National Security: President Tinubu meet with Security Chiefs, Calls for Decisive Action
President Bola Tinubu has read the riot act to security chiefs, insisting that for him, full success in the fight against insecurity is only when Nigerian territories are secured, troops return to their localities, and resources are directed toward vital economic expansion programs. Addressing the assemblage of security chiefs and intelligence heads, President Tinubu emphasized the criticality of achieving an unequivocal victory against the diverse security threats menacing the nation. While acknowledging the commendable progress in neutralizing certain security threats, President Tinubu insisted that ultimate success hinges upon conclusively addressing the multifaceted challenges. “Our investments in infrastructure, social security, and economic growth require a definitive resolution to the challenges impeding progress,” he affirmed. Pointing out recent setbacks, particularly in Kaduna, the President stressed the imperative of enhanced coordination among security agencies. Despite noted improvements in collaboration, the President asserted that true success would only be realized when Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country can go to bed and sleep with their eyes closed. He also emphasised another key performance indicator to be the achievement of sustainable production of two million barrels of crude oil per day within the first quarter of 2024, as he underscores the pivotal role of the armed forces, urging them, especially the Navy, to elevate their performance to meet national objectives. The President vowed that his administration shall crush all adversaries, both internal and external, that pose threats to Nigeria’s interests. The president used the occasion to recognize and commend some of his key security personnel who were recently promoted for their exemplary dedication and commitment to duty. These included the Commander of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF), the Commander of the Brigade of Guards (BoG), and the Chief Personal Security Officer (CPSO), Air Commodore Olayinka Olusola Oyesola, Commander Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya, and Police CPSO Usman Musa Shugaba. The President praised their loyalty and service to the nation, expressing gratitude for their invaluable contributions. The event witnessed the presence of eminent officials, including the National Security Adviser, Service Chiefs, Heads of Intelligence Agencies, and presidential aides. AVM Olayinka, speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, conveyed appreciation to the President for the recognition and pledged continued allegiance and unwavering dedication to duty.
Dr Better Edu defends transfer of N585m into private account
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has said that the disbursed N585,198,500.00 into a personal account is legal and in line with extant civil service rules. This is made known by Rasheed Zubair, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the minister. Edu in a viral document personally signed by her and directed to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, instructed the disbursement of the funds to one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola. The document also showed that the payment of the N585.198 million grant, meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states, was made into Oniyelu’s account. This has elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many calling for the minister’s sacking. But reacting to the leaked document, Zubair in a statement on Friday, said the payment for the vulnerable group followed due process. According to Zubair, the payment of the grant to the account of Bridget was because the fellow currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups. He said, “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu, and stain her integrity because she alerted the Federal Government attention to the ongoing N44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA. “These elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure. However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration. “For the avoidance, the said N585m was approved, and it is meant to implement grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. “We must note that GVG was first launched in Kogi State, where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023. Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks. “The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the Federal Government, which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is implementing. “Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for GVG from the Department of Finance, and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant, to be paid and use the same funds legally and retire the same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.”
Resign, Submit To EFCC Probe, Huriwa Advices Minister Edu
The embattled Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has been advised to resign or excuse herself from duty for some time so she can submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigations. This is following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud investigation in NSIPA as it concerns the public fund she allegedly warehoused in a private individual’s bank account. Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) made this advice, premising on the strength of the public sector financial regulations of 2009, which prohibits the payment of public funds to the account of a private individual. Specifically, HURIWA said it is double standard if the president suspended his appointee heading the social investment coordinating office for exactly the allegations of paying in public funds worth over N34 billion as alleged by EFCC into private accounts, but only for the cabinet level minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to be going about the public space seeking justification for also directing that public fund be paid into a private account no matter the status of that account holder. It calls on the President and the EFCC to use a universal yardstick in the enforcement of the anti-graft laws since the law shouldn’t be made to be afraid of certain individuals because they are senior national figures in the ruling All Progressives Congress. “We are not Accusing the minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation of committing any infractions, but based on the media statements that her office has issued so far, the attempt to convince Nigerians that it is lawful to keep public fund in private account is just like the polemic promoted by one erstwhile civilian governor of Kano State in the second Republic. “It is incongruous and indeed puerile to say that on one hand, the EFCC arrested one official of the same government over allegations of payments of public funds into private accounts but on the same breath, a cabinet level minister is inundating the public space with her submission that keeping public money in private account of someone heading a certain portfolio, is appropriate. “This sounds illogical and fallacious and by the way, if as the Minister argued that under a certain civil service rule, public funds can be kept under private accounts, why then does the financial regulations Act governing public service in Nigeria say the exact opposite?” It recalled that the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has cried out to Nigerians over what she described as “disgruntled elements” trying to stain her hard earned integrity following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud investigation in NSIPA. The minister said these elements have been trying to link her to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure by displaying on social media a memo from the ministry to the Accountant-General of the Federation approving for payment, of the sum of N585,189,500.00 Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups, (GVGs), for four states, which is currently being circulated in the social media. In a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Rasheed Zubair, she explains; “For the avoidance of doubt, the said N585,198,500.00 was approved, and it is meant for the implementation of grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states. “We must, however, note that GVG was first launched in Kogi state where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023, Kogi in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks. “The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the federal government, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation,” the statement contained. In this latest development, Dr. Edu is urging Nigerians to discountence these allegations claiming that “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear her image and stain her integrity following the Federal Government ongoing 44.8 Billion Fraud in NSIPA.
Christian Pilgrims Commission Reveals cost of 2024 Pilgrimage
Ahead of the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage to Rome and Greece, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission has released the cost and breakdown of the package for the exercise. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka, on Friday. According to the statement, a letter dated December 28, 2023, addressed to the chairmen and secretaries of all the States Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards said the commencement date for the exercise is slated for the end of this month. The commission in the letter puts “the pilgrimage cost to Rome and Greece at N3,000,000 per pilgrim.” It noted that “the amount covers return flight, hotel accommodation, three-course meal per day, and tours of holy sites in both Rome and Greece in Executive luxurious buses for six nights and seven days,” stressing however that the cost is not inclusive of pilgrims traveling allowances.” The commission urged the states that had previously paid for Israel and Jordan to work on making up the difference to participate in the pilgrimage to Rome and Greece. “The commission enjoin states and private pilgrims to make payments before services are rendered on or before the last day of January 2024,” the statement added.
Late Akeredolu’s Body Arrives Nigeria
The body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has arrived Nigeria. The plane conveying the body arrived at about 3:39 p.m on Friday, January 5, 2024. The late Governor’s remains were brought into the country from Germany, where he passed away. The body was received by his wife, Chief Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, his children, and siblings led by Prof. Wole Akeredolu, the immediate younger brother. Akeredolu passed away in Germany on December 26, 2023. His remains have been deposited at the morgue until the final burial. Details of the burial arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date.
US Company Donates Unmanned Vessels to Bolster Nigeria’s Security
In a bid to reinforce Nigeria’s security measures, the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has orchestrated an official presentation of two advanced unmanned water vessels to President Tinubu. These vessels, named S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, were donated by the US-based Swift Ship Company. The handover ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, entailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receiving the two vessels. Matawalle underscored the crucial role these unmanned vessels would play in fortifying Nigeria’s security infrastructure, particularly in protecting vital waterways like the Niger Delta and Lake Chad, alongside other strategic maritime zones. The donation followed Matawalle’s recent diplomatic visit to various high-tech military hardware companies in the United States, with the objective to explore innovative technologies capable of enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities, enabling the nation to effectively address modern security challenges. Additionally, Matawalle discussed the potential for collaborative efforts between US-based entities and Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation to locally manufacture military hardware. This partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of strengthening national security measures and fostering peace within Nigeria. During his visit to the United States, Matawalle conducted thorough inspections of cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware facilities. These included assessments of rapid deployment mobile RADAR systems, drone control stations, unmanned water vehicles, and state-of-the-art biometric search-scan systems, among other pioneering innovations. Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities, the Minister assured President Tinubu that integrating these advanced military technologies would significantly bolster Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
Dabiri-Erewa Mourns the Death of Nigerian Student in Canada, Vows to Ensure Justice
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has described the alleged killing of a 19- year old Nigerian student in Manitoba, Canada, Afolabi Stephen, as wicked, promising that the commission will ensure that justice is served. In a condolence message issued by the Director of Media and Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the NIDCOM boss received the news with shock. “We are in touch with the Nigerians mission in Ottawa who have the assurances of the Canadian authorities that investigations into the unfortunate incident has begun and will be thorough. ‘We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Afolabi and pray unto God to allow his gentle and innocent soul to rest in perfect peace”. Reports has it that a 19-year-old Nigerian, Afolabi Stephen, was allegedly killed by policemen on December 31, 2023 in Manitoba, Canada. Though the details of his death are still sketchy, the Winnipeg, Manitoba Police Department, in a statement posted on its website via Winnipeg.ca, said its officers responded to a call about a young male who was acting “erratically”. The police noted that upon arrival, efforts to calm the young man proved abortive which led to the discharge of a firearm by the police which ultimately led to his death.
N37.1bn fraud: I’m sick, give me more time to honour your invitation – Ex-minister to EFCC
The embattled former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has officially written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). Sadiya is asking the Anti-graft agency for an extension of the deadline to meet with it for interrogators over an ongoing probe into an alleged N37.1 billion money laundering, citing health challenges. The EFCC is set to arrest the ex minister after failing to appear before it for interrogators at the it’s Headquarters on Wednesday. However, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, Thursday, said Umar had sent a legal representative to the commission and has written to the commission seeking to be given more time to honour the invitation while citing health challenges. “The former Humanitarian Minister didn’t appear before the commission yesterday, but she sent in a letter pleading for more time and also explaining that she has some health challenges and that was why she couldn’t honour the invitation. She also sent in her lawyer to meet with interrogators. “However, the commission has mandated her to submit herself to the commission without further delay. We are still tracing all the transactions, hence we cannot put a figure to everything now as the investigation is still ongoing.” Umar-Farouq kept interrogators waiting for over eight hours on Wednesday without an official communication to the commission as to why she didn’t honour the invitation. The former minister was asked to appear before investigators at the EFCC Headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at about 10:00 am, to give an account of the alleged monumental fraud that took place under her watch.
IPMAN Gives Fresh Update On Fuel Price Increase
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has addressed speculations about an alleged increase in fuel prices during a Channels Television interview. National Vice President Hammed Fashola emphasized that IPMAN has no intention of raising fuel pump prices, debunking claims suggesting otherwise. He also asserted that the rumored price of N1,200 per litre did not originate from the association. Fashola backed the National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)’s assurance that there are no imminent plans for fuel price hikes and urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying, assuring them of the product’s availability. He clarified that IPMAN relies on NNPCL for fuel supplies and stated that as long as they procure fuel at the existing price from NNPCL, they will not alter their pricing. Regarding the upcoming Portharcourt and Dangote refineries expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2024, Fashola anticipated that their entry into the market would foster competition, potentially leading to lower prices in the future. However, Fashola appealed to NNPCL to enhance fuel allocations to independent marketers, highlighting issues in the current distribution system that affect their profitability and operations. In a separate statement, NNPCL reiterated that there are no plans to increase petrol prices, urging Nigerians to ignore baseless rumors and reassuring them of sufficient petrol availability nationwide. Reports confirmed petrol availability in filling stations within the Federal Capital Territory, with prices ranging between N600 and 630 per litre.
Former Presidential Spokesperson, Charles Igoh Dies
The ex spokesperson to former President Shehu Shagari, Charles Amedu Igoh, has reportedly passed away. His death was announced in a statement by his son, John Ada Igoh, on Thursday. Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president, the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers. He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. Charles Amedu Igoh was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. The statement by John Igoh reads: “It is with a heavy heart, but in total submission to the will of God that we regret to announce the passing of our father, grandfather, uncle and brother, Mr Charles Amedu Igoh,which sad event occurred on Saturday the 23rd of December, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 83 years old. “Mr Charles Amedu Igoh was a journalist, media practitioner, and administrator who served as the Chief Press Secretary to Nigeria’s 2nd Republic president His Excellency the late Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979-1983. He started his journalism career in the early 70s where he was a Sports Editor and Assistant Editor at the Daily Times newspapers. “He also worked with the Nigerian Breweries in the Public Relations department. He had a stint at the National Sports Commission in the mid-70s before being appointed as the Public Relations Manager of Volkswagen Nigeria. “He served as a Press Officer to the Shehu Shagari Presidential Campaign Council in the run-up to the 1979 general elections. He was eventually appointed by the late Shehu Shagari as his Chief Press Secretary upon his victory at the polls. He served in that capacity in the first term of that administration. and then farming. He was later appointed to the Board of Directors of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in 1990. “He became a deacon in his church, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), where he served the Lord. “He is survived by children, grandchildren, younger siblings, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.”