Category: News

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and put an end to the escalating violence in various parts of the country. Dogara advised Tinubu not to follow the footsteps of his predecessors who, instead of taking responsibility as commanders-in-chief, limited themselves to issuing press statements mourning victims of killings.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, over the recent massacre in Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi local government areas, Dogara urged the President to use all available means to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators and sponsors of violence nationwide. He stressed that those responsible for the heinous acts aim to disrupt the ways of life in Nigeria and must be stopped.

Dogara emphasized the need for the President to take decisive action against the perpetrators, stating that condolences should be delivered through actions, not just words. He called on Tinubu to deploy security apparatus to locate and bring justice to those responsible for violence across the nation.

While commending Governor Mutfwang, Dogara clarified that the blame should not be placed on him as he does not control any troops. He expressed condolences to the people of Plateau State and the families affected by the acts of terrorism, urging the President to rise up and take effective measures to end the violence.

In response, Governor Mutfwang expressed gratitude to Dogara for his continued support and urged him to keep advocating for the people’s interests. Mutfwang highlighted the deliberate plan to cause mayhem and discomfort, emphasizing the risk of Nigeria becoming another Somalia if the security challenges are not promptly addressed. He called for a collective effort to support the President in changing the narrative and finding lasting solutions to the security issues.

Gunmen attacked 25 communities in Plateau State on Christmas Eve, resulting in over 150 deaths and the displacement of more than 10,000 residents. The attacks affected Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, and Mangu local government areas.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has vehemently refuted the N585 million fraud allegations leveled against her, dismissing them as baseless and an orchestrated attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s anti-corruption initiatives.

In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Saturday, the embattled minister addressed the accusations and asserted that they are mere fabrications by her detractors seeking to hinder her efforts in fighting corruption and aiding the underprivileged.

Edu emphasized her commitment to transparency, accountability, and eradicating corruption, stating that the challenges faced only strengthen her resolve to serve with integrity and dedication.

She expressed confidence in the power of truth prevailing and, with unwavering trust in God, conveyed her assurance that collective efforts will continue to positively impact the lives of the less privileged.

The minister acknowledged encountering resistance from forces with questionable motives but urged continued trust and support from the public as her ministry navigates through these unfounded allegations.

By Sawa Paul

Prominent civil rights advocacy group: HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has asked the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Miss Betta Edu to resign or excuse her self from duty for some time so she can submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to explain how any kind of financial rules under operation in public offices, allows for public fund to be warehoused in a private individual’s bank account.

Recalling that the public sector financial regulations of 2009 prohibits the payment of public funds to the account of a private individual just as specifically, Section 713 of the law states that: “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account. An officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention,” HURIWA said it is double standard if the president suspended his appointee heading the social investment coordinating office for exactly the allegations of paying in public funds worth over N34 billion as alleged by EFCC into private accounts but only for the cabinet level minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to be going about the public space seeking justification for also directing that public fund be paid into a private account no matter the status of that account holder.

HURIWA calls on the President and the EFCC to use a universal yardstick in the enforcement of the anti-graft laws since the law shouldn’t be made to be afraid of certain individuals because they are senior national figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress whereas all others are treated with severely adversarial yardstick just as their investigations suddenly become the main talking points in the public media.

“We are not Accusing the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation of committing any infractions, but based on the media statements that her office has issued so far, the attempt to convince Nigerians that it is lawful to keep public fund in private account is just like the polemic promoted by one erstwhile civilian governor of Kano State in the second Republic that public fund can be kept in government House since government House is a publicly funded house. It is incongruous and indeed puerile to say that on one hand, the EFCC arrested one official of the same government over allegations of payments of public funds into private accounts but on the same breath, a cabinet level minister is inundating the public space with her submission that keeping public money in private account of someone heading a certain portfolio, is appropriate. This sounds illogical and fallacious and by the way, if as the Minister argued that under a certain civil service rule, public funds can be kept under private accounts, why then does the financial regulations Act governing public service in Nigeria say the exact opposite?”

HURIWA recalled that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has cried out to Nigerians over what she described as “disgruntled elements” trying to stain her hard earned integrity following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud investigation in NSIPA.

The minister said these elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure by displaying on social media a memo from the ministry to the Accountant-General of the Federation approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups, (GVGs), for four states, which is currently being circulated in the social media.

In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Rasheed Zubair, she explains; “For the avoidance of doubt, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.
“We must, however, note that GVG was first launched in Kogi state where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023, Kogi in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.

“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the federal government, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,” the statement contained.

As issues around the suspension of NSIPA boss, Halima Shehu, her quick replacement in acting capacity by Dr. Akindele Egbuwale of NPower, her detention and subsequent release by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), evolve, the minister is forced to come out and debunk series of similar allegations that has been coming her way.

In this latest development, Dr. Edu is urging Nigerians to discountence these allegations claiming that “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear her image and stain her integrity following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA.

She insisted that the “Fund for Vulnerable Groups In the four states was approved and went through due Process.
“Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the department of finance and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant to be paid and use same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after project or Programme is completed.

“The evil motive of the mischief-makers behind the circulation of the memo is well-known and should be ignored.”

HURIWA which emphasized that nobody has paid them to intervene in this public interest conversations, however thinks that it is strange to argue that the public fund can be kept in private account whereas a top government official under the same Humanitarian Affairs sector has just been harangued, and pursued vigourously and arrested by the EFCC and the story was all over the media front pages for exactly doing the same thing of allegedly keeping public fund in private accounts or is the EFCC not allowed to interrogate serving ministers?

“If the EFCC can’t interrogate serving ministers, then the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation should step aside to allow for unfettered investigation because it is unpalatable and preposterous that same case of keeping money in private accounts are treated separately with one treated as alleged crime and the other is seen as being okay just because it has some approval which violate extant fiscal responsibility Act.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) Youth Wing has appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff to investigate what it described as a distressing video featuring four youths seeking enlistment in the Nigerian Army.

The youths also appealed to the Kaduna state government to establish a committee to thoroughly examine the matter, with the aim of preventing any recurrence.

A statement issued by the SOKAPU National Youth Leader, John Isaac, said, “It is with great concern that the Southern Kaduna Youths have observed a distressing video featuring four youths originally from Kaduna State, currently residing in Lagos.

“These individuals, earnestly seeking enlistment in the Nigerian Army, faced unwarranted humiliation, denial, and even arrest during the state screening process as of the time of composing this statement”, it noted.

The statement explained that the reasons as portrayed in the video, revolved around their inability to speak the Yoruba language and their non-citizenship status in Lagos.

According to the statement, “It is imperative to emphasize that the constitution clearly defines Nigerian citizenship, and the Nigerian Military outlines specific requirements and eligibility criteria for enlistment, none of which pertains to linguistic or tribal considerations, such as the ability to speak Yoruba.”

The statement observed that “the Kaduna State government boasts of a significant number of Yoruba individuals in its civil service, some holding esteemed political appointments, tracing their origin to the South West”, stressing that “this serves as a testament to Kaduna State’s inclusive and liberal stance, actively contributing to the unity of the Nigerian project”.

It Stated that, “In light of these events, we respectfully urge the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff to promptly and urgently investigate this matter.

“We appeal for the immediate release of these young men and their fair participation in the enlistment exercise, aligning with the principles afforded to every Nigerian citizen, as the unity of our nation transcends ethnic considerations

His Lordship Marshall Edidem, the Custodian of the Spiritual Kingdom Church of Christ Mission in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, has called for continuous prayers and fasting to seek divine intervention in the ongoing crisis in Jos, Plateau State. Reflecting on the recent attacks where over 200 innocent lives were lost on Christmas Eve, Edidem expressed the belief that sustained prayers had, in the past, averted worse calamities in the country.

Edidem, speaking in Uyo, emphasized the importance of collective fasting and prayers to bring an end to the crises in Jos. He called on Nigerians to come together and seek divine intervention for a solution to the challenges faced by the nation.

The cleric noted that the church observes its Founder’s Day on January 2 annually since its establishment in 1946. On this day, the congregation gathers to pray for peace throughout Nigeria and for guidance for the country’s leaders.

Obong Samuel Edidem, the Chief Priest of the church, also shared his perspective on the Founder’s Day, expressing concern about the widespread hardship in the country. He emphasized the need for divine intervention to alleviate the difficulties faced by Nigerians and urged people not only to blame the government but also to recognize some challenges as consequences of divine displeasure.

Academic and non-academic staff at Kaduna State University (KASU) have raised concerns about the non-payment of salaries, highlighting their plight three years after their employment. These workers reveal that they have not received any salary since their employment, emphasizing their exclusion from the state’s payroll.

The issue stems from the university’s financial autonomy challenges, resulting from its integration under the office of the state Head of Service during the tenure of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Some employees, speaking anonymously due to fear of victimization, express their frustration over being denied access to the state health insurance scheme, as enrollment requires printed monthly pay slips.

One employee, claiming to be owed for 22 months, shares the challenges faced, stating, “It has been hard because as an academic staff (member), you are working and then you see your colleagues getting (credit) alerts, whereas you are not getting anything. It is demoralising, and things are very hard.”

Another affected worker highlights the delayed salary expectations, saying, “We thought that by December (2023), we would see our salary, but after the first quarter of 2023 and nothing, we began following up with the State House.”

In response, the state Head of Service, Hajia Habiba Shekarau, directs inquiries to the university management, stating, “Please talk to KASU because KASU is an autonomous body.” However, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Adamu Bargo, clarifies that total autonomy is not present as salaries are disbursed by the state government, not the university. Bargo urges affected employees to exercise patience, assuring them that the university is actively addressing the matter.

Tensions have escalated in Nasarawa state following Senator Solomon Ewuga’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has been met with strong opposition from the Eggon youths, who have vehemently warned the Senator against organizing any defection rally within Eggon Land.

Expressing their disdain for Senator Ewuga’s defection, a cross-section of Eggon youths labelled it as a “greatest a gross act of “fatricidal” betrayal.” They cautioned the senator against implementing his plan stating that any attempt to hold such a rally in tge town could attract unpleasant consequences of staunch resistance.

“Senator Ewuga’s defection is viewed as a betrayal of trust and an affront to the interests of Eggon Land and the majority of the people of Nasarawa State. “We will not allow him to stage a defection party here,” stated a member of the Eggon youth group named Anda Abednego Akpomoshi.

They further stressed that the senator’s remarks citing the “avoidance of hunger” as reason for his defection have further fueled resentment among the Eggon youth who have over the years stood by him. Many have condemned his actions, attributing them to jealousy and an attempt to thwart the prospects of his fellow kinsman, especially after Senator Ewuga’s several failed attempts in the past, to defend their victory.

Shedding light on the financial inducement that influenced the defection, a member of the APC who craved anonymity because of party said that it is common knowledge which can be confirmed with little investigations via various sources close to Ewuga would reveal the facts that Ewuga allegedly collected fifty million Naira for expressing his desire to join the APC.

Additionally, a source said to close to Ewuga further alleged that the sum of twenty million Naira was purportedly received by Ewuga to organize a defection ceremony. Intriguingly, during the visits to Lafia Government House to collect these funds, which variously channelled through the SSG and Deputy Governor, the source added, Senator Ewuga reportedly used a vehicle donated to him by Dr. David Ombugadu of the PDP when the senator said he had resigned from politics and opted to be a statesman and was considering vying for the traditional stool of Aren Eggon.

Reacting to the senator’s departure, the PDP dismissed Senator Ewuga’s move as inconsequential, referring to it as a “lone walk” to the APC waiting to be received by paid agents and hired crowd.

“Ewuga’s defection signifies a loss of relevance and credibility in Nasarawa politics. He did not contribute to our campaign efforts, even after receiving substantial funds from our governorship candidate. His departure to the APC is a relief now that he has decided to take a side after the elections,” remarked the zonal secretary of the PDP from Nasarawa North.

The unfolding tensions between Senator Ewuga and the Eggon youth, coupled with the financial intricacies surrounding his defection, reflect a fractious political landscape in Nasarawa state, hinting at potential repercussions for the senator’s political future.

Information breaking out Just before filing this report, according to an anonymous source indicate that the Ewuga defection ceremony is now shifted to the Ality Akwe City Hall, Lafia venue that will host visiting APC national Chairman, one of the hired hands to fight for the illegal capture of state power on behalf of Abdullahi Sule.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

A Seventy five years old woman, identified as Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and her grand daughter were burnt to death in her family house at Idah by yet to be arrested arsonists.

The beaded woman who was identified as Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani was the Senior sister to Attah Igala, His Royal Majesty, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa

Late Mallama Meimunat was allegedly set ablaze alongside her granddaughter, Hajarat in the early hours of Thursday, Jan. 4, at her Oketekwe residence in Idah Local Government Area of the State.

A family source said: “A group of people came to the house with petrol while the grandmother was sleeping alongside her daughter and granddaughter, poured the petrol on the house and ignited a fire.

“The five-year-old granddaughter, Mama, died immediately after suffering from severe burns, while Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani, along with her own daughter, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

Mama, later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, while her own daughter is still fighting for her life.” The family stated.

The remains of the late Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa Sani and the five-year-old girl have been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.

Meanwhile,the Minister for Steel Development, Prince Shuaib Abubarkar Audu in a condolence message issued on his behalf by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Lizzy Okonji said that “The Honourable Minister, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu has extended his heartfelt condolences to the paramount ruler of Igala kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa over the death of his sister, Mallama Meimunat Opaluwa-Sani and her granddaughter.”

He described the deaths of the late Mallama Opaluwa-Sani and her five-year-old granddaughter as tragic and sacrilegious.

The Minister who said the death of Mallama Opaluwa-sani, Akwuma Attah Igala was a loss to the entire Igala Kingdom, called on Security Agencies to investigate the alleged arson and bring to book the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

However,the Kogi state police command is yet to react to the incident as the police public relations officer, SP William Aya has not responded to a message sent to him and has not picked repeated calls to his mobile phone.

In a recent plenary session presided over by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the Lagos State House of Assembly has successfully passed the N2.2tn 2024 Appropriation Bill as presented by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The budget includes an allocation of N952,430,566,998 for Recurrent Expenditure and N1,315,545,553,871 for Development Fund, resulting in a total budget size of N2,267,976,120,869 for the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2024. Further details are anticipated to be released soon.