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  • ITF seeks partnership from states, OPS, others

    The Director-General,  Industrial  Training  Fund (ITF), Joe Ari, has appealed  for partnership  from stakeholders, stating that tackling unemployment is not the responsibility of the  organisation alone.

    Ari said the cooperation and  collaboration of all state governments,  organised private sector (OPS), politicians and other stakeholders are critical to defeat the scourge of unemployment.

    He spoke in Abuja during a press conference, assuring that the  ITF door is open for partnership in any aspect of human capacity development, vocational and technical skills training.

    He said:  “In the face of this bleak outlook and in line with our mandate,  the  fund unveiled one of its most ambitious plans since establishment tagged the  ITF review vision,  strategy for mandate actualisation.

    “The six years plan was divided into quick wins,  medium and long term goals.  The implementation of the plan which commenced in late 2016 will terminate in 2022. The key objective of the plan was to accelerate the impartatio of technical vocational skills to Nigerias, aggressively  address service challenges,  tackle infrastructure deficits,  expand revenue generation.

    “About two years into its implementation,  it has trained over 150,000 Nigerians,  who are today earning sustainable livelihood as paid employees,  or as entrepreneur that are employing others.

    “To achieve this, we expanded existing skills acquisition programmes and introduce new initiatives.  These programs include the National  Industrial  Skills  Development  Programme (NISDP),  Women Skills Empowerment Programs (WOSEP),  Passion to Profession Programme (P2PP),  Skills Training Empowerment Program (STEPP-C),  and the Construction Skill Empowerment Programme  (CONSEP) among others.”

  • Policy makers seek social inclusion, improved welfare for women, others

    Nigerian women have made case for better social inclusion, funding and social welfare services for women, children, vulnerable and individuals with disabilities ahead of next year’s general elections.

    This was the thrust of the 18th Regular National Council meeting on Women Affairs and Social Development, hosted by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    The theme of the meeting was: Peace Security and Social Inclusion: Key Building Blocks for Achieving Economic Growth and sustainable Development in Nigeria.

    The four-day event held at the Academy Inn and Multi-Purpose Limited in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital.

    The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ifeoma Anagbogu, noted that the parley set out to address the formulation of policies, initiate projects and programmes and ensure their implementation to enhance the livelihood of the target groups.

    The groups captured under the initiative include women, children, the aged, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of the society.

    Mrs. Anagbogu said issue about gender parity, better social services and funding were highlighted.

    According to her, the Federal Government has done a lot to support and empower the targeted individuals, especially with the social investment programmes, the JEEP, NAWEF, Conditional Cash Transfer, different rebates and the support women have received through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions to enable them build their businesses.

    She said: “Even at the sub-national level, most states give special concessions to persons with disabilities in employment, support, education and more to encourage them to be self-reliant.

    “This is the technical session of the meeting. We have 152 memoranda we are going to review and the adopted ones will be presented at the session coming up on Thursday by the policy section of the council to churn out policies promoting women welfare and others in society.

    “I urge Nigerian women to believe and love one another as well as do all they can to empower themselves as much as they can, to be self-reliant and maintain their status in their various domains.

    “Investing in a woman translates to investing in the entire nation. We would like to have women supported and empowered owing to the role they play in the society.”

  • 2019: Shittu, Akande, others team up against Ajimobi

    As All Progressives Congress prepares to elect its 2019 governorship candidate in Oyo State, Sunday Oguntola reports on the ongoing intigues to challenge Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s alleged bid to install a preferred aspirant

    MINISTER of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and Chairman of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Adeolu Akande, are believed to be leading forces bent on frustrating Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi from installing his successor in 2019.

    Ajimobi, who has not declared his anointed aspirant, has been engaged in an intense battle for the soul of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state with Shittu, Akande and several other bigwigs in the party.

    Incidentally, Shittu and Akande, the two most senior political appointees from the state at the federal level, are nursing the ambition of succeeding Ajimobi in May 2019. It is however said that the governor is seriously opposed to their ambitions and prepared to snuff them out politically.

    Investigations revealed that the two federal political appointees have teamed up with other forces within the APC to wrest power from the governor and truncate plans to install his preferred aspirant. Though Ajimobi has not been forthcoming on his choice, the coalition believes he is grooming Adebayo Adelabu, the grandson of late Ibadan strongman, Adegoke Adelabu, popularly known as Penkelemesi.

    The younger Adebayo retired as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently and has been engaging in several empowerment projects in the state. He has also built businesses in Ibadan, the capital, to dispel the notion that he is more of a ‘foreign-based’ politician. The businesses, including event centres, hotels and factories, have provided employment opportunities to youths, shoring up his image as a grassroots politician.

    Though Ajimobi, privately or publicly, has not declared his preference, it is widely believed among members of the Shittu/Akande coalition that Adelabu is the governor’s candidate as successor. They claim Ajimobi’s widely reported support for power shift to Oke-Ogun is just a gimmick aimed at shielding his real choice.

    Incidentally Shittu and Akande are from Oke-Ogun region of Oyo-North that has never produced a governor since the creation of the state. The situation has created a loud cry for power-shift to the agricultural bastion of Oyo State. Shittu is from Saki in Saki West local Government Council while Akande is an indigene of Otu in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

    Our correspondent gathered that the duo is behind the Unity Forum, a splinter group in the state APC. The group held a parallel congress in May with the Chief Akin-Oke-led group backed by the governor.

    The APC National Working Committee (NWC) however recognises the government-backed faction, forcing the unity forum, which also comprises loyalists of former Governor Lam Adesina, to ditch the APC last month.

    It boasts of nine of the 14 House of Representatives members, two of the three senators and several members of the House of Assembly, including the Deputy Speaker. Spokesman of the forum, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, said its members were joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    Olatunbosun said: “We had no option than to look elsewhere for opportunity. We ventilated our anger through the appropriate channel but President Muhammadu Buhari reportedly said the party’s soul should be delivered to the governor and that we in the Unity Group should apologise to the governor.

    “We considered this as an insult despite all we have done to make the party leadership see reason. This is someone who has done us and the party so much harm. So, we concluded to seek solace in ADC.”

    But it was learnt the defection to ADC is only one of the several measures to stop Ajimobi from having the upper hand in the power struggle. While some members of the forum have left the party, many others are still within the APC to block every move of the governor.

    The Unity Forum members who left were said to be disposed to the idea of winning tickets for their different political ambitions in ADC where they have been more or less guaranteed support. But even though they are in the ADC, they have been briefed to maintain regular contacts and interests in the happenings within the APC.

    Among them is Akande, who is strongly tipped to pick the governorship ticket of the ADC, all things being equal. Akande served as Chief of Staff to Ajimobi in the first term. The Professor of political science is Director of Centre for Presidential Studies, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State.

    It is believed he is pretty close to bigwigs at the Presidential Villa, a factor that got him chairmanship of NITDA. His posters and bill boards are the most visible in Ibadan, fuelling speculations he has many moneybags backing him.

    Many other aspirants are also in the ADC to pick up tickets before slugging it out with those backed by the governor at the general election. For them, it appears they are out of the APC but retain several structures and components in the ruling party to spring surprises at the deadliest moments.

    Those who remain with the APC are also said to be aggrieved and shut out of contests by the governor and his men. But they have an understanding to play along and not give away the fact that they are enchanted. This is to enable them serve more or less as moles, while gathering intelligence that could give the APC much troubles in the weeks ahead.

    They are expected to give Ajimobi’s men a big run for his money, especially since the party structure appears to be firmly in their  grips. This segment is allegedly headed by Shittu, who has remained confident of picking the governorship ticket given a level-playing ground. The Minister has a long battle ahead, considering the party’s delegates are not loyal to him. He is believed to be working on convincing some of them to switch camps through constant engagements and dialogues.

    Shittu’s biggest asset is his closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari, dating back to their days in the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). The Minister according to a source, considers himself the only man Buhari admires and finds trustworthy in Oyo State.

    He also claimed to be the most experienced politician in Oyo State, having served as a local government chairman, Commissioner, House of Assembly member and Minister. But there is the perception he is not a generous politician despite his deep pocket.

    With him still in the APC, Ajimobi won’t find it easy to install his preferred candidate. A member of theUnity Forum, who spoke with our correspondent under strict anonymity, said: “We won’t concede the party to them at all. We will stay put and fight from within.

    “We are eager to see it whatever they plan to do will materialize with our number and influence. The truth is we are far more than them but they are using state powers to appear like the more popular. When it comes to the time to decide who gets what, I assure you we would emerge victorious.

    “You know they appear to have won round one. But there is still round two and round three. That is where our strength lies. You will be amazed how much swings we would pull at that moment. Then the governor will be shocked to realise he is not as popular as he thinks he is.”

    The gang-up within and without against Ajimobi, it was learnt, will receive more impetus in the coming days and weeks with several planned defections and unexpected twists within the APC.

    “We are more than determined to pull the rugs from under them. You know they are under the delusion they are in charge but we will let them know who the master here is really,” the source further stated.

    Checks revealed that the governor’s camp is fully aware of a few of the measures. It was gathered there is an ongoing onslaught against those considered to be inimical to its interests within the APC fold. This, it was learnt, was responsible for last week’s expulsion of Deputy Speaker Musah Abdulwasi by Saki West chapter over alleged anti-party activities.

    But Abdulwasi has denied the purported expulsion as a laughable ruse. He said he remains a bona fide member of the party and cannot be expelled without recourse to the dictates of the APC’s constitution.

    A source in the governor’s camp said: “The weeding process is ongoing. We have identified those who are with us and those against us. In the coming days, we shall give them the appropriate treatment they deserve.

    “You can be rest assured we would do the needful as we discover them one after the other. Everything they plan is within our view and earshot.”

  • Eight held as Customs seizes codeine syrup, others

    GOODS worth over N2 billion were impounded  by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) between July 25 and August 7, Area Controller, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Mohammed Uba, said yesterday.

    He told reporters at the unit’s Ikeja, Lagos command, that 17 assorted vehicles were also seized.

    Eight suspects, the outgoing controller said, were arrested.

    The unit seized 17 posh vehicles with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N384 million.

    Among the vehicles is a MAN diesel truck, registered as XB   286 BEN, carrying 2,748 cartons of DSP codeine cough syrup 100mg (100 per   carton) and 95 cartons of Chaka pain Xtra.

    The truck, it was learnt, was intercepted at Afromedia Estate, by Egbeda junction, near Alaba International Market.

    The Nation gathered it was the second time the unit was intercepting the substance since the Federal Government banned importation of cough syrup containing codeine.

    The substance is valued at N1.1 billion.

    The driver, sources said, on fled on sighting FOU officers.

    “Also, 49 cartons of Tramadol capsules 100mg were evacuated from a warehouse in Ajao Estate, based on information. The drugs will be handed over to National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation.

    “Among the seizure was the evacuation of 21 sacks of pangolin scales weighing 1,031kg and four pieces of elephant tusk weighing 29.35kg from a shop located   at Tejuosho market in Lagos, based on information.”

    The Warehouse Operations team, the controller said, was led by AC Mutalib Sule.

    “The occupant of the shop fled and is still at large, but investigation is on towards getting the culprit   arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

    The DPV of the seized  goods, according to the controller, was over N253 million.

    “You will recall that the Minister of State for Environment, Mallam Usman Jibril, accompanied by the CITES Delegates from UN, visited the unit, inspected the previous seizure of such endangered species this year and hailed us for a job well done. The trade on such endangered species is globally prohibited, hence the need for us to fight against such illegality.

    “Also, within the weeks under review, the unit intercepted one Ford Transit bus with engine number XL32452L in Olorunda, Ogun State, conveying 39 sacks and 1,220 parcels of Cannabis Sativa popularly called Indian hemp, weighing 1, 610kg,   concealed with baskets of   fresh tomato, pepper and vegetable. In the spirit of inter-agency relationship, the seized substance will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation. Other seized items include: 17 units of posh vehicles, 1,380 bags of foreign parboiled rice, 1, 126 pieces of used shoes and 140 jerry can of vegetable oil.

    ‘’Among the detained vehicles were seven Toyota Land Cruiser Sport Utility Vehicles (2015-2018), four Toyota Hiace buses (2017), two Toyota Coaster buses (2017)and four Toyota Camry (2014).

    ‘’Four of the vehicles, investigation showed, were intercepted on Ijebu-Ode Expressway, while 13 were evacuated from Plot 1, Akin Tailor Close, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, based on information.

    “Eight suspects were nabbed in connection with the 25 seizures.

  • Saraki, others, never supported Buhari in Senate, says Omo-Agege

    Senator Ovie Omo-Agege said yesterday that Senate President Bukola Saraki as the presiding officer, never supported President Muhammmau Buhari in the Senate.

    He said his exit from the ruling party would not lead to a major loss by the APC.

    He said: “Defections are bound to happen, mostly at this season. Those who left went to their natural habitat. These are people who had never supported President Mohammadu Buhari, especially in the Senate.

    “We are glad that they have gone, so you can see that those who are left now are those who will champion the cause of Buhari. We are not and have never regretted that they have gone, it gives us an insight to know the true APC members in the house.

    Omo-Agege spoke at an event in Emevor, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, which was attended by  APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Delta State APC Chairman Jones Ode Erue and Partyy chief Great Ogboru.

    On which party holds the majority in the Senate he said “All I can tell you is that APC has 52 senators, PDP has 49, ADC 2, APGA 2 and there are two vacancies.

    “Those two vacancies will be filled on the 11th of this month and those elections are going to be held in our party (APC) stronghold; Katsina and Bauchi states. Even without those two seats, APC commands majority in the senate.

    “With respect to the senate president, he knows or he ought to know that the right thing for him to do is to step down. There is no way he can continue to lead the senate when he now belongs to the minority party and he knows that.

    On whether the mass defections will affect the reelection of President Mohammadu Buhari, he said, “I will tell you that as they are leaving APC, we also have people from PDP who are also coming, especially what is happening in Kwara State. While those in APC are going to PDP, those in PDP left to APC

    Minister of Infoormation Lai Mohammed speaking in Lagos at the weekend said the day Saraki lobbied the opposition party to become the Senate President, the relationship between the executive and legislature had been turbulent.

    “In fact, we could not have suffered more as an executive in the hands of the legislature if a PDP person had been the senate president,” he said.

    He denied the allegation of lopsided appointment in Kwarans by the Buhari administration. “No fewer than 24 indigenes of Kwara were given federal appointments of which I only recommended two while the Senate President recommended 20.”

    On those complaining of not being given “juicy appointments”, the minister said people complaining were not ready to serve and turn things around but eyeing what to steal.

    “It is not true that a particular part of the country is being favoured against the other. I challenge anybody to go to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and take out the list of appointees under this administration; you willsee that we have been fair to all.

  • Ex- deputy governor, ex-minister, others welcome Saraki to PDP

    Former Kwara State deputy governor, Joel Ogundeji; former Kwara State House of Assembly Speaker Babatunde Mohammed and former minister of National Planning, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, yesterday welcomed back Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Chief Ogundeji and Alhaji Mohammed served under the then Governor Bukola Saraki before they parted political ways in 2015.

    Prof. Sulaiman was a minister under the Jonathan administration.

    Other PDP members who hailed the comeback of Saraki at yesterday’s event were the 2015 PDP governorship candidate, Simon Ajibola; current PDP deputy chair in the state and his women leader counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sanni and Hajia Fatimah Magaji, and other party stalwarts and elders.

    Addressing reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Sanni said the defection of Senator Saraki, Governor Ahmed, the Kwara Assembly speaker and other 22 members, National Assembly members and local government chairmen was a welcome development.

    Alhaji Sanni added that the gale of defections to the party had increased its chances of wresting power from the ruling All progressives Congress (APC) in 2019.

    “PDP has increased numerically now. With this, the party is positioned to win the 2019 presidential elections,” he said.

    He added: “It is with great delight and enthusiasm that we welcome these distinguished members to our party. For us, today is a great day in the state.

    “It is a new dawn in our political journey to make the state for the present and the coming generations. It is, indeed, a reunion of old and long-time friends and associates who have jointly contributed in no small measures to the development of Nigeria.

    “The returnees, as we are all aware, are not new to the PDP, having served in various capacities on the platform of the party. They parted their ways when the party was facing certain normal challenges of amega party like ours.

    “Their defection from the PDP in 2014 sealed our party’s defeat in 2015.

    “Today, I make bold to say that the PDP has learnt its lessons and now reformed. The party has since imbibed the core values of internal democracy, entrenched discipline and designed mechanisms for revolving internal issues and position itself for electoral victory.

  • EFCC probes Ortom, Benue lawmakers, perm secs, others for alleged N23.08b

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and many members of the House of Assembly for alleged diversion of N23, 088, 586, 206.

    But the governor said last night that he had no fear over the probe. He demanded fairness.

    About N22, 713, 586, 206 was withdrawn in cash, allegedly on the governor’s instruction as security votes and other “curious” overheads.

    The Assembly members are expected to account for N375million.

    The anti-graft agency said some of the cash withdrawals were made in bits of N10million over the counter.

    The EFCC found it “ridiculous” that 500million was cashed in one day.

    Besides the governor, more than 30 suspects are being investigated. They include 21 members of the House, three permanent secretaries, four cashiers, a contractor, directors of Finance, some accountants, and bank managers.

    The EFCC believes that most of the funds were diverted, with, according to the agency, the governor directing permanent secretaries to tear the disbursement lists.

    Here is the breakdown of the funds allegedly diverted:

    •      N1, 916, 635, 206 (withdrawn from the Government House two  accounts);
    •      N19, 468, 951, 590  (cash taken from two accounts of the Bureau for Internal Affairs and Special Services);
    •      N1, 328, 000, 000 (withdrawn in cash from the account of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs); and
    •      N375million meant for the purchase of Prado SUV for House of Assembly members but N275m shared by 21 lawmakers

    These highlights were released at a session in Abuja by top officials of the anti-graft commission.

    On the alleged diversion of N1, 916, 635, 206, the fact-sheet said: “On the 31st of January, 2018, an intelligence was received that some officials of Benue State have diverted about N8billion. Based on the intelligence, the EFCC commenced investigation. It was discovered that between June 30, 2015 and March 2018, cash was withdrawn from the Government House accounts and diverted.

    “Two accounts actually belong to Government House.

    “These accounts received about N1, 916, 635, 206 between June 30, 2015 and March 2018. The huge sum was withdrawn by some cashiers, namely Emmanuel Aorga; Patrick Aba; and Ochoga Peter.

    “From bank details, Aorga withdrew N369, 728, 950; Ochoga cashed N704, 041,000 and Patrick Aba N130, 199, 386.

    “In most cases, they were issued N10m cheques in order to withdraw the money in bits.

    “For the Government House, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Gabriel Iangba, who was interrogated, claimed that these are funds for security, governor’s travels, protocol services and security votes, among others.

    On the N19, 468, 951, 590 taken from the Bureau for Internal Affairs and Special Services, the EFCC’s fact sheet indicated that the money was withdrawn from the Bureau’s two accounts.

    “The N19.4billion was withdrawn between June 30, 2015 and March 2018. These funds were cashed in similar manner like that of the Government House Accounts. The withdrawal was effected by a cashier in bits of N10million. In a day, the same man withdrew N500million in a N10million per transaction model.

    “During interrogation, the Permanent Secretary for Bureau for Internal Affairs and Special Services, Boniface Nyaakor, claimed that they normally gave six security outfits some of the cash. When asked to give details, he said while the highest remittance of N10million will go to one of the outfits, the rest will get N5million each.

    “He said memos were usually raised and the governor was always approving. He said once the funds were cashed, he will list out how the funds will be disbursed. After the disbursement, he will bring back the paper to the governor and Ortom will ask him to tear the distribution list.

    “We discovered that once the monthly allocation hits these accounts, the withdrawal of all the funds is a maximum of two days.

    “It should be noted that all the cashiers were invited with their supervising accountants. They confessed that once the money was cashed either in Government House or at the Bureau, they have a place they used to deposit it and the affected permanent secretaries will take over disbursement.

    “And apart from banking transactions, all records of disbursement have been destroyed.”

    Asked if a governor can be questioned on security votes, a top EFCC official said: “The governor has to show records of how security funds are spent.

    “In the case of Benue, the Security Votes Schedule was not even captured in the State Appropriation Act. They only put ‘Tentative’. This is done as a cover-up.”

    Concerning the N1, 328, 000,000, the EFCC gave details of how it came about the discovery.

    The commission’s fact-sheet said: “A petition was received from a Commissioner in the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), ex-Commissioner of Police Abubakar Tsav on June 10, 2016 alleging that pensioners and workers were going through hardship due to non-payment of salaries and pensions. The petition by Tsav was against Governor Ortom and a former Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Mr. Titus Zam.

    “The petitioner alleged that the governor withdrew N 929, 903, 967 account  of the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

    “Based on this petition, an investigation was carried out and it was discovered about N1, 328,000, 000(N1.328b) cash was withdrawn from the account between October 2015 and June 2016.

    “In the course of further investigation, it was one John J. Bako, who is said to be a member of security outfits in the state withdrew N28million from the account while N1.3billion was withdrawn in cash by Andoor Festus, who is said to be a cashier of the Bureau. The money was withdrawn in cash in bits of N50m, N100m, N120m, and N260m.

    “A letter of invitation was sent to the State Government. The first letter was sent on July 18, 2016 and reminders were sent but no reply. The last letter was sent to the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on July 9, 2018 but Bako and Andoor are yet to come.

    “These are people the EFCC cannot trace. This commission believes the state government should know who they are since they were linked to the account.”

    In a follow up by The Nation bordering on alleged apology to Ortom by Tsav recently, a top official said: “The petition bordered on a case against the state. The money he claimed was being diverted was not his money but it is public funds.

    “We owe Nigerians a duty to see to the conclusion of this investigation. If Tsav apologized, he has blown the whistle, he cannot retrieve the petition.”

    As part of the sleaze in Benue State, the EFCC also uncovered how the state government allegedly paid N80million into the account of a Boko Haram suspect Aliyu Yaminu, who is nicknamed Tershaku.

    Tershaku, who was arrested by the Nigerian Army in April, has since been in custody.

    The EFCC said: “Between December 20, 2017 and April 6, 2018, the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAC) has been remitting N20million to the account of Al-Tershaku Global Security Limited allegedly owned by Tershaku. JAC posted N80million to this account as at the time of Tershaku’s arrest. This is aside suspicious cash lodgments by Tershaku himself into the company’s account.”

    In the same vein, the EFCC confirmed that about 21 members of the Benue State House of Assembly and a contractor have a case to answer over N417million contract for the purchase of 30 Prado SUV for lawmakers in the state.

    Some of the lawmakers were said to have allegedly conspired with the contractor, Alh. Ahmed Baba, who owns Mia Three Nigeria Limited.

    “It is a case of diversion of contract funds.  A N417million contract was awarded to Mia Three Nigeria Limited (owned by Alh. Ahmed Baba) by the Benue State Government for the supply of 30 Prado SUV for members of the Benue State House of Assembly for oversight functions.

    “With less Tax and Value Added Tax (VAT), the worth of the contract amounted to N375million. The cost of each car was around N12.9million. But out of the N375million, about N275million was diverted by the contractor in connivance with members of the Benue State House of Assembly.

    “Eight members of the Assembly took delivery of the Prado SUV, one did not benefit because he hijacked a vehicle from the convoy of the Deputy Speaker but 21 others only collected cash from the contractor instead of vehicles.

    “The EFCC team has so far recovered N244million from the affected members of the Benue State House of Assembly. Four members refused to pay back the full value of the SUV after remitting. They reluctantly refunded N1million each to EFCC after much pressure.

    “These four members and outstanding sums are as follows: Addingi Mguman (N9million); Kester Kyaenge (N9million); Terkaa Ucha (N4million) and Terzeer Adzuu (N9million).

    “We have been interacting with the lawmakers since 2016; it is not as if we have just started the investigation. Some of them, including the Deputy Speaker, came to honour EFCC’s invitation last Thursday. It was while we were interacting with the Deputy Speaker that he was impeached.

    “They were asked to report on Monday (yesterday) except a member that applied to perform this year’s Hajj.

    “These lawmakers and the contractor have a case to answer because the Prado SUVs were not meant for leisure

    “The members have been reporting because their case file is with the Legal Unit of EFCC. We asked them to be reporting because we do not know the exact date they will be arraigned.”

    More than 30 suspects are being investigated. They include 21 members of the House, three permanent secretaries, four cashiers, a contractor, directors of Finance, some accountants, and bank managers.

     

    ‘Let the probe be fair’

    Benue State officials spoke yesterday on the planned probe of Governor Samuel Ortom.  His Chief Press Secretary Mr. Tever Akase called for a fair investigation.

    Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone last night, Akase said: “The point is that Governor Ortom’s government is transparent. He has nothing to hide. Since he became the governor, every year he published the statement of account in national newspapers.

    “This is to show that he has nothing to hide. So we  welcome the  EFCC investigation. This is anti-graft and we believe they are doing their job. However, we are asking that they should be fair in their investigation. A man who is suspected is not guilty until he is found guilty.

    “As I said, we hope that the investigation by the EFCC will be fair without any political undertone. We don’t want to read any conspiracy into it because we have nothing to hide.

    “Governor Ortom has been faced with security challenges and he is expected to address them. And this he has been doing. He has not embezzled public funds. Neither has he converted public funds to his personal use. In all, we want a fair hearing, fair investigation.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Tahav Agerzua said: “The EFCC can probe any person or organisation based on allegations which may turn out to be true or false. In the case of Governor Ortom, they can probe but I assure you that they will find nothing at the end of the day.”

  • 2019 poll: FCTA orders Turaki, Lamido, Shekarau, Gana, others to relocate campaign offices

    Ahead of party primaries for the 2019 elections, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has ordered all presidential aspirants and political parties with offices within residential areas and diplomatic zones to vacate such buildings.

    No fewer than 35 of the 68 registered parties are affected by the directive.

    The FCTA claimed that the location of the party and campaign offices undermine public safety and jeopardise comfort and conveniences.

    The affected aspirants and parties have up till August 9 to vacate the offices or have the buildings sealed off.

    But some of the affected parties and aspirants have condemned the move as ill-timed and sheer intolerance of opposition.

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and Shekarau Campaign Organisation, however, said they would abide by the directive.

    The politicians affected by the directive include presidential aspirants like ex-Minister Tanimu Kabir Turaki, ex-Governor Ibrahim Shekarau; former Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Sule Lamido and ex-Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana.

    The Social Democratic Party (SDP); the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the PDM were also affected.

    According to FCTA records, former Governor Lamido has his campaign secretariat in a diplomatic area in Thaba Tseka Street in British Village, Maitama. Turaki’s campaign office is located at 40, Jimmy Carter Street. Asokoro, which is less than three-minute drive from the Presidential Villa. The SDP secretariat is situated at 9, Yedseram Street, Maitama, within the precincts of some embassies. Shekarau’s office is sited behind the ECOWAS Secretariat at 40, Gnassingbe Eyadema Street in Asokoro ahile the PDM National Secretariat is at 72, Mississippi Street, Maitama; a highbrow enclave with some diplomatic presence. Gana, on his part, operates from a residence in Guzape District.

    Most of the parties were alleged to be operating from residential buildings in Utako, Zone 6, Asokoro, Garki Area 3 and 11, Gwarimpa Estate and Apo Resettlement, among others.

    Other affected parties include National Conscience Party (1, Yaounde Street, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja); Unity Party of Nigeria (Block 10, Flat 1, Amasuma Close, Area 2, Section 1, Garki – Abuja); Accord (Plot 488, 7 Yauri Street, Area 3, Garki Abuja); Action Alliance (Plot 1977 Orlu Street, Area 3, Garki, Abuja); All Blending Party (Plot 614, Zone B, Apo Resettlement, Abuja); Alliance for Democracy (4 Aba Close, Area 8, Garki, Abuja); Action Democratic Party (Plot 3379A, Mungo Park Close, Off Jesse Jackson Asokoro New Extension-Abuja); All Grand Alliance Party (Plot 586, David Jemibewon Crescent, Gudu District-Abuja) and All Progressives Grand Alliance(41B Libreville Crescent , Opp. Tulip Press, Aminu Kano Crescent , Wuse 11, Abuja ).

    Also affected are Better Nigeria Progressive Party (Block 5, Lokoja Street Area 8 Garki Abuja); Hope Democratic Party (Plot 43 Gwarinpa Estate, Abuja); Mega Progressive Peoples Party (1st Avenue, House 53, FHA, Lugbe, Abuja); Nigeria Democratic Congress Party (28 Tunis Street Wuse Zone 6); New Generation Party of Nigeria (No 9B, 61/63 Road, Aliko Dangote Crescent, Gwarinpa-Abuja); Young Progressive Party (Block 10, Flat No. 1 Benue Crescent, Area 1, Garki Abuja); People’s Alliance for National Development & Liberty (9 Abdou Diouf Off Kwame Nkruma St, Asokoro, Abuja, Nigeria) and Progressive Peoples Alliance (Warri Street, off Emeka Anyoku Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja).

    The FCTA has also wielded the big stick by putting an end to the conversion of residential buildings to party or campaign offices.

    The July 9 quit notice was signed by the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Tpl Umaru Shuaib with a month deadline.

    The notice said: “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has observed with dismay the proliferation of illegal conversion of buildings located within residential plots and diplomatic zones into political offices.

    “This inappropriate conversion of residential building into political campaign offices undermines public safety, jeopardise comfort and conveniences.

    “It also generates nuisance and traffic that threatens the peace of residents of the FCT.

    “This illegal conversion is repugnant and inconsistent with the extant status, approved Land Use Plan of the Federal Capital City (FCC), which further violates the city’s Master Plan.

    “The Federal Capital Territory Administration has therefore directed that political campaign offices currently occupying buildings located within residential plots and diplomatic zones should quit such premises and relocate to plots designated by the Abuja Master Plan for such purpose/use.

    “All concerned entities/ groups are expected to quit the residential buildings they are currently occupying, revert to residential use and ensure compliance within 30 days of this publication.

    “Similarly, all persons or organizations that deface public facilities with posters and bill boards of all kinds at unauthorized places are warned that they are liable for prosecution.

    “The concerned entities are hereby urged to be guided and ensure full compliance in order to avoid the relevant sanctions.

    But while some of the affected parties and aspirants have condemned the move as ill-timed and sheer intolerance of the opposition, Shekarau Campaign Organisation said it would abide by the directive.

    The Director of Media and Publicity of Tanimu Kabiru Turaki Campaign Organisation, Mr. Sola Atere, described the directive as unfortunate.

    He said: “There was no prior discussion; neither was there any notification nor letter given to us. Yet, we have been paying statutory bills to Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and FCT Water Board and they have been collecting and sending bills since we started using the premises in February this year.

    “The building was being used for commercial purposes before we came in. We are even neighbours to a federal government agency, Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation. Why have they neglected to enforce their regulations in places such as Gwarinpa residential estate where houses on major avenues have been converted to malls in many cases?

    “There is this perception that it is an attempt to intimidate the opposition.”

    The National Publicity Secretary of SDP, Alfa Mohammed, said: “Such a notice is mischievous and sheer intolerance of the opposition. The FCTA never gave such a directive in the past but why now?

    “At a critical time when the 2019 poll is about four to five months away, you don’t begin to introduce a policy to drive parties underground.

    “We know that if a party is the target, many parties can be sacrificed to reach a target.”

    The Director of Media and Publicity of Shekarau Campaign Organization, Dr. Sule Yau said: “We are law-abiding citizens. We will comply with the directive. Whatever the government is coming out with, we will abide by it.”

    Also, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Alh. Bashir Yusuf said: “I think it is a legal directive. The truth is that residential buildings and diplomatic areas are not conducive for political activities.

    “But political leaders and parties are constrained because there are no enough buildings in the designated areas to occupy. I see no problem with the directive.”

    Reactions from Lamido and Gana were being awaited at the time of filing this report.

  • MAN, others renew call on Buhari not to sign ACFTA

    The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and other experts have renewed their call on President Muhammadu Buhari not to rush into siging the African Continental Free  Trade  Area (ACFTA) deal.

    MAN lamented that four months  after it raised salient issues on the deal, it is still waiting for answers.

    Speaking at a press conference at MAN House Ikeja yesterday, the President of MAN, Dr Frank Udemba Jacobs  said the only way to guarantee positive proposition is to ensure that  the negotiating team is guided by a credible and strategic country specific study. He added that there was no wisdom in rushing to sign only to end up struggling to find space in the accompanying protocols and annexures.

    He said there is need to be certain that the agreement is in sync and not constraining extant economic policies, including the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the government.

    Also speaking at a forum titled: Business Environment & Excise Duty: Maximizing Economic Opportunities through effective Anti-Illicit Trade Enforcement organised by the Initiative for Public Policy Analysis (IPPA), a consultant  to the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Dr. John Isemede; and Dr. Olajide Damilola, a Senior Research Fellow at IPPA and University of Aberdeen United Kingdom (UK),   warned that the country is already already awash with imported goods.

    Jacobs said it is worrisome to observe that the study carried out by the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations (NOTN) failed to address the concerns of manufacturers.

    “Although NOTN recently conducted and launched a study, the stakeholders are still considering the study in view of the observed glaring lapses.

    “It is worrisome to observe that the study failed to address the concerns of manufacturers.

    “Moreso is the fact that the outcome of the NOTN sponsored independent study on the potential benefits of ACFTA on Nigeria fell short of standards and lack the much-needed information required to take an informed decision. MAN has since commissioned a study and we expect to have the report about a month from now.

    “In the light of recent developments, we considered it necessary to intimate you that an insignificant number of non-real sector operators in the private sector are tactfully recommending that Mr President should sign the agreement under the camouflage that majority of Nigerians and the OPS agrees with their position.

    “They are essentially not at home with the technicalities of a trade agreement of this magnitude. The pronouncement of this group of actors is not representative of the views of the OPS of Nigeria,” Jacobs said.

    Dr. Isemede said the country is already overloaded with imports, warning that the Federal Government should not sign the deal in a haste.

    “I am not saying Buhari should not sign at all but we must put the necessary infrastructure on ground; something to sell; something to offer before rushing into the agreement.

    “For instance, the tea you sip comes from Kenya, the Titus fish you eat every day comes from Morocco, there is Shoprite here and they’re owned by South Africans, and the apple and majority of the products sold is imported from South Africa and with the South African Airline. What is Nigeria bringing to the table and what are you going to sell?”

  • FEC okays additional fund for Mangu Dam, others

    THE Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved an additional N122.2 million for the completion of Mangu Dam in Plateau State.

    Minister of Water Resources Suleiman Adamu made this known at the end of the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the approval followed the memo submitted to the council for the augmentation of the revised estimated total cost for the completion of the dam project, which was started in 2012.

    He said: “The council considered a memo for the augmentation of what we call the revised estimated total cost for the completion of Mangu water supply project in Plateau State. This project was started in 2012 and between 2014 and 2018, there was no budgetary allocation.

    “One of the projects that we considered a medium priority after we conducted a technical audit of all abandoned and ongoing project in water resources in mid-2016.

    “The project has attained 85 per cent completion. Thanks to the effort of the contractors, who have continued to work at some points without payment.

    “After taking so long and in view of the inflation indices, there was a need to augment the project with N122.2 million to bring the project from initial cost of N855.49 million to N977.7 million,” he said.

    He was optimistic that with an additional completion period of six months, the project would be completed soon.

    Adamu also said he presented a report of the international conference on Lake Chad, which took place in February.

    He said: “You are aware that the conference was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari and presidents of the member states of Lake Chad as well as representatives from Angola and president of Gabon. We had over 1200 participants.”

    He added that an Action Plan arising from the recommendation of the conference had been developed.

    The minister said: “Following the conference, we have developed an action plan arising from the recommendation of the conference, which we have started implementing.

    “Obviously, because of the queuing process of many memos and reports, we were able to present the report to the cabinet today.

    “Many presidents have always been abreast on the issues and updates on what we are doing on the proposed inter basin project, which was the highlight of the conference, whereby there was consensus to save Lake Chad from extinction.

    “And there was a consensus that the inter basin water transfer from Congo basin is the most viable option that we have at the moment. We have an estimate of $14.5 billion.

    Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi said he presented two memos to the Council for approval.

    He said that N103 million was approved by the council for the purchase of medical and laboratory equipment for Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    “The next one is we awarded a contract to a consultant to help in the implementation of the International Organisations for the ISO 9000, and the council approved it for us at the total sum of N238.5 million,” he added