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Job Racketeering: ICPC begins investigation of bribery allegation against Reps C’ttee

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced investigation into bribery allegations against the House of Representatives Committee on job racketeering and gross mismanagement in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Azuka Ogugua, spokesperson for ICPC, said this in a statement at the weekend in Abuja.
Ogugua said that the ICPC received petitions from an online medium, Premium Times Nigeria; and Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, Chairman of the ad hoc committee, to investigate bribery allegations against the probe panel.

The online medium published a story alleging that some members of the committee requested vice chancellors and heads of tertiary institutions to pay certain amounts to an account as bribes.

The story also claimed that the account was dedicated for the purpose of giving a soft landing to any institutions’ that would pay the bribe money into it during the investigation.

Members of the committee were also said to have engaged in extortion from heads of MDAs, including those of academic institutions.

On Thursday, Gagdi had had said the committee wrote to ICPC to investigate the allegations of bribery and extortion against the members of the committee.

The chairman said that the committee had written to ICPC to investigate the account number allegedly released to heads of tertiary institutions for payment of the bribe.

“I have already written to the ICPC to investigate the account number that was published by an online medium the owner of that account, whether there is any transaction by vice chancellors and rectors of polytechnic in the country.”

Gagdi threatened that the committee would take legal action against the online medium over the publication, which aim, he said, was to “blackmail and discredit” the committee.

09/02/2023
FG launches initiative to provide 5m eye glasses to visually impaired Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has thrown his full support behind a groundbreaking collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation.

This partnership seeks to deliver over five million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with vision impairments.

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, issued a statement on Friday confirming President Tinubu’s commitment to the initiative after a courtesy visit by Prof. Andrew Bastawrous, the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund.

President Tinubu shared a personal connection to the cause, recounting how his mother’s eye health issue inspired his dedication to mass provision of eye care services.

He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all Nigerians, especially those who may not have someone to advocate for them, have access to proper eye care.

The President reminisced about the positive impact of free eye screenings and surgeries in Lagos during his tenure as Governor and pledged his support to expanding such efforts nationwide.

He further expressed concern for the more than 24 million Nigerians facing varying degrees of vision impairments, emphasizing the critical role of sight in economic development, whilst citing his visionary “Jigi Bola” program initiated during his governorship tenure, which set the standard for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa.

“My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognise me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses. The next question she asked me was: ‘I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them?

“So, I made a promise to her that I will pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed.

“We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses,” the President fondly recalled.

Prof. Bastawrous, sharing his own transformative experience with vision care, stressed that good vision unlocks human potential and improves earning, learning, and overall wellness.

He highlighted the chronic underfunding of eye care in many countries, including Nigeria, where a mere 0.0002 percent of the health budget is allocated to eye health.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to President Tinubu.

He praised the President’s dedicated team in the health sector and welcomed Peek Vision’s methodology and platform to unlock resources for eye health in Nigeria. Prof. Bastawrous mentioned that similar initiatives had unlocked substantial funds in other countries.

The initiative aims to provide five million eyeglasses to Nigerians with vision impairments, representing a significant step toward improved eye health and enhanced opportunities for individuals and communities across Nigeria.

09/01/2023
Anti-corruption groups demand transparency in investigation of Kano PCACC Chairman

A coalition of prominent civil society groups dedicated to combating corruption and promoting transparency and accountability is closely monitoring the alleged investigation of Barrister Muhyi Rimingado, Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (Kano State PCACC), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

The statement, jointly signed by Olanrewaju Suraju of HEDA, Anwalu Musa Rafsanjani of CISLAC, David Ugolor of ANEEJ, Ibrahim M. Zikrullahi of CHRICED, and Muhammed Attah of PRADIN, underscores the coalition’s commitment to tracking developments in this case as they unfold.

The coalition expresses concern that this probe follows the PCACC’s inquiry into alleged financial misconduct during the previous administration led by Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who currently serves as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The coalition stands in support of Chairman Muhyi Rimingado, believing that he will emerge unscathed from the investigation.

In their official statement, the coalition commends the EFCC and CCB for their efforts to uphold transparency and accountability. They call upon these agencies to conduct their duties with unwavering professionalism and integrity, free from political interference.

The statement emphasizes the importance of an impartial and thorough inquiry into recent developments surrounding the investigation of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman. The credibility and reputation of the Kano State PCACC depend on demonstrating transparency and fairness in its internal processes. All parties involved are urged to collaborate closely and adhere strictly to established legal procedures.

The anti-corruption groups further call on the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission, the EFCC, and the CCB to foster a spirit of collaboration in their individual anti-corruption pursuits. Timely cooperation between these agencies is crucial to addressing historical and current allegations of corruption promptly and diligently.

By working together, these organizations can significantly contribute to a governance framework in Kano State characterized by transparency and accountability. For these groups, the commitment to eradicating corruption goes beyond mere rhetoric; it represents a shared conviction that eliminating corruption is fundamental to sustainable development, social justice, and the overall well-being of society.

The coalition remains optimistic that the involved agencies will uphold the highest standards of professionalism and make substantial contributions to the realization of a corruption-free Kano State while holding former public office holders in the state accountable for their actions before the Kano State Anti-Corruption Commission.

09/01/2023
NUC, VCs deny bribery allegation against Reps C’ttee

The National Universities Commission (NUC) and Committee of Vice Chancellors (VCs) have denied bribery and extortion allegations against the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee probing job racketeering and mismanagement of IPPIS in MDAs.

Prof. Chris Maiyaki, the acting Executive Secretary, NUC, and Prof. Isiah Tanko, the VC of University of Jos, denied the allegation as reported by an online medium.

They denied the report attributed to them when they jointly appeared before the committee in Abuja on Friday.

Speaking on the issue as reported by the medium which alleged that the committee collected money from NUC and VCs for soft-landing over the probe, the NUC official said the report was baseless.

According to him, the publication is regrettable, whatever the substance is, we wish that this does not impugn the partnership we have with the lawmakers which we should be promoting.

Maiyaki said the universities occupied a special place in the life of any nation, advising that the lawmakers and the universities should come together to create a game changer for the country.

On his part, Tanko, who represented Prof. Lilian Salami, the Chairman of the Committee of VCs, said they read the publication, but added that the VCs were not part of the allegation.

“We read the disturbing publication and I can say that the VCs were not part of that and we did not provide any bribe to anybody,

“We all dispersed from the committee investigative hearing as soon as we finished the last time we appeared before you,” said the representatives of the VCs.

Maiyaki stressed that: “Soliciting money for bribes is out of contest and not true, the reporter did not find out the fact. We have hope and confidence in this ad hoc committee.”

He said more than five programmes of University of Jos were in danger of being dis-accredited because of lack of manpower, adding “we were looking up to the committee to correct that”.

The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, however noted that the publication was a sponsored to divert the attention of the members from finding out the deep-rooted evil that existed in public sectors.

“It is not even our mandate to investigate the publication by Premium Times, but to investigate alleged racketeering in MDAs.

“The investigating authorities like the ICPC and EFCC have been given the mandate to investigate those allegations and the account number,” he said.

09/01/2023
N5bn Palliatives: FG has released N2bn to States, FCT -Wale Edun

The minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Wale Edun has said that the sum of N2 billion has been released to the 36 States and the federal capital territory.

The minister, who said this during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, said the money is a combination of loans and grant.

Edun said the federal government decided to release the money in tranches to avert further spikes in the inflation rate.

He said, “On the issue of the N5 billion, it is a combination of grants from the federal government and borrowing by the states. And of course, although the sum of N5bn is earmarked, you will agree with me that if you release such funds across all states at once, it will be self-defeating and it will lead to an inflationary spiral, lead to cost of goods going up, and exchange rate liquidity will go up,” he said.

The minister further said that the N500 billion palliatives is part of the federal government’s support to poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

He said “the president is going to deliver a better life to Nigerians by encouraging investment that increases productivity that grows the economy and thereby creating jobs and reducing poverty”.

Acknowledging the hardship currently being experienced by Nigerians over the removal of petrol subsidy, the minister said that in a little while, the whole system will begin to experience the benefits of the subsidy.

He said: “There are funds in domiciliary accounts and If you give people the incentives they will utilise those funds in Nigerians for Nigerians. They have huge holdings in foreign currency in banks abroad, in financial institutions abroad. We need to provide the environment that brings those funds home, to choose to invest in the Nigerian economy rather than foreign economy.”

The Chairman presidential Committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms, Taiwo Oyedele said the federal government would rake into its coffers N20 trillion if the right taxes are paid.

He added that the government was in the process of reviewing the incentives that has been granted over the years.

According to him, the sum of N6 billion is lost by the government from incentives.

He insisted that going forward, incentives would be targeted at those that need it the most saying that the country could “make more money from tax than we can do from crude oil.”

09/01/2023
Police neutralise kidnappers, rescue victim in Imo

The Police Command in Imo on Friday, said it had neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim at Avu near Owerri.

The command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, who disclosed this in a statement, said one locally made cut-to-size gun, two cutlasses, and charms were recovered from the suspects.

He said the Police swung into action following a distress call made by a “Good Samaritan” on Aug. 29, at about 12:30p.m. along Umuezorokam- Avu in Owerri West Local Government Area in an attempt to kidnap a man (name withheld).

“The DPO in-charge of Nekede Divisional headquarters swiftly mobilised his men and stormed the scene with the assistance of some local vigilance group.

“The hoodlums on sighting the Police immediately opened fire but were overwhelmed by the professionalism and stiff resistance showcased by the ever-gallant operatives, who maneuvered into vintage position and returned fire.

“In the ensuing gun duel, two of the criminal syndicates were neutralised while others escaped to the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries.

“Efforts are on top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate,” Okoye said.

The command’s spokesman said the victim was rescued with a deep machete cut on his hand and other parts of his body and was immediately rushed to Federal Medical Centre Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

He said the lifeless bodies of the neutralised hoodlums have been deposited at the morgue for preservation.

He commended the DPO Nekede, his men, and the local vigilantes for a job well done.

Okoye reiterated the commitment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Barde, to ensuring that the life and properties of all and sundry in the state are adequately protected.

“The Commissioner of Police stated in strong terms that there will be no hiding place for criminally minded elements across the length and breadth of Imo.

“He has beckoned on residents to continue to support the Police and other sister security agencies in the onslaught against all forms of crime and criminality in the state.

“In case of emergencies, the command can be reached via 08034773600 or 08098880197,” Okoye added.

09/01/2023
Without France there’d be no Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger – Macron

French President, Emmanuel Macron has said that France has played an important role in the survival of African countries Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

According to Macron, “Without France’s military operations in the Sahel there would probably no longer be a Mali or Burkina Faso, and I’m not sure there would still be Niger”, French President Emmanuel Macron told French publication Le Point.

Macron is referring to the former colonial power’s interventions in the mid-2000s, Operations Serval and Barkhane.

French troops were moved from Mali to Niger after its military leaders cut ties with the former colonial power.

He said the interventions were done “at the request of African states” and were “successful” as his policy is facing scrutiny in the face of losing the allyship of last remaining ally, Niger, and increasing negative sentiment from Africans.

He went on to explain that while these operations reflect France’s “honour” and “responsibility”, France could no longer remain involved “when there is a coup d’état, and the priority of the new regimes is not to fight terrorism” even though this is “tragic for the states concerned”.

In the interview, Macron defended his administration’s policy in the Sahel as one of partnership rather than focusing on security.

France refuses to acknowledge coup leader General Abdurahman Tchiani’s announcement that all military deals between Niger and France are terminated, and more than a thousand French troops remain stationed at a military base there.

09/01/2023
Subsidy Removal: NLC declares 2-day warning strike

The Nigeria Labour Congres (NLC) has declared a two-day warning strike, beginning on Tuesday, September 5, in protest against the Federal Government for failing to address the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the declaration on Friday during a press conference at the Labour House in Abuja, while speaking on resolutions by the NLC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting the previous day.

The labour union is accusing the Federal Government of abandoning the negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous meetings with the government.

On August 2, organised labour protested what it described as the anti-people policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.

The protest followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government demanding “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.

The union also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000, saying that since the President’s “subsidy is gone” inauguration speech of May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.

Several meetings between the Presidency and the unions on palliatives for Nigerians suffering hardship in the wake of the petrol subsidy removal proved abortive.

Last month, NLC president Joe Ajaero argued that the N5 billion approved for each state and the FCT to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal was inadequate to impact on the people.

Ajaero had argued that if calculated, the N5 billion would not amount to N1,500 per person.

According to him, it is unclear whether the money is a loan or a palliative to the states or to Nigerians.

“The first increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the last one moved a lot of people from the borderline to a very high level of poverty,” he said.

“Now, if you calculate it, you will discover that this will not translate to N1,500 per person and you ask: is that the impact? Is that really what we want to achieve? Let’s assume it’s a loan. What is really going to happen? Is it garbage in, garbage out?

“If it is N5 billion, I think organised labour would want anybody to do the calculation and tell us how it is going to impact Nigerians on what is happening currently. If it is a loan, then it is too bad.”

09/01/2023
Vandals attack Jigawa water plant, steal items worth N20m

Suspected vandals have attacked the Birninkudu Water Treatment Plant in Birninkudu Local Government Area of Jigawa, beat up workers and stole items worth over N20 million.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba, made this known when he inspected the facility on Friday.

Garba, who expressed worry over the incident, said government will take drastic measures against those sabotaging its efforts to provide potable water to residents of the state.

“This is very sad and unfortunate indeed. Items worth over N20 million were stolen by the vandals.

“This is the first time this is happening since the creation of this water facility in Birninkudu in the last 50 years.

“This is happening across the state as it happened in Kazaure where about 20 boreholes were destroyed, cables dug out and carted away, it also happened in Babura, Gumel and Dutse. So, it rampantly happening,” Garba lamented.

He added that the rampant theft and destruction of water facilities across the state is causing hardship to the citizens in terms of access to potable water and causing set to government efforts to provide water for all.

The commissioner therefore, advised the general public to take full ownership of all facilities and other critical infrastructure provided by government facilities in their respective communities and report any suspicious movement around such facilities to the security agencies for prompt action.

Also speaking, the Zonal Manager of the Jigawa Water Board, in charge of Birninkudu, Buji and Gwaram, Malam Yunusa Shuaibu, who was among those attacked by the suspected vandals, told newsman that the hoodlums attacked the facility at about midnight on Tuesday.

“It was on Tuesday around midnight that a gang of people numbering about 10 carrying dangerous weapons attacked the facility where I the manager and two other staff were attacked.

“They tied me up and hit me and other staff with stick, while one staff managed to escape.

“They cut off cables and stole items worth over N20 million, in they ransacked the facility,” the official alleged.

Shuaibu listed the items stolen by the suspected vandals as high lift cable (150mm×4core), DB cable (100mm×4core), two high lift rotor (75kv), three Kickstarters (100kv), four solar batteries (300arm) and computers.

Others are stock cable (6mm flexible, 150mm×4core, 100mm×4core and 16mm×4core), two batteries (150arm 12vol), pump (30kv), seven impellers, overload spear parts, iron slab and five mobile phones.

Also, commenting the Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Magaji Yusif, pointed out that the substantial number of residents of the area depend on the facility for their daily water need.

Yusif said two third of the 200,000 residents of the local government could not get access to water due to the vandalism.

He added that the facility, built in 1972, treats 400 cubic litre of water per hour.

The chairman promised that the council will take proactive measures to forestall future occurence of the incidents.

According to him, the council will also take immediate action to ensure that water supply continues, pending the general repair of the facility by the state government.

09/01/2023
Troops crackdown on oil thieves in Imo, Delta

The Nigeria Army has confirmed its cracked down on illegal refineries in Imo and Delta, with seizure of several litres of illegally refined Petroleum products.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the Troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, on Monday, cracked down on an oil thieves’ camp in Obokofia Community in Imo while conducting anti-oil theft operations.

According to him, the vigilant troops intercepted 15 sacks and 13 Jerry cans of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camp.

He added that the troops also recovered two pumping machines, three power generators, one hose and a tool box used for hacking into oil pipelines.

Nwachukwu said the troops, while acting on credible information, on Tuesday, intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 110 sacks of illegally refined AGO concealed in the creeks of Egbema West in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo.

“The vigilant troops equally intercepted two vehicles loaded with 18 sacks of illegally refined AGO within the same general area.

“Members of the public are please implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations to curb economic sabotage in the country,” he said.

According to him, “Troops of 3 Battalion also on Monday, clamped down on an active illegal oil refining site containing three cooking ovens and six reservoirs at Enokora Community in Burutu LGA of Delta.”

08/31/2023