The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, has now appeared before the House of Representative Committee which is investigating the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Recall that the committee had on Friday summoned Akpabio, following allegations levelled against him by the former Managing Director of the NDDC, Joy Nunieh.



The House Committee is investigating alleged mismanagement of funds by the current NDDC’s Interim Management Committee (IMC).

Nunieh had accused Akpabio of fraud, padding, sexual harassment, among others.

However, Akpabio has ordered his lawyer to commence legal actions against Nunieh over the said allegations.

The former Governor of Akwa Ibom had State described Nunieh’s claims against him, as “cornucopia of false, malicious and libelous.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/senator-akpabio-appears-before-nddc-reps-committee

The Acting Chairman of NDDC, Pondei has collapsed in the ongoing house committee public hearing on NDDC.

Mr Pondei was responding to allegations of N1.5 billion financial misappropriation when he suddenly collapsed and couldn’t respond to questions from the chairman of the probe panel.

Efforts from another witness to resuscitate him were however effective when he regained consciousness shortly afterwards.


https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-nddc-acting-md-collapses-during-our-probe-session

The Chairman of the House Committee probing alleged malfeasance at the Niger Delta Developmemt Commission (NDDC) Tunji Ojo has stepped out.

Recall that the NDDC team lead by it’s acting Managing Director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei had last Thursday walked out on the House Committee alleging, that Ojo had been accused of corruption by the commission, and hence was not fit to sit, or chair the committee.

https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-house-of-reps-committee-chairman-for-nddc-steps-aside

On Omoyele Sowore’s Latest Blackmail Attempt Against Me

In his desperation over my recent exposé about his 2015 blackmail targeted at me, Omoyele Sowore has today (Sunday, July 19, 2020) produced so called proof that I once worked with Nasir El-Rufai. Omoyele Sowore did not have to provide proof. I admit it. I admitted it while I worked with former President Jonathan. It is no secret. El-Rufai and I were once close. That is why El-Rufai felt comfortable enough to send me an email in which Southern Nigerian women were referred to as “whores”. The friendship ended in October 2010, when El-Rufai left the PDP to join Buhari’s CPC. I told El-Rufai I could not join him to support a man I had been fighting all my adult life. Thereafter we parted ways. If you Google it, you will see photos of El-Rufai and I, that I released while working as President Jonathan’s spokesman. In fact, when El-Rufai’s daughter, Yasmin, died, in February 2012, I went to visit him, despite knowing that he (El-Rufai) had leaked negative information about me to Sahara Reporters. I sat on the floor with El-Rufai and I wept with him, a man I knew was spreading falsehoods against me. Thereafter, I took out a full page condolence advert on his behalf in ThisDay newspapers, with other mutual friends. That is how a child of God behaves. Romans 12:21 urges us “do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Prior to that time, I spent good sums of money assisting Nasir El-Rufai, and bought him his first iPad as a gift (see attached email), as well as set up and managed his social media profiles, which I promoted with my own money (he later refunded me). Such was my generosity to El-Rufai that when my late father, Justice Jean Omokri, died in 2010, El-Rufai wrote in his condolence as follows:

“I first knew his son, Reno Omokri who displayed a loyal friendship to me. I recall writing Reno a letter saying to him that his generosity and loyalty continues to amaze me. It was when I got to know his father that I knew where those traits came from.”

You will note the words “loyal friendship”. Even my enemies recognise my loyalty. Can anyone say that about Omoyele Sowore?

Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Avid traveller. Hollywood Magazine Film Festival Humanitarian of the Year, 2019.
https://www.inform.ng/post/stop-using-my-relationship-with-elrufai-to-blackmail-me-reno-blasts-sowore

The Nigerian Air Force on Sunday revealed the identity of the driver of the car that hit the late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.



NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Ibikunle Daramola, made this known at a just-ended briefing in Abuja.

Daramola gave the name of Arotile’s ex-classmate who drove the vehicle that hit Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot as “Mr Nehemiah Adejoh”.

The NAF spokesperson also said the matter would be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force being a civil case.

He said the details of the circumstances surrounding the death of the 24-year-old pilot have been communicated to her bereaved family.

Giving a report of a preliminary investigation carried out, the NAF spokesperson said the late Arotile met three of her former schoolmates at the Air Force Secondary School now Air Force Comprehensive School, Kaduna on the day of the unfortunate incident.

He said, “Mr Nehemiah Adejoh, Mr Igbekele Folorunsho and Mr Festus Gbayegun, drove past her in a Kia Sorento SUV, with Registration Number AZ 478 MKA. It is noteworthy that Messrs Adejoh, Folorunsho and Gbayegun are all civilians who live outside NAF Base Kaduna, but were on their way to visit one Mrs Chioma Ugwu, wife of Squadron Leader Chukwuemeka Ugwu, who lives at Ekagbo Quarters on the Base.

“Upon recognising their schoolmate, Arotile, after passing her, Mr Adejoh, who was driving, reversed the vehicle, ostensibly in an attempt to quickly meet up with the Deceased, who was walking in the opposite direction. In the process, the vehicle struck Flying Officer Arotile from the rear, knocking her down with significant force and causing her to hit her head on the pavement. The vehicle then ran over parts of her body as it veered off the road beyond the kerb and onto the pavement, causing her further injuries.”

Daramola said Arotile was rushed to NAF hospital in the base but was confirmed dead at 04:45pm.

He explained that the three ex-classmates were immediately detained and subjected to alcohol test but no such substance was found in their systems.

“It was however discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Mr Nehemiah Adejo, did not have a valid driver’s license.

“Being a civil case, the matter will be handed over to the Nigeria Police with a view to further investigating and charging the suspects to court in accordance with extant laws,” he added

https://www.inform.ng/post/arotile-nigeria-air-force-release-update-names-killers

A 35-year-old Russian woman identified as Marina Balmasheva has recently married her 20-year-old stepson known as Vladimir.

Marina Balmasheva, a Russian Instagram influencer, made headlines in May when she shared a loved-up picture of herself with Vladmir, her ex-husband's step son.


The picture engendered an uproar on Instagram because Marina had raised Vladmir herself when he was seven years old. She had lived with Vladmir's father identified as Alexey, 45 since 2007 until 2017, the relationship ended in divorce.

In what could be described as a surprising turn of events, Marina who hails from Western Russia, this week, released a video of herself with Vladmir, getting married while revealing that they are expecting a baby together.

She also disclosed that they weren't on speaking terms with her ex-husband because he disliked what they had done.

Marina equally stated that she knew many people would judge them but she and her new husband were happy and she wished others could be happy as well.

Marina reportedly is very much in love with Vladmir and the couple are joining hands together to raise three of Vladmir's siblings together.

They are currently planning their wedding together and intend to have more children together.

https://www.inform.ng/post/35-year-old-woman-marries-son-of-ex-husband

The story surrounding the former EFCC boss, Mr. Ibrahim Magu is no longer new, hence there is no need dissipating much energy in flogging an already dead horse. One of the biggest fake news in Nigeria today as carried by a government agency, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) is the alleged involvement of a Prophet of God, Pastor Emmanuel Omale. One wonders why a renowned government news outlet would descend so low as to engage in peddling fake news aimed at rubbishing the hard earned reputation of the man of God. Indeed, It is good news that the National Assembly is busy pushing for social media controls in Nigeria.

Prophet Emmanuel Omale is not an accidental Prophet of God, but a creation of God Almighty with special gifts. For those who know him from “Our Lady Of Schools” Anyigba, the current prophetic activities of Prophet Omale are not new. There is no amount of fake news that would bring down a man born with special anointing as this. The design of NAN is similar to the activities of Pharaoh whose purpose was to truncate God's prophecy for humanity. Let it be known that there is no amount of media abracadabra that would frustrate God's mission.
Although the man of God through his lawyer has sought the retraction of the fake and malicious news, there is urgent need for constituted authorities to check how media houses are being used by some elements to achieve devilish personal purposes such as linking Prophet Emmanuel Omale with being used by the former EFCC boss to buy property and money laundry. It is not just ridiculous but has already put a question mark on the indictment of Magu without trial. Yes, media trial in Nigeria is no longer news but while engaging in such dirty assignments, there are some individuals that must be spared as a result of their pedigree, and Prophet Emmanuel Omale is one of such.

While the News Agency of Nigeria is yet to openly retract the reckless and malicious publication, the Nation Newspaper has openly tendered an apology to the respected ilk, Chief Femi Falana who was also accused of collecting 28 million naira from the embattled EFCC czar. The petition from Magu to Justice Ayo Salami-led probe panel has once again reminded us of the need for the media houses to tread with caution as reputation is very key.

It is shocking that the government that is calling for media censorship and control is directly guilty of the same offense. Before now, it was widely believed that news media (social media) took the lead in spreading fake news but with a renowned media house like NAN involved in this misleading and misinformation assignment, it is obvious we have a lot of war to fight against fake news.

It is on this basis that we hereby conclude that the report being referenced is yet another cheap attempt by an uninformed writer/journalist whose only aim is to achieve prominence by bringing the person of an exceptional prophet from childhood to disrepute.

Consequently, we condemn and discard the report in its entirety as it is totally false and misleading. We also kindly advise Nigerians to do same and see this as a reiteration of prophet Emmanuel Omale’s unquestionable Integrity.


https://www.inform.ng/post/magus-ordeals-why-prophet-emmanuel-omale-should-forgive-agents-of-fake-news-josiah-abuh

Uniport Undergraduate Kenneth Gift, his mother and girlfriend: arrested for fraud
A 22-year old Computer Science Undergraduate of the University of Port Harcourt, Kenneth Gift, his girlfriend, Dandy Spice, and mother, Dorah Aninah, have been arrested for suspected internet fraud in Agbor, Delta State.

This was confirmed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Benin Zonal Office on Thursday, July 16, 2020.



The statement said their arrest was sequel to a petition from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, and intelligence by operatives of the Commission.

Items recovered from them at the point of arrest include a 5-bedroom duplex, Mercedes-Benz CA250, Mercedes-Benz C250, Mercedes Benz GLK 350, laptop computers and mobile phones.

The statement added that they have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.

https://www.inform.ng/post/efcc-parades-undergraduate-his-mother-and-lover-for-cyberfraud

Thabisile Mthembu from Durban in KwaZulu Natal shot dead her husband just two days after the two got married. The wife shot her husband after she was told by her beloved friends that her husband is cheating a village girl. A 32-year-old Thabisile is now arrested, she is facing the case of murder.

She is expected to appear in the magistrate court of law in Durban on Wednesday next week. The police in Durban had confirmed the arrest of a 32-year=old new wed bride.




''Yes a woman who is suspected of killing her man for cheating is due to appear before the court. Case of murder had been opened against her''

Queen Nkosi (27 years) had also been taken by police for questioning as it is believed that she is the one who fueled the bride with news that led her to shooting dead her beloved husband. Rumours says Queen was after the husband of her friend. Some of the bride's friends who were also close to Queen said Queen had told them that she will do whatever it takes to get the control and attention of her best friends husband.

The family of the deceased can't believe what happened to their only son. They are still in pain. The mother of the deceased was unable to speak up for comments on behalf of the deceased of her son, but it was all written in her eyes that she is in deeply pains.

 

The sister of the decease, Mbali Hlabisa (26) said her brother Thulani Hlabisa (34) was a loving person with so much respect towards his family and the community at large.

''I'm sad to lose my brother like this, he was the man of integrity with much love towards the famil and alders of the community''


https://www.inform.ng/post/wife-shoots-husband-to-death-48hrs-after-wedding-family-in-pains

Some hoodlums suspected to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State today stormed the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bauchi to disrupt a press conference being addressed by some factional members of the party.

The hoodlums stormed the Press Centre while the press conference was on as the factional members called for the dissolution of the state executive council of the party and disrupted the briefing.



In their attempt to stop the briefing, the hoodlums hurled stones and chairs at journalists and other attendants, as two journalists sustained injuries in the attack.

The arrival of a team of policemen led by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Ahmed Wakili, restored order.

Inform NG reports that some of the hoodlums fled the Press Centre upon sighting policemen to avoid being arrested.

Some others were, however, arrested by the policemen and taken to the headquarters of Zone 12 of the Nigeria Police Force in Bauchi where the case is being handled.

The two journalists who were injured in the ensuing melee were accompanied to the Zone 12 by the state NUJ chairman, Umar Sa’id to give their statements.

As of the time of filing this report, peace has been restored at the NUJ Press Centre

https://www.inform.ng/post/suspected-apc-thugs-attack-journalists-injured-many

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has defeated Timi Alaibe at the Supreme Court.

The apex court on Monday dismissed the appeal by Alaibe challenging the declaration of Diri as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election held on September 3, 2019.



The court said the application by Alaibe lacks merit.

Details shortly…

https://www.inform.ng/post/breaking-supreme-court-throws-out-alaibes-suit-against-diri-for-lack-of-merit

One of the most prominent pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, in the USA, Pastor Tola Odutola, has resigned from the Church.

Pastor Odutola, who is the senior Pastor of Jesus House Baltimore, cited lack of care from the church in his 30 years of service.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye is the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

In a viral video, Pastor Odutola refused to divulge direct details of his reason for his decision, but revealed he had served RCCG for 30 years without receiving anything in return.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zeTDp3MhGE

Odutola announced on Sunday his church would run independently, attracting applause from the congregation, before adding he was prepared to face backlash on social media for his decision.

Odutola was the founding Chairman of the Redeemer’s Leadership Institute, RLI, according to the website of Jesus House Baltimore

RLI is “the Leadership arm of the Redeemed Christian Church of God North America (RCCGNA) which provides continuous training for Religious Leaders worldwide.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/senior-rccg-pastor-accuse-church-of-not-giving-him-enough-forms-new-ministry

The Federal Government has issued guidelines ahead of the planned resumption of schools in the country.



The guidelines, which failed to disclose the date of school resumption, was signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu and Minister of State (Education), Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba. It was developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Health and health safety experts in the country


The guidelines outlined actions, measures and requirements needed for the safe reopening of schools after the coronavirus pandemic.


The guidelines released today, July 13, requires that students should be aided to maintain social distancing and stay at least 2 meters apart.


The guidelines dealt extensively on plans for school reopening and operations, including attendance, social distancing, hygiene, cleaning, and non-pharmaceutical interventions for safe and healthy school activities and programmes.


Mallam Adamu explained that the need to develop the guidelines became imperative, "given that COVID – 19 may be with us for a while."


On social distancing in shools, the document reads, "However, there are exceptions where the two-meter rule cannot be reasonably applied and other risk mitigation strategies may be adopted. Examples include early years, younger primary school children, and those with additional needs.


"In these circumstances, risk assessments must be undertaken with the best interests of the learners, teachers, and other education personnel in mind. The scenarios require organizing learners and children into small groups with consistent membership and compliance with the risk mitigation strategies. The membership of these groups should not change unless the NCDC public health guideline suggests otherwise."


With the release of the guidelines, the government would conduct a rapid assessment and determine funding requirement for upgrading infrastructure and facilities such as classrooms, furniture, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene-WASH and ICT facilities to meet and sustain prescribed safe school reopening requirements.


Notable among the items in the guidelines are recommendations for the review of existing policies, practices, and risk mitigation strategies in the use of schools for other purposes, such as distance learning centres, temporary shelters, isolation, quarantine and treatment centres, markets, voting centres, among others.


The document adds: "COVID – 19 pandemic poses an enormous risk to the health and safety of learners, teachers, parents, school administrators, education practitioners, and the wider community…More than 1.5 billion children and young people globally have been affected by school and university closures.


"As a responsible government, it is also our duty to provide comprehensive guidelines for a safe and hitch-free reopening of schools and learning facilities. We do so knowing that the health, safety, and security of learners, teachers, education personnel, and families are priorities."


Adamu said the guidelines also highlight the urgent need to maintain and improve upon distance-learning programmes.


Adamu said: "Our aim is to identify and strengthen programmes that will guarantee the recovery of learning gaps resulting from the pandemic.


"The guidelines were drafted in close coordination with health, environmental, education, and school safety experts who were tasked with the responsibility of charting a pathway for safely reopening our schools and learning facilities for quality teaching and learning."

https://www.inform.ng/post/federal-government-releases-guidelines-for-schools-resumption

Manchester City’s two-season European ban has been lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The club will now be clear to play in the Champions League next season.



UEFA’s club financial control body (CFCB) sanctioned City in February for what it said was a breach of its Financial Fair Play (FFP) and club licensing regulations.

The CFCB said City had overstated sponsorship revenue in their accounts and in the break-even information submitted to UEFA between 2012 and 2016, and for failing to co-operate with its investigation.

City immediately signalled their intention to appeal, and CAS has now cleared them to compete in the Champions League next season and reduced a 30 million euro fine to 10m euros (just under £9million).

City have issued a statement welcoming “the implications” of the ruling.

The statement read: “Whilst Manchester City and its legal advisors are yet to review the full ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the club welcomes the implications of today’s ruling as a validation of the club’s position and the body of evidence that it was able to present.

“The club wishes to thank the panel members for their diligence and the due process that they administered.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/good-news-for-man-city-as-court-vacate-ban-imposed-by-uefa

The All Progressives Congress in the Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State has reportedly expelled the lawmaker from the area, Mr Success Torukerijoh.

Torukerijoh is a member of the state House of Assembly and one of the nine lawmakers opposed to the impeachment of the state deputy governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi.

The development was confirmed by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Donald Ojogo, who is also a chieftain of the party in the local government.

When contacted on the matter, Ojogo simply said the information is “correct.”

Torukerijoh was said to have been expelled for being involved in anti-party activities and the action was taken during the meeting of the leaders of the party held at Igbekebo, the headquarters of the local government, on Sunday.

According to a source, the motion for the expulsion of the embattled lawmaker was moved and duly seconded at the meeting.

Efforts to reach the lawmaker on the telephone were unsuccessfully as his telephone line indicated that it was switched off as of the time of filing this report.

Aside the lawmaker’s expulsion, the APC leaders at the meeting also insisted that the deputy governor must resign his position since he had dumped the party.

Meanwhile, Torhukerhijoh has described his expulsion from the APC in his local government as illegal and embarrassing.

He said the news of his expulsion showed clearly that the leadership of the party had run out of any iota of decency.

The lawmaker stated, “My refusal to sign the impeachment process of the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, represents the popular wishes of the greatest number of my constituents.

Diri canvasses improved primary healthcare
“This harassment and intimidation by the Speaker, David Oloyeogun, to force me to sign against my conscience and conviction shows the desperation and agony of a ‘Fortunate Fool’.

“I’m not oblivious of the backing of Mr Governor in all of these clandestine moves to conscript my humble self to sign at all cost and by all means. Let me reiterate my commitment to holding on to this noble cause. I remain focused.”

https://www.inform.ng/post/ondo-apc-expels-legislator-that-was-opposed-to-impeachment-of-deputy-governor

...Says Treasury Looting Is APC’s Manifesto


The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that the unbridled treasury looting and extortion by the cabal in the Buhari Presidency and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are directly responsible for the excruciating poverty and escalated insecurity being suffered by Nigerians in the last five years.

The PDP, through its national publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, says that the grandstanding by the Buhari Presidency in response to revelations of abuses and sleazes emanating from the investigation of the suspended acting Chairman of the APC-controlled Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, exposes a desperate attempt by a cabal to delink certain of its officials from indictment in the saga.

Also, the recent revelations of widespread treasury looting, including the alleged allocation of billions of stolen money to certain top government officials, have also exposed the hypocrisy of the APC and how its leaders are mercilessly plundering our economy while abandoning our citizens to a life of squalor.

The picture is becoming clearer on how APC leaders, in the last five years, siphoned and pocketed over N14 trillion, from various government agencies, meant for the development of the nation and the welfare of Nigerians.

From unfolding events, Nigerians are no longer in doubt that treasury looting is the official manifesto of the APC, which has now been exposed as a deceitful party that came to power by pretenses and pointing of accusing fingers at others while its real intention had always been to sweep the treasuries for their selfish gains.

This explains why the APC administration has failed to expose those involved in the wholesale stealing of N9.6 trillion ($25 billion) oil money as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo just as no steps have been taken by the APC government to investigate and recover the money.

It equally explains why the APC administration had also failed to expose those behind the reported stealing of N1.1 trillion worth of crude oil, using 18 unregistered vessels linked to some of its leaders and why the money was never recovered.

This is in addition to the mindless looting in revenue related agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS), the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) among other agencies, which have been turned into ATM machines for APC leaders while Nigerians suffer neglect.

The latest revelation of massive looting in NDDC, as detailed by its former Managing Director, Joy Nunieh, as well as the silence of the Buhari Presidency on the issues raised, grant further insight into how resources meant for the development of our nation are being pillaged under the APC.

More distressing are allegations that APC leaders are also looting part of the huge borrowings by the Buhari administration as well as diverting social intervention funds, such as the N500 billion Social Investment Programme fraud revealed by First Lady Aisha Buhari.

This is in addition to alleged stealing of repatriated funds and proceeds of huge multiple taxes imposed by the APC administration

This massive looting by the APC is responsible for the collapse of infrastructure in all sectors; a frightening 23.1 percent unemployment rate, escalated insecurity, high costs of essential goods, increased morbidity rate, reduced life expectancy and a despondent citizenry.

It also explains why the Buhari administration cannot point to any concrete achievements in the last five years other than reckless external borrowing, destruction of our productive sector, wrecking of our naira and an agonizing poverty, for which Nigerians now resort to suicide and slavery mission abroad as options.

The PDP however urge Nigerians not to despair but keep faith alive and continue to support one another in this perilous time.

The APC-led administration has distinguished itself as the worst and the most corrupt in the history of our nation for which Nigerians, across the board, are most eager to commit it to the dustbin of antiquity at the appropriate time.


https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-blames-apc-for-corruption-poverty-in-nigeria

The suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Mr Ibrahim Magu, has again been accused of allegedly failing to give proper account of missing 332 out of the 836 recovered real estate property in March, 2018.

A report by the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA) made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) confirmed the development, indicating that the unaccounted property was worth billions of naira.

The report also noted massive wastage and deterioration of physical assets (including landed property, cars and vessels recovered by the EFCC due to poor management.

It also noted with concern the failure to preserve and realise the economic value of the recovered assets, noting that some of the assets were recovered over 15 years ago and left fallow.

“A disturbing example is the two vessels that allegedly sunk at NNS Beecroft Naval BASE, Lagos and NNS Pathfinder Naval Base in Port Harcourt without trace under the watch of the acting Chairman of EFCC.

“The vessels named MT GOOD SUCCESS, MV PSV DERBY and MV THAMES were allowed to sink in spite of several warnings from the Navy on the need to evacuate the petroleum products in the vessels.

“The total value of the assets lost due to the negligence runs into millions of US bollars

“The (suspended) acting Chairman is yet to provide a report on what happened to these vessels,’’ the report said.

NAN reports that Magu, who is currently facing charges of mismanagement and lack of transparency in managing recovered assets as well as flagrant disobedience to directives and to court orders, would be expected to provide answers to the conflicting figures.

The PCARA report also noted that the few consultants hired by EFCC were not managing a substantial number of the recovered assets and that the EFCC has no capacity to manage the entire assets on its own.

The committee, therefore, alerted the nation on the economic and environmental implications of this negligent of duty by the commission.

It equally observed that EFCC made conflicting submissions or returns to it in respect of the non-cash assets which substantially affected the committee’s assignment.

The report read in part: “For instance, EFCC stated 836 as the number of Recovered Real Estate in the Original Returns it made to the President on 07/04/2017.

“However, in its 1st Returns to PCARA on 13/12/2017, EFCC short changed the system and gave the figure of 339 thereby failing to account for 497 property.

“It is interesting to note that when the Acting Chairman was further queried on this lapse, he made further contradictory 2nd return of 504 on 09/03/2018 thereby bridging the gap to 332 property.’’

The committee identified lack of internal control mechanisms/ systems within EFCC and Lack of adequate returns by EFCC Departments and Zonal Offices as reasons for these discrepancies and inconsistencies by the commission.

The suspended EFCC boss was also alleged to have neglected and refused to comply with the Regulations on the Management of Recovered Assets, 2019 as he embarked on disposing some of the property without regard to extant law.

“These Regulations was issued in line with international best practices and to ensure that all the anti-corruption agencies report all their recovered assets in a database provided by the Federal Government.

’’It is important to note that the (suspended) Acting Chairman in apparent disregard of the regulation is disposing of these properties without regard to extant laws, and Regulations and without reference to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and in effect, there is no way to have an audit of the property.

“This is also a clear sign that there is a deliberate attempt to hide the exact figures of recoveries, which is an indication of fraudulent intent.

“These actions of the (suspended) Ag. Chairman in refusing the Regulation is a clear case of refusal to follow lawful instructions and directives contrary to the provisions of the Act that establish the EFCC,’’ a separate report on the matter, addressed to the president, further noted.

According to the fresh report obtained by NAN, Magu and some top officials of EFCC were allegedly using these recovered assets to corruptly enrich themselves.

The report also listed the number of the affected properties suspected to have been illegally acquired as well as the bank accounts of those individuals serving as fronts for Magu and the affected EFCC officials.

“Most of the recovered assets are allegedly sold without anyone knowing and without proper records and without recourse to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing that has the mandate to undertake evaluation of such property.

“Some of the assets have been taken over by EFCC officials while some are sold at a giveaway prices to friends and cronies of the Acting Chairman.

“It is also on record that the (suspended) acting chairman is maintaining different accounts, including using proxies who return the benefit of the sold assets to him.

“These funds are then used to procure property and lands in the names of some of his proxies,’’
the report further stated.

https://www.inform.ng/post/magu-faces-fresh-query-over-missing-332-houses-2-oil-vessels

A report by the Presidential Probe Panel has shown details of how Ibrahim Magu, the suspended acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allegedly used a cleric to launder funds abroad.

Magu is currently being interrogated by the panel headed by retired Justice Ayo Salami over allegations of lack of transparency in managing recovered assets and mismanagement of EFCC.

A copy of the report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Saturday in Abuja disclosed that the founder of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, Abuja, Dr Emmanuel Omalewas was used by Magu to launder funds.

Omale’s name was uncovered through an investigative report on EFCC’s activities by the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and mentioned in the final report of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Assets (PCARA).

NEWS: Ondo: Akeredolu speaks on APC 'disqualification'
The report added that the unknown Pastor is alleged to have bought a landed property on behalf of Magu worth N573 million in Dubai, United Arab Emirate.

“Another individual who is helping in laundering funds for the Acting Chairman and who has been referred to in several petitions is one Pastor Emmanuel Omale of the Hand of God Prophetic Ministry.

“He’s reported to have travelled to Dubai with Mr Magu, and his name was used in purchasing a property in Dubai for Mr Magu.

“As an unknown pastor, the NFIU’s report showed the huge movement of funds ranging from N573,228,040.41,” the report said.

However, efforts had been intensified to reveal the real identity of the Pastor and to arraign him for prosecution if found culpable.

Magu is being held at the Police headquarters in Abuja.

He is expected to reappear before the Salami probe panel on Monday, to defend himself against several allegations.


https://www.inform.ng/post/how-ibrahim-magu-used-pastors-to-launder-funds-abroad

NDDC N1.9BILLION WATER HYACINTH CONTRACT WHICH WAS AWARDED TO GODSWILL AKPABIO...

... SEE FULL LIST OF COMPANIES AND THEIR BANK DETAILS ATTACHED BELOW

Here are the uncovered various phoney companies (with their bank details) to which the reported unauthorized payment of N1.9billion were made to on the directive of Senator Akpabio.

Some of the companies allegedly fingered as conduit-pipes are mere brief case firms with no known history of work done previously. In fact, the following companies which the Minister reportedly approved payments for had no website to even authenticate their background.

These include;

AUCICC Investment Ltd with FCMB Account details and address at 128 Eliowhani Road Port Harcourt;

Betma Multipupose Services with GTBANK account details and address at 21 Lucky Street, off Road 24 AGIP estate, Port Harcourt;

Ideanergy Nigeria Limited with ZENITH Bank Account details with office address at no 2 Ebony Road, Port Harcourt;

Dartcom Projects Nig Ltd with FIRST BANK account details with office address at 6 Ndahbros Street, Trans Amadi;

Rocksky Ventures with FCMB Account details and with office address at 18 Abuloma Road, Borokiri Port Harcourt

Niron International (Nig)Ltd with Keystone Bank details and with office location at 12 Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt.

https://www.inform.ng/post/more-indictment-for-akpabio-fingered-in-n19bn-nddc-fraud

The Commissioners of Education in 19 Northern States have supported the suspension of school reopening amid the pandemic by the Federal Government, The PUNCH reports.

The commissioners made this known in a communique issued in Kaduna State on Saturday, after a virtual meeting to consider school reopening and other issues to strengthen the education sector.



The communique was signed by the Commissioner of Education, Kaduna, Dr Shehu Makarfi, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States School Exchange Programme.

The meeting was attended by commissioners of 13 of the 19 northern states namely, Kaduna, Bauchi, Gombe, Niger, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Kogi, Kwara, Katsina, Kano, Borno and Jigawa.

The commissioners applauded the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, for taking a decisive stand against school reopening and pledged their full support.

According to them, keeping schools closed considering the spike in cases of COVID-19 across the country is a sure step in ensuring that children remain safe.

“We have, therefore, resolved that schools should be reopened only when it is safe to do so and when states have complied with the minimum COVID-19 safety protocols as outlined by the NCDC.

“We will also participate in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and other examinations only when it is safe to reopen schools and when coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education,” they said.

The commissioners also resolved to carry out a holistic assessment of schools to determine safety status for reopening and submit reports to their respective governors for consideration.

“Schools’ infrastructure, such as dilapidated classrooms, students’ hostels, source of safe water, sanitary facilities, including hand washing equipment and security are critical and should be improved.

“We will equally clear schools of bushes and grasses, as well as fumigate school’s surroundings to support learning and ensure safety when schools resume,” they said.

They, however, appealed to the Federal Government to support states in putting safety measures in place for school reopening.


https://www.inform.ng/post/wassce-northern-states-back-fg-insist-on-school-shutdown

Suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ibrahim Magu, has denied giving N4 billion to Vice President, Yemi Osinabjo.

He said this when he appeared before the presidential panel investigating him on Thursday.



Magu has spent the fourth day at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).

A source disclosed to The Nation what Magu said when he was grilled about Osinbajo.

Magu was quoted as saying: “I did not tell the panel that I gave the Vice President N4 billion”

He quipped: “Where will I get such money? Do I have access to such funds? It is part of mudslinging. Please clear this. I do not have any control of such cash, I did not order the transfer of N4 billion to the VP or to anybody.”

Magu insisted that Osinbajo’s name “never came up at the panel’s session at all. Since the VP was not an issue, I could not have mentioned that I gave him N4 billion”.

Meanwhile, the VP has asked the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the allegation against him.

His demand was contained in a July 9 petition signed by his lawyers, Taiwo Osipitan and Abimbola Kayode.

https://www.inform.ng/post/i-never-said-i-gave-vp-osibanjo-n4bn-i-dont-have-such-money-magu

Tunbosun Ojo, the leader of a dare-devil armed robbery gang which allegedly carried out multiple bank robberies in Ekiti and Ondo States, says he is happy that Police finally arrested them as it shows that God still has a purpose for their lives.


Confessing while being paraded by the Police authorities alongside some members of his gang, Ojo pleaded for forgiveness from God and Nigerians over their atrocities.




The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba had in a statement on Thursday said the arrested members of the criminal gang were allegedly responsible for the robbery of three commercial banks in Ondo and Ekiti between 2019 and 2020.


During their robbery operations, the Police spokesman said six of their men were killed including innocent citizens while the gang also carted away several millions of naira.

The Police gave the names of those involved as Tunbosun Ojo, 42, Ismaila Ojo, 25, Victor Oyeyemi, 36, Dele Ariyo, 44, Shola Oladimeji, 50, Olubodun Folayemi, 44 and Adeniyi John, 42 years.

According to the Police, the gang were involved "in the robbery of a commercial bank in Ile-oluji, Ondo State on 7th February, 2020 where four (4) policemen were killed, robbery of a Microfinance Bank in Idanre, Ondo State in December, 2019 and a commercial bank at Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State where two policemen lost their lives.".

The leader of the gang, Tunbosun Ojo opened up on how they operated.

In his words:

"My name is Tunbosun Ojo, we went to go and rob one bank at Oye Ekiti, UBA Bank. When the robbery is going on I lead them to go and pack the money while others are outside.

"At the same time at Idanre I also lead them to go and pack the money while others were outside. The two okada men drive okada around for them to look out if there is anything. At Ile-Oluji I also lead them inside to pack the money.


"At Ile-Oluji when we pack the money, my own share was N1.1million, another person N500,000, another person N350,000 just like that. At Idanre and Oye Ekiti we also shared the money.

"We are many in number but we thank God that police got us arrested because it is the will of God for police to arrest us.

"If not the will of God it will not be so. Because God still has a purpose for us that is why. Because we know that we have already sinned. We have sinned against man and God. We are already begging for the forgiveness of sins from the Almighty God. We already beg for the forgiveness of human beings and God will help us in Jesus name. We use three pump action, one AK 47 and local guns.

"We did not count the total money we robbed. At Ile Oluji, four policemen were killed, at Oye Ekiti, two policemen were killed. I was inside, when I came outside I started to blame them. When I started to blame one out of them fire my leg. This is the leg because I blame them."

"I joined this business since 2018. It is last year and this year that we got to rob bank.", he said.
.

One of the gang members, Dele Ariyo, an Okada who said he is from Edo State also confessed.

In his words:

"I got this job through somebody I know, Shola. He is the one that introduce me to this job through his friend, Sesan. Sesan told me that they want to go to Oye and I took Sesan on the bike. So two of us were in the bike, moving around. Before we got there the operation has started we were just moving round until the operation was finished. After they left, me with Sesan we were now back to Akure. The second day, the money was sent to me by Shola. I collected N200000. That is the first operation that I worked with them.", he said.


https://www.inform.ng/post/we-thank-god-that-we-are-in-police-net-leader-of-armed-robbery-gang

The acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei, has admitted that the commission spent N1.5 billion for staff as ‘COVID-19 relief funds’.

He made this statement at the investigative hearing on the N40 billion corruption allegation against the commission.

The Senate had on May 5 set up a seven-man ad-hoc committee to investigate the “financial recklessness” of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the commission.

The lawmakers said, within the last three months, the commission has spent over N40 billion of the commission’s fund ”without recourse to established processes of funds disbursement which has opened up further suspicion among stakeholders of the Niger Delta Region.”

They also faulted the IMC’s ”arbitrary use of executive power in an alleged wrongful sacking of management staff without recourse to established civil service rules and practice with the aim of allegedly concealing the fraudulent financial recklessness they have committed.”

Mr Pondei and other delegates from the commission appeared before the committee on Thursday for the hearing.

Part of the audit report read out by the chairman of the committee, Olubunmi Adetunmbi, said N3.1 billion was spent as COVID-19 funds between October 2019 and May 2020.

In the report, the lawmaker said ”N10 million was paid to one person, N7 million to two people, N5 million to three people, 148 people took N3 million each, 157 people got N1.5 million each, 497 people got N1 million each and 464 people were paid N600,000 each.”

Another N475 million was given to the police to purchase face masks and hand sanitisers, he added.




Responding to questions regarding the COVID-19 Relief Fund paid to NDDC staff, the MD said ”only N1.5 billion was used to take care of staff” despite being paid their salaries.

He explained that part of the fund was for the youth of Niger Delta.

”The youth were given palliatives to help cushion the effect of the pandemic on the people. The youth were idle and to avoid violence, they were paid,” he said.

“Five million for youths and five million for women and five million for people living with disabilities in each senatorial district,” he said.

He said ”the remaining fund was spent on staff of the commission.”

“We used it to take care of ourselves. We are NDDC, we need to take care of ourselves too,” he said.




He further explained that the IMC inherited debts upon assumption of office ”that needed to be cleared on time.”

He said the previous management owed hotels and had unpaid electricity bills of about N26 million.










When asked why the police was given N475 million, Mr Pondei said a request was made from ”the high command of police and the management took a look at it and approved it.”

He explained that the money ”was an intervention and the NDDC is expecting a report as to how the money was spent.”


Meanwhile, the acting deputy director, projects, Cairo Ojougboh, added that the money given to police is for nine states of the Niger Delta region.

The investigative hearing will continue on Friday, the chairman said.

https://www.inform.ng/post/we-spent-n15bn-to-take-care-of-ourselves-during-covid-19-nddc-tells-senate

Former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Andrew Yakubu has defended himself and claimed the $9,7772,800 the Economy Financial Crime Commission recover from his house are gift.



The embattled former NNPC boss has been under scrutiny in the last few days after he accused of failing to declare his aseets and money laundering by the commission.



Apart from the $9,772,800 another £74,000 cash was also find in his Kaduna home to make his case more complicated.

The Kaduna State born Andrew Yakubu who is now standing trials for alleged money false declaration of assets and money laundering has now defended himself against any wrong doing.

Yakubu was faced with a six-count charge on which he was arraigned on March 16, 2017, but as the trials resumed yesterday and Yakubu said the monies are gifts from his well wishers.

However the EFCC alleged that he received the cash through without proper channels when he was still in the office , they also claimed he had an intent to avoid a lawful transaction under law, and the fund were transported at various times to Kaduna.



EFCC also claimed the funds with is equivalent to N3.8b the money found in a hidden place and it is difficult to believe they were gifts as he claimed.

Meanwhile, in May 2019 Yakubu received a life line after Justice Mohammed partially striked out two out of the six counts leveled against him.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja, also striked out another two of the six count charges on the 24th of April 2020, but directed him to .

Both Yakubu and the EFCC have since taken their case to the Apex court of the land, the Supreme Court.

Yakubu was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.He and the management team were relieved of their appointments to strengthen the on-going reforms in NNPC by ex-President Jonathan on July 2014 and Joseph Dawha was named as his successor in 2014.


https://www.inform.ng/post/the-n38bn-found-in-my-house-are-gifts-from-those-that-love-me-ex-nnpc-gmd

Prince Arthur Eze

Billionaire oil magnate, Prince Arthur Eze, on  Sunday said Ndigbo owed the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), eternal gratitude for what he called the massive provision of economic and infrastructural facilities in the South-East geopolitical zone.

He said Igbo benefitted more under his regime,   adding that Buhari had become a hero in the area for religiously executing projects like Akanu Ibiam International Airport and the 2nd Niger Bridge.

He added that with the creation of zonal police headquarters (zone 13) at Ukpo Dunukofia in Anambra State, Buhari had shown exceptional love to the people of the area.




He said this in a statement by his media consultant,  Mr Oliver Okpala.

The statement read in part, “President Mohammadu Buhari and the Inspector General of Police have demonstrated uncommon goodwill towards the people of the South-East geopolitical zone and should now rest assured of our unalloyed support and loyalty.

“The modernisation and uplifting of the Akanu Ibiam Airport to an international standard with modern runway and facilities that can compete favourably with any airport in any part of the world,   is another step worthy of commendation.

“The concern of the South-East zone in terms of security,  protection  of lives and property has been tackled head on by the President

“Citing a new police zonal headquarters as zone 13 at Ukpo,  Dunukofia,  in the  Awka Capital Territory of Anambra State is a feat that has shown clearly that the President is man of the moment for the Igbo and the entire South-East.


https://www.inform.ng/post/igbos-will-forever-be-grateful-to-buhari-says-arthur-eze

…Members To Join By Zoom

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will, on Tuesday, inaugurate its National Campaign Council for the Edo state governorship election with the larger members of the committee participating on Zoom.

This is in compliance with COVID-19 protocol on social and physical distancing at public gathering.

However, the Chairman, Deputy Chairman and the Secretary of the Campaign Council will be physically present for the event slated for Tuesday at 10 am, alongside the National Chairman of our party, the governors of our party, members of the National Working Committee (NWC) as well as Board of Trustees (BOT) members who are also members of the campaign council and are available in Abuja.

Also, the members of the Campaign Council, who are currently in Abuja, are also expected at the venue of the inauguration.

Members of the campaign council, who will not physically participate at the inauguration, are directed to register in advance for participation via Zoom by clicking on the link that has been communicated to them accordingly.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-inaugurates-edo-governorship-national-campaign-council-tuesday

…Says Fabrication Exposes APC’s Victimization Agenda


Hon Kola Ologbondiyan, the National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the fabrications by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against prominent opposition members over alleged fraudster, Raymond Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, as reckless, irresponsible and further exposes the victimization agenda of the APC.

The party says the fabrications have also further exposed how the APC administration has been using agencies under its control to frame innocent opposition members, dissenting voices, rival political parties and perceived opponents of the government on trumped-up charges under the guise of fighting corruption.

The PDP states that the desperate bid to frame innocent Nigerians who are not in any way involved with Hushpuppi, even after a very broad investigation by prominent investigators including the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), leaves no one in doubt that APC government has been victimizing opposition members with fabricated charges.

The party also revealed that it has however been made aware that the statement by the APC is part of a heinous design by certain power mongers close to the APC administration to commence a fresh clampdown on perceived political rivals within and outside the opposition circles, ahead of the 2023 general election.

Nigerians should not be surprised when the APC will begin to list the names of innocent political leaders, including those who are now being persecuted in their party, on trumped-up charges, for political interests.

While our party has no link whatsoever with Hushpuppi, as the APC also acknowledged, Nigerians are aware that his pictures with some prominent Nigerians, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, which the APC is frenzied about, do not suggest any affinity beyond the usual jostling by people, world over, to be photographed with leaders.

Of course, such happens to all prominent individuals, especially leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari.

It is therefore unfortunate that a ruling party, which is now led by a sitting governor, is spending its energy to frame innocent Nigerians instead of confronting the myriads of economic and security problems it caused the nation, in addition to finding solution to the serious demands of COVID-19 pandemic.

If the APC is indeed fighting corruption, it should have called for the investigation of its leaders who, as state governors, ministers and even APC National Chairman have been indicted for stealing and treasury looting.

The APC should be calling for the investigation of one of their state governors, who was seen on a viral video, stuffing his robe with gratification, in foreign currency, as well as their candidate in a forthcoming election, who has been declared by a former APC National Chairman as a treasury looter, who is only good for "night meetings" and not fit to be state governor.

Having been exposed, the PDP cautions the APC to steer clear of our members and other hard working Nigerians, in various fields of endeavor, who are perceived to be opponents of the APC.

Moreover, our party will not be distracted by the APC, which has gone into panic mode over its imminent electoral loss in Edo as well as Ondo state.

https://www.inform.ng/post/hushpuppi-apc-is-irresponsible-reckless-pdp

The Federal Government has revealed plans to end the monopoly enjoyed by cable television service providers, especially Digital Satellite Television, owned by MultiChoice, a South Africa-based company.

The plan is said to include ending exclusive rights to sporting events.

Only DStv currently broadcasts major football competitions in Nigeria, especially the English Premier League.

The government said it had amended Nigeria’s broadcasting code to prevent DStv and others from monopolising their channels and contents.

The House has been probing DStv for allegedly cheating its Nigerian subscribers by restricting them to prepaid plans and increasing its subscription rates on June 1, 2020, despite the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on the people.

At the continuation of the investigative hearings organised by an ad hoc committee of the House on the matter in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had dismissed claims by DStv that pay-per-view was not proper for the Nigerian market.

Mohammed noted that StarTimes, the cable arm of the Nigerian Television Authority, was already operating for some years.

In an audio recording obtained by our correspondent, Mohammed could be heard responding to questions from the lawmakers.

The minister said, “On the issue of increase in price for subscribers, with the onset of COVID-19, one of the first things we did in the ministry with the NBC (National Broadcasting Commission) was to provide succour to broadcasters.

“We suspended payment for the initial two months to all broadcasters so that they would be able to absorb the impact of COVID-19. Therefore, it will be unfair for those for whom we have suspended payment to also at the same time increase their own fees. And I’m sure that the DG of NBC will take up this matter.”

On the issue of monopoly, Mohammed stated that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had in 2019 set up a board of enquiry to look into the activities of broadcasting stations, to ascertain the potency of the broadcasting code and broadcasting act to curtail and regulate the industry against excesses.

He added, “We took that opportunity also to make right recommendations to Mr President, including the breaking of the monopoly of the various giant operators. It is to the credit of Mr President that he did approve those recommendations.”

Mohammed noted that some recommendations would require that the National Assembly amend the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Act.


The minister said, “You will notice, in recent weeks, a lot of attacks on the ministry as a result of these amendments. These amendments have actually struck at the heart of monopoly. These amendments are, for once, giving back to Nigerians their own industry.”

Earlier, Chairman of the committee, Mr Unyime Idem, asked Mohammed and the acting Director General of the NBC, Armstrong Idachaba, to order DStv to suspend its recent rates’ increment.

Mohammed immediately ordered the Idachaba to issue the notice.

Idem had stated that the minister and all stakeholders present should ensure and commence full implementation of its directives.

The House committee’s order included “a marching order to the service providers, particularly Multichoice’s DStv, to reverse the recent June 1, 2020 price hike and revert to the old price as this is not the best of times to increase the prices of services, no matter the reasons for such increase, taking into consideration the ravaging effect of COVID-19 on the economy of Nigerians.”

It added, “Come up with a robust strategy to break the monopoly and open up the industry for larger participation. PAYG regime for the digital TV broadcasting in Nigeria, with particular reference to DStv, GOtv, StarTimes and Kwese TV.

“Deregulation of content right by DTH (direct-to home), DTT (digital terrestrial television) and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) operators. Encouraging local content participation through content sharing.”


https://www.inform.ng/post/fg-move-against-multichoice-vows-to-end-monopoly

The suspension of Adebayo Somefun, managing director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), by the minister of labour and employment, Chris Ngige, has again raised specks of dust in President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

Ngige, who claimed that the suspension was approved by President Buhari, stated that it was mandatory due to “preliminarily established prima facie infractions on the extant Financial Regulations and Procurement Act, and other acts of gross misconduct.”

But in what got Buhari's administration enmeshed in another mess, Ngige's action seems to have crossed the line with the position of Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation, barring cabinet ministers from removing heads of agencies and parastatals they supervise.

Policy Inconsistency: Minister counters SGF’s directive
The suspension of NSITF MD by the minister of labour and employment Chris Ngige has generated concern.
This publication recalls Mustapha, in a memo dated May 19 which was addressed to all ministers and senior officials, including the head of service, the central bank governor, and permanent secretaries, among others, had raised concern over the controversial run of suspension of heads of parastatals and agencies by the ministers.

Mustapha said a new policy approved by the president has forbidden ministers from taking the laws into their hands but allowing them to make a recommendation on the penalty after the board of the agency has issued a query.

Ngige's action, which has the backing of the president, has now brought afore the inconsistency in Buhari's government which experts, including labour leaders, have condemned.

A presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement on Thursday, July 2, said, the appointments were made following recent complaints that some states were not captured in the earlier appointment of 41 non-career ambassadors.

https://www.inform.ng/post/ngige-sgf-clash-over-suspension-of-nsitf-md-11-others

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flayed the unfounded insinuation that Governor Godwin Obaseki risks the Supreme Court verdict delivered on Mr. Uche Nwosu, the factional candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election in Imo State, who was disqualified for standing for election on the platforms of two political parties.

In a statement, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chris Osa Nehikare, said those who are making the claims to muddle the waters are being smart by half and are at best ignorant of the law and the circumstances surrounding the governor’s emergence as the candidate of the PDP.

According to him, “We want to put it on record that the governor contested for the primary election of only the PDP. He was unjustly disqualified from the APC primary and wasn’t even on the ballot during the poll.

“While on the converse, Uche Nwosu in Imo State was the factional candidate of the APC after the primary election. He was returned elected and only ran to Action Alliance after he was edged out of the contest. The Supreme Court, in fact, ruled that he had a valid ticket with the APC, which invalidated his candidacy in AA.

“Hence, whoever draws a parallel between these two cases is either incapable of rational thoughts or is outrightly out to deceive his paymasters, who apparently do not know better.

“We call on members of the public to disregard the resort to such lazy and defective thinking. Governor Obaseki is going to the polls with an unblemished ticket as against the candidate of the APC, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who has a multiplicity of legal booby traps planted by his party at the state and national levels.

https://www.inform.ng/post/pdp-slams-apc-over-double-party-membership-claim-on-obaseki