The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), is currently investigating how a hospital worth N150 million was illegally converted for use by an Ebonyi State community. According to a statement today, March 28 by the ICPC spokesperson, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua, the hospital has already been handed over to the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI), for which it was built. She said that the Constituency and Executive Project Tracking Group of ICPC had in the course of the phase two of its tracking exercise, traced the Constituency Project being a hospital located at Ebunwana community in AFIKPO SOUTH LGA of Ebonyi State. She said that hospital, which was fully equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities was conceived as a Medical outpost of FUNAI and meant to serve as a teaching hospital for its medical students. “The project, which was appropriated in 2019 and completed in March 2020 at the cost of the above sum, was facilitated by the then Senator representing Ebonyi South Senatorial District, Senator Sonni Ogbuoji. “However, after the completion of the project, the local community unofficially took over the hospital even though it was not meant for it and went ahead to rename the facility and appoint a consultant to manage the hospital on a profit-sharing arrangement between the community and the consultant. “Following the illegality that enshrouded the constituency project, the Commission stepped in to ensure that the hospital was handed over to the institution for which it was appropriated and executed. “The project has been recovered by the CEPTG team and handed over to the University community on 25th March 2022.” Mrs. Ogugua stressed that investigations are ongoing to unravel how the local community got access and took control of the hospital without any official ceremony.
The media subcommittee of the All Progressives Congress Convention Planning Committee (APCCPC) has apologized to journalists who covered the Convention on Saturday, March 26 for any inconveniences some of them encountered. A message from the Co-Chairmen, Abdullahi Sule, the Governor of Nassarawa State and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, the Secretary of the Publicity Committee of the Subcommittee, Mallam Garba Shehu, expressed regrets for any difficulties encountered by journalists in their coverage of events. The committee also expressed the hope that none of such incidents, if any, will be allowed to happen in the future. It commended the media for the successful conduct of the National Convention which held in Abuja, adding that the role of the media in such an event cannot be ignored. According to the committee publicity is critical to creating public awareness of any issue, saying: “without the contributions of the mass media, the convention wouldn’t have attained the degree of success it had achieved. “We are particularly impressed with the maximum publicity accorded the convention by the press and their patience to withstand inconveniences in the course of covering the event.” “In a democracy, the press plays a significant role in creating public awareness of political events and issues,” explaining that “a majority of the citizens depends mainly on the media to gain information about the government or political activities. “The level of commitment that you dedicated to the coverage of the event went a long way to bring about the success of the APC national convention. Besides, members of the media were also able to provide analyses and insights on the convention, thereby helping members of the general public gain knowledge of the issues and candidates.” It would be recalled that a journalist lost his car while others lost phones to thieves at the venue of the convention.
Nigeria has offered to step in as an alternative gas supplier to Europe in the face of the war now raging between Russia and Ukraine and its negative consequence in gas supply to Europe. This is even as Nigeria also called on the European Union (EU), to step up investments in gas and hydrocarbon in Nigeria to be able to meet the bloc’s energy needs. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, who spoke when the EU Ambassadors to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, paid a visit in his office in Abuja, stressed that Nigeria is ready to step in as alternative gas supplier to Europe. A statement today, March 27, by his Senior Adviser on Media and Communications, Horatius Egua, quoted the minister as calling on EU to encourage its oil and gas companies, such as Shell, Eni, and Total Energies to scale up investments in the Nigerian gas sector. “One of the things we warned against earlier was the speed with which EU was taking away investments in fossil fuels. “We warned that the speed was faster than they were developing renewable energy. You can see now that what we were warning against is what is happening now,” the minister said. He told the delegation that what stunted growth in the development of gas in Nigeria is fresh investments, and called for a change of attitude on the part of EU if its request to increase supplies to Europe would be realised. According to the minister, one of the biggest challenges the sector is facing is lack of investments. “In the last 10 years, over 70 billion dollars worth of investments came to Africa, but sadly less than four billion dollars came to Nigeria. “Surprisingly, we are the biggest in Africa. If we cannot attract investments to Nigeria, you know where we are heading. “You have been our long time friend. As at today, our gas reserve is one of the biggest in the world. We have a proven gas reserve of 206 tcf and if we really focus on gas exploitation we can get up to 600 tcf. “We are already building gas infrastructure such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline project, expected to take gas to Algeria, and the West Africa Gas Pipeline project designed to take gas to Morroco.” Sylva said that after the Russia-Ukrainian war, EU must have a buffer or an alternative source of gas, and collaboration with Nigeria in that regard is paramount. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with the EU to bridge the gap in terms of gas, adding that from the Russian-Ukranian crisis, it is evident that gas has been weaponised and unless it created an alternative, it would only get worse. He reassured the EU diplomats of Nigeria’s readiness to be an alternative supplier of gas to the EU, but urged its companies operating in the country to investment more here. “We would like to be reliable partners to solve the energy problem in Europe and we can only achieve this by working together. It is only when investment in these areas is increased that Niger is can meet that obligation,” Sylva said. He emphased the need for transfer of technology in gas and renewable energy, adding that Africa must be allowed to continue to exploit its hydrocarbon deposits to develop the continent. In her response, Isopi urged Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunity offered by the present crisis in Europe to shore up gas supplies to Europe. She appealed to Nigeria to step into that gap supply chain as an alternative to Russia, adding that the country must not allow the opportunity to pass it by. On the security situation in the Niger Delta that drastically impacted on gas supply in the last few years, Isopi called on the Nigerian government to step up security in the region to guarantee gas supply to EU member states. She expressed concern over the spate of attacks on Shell, Eno and Total Energies’s gas infrastructure that led to the declaration of force majure by the companies and noted that the development was of great concern to Europe. The envoy said that the EU is however, reassured by the recent visit by Sylva and other top government officials to the site of the vandalised infrastructure in the region. The French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmaunelle Blatmann, who went back memory lane on the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and France, said that in spite of the current challenges in the sector, French companies are ready to commence new investments in Nigeria. Other ambassadors who spoke in support of a strengthened economic and diplomatic relations between the EU and Nigeria, were the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria Juan Sell, Portuguese Ambassador Luis Barros, and Italian Deputy Head of Mission, Tarek Chazli.
The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of the various employees’ unions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration has commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who it said surprised workers of the Territory with N2.9 billion promotion arrears payment in December, 2021.
According to the Chairman of JUAC, Comrade Korede Matilukuro during the first Quarterly meeting of the JUAC and the FCT Administration, today, March 27, the promotion salary arrears was paid to workers in December 2021. “Without telling us in December, the Minister went out of his way and he paid a whooping sum of N2.9 billion just for promotion arrears without telling anyone. “The next thing we saw after waking up was that our staff were attesting to the fact of the payment of these promotion arrears. “So, I’m sure that if you are in my shoes, you would do more than standing ovation. That shows the disposition of a good leader. Sincerely speaking, Malam Musa Muhammad Bello has not only been encouraging, he has actually added value to the system and to quite a number of staff. “Let me also say that the enjoyment of the promotion arrears even went as far as those that are retired. They called to say it has never happened before; that initially, some of them even thought that it was 419, saying, how can I retire and they will pay promotion arears into my account. “That’s how far the Minister has gone. So, we are not regretting taking that position.” On the highlights of the meeting, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Olusade Adesola said: “First quarter meeting reviewed the general situation of the workforce of the FCTA. The Hon. Minister commended JUAC for their cordial working relationship with the management. “The JUAC was also appreciated for their role in the resolution of the lingering industrial action by the NUT.” He said that JUAC has assured of its continuous support for the administration. Various issues that bother on staff welfare were discussed and resolutions were arrived. Amongst the resolutions, the Permanent Secretary said, was the commitment of the Minister to support JUAC in strengthening its cooperative society so that the Administration will be able to deliver further welfare to the staff beneficiaries. Olusade added: “JUAC also promised not only to continue to support the Administration, but to also point out to the Administration where necessary, areas for improvement. “The various initiatives in the Territory, were discussed and it was indeed a cordial relationship based on the honesty of purpose, frankness and dedication to the service of the citizens in the FCT,” the Permanent Secretary said. The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Minister, Malam Bashir Mai-Bornu, Mandate Secretaries, the Director of Human Resources Management, The Director of Treasury and other senior officials.
“As we conclude this very successful convention of our great party, I know that our opponents in PDP and other opposition parties are now sulking, wearing long faces of sadness, bewilderment and dismay.” The new national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullhi Adamu, who made point at the national convention group in Abuja yesterday, March 26, said that people in the PDP and other opposition parties had been hoping and praying to make a fortune out of the APC misfortune. ” “They had been hoping and praying to make a fortune out of our misfortunes. They were also hoping and praying to capitalize on assumed failures of our party to reap political benefits.” He said that as God had turned the convention into a huge success, “we need to renew our faith in our party and its leadership at all levels in order to herald a new dawn. “We need to commit to the resolution of our crisis within the confines of our party constitution. “We must resist the temptation to blow every minor personal disagreement into a major party crisis. It is time for us to do things differently. “When we quarrel, we open our flanks to our rival political parties that are only too eager to exploit them for their own benefit.
Abdullhi Adamu stressed that as politicians “we are not strangers to gains, losses and disappointments with the outcome of every political contest. “Let us show maturity and good sportsmanship and accept the outcome of this Convention with grace. “Our party needs all hands on the steering wheel so that together we can steer the ship of state through the inclement weather of our divisive national politics to the promised land.” The chairman, who thanked those who intended to lead the party but had to obey the leadership, for what he called: ” their spirit of sportsmanship,” saying: we will continue to count on their cooperation as loyal party members and patriots.” He promised the new leadership will heal any wounds in the party and would effect lasting reconciliation among members, as well as going into the next general elections as a strong and united party. “I offer my hands of friendship to all our members. I want to assure you that my colleagues and myself will run an open door policy to all members of the party.
A former Special Assistant to the Chairman of Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hassan Dauda, has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment for his involvement in a N6.3 million Hajj fraud.
Dauda, who was charged before the Kaduna State High Court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), was accused of defrauding eight persons of N6,342,000.
ICPC had, in a 16-count charge of obtaining by false pretence, abuse of office and forgery filed before Justice M. T. Aliyu, accused Dauda of using his position as a Special Assistant to the Chairman of Giwa Local Government Area to defraud unsuspecting victims in the guise of securing Hajj seats for them in 2013, an offence punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
In his ruling, Justice Aliyu found him guilty on the counts relating to obtaining by false pretence and sentenced him to seven years without an option of fine.
He was also convicted on the counts relating to abuse of office and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment without an option of fine.
He was discharged and acquitted on the counts relating to forgery.
Reading the sentence, the judge said that ICPC was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The sentence will run concurrently.
It will be recalled that the convict was arrested by operatives of ICPC in October 2013 following a petition of his alleged corrupt act and was arraigned in May 2015 after the conclusion of investigations.
The Super Eagles played a goalless draw with Ghana yesterday, March 25 in the first leg of their 2022 FIFA World playoffs at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi Ghana.
The Black Stars dominated the opening exchanges, but were unable to break down the Super Eagles defence.
Francis Uzoho produced a stunning save to deny Afena Gyan in the 33rd minute.
Victor Osimhen had Nigeria’s first shot on target in the 38th minute but was saved by Joseph Wollacott.
Rangers midfielder wasted another chance five minutes later.
The pattern of play continued after the break with the Black Stars in total ascendacy.
It was the Super Eagles who carved out the best chance of the half.
Moses Simon was put through on goal by Kelechi Iheanacho but his effort was saved by Wollacott.
Both teams struggled to carve out meaningful chances afterwards.
The second leg will be played next week Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Nigeria.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who assumed office days ago, has declared the first war with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) over the sit-at-home on Mondays to the workers in the State.
The governor, who reacted to the IPoB’s directive, ordered all public servants in the state to start reporting to work on Mondays, like other weekdays or face the music.
It would be recalled that since the resumption of trial of the leader of the IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, the group had called for a shutdown of businesses on Mondays, but later rescinded it.
Despite the rescinding of the decision by the separatist group, there have been fear of attacks on those who go to work, leading to the continued stay at home every Monday.
In some parts of the state, Saturdays have been adopted as working days, including schools and banks as a replacement for Monday.
But in a move to return Monday to a normal working day, Professor Soludo yesterday, March 25, through the Head of Service, Barrister Theodora Igwegbe ordered workers to always ensure they are at their duty posts on Mondays.
In a circular dated today, 25th March 2022, which was signed by Igwegbe and sighted by DAILY POST, Soludo warned that absence from work on Mondays will attract sanctions.
Part of the memo read: “Following the need to reposition the service for better performance and productivity, His Excellency, the governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has directed that henceforth, all public servants should report at their places of work every Monday as every other weekdays.
“Consequently, absence from work on Monday, or any other workday without any approval will be viewed as serious misconduct, which will attract appropriate sanctions. This directive takes immediate effect.”
Soludo had last year, lamented the continued boycott of work on Mondays in the South East, saying that the zone loses an estimated N19.6 billion every Monday.
During his inaugural speech as governor, last two weeks, Soludo had extended an olive branch to all armed groups, saying he was ready to engage them in a round table discussion.
He lamented that many criminals now hide under freedom fighting to perpetuate criminality.
President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid being used for partisan politics, or get dragged into personal disputes.
The President, who spoke at the Unveiling of the EFCC Standard Operating Procedures, Policies and Manuals, at the State House, advised leaders and all operatives of the commission to resist the temptation of being influenced by political actors for personal gains or to score political points.
“I must advise the leadership and operatives of this commission to resist the temptation of being used for partisan politics or be dragged into personal disputes. Your job is to serve the nation in its efforts to entrench good governance.”
The President noted the excellent performance of the leadership of the EFCC in securing 2,220 convictions within one year and recovering over N152billion and $385m.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I am glad to note that the war against corruption, which is one of the cardinal objectives of this administration, is being strengthened through the institutionalization of operational procedures particularly as they form the building blocks of transparency and accountability in administration and public expenditure.”
President Buhari commended the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for efforts to further institutionalize the commission by developing twenty-six Standard Operating Procedures and twenty-five Policies and Manuals for the Departments, Units and Staff of the Commission, while appreciating the support of the Board, Management and Staff.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, these outstanding feats achieved are being unveiled today and I would like to use this opportunity to encourage other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government, especially Law Enforcement Agencies to also ensure the standardization of their processes within the extant laws and regulations as provided in our statutes.
“I need not underscore the importance of today’s occasion but let me remind you that the stakes are high but national expectations are higher. Therefore, we must continue to strive and deal decisively with matters in accordance with the rule of law.
“On the part of the Government, we shall continue to accord all necessary support to MDAs in order to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives already commenced in actualizing our vision of a corrupt free society.
“Let me conclude by saying that the fight against economic and financial crimes in Nigeria is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians if we are to make meaningful progress as a nation.
“I invite you all to fight corruption in all its ramifications and join us to entrench good governance values and integrity within all our systems. As I have often said, If we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill us as a nation.”
President Buhari said the development of the Standards demonstrate the commitment of this administration to the fight against corruption and the acceptance of transparency and willingness to be subjected to scrutiny against set standards by services.
“This is a confirmation of national efforts against graft.
“I understand from your remarks Mr. Chairman, that these are the first collection of policy documents ever developed in the eighteen years of the Commission’s existence aimed at defining the institutional rules and operational guidelines while instituting uniformity in standards, improving efficiency and removing discretion from your operations.
“These are indeed remarkable achievements and are very commendable.’’
The President assured of a rules-based-system in Government business while providing the necessary enabling environment for effective implementation.
“You may recall Ladies and Gentlemen, that since we came into power in 2015, we have consistently demonstrated the necessary political will to fight corruption.
“We have ensured the operational independence of the Anti-graft Agencies, strengthened the legal framework, empowered the regulatory agencies and provided adequate funding to support the fight against corruption.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of EFCC said that the institution was undergoing various phases of reforms to reposition it for the task of fighting financial crimes in the country, with production of policies and manuals.
The chairman thanked the President and the National Assembly for the confidence reposed in his “ability and competence’’ to take over the leadership of the organisation in 2021.
Bawa said departments has been reorganised and upgraded, including intelligence gathering, training and the academic institutions, to meet the demands of the job, adding that a software had been developed for operations, and a mobile app: “The Evil Eye,’’ deployed for ease of reporting economic and financial crimes from the comfort of homes.
He said the EFCC already had a five-year strategic plan, 2021-2025, with clear and measurable targets, based on five objectives, which include improving public engagement to fight crimes, systems and processes for prevention, intelligence gathering, prosecution and law enforcement.
“I will lead an agency that will be the pride of our country, Nigeria.”
More than dozen kidnappers stormed Chukuku, a suburb of Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja last night. Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that the kidnappers who invaded the community, very close to Gwagwalad, went away with four residents of the area. Eye witness account said that the kidnappers arrived in the community at about 11.30pm, shooting sporadically into the air and operated up to about 2am and left unchallenged. It was gathered that their arrival threw the people in the community into confusion and panic. Meanwhile, youths in the area have, early today morning, March 24, gone on demonstration to protest the attack. The youths blocked the only road linking Kuje and Gwagwalada, and made huge burn fire.
As at the time of publishing, area council and FCT authorities had not made any statement on the incidence.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has cautioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to avoid being used for partisan politics, or get dragged into personal disputes.
