Ibomites for Progressive Governance (IPG), a nascent social-political organization, has cautioned the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to stop discrediting the exalted office the Senate President.

The group was reacting to a statement credited to Sen. Akpabio in which he allegedly claimed that that he sent his wife, Ekaette Akpabio, with a letter to the Government House, Uyo, wherein he requested to pay a courtesy visit to the immediate past Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, but that his wife was stopped at the gate.

While speaking at the reception held in his honour at Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, at the weekend, Sen. Akpabio reportedly claimed that his wife was left at the gate of the Government House for hours without access to enter the premises.

Reacting to this in Abuja, the IPG, through its National Secretary, Mr Chris Effiong, described the claim as “a cheap lie,” noting that the wife of the Senate President is not “a mail runner” and urged him to stop being unguarded in public speaking.

“The truth is that no such incident ever happened. Mrs. Akpabio was never ever left at the gate of Government House, Uyo, as falsely stated by her husband, Senator Akpabio. Senator Akpabio lied, pure and simple. No former First Lady can be kept at the gate of any Government House. It appears that this is the figment of Senator Akpabio’s imagination.

“It is therefore incredible and deeply concerning that a man who occupies the Number three position in our country could resort to cheap blackmail before a national audience.

“We challenge Sen. Akpabio to show evidence of this incident. The former First Lady usually travels with a retinue of aides including media. There is no way Senator Akpabio’s wife would have been kept waiting for five hours without a pictorial or video evidence taken by her media team.

“The bile and animosity Senator Akpabio has towards the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State H.E., Udom Emmanuel, CON, is deeply concerning if he could weave such an outrageous lie against the former governor.

“Akpabio should stop these intentional lies he manufactures against the former governor and understand that by his unguarded utterances he is discrediting the exalted office of the Senate President of Nigeria”, the IPG stated.

......Calls for Expanded Anti-Corruption Efforts



Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its efforts to apprehend and prosecute former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Speaking in Abuja, Frank urged the Commission to broaden its investigation to include other allegedly corrupt individuals, particularly former governors, ministers, and public officials associated with both the past administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Frank stressed the importance of extending the probe to avoid giving the impression that the EFCC's actions against Bello were merely a witch hunt. While commending the EFCC's steps to hold Bello accountable, Frank highlighted the need for equal scrutiny of other individuals accused of corruption.

"We commend the EFCC for its efforts in pursuing Yahaya Bello's prosecution. However, we urge the agency to also investigate other former governors, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, whose alleged corrupt practices have been reported to the EFCC," said Frank.


Otherwise, their efforts to apprehend Bello and bring him to trial would appear to be a deliberate and malicious witch hunt simply because he contested the Presidential primary election of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) against President Bola Tinubu.

Furthermore, we have yet to witness the arrest of several allegedly corrupt public officials who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, despite petitions against them before the EFCC. These individuals include former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, among others.

Additionally, there are those like former personal assistant to President Buhari, Tunde Sabiu; former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh; immediate past Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mele Kyari; and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who remain unprosecuted.

Similarly, former Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Zainab Ahmed; former Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority and current aide to President Tinubu, Hadiza Bala Usman; former Governor of Ebonyi State and present Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former security chiefs who are the subject of petitions before the EFCC continue to evade prosecution.

Frank, representing the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in East Africa and the Middle East, emphasized that by bringing these individuals to court to face trial, the EFCC would demonstrate to Nigerians that their actions against Bello are not politically motivated.
He said: “Someone like Wike has a petition against him before the EFCC, but they have never invited him to defend allegations against him. Is it because some of these people supported and campaigned for Tinubu to emerge President in 2023 that makes them untouchable?”

He acknowledged that the EFCC's action against Bello is a positive step in the fight against corruption. However, he emphasized the need for the EFCC to show the same level of commitment in addressing allegations against other corrupt individuals.

He added: “For instance, we have seen the recent revelation of the Governor of Abia State, Alex Oti, against the former governor of the State, Okezie Ikpeazu, concerning humongous money paid for the construction of a non-existent airport and other bogus projects by the immediate past administration in Abia state.

The activist, who hails from Bayelsa, asserted that the failure to prosecute former governors and ministers accused of corruption would undermine the credibility of the anti-corruption efforts. He criticized the EFCC for appearing selective in its prosecutions, targeting only those who may not be in favour with the President.

He pointed out that individuals who support the current administration seem to evade prosecution while those critical of it are pursued. He warned that if the EFCC continues to neglect its duty to investigate allegations against individuals like Nyesom Wike, they will make the petitions public to shed light on their actions while in office and compel the EFCC to take action.

Hence, we urge the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption in Nigeria by actively pursuing all individuals accused of corrupt practices, not just a select few. If the EFCC truly aims to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption, it must extend its investigations to all relevant parties mentioned. Additionally, we demand swift prosecution of those implicated in corruption allegations to ensure accountability and fairness.

Furthermore, we call upon the EFCC to cease the harassment and intimidation of individuals like Yahaya Bello. Doing so will signal to the public that the EFCC is dedicated to upholding justice and integrity in Nigeria, thereby restoring faith in the anti-corruption efforts of the current administration.






Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-commends-efcc-for-pursuing-arrest-of-bello-calls-for-expanded-anti-corruption-efforts/

....Asks Tinubu to forward Supplementary Amendment to NASS

A civil society organisation, Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD), has reviewed the deliberation of the Senate on the allegation of N3.7 trillion budget padding and surmised that the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is presiding over sleaze.

The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Dr Menike Johnson, noted that revelations from the Tuesday sitting showed that the Senate has been reduced to a place of budget manipulations and sharing of looted funds.

The revelation by a Senator that some "senior Senators got N700 millions, some got N500 millions and others got nothing" is a clear pointer to the sleaze going on in the upper Chambers under Akpabio's watch.

It is also disturbing that Nigerians heard from the senators how the funds meant for the development of our country are being round-tripped through non-existent constituency projects.

The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to investigate the budget padding allegation in the interest of transparency.

The President should save the integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act by introducing a Supplementary Bill that will review the manipulations perpetrated in the budget.

In conjunction with the alarm raised by Senator Abdul Ningi who represents Bauchi Central in the hallowed Red Chamber of the National Assembly , it remains a crack and an injury to the national economy for the Presidency to have outrageously padded a whooping sum of 3 trillion naira to the already endorsed budget meant for the administration of the State House . In the midst of hunger , lacks and poverty plaguing majority of the citizens , it is wrong of the Presidency who is expected to tackle the monumental challenges of penury and rising inflation to extend hands to take more funds from the already emptied treasury of the nation to run its affairs .


It is unfair that those who are entrusted with the mantle of leadership are the ruiners of the rules of engagement and public trust . Nigeria cannot prosper in the face of unaccountability, deception and breach of public trust . Leadership bereft of good services delivery can never advance a nation rather it draws back success speed, kills efficiency in management , raises doubt of the led on the leaders and most painfully makes hunger a reality since the treasury meant to empower and feed the national infrastructures is being mismanaged and diverted .



As a nation , we should learn from the simple economic theory of decent management in order to grow . When a nation spends beyond what she earns , a loophole is seen to have been created and no magic settles it except caution is taken to fill the gap carelessly created by mismanagement and bad planning . That is the reality in simple econometrics . I feel touched seeing an economically blessed Nigeria undergoing hunger and poverty because of bad leadership .



I advise that as a nation , let us emulate how to plant than smartly harvesting even when the yields are immature . In the 60s , Indonesia and other countries in Southeast Asia suffered economic meltdown and as well made a turn around throuhgh meticulous planning , robust management and practice of investment realities that widens economic advancement . Nigeria is not poor but her problems lie in bad leadership that had left most citizens depressed, pauperized and frustrated . Government officers looting the treasury for their own selfish interests has been a clog on the wheels of our national prosperity . If fail to change the system now, how do we expect the youth to react ? Consider the rising wave of insecurity , killings and suicide murder prevailing in the Country today , then you would agree with me that expect those in corridors of power set the right pace , a new Nigeria of our popular expectations would not be achieved .


Chief Emeka Kalu,
Eck Foundations CEO.


Source: https://naijagg.com/3-trillion-naira-budget-padding-a-crack-on-the-economy/

The leadership of the United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND) has said that it will embark on massive street protest to some Nigerian embassies in Washington DC, some other US cities, London and other major cities in Europe and Asia nations, asking for immediate resignation of Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The diaspora group said that the INEC chairman should resign over what they described as “the conduct of a shambolic 2023 general elections” while Senate President Akpabio should step aside over the allegation of budget padding raised against him by some Senators.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, signed by its president worldwide, Ambassador Yusuf Adeyinka, and its general secretary worldwide, Comrade Johnson Acheme, the group solicited co-operation of the International Community during the protest periods and also urged foreign nations who practice ideal democracy like the great Britain, United States and other nations of the world to bar the INEC National Chairman and his team members, Senate President, Akpabio and indeed, the top echelon of the Nigerian Judiciary who partook in deciding the 2023 elections petitions tribunal matters from entering their countries.

The diaspora group also commended Senator Ningi for his courage to expose budget padding in the National Assembly.
“We, the leadership of United Nigerians in the Diaspora, UND- an umbrella body of diaspora groups comprising of Nigerians living in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, some European and Asian nations wish to alert Nigerians and the entire international community on our resolve to hit the streets and Nigerian Embassies in Washington DC, some other US cities, London and other major cities in Europe and Asia nations where our members are domiciled to protest the conduct of a shambolic 2023 general elections by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his rogue team.

“As a body, we have carefully watched the antecedents and actions of the National Chairman vis-a-vis the current happenings and realities in Nigeria and wonder what the hell he is still waiting for to resign from that position. To put the records straight, the 2023 elections where the ineptly corrupt Commission claimed it spent a whooping N300 Billion Naira was not only the most expensive but also the most incredible in our recent history.

“We recall first and foremost, how the National Chairman and his Commissioner in charge of Public Affairs, a certain Dr. Festus Okoye graced every available national and international platforms assuring Nigerians and the rest of the world of a most transparent election using the Biometric Voter Accreditation System, BVAS machines that would automatically transmit elections results and data from the various Polling Units across the country to the Commission’s central server.

“These rather noble technological innovations were applauded as we all believed it would curb the electoral manipulations and malpractices which our electoral system has been known with through the manual accreditation and collation of elections results.”

According to the statement, the most disconcerting is the fact that the said Professor Mahmoud is yet being strategically positioned by the Tinubu administration to possibly perfect another fraudulent charade in the guise of elections for the incumbent government come 2027.
“For emphasis, this global body while commending some of the Northern Senators like Senator Ningi for their courage to speak up on the alleged padding of N3 trillion Naira into the initially approved N25 trillion Naira by the President gives the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio only 48 hours to honourably resign his position and face immediate prosecution. Should he fail to heed, we encourage members of the National Assembly to immediately commence a process of his impeachment as he has manifestly demonstrated incapacity, corruption and collusion with the Executive arm of government he was ordinarily elected to checkmate in line with the principles of checks and balances as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

“We also knock the Nigerian Judiciary for stamping the fraud and illegality dubbed 2023 elections by Mahmoud and cohorts. That arm of government has since then lost the honour, dignity and respect of many Nigerians who had relied on it as ordinarily the last hope of the common man to remedy the wrongs and defects in the 2023 elections.”
The group, however, resolved to “commence peaceful protests in major cities and Embassies in Washington DC, New York, London, Paris and numerous other cities where our members reside in their numbers. Through messages on our placards, we shall INSIST on the immediate resignation of the INEC National Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu and respectively, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

“We shall continue our global protests and will not QUIT or STOP until Mahmoud and Akpabio resign their positions as the National Chairman of INEC and as President of Nigeria’s Red Chambers. We also urge the United Nations, the European Union and other world bodies should stop them from making or getting any form of international honour, recognition or participating in it’s activities and engagements.

“Finally, we solicit the usual co-operation of the International Community during these periods and also urge foreign nations who practice ideal democracy like the great Britain, United States and other nations of the world to bar the corrupt INEC National Chairman and his rogue team members, Senate President, Akpabio and indeed, the top echelon of the Nigerian Judiciary who partook in deciding the 2023 Elections petitions tribunal matters from entering their countries. They should confiscate their International passports, those of their wives and families and ensure there is no hiding place for the Nigerian 2023 election robbers, their accomplices or their obviously corrupt enobblers.”


Source: https://naijagg.com/resign-or-be-disgraced-out-of-office-diaspora-group-schedules-protest-against-inec-chair-akpabio/

A civil society organization, the Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD), has demanded that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, should step down for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his alleged padding of the 2024 Appropriation Act to the tune of N3 trillion.

The media space had been awash over the allegation of budget padding by the Akpabio leadership in the Senate, a situation alleged to have jerked the sum total of the budget passed and approved on the floors of the National Assembly from N25 trillion to N28 trillion.

Senator Abdul Ningi, the Chairman of Northern Senators Forum and Chairman, Senate Committee on National Population, who made the revelation of budget padding while speaking on a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) interview at the weekend, alleged that the 2024 Appropriation Act being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is at variance with the budget passed, approved and presented to the President by the National Assembly for his assent.

The CPD, which expressed shock over the revelation, is demanding that Akpabio should step aside as the Senate President and allow for an independent investigation by an adhoc committee to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged N3 trillion budget fraud.

The group insists that it amounts to a gross misconduct and punishable violation of rules for any individual or group, or any arm of government to import fresh figures into an Appropriation Act after it has been assented to by the President except through an amendment introduced by way of a supplementary proposal.

The group noted that it is offensive and unpardonable for the Senate President to nicodemously submit another Appropriation proposal to the President outside what was officially passed by the Parliament.

"It is imperative that the Senate President immediately step aside until he is cleared of this very weighty allegation," the group insisted.

Former Federal Lawmaker and Elder Statesman, Chief Nduese Essien has raised alarm over the recent spate of unguarded utterances from the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, saying they are capable of instigating needless chaos in Akwa Ibom State and in Nigeria.

In an open letter addressed to Senator Akpabio titled: Modesty is a Virtue to Embrace, Chief Nduese Essien, said Senator Akpabio has abdicated his role of leading a formidable legislature that is expected to put the executive in check, make laws that will strengthen the wobbling economy, but has rather chosen to be a cheerleader for the executive arm of government.

Calling on the former Governor to show restraint and avoid inflammatory and divisive statements, Chief Nduese Essien, among other things, condemned Akpabio for misleading Nigerians during the Senate Plenary last Tuesday that Governors were given additional 30 Billion Naira to their statutory allocation by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to cushion the food and inflation challenges bedeviling the country.

He said as the third citizen of the country, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State should cross-check information before making it public in order not dent his reputation.

The former Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development further frowned at the Senate President's speech during the State's Thanksgiving Anniversary in September 2023 where he stated that all local government areas in Akwa Ibom State, are oil producing and as such, there should be no distinction in terms of sharing resources or benefits.

Such a statement, according to Chief Essien gives credence to why the Senate President, at his time as Governor deprived the oil producing communities their rights and why he failed to establish an Oil Mineral Producing Areas Commission as seen in other oil producing states while also diverting NDDC projects to non oil producing communities while he served as minister.

"Sir, I am compelled by a sense of duty to address the inconsistencies that have come to characterise your political expressions, particularly within our beloved Akwa Ibom State. Your Excellency, during the 36th Anniversary Thanksgiving service of our state creation at the Apostolic Church in Uyo in 2023, you declared all local government areas in the state as oil producing, and that there should be no distinction among them in terms of sharing of resources or benefits.

” I was shocked because throughout your eight years as Governor of the state, you never said so though you were blatant in depriving the oil producing areas of their rights. You refused to establish the Oil Minerals Producing Areas Commission in the state, despite demands and pressures, thus making Akwa Ibom the only oil producing state without this commission. You also diverted most of the NDDC projects to non-oil producing areas of the state. It is now clear how and why you operated that way", he said.

Chief Nduese Essien also condemned Akpabio for bluntly directing the State Governor not to implement the Akwa Ibom State Map which was promulgated by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and signed into law by the immediate past Governor, a statement which the former Lawmaker described as a baseless call for executive rascality and wondered if Akpabio could give such advice to President Bola Tinubu on a law passed by the National Assembly.

The letter also condemned Senator Akpabio for his claims on Qua River Hotel in Eket, and accused him of neglecting Eket throughout his eight years as governor, noting that the concern for Eket by Akpabio is suspicious.

Chief Nduese Essien pointed out that as Commissioner in the State Executive Council at the time, Akpabio was involved in selling off the flourishing hotel in Eket for a paltry 50 million naira, while embarking on other hotels like Ibom Tropicana Hotel, Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, without completing them in his administration.

Chief Nduese Essien also pointed out with dismay, the recent statement made by the Senate President concerning the location of ExxonMobil where he told Oron leaders that the office was to be sited in Oron but politics made it to be taken to Eket. Chief Essien stated that as at the time the decision was taken to site the ExxonMobil office, Senator Godswill Akpabio was five years old hence had no idea how and why that decision was taken adding that his recent romance with the Oro people is aimed at inciting divisive sentiments among the peace loving people of the state.

Chief Essien who saw Akpabio as one attempting to create instability as a political tool to further his 2027 ambition of capturing the entire State for APC, queried that if Akpabio loved Oron like he wants to paint, he would have made them produce a Governor to succeed him in 2015 when he had the opportunity.

Chief Essien also cautioned the Senate President to concentrate with national politics and find a way of getting the country out of its current predicament, urging him to shelve his alleged plans of “forcefully taking over the state in 2027”.

Chief Essien acknowledged that Akpabio has been his political ally, and that their relationship has been mutually beneficial.

He drew the attention of the Senate President to the successes recorded by the National Assembly of the 1999- 2007 era, and therefore, advised his former political ally to channel his energy more towards building a strong economy for Nigeria, noting that Akpabio can only achieve that by "talking less, listening more to his colleagues and feeling the pulse of Nigerians."

We have pondered on the frivolous, deceitful, misleading and inciting statements made by Senator Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria’s Senate President during a recent church thanksgiving service hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, at the All Nations Christian Church in Eket on Sunday, February 11. At that event, Akpabio lied before God, lied on the pulpit and lied before a cross section of the State

Senator Akpabio deliberately came for the programme few minutes to the end of the church service, an act he has mastered over the years since his days as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. We are not particularly worried that he intentionally arrived late, disrupting the service, causing protocol breach and undermining Governor Umo Eno, who had to punctuate his address and wait for several minutes, for the late comer to dance in and greet everyone before taking his seat. We are only aghast that Akpabio was later to open old wounds on the sensibilities of the people of Eket when we listened with disdain, to the frivolous, deceitful, misleading and inciting statement made by Senate President of Nigeria especially on the abandoned moribund Qua River Hotel in Eket.

Chief among his lies was that he had re-purchased the Qua River Hotel, which had previously been sold to a private firm in 2001 by the then Governor Victor Attah administration, and that he had gone ahead to design a 16 Storey Hotel for the present location of Qua River Hotel for Eket people.
Even if Akpabio does have any regards for Eket, like we know he does not as clearly shown in his eight years of governorship of Akwa Ibom State, he should have at least feared God and scrutinize the lies he gushed out from the pulpit.

Nothing could be so untrue like Akpabio's gospel of Qua River Hotel. Amusingly, Akpabio is now pretending to love Eket people. That is just a product of the guilt that he has had to fight with and suppressed over the years. That was simply his style of confession, and speaks volume of a guilty conscience. Perhaps Akpabio feels that Eket people have very limited retentive memory when he himself is the one whose memory needs to be recalibrated.

Let us therefore remind Akpabio that at the QIC Primary School, Usung Inyang Eket in March 2007 when he visited Eket to seek for votes as the PDP Governorship Candidate, he made bold to promise several things: the building of a new stadium in Eket, revamping of the ailing Qua River Hotel and resurrecting the Qua Steel Factory. He also promised Eket - Ibeno Road and Eket-Etinan Road among others.
He clearly said, “I know you want Eket Sports Stadium, I can assure you, I can assure you and I can assure you.
“You want the Qua River Hotel, I can assure you I can assure you and I can assure you…” It had since been confirmed that Akpabio in 2007 was basically listing all what he will never do for Eket people; and he showed undiluted fidelity to the pledge to neglect Eket as if he swore to an affidavit to do just that. He did none after eight years. This is why we condemn his open mockery on Eket after such heartless treatment? Oh what an audacity to add salt to injury.

Our happiness is that God has been passing through succeeding administrations to give Eket what Akpabio vehemently opposed and denied the area. It was only after the Senate President left office in 2015 as Governor that infrastructural reforms were witnessed in Eket, despite its strategic status as headquarters of Eket senatorial district.

All of the music of uncommon transformation that rocked the airwaves throughout his eight year tenure had no echo throughout Eket land as no major road was constructed beyond ground breaking stage. We have now seen the construction and in dual form, the Eket - Ibeno Road, Eket - Etinan Road all the way to Uyo and the remodeling of Eket into an urban standard. We now see how it feels to have roundabouts with water fountains and amphi theatre. Sporting life has resurrected in the area with the ultra modern sports facility. We know those who truly love Eket and Akpabio is not one of them.

His comments on the pulpit in Eket soil, which came very few days after he swore openly to his party stalwarts that he will make sure he captures the governorship seat in Akwa Ibom State for APC in 2027, aptly confirms our suspicions that this is just another of his political antics and never a sign of love for Eket people.

When he had the yam and the knife as Governor, Akpabio knew that besides Uyo which already had a Five Star Hotel on Nwaniba Road, the next city in Akwa Ibom State that justifiably needed a five star hotel and other amenities was Eket, a part of the State where the vast natural wealths of the country emanate. But he ignored his conscience then and rather built a 12 Storey hotel in Uyo few poles from an existing 10th Anniversary Hotel started by the Joseph Adeusi administration, and took the third one to Ikot Ekpene. Where does such a man still hide his face to come and talk about the importance of a Hotel and other developments in Eket?

On the establishment of tertiary institutions, during his tenure, he had the opportunity of fulfilling the longstanding dream of Eket’s forebears when the federal government dangled him an opportunity to host a Federal Polytechnic in Akwa Ibom. He rather took it to his backyard in Ukana, when Eket was willing to avail him of better facilities at Afaha Eket. Eket was not also worthy of any of the campuses of the State University which he established as Governor.

During that service at All Nations Christian Church, Akpabio also accused the Governor of taking his thanksgiving to his own church. As if addressing his Personal Aide, he told the Governor, “as Governor, you are a member of all churches. Next time go to Apostolic, Mount Zion or other churches for thanksgiving.” Does he forget that on Sunday September 24,2023, Pastor Umo Eno had hosted the State Anniversary thanksgiving service at The Apostolic Church, Obio Imo street in Uyo. At that event which he came late as usual, Akpabio clearly told Governor Eno to discountenance the Akwa Ibom State Map, duly enacted by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and signed into law by the immediate past administration. Why would a lawfully approved Map of the State pain Senator Akpabio, if not because it afforded Eket the opportunity of reclaiming its ancestral land and property?

That is why we vehemently condemn his unguarded utterances at the church in Eket. We witnessed how he took turns to attack everyone he could recognize from the lectern; from the former Deputy governor, Mr Moses Ekpo to the current deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi and even the director general of the Umo Eno Campaign Organisation, Chief Assam Assam, SAN. This was even after he had cleared his throat by saying that he was not going to abuse people that day, as if the duty of the senate president is to abuse people from the pulpit. Senator Akon Eyakenyi was a Commissioner in the State Executive Council when Akpabio himself was made commissioner, but that is the same person Akpabio would say had never been to Abuja until he made her Minister. “The first time your deputy Akon Eyakenyi ever set foot in Abuja to know where the federal capital territory is located, was when I sent her to be a Minister”. I was the one who brought Moses Ekpo back from US and made him deputy Governor but throughout his tenure in 8years, he never invited me for a state function in my own State”. What manner of blatant lies and reckless statements.

While we cannot change him at this stage of his life, we want to let Akpabio know that his counsel to the Governor on Qua River Hotel is respectfully unsolicited as it was wrapped in falsehood. During his tenure, Senator Akpabio made no effort to recover the Qua River hotel from EKPOUDIA ENTERPRISE that had acquired it in 2001. Eket people had since taken their destiny in their hands and commenced processes of revoking the contract deal on the hotel through a motion by the member representing Eket in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Dr Nsidibe Akata. The House of Assembly is in the process of legally empowering the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to revoke and reclaim the project and build a standard hotel for Eket. Why would such a resolution have been needed if at all Akpabio’s Government had re-purchased the hotel from the private owners as he lied in his gospel of lies?

So, suddenly, Eket now deserves such attention? Akpabio is waking up late in the night; he shunned us in the morning, afternoon and evening. This late night interest is suspicious and curious, and we reject it with the alertness a night action deserves. If he wants to steal the glory when eventually the rights to the project is revoked, remodeled and put to use. He has failed once again.

Akpabio is a wrong person to advise Governor Umo Eno on what to do for Eket people; Akpabio cannot be more Catholic than the Pope, Akpabio cannot cry our cry for us.

Good enough, we have a listening leader in Governor Umo Eno, who does not allow ethnic sentiments or other mundane trivialities to put a wedge between him and his plans for the people. We trust that the humble Man of God in the helms of Akwa Ibom State affairs, will build an ultra modern Hotel complex for Eket, he will expand on its infrastructure and will afford us more government presence through industries, a tertiary institution and other infrastructure to enable our local government reclaim its past glory as ‘Idung Mfianwe’.

For the umpteenth time, we urge Senator Godswill Akpabio to leave Eket alone. He did not like us yesterday, he cannot like us today. We are not interested in his cosmetic love.


COMRADE SAMUEL UBOKUDOM
COORDINATOR
Ekid Nation Interest Forum

Serious intrigues and game of wits have taken over the 10th Senate following the passage and signing of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

Senators are said to be angered by the leadership style of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, especially with the way he handled the distribution of projects in the 2024 budget. Akpabio had claimed that the budget was prepared by the appropriation chairman and majority leader with the presidency and delivered to him for passage. He claimed he had no contribution to the budget and shouldn’t be called names he doesn’t deserve.

A Northern lawmaker in the Senate who pleaded not to be named told our correspondent that Akpabio’s poor leadership, highhandedness and greed are the issues most senators are angry with him.

“The Senate is still divided. That is the honest truth. We are divided by Akpabio’s poor leadership and greed. How can the Senate President be praying for the failure of his fellow lawmakers. He took everything in budget without carrying us along. It has never be done in the history of the senate. This is pure greed from Akpabio, and I want Nigerians to know that we are not happy with Akpabio. We should have what to report back to our constituency in 2027; he cannot take everything alone, it is greed,” he lamented.

Last week, Akpabio faced criticism as he was accused of consistently violating the official starting time of the Senate plenary sessions.

According to the Senate Standing Rule, plenary sessions should commence at 10 a.m. every legislative day, but Akpabio’s habitual alleged tardiness has become a concern for senators and observers alike.

The recent observation by Premium Times indicates that the plenary sessions, which are supposed to start at 10 a.m., have consistently begun later due to Akpabio’s delayed arrival.

According to the report, this breach of the Senate Rules has raised eyebrows among senators, with some expressing their concerns privately about the extended waiting time.

The Senate Standing Rule, specifically Rule 8 sub-section (2), mandates the Senate to meet at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

However, a review of the Senate’s recent sittings reveals that the plenary sessions rarely commence at the stipulated time. Akpabio’s lateness to plenary sessions is said to have been a recurring issue since he assumed the position in June.

The situation has led to disruptions in the schedules of Senate committees, forcing them to postpone crucial meetings due to the extended duration of plenary sessions.

Despite the concerns raised by senators and the breach of the official rule, there has been no official statement or action from the Senate regarding Akpabio’s habitual tardiness.

The report noted that Akpabio’s penchant for arriving late to official functions dates back to his tenure as the governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015 and his subsequent role as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022.

A lawmaker from the Southwest region who preferred anonymity attested to Akpabio’s habit of keeping officials and dignitaries waiting for extended periods without apologies, describing it as insulting and demeaning.

“His consistent tardiness not only violates established rules but also reflects a lack of discipline and commitment to the responsibilities of the Senate President. He does them without being remorseful, and it is insulting and demeaning to any rational person irrespective of party affiliations.

“If he is seeing this, the Senate President must stop treating us like his children. Let him wake up before it is too late. This is not Students Union Government (SUG), but the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are already fed up with his style of leadership. We are respecting our father and leader, who is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, if not for him, Akpabio would have been removed long time ago.”

Few months ago, the United States of America (USA) chapter of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), called on the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to resign from office over what it called his lackluster handling of the affairs of the upper legislative chamber.

The Executive Director of NADECO USA, Mr Lloyd Ukwu, Esq., made the call in a statement released to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday morning.

Ugwu also called on Senators to urgently commence impeachment proceedings against Akpabio for allegedly making the upper chamber a laughing stock through naivety, immaturity and eagerness to please the executive, irrespective of the repercussions of his actions on the Senate as an institution and democratic governance in Nigeria.

The Coalition noted that Akpabio, who was planted as Senate President by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has completely subjugated his colleagues under the executive arm of governance and eroded the independence and integrity of the legislature in Nigeria.

The group accused Akpabio of
showing absolute disdain for the Standing Rules of the Senate as regards the order of proceedings, vibrant debates during plenary and thorough scrutiny of executive communications and Bills.

According to the pro-democracy group, Akpabio often resume plenaries late and unduly extend the time of sitting, a situation which is tiresome to Senators but which they are forced to stomach.

He noted that in the order paper for the day, Akpabio’s first assignment is to take the opening prayers, call for approval of votes and proceedings of the previous sitting, administer oaths if any and make announcement (if any) before calling for petitions.

Ukwu said: “However, Akpabio is fond of keeping communications from the President which are supposed to be read during announcement time till the end of plenary like he recently did when he announced the last three ministerial nominees by the President towards the tail end of plenary.

“Only recently, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC – Borno South) and Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (SDP – Nasarawa South) openly accused Akpabio of not giving Senators adequate opportunity to interrogate and scrutinize bills, especially money bills, and warned that history would judge him for approving executive requests and passing important legislations posthaste.

“Akpabio has equally showed lack of empathy for poor and suffering Nigerian masses when he recently turned a ‘let Nigerians breathe’ comment by a Senator into a pun which attracted a mocking laughter from his colleagues during plenary.

“For fear of being impeached, he recently caused an amendment to be made to the Senate Standing Rules to the effect that no first term Senator is qualified to vie for the position of presiding officer, a move which clearly violates relevant sections of the constitution which confers powers on Senators to freely choose presiding officers at their first sitting irrespective of ranking.

“He also rallies Senators to pass bills they have not seen or may never see the details. Above all, he treats and relates with Senators with disrespect like errand boys even as he continues to wear his former toga as the executive governor and dictator in Akwa Ibom State Government House, Uyo.”

NADECO USA insisted that Akpabio, who earlier contested the presidential primary election of the APC in 2022, was not fit to be Senate President of Nigeria at this material time.

He insisted that should Akpabio fail to resign or Senators fail to impeach him, NADECO USA would have no option than to mobilise its members in USA and Nigerians in diaspora for a mass action to ensure that he vacates office.

He said: “NADECO USA has received several petitions against Akpabio and his subservient leadership style as President of the 10th Senate.

“Therefore we are ready to take necessary actions to ensure that the US parliament and other parliaments across the world would henceforth not consider the Nigerian Senate under Akpabio as a serious and responsible institution.

“We will also use our reach, influence and powers to lobby to ensure that the 10th Senate under Akpabio is not accorded due recognition within the international community.

“It is regrettable that since assumption of office, Akpabio has converted the National Assembly into an annex of the Presidential Villa.

“He has connived with the executive to approve loans and other adverse requests without following due process or allowing Senators to adequately make germane input through robust debate.”


Source: https://naijagg.com/rumble-in-senate-over-akpabios-poor-leadership-high-handedness-greed/

"Sabiu Yusuf aka Tunde, an aide to former President Mohammadu Buhari, who has several Billions of Dollars in cash warehoused in different mansions in Abuja and Daura, Kastina state, an planning to escape from Nigeria if settlement agreement with the Bola Tinubu’s Government is not reached.

"The Federal Investigator headed by Jim Obazee had traced about $75billion crude oil funds not remitted to the Federation’s account for nearly seven years to the trio of Yusuf, a former Attorney General, Abubakar Malami and Mamma Daura, a relation former President Buhari.

"Out that amount, Yusuf has bulk of them in cash kept in several houses unoccupied in Abuja and Daura from which they are negotiating to return $30billion," Jackson Ude said on Tuesday.

"Insiders told me that as at today, Yusuf started making plans to move the cash in his possession running into several Billions of Dollars to Morocco. His front, AA Rano is said to have identified some Banks in Morocco and UAE where the funds can be moved to.

"A house belonging to Yusuf directly opposite Buhari’s in Daura is alleged to be filled with cash running into several Billions in Dollars. The house is guarded by six stern looking and armed security guards.

"Yusuf is said to be planning to leave through Niger Republic and from there to Dubai and then London where a UK lawyer is said to have been hired to prepare the grounds to help him seek asylum in that country," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/buharis-aide-sabiu-yusuf-planning-escape-from-nigeria-to-move-billions-to-morocco-uae-saudi-arabia-jackson-ude/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has described the recent withdrawal of three member states comprising the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu as a national disgrace and shame to Nigeria.

He said the inability of Tinubu to peacefully resolve the lingering issues leading to the exit of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso from the regional body does not bode well for the leadership roles his predecessors have played in keeping the subregion united and peaceful.

“Whether Tinubu likes it or not, he met the 15-member regional group established about 49 years ago intact when he assumed the reins of leadership as chairman in July 2023. But history will record that things fell apart during his ineffectual, riderless and neglectful stewardship in less than seven months,” Frank declared.

The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger had last Sunday announced their immediate breakaway from the ECOWAS and joined forces in an “Alliance of Sahel States.”

The regimes have been having fractured ties with ECOWAS since coups took place in Niger last July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020 as they have been struggling with jihadist violence and poverty.

The three regimes were suspended from ECOWAS with Niger and Mali facing heavy sanctions but they had maintained their hard-line positions in recent months.

Frank in his reaction to the withdrawal said the buck should stop at the table of President Tinubu who is the present chairman of the body for failing to use his position to foster peace through effective dialogue but rather had maintained a hardline stance including a botched attempt to spearhead the use of arms to restore democracy in Niger.

Frank said: “Since assuming office as President of Nigeria, Tinubu has demonstrated his lack of nuanced understanding of regional politics and empathy for poor and suffering Nigerians - his primary constituency.

“No man can give what he does not have. His poor leadership of the regional body has led to its ongoing disintegration just as it has brought untold hardship upon Nigerians.

Your inexperience and that of those handling the economy has destroyed our economy.
Investors have refused to come into the Region and particularly in Nigeria as they are seen pulling out of Nigeria on a daily basis .

“For instance, Tinubu met the exchange rate of Naira to Dollar at about N600 to a dollar but today it is about N1,500 to a dollar.

“Besides, his knee-jerk removal of fuel subsidy has further impoverished Nigerians with people finding it difficult to feed or afford skyrocketing transport fares.

“Above all, insecurity is on the increase with the nation’s capital - FCT - and other parts of the country rendered increasingly unsafe by incessant kidnappings and gruesome killings.

“How can a man who has not been able to secure and ensure peace in his house be counted upon to provide leadership to a politically, culturally and religiously diverse 15 sovereign nations?

“Today Tinubu is destroying ECOWAS just like he is doing to Nigeria. Tinubu has introduced regionalism into the governance of Nigeria.

“His latest move which must be rejected and resisted by all is to move the nation’s capital back to Lagos through the back by relocating key government agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to Lagos. Injustice cannot but breed discontent and disunity.”

He called on President Tinubu to retrace his hasty steps and toxic economic policies both as chairman of ECOWAS and President of Nigeria and equally to ensure that the powers entrusted to him do not ruin the country and the subregion socially, politically and economically.

To say the least, you won’t be on private visit when your house is burning.The right thing to do was to come back home immediately and have an emergency meeting in furtherance of your resignation as ECOWAS chairman, if you has any iota of shame left .
It is insensitive and a glaring sign of incompetence.

He further called on the President to seek advice from former Nigerian Presidents who also acted as chairmen of ECOWAS on how to lead Nigeria and the subregional body.


Source: https://naijagg.com/withdrawal-of-mali-niger-burkina-faso-from-ecowas-under-tinubus-watch-shameful-says-timi-frank/

"The $30billion being negotiated to be returned to Federal coffers by the Jim Obazee committee, is from the $75billion crude oil money that was stolen by the trio of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Mamman Daura and a personal assistant to former President Mohammadu Buhari, Sabiu Yusuf aka Tunde," Jackson Ude said on X.

"The looted $75billion is said to be part of a $100.5billion proceeds from crude oil signed off by former President Buhari who was also Petroleum Minister which was never remitted to the Federation Account," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/only-30billion-of-stolen-75billion-oil-money-to-be-returned-jackson-ude/

"Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu and former Delta Governor, James Ibori, were negotiating for $500Million as commission from the $30billion traced to Sabiu Yusuf aka Tunde,a former aide to former President Mohammadu Buhari.

"Jim Obazee, the Special Investigator appointed by Tinubu who traced the humongous funds is livid at the greedy demands by Gbajabiamila and Ibori. Ibori has told Gbajabiamila that they would have to find a way to bypass Obazee and negotiate a soft landing for Yusuf so they can get the $500million commission," Jackson Ude said.

"This is a developing story. Watch out for more!" Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/gbajabiamila-ibori-want-500million-as-commission-from-30billion-looted-funds-traced-to-buharis-aide-jackson-ude/

"Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila is alleged to have been negotiating a huge percentage from a $30billion and 66 properties traced to Sabiu Yusuf, an aide to former President Mohammadu Buhari.

"The deal is said to have caught the attention of Tinubu who with many other allegations against his chief of staff, has decided to place him on a security watch while a discreet investigation is carried out on him.
Gbajabiamila has turned out to be Nigeria’s most corrupt Chief of Staff any President has ever had, collecting billions in bribe from appointment seeking politicians," Jackson Ude said.

"While working as a Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia, Gbajabiamila stole $20k belonging to his client and fled to Nigeria. He has since been debarred from practicing law in the State of Georgia," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/femi-gbajabiamila-caught-negotiating-a-percentage-from-30billion-66-properties-traced-to-buharis-aide-sabiu-yusuf-jackson-ude/

"Abubakar Isa Funutua, son of late Isa Funtua, and his Ugandan businesses associate, Asega Aliga, both looted N28billion from Keystone Bank and fled Nigeria. While Abubakar is said to have moved to Spain where his estimated to worth $300million in cash and properties, Aliga is said to the hiding in Uganda. The two rogues also shuttle around the UK.

"The duo used 13 companies dubiously formed companies to collect Agricultural loans from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, under Godwin Emefiele and have since paid only N7billion before they decided to go into hiding.

"The shell companies used are: STEFEM AGRICULTURE NIG LTD, MIDDLEEMARSH FARM LTD, AGRICULTURAL DERIVATIVES LTD., CHARIS2014 GLOBAL LTD, IKEEZ AGRO ALLIED RESOURCES LTD., PIERS ON AGRO-ALLIED, WHOLEFOODS PROCESSING LTD, TENACO FARMS AND FOOD NIG LTD, HOUSE OF ESHCOL LTD, MAHVECK GLOBAL CONCEPT LTD, ESTIM FARMS LTD, WILLYMONIA INT, HARGRIK AGRO INVESTMENT LTD," Jackson Ude said on Monday.

"Soon after Isa Funtua died, Emefiele had asked Abubakar to return to site and complete the N30billion CBN Car Parking Extension contract awarded to Bulet Construction. Abubakar refused. Emefiele also demanded repayment of the Agricultural loans collected. Again, Abubakar refused. The former CBN Governor then debited Keystone Bank where Abubakar and Aliga own majority shares, the sum of N28billion being the total loan sum collected.
Informants at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC confirmed to me that soon after the investigation of Keystone Bank, it was discovered that Abubakar and Aliga had used fronts to set up another company called Seltrix Nigeria Limited, where most of the N28billion collected from the CBN as Agric loans were warehoused. Only about N4billion is now left in Seltrix account.

"Keystone Bank can no longer recover their money because the companies used to obtain those loans only exist on papers.

"It is the same model Abubakar and Aliga used in collecting $251million loan from AFREXIM to acquire 9mobile, using Teleology/Emerging Market. 9Mobile has now been taken over by AFREXIM after Abubakar and Aliga and their Emergin Market refused pay back," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/late-isa-funtuas-son-abubakar-his-ugandan-associate-asega-on-the-run-after-stealing-n28billion-jackson-ude/

"In a desperate bid to hide funds stolen from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Aminu Yaro and his wife, Sa’addatu Yaro, used Fatima Ramallan, the daughter of late General Hassan Usman Katsina to launder N6billion using April 1616 Investment Limited and Amsamay Limited with accounts in Zenith Bank.

"Curiously, after spending some times at the DSS detention, Aminu and Sa’addatu were released under a dubious and improper plea bargain that also had senior officials of the DSS and the Presidency collecting BillIons in bribe. As it turns out, the notoriously corrupt and greedy Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, is fingered as the Presidency official who was part of the bribe to free the looting husband and wife," Jackson Ude said on Friday.

"The couples are currently in hiding as questions continue to be raised as to why the Government continue to treat criminals and looters with kid gloves.

"Ramalan-Yaro’s April 1616, on July 3, 2020 deposited N1,050,000,000 in its Zenith Bank account. April 1616, between 2017 and 2021 in Lagos received a deposit of N42,578,881,137 deposited into the same Zenith Bank account.

"Amsaymay Limited, the fourth company, between October 12 and November 28, 2020, in Lagos, allegedly retained the sum of N1,417,198,232 in its Zenith Bank account," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/how-aminu-and-saaddatu-yaro-laundered-n6billion-bribed-gbajabiamila-dss-officials-to-go-free-jackson-ude/

Jet Age Nation Builders-Africa Union To Hold 'Africa We Want 2024 Conference'

In a bid to facilitate a transformative Africa Agenda, the Jet Age Nation Builders Africa Union Stimulation' is set to host the first of it's kind Africa Investment, Tech, Trade, Energy, Economic, Healthcare, Security, Fashion/Tourism Conference in Africa. The conference, which is tagged as 'The Africa We Want 2024', is scheduled to be held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on April 3rd - 5th, 2024.

Announcing the vitality of the conference, Africa Coordinator of Jet Age Nation Builders, ambassador Young Piero spoke to newsmen during a meet and greet press parley in Abuja.
"This year's edition is an upgraded sequel of the last four editions, which was held in Mauritius, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia, respectively. As Africa continues to redirect its focus to exploring the African possibilities, this conference stands as a backdrop for a transformative agenda. The conference will play host to some Political Essential People (PEP), Global Investors, Diplomatic Community, Policymakers, Friends of Africa, Accelerators, Incubators, industry leaders from across Africa and beyond."

"In line with the Africa Union agenda 2063; the conference would promote the Africa environment and defend the continent's collective security and interest. It will underline essential grounds to propel investments, technological advancements, and economic collaborations and partnership deals; which will further create platforms for meaningful dialogue and business opportunities," Amb. Piero said.

He emphasized the need for global black community engagement and how the conference would create inclusive pathways.
"Part of the idea is to encourage the black community all over the world to be more inclusive in investing in Africa. It also borderline around designing strategic frameworks and agenda-setting. With the aim to deliver on its goal for inclusive and sustainable development. We want an Africa that the youth can rely on for succour. The rate of illegal migration and lack of patriotism is alarming, so we must build the Africa we want," Ambassador Young Piero concluded.

The conference program spans three days and will include activities such as panel discussions, keynote speeches, patch up ideas, business round tables, steering committee sessions, exhibitions, visit to the presidential villa and the national assembly, dinner and networking sessions.

Some of the proposed dignitaries include the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The President of Kenya, His Excellency, Willian Ruto, The Africa Union Commissioner for Investment, Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, Mr. Albert Muchanga, and The President of the Africa Development Bank, His Excellency, Akinwumi Adesina CON, and Pan Africanist - Dr. Umar Johnson, just to mention a few.


Source: https://naijagg.com/jet-age-nation-builders-africa-union-stimulation-to-hold-africa-we-want-2024-conference-in-abuja/

In the heart of Nigeria, the steel sector, dormant for four decades, is now awakening to a new dawn of possibilities. Fueled by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and spearheaded by the capable hands of Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, the nation is experiencing a revitalisation that promises economic growth and a surge in job opportunities.

For over four decades, the once-prominent steel sector in Nigeria has remained dormant, with production at a standstill. This stagnation has hindered economic growth and limited job opportunities in a country with a burgeoning population.

However, in a bid to breathe life into this vital sector, Mr President embarked on a strategic initiative to boost the economy and create jobs. The establishment of the Ministry of Steel Development marked a pivotal moment in the president's renewed hope agenda, setting the stage for a steel revolution.

Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, a distinguished investment banker with a robust educational background, was appointed as the Minister of Steel Development. His mission is to rescue the ailing steel sector and usher in a new era of prosperity.

Since assuming office, Prince Shuaibu has undertaken proactive measures to rejuvenate the steel industry. Engaging 200 youths directly and indirectly in various aspects of the steel sector, he has not only provided employment opportunities but has also infused a sense of dynamism into the workforce.

The minister's initiatives transcend national boundaries. Through strategic collaboration with investors, both domestic and global, he has established vital partnerships pivotal for the rejuvenation of the sector. Notably, a significant milestone was achieved during a groundbreaking visit to China alongside the Minister of Defense, resulting in the successful acquisition of a substantial investment earmarked for steel production. These investments are poised to breathe new life into the Light Steel Mill (LSM) segment of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex, specifically focusing on the production of iron rods. A total of $10 billion in fresh investments, dedicated to both new and existing steel plants in Nigeria, are set to be implemented, consequently generating over 500,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities within the steel industry.

The Steel Development Ministry's strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Works, aimed at supplying steel for infrastructure construction, and its involvement in producing military equipment for the Nigerian Army highlight the sector's diversification. This alignment with crucial national projects underscores the ministry's pivotal role in contributing to key initiatives across various sectors.

With Mr. President's unwavering vision and the Minister’s commitment, Nigeria's steel sector is poised to be a beacon of economic transformation. The echoes of steel production will not only be heard in factories but will resonate in the prosperity of a nation on the brink of economic resurgence. As Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu charts the course for steel development, Nigeria stands at the threshold of a brighter future, where steel becomes the catalyst for economic rejuvenation.



Curated by Tarick Ameh

Tarick Ameh is an audio-visual content editor based in Abuja.


Source: https://naijagg.com/steel-resurgence-nigerias-journey-towards-economic-transformation/

"The trio of former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, Mamman Daura and a personal assistant to former President Mohammadu Buhari, Sabiu Yusuf aka Tunde, are using a British Lawyer to negotiate with the Bola Tinubu’s Government for the return of $25billion from a $75billion they allegedly looted from oil deals.

"Malami, Daura and Sabiu have been very quiet, operating on a low key while negotiating with senior officials and investigators to make secret refunds of funds they looted while in Government," Jackson Ude said.

"The looted $75billion is said to be part of a $100.5billion proceeds from crude oil signed off by former President Buhari who was also Petroleum Minister.

"It is not clear yet if the Tinubu’s Government has agreed to accept the $25billion being negotiated by the trio," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/malami-mamman-daura-sabiu-yusuf-negotiating-to-refund-25billion-from-looted-75billion-oil-money-jackson-ude/

"Aminu Yaro who looted over N450billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, under Godwin Emefiele, got arrested and detained by the Department of State Security, DSS, went on a spending spree, buying properties worth over N20billion, few days after their release from detention.

The Yaros bought houses and shopping complexes in Guzape, Abuja, worth over N10billion, a shopping complex in Utako for N8billion, and in katampe for N1.2 billion and a house in London for £2.8million. They then bought three others with one for his sister Saratu Umar and four SUVs in what appears to be an attempt to launder funds, making a mockery of Bola Tinubu’s efforts at recovering looted funds under the previous Government of Mohammadu Buhari," Jackson Ude said on Monday.

"After lavishly spending Billions buying houses in Abuja, some of which are not occupied but mainly used as a warehouse of cash, the Yaros moved to the UK, bought a house in London where he celebrated his wife’s birthday shortly after they were released from the DSS detention.

"The Yaros who are the new Bonnie and Clude, have been enjoying protections and cover using former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, who had severally used the Yaros to launder billions," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/few-days-after-release-from-dss-detention-aminu-yaro-sarkin-hausawa-of-lagos-who-looted-over-n450billion-from-cbn-spends-n20billion-buying-houses-in-abuja-lagos-london-jackson-ude/

AKPABIO ORDERS THUGS TO BEAT UP AIDE FOR DARING TO ACCUSE HIM OF INCOMPETENCE, LOOTING OF PALLIATIVES - JACKSON UDE



"Senate President Godswill Akpabio ordered thugs to beat up his Legislative Aide and APC Youth leader, Ubokobong Udoworen, got him arrested and detained by the police for daring to question his poor representation of the people of the Senatorial District.

"Akpabio had gone to Ikot Ekpene to address leaders and stakeholders of the APC at the Ati Annang Hall yesterday when Udoworen accused the Senate President of poor representation. He also accused some Aides of Akpabio of not doing their jobs and stealing palliatives meant for the Senatorial zone," Jackson Ude said on Sunday.

"Unable to bear Udoworen’s fearless outbursts, Akpabio ordered thugs who accompanied him to Ikot Ekpene to beat him up. He was thoroughly beaten and handed over to the police who detained him despite multiple injuries he sustained.

"The situation is now caution tension between youths of Ukanafun Local Government who are vowing revenge by attacking Ikot Ekpene. Udoworen is from Ukanafun LG," Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/akpabio-orders-thugs-to-beat-up-aide-for-daring-to-accuse-him-of-incompetence-looting-of-palliatives-jackson-ude/

To follow Christ in truth and in spirit is horrendously terrifying, not everyone would do it wholeheartedly, not all gatherings in his (Christ) name that are of God.

However, the BBC documentary is a courageous exposition of the body of Christ but it agrees with the scriptures that Prophet T.B JOSHUA was indeed a true prophet of God who was bold enough to follow his unique calling and demonstration of his God’s given gifts in the name of Jesus wherein so many kingdoms of darkness were destroyed, many children of God under their captivity released.

T.B Joshua glorified the name of God and not his name so all the attacks on his person and ministry are fulfilment of scriptures.

We still have Scribes and the likes who never believed that a man could forgive sins and accused Christ of using the Prince of demons to cast out devils . Till today many never believed in Christ’s miracles as recorded in the holy books.

Even if the world prophetically could not believe in the source of T.B Joshua’s power of healing and deliverance they should believe in his work of unprecedented charity all over the world.

It is characteristically common to human beings to be jealous over things beyond their scope and comprehension. It happened to Our Lord Jesus Christ and it is still happening, but to offend the believers or the souls Prophet T.B Joshua converted for Christ the consequence are scripturally grievous . “It is better to be hanged with a millstone and cast into the sea”.

We must therefore be focused on Christ which is LOVE that T.B Joshua preached and practiced, and not on our religious leaders or persons. What I know is, if what BBC said is false, in no time soon or later, BBC would be no more but SCOAN would remain. Times shall judge!!!!

Chief S.T Yenge writes from Abuja.


Source: https://naijagg.com/bbc-documentary-agrees-with-the-scriptures-that-prophet-t-b-joshua-was-a-true-prophet-of-god/

By S. T Yenge, Esq.

The fight against corruption in Nigeria has been the inescapable task of every administration in Nigeria.

A lot of resources and efforts have been exhausted by several administrations to fight corruption which is refusing to die in Nigeria.

Some patriotic citizens who hate corruption suggested that death penalty should be introduced while others suggested life imprisonment, etc.

Well, I would have agreed with the position of death penalty if only we are patriotic and sincere in prosecuting corrupt persons in Nigeria.

If death penalty is allowed in Nigeria of our age, some wicked Nigerians who wish their perceived enemies dead would do everything possible to kill innocent people through the weak Legal system of ours.

I would prefer that anyone convicted of official corruption should be barred for life from occupying public office in Nigeria or any where in the world.

The power of the president and the governors regarding prerogative rights of mercy or pardon be disabled in corruption cases.

Moreso, Anti-corruption Special Court should be established to deal with corruption cases.

Judges should be appointed exclusively by NGOs who are anti-corruption crusaders.

Judges must include sociologists, psychologists who may not necessarily be lawyers.

The decisions of the Anti-Corruption Special Court shall be appealed to the Anti Corruption Special Supreme Court whose decision must be final.

The duration of the trial involving corruption cases must not exceed 6months for each court.

Any infraction as to duration of the trial or appeal shall be viewed as a judicial misconduct and as an offence which shall be prosecuted by any Nigerian or NGO as the case may be.

In this wise, both the judges and the prosecuting team would be held culpable for breach of the duration of 6months which would exonerate the accused.

In this way corruption fight would be intensified and meaningful results achieved.

I have dropped this opinion because the present administration of President Tinubu has demonstrated the zeal and the determination to tackle corruption indiscriminately in Nigeria without minding who is a member of his cabinet.




Chief S.T Yenge writes from Abuja.



Source: https://naijagg.com/establishment-of-an-anti-corruption-special-court-for-nigeria-would-help-the-war-against-corruption/

…Say Judgment Validates the Will of the People

Professionals and Businessmen in Akwa Ibom under the aegis of Ibom Professionals have congratulated the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, over his victory at the Supreme Court.

The group described the Supreme Court Judgement upholding Governor Eno’s election of March 18, 2023 as “victory for democracy and validation of the Will and aspiration of the people of Akwa Ibom State”.

National Coordinator of the group, Engr. Ufot Akan Umoren, in a statement on Thursday, asserted that the choice of Governor Eno by the people of Akwa Ibom was clearly and unambiguously declared through a massive vote for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform upon which he stood for election.

“Today’s judgement by the Supreme Court, upholding the election of Governor Eno, is victory for Democracy as it validates the Will and aspiration of the people as expressed at the March 18, 2023 governorship election in our State.

“It also vindicates our initial call to the other Parties and candidates in the election to accept the wishes of the people by not engaging in litigations. Now that their litigations have come to a judicial end, we call on all political stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to join hands with Governor Eno to move the State to the next level of development and glory”, the statement said.

The Ibom Professionals further noted that the strides of development in Akwa Ibom State, which Pastor Eno is expanding since his assumption of office, has shown his commitment to “taking the state to her golden era through the ARISE Agenda.”

"We charge Governor Eno not to relent in his vision to continue to build on the legacies of his predecessor in office, His Excellency Udom Emmanuel, in moving the State to greater heights,” the Ibom Professionals further added.

In the popular "Off your mic, Honourable Minister" video of Senator Akpabio during his days as Niger Delta Minister when he was being probed at the House of Representatives, Akpabio accused Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, then Chairman of House Committee on NDDC, now Nigeria's Minister of Interior, of corruption.

Latest paper trails in fact reveal that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo may indeed be corrupt as alleged by Akpabio.


Attached is a YouTube link to the video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiF_InBmpXU?si=ScnAYE9HTICTTX8-



Source: https://naijagg.com/throwback-when-akpabio-accused-olubunmi-tunji-ojo-of-fraud-to-show-olubunmi-tunji-ojo-is-corrupt/

“'I will make bastard money…' was what Beta Edu, the embattled former MInister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, told close friends as she eyed the looting of the N60billion domiciled in the Account of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency, NSIPA," Jackson Ude said on Tuesday.

"To perfect that, she already got collaboration of the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to approve for her signatures of some persons so as to bypass the accounting officers of NSIP.

"The AGF willingly approved Toluhi Martins Olarewaju and Christopher Okoh Joseph as signatures to the NSIPA account, and they aided Edu to loot N14billion between October 18 to December 20.

"After the successful looting of the N14billion, they went plotting the next stage which was to be the removal of the N60billion from the NSIPA account to another account from where they would design a project and loot it.

"While she was plotting the N60billion heist, Beta also had collected N3billion for the National Social Register contract to verify 11million homes, which she shared to her friends, and requested for another N5.8billion from which she claim she would use N4billion to verify 2.5million homes. More coming!" Jackson Ude further said.



Source: https://naijagg.com/beta-edu-planned-looting-of-n60billion-exposed-oagf-implicated-jackson-ude/

"The former Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Beta Edu, was daring, audacious and flamboyant in the looting of funds meant for the poor in her ministry. She was conniving with officials of the UBA Bank and Access Bank to change mandates and move millions of cash to different personal accounts," Jackson Ude said on Tuesday.

"Edu, between October and December, connived with the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to obtained signatures illegally from where she accessed N14billion from the account of National Social Investment Programmes Agency, NSIPA, without the consent and knowledge of the accounting officers of that agency. Who are those three illegal signatories to approved for her by the AG?

"While Edu is being investigated, the Accountant General also needs to be questioned on her role in the primitive looting by the embattled former Minister!" Jackson Ude further said.


Source: https://naijagg.com/beta-edu-and-her-audacious-looting-the-accountant-general-connection-jackson-ude/

"After the aborted gathering of radical African leaders, (including Timi Frank, Prof. PLO Lumumba, Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao and Freedom Jacob Caeser) invited by NANA KWAME BEDIAKO (aka CHEDDAR) to meet in Accra, Ghana for the launch of the New African Convention movement, some of the leaders today met with former PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, the NDC Presidential candidate in the DECEMBER 7, 2024, elections in Ghana...
It is not clear if CHEDDAR has decided to throw his full weight behind His Excellency JOHN MAHAMA..." Chief Dele Momodu wrote.



Source: https://naijagg.com/photo-news-timi-frank-former-president-john-mahama-others-in-accra-as-ghana-2024-presidential-campaigns-begin-to-take-shape/

"All the persons with illegal letters of appointment, employed by former Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Beta Edu, should be immediately removed from office," Jackson Ude said on Monday.

"They are her cronies and cannot remain in office.
Others include: Engineer AbdulAziz Suleiman Danladi - Program Manager NASSCO, Dr Michael C Ajuluchuku-Program Manager NCTO, and Dr Janet D Ekpenyong, Deputy National Program Manager NCTO.

"They all participated fully in the looting of NSIPA Funds. All their accounts in commercial Banks should be investigated," Jackson Ude further said.



Source: https://naijagg.com/beta-edus-cronies-who-should-be-immediately-sacked-jackson-ude/

Timi Frank, Prof. PLO Lumumba, Peter Obi, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao and Freedom Jacob Caeser met in Accra, Ghana, for the New African Convention on Sunday.


The Convention, which was billed to hold yesterday (Sunday), was cancelled by the Ghanaian government.


Source: https://naijagg.com/timi-frank-peter-obi-others-storm-ghana-for-new-africa-convention/