The Senate panel probing the N30tn Ways and Means loans secured from the Godwin Emefiele-led Central Bank of Nigeria by the Federal Government has received more documents from the Office of the Accountant General, The PUNCH has learnt.
As a result, the panel is set to resume physical sitting after studying the documents.
The panel had written to the OAGF seeking additional documents to deepen its prone of the controversial N30tn loan obtained by the President Muhammadu-led administration.
However, multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter on Sunday, confirmed that the documents arrived at the National Assembly on Thursday.
“The documents from the Office of the Accountant General regarding the probe of the N30tn Ways and Means came on Thursday; the documents have been given to the chairman and the members of the panel,” one of the Senate sources told our correspondent.
Also confirming the development, the Chairman of the Panel, senator Isah Jibrin ( APC, Kogi East), said the AGF had sent the documents to the National Assembly.
He said, “ Yes, the documents have come from the AGF and have been distributed to all panel members. At the moment, we are all studying it and once that is concluded we will resume physical meetings hopefully by next week.”
He added, “Nigerians can be assured that we will ensure due diligence and see that we do not let them down. Like I earlier said, we had never stopped working on the probe, we just needed more documents and now that we have them, nothing can hold us back.”
On Tuesday, February 20, the Senate resolved to investigate the N30tn loan, citing that the alleged reckless spending of the overdraft from the CBN largely contributed to the current food and security crises in the country.
After its inauguration, the panel identified 13 infractions allegedly committed in the process of obtaining the loan from the CBN.
However, a media Report (Not PUNCH) had said that the committee had gone into limbo after finding out that the Ways and Means loans approved under Emefiele were about N7tn and not N30tn as claimed by the Senate.
Responding to the media report, Jibrin clarified that the figures under investigation were not in dispute.
Showing proof of the letter sent to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Jibrin had said, “We have not gone into limbo; we only needed additional documents from the Accountant-General’s office to continue the interface. The amount under probe is N30tn. I don’t know why people are spreading falsehood to achieve a selfish purpose.”
The letter dated June 19, 2024, and signed by Jibrin was titled: ‘Request for Submission of Additional Information’.
The PUNCH reports that during the Ninth Assembly, President Buhari, in a letter dated December 20, 2022, requested the restructuring of the accumulated N22.7 tn Ways and Means loans, alongside an additional N1 trillion primarily for funding the N819.5bn 2022 supplementary budget, totalling N23.7tn.
In his request, President Buhari explained, “The Ways and Means are advances from the Central Bank of Nigeria to the federal government for emergency funding due to delayed fiscal deficits. As of December 19, 2022, the balance of Ways and Means was N22.7tn.
“I have approved the securitisation of these balances under the following terms: Amount, N23.7tn; Tenure, 40 years; Moratorium on principal repayment, three years; Interest rate, 9 per cent. Your concurrence and approval are sought to allow for the implementation of the same.”
After the Ahmad-Lawan-led Ninth Senate passed the N23.7 trillion, the Tenth Senate, on December 30, 2023, also approved for President Bola Tinubu, the securitization of the outstanding debit balance of N7.3tn of the Ways and Means Advance in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.
[Punch]
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says the federal government should not allow the north-east region to slide back into terrorism and extreme violence.
In a post on his X Page on Sunday, Abubakar condemned the multiple suicide attacks on Saturday at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town, Borno state.
Seven people were reported killed and over 16 injured after two suspected suicide bombers attacked some wedding guests at Marrarraban Gwoza on Saturday.
The former vice-president said the upsurge in terrorist attacks was due to the government’s “lacklustre posture” to hold firmly on the frontlines.
“It is a sad development that the ugly incidents of terrorism are resurfacing and, indeed, metastasising in the North-East,” he wrote.
“The reported attack by suicide bombers at a wedding reception, funeral procession, and a hospital on Saturday stands condemned.
“It is unfortunate that much of the pushback that had been achieved against the Boko Haram terror sect is being cancelled, owing mainly to the government’s lacklustre posture to hold firmly on the frontline.
“It is thus important to call on the federal authorities to wake up to their responsibility and to make sure that the North-East does not slide back into a theatre of terrorism and extreme violence.
“My condolences go to the families of victims of these attacks, and it is my prayer that God grants a peaceful repose to the souls of the departed.”
In March 2024, two people were injured after an improvised explosive device (IED), strapped to a suspected suicide bomber, detonated near a mosque in Biu LGA of Borno state.
[TheCable]
Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner for health, says 25 cases of cholera have been recorded at the Kirikiri medium security prison.
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, spokesperson of the Lagos state ministry of health, quoted the commissioner in a statement on Sunday as saying that urgent interventions have been taken at the prison.
Abayomi noted that while no new cholera-related deaths have been reported in the last 72 hours, the state government is intensifying measures to contain the outbreak.
“However, he reported that a small outbreak of 25 cases of severe gastroenteritis occurred at Kirikiri medium security prison, confirmed to be caused by cholera, adding that urgent medical and environmental intervention measures have been implemented with success,” the statement reads.
The commissioner said there is evidence of ongoing low-grade community transmission, despite the reduction in new daily cases and deaths in the state.
He advised the public on safety measures and the need for early presentation to health facilities when symptoms develop.
“We were able to supply Kirikiri medium prison with intravenous fluids, infection prevention, and other health consumables,” Abayomi said.
“Additionally, the World Health Organisation has donated 10,000 doses of pharmaceuticals which have been delivered to the prison to support prison health facilities with prevention strategies for about 3,200 inmates if required.
“Immediate water and sanitation issues have been corrected, and there are ongoing inspections of other correctional facilities in the state.”
Abayomi said the outbreak has been traced to unregulated street beverages and contaminated water supplies.
He added that many of the samples taken from popular street beverages purchased by undercover environmental officers showed the presence of Vibrio cholera bacteria, which is the cause of cholera.
“All of the containers had no NAFDAC accreditation numbers, indicating they are small cottage backyard informal production units,” he said.
“Identifying the precise location of manufacture has proven difficult, and the directorate of environmental health is planning to seal any such unregulated manufacture and make arrests of anybody involved with the manufacture or distribution of beverages without NAFDAC numbers.”
A members of the House of Representatives, representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has sought the intervention and support of former President Muhammadu Buhari over the release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention.
Aguocha’s who visited Buhari at his country home in Daura, Katsina State sought for his intervention and elicit his support for a political dialogue and constructive engagement that could engender a resolution of the salient issues surrounding the continued detention and trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and that could lead to his release on pragmatic national reconciliation considerations.
“For the missteps, utterances, and ill gestures of the past, especially on the part of my constituent and brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I am deeply sorry.”
Aguocha further expressed his belief that a political resolution would not only address the grievances of parties on all sides but promote greater understanding and unity within the country.
In response, former President Buhari welcomed Hon. Obi Aguocha and commended his humility and dedication to serving his people.
He assured him that his approach was welcomed and that he would not be opposed to any political solution for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
Recall that Hon. Aguocha recently led a group of fifty (50) House of Representatives legislators across the political and ethnic divides to sign a letter appealing to President Bola Tinubu to direct the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, Alhaji Lateef Fegbemi, SAN, to invoke section 174(1)(c) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic as amended and section 107 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in setting the pathway to reaching the desired outcome.
This meeting is part of a broad-based initiative aimed at securing a speedy political resolution of the issues surrounding Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and trial, and securing his subsequent release in the spirit of engendering dialogue and non-contentious approaches to resolving thorny national issues, in the understanding that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is willing, ready and able to embrace the new dynamic in joining hands across the country in building a new Nigeria where peace, equity, justice and prosperity shall reign.
The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights, CDWR, has called on Ogranised Labour to immediately mobilise and declare a nationwide strike over the minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariff.
According to CDWR, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, as the next step in the minimum wage struggle, should declare and mobilise widely for a 48-hour general strike and mass protest to demand a minimum wage not less than N200, 000 and the reversal of all anti-poor policies (privatization, deregulation, subsidy removal, electricity tariff hike etc).
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Bosah, CDWR recalled that NLC and TUC had been at loggerheads with the government and private sector over a new minimum wage, and negotiation has been deadlocked for over three weeks and still counting, saying Government and Private Sector insistence on paying N60, 000 provoked the declaration of an indefinite strike which started on June 3rd 2024 but was suspended on the 4th of June, 2024.
The group contended that “The mass protest of mostly young people has just forced the Ruto-led government in Kenya to withdraw the IMF/World Bank-inspired tax increment policy. This example shows that it is also possible for Nigerian working people and youth to force the Tinubu-led government to reverse the prices of petroleum products, electricity tariffs, fee hikes in public schools, and all other neo-liberal capitalist policies, policies which would give some immediate respite to most Nigerians.
“CDWR calls on the leadership of NLC and TUC, as the next step in the minimum wage struggle, to declare and this time mobilise widely for a 48-hour general strike and mass protest to demand a minimum wage not less than N200, 000 and the reversal of all anti-poor policies (privatization, deregulation, subsidy removal, electricity tariff hike etc).
“However, given the recent failures of the NLC and TUC to seriously mobilise trade unionists and activists must themselves take steps to organise a campaign at grass roots level to both build support for the struggle and for the trade unions to have leaders who take their responsibilities seriously.
“Amongst the immediate demands should be the call for the inclusion of a demand that the minimum wage must be automatically adjusted in line with the rate of inflation and rising cost of living, minimum wage need not wait for four or five years before adjustment.”
This may forestall needless long negotiations and ensure wages do not fall behind the inflationary rate and poverty line. However, we should add that it will require a serious struggle to force the capitalist elite to agree to this and actually implement it as they will try to take back any concessions they have been forced to make.”
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), “to account for and explain the whereabouts of the over N100 billion ‘dirty and bad notes’ and ‘other large sum of cash awaiting examination’ which are kept in various branches of the CBN.”
SERAP, which made the call through a statement issued by its deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the allegations are documented in the latest annual report recently published by the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP also urged him to “explain the whereabouts of the N7.2 billion budgeted for the construction of the CBN Dutse branch in 2010 and the N4.8 billion budgeted for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch in 2009, and to publish the names of the contractors who collected the money but failed to complete the projects.”
SERAP urged him “to explain the whereabouts of the allegedly missing outstanding loan of N1.2 billion granted to the Enugu state government in 2015 and the outstanding loan of N1.9 billion granted to the Anambra state government between 2015 and 2016 and to fully recover and remit the public funds to the treasury.”
SERAP also urged him “to refer these grave violations of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act and the country’s national and international anticorruption obligations to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution, as appropriate, and the recovery of the public funds.”
In the letter dated 29 June 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest grave violations of the public trust, the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, the CBN Act, and national and international anticorruption obligations.”
SERAP said, “These grave violations also reflect a failure of CBN accountability more generally and are directly linked to the institution’s persistent failure to comply with its Act and to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.”
According to SERAP, “These grave violations have seriously undermined the ability of the CBN to effectively discharge its statutory functions and the public trust and confidence in the bank. The CBN ought to be committed to transparency and accountability in its operations.”
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Explaining the whereabouts of the missing public funds, publishing the names of those suspected to be responsible and ensuring that they are brought to justice and the full recovery of any missing public funds would serve the public interest and end the impunity of perpetrators.”
“According to the recently published 2020 audited report by the Auditor General of the Federation (AGF), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has since 2017 been keeping over N100 billion [N100,672,999,000.00] ‘dirty and bad notes’, and other large sum of cash awaiting examination in various branches of the CBN.”
The Auditor-General fears that the ‘dirty and bad notes’ initially planned to be destroyed may have been ‘be diverted and re-injected into the economy.’”
“The CBN in August 2010 also reportedly budgeted N7.2 billion [N7,286,500,476.76] for the construction of Dutse branch building. The Dutse branch was due to be completed in November 2012 but the contractors have failed to complete the project.”
“The Auditor-General is concerned that the project may have been ‘awarded to incompetent contractor,’ and wants the ‘job completed without further delay.’”
“The CBN in 2009 reportedly budgeted N4.8 billion [N4,812,608,028.10] for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch. The Abeokuta branch was due to be completed in 2012 but the contractors have failed to complete the project.”
“There is no significant renovation work on the site, several years after the proposed completion date. The Auditor-General is concerned that the project may have been ‘awarded to incompetent contractor,’ and wants the ‘job completed without further delay.’”
“The CBN also reportedly failed to account for the missing outstanding loan of N1.2 billion [N1,294,453,887.83] granted to the Enugu state government in 2015 and the outstanding loan of N1.9 billion [N1,994,383,561.64] granted to the Anambra state government between 2015 and 2016.”
“The Auditor-General fears the public funds may have been diverted. He wants the money fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“Paragraph 708 of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, ‘on no account should payment be made for services not yet performed or for goods not yet supplied.’”
“Section 35(2) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 provides that, ‘once a mobilization fee has been paid to any supplier or contractor, no further payment shall be made to the supplier or contractor without an interim performance certificate.”
“Section 16(6) of the Public Procurement Act states that ‘all bidders shall possess the necessary professional and technical qualifications to carry out particular procurements; the financial capacity and adequate personnel to perform the obligations of the procurement contracts.’”
“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.” Section 13 of the Constitution imposes clear responsibility on the CBN to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Paragraph 3112(ii) of the Financial Regulations 2009 provides that, “Where a public officer fails to account for government revenue, such officer shall be surcharged for the full amount involved and such officer shall be handled over to either the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).”
“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the CBN to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”
“Nigerians have the right to know the whereabouts of the public funds. Taking the recommended measures would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their public institutions’ activities.”
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that Nigeria under his watch shall not slither into an era of blood, sorrow, tears, and fears.
The President also declared that those who carry out wanton violence in the country will face the wrath of the law as his government will not allow them to evade justice.
Reacting to the recent terrorist bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, said that the cowardly attacks by terrorists and criminal elements are isolated incidents.
The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu strongly condemns the bomb attacks, which resulted in the loss of precious lives and the maiming of other citizens in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
“President Tinubu describes the attacks as desperate acts of terror and a clear manifestation of the pressure mounted against terrorists and the success achieved in degrading their capacity to launch offensives.
“The President declares that the purveyors of wanton violence shall have a certain encounter with justice, and that these cowardly attacks are only but isolated episodes as his government will not allow the nation to slither into an era of fear, tears, sorrow, and blood.
“The President states that his administration is taking necessary measures to secure citizens, emphasizing that efforts will be redoubled to ensure that those who trouble the nation, dispatching precious lives, and disrupting law and order are completely removed.”
President Tinubu condoled with the victims of the attacks, the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Borno State.
A former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign Council, Doyin Okupe has shared his thoughts on the proposed single-tenure rotational presidency.
According to Okupe, it is a great idea for a developing country like Nigeria.
He, however, asserted that it should not be approached hastily.
Okupe stated this while addressing newsmen in Lagos on Sunday.
Naija News reports that a bill seeking a single term of six years for the President and state governors was brought up recently by 35 members of the House of Representatives.
The bill also canvasses the rotation of the presidency among the six geo-political zones of the country.
Reacting, Okupe suggested a holistic approach to the constitution amendment.
According to him, “I don’t think we should do this kind of reform (constitutional amendment) in a haphazard manner. There is so much that is wrong with the constitution we are operating.
“There is so much confusion and contradiction in the 1999 Constitution as prescribed and handed over to us by the military.
“I would rather have us to have a holistic approach to this reform or amendment.
“The six-year single tenure for the President and governors is okay in a developing nation like this and I have no objection to it.
“Yes, it is good we can have a six-year single-tenure rotational presidency. However, the rotational part should be clearly stated in the constitution among the six zones.”
He said that the National Assembly should not just review the tenure alone, but must go ahead and do so many other reforms, especially in the electoral system.
![[PRESS RELEASE] Notice of the Passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN](/media/k2/items/cache/52af6440b37905e99a21f14878cbfd1e_S.jpg)
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, who peacefully departed from this world on the 28th of June, 2024, in London.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN was an alumnus of St. Gregory's College, Mayfield College, and the University of Lagos, where he successfully obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Law - LLB(HONS).
His professional journey commenced as a Legal Counsel at Ashland Oil (Nigeria) Company from October 1984 to October 1985. Subsequently, he joined the esteemed law firm of Chief Rotimi Williams’ Chambers as an Associate Counsel for a period extending from January 1986 to October 1991 serving for a period of 4 years and 10 months. In October 1991, Mr. Nwokedi SAN founded the legal practice of Uche Nwokedi & Co, Legal Practitioners, where he served as the Principal Counsel until his recent passing.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi, SAN, was widely recognized as a preeminent commercial lawyer, renowned for his expertise in commercial litigation and international commercial arbitration. His advocacy skills earned him the reputation of being a 'calm and extremely persuasive advocate' as acknowledged in the Legal 500, Euromoney’s Guide to the World’s leading Energy and Natural Resources Lawyers (Legal 500). Additionally, he was the Editor-In-Chief and Publisher of Nigerian Oil and Gas Cases, a comprehensive compilation of oil and gas case laws in Nigeria.
Beyond his legal illustriousness, Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was a passionate enthusiast in the field of entertainment. Noteworthy among his endeavors was the acclaimed musical production, Kakadu the Musical, which garnered critical acclaim on its tours in Nigeria, Davos Switzerland, and South Africa. Through his youth development foundation, The Playhouse Initiative, Mr. Nwokedi SAN mentored young talents through music and drama, fostering meaningful communication and development. The Playhouse Initiative has presented various successful musicals in Nigeria, such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, under license from the Really Useful Group, and other enthralling productions including recitals and choral concerts.
Mr. Nwokedi, SAN, was the creative force behind the renowned M-Net Africa Magic legal TV drama series, "E.V.E: Audi Alteram Partem", which garnered accolades and nominations. He contributed insightful opinions on socio-political matters to several national dailies in Nigeria. With a keen interest in sports and sports development, he held the prestigious title of a third-degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and served as the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria from 2001 to 2005.
Noteworthy among his literary works is "A Shred of Fear", Mr. Nwokedi's poignant memoir that encapsulates a child's experiences during the Biafran War. Written in evocative prose, the narrative strikes a delicate balance between heartwarming and tragic, depicting the challenges faced during the war and the subsequent struggles for reconciliation.
Mr. Uche Nwokedi leaves behind his loving wife and three children.
In this time of profound grief, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, and we pray for the solace and eternal peace of Uche Nwokedi, SAN and our departed colleagues. Amen.
Further details regarding the funeral arrangements will be communicated promptly upon receiving information from his family.
Signed:
Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN
Secretary
- Femi Ogbonnikan
IT is the desire of every government at any level to grow the economy for the improved welfare of the citizenry. However, not all those elected into public office have the right strategy to achieve their aspirations. Some came unprepared for the job. As such, they spend their time learning the ropes.
Before coming into the saddle, Prince Dapo Abiodun had a clear vision of taking Ogun State to the next level of sustainable economic growth focusing on road infrastructure as a catalyst for industrial transformation. Already, so much has been said about the network of roads under the administration. This has turned Ogun State into the preferred destination of choice for investors. Today, the state can boast of no less than 6000 industries, including the largest cement factories in Nigeria, producing the highest tons of cement. These include Lafarge, Dangote as well as others that are just springing up.
The state is equally the home of industrial giants like Nestle, Cadbury, Unilever, May & Baker, International Breweries, Olams, Flour Mills, and a host of others. Already, there is also a projection that the ongoing industrial zone will create between 30,000 and 50,000 new jobs with multiplier effects on the state economy and the country at large. As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement between the state government and private companies, the industrial zone has been chosen as an economic hub with partnerships in different parts of the sub-region, Ivory Coast, Garbon, Togo, Republic of Benin, and so on.
With this feat, one cannot say that Governor Abiodun is reinventing the wheel. What he is doing differently as against the policies of his predecessors is the priority placed on the creation of an enabling environment for industrial growth through aggressive road infrastructures, security, and land reforms, among others. There is a nexus between roads and industrial growth. The two are mutually reinforcing. Roads not only enhance connectivity among communities but also extend trade and network. It equally helps in rapid industrialisation, increases employment opportunities, boosts interstate connectivity, and promotes even development.
For those conversant with history, roads, canals, and railways were three major components of transportation improved during the first industrial revolution. People used the roads as the basic way to transport goods from one place to another.
The trajectory of growth under the Abiodun administration follows the same pattern. And it is the reason the state has emerged as one of the three leading most economically viable states in the country.
In so far as the network of road projects is concerned, Governor Abiodun has left his imprints in the sand of time. Through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, he has successfully transformed the state’s infrastructure landscape. Today, over 500 kilometres of roads have been constructed across the state to ease the movement of goods and persons. Apart from internal connectivity, priority has also been given to the highways that connect Ogun with neighbouring states, particularly Lagos.
As a result, people can now travel between Lagos and Ogun State in less than an hour for a journey that would hitherto take two or three hours or even more before the advent of the present administration. More and more people are now coming to Ogun State to live, to work, and to hold conferences because of easy accessibility.
Other than roads, the real game changer is the construction of the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport billed to commence flight operations anytime from now. Though a capital-intensive project, the Airport was built in a record-breaking short period of two years, making it the fastest to be constructed ever in the history of this country. It recorded the first historic flight landing sometime last year. As already projected, the Airport will begin scheduled and non-scheduled flights any time from now, as the approval process to get the airport running has reached an advanced stage.
To give a further boost to the industrial transformation initiative of the administration, the Governor has expressed interest in acquiring the Hydro Power Plant situated at the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority to facilitate the availability of energy for investors in the state. The Governor revealed this during a meeting with the new Managing Director and CEO of the Ogun Osun River Basin Development Authority, Engr. Adedeji Ashiru and his management team.
Abiodun emphasized the significance of revitalizing the long-abandoned Hydro Power Plant to attract sufficient energy for business interests in the state. He highlighted the potential for the state to become a hub for industrial activities by ensuring affordable energy costs through this acquisition.
He had this to say: “We are aware there is a Hydro Power Plant that is installed in the river basin for several years. It was a Federal Government initiative. As a state government, we have expressed interest in the acquisition of that Hydro Power Plant.
“It is almost obsolete by now. Only God knows the level of vandalization, but we believe that if it is transferred to us as a state government, I think they’ve already spoken to the OEM, the original equipment manufacturer and we can jointly look at how to ensure that not only do we resuscitate it, but actually expand it.
“You are aware that we are the industrial capital of Nigeria and electricity is a key enabler in the industrial revolution and one of the visions we have as a state government is to ensure that Ogun State becomes one of the states if not the state where the cost of energy will be the cheapest.
“I believe that if we are able to acquire this Hydro Power Plant, it will go a long way to supporting the actualisation of our vision.”
Governor Abiodun further acknowledged the importance of effective management of the river basin in controlling flooding, particularly in areas like Ibafo, Isheri, and Kara. He disclosed plans to engage consultants to address the recurring flooding challenges and enhance water resource management.
“As a state government, we are looking at engaging consultants to recommend to us what we can do to ensure that this perennial recurrent problem is finally resolved.
“I am sure you also know that the management of that river basin is also very key to the control of flooding in Ogun State.
“The water table rises and falls. The areas between Kara, Mowe, Ibafo, Isheri North have in the recent times been flooded that many people cannot even access their homes.
“We have called the attention of the Ministers of Water Resources, Humanitarian and a few other ministers have come here to look into what are the immediate causes, what can be done to manage the situation in the immediate and the long term,” he added.
As a major stakeholder in the renewed economic integration among South West states, Abiodun stressed the need for collaborative efforts to leverage the Basin Authority’s resources for agricultural development and food security initiatives in the region. “This River Basin is also very fundamental to agriculture and food security. This is an area that is extremely important to the President and his Renewed Hope agenda.
“As a state government, we are looking forward to working with you collaboratively to ensure that we tap into the advantage of having you and having the Basin Authority in this state to ensure that it becomes a resource that will catalyse the agricultural program we are currently implementing and our food security initiatives.
“Through that River Basin Authority, we can ensure that there is adequate water supply for our farmers that are either upstream or downstream from the dam,” Abiodun enthused.
In his remarks, Ashiru said that the basin under his watch would enhance water resources management, promote agriculture, and also support infrastructure development within the region.
Development effort without security is nothing. Concerned with adequate protection of lives and property, the Abiodun administration has been able to tackle the challenges of insecurity by equipping security agencies with modern gadgets and patrol vehicles. With the establishment of the Security Trust Fund, the state has procured relevant security gadgets, including drones, for security agencies in the state, while also augmenting the allowances and living conditions of security personnel to enhance security and safety in the state.
In return of these gestures, Governor Abiodun has acknowledged the effort of the Nigeria Police Force in securing lives and properties in the state. He gave commendation to the state police command when he received the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South West region, Mr. Abiodun Alabi, who was in his office on a courtesy call.
He said police personnel in the state had been up and doing in the discharge of their constitutional roles in collaboration with other sister agencies. “We have enjoyed the cooperation of the police. Their collaboration with other security agencies including the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and of course our Amotekun has led to the peaceful atmosphere that we enjoy and this has also encouraged investors to come and do business in our state.”
The Governor also lauded the collaborative efforts of the Ogun, Oyo and Lagos state commands in tackling criminal activities, particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, stating that this had brought down the rate of criminality in that corridor.
He applauded DIG Alabi for touring the region to see how his men were faring and how they relate with the people. He commended the Inspector General of Police (Dr Kayode Egbetokun) for his support and the Commissioner of Police (Mr Abiodun Alamutu) for doing a wonderful job in the State.
In his remark, DIG Alabi said there was the need for interface with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective community policing in the country, adding that his visit was in line with the directive of the IGP for the six DIGs to tour their regions to assess security situation and come up with strategies to deal with such. He thanked Governor Abiodun for always supporting the force, even as he pledged the readiness of his men to up their game and provide the State with the needed security.
Despite all these, the Governor has promised not let his guard down. What’s more! He has said that his administration has awarded contract for the reconstruction of the 63km Ado-Odo/Abeokuta expressway road. He disclosed this during the commissioning of Ilaro -Iwoye-Owode road in Yewa South Local Government Area.
He said the reconstruction of the road was part of his administration’s efforts to address the infrastructural deficit in the State. He described the road as the second busiest in the country, adding that when completed, it would allow for the evacuation of goods and services from the axis through the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to other parts of the country.
He said construction work had commenced on the Sagamu-Papalanto road, while that of Papalanto to Ilaro remained on course. “We have just awarded the Ado-Odo/Abeokuta road. It will be the most expensive road this administration has reconstructed. It is 63 kilometres.
“That road is the second busiest road in the country and extremely important to the economy of Yewaland, Ogun Central, and the entire Ogun State.
“From our industrial capital of Ado-Odo/Ota, it allows you to evacuate goods and services through that road to the hinterland. Those in Ado-Odo/Ota will go on that road through Papalanto, link the interchange and you are there on Lagos-Ibadan expressway,” he stated.
Development is forever a work in progress. Thought the state might not have reached the desired destination envisaged by the Abiodun administration, there is assurance that things will progressively get better as the state marches on in its drive for economic prosperity. Yes, the best has yet to come.
- Ogbonnikan writes from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital
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The controversy ignited when, on June 4, the PSC announced the successful recruitment of 10,000 applicants, a list that was later rejected by the police force on June 15.
The police, in a statement by its spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, claimed the recruitment process was fraught with corruption and irregularities, noting that the list included names of individuals who “did not even apply” for the positions.
The rejection of the recruitment list by the police led to a sharp response from the PSC’s union, which called for the removal of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of misrepresenting facts related to the recruitment process.
In a defiant stance, the PSC maintained that the recruitment was conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, affirmed on June 25 that the final list of successful candidates would remain unchanged, urging the police force to provide evidence to back their allegations of corruption.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Police Affairs, Bolaji Kazeem, in a chat with Punch, emphasized the minister’s commitment to resolving the issue discreetly and efficiently, stating, “Minister working underground to resolve the issue between the two organisations. He doesn’t want the matter to go out of hand.”
[NaijaNews]
A former Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, has died after a brief illness.
Family sources said he had been clinically ill due to old aged related sickness for weeks before he died in his Abuja home in the early hours of Sunday.
“Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi passed on to glory a few minutes ago, early Sunday morning,” a family source said.
The late Admiral was Chief of Defence Staff between 1999 and 2003.
He was the first Naval officer to reach four star rank in the Nigerian military, including being the first chief of Defence Staff from Navy.
The late chief of Defence Staff hailed from Okura, Lafia in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
[DailyTrust]
The Presidency has dismissed the claims of a non-profit organisation, BudgiT, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu, plans to run four budgets within a fiscal year.
Recalls that the Senate resumed plenary on Thursday to extend the capital section of the 2023 supplementary budget.
In a statement on Friday, BudgIT’s Country Director, Gabriel Okeowo, said it was worrisome that the Federal Government could be drafting a 2024 supplementary budget to be implemented alongside the 2023 yearly budget, 2023 supplementary budget, and 2024 annual budget.
Okeowo condemned the development, stating it would amount to severe budget credibility issues.
In a statement via X on Saturday, Peter Obi described the move as a blatant disregard for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability.
According to the former Governor of Anambra state, the action of Tinubu’s government will lead to frivolous items in the approved budgets competing with essential projects for limited resources, further exacerbating the suffering of the Nigerian people.
Reacting to the development, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a statement via X, said the Federal Government is not planning to run four budgets within a fiscal year, as alleged.
Ajayi also slammed Peter Obi for jumping on the unverified report from BudgiT to spread misinformation.
The statement read, “Yesterday, @BudgITng raised a false alarm on the basis of rumours that FG is planning a 2024 supplementary budget. It is important to state that the FG is not planning to run 4 budgets within a fiscal year, as being alleged.
“The National Assembly only approved that implementation of the capital components of the 2023 budget and 2023 supplementary should be extended to December 2024 to achieve its objectives.
“Our country can’t achieve sustainable development when Federal, States and Local governments focus on only consumptive expenditures, which is essentially what recurrent expenditures represent.
“It is the capital expenditures that drive economic growth, strengthen private sector output and create employment opportunities for citizens.
“As a reputable civic organisation, Budgit can not afford to be flippant and be unduly sensational. Expectedly, @PeterObi has jumped on the false claims to push his new round of misinformation.”
No fewer than 21 states in the country are currently without duly elected local government councils.
These states are running the affairs of local government councils with caretaker committees appointed by state governors, an investigation by Sunday PUNCH has revealed.
This is against the provisions of Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the operation of local government by democratically elected officials.
There are 774 local government areas in the country, but the efficiency of the third tier of government has been hampered by the actions of some governors who have been accused of mismanaging funds meant for the administration of local governments.
In the last few months, calls for local government autonomy have increased in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has also supported these calls. In May, the Federal Government approached the Supreme Court with a suit seeking to compel governors of the 36 states to grant full autonomy to the local governments in their domains.
Currently, the Federal Government receives 52.68 per cent, states receive 26.72 per cent, and LGs receive 20.60 per cent of the country’s monthly revenue allocated by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, which is domiciled under the Presidency, and is disbursed by the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
LG funds are paid into a joint account operated by state governments and local governments in their domains.
A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Audu Ogbeh, who was recently interviewed on Channels Television, stated that the Federal Government should discontinue the payment of LG funds to such joint accounts, and move them to accounts solely operated by local government administrations.
“I cannot be sending you money that disappears. You don’t repair primary schools, you don’t do anything. The money vanishes and they say they are paying workers; for which work? Strolling around in the morning and drinking palm wine? These are the issues. Those failures are creating dangerous problems for the country,” he said.
He added that some governors appointed their stooges as caretaker chairmen for local governments, gave them stipends, and diverted large chunks of the money allocated for local government administration to questionable quarters.
On June 28, 2024, the government of Jigawa State dissolved the elected council chairmen of the 27 local governments in the state.
Earlier, the Jigawa State House of Assembly had amended the local government law, extending the time for fresh local council elections by one year and ordering the appointment of caretakers before the election.
Though the government has yet to provide further information regarding the issue, it is believed that based on the amendment by the assembly, the caretaker committee may take up the task.
Recently, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, appointed caretaker chairmen to take charge of LG councils in the state following a power tussle between him and the erstwhile governor of the state, Nyesom Wike.
On June 20, 2024, the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, through the state’s House of Assembly, confirmed the appointment of transition committee chairmen and councillors for the 21 local government areas of the state.
The assembly confirmed the appointment in line with Section 208 of the Local Government Law, 1999 as amended, as requested by Soludo.
The newly-appointed chairmen are Ifeanyi Chiweze (Anambra East), Fidelis Nnazo (Anambra West), Romanus Ibekwe (Anaocha), Chinedu Okafor (Awka South), Alphonsus Ofumele (Ayamelum), Chijioke Ozumba (Dunukofia), and Stanley Nkwoka (Idemili North).
Others are Chinedu Ononiba (Njikoka), Val Ezeogidi (Nnewi South), Franklin Nwadialu (Ogbaru), Anthony Nwaora (Onitsha North), Casimir Nwafor (Orumba North), and Shedrack Azubuike (Orumba South).
The state noted that the local government transition committee chairmen will serve for three months in the first instance.
In Imo State, the last council poll was conducted on August 25, 2018; and was the first LG election in seven years.
In Kwara State, the last council election was in November 2017, and caretaker committees had been in charge since 2020.
In Zamfara, the last grassroots poll was held on April 27, 2019, and the state returned to appointees after the chairmen’s tenures expired. In May 2024, the state assembly approved a six-month extension for the caretaker committee.
In Benue, however, elections are scheduled to be held on July 6, 2024, for LG council chairmen.
Other states affected include Bauchi, Plateau, Abia, Enugu, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Yobe, Ondo, Osun, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Cross River.
Speaking to our correspondent on the matter, the National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Hakeem Ambali, described the constitution of caretaker committees as illegal, adding that it went against the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Caretaker committees remain illegal. State governments should therefore abide by the rule, especially with total respect to Section Seven, Subsection One of the 1999 Constitution. It further reinforces the correctness of the President Bola Tinubu-administration in taking a bold step in seeking legal intervention against the violation of the constitution with impunity by state political actors,” Ambali added.
Recall that the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had dragged the 36 states to the Supreme Court over the issue of LG autonomy.
The suit, marked SC/CV/343/2024, was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on behalf of the Federal Government.
The Federal Government urged the apex court to issue “an order prohibiting state governors from the unilateral, arbitrary, and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments.”
In the suit predicated on 27 grounds, the Federal Government accused the governors of gross misconduct and abuse of power.
The FG, in the originating summons, prayed the Supreme Court to make an order expressly stating that funds meant for local governments from the Federation Account should be paid directly to the local governments, rather than through the state governments.
The justice minister also prayed for “an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents, and privies from receiving, spending, or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefit of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is in place in the states.”
The Federal Government further sought “an order stopping governors from constituting caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system.”
Allow LGs enjoy full autonomy, ALGON tells states
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Director-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Itiako Ikpokpo, called for financial and administrative autonomy for local governments.
He said, “There are fundamental issues with the structures of local government across Nigeria, and most of them are constitutional issues. Our national president has said that there are fundamental issues to be dealt with.
“One of the issues is the financial and administrative autonomy of local government. When we talk about financial autonomy, it means strictly sending money directly to local governments across the country. Administrative autonomy is about handing over the structure of the local governments to the LG chairmen, just the way it is in the states and at the federal level, where the governors and the president respectively are in charge. It is not right for state governments to be running the affairs of the local government just as it is not right for the federal government to run the affairs of the states.
“So, you find a situation where the Local Government Service Commission, which is in charge of the promotion of workers, has directly taken over that function. We have the issue of uniformity of tenure. If four years is good enough for the president and state governments, why would four years not be good enough for the council chairmen? What makes them lesser when they have been described as a part of government in the Constitution? So, there are a lot of fundamental issues.”
Ikpokpo, however, noted that some governors were allowing local governments to run without interference.
“There are some governors that are actually doing well. Some of them are not taking local government money, and they are conducting elections when due. So, you must separate them from those who have continuously kept us in the situation that we are in, because the issue is not just about the caretaker committees.
“Whether they are caretaker chairmen or elected chairmen, are they allowed to operate without interference?” he asked.
The ALGON DG also urged the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to do its job by tracking LG funds, noting that Nigeria will only move forward when the local government system is allowed to work.
“If the local government system works, Nigeria will work,” he said.
Governors should stop crippling LGs — SAN
Also speaking with Sunday PUNCH, a human rights lawyer, Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned the “unbearable influence” of governors on local government, accusing them of crippling local government administration in the country by preventing the third tier of government from performing its functions.
Osigwe said it was illegal and undemocratic for governors to appoint caretaker committees to administer the affairs of local governments. He stressed that the constitution should be amended to allow local governments control funds made available to them, adding that the joint account with states should be stopped.
He said, “There is a Supreme Court decision on that. Section Seven of the Constitution guarantees a democratic system of local government, so being democratic means the leadership of local governments must evolve through elections, not by appointment. Governors do not have the power to appoint caretaker committees to run the affairs of local governments.
“The governors’ unbearable influence on local government should be stopped, and a law should be put in place to ensure that any governor that fails to conduct local government elections to put in place democratically elected officials should not be allowed access to funds meant for local governments. That way, the states will conduct the elections.
“The states have taken over local governments, and they use them for political patronage. They also use money meant for local governments for things that are not constitutionally approved.
“So, I support the move by the Federal Government that states that do not conduct local government elections should not be allowed access to funds meant for local governments. That is the only way we can secure the independence and autonomy of local governments.”
Caretaker committees for LGs violate constitution — Lawyer
Also speaking with our correspondent, a legal practitioner, Tosin Ojaomo, lampooned the appointment of caretaker committee chairmen to oversee local governments, labelling it a blatant violation of the constitution by state governors.
Ojaomo noted that the constitution stipulates that local governments must be led by elected officials following democratic processes.
He said, “There is nowhere in the Nigerian constitution that governors are given power to choose caretakers for local governments. The law is that local governments should be democratically managed in Nigeria.
“What these governors are doing is unconstitutional. It is pure illegality. The constitution is very clear. It states that local government leaders should emerge through democratic means. This indicates that elections must be conducted, and winners must emerge after an election is conducted. The problem we are having is also constitutional.”
Ojaomo added that a fundamental reason states continued to flex muscles over local governments and deny them their constitutionally guaranteed administrative autonomy was because of joint state and local government accounts.
He stressed that allocations coming to the local government should not go to the state.
He called for strict adherence to constitutional provisions and legal precedents in the governance of local governments, emphasising the need to safeguard democratic principles and prevent undue influence from state authorities.
He said, “There is no provision for caretaker committees in the Constitution. It must be an elected government at the local government level. There are so many pronouncements by the Supreme Court that local government caretaker committees are illegal. The way to enforce the law is to ensure that local government chairmen should not be at the mercy and control of state governors.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission should also conduct local government elections in Nigeria. If elections of House of Assembly members are being conducted by the INEC, it should also conduct elections for local government chairmen. With that, there will be a level playing field. Most governors choose to appoint their cronies to be members of the state electoral commissions, and that is the only part they are aware of in installing their stooges at the local government level.”
Speaking on the matter, another legal practitioner, Eze Oyekpere, condemned the actions of governors appointing caretaker committee chairmen for local governments, stressing that their handling of local government funds was illegal.
Oyekpere stressed that the governors, without rightful authority, appropriated funds meant for local governments, an act he categorically described as stealing.
He stated, “If I take your money and keep it without the intention of giving it back to you, and it’s without your consent, or simply because I think I can beat you, what is it? That is stealing. What they are doing is stealing.
“The money does not belong to them. They are not supposed to know anything. They collect it and keep it back without the consent of the donors. So what they are doing is stealing. Simple.”