The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, has said she did not make any payment on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation into a private account.
She stated this while reacting to a letter showing a request from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, for the payment of N585 million to a private account named Oniyelu Bridget.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the OAGF spokesman, Bawa Mokwa, Madein explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry but it did not carry out the payment.
She stated that her Office does not make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government for projects and programmes.
Madein said allocations are released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget and such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.
The AGF stated that she advised the minister on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.
Madein noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities, and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of the Project Accountant.
She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts and advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.
Madein, therefore, reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.
The amount the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed to the States and Local Governments (LGs) increased by 23 per cent, from the total sum of N2.272 trillion they got between February and June 2023, to a total of N2.805 trillion both tiers of governments were allocated between July and November 2023.
Data from FAAC compiled by THISDAY showed that States and LGs received a combined amount of total of N5.078 trillion as allocation for the 10-month period which was between February and November, 2023, even as economic hardship and pressure persists at both tiers of government respectively.
Workers and labour leaders, including some Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that spoke with THISDAY, lamented that despite the increased allocation, some governors have not done enough to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on their citizens. They decried the cost of living crisis occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, just as they said they said they were looking forward to a minimum wage review.
However, the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, has expressed confidence that the negotiation of a new minimum wage between the federal government and the organised labour would be concluded before March this year.
According to the Minimum Wage law, present national minimum wage of N30,000 would expire by March, 2024.
Ajaero said, “The federal government had through a letter asked the organised labour to release our names to the new minimum wage committee to be constituted.
“Since last year, the list was submitted to the government and it is only when the committee is constituted that we now go into negotiation with the government as a union to agree on it.
“The existing minimum wage will be expiring by March this year, so it is hoped we may conclude the negotiation for a new minimum wage before March.”
Under the current revenue sharing formula, the federal government gets 52.68 per cent of the revenue shared, States get 26.72 per cent while the LG gets 20.60 per cent. The fund is to ensure development at different levels of government and also to enable States and LGs meet their obligations. Unfortunately, most of the LGs are not autonomous and the utilisation of their allocations are determined by the governors.
Beside, oil producing States also get 13 per cent derivation and there is also the revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) that is shared among the three tiers of government.
It is also worthy to note that the aforementioned amount allocated to the States and LGs exclude intervention from the federal government through cash and other edible items that were distributed to the States to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.
The data showed that in the 10-month period (February to November, 2023), a total of N12.731 trillion was shared among the three tiers of government. While the federal government got N3.366 trillion within the review period, the 36 States were allocated a total of N2.915.63 trillion and the LGs got a total of N2.154 trillion within same period.
Commenting on the higher revenue allocation, the organised labour under the umbrella of the TUC said Nigerians have continued to suffer economic hardship despite the expected gains in revenue from removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Tinubu’s administration.
General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, who spoke on telephone with THISDAY, yesterday, said : “The gains from the removal of fuel subsidy has not impacted positively on the economy and well-being of Nigerians. In this regard, all the promises made by government so far, we have not seen the implementation. We in the organised labour, we are tired of failed promises.”
For the states, Toro said the federal government had promised to allocate N5 billion to each state for provision of palliative to the citizens.
“As we speak, I am aware that federal government has released about N3 billion to the states. I also know that some states have added additional amounts to this fund to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy,” he added.
According to him, limited progress has been made by states in disbursement of the palliative fund through purchase and distribution of grains to the people, disclosing that so far some States have distributed rice, beans, garri, maize, among other foodstuff.
When asked to assess the economic situation especially as it affects workers in the states, the TUC scribe said:” The workers and indeed the masses has been worst of because of the removal of the fuel subsidy poor implementation of palliative by the respective governments at federal, state and local governments.”
He accused the federal government of engaging in what he called policy somersault. For instance, he said the federal government went ahead and announced 50 percent discount on road and railway transportation cost on the eve of the Christmas festivities without even paying workers the N35,000 Wage award as agreed.
“Do they think that people will travel to their villages to go and die of hunger? This is pure policy somersault”.
On what labour intends to do going forward, Toro said that:” We will expect the federal government and respective states to show understanding and put the necessary measures in motion to start negotiation of the new minimum wage.
“As soon the minimum wage committee is set up, we hope to put all the issues on the table and whatever we agree as the new minimum wage must be implemented by the states,” he said.
For his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Ondo State, Victor Amoko, hopes that the negotiation of a new minimum wage between the federal government and the organised labour would be finalised as soon as possible.
“Hard times don’t last forever, we believe that we are going to overcome it. For the N35,000 wage award as agreed during a meeting that was held following the removal of fuel subsidy, Ondo State government has commenced the payment in across board in the State. We appreciate the state government for that.
“In Ondo, the government is owing us only one areas of 2017 and our new governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised soonest, sooner than what we expect, the money will be paid. We are looking forward to have that balance any moment from now.”, Amoko said.
In Oyo State, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kayode Martins, admitted that the economic reality has indeed had a toll on the workers.
However, Martins, while speaking with THISDAY said workers in the state have so far received the wage award of N25,000 for three months while pensioners also received N15,000 for three months.
He added that workers in the state also received 13th month salary in December.
Similarly, workers in Sokoto and Kebbi States lamented that they were facing difficult times, notwithstanding the higher FAAC allocations to the States.
Speaking with THISDAY, a member of Sokoto State Chapter of NLC accused the State executive of compromise, saying the exco failed to engage the State government on new minimum wage or award wage in view of economic reality.
“Look at neighbouring State of Zamfara, the Governor paid them 13-month salary, this will go a long way in ameliorating their plight,” the source who pleaded to remain anonymous said.
In Kebbi State, a worker who also spoke on condition of anonymity said the government abandoned them in the State.
However, in Taraba, the Chairman of the TUC, Sule Abasu, told THISDAY that the state government was doing its best to cater for the plight of workers in the state despite the meagre resources at its disposal.
Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigerian (JUSUN), Taraba State Chapter, Comrade Mohammed Usman commended the present administration in the state for improving the salaries of workers which according to him has gone a long way to cushion the effect of the bitting economic situation in the country.
Also speaking, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Taraba state, Comrade Peter Jediel told THISDAY that workers in Taraba state were happy and adjusting to the cost of living crisis.
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 had to make an emergency landing shortly after taking off from Portland, Oregon.
According to the BBC, the incident happened on Friday, when the aircraft returned to Portland 35 minutes into its flight to California after an outer section, including a window, fell.
The airline said the plane, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members, landed safely.
“Alaska Airlines flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, experienced an incident this evening soon after departure,” the company said.
On Saturday morning, the company said it would “temporarily” ground all 65 of its 737 Max 9 aircraft to conduct inspections.
BBC quoted the UK Civil Aviation Authority as saying it is “monitoring the situation very closely”.
A passenger sent a photo to the KATU-TV news outlet showing a gaping hole in the side of the plane next to passenger seats.
Another outlet, KPTV-TV, reported photos sent in by a passenger showing a large section of the plane’s fuselage missing.
Announcing the grounding of the 65 planes, Alaska Airlines’ CEO Ben Minicucci said: “Each aircraft will be returned to service only after completion of full maintenance and safety inspections.”
Minicucci commended the efforts of the six crew members on board the flight which had reached 16,000ft (4,876m) when it began its emergency descent, according to flight tracking data.
[DailyTrust]
A founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has lamented the security situation in the country, saying that it has gone beyond control.
He said the situation the country is in at the moment has gone beyond playing politics, adding that President Tinubu has a lot of work to do and Nigerians are ready to give him time.
“The state of our nation has been completely in a shambolic situation, it is perpetual despair and despondency. There is hunger in the land and there is anger in the land; the insecurity has gone beyond control,” Chief George said on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
“So, when you look at all those things; we are all Nigerians and I listened to his (Tinubu) New Year speech and I also listened to what Chief Osoba said, this is not the time to play politics, it is our nation. He (Tinubu) has a hell of a job to do and I have listened to him. He has these eight objectives for the year, national defence, internal security, and job creation; the man who left who was my oga did a woeful job, he did not do well at all; they belong to the same party.
“So, we all Nigerians will give him a chance, let us see how he is going to handle it. Bola Tinubu, God will guide him – he is in the hottest seat in the whole of Africa today because for every 10 Africans 6 are Nigerians, brilliant people. So nobody can pull any wool over our eyes, I pray for him, I pray for our country.”
With the recent killings in Plateau which claimed over two hundred lives and killings happening in other parts of the country, George was asked what he expects from President Tinubu to stem these ugly developments and he advocated for the use of modern technology.
“You need equipment, you need surveillance. The technology available now was not available at our time. So, it will be a combination of modern technology; put cameras all over like they do here in England. You don’t have to be physically there; you monitor from your control room things that are happening.”
The elder statesman also reiterated calls for state police, saying that much powers are concentrated on the shoulders of the Inspector General of Police.
“We need every state to have its police on the ground, whatever it is going to cost us because police work is a communal work, it means you will employ people from that community to do the police work,” he said.
He said the President does not have to do these things within one year but he must start from somewhere so that the people will see that he is doing something about the insecurity bedeviling the nation.
The Nigeria Police Force says its Cybercrime Centre acting on a petition at the instance of Hon and Doctor Mrs Seye Oladejo has arrested three persons in connection with a case of, cyberstalking, and threat to life.
The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday, said suspects namely Adebukola Kolapo Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu and Isaac Akpokighe, all males of ages 27, 25 and 30 respectively are members of a syndicate called Gistlover family, responsible for the daily running of the Gistlover blog, a microblogging platform known for Cyberstalking, incitement, Blackmail, and sundry, which has over the years been a course for public outcry.
Ademuyiwa said the blog is known for Cyberstalking, incitement, Blackmail, and sundry, which has over the years been a course for public outcry.
Upon interrogation, the three suspects denied working for Gistlover, however, one of the suspects said he created a fake Gistlover page to gain followers on his social media page.
The statement read, “Upon arrest the suspects revealed their various degrees of involvement in the conspiracy, corroborating the already available overwhelming pieces of evidence. The first suspect Adebukola Kolapo a.k.a Omo oba Gistlover was responsible for the creation of over 80 percent of the Gistlover pages thereby lending his digital footprint for the perpetration of the aforementioned criminal act.
“Being on the payroll of the said platform and having enjoyed incentives like car gifts and monies, Adebukola was saddled with the responsibility of scouting, editing and captioning content including the cyberstalking post made against the complainant, Hon. and Dr. Mrs Oluseyi Oladejo. Adebukola has also contributed to laundering monies obtained from the illegal scheme through various means.
“In more developments, digital Forensic analysis led to the recovery of eight (8) gist lover pages created on the instruction of the head of the syndicate by Adebukola, and wallet addresses used in laundering these monies.
The arrest of the trio has caused controversy across social media platforms.
“The Second suspect, One Nnedum Somtochukwu also shared in the conspiracy wherein at every point the page was taken down for certain infractions and violation of policies at the instance of reports from Law Enforcement Agencies, the suspect using his platform will by all means redirect traffic to the new page, helping the blog to evade sanctions.
“Enjoying incentives like referrals for promotions from the head of the syndicate, Nnedum has also been found sharing content, feedback, and making defamatory remarks with the said head of the syndicate.
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“The Third suspect, Isaac Akpokighe a 30 years old male resident of Igando Lagos State unlike the duo above, is like hundreds of Nigerians who having observed the lucrative nature of the Blackmailing, cyber stalking and false information market, decide to imitate the Gistlover blog. By so doing, he created several such pages and mirrors the activities of the blog including reposting the defamatory and life-threatening post against the complainant and many other notable Nigerians. Digital forensics led to the recovery of four gistlover pages created by Isaac Apkokogho.
The police spokesperson said that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
He added that while strongly warning against all sorts of partnerships that promote the illegal activities of this blog and others engaging in similar activities, the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, applauded the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, as he reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to ensuring the safety of citizens in the physical and digital space.
see the full statement below
NPF-NCCC UNVEILS THREAT ACTORS BEHIND COMPLEX CYBERSTALKING AND BLACKMAILING BLOG, ARRESTS 3, RECOVERS 12 ACCOUNTS.
as the IGP reaffirms Police commitment to Ensuring Improved Digital, Physical Safety.
In an onward fight against the menace of cyberstalking, threat to life and blackmailing schemes operating in the guise of micro blogging pages, and contending with the online safety of many, the Nigeria police Force National Cybercrime center, acting on a petition at the instance of Hon and Doctor Mrs Seye Oladejo have arrested three in connection with a case of Conspiracy, Cyberstalking, and threat to life.
The suspects namely Adebukola Kolapo Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu and Isaac Akpokighe, all male of ages 27, 25 and 30 respectively are members of a syndicate called Gistlover family, responsible for the daily running of the Gistlover blog, a microblogging platform known for Cyberstalking, incitement, Blackmail, and sundry, which has over the years been a course for public outcry.
Upon arrest the suspects revealed their various degrees of involvement in the conspiracy, corroborating the already available overwhelming evidences. The first suspect Adebukola Kolapo a.k.a Omo oba Gistlover was responsible for the creation of over 80 percent of the Gistlover pages thereby lending his digital footprint for the perpetration of the aforementioned criminal act. Being on the pay roll of the said platform and having enjoyed incentives like car gifts and monies, Adebukola was saddled with the responsibility of scouting, editing and captioning contents including the cyber stalking post made against the complainant, Hon. and Dr. Mrs Oluseyi Oladejo. Adebukola has also contributed in laundering monies gotten from the illegal scheme through various means.
In more developments, digital Forensic analysis led to the recovery of eight (8) gist lover pages created on the instruction of the head of the syndicate by Adebukola, and wallet addresses used in laundering these monies.
The Second suspect, One Nnedum Somtochukwu also shared in the conspiracy wherein at every point the page was taken down for certain infractions and violation of policies at the instance of reports from Law Enforcement Agencies, the suspect using his platform will by all means redirect traffic to the new page, helping the blog to evade sanctions.
Enjoying incentives like referrals for promotions from the head of the syndicate, Nnedum has also been found sharing contents, feed backs, and making defamatory remarks with the said head of the syndicate.
The Third suspect, Isaac Akpokighe a 30 years old male resident of Igando Lagos State unlike the duo above, is like hundreds of Nigerians whom having observed the lucrative nature of the Blackmailing, cyber stalking and false information market, decides to imitate the Gistlover blog. By so doing, he created several of such pages and mirrors the activities of the blog including reposting the defamatory and life-threatening post against the complainant and many other notable Nigerians. Digital forensics led to the recovery of four gistlover pages created by Isaac Apkokogho.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
While strongly warning against all sorts of partnerships that promote the illegal activities of this blog and others engaging in similar activities, the Inspector General of Police IGP Olukayode Egbetokun PhD. NPM, applauds the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center led by CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry as he reaffirms the commitment of the Force to ensuring the safety of citizens in the physical and digital space.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA
5th January, 2024
Media
Renowned Political Economist, Pat Utomi has lamented that the legislators in Nigeria are rubber stamped and are watching the country drift aimlessly.
Utomi stated this on Friday while speaking with newsmen shortly after paying a condolence visit to the family of the late former Speaker, House of Representatives, Ghali Na’abba in Kano.
He noted that Na’abba represented a season when lawmakers were independent compared to the present crop of legislators.
According to him, “Late Na’abba represents for us a season in which we had an independent legislature that ensured that government policy could be aligned to service to the people.
“Today we don’t have a legislature. I can say that without even batting an eyelid. We have rubber-stamp legislators who are watching the country drifting aimlessly and are not offering options. Honourable Ghali Na’Abba did offer that when he was the Speaker of the National Assembly.
“We collaborated with him back in those days from civil society, from direct action, we stood by him to ensure that we have a working system. Many years afterwards as we saw the drift got worse, we thought that we needed to treat it the third way, a different way, right now it is going to be the second way because nothing else is left in the country. A country that is not working, run by politicians who just think about themselves and self-love. So what we have in our country today, can be called government of the worst by people who are consumed by self-love.”
[NaijaNews]
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) has disclosed that it granted Pioneer Status Incentive (PSI) to 34 companies in 2023.
The Deputy Director of Investor Relations at the Commission, Lovina Kayode, made the disclosure yesterday at a media briefing in Abuja
She said tax incentives are meant to boost foreign investments for the country even though it is becoming a contentious issue due to the high amount of revenue lost to waivers granted yearly.
Lovina stated that the commission follows stringent procedures in granting tax breaks, saying that is why only few companies benefit.
She said: “The pioneer status incentive is a stimulus that allows a company to get three years of not paying Corporate Income Tax, just to get more investments.
“This process is stringent because our parent ministry and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are involved to make sure the right investors get this incentive.
“So far this year, we granted 34 applications and one of the things we intend to do is to ensure we are not just giving incentives to undeserving companies. However, there is already a notion that Nigeria gives out too many waivers, incentives and concessions.
“But tax expenditure, which means what the government has lost by granting pioneers status incentive, is just a small amount compared to what the country gains by granting these incentives to qualified companies.”
She explained that the commission has plans to publish impact reports on the effectiveness of the pioneer status on job creation and other economic activities that promote investments.
“On impact, that is one thing NIPC is planning on, next year. It is one of our biggest tasks to do an impact assessment. These incentives we gave out, how have they impacted the country in terms of job creation?”
“How many jobs are the companies creating and what kind of import substitution has come about because we have granted these incentives; and how much would the government gain after the three years of them not paying these taxes,” she added.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Aisha Rimi, restated her resolve to facilitate and assist investors to stake their investments in the country in a bid to actualise the mandate of the commission.
[NaijaTimes]
The Ogun State Area Command II of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially released a bullion van that made headlines back in 2022, having been apprehended with smuggled rice and a whopping N24 million.
Customs Area Controller Olusola Alade made this announcement on Friday during a press briefing, disclosing that the bullion van, initially impounded in April 2022 for transporting 12 bags of 50kg smuggled foreign parboiled rice, has now been released, based on reports by News Agency of Nigeria.
The van, which was traced back to an Abeokuta branch of Access Bank, also harboured the sum of N24.4 million. The cash and the bullion van, sporting the registration number FKJ 993 BZ, have been handed over to officials of Bankers Warehouse Ltd. and Access Bank in Abeokuta.
What Customs said
- “The bullion van belonged to Bankers Warehouse and was impounded on April 22, 2022, by a joint border patrol team along the Sokoto-join/Joga road in the Abeokuta axis.
- “The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, has now ordered the release of the bullion van and the money to both the Bankers Warehouse and Access Bank on compassionate ground after investigation,” Alade said.
- “The seized foreign parboiled rice which were 12 bags of 50kg each were carefully concealed in the said vehicle. “Consequently, the said vehicle and the items were conveyed to the Customs House in Abeokuta for safekeeping.
- “After examining the vehicle, the money was discovered and deposited at the Abeokuta branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for safekeeping.
- “The vehicle was detained while the rice was converted to seizure in line with Section 168 of Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.
- “In connection to the above seizures, three suspects were arrested, detained, granted administrative bail, and subsequently charged to court for aiding smuggling,” Alade explained.
Subsequently, Bankers Warehouse Ltd. and Access Bank submitted an appeal letter to the Customs’ Comptroller-General, seeking the release of both the van and the money on compassionate grounds.
After careful consideration of investigation outcomes and recommendations, the Comptroller-General approved the release, aligning with the provisions of Section 248 (1) and (2) of the NCS Act, 2023.
[Nairametrics]
There is palpable anxiety among party stakeholders and supporters ahead of the Supreme Court judgment expected to be delivered this January on the various petitions challenging the rulings of the Court of Appeal on the governorship elections.
After the March 18, 2023, governorship elections in the states, some of the aggrieved candidates and their parties went to court challenging the declaration of some of their opponents as winners of the exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Some of the governorship election cases began from various state tribunals and appeal Courts, before they eventually ended at the Supreme Court.
States like Kano, Lagos, Ogun, Nasarawa, Benue, and Bauchi are among those expecting the final judgment from the apex court.
Kano
In Kano State, anxiety has continued to mount as residents await the apex court judgment on the state governorship election dispute as supporters of the two warring parties in the state; the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the All Progressives Congress, stage protests and rallies against and for the judgment of the Appeal Court.
The appellate court had affirmed the verdict of the tribunal that sacked Governor Abba Yusuf and declared the candidate of the APC, Dr Nasiru Gawuna, as the authentic winner.
Supporters of the NNPP have continued to fault the Appeal Court ruling, especially the controversy surrounding the claim that two different judgments were delivered, which were against and also in favour of the incumbent governor.
On the contrary, the APC supporters continued to hail the two judgments which favoured their candidate.
The anxiety in the state had compelled the Kano State Police Commissioner, Gumel, to ban all protests or rallies and forced the leadership of both parties to sign a peace accord, even though this has not yielded much result as there were incidents of violence.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, a chieftain of APC in the state, Alhaji Alhassan Yaryasa, said the NNPP supporters should be blamed for the tension in the state.
“You see all that the NNPP supporters are doing is just to get public sympathy because they didn’t win the governorship election at the beginning,” he said.
However, effort to speak with the state NNPP Chairman, Alhaji Hashimu Dungurawa, failed as he didn’t respond to several phone calls from one of our correspondents.
Residents fear in Benue
In Benue State, anxiety and expectations are high as residents await the Supreme Court verdict on the appeal of the governorship candidate of the PDP, Titus Uba, challenging the judgments of the tribunal and the Appeal Court, which upheld the election of Hyacinth Alia of the APC, as the winner of the governorship election in the state.
Saturday PUNCH spoke with some of the residents who expressed fear over the possible outcome of the final judgment.
One of the residents, who simply identified himself only as Julius for security reasons, stated that the civil servants and retirees in the state were currently in prayers for the governor to win at the apex court.
However, both the publicity secretaries of the ruling APC and the opposition PDP, Daniel Ihomun and Bemgba Iortyom respectively expressed confidence in winning the final judgment. While the APC believed that the governor convincingly won the election, the PDP stressed its hope of getting justice at the Supreme Court.
Ogun PDP, APC confident
Meanwhile, the PDP in Ogun State has re-echoed its optimism of upturning Governor Dapo Abiodun’s victory at the apex court.
The Secretary of the party, Dr Sunday Solarin, claimed that the mandate was given to the party’s governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, but was allegedly stolen by the APC, even as he (Solarin) expressed the hope that the mandate would return as the rightful winner.
But the APC’s Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, in his reaction, charged Adebutu to concentrate on the allegations of vote-buying and money laundering levelled against him rather than misleading their members and the public with “boastful desperation, false hope”.
In Lagos, the Head, Media and Communications for Jandor4Governor Campaign Organisation, Gbenga Ogunleye, told Saturday PUNCH that the Lagos State chapter of the PDP and its governorship candidate, Dr Olajide Adediran, would be victorious at the Supreme Court.
He explained that the focus of their petition at the apex court was to challenge the qualification of the declared winner, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC, as laid down in the electoral law, adding that the Justices of the Supreme Court would look at the facts of the matter before delivering the justice.
Contacted for reaction, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Cornelius Ojelabi, refused to comment on the matter, saying, “The judgment will soon be delivered and it doesn’t make sense for us to start making commentary on that.
“We’ve been to the tribunal and Appeal Courts and we won. They went for the first and second and they failed. It is a matter of days for the Supreme Court to pronounce the judgment and that will be the end of the story.”
In Nasarawa State, the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal had earlier in a split judgment of two to one, nullified the election of Governor Abdullahi Sule of the APC and declared David Ombugadu of the PDP as the winner of the election.
However, the Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgment, reversed the verdict of the tribunal and upheld the election of Governor Sule after which the matter was taken to the Supreme Court.
Commenting, the state APC Chairman, Aliyu Bello, expressed confidence in being victorious at the apex court and that the party was undisturbed as there were documents to back up their election victory at the court, advising members and supporters of the PDP to shun unguarded utterances capable of causing tension in the state.
The PDP Chairman in the state, Francis Orogu, noted that the available documents and evidence would give the party and its candidate the desired justice.
Bauchi APC optimistic
In a related development, the acting Chairman of the APC in Bauchi State, Muhammad Hassan-Tilde, explained tone of our correspondents that the party was hopeful of victory based on the grounds upon which the petitions challenging the judgments of the tribunal and the Appeal Court which upheld Governor Bala Mohammed of the PDP, were based.
Hassan-Tilde, who called on their supporters to remain optimistic and prayerful, further said that there was a strong belief that their candidate, Sadique Abubakar, would be victorious at the apex court.
[Punch]
The late Nollywood actor, Adedeji Aderemi, fondly called “Baba Olofa Ina,” was laid to rest at his residence in the Wakajaye area of Edeland in Osun on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the burial ceremony of the Nollywood actor commenced at 4:15 p.m. with the arrival of several dignitaries, including politicians, traditional leaders, Islamic clerics, and community sympathisers.
NAN further noted the overwhelming presence of entertainers from the Nollywood industry, both nationally and internationally, who gathered to honour the late actor at his residence.
Among those present at the burial were representatives of the Timi of Ede land, Oba Munurudeen Lawal, and the President of the Theater and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr. Bolaji Amusan, known as Mr. Latin.
In his tribute, Amusan, represented by TAMPAN’s Director of Finance, Mr. Ayo Oladapo, expressed how greatly the deceased would be missed by TAMPAN members, supporters, and family alike. He highlighted the significant role the late Aderemi played in the entertainment industry and how he served as a role model for many emerging artists.
Amusan urged TAMPAN members and acquaintances of the departed to live exemplary lives reflecting godliness, stressing that the late Aderemi was an essential figure in the establishment of TAMPAN and that he was a good person during his lifetime.
He prayed for the eternal rest of the departed soul and strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.
Speaking as well, Mr. Amitolu Shittu, former Osun Amotekun Field Commander and a human rights activist, described the deceased as a humble individual cherished by everyone in Ede town and the entertainment industry.
Shittu noted that the late Aderemi significantly contributed to Ede town’s global recognition through his exceptional character and reputation.
Prof. Siyan Oyewesan, a friend of the deceased, highlighted the great loss suffered by the state and the entire Yorubaland due to the passing of an icon who impacted many lives.
Oyewesan mentioned that the name “Olofa Ina” was adopted by the deceased from the founding fathers of Edeland, contributing to the popularity of Ede town.
He further added that human life is transient, citing biblical references regarding the average lifespan of seventy years and the subsequent reliance on God’s grace and mercy.
NAN reported that Adedeji Aderemi, known as “Baba Olofa Ina,” passed away at the age of 73 after a prolonged illness. (NAN)
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Nigerian art student Chancellor Ahaghotu has shattered a decade-old record for the longest painting marathon, completing a continuous 100-hour painting session, the Guinness World Records (GWR) has announced on its website.
GWR stated that Ahaghotu, a sophomore at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, surpassed the previous record of 60 hours, set 10 years ago by Roland Palmaerts (Belgium/Canada) in 2013.
According to GWR guidelines, for this record, the participant can either work on one large painting or create multiple pieces, but all paintings must depict a recognizable image, not abstract art.
Over four days, Chancellor tirelessly created 106 pieces portraying various subjects, including celebrities, food items, plants, animals, and more.
The report stated that Chancellor mentioned facing fatigue around the 88-hour mark but remained committed to reaching his goal of 100 hours. Initially intending to complete one painting per hour, he prepared 100 canvasses with sketches before the attempt. However, he finished them all ahead of time, creating impromptu still lifes and concluding with a painting of an exhausted figure.
“I came to the United States to pursue my dreams and build up my career as a recognised artist. Breaking the record will boost my recognition as an artist both in my school and the world at large,” Chancellor told GWR before embarking on his record attempt.
“This record helps me feel a very high level of personal achievement, build up my career as a reputable artist, and pay a service to my school and country.
“One thing I love about the paintings I created is that they represent my different moods and how I was feeling when I created them.
“There was joy and celebration when I completed the 100 hours,” Chancellor said.
According to GWR regulations for ‘longest marathon’ records, the participant is allowed a five-minute rest break for every continuous hour of activity, and these breaks can be accumulated if not used immediately.
GWR clarified that these rest periods were the only opportunities Chancellor had to use the restroom, eat, or rest. (NAN)
Leaked Document Suggests Minister Approved Diversion Of N585m
I Followed Due Process – Edu
In a letter that has been leaked to the media, Dr Betta Edu, the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation allegedly asked the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to divert N585 million meant for poverty alleviation in four state to a private account.
The ministry and the NSIP have been mired in controversy as President Bola Tinubu recently suspended Halima Shehu as National Coordinator and CEO, National Social Investment Programme Agency over alleged financial misappropriation to the tune of N44 billion.
She was later questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. At the same time, the former minister in charge of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouq is also wanted for questioning by the anti-graft commission.
Dr Akindele Egbuwalo, National N-POWER Programme Manager, was appointed in an acting capacity as NC/CEO, pending the conclusion of the investigation after Shehu’s suspension.
In the latest controversy, the minister in a response to the stories published by an online medium alleging the payment of the funds into a private account owned by Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, a project manager, has send due process was followed in making the payment.
The funds are meant to be paid as grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun.
N219,429,750.00 of the funds was meant for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom State; N73,828,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Cross River State; N219,462,250.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Lagos State while N72,468,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Ogun State.
In its reaction, the ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation noted with dismay, on a memo from the Ministry to the Accountant-General of the Federation approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups for four states, which is currently being circulated in the social media.
Rasheed Zubair, special adviser on media and publicity to the minister said it is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA. These elements, he said, have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure.
This latest vile effort, he said, is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.
He said, “For the avoidance, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for the implementation of Grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. We must, however, note that GVG was first launched in the Kogi state where recipients testified.
“Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023, Kogi in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.
“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the federal government, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.”
He said Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department of Finance and it is Legal in civil service for a staff, the Project accountant to be paid and use same funds legally and retire same with all receipts and evidence after project or Programme is completed.
Zubair said the evil motive of the mischief-makers behind the circulation of the memo is well-known and should be ignored.
And of note, he said, is the fact that since assumption of duty about five months ago, the minister has religiously visited different parts of the country like Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT, Lagos Cross River among others and this is done to ensure she delivers on her mandate and she has remained focused, unbiased and committed to duty.
Meanwhile, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Ideato North/South federal constituency, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu, has said that the refusal of the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to compromise on her principles has helped in exposing the alleged N44 billion fraud at the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Recall that on Tuesday, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) flooded the Maitama office of NSIPA shortly after reports of the suspension of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the agency, Halima Shehu, over alleged financial malfeasance.
The EFCC is currently investigating ₦44billion allegedly moved from NSIPA’s accounts into private and corporate accounts linked to persons suspected as fronts.
Ugochinyere, in a statement, hailed the anti-graft agency’s ongoing efforts in ensuring that the culprits were caught, tasking the EFCC to ensure that those found guilty are prosecuted.
The federal lawmaker also commended the Minister, Betta Edu, for leading reforms in the ministry within a short span of time.
He described as spurious allegations of involvement of the minister in the alleged N3 billion NSIPA fraud, saying that it was rather her stance not to compromise on her principles that helped in exposing the alleged N44billion fraud at NSIPA.
‘Nigerians Now Feeling Unsafe After Yobe, Zamfara, Plateau Attacks’ – Amnesty International Hits Tinubu
AdminRights Group, Amnesty International says that Nigerians are now feeling more unsafe, after the recent attacks in Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger, and Yobe communities.
Expressing its concern in a tweet via its official X handle on Friday, the right group said that the development was an indication of the utter failure of the President Bola Tinubu led government in protecting the lives and properties of citizens.
Naija News reports that the group lamented that whatever security measures that the Nigerian authorities had put in place was not working.
The post by the group read, “Alarming escalation of attacks on rural areas of Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Niger and Yobe have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties.
“Fresh horrific attacks on rural communities in Kauru and Kajuru LGA of Kaduna state show that whatever security measures put in place in southern Kaduna are not working.
“From December 2022 to April last year, over 100 people were killed and hundreds were displaced in southern Kaduna.”
Plateau Massacre: Women Burn Down Bokkos Traditional Ruler’s House
Meanwhile, the home of the district head of Bokkos town in Bokkos local government area of Plateau State, Michal Monday Adanchi, was set on fire by protesting women on Friday afternoon.
A local source told DailyTrust that the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Friday.
The source added that the traditional ruler’s home and administrative office were set on fire by the ladies after some community members were arrested for their suspected roles in the recent massacre in the area.
One of Nigeria’s conglomerates, BUA Group, has debunked claims that its headquarters was raided by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday.
There were reports that EFCC operatives stormed the office of BUA cement in relation to an investigation on the forex transactions of the company.
The reports followed a raid by the anti-grant operatives at the headquarters of BUA’s competitor, Dangote Group of Companies, in Lagos State.
According to the reports, the EFCC besieged the BUA Towers located at PC 32, Churchgate Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State, around 3pm on Thursday and began a search.
But in a statement on Thursday released via its social media platforms, BUA management said claims that its headquarters was raided were false and misleading.
The company, therefore, advised the general public to disregard the rumours being peddled by somee online publications and shared via Whatsapp broadcasts.
The statement reads: “BUA wishes to clarify that its premises were not visited by EFCC today, Thursday, January 4, 2024, neither was it raided, as has been alleged in some online publications and being shared via whatsapp broadcasts. The general public is hereby advised.”