Category: News

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a search at the headquarters of Dangote Industries Limited in Ikoyi, Lagos, as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged abuse of foreign exchange allocations by the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. The EFCC is probing preferential forex allocations to Dangote Group and 51 other companies under Emefiele’s leadership.

The anti-graft commission had earlier directed the 52 companies, including Dangote, to submit documents supporting the allocation and utilization of foreign exchange sold to them at official rates between 2014 and June 2023. During the surprise operation at Dangote’s headquarters, operatives seized financial documents related to forex allocations from 2014 to June 2023.

The investigation follows revelations by the Special Investigator on the CBN and Related Entities, Jim Obazee, regarding Emefiele’s alleged unauthorized lodging of public funds in foreign currencies and manipulation of the naira exchange rate. The EFCC’s search at Dangote Industries shocked staff and visitors, lasting several hours.

While some companies complied with the directive, others requested time to gather the necessary documents. The forex scandal investigation aims to address distortions, market volatility, and fluctuations resulting from multiple exchange rates in Nigeria until June 2023. The EFCC did not immediately confirm if any company officials were arrested during the raid.

Dangote Industries had earlier denied allegations of involvement in forex malpractices and money laundering, attributing the accusations to a rival business group. Despite the ongoing investigation, the EFCC’s operation at Dangote’s headquarters raises questions about compliance with due process and the conduct of the previous administration.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), popularly known as Nigerian Prison Service, has outrightly refuted the report circulating in a section of the media, alleging that Nigerian inmate’s daily feeding is N200. It described the report as false, misleading and mischievous in its content and intent.

A statement by the Assistant Controller of Corrections
Public Relations Officer (PRO),
Nigerian Correctional Service
National headquarters Abuja, Mr. AD Umar, noted that the N750 approved by federal government for Nigeria inmate is in the public domain, and remained intact.

“A misleading report circulated in a section of the media purporting that Nigerian inmates are fed with N200 daily instead of N750 approved by the Federal Government has come to the attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

“This report is false, misleading, and mischievous in all ramifications. For the avoidance of doubt, the public may wish to note that feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria is in the public domain, and vendors are paid the approved amount upon completion of supply”, the Service stated.

According to the statement, the contract for ration supply is usually made public, and the conditions clearly stated for interested vendors to apply in line with the public procurement act 2007.

It further maintained that, every custodial centre has a ration committee that exercises supervisory role over quality assurance of supply, preparation, and distribution to inmates to ensure that they are fed within the approved budget.

“The authorities have, over the years, demonstrated commitment towards improving inmates’ welfare in terms of feeding as well as empowerment through effective reformation and rehabilitation programmes.

“While the Service is making efforts to appeal to the Federal Government for upward review of feeding allowance to reflect the present economic realities, it will be unfair and unpatriotic for anyone to fabricate stories just to denigrate the Service.

“The public is advised to discountenance the false report and be assured of the irrevocable commitment of the Controller-General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa FICMC MFR, to work for the general good of persons in custody even as genuine support of well-meaning Nigerians will continue to be appreciated”, he added.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Shocking revelations have emerged regarding the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, for allegedly withdrewing a staggering sum of N3 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) within one month.

According to insiders in the agency, the withdrawal of the sum sparked a contentious dispute between the Minister and the suspended NSIPA National Coordinator/CEO, Hajia Halima Shehu.

Hajiya Shehu reportedly resisted the unjust depletion of public funds under the guise of National Social Register (NSR) Verification without proper evidence or authorization from the NSIPA account.

Insiders revealed that the funds were withdrawn without the knowledge of the NSIPA boss. To safeguard against further unauthorized withdrawals, the NSIPA Accounting Officer decided to secure the remaining funds in safe custody.

Hajia Shehu, the suspended NSIPA boss, redirected the remaining funds from accounts designated for Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) to protect them from misuse.

However, In an official statement released on Thursday by Rasheed Olanrewaju Zubair, the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the minister, Edu dismissed the reports as the work of mischief makers.

The Minister Edu, fired back amidst accusations of diverting N3 billion, and refuted media claims, accusing her of misappropriating N3 billion in public funds.

Edu asserted that the allegations were orchestrated by fifth columnists aiming to tarnish her hard-earned reputation and integrity, especially amid the ongoing investigations into the NSIPA scandal by the anti-graft agency.

The statement emphasized the lack of substance in the online publication and highlighted the need to set the record straight for the public.

According to Edu, the sponsored ‘Fake News’ was an attempt to generate traffic and sensationalize issues, as has been observed with the proliferation of fake and unsubstantiated news on social media. The minister clarified that she never requested funds, let alone withdrew a substantial amount like N3 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency’s (NSIPA) coffers during her four months in office.

The statement clarified that the Verification of the National Social Register (NSR), as mentioned in the publication, was approved by both the President and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in line with the Renewed Hope Mandate.

She pointed out that the verification exercise, which expanded the NSR and initiated payments directly from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to beneficiaries, was well-publicized.

Edu highlighted the approval of various programs under her leadership, such as the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG), by the President. She stressed that there was no instance where the Ministry withdrew funds from the NSIPA account without due diligence and proper approval from the relevant authorities.

The minister disassociated herself from the ongoing travails of the NSIPA leadership, asserting that her name should not be linked to the suspension and investigations initiated by the President.

Edu reaffirmed her commitment to the mandate of providing support to vulnerable Nigerians and achieving the goal of lifting 50 million people out of poverty within 42 months, aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In conclusion, Edu urged the media, both online and conventional, not to use her name to divert attention from the ongoing investigations and anti-graft efforts. She emphasized her dedication to her responsibilities and the achievable objectives of her ministry.

By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

Benue State Government has assured, China Harbour Engineering Company of its commitment to partner with the firm for the construction of Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road.

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, gave this assurance at the Government House Makurdi, when a team of the construction company paid him a courtesy visit.

The Governor, noted that Government and People of the state were waiting with excitement and anticipation for the commencement of the second phase of the project, maintaining that the state government already has a team on ground that will help the company in areas of collaboration and land compensation.

While commending the Federal Government for awarding contract for the construction of Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road project, Governor Alia, equally appreciated the China Harbour Engineering Company for accepting to partner with the Nigerian Government, and for completing the Abuja -Makurdi dualization work for the usage of people within the axis and Nigerians as a whole.

Responding, the Project Manager, China Harbour Engineering Company, Li Qaignziang, lauded Benue people for the cooperation they gave the company, while handling the Abuja-Makurdi phase one.

According to the Manager, preparation works were carried out in 2023, adding that proper work is to commence any moment from now.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the uncompleted section of the Abuja-Kaduna road before the end of the year. The government, which had promised completion since December 2018, aims to conquer contractual obstacles for the benefit of Nigerians.

Despite previous delays attributed to security challenges in 2022 and the relocation of communities along the Zaria section, Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed determination to deliver the project in 2024. Umahi mentioned a remaining 1.7 kilometers on two sections of the Abuja-Kaduna road, emphasizing the ministry’s readiness to address funding challenges.

While the contractors have requested a review of the project cost to N1.35 trillion, Umahi deemed the request excessive. He mentioned discussions with the president about the road’s importance and the commitment to completing it within the year, exploring options such as utilizing the Tax Credit Scheme for the first 40 kilometers.

The reconstruction project, managed by Julius Berger and funded under the Presidential Development Fund initiatives, is divided into three sections: Abuja-Kaduna, Kaduna-Zaria, and Zaria-Kano Expressway.

By Paul Sawa

Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District and former Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong has condoled with the family of former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Goar over the death of his son Ritgak Emmanuel Luka Goar who died at the age of 32.

Senator Lalong who visited the residence of the former Speaker in Tazuk, Wokkos District, Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State described the death of the young man as very unfortunate and a big loss to the family, Plateau State and Nigeria at large.

He said although the death of the young man is very painful and hard to bear, there is no way to question God who knows why he has called him to glory.

Lalong appealed to the family to take solace in the fact that the late Ritgak did a lot to serve Plateau State, Nigeria and humanity at large in his capacity.

Responding, Rt. Hon. Goar said he was privileged to have the Senator taking the pains to visit the family house at the village to condole with them at the moment of grieve.

He said the family is pained but has handed over to the will of God who is the creator and knows what is best for every creature.

The Senator was accompanied by some former Commisioners and Members of the Legislature.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Kogi State chapter on Wednesday evening accused the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate to tamper with, compromise, destroy electoral materials used in the concluded November 11, 2023 Kogi Governorship Election.

This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, signed by Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Spokesperson/ Director of Media and Publicity to APC Kogi State Governor elect.

The statement read as follows, ” Our attention has been drawn to moves by the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Kogi State, Mr. Hale Gabriel Longpet to aid the Social Democratic Party in compromising/tampering with and or destroying electoral materials used in the concluded 11th November 2023 Governorship Elections in Kogi State.

“It will be recalled that the Social Democratic Party and its Candidate obtained an Ex-parte Order of the Tribunal on the 25th day of November 2023, directing INEC to among other things, allow an inspection of electoral materials used for the Governorship Election for the purpose of assisting the SDP and its Candidate institute and maintain a Petition which at the time had not been filed.

INEC was said to be given only 48 hours to comply with the said orders which includes all forms, registers, result sheets, ballot papers and BVAS machines.

“Upon being served with the Order on the 27th day of November 2023, INEC filed a Motion before the Tribunal on the 29th day of November 2023 praying the Court to set aside the said Orders contending that the Tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to make the said Orders and for other reasons such as apparent contradictions in the said Ex-parte Order. That Motion to set aside dated and filed on 29/11/2023 is to our knowledge still before the Tribunal as it has not been heard.”

“It must also be noted that till date, the said Order for inspection granted on 25/11/2023 has not been served on the winner of that election, Alhaji Usman Ododo and the APC who are listed as parties in the said Order of Court.”

“Most importantly is the fact that the Petition in respect of which the order of inspection was initially sought and granted was filed on the 2nd of December 2023 with the SDP and its candidate admitting at paragraph 92 of the contentious Petition that INEC had given them documents contained in the Order which included Voters Register, BVAS Accreditation Reports and Result Sheets.”

“With the above background in mind, It is therefore shocking to learn that the REC of INEC in Kogi State, who works for a body which has asked a Court to set aside the Ex-parte Order for inspection it made, is now organizing an inspection exercise in Abuja for the SDP and its Candidate, an exercise which is fully and financially sponsored by the SDP and its candidate. Specifically, the REC sent out the following messages to affected Staff of INEC in Kogi State:
“Good evening everyone and compliment of the season.”

“I have just been contacted by the legal team of the SDP regarding the inspection of the election materials for the November 11th Governorship Election.”

“They said that they had communicated to the Commission that they would like to start the inspection with Adavi, Okehi and Okene.”

“They are ready to be responsible for the logistics and accommodation of the EOs and the HOD EOPs and ICT who must be at the Inspection as directed.
“Please convey this information to the affected officials.
As for the logistics, Barrister Olowo who has been dealing with us will provide the funds.
“Please ensure that all officers and HODs mentioned are in attendance for the inspection.
Admin Sec. Co-ordinate.
Thanks”.
REC.

He mentioned that the message was followed up by another request sent at the instance of the REC as follows:
“Inline with the above, I have been directed to inform the HODs (Ops&ICT) HoU Logistics and Electoral officers of Adavi, Okehi and Okene LGA to avail themselves at the Commission’s Headquarter, Abuja on 4th Jan, 2024 for the inspection, scheduled to hold by 9am to 6pm.
“Pls treat this as urgent”.
HoD Legal Services
For: REC

According to him the above messages no doubt shows the desperation of the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner who has been heavily compromised by the Social Democratic Party, its Candidate, and their cohorts. It is clear that the SDP and its Candidate who claimed to have filed their Petition have an ulterior motive regarding the election materials used for the conduct of the November 11 Governorship Election in Kogi State and the REC Kogi State who is on their payroll is willing and ready to assist them to tamper with these materials.

“The REC by the above message is willing to comprise other staff of INEC by allowing the SDP pay for their transportation, accommodation and other logistics for an assignment which ought to be an official assignment. The Law which set up and regulate the activities of INEC does not confer on INEC’s legal opponents to fund INEC’s official assignments.”

“The above message from the REC has clearly shown that he is no umpire and that he is no longer worthy of the position of a REC as he has been heavily compromised even before this exercise as he has an established financial relationship with the SDP and its candidate who have been dealing with him through the said Barrister Olowo.”

“It is unfortunate that the REC in charge of Kogi State has decided to soil his hands in a case which legality of filing is still in contention till date. He has clearly failed the test of impartiality and integrity and has clearly misrepresented the nobility of INEC.

“At this point, we call on the Chairman and Management of INEC to immediately halt any inspection of electoral materials used in the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election in Kogi State pending the determination of the Motion on Notice filed by INEC and others to set the Order of inspection aside.

“To commence disciplinary processes against the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi State, Mr. Longpet, having been heavily compromised by the SDP and its Candidate. The message from the REC is an admission of graft by him and a final nail on his fraudulent activities in the State. He has clearly misrepresented the integrity and legal interest of INEC.
Suspend or redeploy the REC from Kogi State pending the outcome of the disciplinary process against him.