Goerge Emiefele, the younger brother of the embattled Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emiefele has escaped to London en route to the United States of America, through Cotonou, LeadingReporters can exclusively report.  His escape follows his inability to secure a court order interdicting the Department of State Security Services and the Attorney General of the Federation from arresting and prosecuting him.

Goerge who until his escape worked with NEM Insurance PLC, through the help of the Central Bank Governor had unfettered access to the coffers of the Nigeria, Security and Minting Company, popularly called MINT where the sum of N1.5billion was constantly wired to him under the guise of Annual Premium. 

Our investigation further revealed that George Emiefele who, until his escape was the DGM marketing in NEM Insurance collected the sum of N80million every month from Tawada Nigeria Limited (an affiliate of CBN responsible for the production of inks and raw materials used in printing currencies and other security documents) as coverage for marine insurance... https://leadingreporters.com/godwin-emiefele-has-escaped-to-london-en-route-to-the-united-states-of-america/

The Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) Aisha Dahir-Umar received millions of dollars in estacode for foreign trips even during the Covid-19 lockdown, documents obtained have shown.

The documents further revealed that the PENCOM boss received millions of dollars from 2019 when she was an acting Director General of PENCOM and continued in 2020 when she was confirmed as the substantive DG.

She received the funds through a Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number, 20165261012 domiciled with the GTB, used by government officials for internal purposes.

For instance in 2019, specifically on January 3rd, she was paid $1,800,480 in estacode on a Washington DC trip. No specific reason was attached to the trip, which has a transaction reference number 269574350 with Batch number 6309.

https://leadingreporters.com/national-pension-commission-pencom-aisha-dahir-umar-received-millions-of-dollars-in-estacode/

The federal government is considering raising the minimum wage to N200k per month, as requested by organised labour. Some experts are concerned about the potential impact on the economy.

State governors are urging caution regarding the proposed minimum wage increase, while a Technical Working Group (TWG) chaired by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has been tasked with resolving the issues.
Sources say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes the organised labour’s demand for a higher minimum wage is not unrealistic, citing his campaign promises as proof of his readiness to handle the challenge.

At the NEC meeting, which the president inaugurated in June, the Salaries & Wages Commission costed the financial implications of the said minimum wage increase and showed how the federal government could pay it, with a certain recommendation that it was well within the capacity of the federal government.

But at the meeting, the state governors who make up the membership of the NEC raised questions over the proposal. https://leadingreporters.com/state-governors-are-urging-caution-regarding-the-proposed-minimum-wage-increase/

Marie Stopes was founded by Marie Charlotte Carmichael Stopes, a proponent of birth control who launched the first contraceptive instruction clinic in the UK in 1921. She was born on October 15, 1880, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died on October 2, 1958, close to Dorking, Surrey, England. MSI, which has its presence in 37 countries, opened its first clinics in Nigeria in 2009 for the sole purpose of “providing high-quality contraceptive services” for Nigerians. Its head office is located at 59, Anthony Enahoro Street, Utako, Abuja. It has branches in Edo State and Lagos.

For a company that flaunts “providing high-quality contraceptive services” as its core mission, its relationship with companies that have no direct affiliations or are in the same line of operation becomes a source of worry to Our Reporters.

THE INFLUX OF CASH
Documents obtained by our Reporters, show how Marie Stopes Nigeria received millions of Naira from different companies, including construction companies. The irregularities of payments into different accounts belonging to the ‘supposed NGO’ raise eyebrows.

Below is a chronicle of some of this influx:
Between 29/03/2019 and 25/04/2019, Rigserve Ventures, which was incorporated in Lagos, Nigeria, with Registration Number 2605768, paid N310,000,000 into Marie Stopes’s First City Monument Bank (FCMB) account number – 0739250018. The company was registered on 09 May 2018, and its status is unknown.

Within the space of one month, (29/08/2018 to 26/09/2018), EBOLEEY C INVESTMENT LTD, which was incorporated in Nigeria with Registration Number 461026, paid N341,975,000.00 into Marie Stopes’s FCMB account number – 0739250018. The company was registered on 28 August 2002, and its current status is unknown.

Titilayo Olufunmilayo Eboh, a major stakeholder of Marie Stopes, uses three of her companies to pump millions into several accounts of MCI. On 05/02/2018, CHAYOMI MULTI SER-N, a company owned by Titilayo Olufunmilayo Eboh, paid N20,000,000.00.... https://leadingreporters.com/marie-stopes-nigeria-received-millions-of-naira-from-different-companies/

A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft has crashed in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

He said two pilots onboard the aircraft survived and were being observed in a military facility.
https://leadingreporters.com/breaking-air-force-plane-crashes-during-training-in-benue/

It is not yet uhuru for the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has Incriminating documents has revealed high level of corruption, nepotism, favoritism and gross abuse of office while he reigned supreme as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Discreet information gotten from this online revealed that Emefiele laundered money through a company registered in the name of his wife and other members of his family.

According to our findings, the company, Maggo Farms Limited was registered on October 18th 2018, with RC number 1533205 and address as 33, Ikorodu crescent, Dolphin Estate, Lagos State.

Those listed as directors and shareholders are; Magaret Emefiele Dunbiri, Ucheonye Anthony Mary, Godwin Emefiele Pammichukwu Junior and Andrew Emefiele Andres Olisehike.

It was gathered that even though the suspended CBN Governor’s wife claimed to have registered the Maggo Farms Limited in 2018, she actually registered the company on 19th May 2014, few months after the husband was named the substantive CBN Governor with the name, Maggo Farms.

Our findings revealed that instead of using her name, she fraudulently used one Oriekose Augustine as the director. She added another ... https://leadingreporters.com/godwin-emefiele-has-incriminating-documents-has-revealed-high-level-of-corruption/

The Police Service Commission has approved new Policy guidelines for deployment of Management and Tactical Commanders in the Nigeria Police Force.

Chairman of the The Commission Dr. Solomon Arase in a statement notes that the Nigeria Police Force will be guided by the principle of Federal Character in both recruitment and deployment of its personnel at Management and Tactical levels to ensure balance, equity and fairness in the system.

The chairman observed that the current deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands does not reflect the principle of equity and fairness to all geo-political zones of the country.

On the Imperative of Gender-senstivity in the Deployment of AIGs and CPs, the commission noted ...
https://leadingreporters.com/psc-approves-policy-guidelines-on-deployment-of-aigs-cps-to-tactical-commands/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate dissolution of the Governing Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies in the exercise of its Constitutional Powers and in the Public interest.

The dissolution does not, however, affect Boards, Commissions and Councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

In view of this development and until such a time new boards are constituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies are directed to refer matters requiring the attention of their Boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their respective supervisory Ministries and Offices.
They include:

(a) Code of Conduct Bureau;

(b) Council of State;

(c) Federal Character Commission;

(d) Federal Civil Service Commission;...

https://leadingreporters.com/the-dissolution-does-not-however-affect-boards-commissions-and-councils/

Mele Kolo Kyari is one public office holder that felt larger than life under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in his official capacity as the former Group Managing Director GMD of the government-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation NNPC, now NNPC LTD. Despite receiving seven letters from the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, directing him to remit trillions of unremitted government fund, Kyari refused to render account of his stewardship. He never honored any of the invitations by RMAFC nor replied to any of the agency’s letter to him.
https://leadingreporters.com/e-former-group-managing-director-gmd-of-the-government-owned-nigerian-national-petroleum-corporation-nnpc/

A report by Daily Mail said many teachers are ‘indoctrinating’ children with scientifically false claims about biological sex, presenting gender as fluid and furthering a narrative that people can be born in the wrong body.

In UK schools, children are being taught about anal sex and orgasms before they have reached puberty and set ‘masturbation’ as homework, as revealed by secretive lesson plans.

A report by Daily Mail said many teachers are ‘indoctrinating’ children with scientifically false claims about biological sex, presenting gender as fluid and furthering a narrative that people can be born in the wrong body.

This comes as the National Health Service is facing a mass legal action from 1,000 families who claim their children were rushed into taking life-changing puberty blockers’ by the Tavistock Centre. https://leadingreporters.com/teachers-are-indoctrinating-children-with-scientifically-false-claims-about-biological-sex/

President Tinubu goes on high pedestal in his anti-corruption fight
Unless anything happens to the contrary, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has settled for the foremost Nigerian human right lawyer and good governance advocate, Barrister Femi Falana to head one of Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, popularly known as EFCC

A discreet villa source that does not want his name on print hinted exclusively to LeadingReporters that President Tinubu has settled for Femi Falana to head the Economic and Financial Crime Commission. The source revealed that part of the decision is to rejig the anti-corruption agency and restore its original glory just like the days of Nuhu Ribadu.

Meanwhile the appointment of Falana into the foremost anti-corruption agency is expected to send shivers among top government functionaries, politicians and others who have perennially seen Nigeria as a cash cow to milk at will.

“The anti-corruption fight will be total. Steps would be stepped on and trillions previously stolen would be brought back to government coffers. Falana has the will and knows the way. That is why he was the preferred of the President. https://leadingreporters.com/president-tinubu-goes-on-high-pedestal-in-his-anti-corruption-fight/

While Nigerians continue to speak against same-faith ticket opted for by the All Progressive Congress (APC) for its 2023 presidential candidates, Nigerian Christian community wakes to another rude shock by the party following its planned rally slated for 9.am on the 9th October, 2023.

The party, of all days, chose Sunday, 9am for its 5million man march. A time many Christian faithful’s are expected to be in Church.

Some of the respondents said that APC insensitivity towards one of the major religious sects in Nigeria – Christianity has been taken to an all high and irresponsible level.
“For heaven’s sake, how can a party that flies Muslim-muslim ticket chose Sundays of all days for its rally. It foretells what lies ahead. If Tinubu and Shettima are allowed to mount that seat as President and Vice President, that would mean the end of Christianity in Nigeria. The signs are all here for us to see. They tested it in Kaduna and go and ask the Christian dominated Southern Kaduna people what their experience so far looks like. Bringing it to the Federal level will bring in total collapse of Christianity in Nigeria.

Another respondent who did not want his name mentioned described it as an insensitivity taken too far.

“First it was same-faith ticket. Now it is Sunday, 9am rally. The next thing they will request you is to donate your worship centers as party secretariats.

https://leadingreporters.com/apc-sunday-rally-a-confirmation-of-evil-agenda-against/

Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola popularly known as DJ Cuppy has finally secured her masters degree (M.Sc) certificate from the university of Oxford.

Cuppy is the daughter of billionaire entrepreneur and business magnate, Femi Otedola.


She took to her twitter to share the good news with her fans. Cuppy wrote that

“Got my THESIS result, which classifies my M.Sc. degree. I didn’t get a merit or distinction, but i passed!!!

After a tough year, I can officially say I am a graduate of @uniOxford and I am bloody proud of myself. To God be the Glory”

Fans of the disk jockey might remember that in march 2021, she shared a video of her telling her parents that she had been accepted into the university of Oxford to obtain a master’s degree.

In October of same 2021, DJ Cuppy shared pictures and videos of her matriculation in Oxford, which confirms she was now a bona fide student of the institution.
According to Cuppy, it was her third university degree.

Since then, she regularly updated her fans of her experiences while in Oxford, including the difficulties she was facing while writing her thesis.

However, in June, 2022 Cuppy shared that her thesis was 100% completed and submitted. It was today she then announced that the results of the thesis had come and she had passed.

Congratulatory messages poured in as her fans congratulated her on her accomplishment. The official twitter account of Oxford University also congratulated her.

https://leadingreporters.com/florence-otedola-dj-cuppy-graduates-from-oxford-university

Following the allegation that the Comptroller General (CG) of Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, Idris isah Jere spent nothing less than N6billion in bribery for a year-long tenure elongation, more than 150 officers who are due for retirement have refused to go, insisting that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, LeadingReporters can authoritatively report.

A source who spoke to this news platform on condition of anonymity revealed that the officers affected are currently bribing some key officers in the Presidency and the Ministry of Interior for their tenures to be pushed far further.

The source further said that the officers, on realizing that the Comptroller General whose valedictory session has already been planned and date fixed, bribed his way to remain in office, vowed to remain in office as long as the CG Jere continues to hold sway in the organization.

“The CG was due for retirement. He has prepared his handover note. Midway into that, he initiated a move at the presidency and in the supervisory ministry and that move costs Nigerian tax payers nothing less than N6billion in bribery. Before one knew it, his tenure was extended and an in-house and secret decoration ceremony was done in the Minister’s office. This is despite the millions of Naira that has been budgeted and expended in all the related valedictory sessions that have been planned.

The source said that the decoration ceremony was done in secrecy in order to avoid public outcry.
https://leadingreporters.com/breaking150-officers-of-nis-due-for-retirement-refuse-to-go-lobby-and-bribe-for-tenure-elongation/

The Continental Overseer and Assistant General Overseer (Education and Training)of the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi has described A/P Halima Oyelade has an example of a true Christian woman.

Odeyemi while speaking over the weekend at Oyelades Book Launch and Evening of Thanksgiving stated that despite the demise of her husband she stood faithfully with God and God showed up for her.

“Halima has shown to us what it takes to be a Christian woman, including her children, I have no doubt within me that one of the reasons that God has sent her to the world is to reveal to us that God is faithful no matter what one is passing through”.

Explaining, Odeyemi “In our society, I have learnt my own little experience that anytime something negative happens to you there are those who wants to scorn you, but putting your faith in Christ that God is alive is important”.

He added that it is only when problem surfaces that is when we know how strong out faith is, “this family has been able to show to us that you can overcome when Jesus is on your side”.

Odeyemi advised that the most important lesson learnt from the Oyelades is that it does not matter what one is confronted with, one should make sure to always be on God’s side and he will never disappoint such faithful one.
https://leadingreporters.com/halima-oyelade-an-exemplary-christian-woman-rccg/

Despite “Nigeria’s Failed Economy,” 27 Ex-Governors Still Jostle to Remain in Empty System as Senators

he idea of a lifetime of near unbelievable salaries, allowances and privileges are clearly appealing to state governors whose terms are limited to a “mere” 8 years and even that is subject to winning their re-election bid which is not guaranteed as the current governor of Osun State can attest to. Out of the 109 available seats in the upper chamber (Senate) of the National Assembly, 27 seats may be occupied by former and outgoing governors come June 2023.

If these 27 ex-governors or soon-to-be former governors win their respective senatorial seats in the upcoming election, it will mark a 42% increase from the number of ex-governors, 19 of them in the current senate, making the upper chamber an abode of former “Excellencies.”

Nigeria operates a bicameral legislature — the upper and lower chamber. The upper chamber is referred to as the Senate, while the lower chamber is the House of Representatives. The Senate has 109 members, and the House of Representatives has 360 members.

Unlike the elected executive positions (President and Governor) with a maximum of 2-term constitutional limit, the members of the National Assembly have no term limit. This means that as long as you play your politics well, you can always return to the chamber every four years as a “Distinguished Senator” or an “Honourable Member”.

To date, the exact amount these 469 lawmakers earn is unknown to Nigerians; however, in 2018, Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, said that a senator earns N13.5 million monthly as a running cost and an additional N750,000 as consolidated salary and allowances. On the other hand, a house of representatives member is reported to pocket N9.3 million monthly.

This, alongside the allure of staying within the loop of power, might account for the number of former “Excellencies” turning to “Distinguished Senators” on the rise with each election cycle since 2007.

In the 6th Assembly (2007-2011), 8 former governors made the Senate their home. ...
https://leadingreporters.com/27-ex-governors-or-soon-to-be-former-governors-win-their-respective-senatorial-seats-in-the-upcoming-election/

Group raises alarm over plans to ‘empty’ the National treasury by serving political office holders

A group, League of Patriots has raised alarm over what it described as plans by public office holders serving under President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to empty the treasury through fictitious expenses.

The group said it has information that most serving ministers, director generals and other political appointees have perfected plans to sweep the treasury using newly floated companies as well as that of their proxies.

According to information exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters, top management officers of NNPC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and agencies under them have been fingered in these accusation.

The group, according to its spokesman said that they have been following events and information in all the MDAs as it relates to the activities of the top management staff and they have information which greatly suggests an impending financial disaster that would be occasioned by last minutes looting of the treasury by outgoing political office holders.

Rising from a meeting in Austin Texas, the group spokesman Andrew Madaki said that membership of the league are drawn from patriotic Nigerians mostly within the ICT industry. Madaki said they have placed surveillance on some companies, some financial institutions and individuals who are mostly likely going to serve as a conduit for this illegal transfers and unpatriotic act.

The group says they have alerted Interpol, Financial Action Task Force FAFI, USA Department of the Treasury, and other local and international anti-laundering organizations and agencies.

Group raises alarm over plans to ‘empty’ the national treasury by serving political office holders

A group, League of Patriots has raised alarm over what it described as plans by public office holders serving under President Muhamadu Buhari-led government to empty the treasury through fictitious expenses. The group said it has information that most serving ministers, director generals and other political appointees have perfected plans to sweep the treasury using newly floated companies as well as that of their proxies.

According to information exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters, top management officers of NNPC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and agencies under them have been fingered in these accusation.

The group, according to its spokesman said that they have been following events and information in all the MDAs as it relates to the activities of the top management staff and they have information ...

https://leadingreporters.com/group-raises-alarm-over-plans-to-empty-the-national-treasury-by-serving-political-office-holders/

Without mincing words, the current health system in Nigeria and the yearly low budgetary allocation to the system is nothing but miserable.

This was clearly demonstrated during the COVID 19 pandemic which took the world by storm and Nigeria had to rely on imported vaccines despite large numbers of “brains” in the medical field that could salvage the situation.

The case of the Utako District Hospital outrightly exemplify the pitiable state of Nigeria’s health sector, the fact that the hospital is located in the Federal Capital Territory did not even bother present and past administration to complete the structure, rather Ministers in the FCT did not bat an eyelid on the issue....

https://leadingreporters.com/how-n4-3-billion-utako-district-hospital-rot-more-than-17-years-after/

Over 80 senators across political parties and a majority of House of Representatives members, have reportedly agreed to begin impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari, if the growing insecurity across the nation persisted beyond the next six weeks. It was a rather stern ultimatum given by the federal legislators on the eve of their departure to a 2-month vacation. Anyone who thinks the legislators are ready for a hard time with the executive needs to take a second look at their subsisting posture which portrays them as members of a rubber stamp legislature.

They actually showed the turf they are made up of when in line with their feeble outlook, they allowed as long as six weeks for the presidency to make amends not withstanding that they had had cause more than once to show ample frustration over the prosecution of the fight against insurgency and every form of insecurity in the land.

No empirical reason was given for how the ultimatum of six weeks was arrived at; making it appear that it was influenced by their desire to avoid a disruption to their vacation. With the rash of attacks which led to several killings in the last few weeks, one would have expected the representatives of the people to put off their vacation for now so as to squarely face the severe issue of widespread fear and anxiety in the nation. It was an error of judgment that the legislators kept to their schedule of incessant vacations at this crucial point.

Time there was when Nigerian legislators cut short their vacation to deal with what they often called “urgent matters of national importance” even though such matters were essentially always about their welfare. So, not many people are able to comprehend why our legislators faithfully go on vacation as if it is one of their critical functions. Besides, the same legislators do not only enjoy every public holiday, they usually go away for weeks before and after every holiday for which other public officers enjoy no more than the two days officially declared for it

The National Assembly has a constitutional right to follow the impeachment ...
https://leadingreporters.com/nigerias-insecurity-one-impeachment-not-enough/

Senator T.A. Orji’s son-inlaw, Obinna Ararume, Enyinnaya Nwafor the son of Late deputy governor of Abia State Clement Chima Nwafor, his business partner and brother Dike Chimezie Nwafor, Pioneer Director General of the National Directorate of Employment NDE, Chuku Wachuku were among those who are believed to have drained monies that accrued to Abia State under the State’s Excess Crude Account, LeadingReporters exclusive findings can authoritatively reveal.

Abia State is near-synonymous with bad leadership. Across Nigeria, when states with worse leaders are mentioned, Abia State ranks first. This is despite the huge human capital and natural resources the State is blessed with. The state has perennial notoriety of having leaders that lack morality in leadership, sense of creativity and direction as well as fiscal discipline. From Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, to Theodore A. Orji, up to the current Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the story has been that of untamed massive looting of the State treasury and mismanagement of resources of the state. Abia State, like Rivers State is an oil producing state. While Rivers State Government has consistently deployed resources from the excess crude for massive developmental product, Abia State on the other hand has been bedeviled with leaders who loot the treasury for personal aggrandizement.

An investigation unveiled exclusively by LeadingReporters revealed that the peak of the financial malady was in 2016. All monies that accrued to the Excess Crude Account No 1014381352 domiciled with Zenith Bank, Government House Umuahia were, upon hitting the State account mopped up by the State Government using allies accounts and companies.

https://leadingreporters.com/exposed-how-gov-ikpeazu-allies-emptied-abia-excess-crude-account-ararume-enyinnaya-dike-chuku-wachuku-t-a-orji-others-fingered/

The Emir of Birnin ‘ Yandoto of Tsafe Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Alhaji Aliyu Marafa, has been suspended by the State Government after he conferred the title of Sarkin Fulani on Ada Aleru, a notorious bandit leader.

The bandit Aleru was turbaned as Sarkin Fulani (Chief of Fulani) of Yandoto Emirate by the now suspended emir.
Several bandit group leaders and lieutenants were said to have arrived at the venue of the occasion on motorbikes to celebrate with Aleru during his turbaning.

After photos of the ceremony went viral, it generated public outrage and outcry from people living in Zamfara state and members of the public.

Mr Kabiru Balarabe Sardauna the secretary to the Zamfara state government confirmed this in statement. He also said that the government has assigned the District Head of ‘Yandoto, Alhaji Mahe Garba Marafa to take charge of the affairs of the emirate.

Ibrahim Masari has announced his resignation as running mate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming 2023 election.

Masari in a letter addressed to members of the APC on Sunday, announced his resignation....

https://leadingreporters.com/breaking-masari-steps-down-as-tinubus-running-mate-apc-flies-muslim-muslim-ticket/

The Labour Party (LP) is fast positioning itself among the major political parties in the country. Its growing popularity further soared two days ago when it unveiled one outstanding Nigerian, Datti Baba-Ahmed as its vice presidential candidate. Datti, the founder and pro-chancellor of Baze university Abuja is a highly principled personality and well respected technocrat. Those who are close to him would readily testify that his unveiling was a pleasant surprise. After tenaciously rejecting Nigeria’s commercialized politics several times, not many expected that he would be one of the candidates in next year’s presidential election. There are at least two notable examples of his principled stand-point. The first was his refusal to participate in the recent presidential primaries of his previous party - the PDP.
 
His reason was that because all southern candidates gave way for their northern colleagues to be the only aspirants in 2019, it was morally wrong for northern aspirants like himself to come out again for the 2023 contest. The second example was his withdrawal from the latest Kaduna governorship primaries of his party on the ground that he could not stand the practice of bribing delegates. If so, why has Datti suddenly accepted the invitation by the Labour party? Does he not realize that it is hard to differentiate dirty party primaries from the plethora of electoral malpractices which happen during general voting? If the truth must be told, innovations by successive electoral bodies in Nigeria notwithstanding, a typical election in the country is essentially an ordeal in which several democratic norms and values are breached. This seems to explain the reluctance of well-meaning people to be part of elections in our clime.
 
Consequently, our elections which had been largely incredible have left the nation in a state of anomie. What the citizens get is usually excuses and buck-passing between the two major political parties, the All Progressives Congress APC and the Peoples Democratic Party PDP. The current ruling party, the APC says, for example, that it will take longer than can be imagined to redress the 16-year old damage done to Nigeria by the previous ruling party. Painfully, most of the APC chieftains who cherish this rationalization were themselves previously in the PDP. Some have left and returned more than once. Thus, every criticism that PDP now has for the current ruling party is exactly what the former opposition party levelled against the then ruling party in 2014. It’s like politicians are articulate when in opposition but clueless once in power.  The implication is that the difference between the APC and the PDP is the same as the difference between six and half a dozen.
 
Whereas chieftains and acclaimed numerous supporters of the two large parties are likely to continue to vote for them, the average citizen who is tired of both the APC and PDP ought to be given an opportunity to have other alternatives from which to make a choice. This is why the emergence at the national scene of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) which appear to have brought forth some viable candidates is salutary.  The Labour Party in particular ought to be commended for unveiling a sound joint-ticket of two outstanding Nigerians of the same ideological inclination. For some time now, Peter Obi the party’s presidential candidate has been trending because of his well-known prudence and accountability. His vice, Datti Baba-Ahmed was a delight to watch on national television a few hours after his unveiling, hitting the right points.
 
For the benefit of those who did not watch the interview of Labour’s vice presidential candidate, I will endeavour to restate a few pertinent points he made. He started by drawing attention to the transparent compatibility between himself and his presidential candidate affirming that both of them were destined to rescue and fix Nigeria. So, our people can rightly ignore any excuses of incompatibility from either of them in future. Datti at a point likened the Labour Party to a fast moving train that cannot be halted as was recently done to the Abuja-Kaduna train whose passengers are yet to complete their two-hour trip after more than 100 days. He also announced that the day his party gets into power, would signal the end to the old order of inflation of government contracts adding that the hitherto stolen or misappropriated resources would be expended on people-oriented policies and programmes. It is therefore with excitement that i welcome on behalf of my readers, Senator Datti, Baba-Ahmed, LP’s vice presidential candidate to the 2023 contest.
 
It is not impossible that some smart politicians would make lofty promises that they don’t intend to fulfill.  The beauty of Datti’s outing however is that it did not take the usual form of coloured circumlocutory political diction. Rather it was a set of clear, concise and patently persuasive statements made with a commercial mindset. But most importantly, Datti established that his rather quiet disposition cannot be used to portray him as a new comer to the political scene. The Kaduna State-born economist was a legislator far back in 2003 when he won election to represent Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. From 2011-2102, he served as a senator for Kaduna North under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was also a presidential aspirant under PDP in the colourful Port Harcourt convention of 2019 and before his recent defection on moral grounds, he was among the aspirants who jostled for the governorship ticket in Kaduna State......

https://leadingreporters.com/welcoming-datti-ahmed-to-nigerias-presidential-race/

Justice Tanko Muhammad has resigned as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

Citing sources, Channels Television confirmed that he resigned on Sunday night on the grounds of ill-health.

When contacted, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to CJN, Ahuraka Yusuf Isah, said, “All I know is that he’s going to declare open a workshop this morning at the NJI (National Judicial Institute).”

Other attempts to reach close associates of the CJN, such as Dr Mike Ozekhome (SAN), proved abortive as they didn’t take their calls.

Following his resignation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola will be the next acting Chief Justice of Nigeria sequel to Senate’s confirmation.

More details shortly


https://leadingreporters.com/breaking-justice-tanko-muhammad-resigns-as-cjn/

In 2014, former President Goodluck Jonathan ordered a reform of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC). While this breathed new life into the ‘near comatose’ corporation, many Nigerians were unaware that the CBN financial gang used this opportunity to install their stooge Mr Abbas Umar Masanawa as the Managing Director, despite his previous appointment as an Aide to the Central Bank Governor, which included numerous violations of the law.

Investigations revealed that on 2nd October 2012, while working in Zenith Bank, Mr Masanawa established Preferred Global Company with the registration number RC 1068515 and the address NO.16, Lakeview Homes, Kado, Abuja, FCT. The company’s board of directors includes Aminatu Abbas, Muhammad Abbas Masanawa, Faruk Abbas Masanawa, Al-Amin Abbas Masanawa, and Fatima Abbas Masanawa. Mr Masanawa struck gold two years later, in September 2014, when he was appointed by the Federal Government as the Special Assistant and Chief Liaison to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, his former boss at Zenith Bank.

He continued to operate the company utilizing it to move funds and execute contracts, with payments made to his bank accounts regularly in violation of the Federal Government Public Service Rules which states that public officers must not be Directors in private companies. A detailed investigation into Mr Masanawa’s dealings revealed that he operated an account with Eco Bank. Block 1, Flat FD Close, Gwarimpa, Abuja, is the address on the bank account with the number 3913000290, which also serves as his salary account where his allowances are remitted.

He also has two Zenith bank accounts with the numbers 2020023667 and 1020010820. Preferred Global Company Limited, which he established in 2012, has a First Bank account number of 2024061878. While the corporate address is No 16, Lakeview Homes, Jabi, Abuja, the phone number associated with the account to receive notifications,

https://leadingreporters.com/exposed-kastina-state-guber-aspirant-md-nigerian-security-printing-and-minting-company-abbas-masanawas-illicit-financial-transactions/

An unveiled financial records of Rivers State Government House account No. 1010610151 domiciled with Zenith Bank, Government House Rivers State has revealed how the governor of Rivers State and Presidential aspirant under the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Barr. Nyesom Wike recklessly doles out the state’s funds running into billions of Naira to churches in Rivers State for political supports.

Between 2016 and 2021, it is estimated that Governor Wike has doled out over Five Billion Naira to selected churches and societies in Rivers State without approval from the State House of Assembly. Anglican Communion, Lutheran Church, and Catholic Church top the list of beneficiaries of Wike’s financial largesse to orthodox churches. These gifts may have validated Wike’s declaration of Rivers State as a “Christian State”.

Wike had, during a crusade organized by the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Church in Port Harcourt, declared that Rivers is a Christian state. A declaration that incurred the wrath of Muslims and many Muslim groups both in Nigeria and overseas. His pro-Christian and anti-Islamic stand would definitely pitch him against the Muslim dominated North where the governor is currently touring, requesting for supports and votes in his presidential quest. Some Muslim stakeholders have always accused Wike of religious bigotry and sectionalism.

Investigation revealed that Wike is not a fan of Pentecostalism. However, available financial records revealed that Redeemed Christian Church received a large chunk of financial gift from Governor Wike. The money showered on churches by Wike is far much more than what has been deployed by the State Governor to develop human capital in Rivers State, according to financial records exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters.

Beneficiary-Churches, donations and dates:

The first religious organization to benefit from Governor Wike’s gift, upon being elected a Governor was Eckankar. Information gathered revealed that Governor Wike doled at the sum of N80,000,000 to Eckankar ...

https://leadingreporters.com/gov-wike-financial-largesse-to-churches-for-political-support-exposed-anglican-catholic-rccg-eckankar-top-list-of-beneficiaries/

Meet The “Bullionaire” Senator Patrick Ayo Akinyerule who own Eighteen Bureau De Change, Other Companies with which he cuts deals...

The Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, Senator Patrick Ayo Akinyerule and his family members own and sit in the board of at least eighteen companies as a serving Senator, including bureau de change, oil companies, construction companies, insurance and banking related companies, among other general services companies.

Investigations carried out by LeadingReporters into the financial activities of the company revealed what highly suggests that the Senator lacks the virtue of morality in leadership.

The Senator who represents Ondo Central is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. By virtue of his profession, the moral dimension of leadership should not be strange to him. But that seems far from what obtains. Instead, it has become a situation where public petitions are converted to cash and business opportunities.

LeadingReporters investigation followed series of petitions received by this online news platform that Senator Akinyelure uses his position for self-aggrandizement and deal-cutting.

Allover Bureau De Change Ltd, KKT Bureau De Change Ltd, Folly-Tizzy Bureau De Change Ltd, APL Bureau De Change Ltd, TopKem Bureau Dey Change Ltd
Other companies linked to the Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics include, but not limited to: KKT Oil Services Ltd, Allover Engineering Services Ltd, Senpat Engineering Ltd, PAL Construction Ltd, Folly Tizzy Services Ltd, Alphamate Commodities Co. Ltd, APL Insurance Brokers Ltd, Kunly and Associates Ltd

Further investigation revealed that Senator Ayo uses other companies where he fronts his wife and other relatives to perpetrate his alleged corruption. These companies are used as recipients of slush funds from those who have been petitioned and are willing to pay their way out of any indictment. They include:

Folly-Tizzy Bureau De Change Ltd and Bestomi Bureau De Change Ltd

Other allegation, as contained in the petition sent to this platform for publication against Senator Akinyelure is that 85% of petitions to his office become a leverage to negotiate mouthwatering deals with companies, government agencies and individuals. Oil companies are majorly his targets, according to a source that spoke to LeadingReporters on condition of anonymity. Others include government MDAs.

These monies are received in dollars via his Bureau De Change companies or that of his associates which would be revealed in our next publication. Besides, construction companies and oil companies linked to him receive patronage from defaulting companies and agencies that desire their names to be cleaned from every corruption allegations.

A petitioner who does not want his name mentioned shared his experience how Senator Akinyerule leveraged his petition to negotiate mouth-watering deal with a multinational company that shortchanged Nigeria Government of billions of Naira. He said that his presence in the office of the Senate Committee Chairman on Ethics and Privileges became a sore sight...

https://leadingreporters.com/meet-the-bullionaire-senator-patrick-ayo-akinyerule-who-owns-eighteen-bureau-de-change-other-companies-with-which-he-cuts-deals/

The course description mentioned that as part of it students will watch porn together in class, and discuss the sexualisation of race, class and gender. However, the petition says that teachers and students watching pornography together in the classroom together creates an unsafe environment for students while normalising pornography in culture. Photograph Others )
Pornography depending on who you talk to is either the bane of society or an expression of sexuality, albeit in a perverse way. Whatever your opinion may be of it, we can all accept that porn exists and it is very easily available, readily accessible on the wonder that we call the internet.

You surely must’ve heard about the negative impacts of porn on a person’s psyche or the many problems that society finds in its easy accessibility. But have you heard of a college that offers pornography as a subject?

Look no further, because we bring you details of exactly that.

Westminster College, a private college in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States is offering a course titled “Gender 3000 – Porn” during its May term.




The May summer term at Westminster, according to ABC4, is designed to provide courses that are different from the norm every year, including this one. The course is an optional, elective course at Westminster, and is not mandatory for any student.



Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry and this elective course includes a study of the industry “both as a cultural phenomenon that reflects and reinforces sexual inequalities (but holds the potential to challenge sexual and gender norms) and as an art form that requires serious contemplation.”



Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

Utahns however are not very thrilled by it. A change.org petition created by Utah citizens is demanding that the course be removed. The petition says that “Pornography is devoid of educational value and has no place in the classroom.

The course description mentioned that as part of it students will watch porn together in class, and discuss the sexualisation of race, class and gender. However, the petition says that teachers and students watching pornography together in the classroom together creates an unsafe environment for students while normalising pornography in culture.

“This is not education. It makes me sick something like this offered. Im so disappointed that anything like this would be offered at an educational institution”, comments user Minta Valentine on the petition.

What do you think? Is the course something you may be interested in? Is it normalising deviant sexual behaviour or exploring the normalisation of the human body in all its forms? Let us know!

https://leadingreporters.com/us-college-offers-course-on-pornography/

Nigerians, both at home and overseas are paying the price of leadership without morality and empathy. While Nigerians at home continue to bemoan untamed perennial corruption by public office holders, those living overseas are not left out from official exploitation by those saddled with the responsibility of protecting and aiding their fellow countrymen in distant shores. LeadingReporters investigation revealed that Nigeria High Commissions overseas compel Nigerians who are desirous of having their international passports renewed to part with as much as N250,000 to secure a not-too-distant date for data capturing.

LeadingReporters, following complaints by some Nigerians living in diaspora, launched an investigation into series of allegations of exploitation by staff and officers in Nigeria high commission, especially the passport departments. This online media platform uncovered a well-planned-out strategy with which these staff of embassies, especially the diplomatic attaches from Nigeria immigration service hoodwink their fellow countrymen overseas into parting with their hard earned money.

How do they perpetrate this illegality? Those in charge of capturing the applicants’ data intentionally lock appointment date for as long as six months, claiming that all the dates have been booked. After paying all necessary official fee for passport renewal, applicants are given a website to book for appointment for data capturing. The website, upon opening displayed dates that have been booked and locked. This means that the applicants may have to wait for up to six months to be attended to.

For instance, a visit to the passport renewal site of Nigeria Embassy in Abu Dhabi leaves a message that the mission would only attend to passport application on appointment basis ONLY for Tuesdays and Thursdays. In the site, applicants are asked to select a month then choose a spot for their passports renewal. A click on the month and date of an applicant choice would reveal that such date has been booked and locked.

https://leadingreporters.com/how-staff-of-nigeria-high-commissions-defraud-nigerians-as-much-as-500-for-special-appointment-for-passport-renewals/

El-Ladan was retired by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) last week for alleged forgery of documents and age falsification.
Members of the Senate on Monday watched with shock and disbelief when the Senate President Ahmad Lawan, allowed the sacked Clerk of the red chamber, Ibrahim El-Ladan, to perform his official duties.

El-Ladan and two other permanent secretaries have been accused of forgery and age falsification, a situation that earned them sanctions from the NASC.

The commission had ordered El-Ladan and another officer, Adebayo Anthony Adebanjo, to proceed on retirement with immediate effect, while Michael Okpara should retire in six months.
Isabella Ugochi Iloba was appointed by the NASC as acting Clerk to the Senate to take over from El-Ladan.



The letter obtained by us on Tuesday and dated February 9, 2022, is with reference number NASC/PF/69/184.

It was titled: ‘Retirement from service’ and addressed to the Clerk to Senate, Dauda Ibrahim El-Ladan.



Part of the letter read: “The Commission at its 547th meeting held on Wednesday, 9th February, 2022, has approved your retirement from service with effect from 9th February, 2022.

“The Commission wishes to acknowledge your immense contribution to the growth and development of the National Assembly Service.

“As you proceed on retirement, please hand over your office and other government property in your possession to the Deputy Clerk, Senate (Legislative), Ilobah Isabella Ugochi.

“On behalf of the Commission, I pray that Almighty God will continue to grant you good health and success in your future endeavours.”

The letter was signed on behalf of the Executive Chairman of the NASC, Ahmed Kadi Amshi.

However, El-Ladan carried out his official assignment in the Senate Chambers on Tuesday unhindered.

Attempts to get the reaction of the NASC on the matter failed on Tuesday, as the Director of Information of the agency, Mrs Janet Mambula, did not answer repeated calls made to her phone.

She had not replied the text message sent to her as of the time of filing this report.
https://leadingreporters.com/crisis-rocks-senate-as-sacked-clerk-defies-order-performs-duty-at-plenary/

Over three million National Identity Numbers of Nigerians have been stolen after a hacker known only as Sam broke into the server of the National Identity Management Commission.

Revealing how easy it was for him to breach the NIMC server and access personal information of millions of Nigerians in an article he shared on infosecwriteups.com, the hacker boasted that he got access to “juice” on the Nigerian Government agency’s server and that he could go ahead to do whatever he desired with other sensitive data at his disposal.

As the technical hitch that has bedeviled the portal of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) persisted yesterday, it is feared that the portal may have been compromised by hackers, data security experts have said, However, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz DG/CEO is yet to commit.

It was revealed that telcos had continued to turn back subscribers seeking to retrieve lost, damaged or stolen SIM cards due to their inability to verify their customers’ NIN.



Responding to complaints from Twitter users, MTN Nigeria said it could not process SIM swap and update requests due to challenges with the NIMC portal.

“We are sorry we currently cannot process SIM swap and update requests due to external challenges. We appreciate your understanding and will post an update once this has been resolved,” MTN said.



Agencies such as immigration, police and road safety are among government agencies affected, according to officials.

Staffs of the Nigeria Immigration Service who spoke to Leading Reporters, that their are people who have been waiting for over 7 months for their NIN verifications to drop for international passport processing.

Displaying a defaced National Identity card of a Nigerian alongside the article, the hacker said, “I’ve got one more output for s3 bucket, I casually tried to access it without any hope, and damn! The s3 bucket is full of juice.

“I just simply got access to their (Nigeria) data of internal files, users and everything they have. I can download everything, even the whole bucket. I am sure that the bucket is full of juice.

“I wanted to look at more files but as we have to follow bug bounty rules I stopped doing more.

“I’ve got one more s3 bucket with nuclei and it also contained about 4–5 gigs of data.

“I’ve rewarded 5250$ for only one report and 0$ for the second one even it contained so much sensitive data,” the hacker wrote in the article that has continued to generate reactions from some Nigerians on Twitter especially tech enthusiasts.

A user on the micro-blogging platform with the handle @isidags while reacting to the development said, “I’m shocked Nigerians are shocked.

“Seems you people don’t know the government and country you’re involved with.”

Another user known as @boluxxxx while commenting said, “Jokes aside, this is enough reason for Buhari to sack Pantami.”

Berating Nigeria’s weak cyber security, another Twitter user, @bespokeKENErd, said, “It was only a matter of time before this happened.

“Nigeria’s information security is ridiculously lax. So careless with sensitive data.”

@St_Gothica while reacting to the issue said, “This is exactly why I never wanted to do the NIN registration. Delayed it as long as I could.”

Another Twitter user, @The_Jonathanian, said, “Somebody should tell Sheik Pantami that the most sensitive data of Nigerians under his care have been compromised and floating in the wild.”

The hacking of the NIMC server has not only exposed Nigeria’s weak cyber security but also highlighted the danger the country’s residents and investments were currently under.

The latest cyber attack comes less than two months after the Nigerian Communications Commission in November 2021 issued a warning that an Iranian hacking group was planning to carry out cyber espionage across Africa.

A statement from the agency had further disclosed that the hackers were targeting telecoms, Internet Service Providers, and Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria and other African countries.

The incident also comes months after the President Muhammadu Buhari administration while mandating Nigerians to enroll for National Identification Number claimed that it was going to stop crimes in the country including those perpetrated via the Internet.

Speaking during the launch of the National Policy for the Promotion of Indigenous Content in Nigerian Telecoms Sector and Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Cards registration in May 2021, President Buhari said, “The NIN will cover one of the weaknesses in our security structure. We will be able to easily identify and know the personality of Nigerians.

“We will identify people easily, including the crooks.”

Assuring Nigerians of how vital the new system would be to crime fighting in the country, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, in June 2021, claimed that incidents of terror such as banditry and kidnapping in the country had significantly reduced as a result of the insistence by government for persons in Nigeria to register for NIN.

Pantami went further to say that the improved database will protect Nigerians more than ever before.

But despite those assurances, the latest attack has exposed the failure of the President Buhari administration to protect Nigerians from cyber criminals.

Over 60 million Nigerians had so far been captured on the national identity database, according to the NIMC.

NIMC denies hacking
NIMC debunked the notion that its portal has been hacked, but that the portal was only undergoing routine maintenance.

Over 60 million Nigerians and legal residents of the country have been registered and given their unique identity numbers otherwise known as NIN.

We further reports that some banks and telecommunication operators in the country have refused to attend to some customers since last week due to the “maintenance” being carried out on the identity portal.



The federal government has made it compulsory for Nigerians to supply their NIN before they can access certain services offered by some private companies and government agencies.

When the NINs are supplied, the companies and agencies will then verify the unique numbers using the NIN verification portal of NIMC.

However, NIMC’s portal has been down since last week and the development is said to have affected the issuance of international passport, account opening at banks and SIM replacement by telecommunications operators.

NIMC, in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Kayode Adegoke, said it was an unreasonable action for the organisations to shirk their duties.

The commission said these organisations had an alternative platform through which they could render services. The alternative platform according to NIMC is TOKENISATION. “Tokenization is working!!!”. Declare NIMC.

Adegoke, who is the NIMC Head Corporate Communications, said: “Even though the NIN verification service (NVS) might be down due to maintenance by one of our service providers of its infrastructure, the alternative platform – TOKENISATION is up and running. No one should be debarred of any service on the guise of NIN not being verified”.

“The NVS issue has not in any way affected our other operations and services-Enrollment/issuance of NIN and other services going on”.

“There is the need to ask questions from the Telcos, The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Banks and others on the reason for turning down customers in the guise of NIN not being verified due to the temporary unavailability of the NVS, while the alternative platform- Tokenization is working!!!

“NIMC NVS platform is not the only verification platform available for use, but Tokenisation which protects the identity of NIN holders is also up and running!!!

“And for accurate information, it is not a NIMC problem, rather, a government service provider has embarked on maintenance of its infrastructure, which has affected most government agencies that rely on it for the provision of IT service.”

Galaxy Backbone contradicts NIMC claims on maintenance
Galaxybackbone, a government agency which mandate is to store all data for MDAs and provide backup for their data, apologised for the temporary service outage on the network.

“The management of Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) regrets the temporary outage of some of its services and the inconvenience being experienced by some of its customers across the country”, the agency said in a statement signed by its Head of Communications, Chidi Okpara.


https://leadingreporters.com/nimc-server-hacked-steals-millions-national-identity-numbers-of-nigerians/