPC’s Scandal Investigation

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Femi Gbajabiamila

By Akinwale Kasali

 

Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to step aside pending the outcome of Federal Government’s investigation on  the appointment of Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew as Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council/Presidential Economic Advisory Council, PFIPC.

 

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, said it was necessary for the FG to launch an independent investigation into the allegations against Gbajabiamila by Adeyemi.

 

Recall that Adeyemi had made counter-allegations against Gbajabiamila while claiming that he was legally appointed by the Federal Government through a letter purportedly issued by the Chief of Staff.

 

The Rights Group in a statement issued on Sunday, said Gbajabiamila should voluntarily step aside as Chief of Staff pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

 

Yinka Folarin, the National President of the organisation and its National Secretary, Idris Afees, in a signed statement, said the call should not be construed as a presumption of guilt but as a necessary step to ensure the credibility and impartiality of any investigation.

 

“To preserve the credibility and integrity of the investigation, and in keeping with constitutional principles of accountability and international best practices in public governance, CDHR calls on Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to voluntarily step aside as Chief of Staff to the President pending the conclusion of an independent investigation,” the statement partly read.

 

It also demanded that the CoS should temporarily step down from office was intended to eliminate any perception of interference, safeguard the integrity of the investigative process, reassure Nigerians that no public official is above the law, and reinforce public confidence in the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

 

The Group condemned bribery, corruption, abuse of office, forgery and impersonation, the organisation stressed that public office is a sacred trust and must never be turned into a commercial enterprise where appointments are bought and sold.

 

It further maintained that no public official, regardless of status or political influence, should be shielded from investigation where credible allegations of criminal conduct have been made.

 

According to the CDHR, the allegations made by both the Federal Government and Matthew are serious and warrant a thorough investigation.

 

“The allegations on both sides are grave. While the Federal Government alleges forgery, impersonation, fraudulent operation of bank accounts and misrepresentation, the defendant has levelled equally weighty allegations of bribery and abuse of office against one of the country’s highest-ranking public officials.

 

“If either set of allegations is proven, it represents a serious assault on the integrity of public institutions and further diminishes public confidence in governance,” the group stated.

 

The organisation also linked the controversy to Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption challenges, noting that the country continues to rank poorly on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index.

 

“Billions of naira are reportedly lost annually through bribery, procurement fraud, abuse of office, illicit financial flows and other financial crimes, depriving millions of Nigerians of quality education, healthcare, security, infrastructure and economic opportunities,” it added.

 

The CDHR urged the Federal Government to direct the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Nigeria Police Force to commence a coordinated, transparent, impartial and independent investigation into all the allegations made by the parties involved.

 

CDHR also stressed that the Presidency cannot credibly serve as investigator, prosecutor and judge in a matter involving one of its principal officers, insisting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to have been done.

 

It also aligned itself with the position of the Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Femi Falana (SAN), who has called for all parties involved in the matter to be subjected to the same level of scrutiny by the relevant anti-corruption agencies without fear, favour or political consideration.

 

It however urged the DSS to investigate how the purportedly non-existent Presidential Economic Advisory Council allegedly operated from the Federal Secretariat, interacted with government institutions, accessed official financial processes and appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act despite now being described as fictitious.

 

The group said it was disturbed by reports that an entity now described as fictitious allegedly appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act with budgetary allocations running into billions of naira.

 

“If established, this exposes serious weaknesses in Nigeria’s budgeting, financial control and institutional verification systems,” the statement said.

 

It therefore called on the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Central Bank of Nigeria to publicly explain how the entity allegedly secured budgetary allocations, administrative recognition, Treasury Single Account processes and other official documentation without proper verification.

 

The Group further added that if the allegations of forgery, impersonation and fraud against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew are established, he should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

 

It also added that the law also states that any public official found culpable after investigation should face the full weight of the law, irrespective of office, political affiliation or influence.

Why Obi Owes Me N50bn, Public Apology – Arabambi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The National Vice Chairman, South-west of the Julius Abure-led factional National Executive Committee, NEC, of the Labour Party, LP, Abayomi Arabambi has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, to retract and tender unreserved apology over an alleged defamatory remarks, or face legal action.

 

In addition, Arabambi is demanding for the whopping sum of N50 billion representing damages done to his public image by Obi’s alleged defamatory statement.

 

In a pre-action notice dated July 3 ,2026 , issued by Anderson U Asemota ,Peter O Asimegbe and Stanley C Eziefule, his legal team, Arabambi alleged that Obi, in the course of a recent interview on podcast refered to him as ” having no address” a statement he deemed not only false and malicious, but also defamatory.

 

According to the LP chieftain , Obi’s alleged comment portrayed him as a faceless individual, with no identifiable means of livelihood, residence, and legitimate standing in society.

 

He expressed serious concern that the NDC Presidential Candidate’s description of him, has considerably injured his reputation, public image, as well as exposed him to public ridicule.

 

He emphasized that Obi’s comments in the said interview gained traction , with several media platforms , television stations and other digital platforms , including Facebook ,X ( formally Twitter) , Instagram ,Tik Tok ,and Whatsapp feasting on the alleged offensive and defamatory statement .

 

Arabambi contended that such widespread circulation of the said defamatory interview has significantly impacted negatively his reputation , and lowered his estimation before the public.

 

The LP factional National Vice-chairman in the pre-action notice noted that contrary to Obi’s remarks , he has been known to be legitimately involved in business and political  activities,as well as  other human endeavours .

 

“Our client has had a known residential and business address , maintains professional and political affiliations within Nigeria ,and has never been a person whose whereabouts or identity were unknown”.

 

According to Arabambi ,the natural interpretation of Obi’s remarks by members of the public is that he lacks legitimacy ,has no known place of residence ,no visible means of livelihood ,and undeserving of public confidence.

 

He maintained that subsequent reactions from the members of public clearly suggested that not a few interpreted ,and perceived the alleged defamatory remarks as an assault on his identity , credibility and political trajectories.

 

Arabambi argued that both expressed and implied malice could be deduced from the circumstances surrounding the said remark , noting that Obi as a prominent political figure ,and presidential candidate is obligated to exercise caution in his public comments,more so when he is aware of the wide audience his remarks will attract.

 

“Our client has suffered considerable embarrassment , humiliation and injury to his reputation. This defamatory publication has impaired his standing in political and social circles ,and subjected him to needless attacks on his integrity and personality.”, Arabambi’s lawyers added.

 

Consequently, the LP chieftain  gave a seven-day dateline within which ,the NDC presidential candidate is to issue what he described as ” a clear, unequivocal ,and unconstitutional retraction of the alleged defamatory remarks ,on the same podcast, or through other credible platforms with a similar wide audience reach .

 

Specifically, Arabambi demanded that the public apology be published ,and or aired on national television , Obi’s verified social media accounts ,as well as in national newspapers , including Vanguard ,The Punch ,The Guardian ,ThisDay ,and The Nation.

 

Obi , according to the LP chieftain is to pay N50 billion as example and collateral damages for the severe harm done to his reputation , political and public standing by the said interview.

 

Similarly, Arabambi demanded for a written undertaking from Obi ,to the effect that he would refrain from making any further alleged defamatory statements against him .

 

This is he warned that his legal representatives will be left with no other option than to institute legal proceedings , should Obi fail to comply with his modest demands .

 

The source reports that the development is coming on the heels of Obi’s similar action against his eirstwhile spokesperson and Nollywood star- turned politician , Kenneth Okonkwo..

“It’s  Shocking President Tinubu Is Yet To Speak With Gov. Makinde Since Oyo School Children Abduction” –  Peter Obi

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

The Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democraric Congress (NDC,  Mr. Peter Obi, has accused President Bola Tinubu of presiding over what he described as a worsening leadership crisis marked by incapacity, lack of compassion, and the collapse of governance.

 

In a statement released on Monday, Obi said the ultimate consequence of “uncompassionate leadership” is the transformation of citizens’ frustration into deep and volatile resentment, warning that the country’s worsening insecurity reflects a government that has failed in both capacity and empathy.

 

The former Anambra State governor expressed concern over the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, lamenting that more than 50 days after the incident, there had been no tangible progress toward securing their release.

 

Obi disclosed that he had spoken publicly about the abduction on two occasions, including appealing directly to the kidnappers to release the children. He also revealed that he had called Seyi Makinde twice to express solidarity, stressing that the incident was not merely an Oyo State problem but a national tragedy.

 

According to him, he travelled to Ibadan on July 3, 2026, alongside Pat Utomi to meet with Governor Makinde after more than seven weeks had passed without the rescue of the abducted children.

 

During the meeting, Obi said he shared his experience in tackling insecurity while serving as governor of Anambra State, recalling that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan personally contacted state governors whenever serious security challenges arose.

Bola Tinubu and Seyi Makinde
President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde

Obi said he was surprised to learn from Governor Makinde that President Tinubu had not placed a single call to him regarding the abduction more than 50 days after the incident.

 

Drawing a comparison with the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping, Obi noted that although the administration of former President Jonathan was heavily criticised for taking over two weeks before contacting the Borno State governor, the current administration had gone more than seven weeks without similar engagement despite experiencing over 13 school kidnapping incidents.

 

He recalled that Tinubu was among the prominent critics who demanded Jonathan’s resignation over his handling of the Chibok crisis, arguing that the same standard should now apply to the current administration.

 

Obi described the situation as evidence that governance had “completely collapsed” under Tinubu’s administration, citing what he called a total lack of capacity, compassion, and sensitivity to the plight of Nigerians.

 

Obi maintained that, given the prevailing insecurity and leadership failures, President Tinubu should either resign from office or, at the very least, decline to seek re-election in the interest of the country.

Rescue Of Oyo School Children: Military On Top Of Situation – Chief Of Army Staff Assures

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

 

The Nigerian Military authorities have assured that concerted efforts are at an advanced stage to secure freedom for the abducted Oyo School children and their teachers.

 

The Source recalls that 39 school children and seven of their teachers kidnapped in Ahoro-Esiele school in Oyo state on May 15 ,2026 by terrorist-elements have since been held captive within Old Oyo National Park. Many have lost hope of their rescue.

 

But at an interactive session with  Media Executives  in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital at the weekend, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen. Waidi Shaibu, informed that significant progress has been made  in the bid to safely rescue the school children.

 

” Operations are currently ongoing to rescue those children abducted in Oyo state ,and we are making tremendous progress in that regard”, the Army chief stated.

 

He  expressed the confidence that ongoing inter-agency operations will ultimately lead to the safe return of the victims.

 

This is as he noted that the Nigerian military is actively engaged in various operations across the six regions of the country in their determination to frontally confront insecurity.

 

General Shaibu informed that troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Hadin Kai in the North East region of the country has, in the last couple of months, recorded significant successes against insurgents ,and other criminal groups.

 

According to him, no fewer than 1,872 terrorist elements have been neutralised in multiple coordinated operations, while several others have surrendered to troops.

 

He noted that the string of successful operations has led to improved security in the hitherto security-challenged areas, with displaced persons and farmers returning to their communities and farmlands.

 

In the same vein, the Army Chief emphasized the efforts of troops under Operation Fansan Yamma and Operation Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke and the newly established Operation Savannah Shield have all impacted significantly on the security situation in the Northwest and North Central regions of the country.

 

On the South East and South South regions, General Shaibu disclosed that security situation has improved tremendously, resulting in corresponding increase in the nation’s crude oil output, improved business activities, drastic reduction in incidents of crude oil theft, illegal petroleum products bunkering and pipeline vandalism.

 

He insisted that the South West remains one the most peaceful regions in the country, despite what he described as isolated incidents of security breaches.

LP Chieftain Insists Nigerians Deserve Explanation From FG On Extra Budgetary Spending

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue

By Ayodele Oni

 

Labour Party Senatorial Candidate, Anambra Central Senatorial District, Tochukwu Sagacious Ikezue, has called on the Federal Government to provide Nigerians with a comprehensive explanation regarding the about ₦8.83 trillion in federal expenditure for 2025 which allegedly did not reflect in the approved national budget.

 

Ikezue, in a statement on Monday maintained that “This is not the time for political grandstanding or attempts to suppress legitimate questions.

 

“It is a time for openness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

 

“Democracy thrives when public officials are answerable to the people, and when the management of public resources is subjected to effective oversight.

 

“As citizens, we must continue to demand transparency, accountability, and prudent management of our commonwealth through lawful and democratic means.

 

“Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development if questions surrounding public finance are ignored or treated with indifference.

 

“I urge all relevant institutions to act swiftly in the interest of the nation. Nigerians deserve nothing less than the truth.

 

“If these reports are accurate, they raise serious concerns about fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability in the management of Nigeria’s public resources.

 

“Such a significant expenditure outside the budgetary framework, if left unexplained, undermines public confidence in government institutions and weakens the principles of democratic governance.

 

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, unemployment, poor healthcare, inadequate educational facilities, and failing infrastructure, every kobo of public funds must be accounted for and deployed in a manner that directly improves the lives of citizens.

 

“The National Assembly, as the constitutionally empowered oversight institution, must also discharge its responsibility by conducting a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.

 

“Likewise, the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and other relevant accountability institutions should ensure that due process is followed and the truth is established.

 

The report arose from the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation indicating that about ₦8.83 trillion in federal expenditure for 2025 was allegedly not reflected in the approved national budget.

 

The Federal Government has however dismissed the claims that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the 2026 budget, insisting that all public expenditures were carried out within the constitutional and legal framework governing public finance.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the government said reports suggesting that about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product was spent through a “shadow budget” misrepresented comments attributed to the International Monetary Fund and the Fund’s 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.

Grand Corruption Explains Why President Tinubu Should Resign — Obi Doubles Down On Earlier Call

By
The Source
-
0
Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential flagbearer in the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has said that the grand corruption being revealed daily in this regime supports why the President should resign.

 

Obi, who had earlier called on the President to resign for failing to improve the welfare of the citizens, declared at the weekend that the country should be concerned about the rising level of corruption under President Tinubu.

Writing on his X handle while responding to the barrage of corruption cases during this administration, Obi said that “grand corruption has become Nigeria’s greatest threat.”

 

According to the former Anambra State governor, “The recent report from the IMF consultation further raises concerns about the scale of grand corruption under the Tinubu government. The IMF now reveals that about N8.83 trillion in expenditure undertaken in 2025 is not reflected in the budget. This expenditure is not budgeted and is therefore outside legislative oversight or administrative scrutiny.”

Giving a breakdown of the unaccounted amount in the budget, he said, “This is horrible. N8.83 trillion is approximately 2% of our GDP and over 35% of Nigeria’s 2025 N23.96 trillion capital project budget. In fact, the amount exceeds the actual capital funding released for 2025. It is more than the total combined budget for education (N3.52 trillion) and health (N2.38 trillion).”

 

“If such an amount were properly utilised and accounted for, it could transform Nigeria’s health and education sectors. It could also foster the creation of hundreds of small industries, creating jobs for thousands of graduates and laying a solid foundation for economic development. But we cannot account for it.”

 

“This is not an isolated incident; it is part of a pattern of grand corruption that characterises this administration.”

 

We have much to worry about concerning the state of corruption under President Tinubu. The type of corruption that involves blatant disregard for fundamental rules of public finance management poses a severe threat to national security and the stability of Nigeria.

 

“The capture of the Nigerian state and the plunder of its resources undermine the foundation of state stability, deepening poverty, and risking failure.”

 

This recent revelation demonstrates that the APC government is immensely corrupt, inept, and insensitive. With increasing poverty and an urgent need for major improvements in social and physical infrastructure, a responsible and responsive government would ensure that N8.83 trillion is wisely used to address these issues. But this is not the case with the Tinubu administration.

 

A few days ago, I called on President Tinubu to resign from office due to incompetence, lack of capacity, lack of compassion, and failure to deliver on his campaign promises. Some people thought this call was excessive, but with the daily revelations of widespread corruption in this administration and its total lack of commitment to the welfare and security of Nigerian citizens, the only reasonable action is for President Tinubu to resign.

 

The breakdown of basic due process under Tinubu and the continuous evidence of rampant looting of Nigerian finances highlight the urgent need for greater accountability. It is now time for Nigerian citizens to step up within the law and hold this administration responsible. A new Nigeria is possible.

Controversy Over N8bn Budgeted For Road Construction By Almajiri Commission

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Almajiris

Controversy is trailing the the decision of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education  to earmarked N8.4 billion in the 2026 budget for road construction, which is clearly outside its statutory mandate.

According to Daily Trust newspaper, checks from the 2026 Appropriations Act indicate that the commission was allocated N22.82 billion, comprising N21.68 billion for capital expenditure and N1.14 billion for recurrent expenditure.

The sum allocated to road construction, considered to be outside the agency’s mandate amounts to more than 30 percent of its 2025 Budget, raising serious questions  on whether enough funds will still be available to meet its core mandate of reducing the number of out-of-school children and reduction of street beggars, popular as Almajiri, particularly in the northern part of the country.

Nigeria currently has approximately 18.3 to 20 million out-of-school children, according to reports from the United Nations Children’s Fund, and United Nations Economic and Social Economic Organisation, UNESCO.

Estimates also indicate there are between seven to 10 million Almajiri children in Northern Nigeria, though some official figures suggest the number may be as high as 30 million.

The commission’s main mandate is to tackle problems posed by these street urchins and reduce the number of children not currently attending basic schools.

Not a few analysts opine that the commission has veered from these objectives by delving into road construction. How is road construction related to ensuring that children of school age are in school, and kid street urchins are moved out of our streets? the analysts are asking, as the reports also indicate that other projects, have been provided for, which are totally off-mandate.

The off-mandate projects, include the procurement of ambulances and medical equipment and the installation of solar power facilities, in Ogun, Ekiti and Katsina states.

The commission was established by an Act of Parliament on May 27, 2023, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Its mandate is to tackle the challenge of out-of-school children and reduce illiteracy by integrating formal and Qur’anic education and skills acquisition into its curriculum.

According to the National Policy on the Enhancement of Almajiri Education in Nigeria, the document that sets out the agency’s objectives and operational framework, the commission is expected to provide overall coordination, strategic direction and oversight for the implementation of the policy.

It works with state governments to register all Alarammas (teachers) and learning centres, mobilise resources, including budgetary allocations, and provide funding for key interventions such as scholarships, school feeding, the abolition of Almajiri street begging and the provision of learning materials.

It also trains teachers, supervises and evaluates the Almajiri education system, and supports states and local governments in implementing the policy.

The commission, the policy says, collaborates with development partners and relevant agencies to improve service delivery, accredit learning centres and teachers, and enforce child protection laws to safeguard learners from abuse and maltreatment.

It also encourages state governments to establish model Tsangaya schools nationwide, and work with agencies such as the National Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), UBEC and SUBEB to integrate basic education, vocational skills and intervention programmes into the Almajiri education system.

However, road construction, the provision of solar power and the supply of medical equipment are not among the commission’s mandates as outlined in the policy document, raising questions over the suitability of the Almajiri agency to execute the projects.

Road construction and rehabilitation are the statutory responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), while the procurement of ambulances and dental equipment is ordinarily the responsibility of government health institutions and agencies.

Budget experts and accountability advocates have described the development as a troubling case of mandate distortion in Nigeria’s budgeting process, warning that allocating projects outside an agency’s statutory responsibilities weakens accountability and diverts scarce public resources away from its core mandate.

The questionable projects

According to the 2026 budget, the commission earmarked N1.4bn for the rehabilitation and construction of Eyinni High School to Lusada Junction Road, Ibooro; Idiya Central Community Road, Abeokuta; Ile Ise Community Asuje Road and Soyoye Community Road, Abeokuta.

The commission also voted N1.05bn for rehabilitation and construction of Pakoiji-Iporan Township Road in Ipokia Ward 2 and N1.05 billion for RCC opposite Honda Agbebi Community Road and Ajuwon Baale Road in Ogun State.

It budgeted the sum of N1.4 billion for the rehabilitation and construction of Obasanjo Itele Road, Nazareth Road, Oke Ola, Imeko, Idogo Township Road and Odedeyo-Mewuro Road in Ogun State.

In Katsina State, the commission budgeted N1.05 billion for the construction of internal roads in Dan Market, Katsina State; and N1.05 billion for internal roads in Sabon Gari Yargoje, Sharada Burburga, Katsina State.

The commission also proposed N1.4 billion for construction of internal roads within Government Science College, Iyin, Ekiti State and another N700 million for ambulances, furniture, dental X-ray machines and dental chairs for a dental centre in Iyin, Ekiti.

The provision of three-in- one solar street lights in Danmarke, Jamruwa, Gidan Chindo and Sabon Gida in Kankara LGA of Katsina State gulped N700 million and another N700 million for the provision of women and youth empowerment tools in Kankara LGA, Katsina State.

 

Lawmakers blamed for insertion

When contacted by Daily Trust yesterday, the Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr Muhammad Sani Idris, said he was unable to comment on the matter immediately.

“Today is Sunday, but if you can give me some time, I will reach out to my budget office to obtain the full details. I would appreciate it if we could discuss this during the week so I can provide the comprehensive information you requested,” Idris said.

The Head of Media and Public Relations at the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Afolabi Olajuwon, did not respond to phone calls or text messages seeking his reaction.

However, a source at the Budget Office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the office does not determine the budget items of ministries, departments or agencies but only collates the submissions forwarded to it.

The source added that, in many cases, projects outside the statutory mandates of agencies are introduced during the budget process, particularly at the National Assembly stage.

“They call it constituency projects and since the government can’t fund it directly through the National Assembly, they use the agencies as proxies. The agencies too have to agree and if they refuse, they can be blackmailed by not approving their budget or through other ways.

 

Maritime: Nigeria, Ghana Sign Strategic MoU

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and the Ghana Maritime Authority, GMA, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, enhance regional maritime governance, and promote the sustainable development of the Blue Economy across West Africa.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lagos, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed appreciation to Ghana for its support during Nigeria’s successful re-election to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Category C Council, noting that the longstanding relationship between both countries continues to advance maritime development within the region.

He stated that the MoU provides a practical framework for deeper collaboration in maritime safety and security, mutual recognition of Certificates of Competency, CoC , institutional capacity building, knowledge sharing, comparative research, joint enforcement initiatives, and regional cooperation at international maritime fora.

According to Mobereola, the partnership must be driven by measurable outcomes through a structured implementation process.

“We will continue to work together to grow our economies and make the maritime sector safer. This Memorandum of Understanding is a commitment to do better. NIMASA will fully play its part in implementing the agreement, while both institutions must establish annual implementation agendas to monitor progress and deliver tangible results,” he said.

The NIMASA DG noted that Nigeria and Ghana, as leading maritime nations in the sub-region, have a shared responsibility to shape the future of maritime development in West and Central Africa. He added that the partnership should generate benefits that extend beyond both countries by fostering regional and sub-regional collaboration capable of unlocking the enormous potential of the Blue Economy.

Under the agreement, both maritime administrations will establish a Joint Consultative Team (JCT) to develop action plans, coordinate implementation, and monitor agreed programmes through designated focal persons. The JCT will meet twice yearly, with meetings hosted alternately by Nigeria and Ghana to review implementation progress, evaluate cooperation activities, and strengthen bilateral engagement.

The MoU is expected to improve maritime governance, strengthen institutional capacity, promote evidence-based policymaking through comparative research, enhance regulatory effectiveness, and reinforce collaborative efforts to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea, and maritime terrorism, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between both maritime administrations.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s leadership role within the region, noting that Ghana has over the years drawn valuable lessons from several Nigerian maritime initiatives, including the country’s Cabotage regime, ship registry, and regulatory frameworks.

“This Memorandum of Understanding consolidates an already mutually beneficial relationship. Ghana remains fully committed to implementing every aspect of the agreement as we continue to learn from one another and work together to strengthen maritime administration across the region,” he said.

The signing of the MoU underscores the commitment of both maritime administrations to advancing regional integration, improving maritime safety and security, and promoting sustainable economic growth through stronger institutional collaboration.

 

Jonathan: Nobody Offered Me N500bn To Split Obi’s Votes

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Goodluck Jonathan
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan

Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s ex-president has denied report that he was offered N500 billion to contest next year’s election, to split the votes of Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, NDC.

According to the former president, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser Dr Ikechukwu Eze, on Sunday, the report has the trappings of misinformation and falsehood by some unscrupulous persons who are only interested in misleading Nigerians, adding that such things never happened.

Jonathan  insist that nobody induced him with the large amount to contest the presidential election to whittle down Obi’s votes in the region.

“The report failed to state where or when Jonathan allegedly made such a claim, who was present or who purportedly made the alleged offer,” Jonathan said.

Obi is one of the presidential hopefuls in the 2027 presidential election but recent reports have claimed that efforts are ongoing to ensure that he receives less votes, where he’s believed to be very popular.

During the 2023 Presidential election, the former Anambra state governor won block votes from the region, including Jonathan’s home state, Bayelas against the incumbent, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who emerged winner in the election.

Peter Obi
Mr Peter Obi

To forestall the repeat of what happened in 2023, there are suggestions that Jonathan was offered the huge sum to split Obi’s votes so that it will be difficult for him to win.

The pundits cited the recent plan by some political active persons in the country to drag the former Nigerian Leader into the the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to be its candidate for next year’s election.

Recall that some people believed to be close to the former president obtained the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP nomination form for Jonathan, with a view to ensure that he emerged one of the presidential candidates for the election.

But Jonathan has never made it public that he’s interested in contesting the highest office in the country next year.

PDP had since picked Senator Sandy Onor as its sole consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election .

1...293031...3,006Page 30 of 3,006