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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says the federal government has approved the launch of the national identification number authentication (NINAuth) application for seamless identity verification across the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s head of corporate communications, NIMC said President Bola Tinubu has directed the use of NINAuth for verification across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
The agency said the directive aligns with the commission’s mandate of regulating a reliable national digital identity for citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity.
“The launch of the NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a cutting-edge suite of services that include web, API and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services, is part of President Tinubu, Renewed Hope Agenda on strengthening the National Identity Management System,” the statement reads.
“The NIMC NINAuth application is the official service for integration with the Commission’s backend infrastructure.
“It introduces a robust layer of protection, empowering individuals with greater control over their personal information. By requiring explicit consent before data is shared for Know Your Customer (KYC) processes or other verifications, the platform fosters trust, transparency, and user autonomy in digital identity management.”
The commission said with NINAuth, individuals can securely verify their identity and access key government services, such as SIM registration and replacement, immigration applications and passport processing, tax filings and financial transactions, government intervention programmes in various MDAs, driver’s license renewals and other regulatory processes.
According to the NIMC, key features and benefits include enhanced security (protecting personal data from unauthorised access, user control), empowering individuals with the freedom to manage their data-sharing preferences, and seamless access — providing a secure single sign-on solution for convenient access to services.
‘NINAUTH BUILT WITH INTEROPERABLE INTERFACE’
The organisation said the initiative reaffirms its commitment to strengthening secure digital identity management, while supporting transparency and accessibility.
The commission said the NINAuth application was built with a secure, scalable and interoperable interface to support identity verification through API integration.
“It is designed to facilitate real-time authentication of NIN records, thereby promoting effective service delivery, database harmonization, and compliance with the National Identity Policy of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” Adegoke said.
“The NINAuth service has been designated as the exclusive platform for all NIN-based verification and authentication integration processes for optimal services.”
Adegoke urged Nigerians to download the NINAuth app on the Google Play Store or Apple iOS App Store, with the implementation guide and process flow available on the NIMC website.
In November 2024, the commission said 115 million Nigerians and legal residents have registered for the NIN.
Earlier this month, the NMIC announced a review of the pricing structure for all its services.
[TheCable]
Aminu Dahiru Ahmad, the Senior Special Assistant to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, on Visual Communication and Events, has stated that his principal loves and respects his domestic staff.
Recall that a viral video of Ganduje’s police orderly tying the lace of his shoes circulated on social media on Monday which sparked reactions on social media.
Speaking with Daily Trust, Ahmad said the video was circulated by opposition politicians to tarnish the image of Ganduje.
According to him, the former Kano State Governor treats his staff with dignity and respect. He urged the public to disregard negative interpretations given to the video.
His words: “The short video is just an evidence of how cordial the relationship between Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and his aides is. This is a man who always has smile on his face.
“All his aides and domestic workers feel at home near His Excellency. The public can vet for Ganduje’s friendliness and respect for those working under him.
“Those who know His Excellency can tell you that he is one of the most decent political leaders in Nigeria. I have worked with him for almost ten years. He treats me as his biological son. This is a man who doesn’t believe in sycophancy or ego-massaging.
“The video is being circulated by mischief makers who want introduce the public to a new controversy to achieve a political point. The public should outrightly disregard the claim.
“But surely this will not diminish Abdullahi Umar Ganduje’s popularity. He had served the people of Kano State very well and now he is serving his country.
“The opposition is not happy that His Excellency has injected exceptional vitality into the APC. The party is gathering momentum, especially with the Governor of Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori and Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Ifeanyi Okowa’s defection to the APC.”
Socio-cultural organization, Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has faulted Nigeria’s democracy and the capacity of the nation’s National Assembly.
Naija News reports that MBF’s National Publicity Secretary, Isuwa Dogo, said electoral malpractice, corrupt judicial system and poor representation from the legislature showed the nation’s democracy is yet to work.
In an interview with Daily Independent, Dogo noted that the nation’s electoral system, including internal party politics, has robbed citizens of the right to elect their leaders.
“I’m not sure if we’re practising democracy in Nigeria. There’s hardly anything that’s not influenced in one form or the other, directly or indirectly. All elections, right from the councillorship at the local government to the presidency.
“In one form or the other, somebody, somewhere, a party, a group, an individual, a tribe, a religious organisation, and people with different interests will try to influence it. You’ll also discover that if it’s democracy, it wouldn’t be that almost every single election ends up in the court.
“At no point has the court reversed some of them or most of the very important ones, like the governorship, the senatorial, and the presidency. No matter how manipulated it might have been, the court will still say the person was duly elected.
“So, it’s either the court is being induced criminally to give their verdict, or they just don’t want to waste their time to do the right thing.
“Another aspect is that from the primaries, people spend so much money to buy off the delegates.
“They’re voting for people who are the highest bidders. So right from the very councillorship to the highest level, the presidency,” Dogo said.
The Middle Belt Forum Spokesman decried the mass defection of politicians to the All Progressives Congress (APC). This, he said, could be to protect themselves from trial for corrupt practices, citing statement of former Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole.
Dogo stressed that politicians who defect to other parties should be made to lose their offices. He said the law has to be reviewed to address the wave of defections.
“Like this gale of defections, when Adams Oshiomhole was APC national chairman, would say if you come to APC, your sins are forgiven. That is to say, no matter how corrupt you are, if you go to the APC, there’s nobody that will touch you.
“But the most interesting aspect should have been that if you defect, you lose your position. Because you contested on the platform of the party. But that is not the case now,” he stated.
He further lambasted the National Assembly for failing to be true representatives of the citizens.
“I think the National Assembly doesn’t even exist any longer. Because the whole beauty of the National Assembly is to represent the people.
“Do they represent the people? Tell me one single bill they have sponsored in the advent of this very government.
“When it comes to political issues, there’s really no judiciary. You know, why? Because it’s the executive that elects the judiciary,” he noted.
Dogo added that Nigeria’s democracy needs urgent help if it must survive, including ensuring that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is independent and officials are not appointed by the president.
UK Considers Restricting Visa Applications From Pakistan, Nigeria, Among Other High-Risk Countries
AFOLABI
As part of efforts to reform its immigration system, the United Kingdom could soon restrict visa applications from nationalities whose citizens are most likely to overstay their approved stays.
First reported by the Times, the Home Office listed the affected countries as Pakistan, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.
The report noted that nationals from these countries overstay their visas and later seek asylum.
Successful asylum requests allow the applicants to permanently remain in the country.
As a consequence, the Home Office said they may face tougher restrictions when applying to work or study in the UK.
“Our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
“To tackle abuse by foreign nationals who arrive on work and study visas and go on to claim asylum, we are building intelligence on the profile of these individuals to identify them earlier and faster.
“We keep the visa system under constant review and where we detect trends, which may undermine our immigration rules, we will not hesitate to take action.
“Under our plan for change, our upcoming Immigration White Paper will set out a comprehensive plan to restore order to our broken immigration system.”
Full details of the government’s plans are due to be published in the said paper later in May.
TOUGHER VISA RESTRICTIONS FOR NIGERIANS IN RECENT TIMES
Nigerians have been significantly affected by the UK’s immigration reform plans over the past two years, especially in the areas of student visas, work permits, and visa approvals.
Following tighter rules on dependents and post-study work opportunities introduced by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, international student applications to the UK have dropped drastically.
Many Nigerians have now turned to the US as a choice destination — but even that option has now proven unsustainable.
US President Donald Trump has also increased tighter restrictions, warning that even students with valid visas could be deported if the US believes they do not serve her best interest.
A 2024 report showed how Nigerian visa rejection rates to the UK rose from about 1 in 31 applications in late 2022 to 1 in 8 by late 2023.
This resulted in a 63 percent decrease in visas issued to Nigerians compared to the previous year.
The financial burden of non-refundable fees combined with higher rejection rates have intensified pressure on Nigerian applicants.
Last year, TheCable reported how the British government earned over N40 billion processing visas for Nigerian nationals between June 2023 to the same month in 2024.
African economists and development experts have urged nationals of developing nations not to seek greener pastures abroad but to stay back and contribute to the development of their countries.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, banished Favour Kanu, wife of Prince Fineboy Kanu, the younger brother of Nnamdi Kanu for streaming the proceedings of the court live on her Facebook page.
Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is being prosecuted by the Federal Government for alleged terrorism.
Justice James Omotosho, who gave the order, after Mrs Kanu admitted engaging in the act and apologised to the court, held that she would have been charged for contempt of court.
Although Kanu’s lawyer, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, also apologised on her behalf, Justice Omotosho insisted that Mrs Kanu would be barred from three proceedings.
The judge expressed surprise that despite that Mrs Kanu’s phone was confiscated on the last adjourned date when she was caught recording him, she still went ahead to post the video online.
“I want to hear from her. Were you not the one that I took your phone?
“I did not give order to forfeit that phone. I don’t know if she might be a wife to my brother (Nnamdi Kanu),” the judge said.
The judge, who cautioned against any act that could cause delay in the trial, assured all parties in the case that justice would be served. (NAN)
Residents of Iyiowa Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State have protested against exorbitant electricity bills from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), claiming monthly charges now exceed the national minimum wage of ₦70,000.
The protesters, many holding placards, said most households receive bills ranging from ₦80,000 to ₦130,000—even those with prepaid meters. They described the charges as “inhuman and outrageous” and condemned the recent disconnection of power to the entire community by EEDC officials.
Some of the placards read: “N80,000 monthly electricity bill is unaffordable”
“Over 80% of those disconnected have prepaid meters”
“Stop the overbilling now!”
“There is a monthly cap from NERC”
Chairman of the Iyiowa Odekpe Landlords and Tenants Association, Chief Sunday Obinze, said residents are being exploited and intimidated. He questioned how civil servants could afford such bills, noting that charges used to range between ₦18,000 and ₦28,000 before the recent hike.
Obinze cited information from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which places the billing cap for their area at about ₦31,000—an amount the residents say they are willing to pay.
Dr. Okolie Chukwunonso, secretary of the association, added that efforts to dialogue with EEDC were ignored, and the company’s response was to disconnect power across the community.
“It’s unjustifiable to disconnect an entire area where over 80% use prepaid meters,” he said.
The community is demanding fair billing, cancellation of inflated arrears, provision of prepaid meters to those without, and immediate restoration of electricity. They are also calling for urgent government and regulatory intervention.
Nigerian celebrities lit up the 2025 Met Gala with bold, culturally infused fashion statements, proudly representing Africa on the global stage.
Held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the annual high-fashion event once again welcomed some of Nigeria’s finest talents, including music stars Burna Boy, Tems, and Ayra Starr, renowned author Chimamanda Adichie and renowned fashion designer Swanky Jerry.
This year’s theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ called for refined interpretations of Black identity and heritage through precision tailoring—a challenge Nigerian attendees embraced with flair and confidence.
Tems (Temilade Openiyi) stunned in a custom African-inspired outfit that beautifully merged traditional Aso-Ebi prints with Western haute couture design. Her appearance turned heads, earning praise for seamlessly blending heritage with innovation.
Burna Boy (Damini Ogulu) wore a standout ensemble by Ghanaian-British designer Ozwald Boateng. Describing it as “specially made,” the Grammy-winning artiste’s look drew attention for its elegant craftsmanship. A viral video later showed him celebrating the night alongside UK rapper Central Cee.
Ayra Starr brought her signature “sabi girl” energy in a bold, floor-length gown that was both minimal and striking, capturing her youthful style and fearless attitude.
Chimamanda exuded poise in a powerful red gown, proving her sartorial prowess matched her literary acclaim. She also served on the Met Gala’s 2025 Costume Institute Benefit host committee, joining other prominent figures like Usher, Tyla, Dapper Dan, Ayo Edebiri and Doechii.
Celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, better known as Swanky Jerry, arrived in a head-turning design by Deji and Kola. Sharing his look on social media, he wrote: “On duty for Met Gala 2025, superfine. Tailoring black style. When the theme calls for legacy, I deliver. Heritage in every stitch. Legacy in every look. Style crafted. Culture honoured.”
American-Nigerian actress Ayo Edebiri also drew praise for her look, which featured subtle nods to Benin heritage while maintaining sleek Western aesthetics. Her hairstyle and outfit bridged African tradition and global fashion trends.
The Met Gala, held annually on the first Monday in May, remains fashion’s most exclusive night. Officially known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, the event raises funds for the museum’s Costume Institute. Since 1995, it has been led by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who continues to guide the event’s global influence.
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has declared support for Mr Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor runs for president again in 2027.
Farotimi was one of Obi’s spokespersons when he ran for president in 2023 on the platform of the Labour Party.
The human rights lawyer considers discussions about the 2027 election at this point as a distraction.
Farotimi, who spoke during a Channels Television’s interview programme, said Obi was the best among the candidates that contested in 2023.
“If elections where our votes will count were held today, I would vote for Peter Gregory Obi, unless somebody else enters the race who I believe can do better.
“If it’s still the same line-up as last time, I will definitely be voting for Peter Obi.
“I hope he will be a little bolder with his policy platforms, but frankly speaking, in terms of capacity and integrity, there’s no one else I would support,” he said.
Farotimi said it would take something quite significant and unusual to change his mind.
“Something drastic would have to happen for me to decide not to support Peter Obi. It might be that he aligns with some objectionable individuals I cannot tolerate and that’s a real possibility. However, outside of that, there’s no one else,” he said.
He insisted that it’s premature to start discussing the 2027 poll at this point, saying the condition in the country did not not align with such discussions.
“I actually think our conversations about elections at this point are a disservice to ourselves, because we really cannot speak of elections in our current circumstances,” he said.
According to him, his unflinching support for Obi is borne out of a desire for a better Nigeria.
A man identified as Mr. Godwin, who had been posing as a mentally ill person to conceal his alleged involvement in criminal activities, has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Epe Command.
Godwin, a native of Ughelli Local Government Area in Delta State, had been under discreet surveillance for more than a month following intelligence reports and growing suspicion from local residents.
Concerned members of the community had observed his unusual behaviour, including discreet clothing changes each morning and frequent late-night phone conversations.
According to LNSC in a statement, the suspect often took shelter in an abandoned security post located along Lagos Road near the T-junction in Epe. His activities triggered concerns, prompting residents to alert the LNSC.
On Monday, during a routine patrol, officers were informed that Godwin was temporarily away from the location.
The team swiftly acted on the information, conducting a search of the abandoned structure. During the operation, they discovered 27 registered SIM cards hidden within a section of a block wall.
LNSC officers then laid in wait and arrested the suspect shortly after he returned to the location. During preliminary interrogation, he confirmed his name and origin but refused to disclose the whereabouts of any mobile phones linked to the SIM cards.
A local food vendor who had occasionally interacted with the suspect told authorities that while Mr. Godwin maintained the appearance of a mentally ill person, his conversations and mannerisms often indicated otherwise.
“On May 5, during a routine patrol, officers were informed by residents that the suspect was temporarily absent from the area. Acting swiftly, the patrol team searched the structure and discovered 27 registered SIM cards concealed within a section of a block wall.
“Officers were immediately dispatched, and Mr. Godwin was arrested shortly after his return to the location. During interrogation, he confirmed his identity and background but declined to reveal the location of any mobile phones linked to the SIM cards.
“A local food vendor corroborated reports of his strange behavior, noting that he often appeared mentally sound despite his erratic lifestyle,” the statement read partly.
The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement in possible kidnapping or related criminal operations.
President Bola Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to immediately halt the procurement of foreign goods and services that are available locally in a bid to strengthen the naira and stimulate the Nigerian economy.
Tinubu issued the directive on Monday at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the State House in Abuja,
Tinubu, at the FEC meeting, unveiled the “Nigeria First Policy” targeted at promoting local content, building national pride, and reversing the outflow of public funds to foreign markets.
“This policy beckons a new era of local content enterprise, self-belief and national pride,” Tinubu told cabinet members at the meeting.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reform and self-reliance.
According to Tinubu, the nation could no longer afford to enrich foreign supply chains while local industries suffer from underutilisation and neglect.
“We will make what we use and use what we make — not as a slogan, but as a national commitment,” he added.
The president praised recent reforms which he said were beginning to bear fruit, including the removal of fuel subsidies, investments in infrastructure, and improvements to the business climate.
These, he noted, have led to rising reserves, increased oil output, and renewed investor confidence, with multi-billion-dollar commitments from companies such as Shell, Total, ExxonMobil, and Saudi-based SALIC.
He also mentioned the government’s prioritisation of agriculture as a strategic sector for economic growth and poverty alleviation.
Referring to the National Sugar Master Plan II launched in 2024, Tinubu identified the sugar industry as a key example where backward integration is being enforced to reduce dependence on imports.
He urged greater discipline and execution to scale domestic production.
However, Tinubu lamented the lack of full participation by the private sector in harnessing the opportunities created by the administration’s reforms.
He attributed this partly to a system that has historically rewarded dealmaking over real investment. “We must end this,” he said.
“Public funds should not enrich intermediaries who export value instead of creating it.”
To operationalise the new policy, Tinubu instructed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to immediately revise its guidelines to favour local producers and establish a “Local Content Compliance Framework” for all government procurements.
A register of qualified Nigerian manufacturers and service providers is also to be maintained by the BPP.
Tinubu further ordered that all deployed procurement officers should revert to the BPP as the supervising agency.
Furthermore, no ministry, department or agency will henceforth be allowed to purchase foreign goods or services where local alternatives exist unless a waiver is obtained from the BPP.
Tinubu directed that contracts for goods and services not available locally must include plans for technology transfer, local production, or skill development.
MDAs are also expected to carry out an immediate audit of their procurement plans and align them with the new directives, with breaches attracting penalties, including cancellation of procurements and disciplinary action.
“Let this day mark the beginning of a new era of local enterprise, self-belief, and national pride,” President Tinubu declared.
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The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Aisha Garba, said data has shown that less than 50 percent of public primary schools in Nigeria have digital technology.
Garba stated this on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing ahead of the 2025 International Conference on Smart Education and Digital Literacy (ICSE 2025), jointly organised by the Commission and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Garba, who emphasised the need to equip basic schools with the infrastructure necessary for a smart education system, announced plans for a comprehensive deployment of technology to transform basic education delivery across Nigeria.
“Whether a child is in the rural area, semi-urban or urban area, there’s a technology appropriate to be applied to that context that will enable the child to read and write. In addition to what the child can get, for us, a very key activity is the teacher,” Garba added.
According to Garba, the event is aimed at repositioning Nigeria to align with some other African nations in integrating technology into education.
“For example, Rwanda has been using technology in the basic education system for many years. They have reached a level of using AI in their classrooms. For us in Nigeria, we have already started by doing the smart schools, which already many of you are aware of.
“We have about 36 plus one in each of all the states that we have in the country. These smart schools are very advanced technology with content studio teachers that are already skilled in terms of technology, teaching and learning in the classroom,” she said.
KOICA Country Director, Kim Eunsub, emphasised South Korea’s support for Nigeria’s smart education journey through the KOICA Smart School Initiative in collaboration with UBEC.
He noted that the initiative had already facilitated the construction of state-of-the-art smart schools, the training of teachers and administrators, and the sharing of learning resources.
While describing the upcoming conference as a platform to deepen collaboration and build on the progress of the initiative, Kim revealed plans for a second phase of the project to begin in 2026.
Earlier, Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC, Rasaq Akinyemi Olajuwon, explained that the conference seeks to expand equitable access to quality basic education through inclusive, technology-driven initiatives; improve teaching and learning by promoting digital pedagogy; and foster innovative curriculum design and 21st-century skills development, among others.
“We are delighted to have 26 distinguished dignitaries, 144 teachers from across Nigeria, and 30 delegates from various African countries joining us,” he said.
The three-day conference, scheduled for May 6–9 in Abuja, has its theme as ‘Empowering African Smart Education Through Emerging Technologies.’
The founder of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has claimed that some major oil marketers and traders are bent on frustrating President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking to State House journalists after a meeting with the president in Abuja on Monday, he lamented that some forces were trying to sabotage Tinubu’s attempts to restructure the country’s economy.
The billionaire had earlier lamented that he is still fighting for the survival of his $20 billion refinery.
Responding to inquiries about his statement on being determined to fight cabals in the oil sector to a standstill, Dangote clarified that his comments were not related to the new leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited.
He said the new leadership at NNPC has so far been supportive in addressing the company’s needs.
Dangote explained that the cabals he referred to are “some major oil marketers and traders” who were bent on “frustrating the efforts of President Tinubu” in revamping the nation’s economy.
He praised the President for assembling a capable leadership team at NNPC, emphasising the appointments of Bayo Ojulari as group chief executive officer (GCEO) and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive chairman.
The business magnate further noted that he visited the president to commend him for forming such a highly skilled and professionally competent team, which he described as being well-qualified to elevate NNPC to a greater height.
“We are confident that this team will address systemic challenges, align with the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy, and reposition NNPC Limited for operational excellence and long-term sustainability,” he said.
Dangote also said that the recent activities and structural reforms initiated by NNPC signify a renewed emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
“The calibre of individuals at the helm, and their deliberate, reform-driven agenda, demonstrate a commitment to fostering a culture of performance and professionalism,” he added
A face-off has erupted between the Concerned Northern Forum and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over allegations of embezzling over N528bn during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023.
The group, led by its chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Sani, at a press conference in Kaduna on Monday, accused Matawalle of mismanaging funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, Joint Account Allocation Committee, and domestic loans.
But in a swift reaction, Suleiman Shuaibu, who served as Matawalle’s Special Adviser on Bilateral and Multilateral Affairs, dismissed the allegations, describing the group as “faceless.”
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna, the group’s chairman, Sani, expressed frustration that despite submitting petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission—including those dated May 3, 2024, and September 30, 2024—the commission had yet to act.
“We have gathered facts and figures regarding Bello Matawalle’s alleged embezzlement of billions of naira. These are not mere allegations or speculations. We thought the investigation would reopen after our last visit to the commission’s headquarters, but nothing has happened,” Sani said.
He stated that Matawalle must explain the whereabouts of N290bn from FAAC, N133bn from JAAC, and N105bn in loans accessed during his tenure.
“The money, which was sourced as a loan from an old-generation bank, purportedly for the execution of projects across the local government areas of the state, was allegedly diverted by the governor through proxies and contractors who received payment for contracts that were not executed.”
Sani maintained that Matawalle, despite his current federal role, should be held accountable.
“If all these former governors and ministers were not above the law and the EFCC, who would shield the former governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle from investigation?” he queried.
He also appealed to prominent Nigerians not to interfere with the commission’s work: “We, the Concerned Northern Forum, find it crucial to convene for a conference to openly call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to proceed with the corruption case initiated by the commission before the 2023 general election.”
The group commended the EFCC’s recent actions against ex-public officials such as Betta Edu and Yahaya Bello, and urged the agency to demonstrate similar commitment in Matawalle’s case “to uphold its credibility and neutrality in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.”
But in an interview with The PUNCH, Matawalle’s ex-special adviser, Shuaibu, defended him, accusing the group of bellyaching over Matawalle’s continued rise politically.
“I know the budget of the state. I know the FAAC allocation and I know how we shared the FAAC allocations. I know what we left in the treasury of Zamfara State — N11bn before handing over,” he said.
Shuaibu said he was part of a transition committee composed of members from both the outgoing and incoming governments to ensure a smooth handover.
“It is even uncalled for, for anybody to come and say that Matawalle embezzled that kind of money,” he said.
He challenged the plausibility of the figures being bandied about.
“Where will he get that kind of money from to squander? How much is the state allocation? It’s N4bn, and if it goes up, we get N5bn and in that N5bn, we paid salaries of workers to the tune of almost 8,670 staff.”
Describing the accusations as politically motivated, he said, “Matawalle has been elevated by God and our opponents don’t like it. They want to see Matawalle down and they will never see Matawalle down because he’s doing the assignment he was given to do and he’s doing it perfectly well.”
A Labour Party chieftain, Patrick Utomi, has said Nigerians are suffering more under the current administration than they were before the last election.
Naija News reports that the Professor of Political Economics, Utomi, said this while reacting to a statement from the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina.
Adesina stated at an event that Nigerians are poorer under the current administration than they were in 1960.
Reacting through his ? handle, Professor Utomi noted that lives have been miserable for most families and children.
“We thank AfDB President. Adesina for reminding us our people lived better in 1960, given today’s GDP per capita. The key question in democracy is, are you better than at the last election? All live for their children to be better off, but our children know more misery than our parents,” he said.
The former presidential candidate condemned the poor management of the nation’s funds while the citizens move into poverty. He stated that Adesina did not demarket Nigeria by putting the data out.
“Still, our politicians walk with a swag and spend public money like drunken sailors while poverty degrades the land and a slow-flow civil war, called all kinds of names like banditry, dehumanizes the people. Between 1960 and now was an oil boom. And they call truth demarketing,” he stated.
He added that the inability of politicians to think about development was responsible for ethnic politicking.
“The failure to think development and have a plan to move people out of misery has driven the politics of the unthinking politicians to centralize identity politics and elite bargains that place progress in the back burner and spread hate as a motif force of their survival,” he added.