₦airaland Forum

Zonefree:
Feminists will not shout marginalisation now. After fighting for good governance, na still dem go dey shout make they involve women for government.

Fear fear gender!

The Yahaya Bello Media Office has cried foul, alerting the Presidency, relevant authorities and the entire Nigerian nation on the persistent unjustified harassment of its principal, HE Yahaya Bello, the immediate former governor of Kogi State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

A statement issued by the media office reads:

“At about 9:30 am today, the 17th day of April 2024, persons who described themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrived the Wuse Zone 4 Residence of His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to effect his arrest.

“This is despite a subsisting Order of injunction granted on 9th February 2024 by the High Court of Justice, Lokoja Division in Suit No. HCL/68M/2024 between Alhaji Yahaya Bello v. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, restraining the Commission either by itself or its agents from harassing, arresting, detaining or prosecuting Alhaji Yahaya Bello, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive fundamental rights enforcement action.


“The EFCC was duly served with that Order on 12th February 2024 and on 26th February 2024; the EFCC filed an Appeal (Appeal No.: CA/ABJ/CV/175/2024: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission v. Alhaji Yahaya Bello) against the said Order to the Court of Appeal Abuja division. The Appeal was accompanied by a Motion for Stay of Execution of the Order of the High Court which the Court of Appeal adjourned for hearing till the 22nd day of April 2024.

“Furthermore, Judgment in the substantive case between Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the EFCC is to be delivered at 12 Noon today in Lokoja.

“Contrary to all of the above, the EFCC has now laid siege to the home of H.E Yahaya Bello seeking to arrest him in contravention of the extant orders!

“It is a surprise that an agency led by a lawyer could flagrantly disobey a subsisting court order by taking actions contrary to the reliefs granted.


“We are aware of the total commitment of the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the rule of law and can say categorically that the leadership of the EFCC might have offered the agency on a platter of gold to desperate politicians to convert to their score settling tool without minding the effect on its integrity and the image of Nigeria as regards the rule of law.

“A situation where law enforcers disregard the rule of law is a definite recipe for anarchy, which will adversely affect every aspect of the nation’s economy.


“Nigerians have perceived the desperation of the anti-graft agency to embarrass and harass the former Governor by all means through spurious allegations, especially the latest one dating back to September 2015, way before he assumed office.
We are aware that there are clandestine moves to correct the error, but with even more questionable allegations, which would embarrass the Commission and Nigeria more than the initial one.

“It is unfortunate that an agency that is supposed to enforce the law is now the first culprit with respect to disobedience of court orders.

“This is a big dent on the fight against corruption. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.


“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the EFCC to order in the interest of legal sanity.

MEDIA OFFICE, HE YAHAYA BELLO”

danladi02:
Pursuant to renewed efforts to ensure improved entrepreneurship and sustainable empowerment of Nigerian women, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has distributed about 387 items in 13 states of the federation in the first phase of its initiative to scale up the socio-economic status of women and the vulnerable especially in the rural areas.
 
According to the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, the first phase of the distribution which is coming on the heels of recent launch of an E-Market portal for women, witnessed the distribution of Garri processing and frying machines, industrial sewing machines, industrial button hole holding machines, heavy industrial irons, Tapping machines, Steam pressing machines, Sewing machines for stretches and stitches, Cloth cutting machines, Fish smoking machines,60,000 litres Fish rearing buckets and Rice Milling Machines.
 
“For the first phase, we have distributed these items to Anambra, Kano, Rivers, Imo, Lagos, Oyo, Katsina, Gombe, Kebbi, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue and Jigawa states and have drawn out modalities for the next tranche of empowerment in other states and the idea is in fulfillment of my pronouncement in August last year on resumption of duty to change the narratives on empowerment of women in Nigeria” she said.
 
Speaking further, the Minister added “ it is obvious that our strategies towards improving the living condition of our women in the past has not yielded positive impact as most of our women especially in the rural areas are still in abject poverty. Our President is very emphatic about allowing the poor to breathe to provide a level ground for all Nigerians especially for women and the vulnerable because women and children are the major constituents of our population hence the need to place them on the front burner in the scheme of things”
 
She added that the Ministry resolved to introduce women to skill acquisition training programs on rice and fish farming, tailoring and other business ventures, “ we had to partner with a Chinese firm in Abuja last year to train participants from 7 states on Rice farming and processing in addition to other training programs aimed at building the capacity of women on various business ventures. Part of the initiatives is to formally commission and hand over the distributed items to the Governors of the benefiting states and also build stronger collaborations to scale up women empowerment in such states”
 
The Minister also stated that the national headquarters is working in tandem with State Commissioners for Women Affairs and Council of Traditional Rulers to ensure transparency, proper coordination and implementation of on-going distribution of the empowerment items across the various states.
 
 
Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai
Special Assistant, Media

happiness32:
See video below


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ty3IRzSUU?si=4W4k_0I96KeJ9EgJ

Throwback to when Yahaya Bello boldly declared his mission to rally Nigerian youths behind Bola Tinubu's bid for victory. His passionate call to action reverberated across the nation, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among the younger generation. Bello's strategic blueprint involved a multifaceted approach,

He even donated a campaign office to Tinubu, showing his dedication. Bello also took a stand against the federal government's naira note policies that seemed to work against Tinubu, showing his support in action. Through innovative youth empowerment initiatives and successful campaigns, he sought to galvanize support for Tinubu's candidacy.

Despite facing skepticism and logistical challenges, Bello's unwavering determination signaled a seismic shift in Nigerian political mobilization, inspiring hope and reshaping the landscape for generations to come.

WE VEHEMENTLY REJECT SURREPTITIOUS ATTEMPTS BY THE EFCC TO FALSELY TELL THE WORLD KOGI STATE FUNDS WERE STOLEN

. EFCC MUST STOP THIS POLITICAL WITCH-HUNT

1. As a subnational in the Nigerian nationhood, we wish to express our utmost respect for agencies set up to perform specific functions towards the greatness of Nigeria. The Kogi State Government is also conscientiously committed to the determination of the present administration to stop corruption and fight corruption.

2. As an administration, we inherited the zero tolerance for corruption policy from the immediate past administration of His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, CON. From 2016, the Government of Kogi State has continually strengthened her anti-corruption brakes and bumps to ensure the commonwealth of the people works for the common good of Kogites. This has won the State Government a lot of credible awards from national and international organizations, including the World Bank.

3. A few years back, we witnessed a worrisome trend and torrent of witch-hunt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, unrepentantly striving to force corruption claims on our Government and its officials. The Commission started with claims that it discovered a non-existent fund in an alleged Fixed Deposit Account. It eventually shot itself in the foot with a badly scripted skit of conniving with the now discredited Emefiele-led Central Bank to claim the money was returned to the Central Bank. This is the hight of witch-hunt and unprovoked attack on the integrity of the Government and People of Kogi State.

4. The desperation of the EFCC to hastily and for glaring political reasons, hound the immediate past Governor on their corruption list is unfortunate and speaks volume on how we reward altruistic leadership in our nation. For the records, we wish to make it clear that Kogi's funds are not missing and that the EFCC is trying so hard to find what is not missing.

5. We therefore call on the EFCC to desist from mentioning the name of Kogi State in its ongoing persecution, orchestrated by some political actors in and around the Presidency bent on destroying the image of Alh. Yahaya Bello and Kogi State. We believe that this ignoble agenda is unknown to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who trusted those people with power with the hope that they will use it judiciously for the greatness of our nation. Unfortunately, they have decided to use the privileges given to them as tools for political vendetta.

6. The amended charges in which the name of the former Governor was mentioned are false, frivolous, fictitious and far from the truth. They are cooked-up charges that signpost their desperation to call a dog a bad name in order to hang it. The intention was to sensationalize the whole scenario and promote a media war against the former Governor and other officials of Government. We have seen how low EFCC and its paymasters can go in order to pander to the political agenda of those afraid of the rising profile of Alh. Yahaya Bello.

7. The Kogi State Government wishes to call on Mr President to order a special probe into what is happening in Kogi State before the EFCC is pushed into being used as a hired gun by political hawks who are acting a selfish and overambitious script.

8. As a Government, we will continue to support the anti-corruption crusade of the Federal Government, howbeit, such crusade should be based on the rule of law, purity of conscience and devoid of political scheming. We cannot afford to politicize our fight against corruption. We will continue to have faith in the judiciary to protect our name and integrity.

9. Those who have personal grievances can vent their grievances without dragging the name of Kogi State in the mud. Our Government believes in transparency, accountability and probity in line with the trend from 2016.

10. We also wish to assure the good people of our State that nothing will be spared to protect the integrity of our Government. Our administration will continue to act in a way that Kogites will be respected wherever they go and for us to retain the respect of our international development partners who have persistently commended our anti-corruption credentials.

Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information and Communications

15th March, 2024.

Oluboh:
Unorganised Demonstration of Shame by Achuba/ SDP: Kogites Unite Against Politically Driven Protest: Commend Bello's Developmental Achievements

In a remarkable display of unity, the people of Kogi State have joined forces to denounce the recent protest orchestrated by supporters of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters. This collective condemnation, spearheaded by prominent figures within the state, underscores a commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and fair governance.

Leading the charge is Mr. Akoji James Ogbadu, a respected lawyer and public affairs analyst. Ogbadu expressed deep dismay at what he termed an "unorganized demonstration of shame" by SDP supporters. He implored fellow Kogites to rise above divisive tactics and prioritize a fair and unbiased assessment of Alhaji Yahaya Bello's eight-year tenure as the Governor of Kogi State.

Ogbadu, who transitioned from being a vocal critic to an advocate for Governor Bello's achievements, disclosed conducting a comprehensive review of the state's projects. He was particularly impressed by the documented accomplishments in the Kogi State Projects Gazette, highlighting Bello's dedication to developmental strides.

Journalist and political commentator, Mrs. Angela Okon, echoed Ogbadu's sentiments, questioning the timing and intentions behind the protest led by Simon Achuba, former Deputy Governor of Kogi State. Okon labeled the demonstration as a strategically motivated attempt to tarnish the reputation of Alhaji Yahaya Bello. With a track record for objective analysis, Okon urged Kogites to stand united against such politically motivated spectacles.

A key aspect of this collective condemnation is the emphasis on the transparency and fairness exhibited by Governor Bello during his tenure. Both Ogbadu and Okon highlighted the availability of Kogi State's financial records online, accessible to the public, reflecting a commendable level of transparency in governance. Ogbadu commended the former Governor for being awarded for fiscal accountability and transparency, showcasing Kogi State as a leader in these aspects.

Under the rallying cry of "Kogites for Fair Governance," the citizens of Kogi State have sent a powerful message advocating for a fair and unbiased evaluation of Governor Bello's tenure. The movement seeks to foster an environment where transparency, unity, and constructive engagement prevail over divisive tactics. As the collective call for a fair assessment echoes across the state, Kogites reaffirm their commitment to the principles that will drive progress and development in the region. The commendation of Governor Yahaya Bello's transparency and developmental strides stands as a testament to the positive impact he has made on Kogi State.

https://insidestorynews.com/former-gov-bello-deserves-commendation-not-criticism-akoji-tells-simon-achuba-over-sponsored-protest-at-efcc-offic

onojaintegrity:
In fulfillment of her resolve to wade into the matter involving a Nigerian Army female personnel by name Ruth Ogunleye who alleged on social media that she was subjected to sexual harassment by her superiors, the Honorable Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye has visited the Army High Command in Abuja.
 
During the visit, the Minister was adequately updated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja on the efforts the Army has put in place towards resolving the matter. In the course of the visit, the Minister was also informed with documented evidence that the lady’s salary was never stopped as she was paid up to December last year alongside her other colleagues and also directed some senior officers to accompany the Minister to visit the lady.
 
Responding, Barr Uju expressed her delight with the efforts the Army High Command has made to address the matter and specifically thanked the Chief of Army Staff for putting necessary measures in place for the lady’s rehabilitation before they commence investigation into the matter.
 
“ I am happy to have met the Chief of Army Staff with his top management and must commend their collective efforts towards handling this matter, my visit is pursuant to the mandate which the Women Affairs Ministry has to promote the interest of every woman in Nigeria and I have received strong assurances from the Chief of Army Staff concerning this matter who has equally detailed some senior officers to accompany me to visit Miss Ogunleye, I interacted with her and I am optimistic that the outcome will be fine”
 
It will be recalled that Miss Ruth Ogunleye’s video went viral last week with allegations of sexual harassment, suspension of salary, stigmatization and unfair treatment by her superiors in the Army.
 
Ohaeri Osondu Joseph, Fnipr, Fcai
Special Assistant, Media

Folashade40:
https://youtu.be/JSsQLleYMOM


Even though no incident of violence has been officially reported so far at the ongoing All Progressive Congress (APC) National Convention, supporters of the governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, canvassing for his presidential ambition were seen attacked by some hoodlums at the entrance of the convention center, Eagles Square.

The incident took place shortly after another set of violent men were dispersed by teargas.

Source: https://thetrumpetng.com/video-apc-convention-hoodlums-attacked-david-umahis-supporters-at-eagles-square/

Johnnycastro18:
Season of the thugs season 1, just watching the movie in episodes