The Nation Newspaper

Tag: probe

  • Abia to probe Kalu

    The Abia State Government has said it would probe the Orji Uzor Kalu administration to determine the alleged financial misappropriation against him from 1999 to 2007.

    In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Theodore Orji, Mr Ugochukwu Emezue, the government said one of the areas that the probe would focus on is the former governor’s handling of the state’s Infrastructural Fund.

    The government said it believed the funds were mismanaged.

    The problem between the former governor and his successor started about two years into the first tenure of the present governor.

    It led to both of them parting ways before the last general elections.

    The statement explained that the probe would ascertain the level of corruption during the eight-year tenure of the former governor.

    It added that there are some areas that need to be cleared on how the state’s funds were administered at that time.

    On the Kalu’s claim that Orji has property in Abuja and other cities, the statement challenged the former governor to publish the documents on such property.

    The statement also urged Kalu to explain how he allegedly acquired multi-billion naira mansions in Potomac, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, all in the United States, and the acquisition of Slok Airlines, banks and other businesses.

    The government alleged that most of the houses and businesses were acquired by the former governor when he was in office.

    It said: “But Kalu is rather busy, playing to the gallery with his deceitful Igbo Presidency agenda in 2015, with the aim to remove attention from him on corruption. And he will soon be exposed.”

    The government also alleged that Kalu left a huge debt profile, which it said has remained a sour point.

    “Little wonder he is always angry when this issue is raised this sour point will continue to haunt him,” the statement said.

  • Minority whip urges Efcc to probe N3.38b Edo road contract

    The Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the a ward of the Oben-Omoghun-Nokhua road project in Edo State to Askay Constuction Company Limited.

    Osagie spoke with reporters in Omogun Nokhua in Orhionmwon Local Government after an inspection of the road project.

    He decried the progress of work.

    Osagie said: “The people of this community, Obe, Omoghun Nokhua within Orhiomwon Local Government Council have been shortchanged. I am unable to accept the argument that the weather condition has been largely responsible for the delay in this project.

    “This is one case of inc ompetence. The contractor lacks the capacity in terms of men and machinery to execute such a gigantic project.

    “Don’t forget that the total cost of this project is N3.38 billion and from my record, over N800 million has been paid. From what we have seen today, the job done is not commensurate with the amount that has been paid.

    “I think seriously as the mouthpiece of the locality, that this is a proper case for the anti-corruption agency to look at.

    “I cannot watch the people of my constituency continue to be shortchanged by an unscrupulous contractor, who no has no capacity. It is a clear case lack of capacity.

    “You will agree with me that the soil level and the type of terrain is are friendly, not a difficult terrain. This is an area where you have less than three feet into the ground, you have laterite for the proposed filling and I cannot accept and my people have said it is unacceptable .”

    He said the contract was awarded in November 2009.

    “The initial crisis, not withstanding, they have no justification to tell us that three years after they have not been able to lay asphalt in any part of the 22-kilometre road. It is unacceptable.

    “ I have come here to see things for myself. I have come to look at the project and the progress that has been made so far. I am going to do a comparison with similar projects within my constituency and I will make my recommendations to the House Committee .

    “I will make my complaint to the leadership of the National Assemble, and indeed this construction company, called Askay Nigeria Construction Company must give the people of my constituency value for their money.”

  • Otedola’s N141b payment for probe

    Otedola’s N141b payment for probe

    The House of Representatives yesterday said it is ready to verify the payment of N141billion debt to the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) by top businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola.

    The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, said the agency’s board met last Thursday and approved the transfer of Otedola’s assets and undisclosed amount to the company

    In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Alhaji Zakary Mohammed, the House said it will demand full details of the transaction between AMCON and Otedola.

    The statement said: “We have observed with interest the payment of N140.9billion, being outstanding debts of a businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola, to AMCON

    “This payment was credited to AMCON’s Managing Director, Mustafa Chike-Obi.

    “Obi confirmed that AMCON Board met last Thursday and approved the transfer of the businessman’s assets as well as undisclosed cash to AMCON as full payment and final settlement of Otedola’s liabilities.

    “The 7th House of Representatives will, on return from its one week oversight tour, constitute a committee to investigate the amount and the assets so transferred to AMCOM.

    “It is imperative to state that with the state of our economy, this transaction was done with ‘confidentiality and secrecy’.

    “It is curious that AMCON, being a government establishment which is under the purview of the National Assembly, could do that without the knowledge of the House.

    “To say the least, the procedure is not acceptable. The National Assembly would be interested in getting full details of the transaction.”

    Besides Otedola, there were indications last night that the House might probe repayment by debtors to AMCON.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stopped banks from granting credit to 113 companies and 419 directors/shareholders, including those belonging to Otedola, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, Sir Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, former Power Minister, Prof Barth Nnaji, Mrs. Elizabeth Ebi and Dr Wale Babalakin.

    The decision was meant to strengthen financial stability and instill discipline in the banking sector

    The CBN said the decision was taken at as a result of the reluctance of the debtors to pay back their loans despite the purchase of the debts at an agreed price by AMCON.

     

  • Okene killings: IGP insists on probe of fresh lead

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), M.D. Abubakar, has called for a probe following fresh clues available to the police on the killing of Deeper Life Bible Church members in Okene, Kogi State.

    It was learnt that the IGP is not yet convinced on a recommendation in the preliminary report that some key suspects, especially former local government chairmen, should be released on bail.

    The three major suspects-Yahaya Karaku (ex-Okene LGA chairman), Abubakar Zuberu (ex-Okehi LGA chairman) and Momoh Jimoh, currently detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), have initiated legal action to compel the IGP to release them on bail.

    The killing of 17 members of the church was carried out on August 6.

    Since the killing, police have arrested 18 suspects, including the former council chairmen and a key suspect, Abdulmannan Obadeki, who was arrested in Owo, Ondo State.

    Investigation by our correspondent showed that the FCID has submitted a preliminary report, which recommended the release of the former local government chairmen.

    The same report identified some fresh clues which require further investigation.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The preliminary report was submitted about three weeks ago but the IGP, who is a crack detective, believes that the fresh lead must be probed before any of the suspects can be granted bail.

    “As I am talking to you, the IGP is on top of the situation. He wants the investigators to get to the root of the killings.

    “It is the view of the IGP and his team that all sides to the case must be probed instead of the team jumping into conclusion that the murder might not have political undertones.

    “The antecedent of some of the suspects, especially their involvement in political violence, made the IGP to insist on investigation of fresh clues.

    “Some of these investigators have been shuttling between Abuja and Lokoja. The target is to get to the root of the murder.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “The Nigeria Police is not in a hurry to release the former local government chairmen because more information are being gathered on their activities.

    “This investigation is not personal, but we have been directed by the IGP to ensure a thorough job.”

    Asked if the probe was not taking a long time, the source added: “It pays to do a better job than a sordid one. We are aware of the expectations of the public.”

    The police source confirmed that Yahaya Karaku (ex-Okene LGA chairman) and Abubakar Zuberu (ex-Okehi LGA chairman) have asked a High Court to compel the IGP to release them on bail.

    But the source said: “The allegations border on criminal matters and investigation is on. In their application in court, they are seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.

    “If there is a definite pronouncement or order from the court, the police will honour it. So far, we have not got any at all.”

    As at 6.13pm yesterday, police spokesman Frank Mba was yet to pick his calls.