Niger Coup: Foreign Minister commends the release of Bazoum’s wife, son
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has commended the release of former President Mohammad Bazoum’s wife and son from house arrest by The National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland, the ruling military junta in Niger. This was made known in a release signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir SA Media and Communications Strategy, to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs. Tuggar, who is also the Chairperson of the Mediation and Security Council, said it is a logical step in bringing normalcy back to the country and the region in general. He reiterated the call to the government led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani to hasten the release of Mohammed Bazoum from its custody and allow him to fly to a third country as a step towards further talks on lifting sanctions and to initiate the transition to constitutional rule in the interest of the people, peace and stability of Niger and the region.
Plateau guber: S/Court reserves judgement on Gov Mutfwang’s appeal
The Supreme Court of Nigeria, Tuesday, reserved its judgement on appeal instituted by the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, challenging the nullification of his election by the Court of Appeal. A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Inyang Okoro, adjourned the appeal for judgement, after all the parties argued their case and adopted their processes. In his argument, Governor Mutfwang, through his counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, prayed the court dismiss the judgement of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sacked him from office. Agabi, SAN, argued that after the tribunal properly evaluated both documentary and oral evidence that were adduced by the parties, dismissed as lacking in merit, the petition that was lodged against the outcome of the governorship election by candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC)Mr. Nentawe Goshwe. He further submitted that the onus of conducting a primary election to select candidates to be sponsored in an election, rests on the National Executive organ of the party. “A number of exhibits were tendered to prove that valid Congress was conducted and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. “A video was played before the tribunal showing that congresses held and the person that instituted the court action was see in the video, participating in the process.” Concluding, he posited that the sponsorship and nomination of a candidate in an election, being a pre-election issue, was of jurisdiction of both the tribunal and the appellate court. On his part, the APC candidate, through Prof. Joseph Olatoke, SAN, asked the court to uphold the Court of Appeal judgement that ordered the INEC to issue Certificate of Return. He insisted that his is the candidate that garnered the highest number of valid votes in the governorship poll. According to him, PDP’ is structureless in the state, as it refuses to elect its State Executives as ordered by the court, hence, not capable of presenting a valid candidate in the governorship election. In the same vern, counsel to the APC, Mr. Omosanya Popoola, asked the court to uphold the judgement that sacked the Appellant from office.
Better Service Delivery: President Tinubu sacks two CEOs
In conformity with plans to restructure and reposition critical agencies of the Federal Government towards protecting the rights of Nigerian consumers and providing a strong basis for enhanced contributions to the nation’s economy by key growth-enabling institutions, President Bola Tinubu has dismissed the two Chief Executive Officers. This was made known in a release signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in Abuja. The sacked CEOs are: (1) Mr. Babatunde Irukera — EVC/CEO, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) (2) Mr. Alexander Ayoola Okoh — Director-General/CEO, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) The two dismissed Chief Executives are directed to hand over to the next most senior officer in their respective agencies, pending the appointment of new Chief Executive Officers. By this directive of the President, their removal from office takes immediate effect.
Unlawful detention: Court orders EFCC to pay Emefiele N100m
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Monday, declared the prolonged detention of the former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emfiele without trial as a flagrant violation of his fundamental right. Consequently, Justice Kayode Adeniyi ordered the payment of N100million as fine against the Federal Government and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). The judgment was given in a fundamental human rights suit filed by the former CBN governor following his prolonged detention in the custody of the Department of State Services. In his argument, the embattled former CBN governor prayed the court for an order to mandate the respondents to pay N1billion damages to him and to restrain the prosecutor from further arresting and or detaining him. Recall that the ex-CBN was arrested on June 10, shortly after his suspension by President Bola Tinubu. The Federal Government, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and its chairman were mentioned as the respondents in the matter. Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice Kayode Adeniyi also restrained the FG and its agents from re-arresting or detaining Emefiele without an order of court. He said,” It is hereby declared that the actions of the first and fourth respondents and its agents in incarcerating the applicants from June 13, 2023, to October 26, 2023, when he was transferred to the custody of the fourth respondent and his further detention by the third and fourth respondents without arraignment in the court of law for the commission of any offence up until November 8, 2023, when by the order of this court when the applicant was released on bail to his senior learned counsel constitutes a flagrant violation of the applicant’s fundamental rights to personal liberty preserved by the provision of section 35 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979 and Article 6 of the African charter on human and peoples right. “Also, a sum of 100m only is hereby awarded in favour of the applicant against the first and fourth respondents jointly as damages for the unlawful violation of his fundamental right to his personal liberty. “Without prejudice to the powers of the court with respect to the criminal trial, the applicant is currently facing at the High Court of the FCT, the respondents are hereby restrained either by themselves, their officers, agents, or any person acting on their behalf from further re-arresting or detaining the applicants without an order of a court of competent jurisdiction,” Justice Adeniyi ruled.
Embattled Betta Edu Denied Access To Tinubu
The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, has been denied access to see President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to TVC, the suspended minister was not allowed to meet with the President a few minutes after her suspension from office was announced by the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale. In a video, Edu left the State House immediately she was denied access to the president and was driven away in a Black SUV. Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited the minister to its headquarters located in Jabi, Abuja over an alleged N585m scandal. An impeccable EFCC source, who confirmed the development to Daily Trust, revealed that the anti-graft agency’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had earlier recommended the suspension of the Minister to the President to pave the way for proper investigation. The invitation came less than an hour after President Bola Tinubu announced Edu’s suspension from office and ordered the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. The president also directed the suspended Minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and directed her to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. Tinubu also tasked a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative.
EFCC Summons Betta Edu, Hours After Suspension Over N585m Scandal
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has summoned the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, to its headquarters located in Jabi, Abuja over an alleged N585million scandal. This is coming few hours after President Bola Tinubu announced her suspension from office with immediate effect. The suspension, according to the statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale was in line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians. The suspended Minister, came under harsh criticism after a leaked memo on December 20, revealed that she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups. The statement said, “The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. “The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. “Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. “These directives of the President take immediate effect.”
PRESIDENT TINUBU SUSPENDS MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION FROM OFFICE
In line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspends the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect. The President further directs the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies thereunder. This was contained in a release signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity). The suspended Minister is hereby directed to hand over to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and she is further directed by the President to fully cooperate with the investigating authorities as they conduct their investigation. Furthermore, the President has tasked a panel that is headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. These directives of the President take immediate effect.
BREAKING: Tinubu clears N12bn outstanding payment owed Super Eagles, others
President Bola Tinubu has cleared the outstanding payment that the Federal Government is owing the Super Eagles and other sporting teams of the country. According to a statement on the X handle of Tinubu’s Media Centre, on Sunday, the payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team. The statement reads, “President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s National teams of various sports, which includes Super Eagles and others. “The payment entails the clearing of the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team. “This is coming at a time when the Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which is billed to start later this month.” Details later…
Benue Highway Plagued by Armed Men
Villagers along the expansive Federal Highway traversing Okpokwu and Ogbadibo Local Government Areas in Benue state are sounding the alarm as armed herdsmen capitalise on the deplorable state of the road and adjoining forests to wreck havoc on motorists, commuters, and other way farers. Expressing profound distress, locals revealed that these marauders have claimed these forests as their stronghold, openly launching attacks and abductions on commuters navigating the Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam route without encountering any resistance. Speaking under anonymity, a member of the Orokam community and a practicing journalist disclosed that, “The marauders, largely composed of Fulani herdsmen, operate with impunity. The Ugbokolo to Otukpa corridor, notably the dense Okungaga forest, serves as their nerve center.” Detailing the harrowing experiences of kidnapping victims, he elaborated, “These criminals are equipped with sophisticated arms. They forcibly trek captives for hours through the forests, concealing them in various parts of Idoma land, including Ado LGA and Otukpa in Ogbadibo LGA, while negotiating ransom for their release.” He also said that, “Traveling on the Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Otukpa-Orokam highway is now highly perilous, especially after nightfall. However, the security agencies’ response has been inadequate, failing to decisively tackle this threat.” Moreover, the journalist underscored the limitations of local vigilantes and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards in confronting the armed herdsmen, citing their possession of automatic weapons, making direct confrontation an incredibly risky endeavor. Expanding on their tactics, he stated, “Under the cover of night, they don military attire, setting up faux security checkpoints to ambush and seize unsuspecting travelers.” Owukpa, an area straddling Benue and Enugu states with vast forests, has also fallen prey to these armed groups, fostering an atmosphere of fear and helplessness among the populace. Recently, HRH Chief Emmanuel Odeh, the traditional ruler of Ogbadibo LGA, decried the dire security situation, expressing concerns over the overwhelming presence of armed herdsmen in the expansive forests. He lamented the absence of security forces, leaving communities vulnerable to attacks within the extensive forest cover. Despite attempts to reach the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, for comment on the armed herdsmen issue, no response has been obtained. The persistent control of these forests by armed herdsmen continues to escalate fear and insecurity among residents, necessitating urgent and strategic interventions to restore safety along these critical highways in Benue state.
Accountant General Refutes Payment Claims by Ministry, Citing Illegality in Private Account Transaction
The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has refuted payment claims made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, insisting that payment into private account was illegal and in contravention of civil service procedures. The OAGF said that transaction was illegal and emphasizes adherence to established procedures for financial transactions after Ministry’s request for payment clarification. A statement released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and signed by Bawa Mokwa, Director (Press) addressed reports regarding a request made by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for payment disbursement to vulnerable groups in certain states. The AGF, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, clarified the operational protocols of the OAGF in the wake of media speculations. Dr. Madein categorically stated that the OAGF does not execute payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the execution of projects and programs. Instead, allocations are disbursed to self-accounting MDAs in alignment with budgetary stipulations, and these entities are solely responsible for the execution and financial disbursement of their respective projects. The AGF emphasized that while the Ministry in question did forward a payment request, the OAGF did not facilitate the transaction. Instead, the Ministry was duly advised on the proper procedures to adhere to when effecting such payments, ensuring compliance with established financial protocols. Clarifying the payment procedure, Dr. Madein highlighted that disbursements are typically processed by the relevant Ministries as independent entities, emphasizing that funds are not to be transferred en masse to individual accounts under the guise of a project’s accountant. She stressed the necessity of routing such payments directly to verified beneficiaries through their authenticated bank accounts. Expressing a steadfast commitment to maintaining transparency and accountability in the management of public finances, Dr. Madein urged MDAs to consistently uphold requisite measures in conducting financial transactions.