Home Blog Page 389

Again, Rivers Assembly Begins Impeachment  Against Gov. Fubara, Deputy, Odu

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Simi Fubara and Professor Ngozi Odu
Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his Deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu,

By Akwinwale Kasali and Ayodele Oni

Rivers state House of Assembly on Thursday began impeachment proceedings against Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.

The members present, all of whom are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, are accusing Fubara and Odu of gross misconduct.

During plenary presided over by the Speaker of the Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, read out the notice of allegations and gross misconduct against Fubara.

Relying on Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, Jack reeled out seven points of alleged gross misconduct against Fubara.

Some of the accusations include the demolition of the Assembly Complex, extra budgetary spending, withholding funds meant for the Assembly Service Commission,  refusal to obey the Supreme Court on the financial autonomy of the House.

Twenty-six members of the Assembly signed the notice.

After Jack laid his notice before the Speaker who said the notice will be served on the Governor within seven days, the Deputy Leader, Linda Stewart, also brought forward a notice of gross misconduct against Odu.

Some of the gross misconduct allegations included reckless and unconstitutional spending of public funds, obstruction of the House of Assembly from performing its constitutional duties as outlined by the 1999 Constitution, conniving to allow unauthorized persons to occupy offices without proper screening by the legitimate House of Assembly.

Other allegations were that she approached another group of people for budgetary approval instead of the legitimate Rivers State House of Assembly, seizure of salaries and allowances accruing to the RSHA and the Assembly Service Commission.

The first impeachment procedure against the governor in 2023 led to the declaration of a state of emergency following conflicting court’s pronouncement on the political crisis in the state

Fubara, Odu and members of the assembly had recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), last year.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has just completed a tour of local governments in the state during which he accused Fubara of breaching agreement facilitated between them by President Bola Tinubu. Wike swore that Fubara will never get a second term in office in 2027. Not a few people agree that the Assembly began the impeachment on Wike’s instruction.

The Assembly has adjourned proceedings to next week,  January 16.

Malami Prosecution: We Warned Buhari- Osinbajo’s Ex-Aide

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Abubakar Malami in Court
Abubakar Malami

Laolu Akande, a former spokesman under the Muhammadu Buhari administration’s says he’s not surprised over the ongoing prosecution, for alleged corruption, of Abubakar Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN,  by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The former presidential aide said some officials in that government warned the former president of what was going on in the Ministry of Justice under Malami, but Buhari chose not to listen. Akande, was Senior Special Assistant to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo under the Buhari’s administration.

His remark comes barely a day after Justice Emeke Nwite granted Malami, his wife, and son bail to the tune of N1.5 billion.

The magazine had earlier  reported that the former AGF and his alleged accomplices have been detained  by the agency on the order of the court since last year.

While ruling on Malami bail application yesterday ,the judge said Malami and other accused persons must be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre till they perfected their bail  conditions.

Reacting to Malami’s case with the EFCC, Akande who spoke on Channels Television programme  on Thursday, stated that some officials in the Buhari’s administration “saw” what is now happening to Malami ahead of time, and warned the late president about it.

Malami is currently being prosecuted  by the EFCC for allegedly enriching himself while he served for eight years under that administration as AGF. He has been charged by the anti-graft agency for alleged money laundering to the tune of  over N8 billion.

Other allegations the EFCC brought against the former AGF include that he corruptly acquired choice properties worth over N200 billion  in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Kano, Kebbi and other parts of the country while he served under the Buhari’s administration. The properties have been confiscated by the EFCC acting on curt order pending the hearing of the case of corruption against him.

The former AGF however insisted on his innocence, saying his prosecution by the anti-graft agency has political undercurrents.

He has also accused EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede of sponsoring a campaign of calumny against him, citing the alleged indictment of the EFCC boss by the Justice Salami Panel, details of which he’s privy to due to his position as AGF then under the Buhari’s government.

He insist that he’s clean as a whistle of all the allegations brought against him by the EFCC, saying he will soon be declared innocent  by the court of law. He also demanded the EFCC boss to recuse himself from his case, saying he ‘s witch-hunting him and biased.

In a statement released by Mohammed Bello Doka, his media aide last month, Malami said his detention, investigation and prosecution was politically motivated, particularly  following his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Sources said the former AGF who defected to the ADC late year is gearing up to contest the Kebbi state governorship election in 2o27.

Malami claimed  that the EFCC’s actions were driven by “historical animosity” and a “personal vendetta” rather than genuine law enforcement concerns.

He explained that while serving as attorney-general, the federal government constituted the Ayo Salami judicial commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.

He noted that Olukoyede served as secretary to the commission, whose report, contains serious findings implicating the EFCC chairman, particularly in chapter nine.

Malami said the circumstances surrounding the current investigation showed that he had been pre-judged and could not receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under Olukoyede’s leadership.

He asked that the matter be transferred to another appropriate enforcement agency to restore credibility and public confidence.

He called on Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation, to prevail on the EFCC chairman to recuse himself to prevent further institutional damage.

The former AGF demanded his immediate prosecution or release, insisting that he be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction within 24 hours in line with sections 35(3), (4) and (5) of the constitution.

Malami accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and serving criminal sentences abroad as witnesses against him.

He described the alleged move as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system”.

The ex-AGF stated that his legal team had requested certified true copies of petitions forming the basis of the investigation, including one by Human and Environmental Agenda dated September 11, 2023, and another by Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance.

He also demanded certified true copies of the EFCC’s investigation report, which he said, were necessary to prepare his defence.

Malami said he was not seeking any political settlement or inducement, adding that his sole objective was to clear his name before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“Nigeria must not degenerate into a republic where anti-corruption agencies are converted into tools of political intimidation,” he said.

Ugochinyere Imo Warns Wike To Stop Insulting The Igbo, Tells Him “You Are Not In His Class”

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo and Nyesom Wike
Hom. Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo and Nyesom Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

The member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo, has warned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike, to stop insulting the Igbo.

Speaking from his home town, Akokwa, while announcing his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP,  to the Action Peoples Party, APP.

Ugochinyere’s warning stemmed from Wike’s verbal attack on the President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator Azu Mbata.

Ugochinyere pointed out that any insult on Mbata is an insult on the Igbo Nation. He urged Wike to  refrain from any further insult on the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

Ugochinyere, also, called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike and stop him  from insulting the Igbo.

He told Wike: “I want to warn you that your decision to attack the Igbo nation by insulting the President General of the Igbo nation should be the last. Igbo all over the world can tolerate all these things you did, but you see, to look at Ohaneze Ndigbo President General and talk down on a man that the whole Igbo Nation find fit to lead the race worldwide is a red line.

“He’s President General of Igbo Nation Worldwide from Antarctica to the last bottom of the earth. That’s why today at the meeting of the Ime Obi of the Igbo youth, they have issued a stern warning to you. Do not attack our tribe again.

“Limit your politics to those who allow you to be doing all those things. But do not attack the president of the Igbo nation. Sen. Azuta Mbata is not in your class.

“The whole Ndigbo find him fit to lead our tribe. He told you a simple truth. That he helped you, gave you your lifeline. That does not warrant an insult.”

2027: EFCC Watching Corrupt Politicians; Will Not Bow To Pressure

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
-
0
Ola Olukoyede - EFCC Chairman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has warned politicians sponsoring media attacks against the commission to desist from the act, as they are being closely watched, and the agency will not be blackmailed to silence.

The agency also noted that the frequency of the campaign is likely to increase as the 2027 general election is getting closer, the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports.

The commission’s spokesman, Dele Oyedele made the revelation in a statement he signed on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He explained that such politicians have recruited some paid hack writers to write against the agency, particularity on the prosecution of high profile government officials who are alleged to have soiled their hands while in government.

The revelation is coming on the heels of the bail granted a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami by Justice Emeka Nwite of the federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.

Malami, his wife and son have been dragged to court by the EFCC over alleged fraud running into several billions of naira. Instructively, the former AGF was alleged to have fraudulently acquired choice proprieties worth over N200 billion in Abuja and other states in the country while he served under President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The accused were yesterday granted bail to the tune of N1.5 billion by the judge, after they have spent weeks in detention. .

According to the EFCC, accused politicians are not happy with what the commission is doing, and are now trying to force the it into “a timid mode” but said the agency will not buckle to pressure, even when such attacks are targeted at its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, saying the “motley crowd of paid jobbers”  and their sponsors are under close watch.

Oyedele said the agency is a non-partisan body and will not hesitate to prosecute corrupt persons whether in the government or opposition, as there’s “no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the commission.”

“Their objective is to befuddle the work of the commission and, through scaremongering, intimidate the commission into a timid mode,” the agency said.

“The commission wishes to put those recruited into this ignoble enterprise on notice that their activities are under close watch.

“The EFCC will not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria. It reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities

“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the commission.

“Nigerians need to appreciate the fact that the commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.

“Commentaries about the presumption of innocence of a defendant in court are in line with the provisions of the Constitution and not intended as defence of any individual or group,” EFCC noted.

Ikenga Ugochinyere Dumps  PDP For APP, Tells Fmr Party ”The monster you created has consumed you’’

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere

By Adesina Soyooye

The member representing Ideato North/ Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, in the House of Representatives, Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the Action Peoples Party, APP.

Until he dumped the Party, Hon. Ugochinyere Imo was one of the most active and vocal voices in the PDP and one of those who gave the ruling party in the State hell.

He declared for the APP, a little known Party in the State, at his home town Akokwa, in the presence of thousands of his Constituents and officials of the APP. The ceremony was aired live on Arise Television. But even though  APP is not quite known in the State, not a few people believe that the Lawmaker’s popularity in his Constituency and charisma and performance will see him through in the State which, for now, is clearly an APC State, 100 per cent, almost.

While declaring for the APP, he said the monster the PDP created has consumed it. There has been an unprecedented run in the Party which from the 13 Governors it had in 2023, now parades only a paltry four.

He pilloried the leadership of  the PDP for the prolonged internal crisis which began since 2015, and worsened in 2022.

It is Ugochinyere’s opinion   that those who watered the crisis are now being consumed by what it nurtured.

He described the PDP situation as self-inflicted. He recalled the obstacles he personally faced in the Party as soon as he was cleared to contest for the House of Representatives election.

“From the day we declared to contest under the PDP, we began to face problems, internal opposition and sabotage trailed mu ambition throughout the process.”

He criticised the party’s silence during the political crisis in Rivers State, and  accused its leaders of failing to defend the party’s integrity at a critical moment.

He recalled how a prominent party member of the PDP from the South-east  fully supported the actions that weakened the PDP for personal gain, and described it as a betrayal of the party.

He said: “Today, the monster you enabled is after all of you.

“As a lawyer and a defender of justice, should I join people who are directionless and only interested in accessing the vault of their state?” he asked. He was answered by a thunderous no!

“From the day we started with PDP to this afternoon, we are still in court with our party in a bid to retain the seat that for over fifteen years they never won until we brought victory to them. Now that we survived all these ordeals in the last three, four years, should we try it again? No. Should we test God to see whether we survive? Not to talk of the fact that some of them testified against us in tribunal, our own party men.

“I found it very insulting as the only federal lawmaker that the party has in the State. But they preferred that the party died while they washed dishes in Port Harcourt.

“We want to build. We want to earn every vote. And that’s why we took a political party that we want to build from scratch, filled with energy of young people, we went to a political party that didn’t have any governor so we can build because we are sure of what we want to do. It’s on that gound that I have decided to depart from the PDP”.

With his exit from  the Party the PDP Imo now has zero presence in the House of Representatives.

Ondo Sports Council New GM: Commissioner Plead With Workers For Peace To Reign

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Mrs Evelyn Lebi
Mrs Evelyn Lebi, General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council.

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state commissioner for youths and sports development, Henry Omoyofunmi and the newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi, have appealed to aggrieved coaches and athletes to embrace peace, unity and dialogue in the collective interest of sports development in the state.

They made the appeal following a protest by some sports union leaders, athletes and stakeholders over the appointment of Lebi, which resulted in the temporary closure of the main gate of the sports complex in Akure on Tuesday.

The new General Manager, who spoke in Akure, urged coaches and athletes to see her as one of their own, stressing that she has spent over a decade serving meritoriously within the Ondo State Sports Council and remains deeply committed to its progress.

“I understand the concerns being expressed, but I appeal for calm and cooperation. Sports can only grow in an atmosphere of unity. I am ready to work with everyone for the advancement of sports in Ondo State,” she said.

Mrs Lebi assured stakeholders of her readiness to prioritise athletes’ welfare and work closely with dedicated coaches to revive sporting activities across the state, noting that her leadership style would be inclusive, collaborative and focused on sustainable development.

A seasoned sports administrator and former national athlete, Mrs Lebi hails from Ondo West Local Government Area.

Mrs Evelyn Lebi succeeds Mr Sunday Fagite, who recently retired from the civil service.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Henry Omoyofunmi, has also met with the management of the Ondo State Sports Council to brief them on recent developments and urged staff to cooperate fully with the new General Manager.

Describing her as a qualified and seasoned sports administrator, the commissioner expressed confidence in her ability to reposition sports in the state.

Niger 2027: Information Minister  Sacks Aide, Debunks Gov Ambition

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

By Akinwale Kasali

Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, has debunked claims he is nursing an ambition to run for the Governorship Seat of Niger State come 2027.

Idris stated that his aide who circulated the false Information has been relieved of his job.

A statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, said Idris has suspended the Aide that authored the article.

It would be recalled

that Idris vied for the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governorship ticket alongside Governor Umaru Bago in 2023.

The statement read: “The office of the Minister wishes to bring to the attention of the general public a write-up, written by an aide, Sa’idu Enagi, titled ‘Malagi 2027,’ in which permutations for the 2027 Niger State gubernatorial elections were discussed.

“The write-up and all its contexts are hereby vehemently disclaimed.

“The Honourable Minister is fully focused on his responsibility superintending the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and has no room for political distractions.

“Please disregard the write-up as the Honourable Minister neither directed nor approved the publication.

“The Honourable Minister has directed an immediate investigation, and the aide has been issued a letter of suspension with immediate effect.

“It is noteworthy that the Honourable Minister and his home state governor, His Excellency Mohammed Umaru Bago, enjoy a positive, mutual relationship for the greater good of Niger state, and therefore, speculations about the 2027 elections will appear inimical to these noble objectives”, the statement reads.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Threaten To Boycott Quarter Finals Match  Over Unpaid Allowances

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Super Eagles
Super Eagles

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Eagles of Nigeria has refused to travel to Marrakech from Fes in Morocco, where they had played all their Group Matches and their Round of 16 Match following the failure of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to pay the Players and Officials Winning allowances against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique.

It was gathered that the players are adamant that unless the bonuses are paid in full they will not travel to Marrakech for their Saturday encounter against the Desert Foxes of Algeria.

It was gathered that while the team remained committed to the competition, they have said that the only condition they would train or travel to Marrakech for the next match is if the outstanding payments are resolved.

It would be recalled that in November 2025, the team also threatened to boycott their 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Panthers of Gabon, citing unpaid entitlements.

In a joint statement signed by all Super Eagles players, they said:  “The full squad, including officials, withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments.

“The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon”, that was the statement issued the last time they threatened to Boycott a World Cup Qualifiers.

Sports Journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji also revealed that the squad is awaiting payment for bonuses accrued from victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique.

“Players and coaching staff of #Nigeria are waiting on #AFCON2025 bonus payments. Win bonuses from four matches – vs Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda & Mozambique – have yet to be received. Squad remain focus but will NOT train or travel to Marrakech on Thursday if this isn’t resolved,” Oluwaseun posted.

The NFF is yet to respond on this development, but Sports Fans and analysts are lampooning the NFF and the National Sports Commission, NSC, Chairman, Abdullahi Dikko, of failing to prioritize the welfare of the players despite hoisting the Nation’s Flag and making the nation proud with their performances so far.

Segun Ilesanmi, a Football enthusiasts urged the NFF to address the payment of the allowances and not destabilise the team..

“We need to keep the players in the right frame of mind as they battle Algeria in the Quarter Finals. This unpaid allowances shouldn’t be heard of”, he stated.

Another Football Analysts, Damilola Oluwaseun, said that it was a disgrace that such news to be heard of, that players are boycotting matches due to unpaid allowances.

“This is unheard of, why is it always Nigeria that is always in this God forsaken situation. A labourer deserves his wages, what patriotism do we want that this players have not given so far.

“They have all made us proud with their performance, consistency and determination. The NFF should do the needful, before it becomes a national disgrace and shame”, Oluwaseun stated.

Two Gombe State Lawmakers Dump PDP For APC

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
APC and PDP

By Akinwale Kasali

The defection tsunami rocking opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, APC, continues.

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, on Wednesday received two members of the PDP in the Gombe State House of Assembly to the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Hon. Gabriel Galadima Fushison, representing Kaltungo West Constituency and Hon. Malon Nimrod Yari, representing Billiri West Constituency led to the Governor’s office by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, said their decision was driven by Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s inclusive style of governance.

They noted that even while in opposition, they were never sidelined, adding that their constituencies benefited fully from government projects and the dividends of democracy.

According to them, the Governor’s fairness, accessibility and commitment to equitable development convinced them that the best way to reciprocate such consideration was to join hands with him in advancing the development agenda of Gombe State.

Welcoming the lawmakers into the APC family, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described their defection as a vote of confidence in his administration and its people-oriented policies.

He assured them of equal treatment, cooperation and full integration in the party, stressing that the APC remains a platform for unity, progressand service to the people.

The Governor also commended the leadership and members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their continued cooperation with the executive, describing the cordial relationship between both arms of government as critical to the peace, stability and development the state currently enjoys.

It will be recalled that earlier in 2025, the Minority Whip of the House, Hon. Zubairu Ayala, also defected from PDP to the APC.

Court Orders Interim Forfeiture Of 57 Properties Linked To Malami

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Abubakar Malami in Court
Abubakar Malami

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of 57 Properties  suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities strongly believed to be linked to the former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami.

The order was sequel to an ex-parte motion brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFFC, against  Malami, his wife and son.

According to the motion filed by the Commission’s Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho SAN, the properties are located in choice areas of Kaduna, Abuja, Kebbi and Kaduna states.

In the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the order issued on Tuesday January 6, 2026, but was released on Wednesday, Justice Emeka Nwite, also directed the publication of the order of interim forfeiture in a National daily, inviting interested persons to show cause(s) why the said properties should not be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria within 14 days of the publication.

“It is hereby ordered that an interim order of this Honourable Court is hereby made forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the properties described in Schedule 1 below which are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities”, Justice Nwite ruled.

Some of the said properties as listed in the schedule include Luxury Duplex on Amazon street, Plot No 3011 Maitama Abuja, two winged story building on Onitsha Crescent Area II Abuja.( formally Harmonia Hotels Limited), Plot 683 ,Jabi District , Cadastral Zone B04 comprising five story building ( now Luxurious Meethaq Hotels Ltd ,Jabi with 53 rooms/ suites ,and property No 3130 within Cadastral Zone A04 ,Asokoro District FCT Abuja.

Others are property No 3 Rhine Street , Maitama Abuja ( Meethaq Hotels Ltd Maitama with 15 rooms) ,plot No 1241B Asokoro District Zone ( No 11A Yakubu Gowon Crescent Asokoro District ,as well as others located in Kano , Kaduna and Kebbi states.

The EFCC in the 16 count charge accused the former Minister of Justice, his wife and an employee of a firm linked to Malami (Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd), as well as his son of carrying out various suspicious transactions ,and attempting to conceal the origin of billions of naira through bank accounts and property acquisitions.

The offences were said to have been committed between 2015 and 2023, when Malami served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice under the administration of late President Mohammadu Buhari.

According to the anti-corruption Commission, the former Minister, his wife and son conspired to disguise the origin of funds, acquire property by proxy, and retain sums they, allegedly, knew were proceeds of unlawful activities, in violation of extant laws , particularly the Money Laundering ( Prohibition and Prevention ) Acts of 2011 and 2022 as amended.

1...388389390...3,089Page 389 of 3,089