The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Probe contractors over failed road projects’

    The former Director General of ECOWAS Inter-Government Action Group Against Money Laundering, Prof Shehu Abdulahi, at the weekend urged anti-graft agencies to beam their searchlight on poor road projects across the country.

    Abdulahi spoke at the 12th Anti-Corruption Situation Room (ACSR) with the theme: Mobilising Stakeholders for Improved Accountability and Good Governance Through Asset Declaration organised by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    Decrying the poor road projects in the country as compared to other places in West Africa, like Ghana, the professor noted that corruption must also be tackled in the area of infrastructure as contractors do not build roods according to original plans.

    “We have to fight corruption on the aspect of infrastructure. Most people awarded the contracts of building roads do not build them as contained in original plans. They reduce the size of the thickness and then launder the money,” he said.

    Read Also: Five ex-commissioners under probe for illegal auctioning of Niger vehicles

    Abdulahi also urged civil societies and anti-graft agencies to scrutinise issues of corruption “on the angle of asset declaration to know a politician’s weight in terms of asset, when coming into office and when going out of office”.

    Also, the Chairman of Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Professor Muhammed Isah, regretted that inadequate budgetary provision for the agency and the reluctance of the National Assembly to pass the bill ensuring judicial reform affected the agency’s performance.

    Isah, who spoke through the Director of CCB, Mr Okokon Esien, expressed optimism that the collaboration of other institutions with CCB would help the agency to perform maximally.

  • Okonkwo to Presidency, governors: tackle insecurity now

    President Muhammadu Buhari, governors and royal fathers were yesterday accused of not doing enough to curb killings, kidnapping and banditry.

    Giving a wake-up call, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, blamed the worsening security situation in the land on laxity and lack of concern on the part of the Presidency, governors and traditional rulers.

    According to the former Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President, “nothing would happen” until every level of leadership takes ownership of the problem of insecurity in the land.

    Okonkwo spoke yesterday after the conclusion of this year’s Leading Edge Conference at TREM (Vision House) Utako, Abuja.

    He alleged that leaders have been living in denial and that the level of insecurity in the country requires a concerted effort to tackle.

    Okonkwo said: “We must rid our country of these people who are perpetuating this evil; then, we’ll come to a headway.

    Read Also: Homosexuality, lesbianism, cause of insecurity in Nigeria – Emir

    “It’s a situation that is staring every Nigerian in the face. The situation is grinding everyone to a halt.

    “When the problem of this country is handled from tribal, religious, political or personal sentiment, we miss the whole point and we go nowhere.

    “Anyone who says there are no issues in Nigeria is either blind, deaf, or dishonest. We’re having a security situation which seems as if no one has an answer to.

    “These people didn’t drop from the sky; they came from somewhere. They will shoot people on the highway and  run back into the bush in a state where somebody is governing?

    “If we are not up and doing and stop saying it does not concern me, all of us would be in trouble.”

    The cleric noted that governors and traditional rulers should own up to the problem and stop crying foul.

    “Every day, they’re crying and I’m tired of their crying. Do something. That’s why they’re leaders,” he said.

    Okonkwo, who described the situation in the country as “scary”, said its “disturbing” that the President could be hearing about all the kidnappings and killings and still be silent.

    “I’ve also been wondering, because if I’m the one, I’ll be talking,” he said.

    On the rising wave of kidnapping, the cleric said: “I’m wondering in my mind: could it be that some people, who are not herdsmen, have hijacked this thing to make money?”

  • Council chief distributes Sallah gifts to residents

    FOUR HUNDRED residents of Surulere Local Government in Lagos State have benefited from Sallah cash rewards.

    Council Chairman Tajudeen Ajide said beneficiaries got N10,000 and N50,000.

    The beneficiaries include the aged, widows, marketmen and women, artisans and other less privileged.

    The disbursement coincided with the council’s Third Quarterly Social Intervention programme.

    Ajide said the gesture was to allow beneficiaries have a good Sallah celebration.

    Besides, the occasion was also used to provide free medical services for residents, who got free check ups and free drugs.

    Members of the legislative arm were presented with their official vehicles at the event. Eight members got a Toyota Camry each while the leader received a Venza SUV.

    The council chief also donated buses to the Political Leaders Forum in Surulere and Community Development Committee (CDC).

    Ajide said the distribution was part of his appreciation to the people for their confidence in him in the last two years.

    Read Also: Ganduje releases 200 inmates at Sallah

    He said his administration had built and rehabilitated over 25 roads.

    Many of the roads, he said, were not befitting before his intervention.

    “This is in line with our resolution to make all inner and linking roads in the council accessible and motorable for the convenience of the people and for an improved economy, ” he said.

    The Council Manager, Mr Akeem Adesanya, said allprojects, such as the one-storey Customary Court were aimed at adding value to the aesthetic look of the council.

    CDC’s Vice Chairman Pastor Toyin Ojejinmi, forum members, and Apex leader in Surulere David Adenekan thanked the chairman for the gesture, saying “it was a promise kept.”

    House Leader Mrs Barakat Bakare-Akande said the legislators would continue to discharge their duties as expected.

  • Govt ‘should’ support Rotary clubs to improve lives

    The President of Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, Mr. Babajinmi Ajibola, has enjoined the Lagos State government to support Rotary clubs in improving lives.

    Ajibola spoke at the weekend in Ikeja at his installation as the 16th president.

    He said the government should support Rotary clubs to provide humanitarian services that address peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention, access to potable water and sanitation, enhancement of maternal and child health, improvement of basic education and literacy, as well as youth/women empowerment.

    He said Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, during his tenure, would embark on projects in health and education.

    Ajibola urged the Federal Government to address insecurity so that investors would not be discouraged from doing business in Nigeria.

    Rotary Club Rotary Club restates commitment to service

    He said: “The theme for this Rotary year is ‘Rotary Connects the World’. With this, the Rotary International President, Mark Maloney, is urging Rotarians worldwide to reach out to our friends and families to become more involved in Rotary activities by pursuing better connection with them and the world… My desire is to, therefore, engage in impactful projects that will showcase us as committed Rotarians, thus making more people seek to become part of us.

    “Our projects cut across the six areas of focus in Rotary and these include promoting peace, disease prevention and treatment, providing clean water, providing maternal and child care, providing basic education and literacy as well as empowering and developing our community.”

    Ajibola, an engineer, joined Rotary Club of Omole-Golden in June 2012. He chaired Rotary Foundation in 2014/15;  International Convention in 2016/17; and others.

    chair, Rotary Foundation, 2017/18 & 2018/19 and chair, Installation Committee, 2018/19.

  • Pray for leaders, says Hajj committee chairman

    The Chairman of Lagos State Ad Hoc Committee on Hajj, Alhaji Ahmad Jebe-Abdullahi, has appealed to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to pray for their leaders at home.

    He also called for prayers for peace and stability in the country.

    Alhaji Jebe-Abdullahi said the country was in a situation where divine intervention is urgently required.

    “The rate of insecurity is worrisome. Killings, kidnappings, cultism among others in the midst of the economic instability portend great danger and they are threatening the unity of our dear nation. We can not allow these ugly incidents to fester on. It has to be brought to an end and prayers play a lot in gaining victory over the unfortunate incidents, ” he said.

    Read Also: Hajj pilgrims ascend Mount Arafat for day of worship

    Jebe-Abdullahi thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ensuring better welfare for the state pilgrims.

    He praised Saudi Arabian government for improving facilities at the Ka’abah, Muna, Arafat and the Jamrat (where stoning takes place).

    The improvement, he said, is making Hajj easier for pilgrims worldwide.

  • ‘Why calamities befall man’

    An Associate Professor from the University of Lagos, Dr Tajudeen Yusuf, has said calamities befall man due to his sins.

    He spoke on the plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia. Yusuf said Allah would not change the condition of a community except the people decided to change their ways of life.

    Tajudeen, ex-Chairman of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB) said the way out of witnessing calamity is to sincerely repent from sins.

    “Repentance must be borne out of the fear of Allah and fear of His punishment. It should not be because we have assumed a leadership position or don’t want to be exposed or ridiculed, ” he said.

    Read Also: Akeredolu preaches peace at Sallah, prays for security operatives

    He said Prophet Muhammad always sought repentance although Allah had forgiven his previous and future sins.

    The former chief of pilgrim’s board urged pilgrims to sincerely repent by not returning to their sins.

    “You know what you are doing that is sinful; I know mine. Let’s seek forgiveness from Allah and turn a new leaf. May Allah continue to guide us and the leadership in Nigeria. May we not return to Nigeria with any sin, ” he said.

    He warned mankind not to delay seeking repentance because death could come at any time.

    Allah, the don said, was happier with a man, who seeks repentance regularly.

    •From left: Dr Yusuf; Alhaji Jebe-Abdullahi; Ustadh AbdulHakeem Muhammad Awwal; Alhaji AbdulHakeem Shittu (both committee members); and Chairman of Alausa Secretariat Muslim Community Dr Tajudeen Afolabi, also on the plain of Arafat…

  • ‘Chinese group visa will boost business, tourism’

    Nigeria-based travel agency, 1860 Travels, has said China’s group visa deal will boost business and tourism by simplifying in-bound and out-bound travel between Nigeria and China.

    The firm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Francis Daodu, said the scheme, which began on August 1, had enabled Nigerian businessmen, from five persons or more, to apply for and obtain a group visa through a clear and faster process.

    He said the large number of Nigerian firms, government agencies, business people and tourists interested in the scheme suggests its impact on China-Nigeria trade and tourism would be huge.

    Daodu, who spoke to reporters at the firm’s Lagos office, said 1860 Travels was promoting the group visa scheme through its Tours2china package, which offers three flexible, convenient ways to tour several Chinese cities for business and pleasure.

    Read Also: China launches world’s first intelligent mega oil tanker

    The Chinese government approved the group visa programme last month, after nearly one year of negotiation, and 1860 Travels was the only agency through which Nigerian travellers could process the group visa in Nigeria.

    The firm is the Nigerian partner of Bravo International Tour Service of China, through which the Chinese government approved the… scheme.

    Daodu said: “We are …experiencing both out-bound and in-bound travel (through the Tours2china brand). So, it is not just going to be Nigerians going to China. This brand has created a platform for Chinese to visit Africa and Nigeria.

    “This is the best of cultural exchange between China and Nigeria. During the Yuletide … we will be expecting quite a lot of Chinese to visit Nigeria.”

    The CEO, however, noted that a refundable fee will be charged in order to prevent abscondment.

    He advised interested travellers to get more details on www.tours2china.com

    “We don’t want this platform to abruptly come to an end in the name of abscondment.

    “It is expected that this will be a legitimate means for those who wants to travel to China for leisure or personal business.

    “This brand has put together a package for those who want to travel to China for personal reasons. For any travel tourist anywhere in the world, your intention is to go see, explore and exploit. And then, rake in all the benefits you can rake while still in that country” The CEO said.

    Speaking on the security of the travellers, Dauda assured that “It is pretty safe and pretty secure, coupled with the knowledge of the low crime rate in China compared with other climes.

    “We have an already waiting team as soon as you arrive at any airport in China and you are ushered to a waiting transportation that will take you to your already booked hotel.”

  • Obaseki’s ex-aide takes govenor, deputy to CCB

    John Maiyaki, an ex- aide to Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, has taken the governor and his deputy, Phillip Shuaibu, to the Conduct of Conduct Bureau (CCB).

    He accused them of misconduct and abuse of office through issuance of a proclamation for the inauguration of the House of Assembly, which excluded some members.

    Maiyaki also wants CCB to investigate the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osatodion Ogie, for alleged breach of  Paragraphs 1 and 9 of part 1 of the 5th schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

    In an August 9 petition submitted to CCB, Maiyaki said the governor, his deputy and the SSG, jointly and severally abused their office by unlawfully excluding 14 elected members of the House of Assembly from participating in its first session of June 17.

    Read Also: Obaseki celebrates with Prof. Ifidon at 80

    According to him, the governor clandestinely issued a proclamation without notice to 14 lawmakers-elect and the public, an act which was prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act was unlawful and contrary to government policy.

    Maiyaki also alleged the governor and others abused their office “by engaging in an arbitrary act of unlawfully refusing to comply with the resolutions of the National Assembly directing the …governor of Edo State to issue a valid proclamation for the first session of the EDHA in accordance with the provisions of Section 105 (3) of the 1999 Constitution.”

    He asked the CCB to prosecute the governor, his deputy and secretary for breach of paragraphs 1 and 9 of the Code of Conduct applicable to public officers and apply the required sanction as contained in paragraph 18 (2).

  • Edo govt to host ex-APC chair at 80

    The Edo State government will today hold a reception to celebrate former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief John Odigie-Oyegun to mark his 80th birthday.

    A statement by Chairman of the Organising Committee and political aide to the ex-APC chair Ray Murphy said the reception was part of activities lined up for the week-long celebration, which started on Saturday, with a golf tournament in Benin.

    Murphy said the activities would be rounded up with a public lecture on August 17 at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.

    The statement reads: “I can tell you that President Muhammadu Buhari will personally grace the event. The governors, across party divide, have equally indicated interest to celebrate a quintessential politician like Oyegun.

    “It will be the gathering of heavyweight political stalwarts, eminent Nigerians and members of the international community. Every arrangement has been made and I can assure you that Chief Oyegun is ready to be hosted.

    “The programme of activities started last week with a golf tournament in Benin. The state government will also host him to a reception today after a thanksgiving ceremony in Benin. Chief Oyegun deserves every encomium showered on him for attaining that age.”

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has felicitated with Odigie-Oyegun, describing him as a diligent worker and exemplary leader.

    Read Also: Buhari greets Chief Odigie Oyegun at 80

    Fayemi, in a congratulatory message by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode, described the ex-APC chair as a thorough bred administrator, who built an enviable public service record through sheer hard work, brilliance and integrity.

    According to him, the younger generation of public servants and politicians would learn much from Chief Oyegun’s political philosophy, which sees leadership strictly as a call to serve others.

    The statement reads: “At 80, Chief Oyegun remains an enigma, a reference point in humility, selfless service and integrity in public service. The younger generation of public servants and politicians have a lot to learn from the track record of this great leader-retired permanent secretary, former governor and first National Chairman of APC.

    “I wish you good health, undiluted joy and perfect bliss. Our prayer is that God keeps blessing you with wisdom and good health as you continue to contribute to development of our dear country,” it said.

    National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Prince Uche Secondus has described Odigie-Oyegun as a national leader and committed democrat.

    Secondus, in a goodwill message to Oyegun, said the ex-party chair proved himself as a great leader who puts the country’s interest first.

    In a statement yesterday by his media aide, Ike Abonyi, he said: “To the glory of God, you have distinguished yourself as a foremost technocrat whose contributions to the socio-political and economic development of our country remains clearly noticeable.”

    “The rare quality of character displayed by Chief Oyegun in the public service stood him out as an accomplished national figure. He brought discipline into governance, which has set him aside as an outstanding national leader with a lot of character to bequeath to the younger generation…”

  • Transporter refunds N2.2b overpaid into his account

    Managing Director of Peace Mass Transit (PMT) Dr Maduka Onyishi has returned N2,219,500,000 paid into his account. The money was refunded in the presence of reporters and other stakeholders.

    A cheque bearing the overpaid amount was received on behalf of First Bank by the Business Manager, Commercial Banking, Kokelu Ben and Branch Manager, Unity Bank, Enugu Branch, Mrs. Ifeoma Eleanya.

    Explaining how he discovered the money in his First Bank account, Onyishi said he had requested $3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through Unity Bank, only to be paid $10 million, which is about N3,219,500,000, representing an excess of N2,219,500,000.

    He said:  “The amount they paid in was N3,219,500,000, but my money there is N1,000,000,000, so the balance is not mine. I said I cannot invest this money and be profiting from another person’s sweat, and I can’t also keep it. I can’t keep $7 million that doesn’t belong to me.

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    “I told my bank to pay money into my account that I want to take $3 million but they paid $10 million instead. I called them and informed them of the overpayment but they said the $10 million was mine.

    “I told them they failed to give me a statement of my account even when I demanded for it severally. I discovered later that the amount was even more than what we are talking about because there was another person I asked the bank to pay who they paid extra.

    “I made enquiries and they told me that I should wait until when it was time for banks to reconcile accounts to find where the error stemmed from. I waited for a month and no one called me. I told the devil that he is a deceiver and a liar. He knows that I need money now, that is why this thing is happening now.

    “That’s why I invited First Bank and Unity Bank and reporters. I said let me give the money to First Bank, if they find out that the money is mine, they should return it. If it belongs to Unity Bank or CBN, give it to them. If it is your own, keep it. So, I am giving this money to you to keep on trust.”

    He called on the management of CBN, Unity Bank and First Bank to look into the origin of the money and such leakages could come with dire consequences for any commercial institution.

    Ben, in his remarks, said: “I don’t have any official thing to say but I must state that Dr Onyishi is a man of integrity. When we look into the situation, we will advise him on what happened and how to remedy this situation’’.