The Nation Newspaper

Tag: WINIFRED OYO-ITA

  • Yemi-Esan replaces Oyo-Ita as Ag. HoCSF

    Barely 24 hours after receiving an  investigative report from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), President Muhammadu Buhari last night removed Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita.

    Oyo-Ita was probed by the anti-graft agency over alleged N3billion fraud in her Office.

    The President appointed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Folashade  Yemi -Esan as the acting Head of Service.

    Although the President described his decision as “Stabilisation of the Federal Civil Service”, there were indications that he wielded the big stick following some damning revelations in the EFCC report.

    It was learnt last night that Oyo-Ita may face trial along with three Permanent Secretaries. Five directors have indicated their interest to testify against her.

    A statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation said Oyo-Ita will proceed on “indefinite leave” pending the conclusion of investigation by the anti-graft agency.

    The statement signed by Willie Bassey said: “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan as the Acting Head of the Civil Service of the Federation with immediate effect.

    “Dr. Mrs. Yemi-Esan, who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources takes over from Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who has been directed to proceed on an indefinite leave to allow conclusion of the investigation being carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    “The President has also approved the extension of the tenure of seven (7) retiring Permanent Secretaries for a period of one calendar year with effect from 1st October, 2019 to ensure stability in the Federal Civil Service and effective delivery on the nine priority areas of the administration as well as the mandates given to the new Ministers.

    “The affected Permanent Secretaries are: Mrs. Georgina Ehuriah(Ministry of Interior); Mrs. Ifeoma I. Anagbogu (Women Affairs); Mrs. Grace Gekpe (Information & Culture);Dr. Umar M. Bello(Agriculture & Rural Development; Suleiman Mustapha Lawal(Foreign Affairs); Mrs. Comfort C. Ekaro (Water Resources); Mr. Olusegun A. Adekunle (General Services Office) in the (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation)

    “Similarly, Mr. President has directed the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to commence the process for the selection of new Permanent Secretaries to replace all retiring Permanent Secretaries.

    “The decision of Government to extend the tenure of these Permanent Secretaries is premised on the need to ensure that the new Ministers are properly guided, briefed about their sectors and to ensure that a solid foundation is laid for the delivery on the Presidential Mandate which they jointly signed.

    “The Permanent Secretaries will also help the Ministers to manage the process for the preparation of the 2020 Budget in line with the commitment of Government to return to the January-December budget circle and help develop various policies and programmes aimed at lifting 100million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.

    “The action of Mr. President is in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 171 (2) d of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).”

    Read Also: Disquiet in Presidency over Vice President Osinbajo

    It was learnt that the last 48 hours was challenging for Mrs Oyo-Ita who had pleaded with the Presidency to allow her to proceed on voluntary retirement.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The EFCC submitted its report on investigation into the alleged N3billion fraud in OHCSF to Buhari on Tuesday. The President bid time to determine Mrs. Oyo-Ita’s fate by allowing the EFCC to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations against her.

    “The outcome of the investigation was damning considering the statement she gave to the EFCC and the testimonies of three Permanent Secretaries and about five directors from various ministries against her. Some of the Permanent Secretaries and directors admitted that contracts were awarded to suspected crony companies.

    “Also, Mrs Oyo-Ita admitted to EFCC detectives that she collected estacodes for trips she never made. The cash was never returned to the coffers of the government in line with the extant rules in the Civil Service.

    “The fact that an officer in OHCSF was found with N600million in his personal account was rated as absurd and unpardonable by the Presidency.”

    A source added: “She had been battling in the last 24 hours to avert her removal but the Presidency insisted that the law must take its course”.

    Investigation by our correspondent last night revealed that the Head of Service might face trial.

    “We have enough evidence to out her on trial any moment from now. We have Permanent Secretaries and directors in the civil service, who have given credible testimonies. They have already filled the witness forms to testify against Oyo-Ita.”

    “We are on the trail of one of her aides, who coordinated some deals in the OHCSF. He was asked to flee abroad to cover up a few things. We will get him.”

  • Minimum wage: Workers consider strike option as negotiations breaks down again

    Workers under the auspices of the Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council are getting set for a possible industrial action as a meeting of the Federal government and the unions again ended in a deadlock on Monday.

    The negotiations on the consequential adjustment which was earlier adjourned to September 4 to allow the government team brief President Muhammadu Buhari was again rescheduled for September 16, but suffered another setback as both parties failed to reach an agreement despite minor adjustments in their separate positions.

    The Nation gathered that at Monday’s meeting which was chaired by the Head of Service of the federation, Winifred Oyo-ita, both government and the union leaders only made minor adjustment to their earlier positions with the government moving from its earlier position of 9.5 percent to 11 percent for grade levels seven to 14 and 6.5 percent from 5.5 percent for levels 15 to 17.

    The workers have insisted that the government adjust salaries of workers on grade levels 07 to 14 by 30 percent and those on levels 15 to 17 by 25 percent.

    Chairman of the labour team and National Auditor of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , Simon Anchaver said, workers stepped down to 29 from 30 percent for grade levels 7 to 14 and 24 from 25 percent for levels 15 to 17.

    Read Also: NLC to Ngige: Promote social dialogue, tripartiam

    According to him, the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council have resolved to write to the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress, (TUC) on their advice on a possible industrial action

    He accused the government of foot dragging on the process, saying the action of the government is an open invitation for industrial action, since workers are already engulfed in fear and agitations whether their accumulated arrears will be paid when talks are finally concluded

    He however said that the meeting decided that the two positions be presented to the President for further action.

    Also, Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, Slade Lawal said organised labour will decide on a next line of action towards the issue of the minimum wage, saying in due time, Nigerians would be informed.

    Lawal said: “the meeting is deadlocked; we found out that the Federal Government officials are not serious about it at all, we are suspecting fowl play or a hidden agenda somewhere. So, we have decided to report the development to our principals, including the Labour unions, Nigerians will be adequately briefed of our next line of action very shortly.”

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had told newsmen recently that the President has directed that the process of negotiations be concluded as soon as possible to enable workers begin to enjoy the new wages.

  • Kyari didn’t influence Oyo-Ita’s investigation, says EFCC 

    THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday said the ongoing probe of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita was not instigated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

    It said its investigation has always been evidence-based and most often triggered by petitions or intelligence.

    The agency said it is an independent agency created by law to fight corruption without fear or favour.

    The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation of a N3billion fraud in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

    The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been drawn to reports by a section of the media, insinuating that the ongoing investigation of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita by the commission was instigated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam  Abba Kyari.

    “The commission wishes to state that there is no truth in these claims, and urges the general public to disregard the reports as the handiwork of mischief makers.

    Read Also: Oyo-Ita makes surprise appearance at Aso Villa

    “For the avoidance of doubt, investigation by the EFCC is evidence-based. Most often, they  are triggered by petitions or intelligence.

    “In the case of the HoS, Oyo- Ita’s investigation, it was prompted by intelligence received by the Commission.

    “The EFCC is an independent agency created by law to fight corruption without fear or favour. In the discharge of its mandate, the commission does not take instructions from extraneous bodies neither will it lend itself to be used to settle scores by anyone.

    “The commission again wishes to appeal to the media to be circumspect in their reportage and not lend themselves to actions that could befuddle the activities of the commission.”

  • Oyo-Ita makes surprise appearance at Aso Villa

    THE embattled Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, made surprise appearance on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The Presidency inaugurated new Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday.

    Mrs Oyo-Ita arrived the forecourt of the State House in her official sport utility vehicle (SUV) around 9.45 a.m. She had walked straight to the office of the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

    The Head of Civil Service had been absent at the two-day presidential retreat for ministers-designate, Federal permanent secretaries and top government functionaries at the old Banquet Hall on Monday and Tuesday.  She did not show up on Tuesday when she was scheduled to speak on the topic: Consolidating Ongoing Reforms in the Public Service.

    Read Also: Oyo-Ita absent at presidential retreat

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), last week, grilled her for alleged N3 billion contract scam.

    Some reports on Monday claimed that Mrs Oyo-Ita had submitted her letter of retirement from the service.

    But the Presidency countered the reports, saying it had not received such a letter.

     

  • N3b ‘fraud’: Oyo-Ita fit to undergo further interrogation

    HEAD of the Civil Service of the Federation Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita is medically fit to undergo further interrogation as investigators deepen their probe into a N3 billion contract fraud.

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have screened her phone chat and call logs following evidence obtained from her suspected collaborators.

    She was allowed to go for treatment when she took ill during interrogation.

    Oyo-Ita is being investigated, alongside some companies and some government officials, for alleged N3billion contract scandal.

    But after more than a week in hospital, there were strong indications yesterday that Oyo-Ita may attend the inauguration of new ministers today.

    It was learnt that Oyo-Ita has been certified medically fit to perform official functions after taking some days off duty.

    With the development, she will be able to be at the series of interrogation sessions already laid out for her by the EFCC.

    According to investigation, EFCC operatives have shifted the probe of Oyo-Ita to her call logs, text messages and chats.

    It was learnt that detectives opted to analyse her phone because some of those interrogated actually presented electronic evidence of how she gave directives on some contracts and companies.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Oyo-Ita absent at Presidential Retreat

    The affected government officials made the evidence available to prove that they only acted on instructions.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Detectives have screened her phone and they have stumbled on useful chats/ messages relating to the contracts under investigation.

    “In some instances, there were specific directives she gave on some issues being probed. Those who received such directives have met with the investigating team. The affected government officials insisted that they followed her directives.

    “We want her to get well to undergo more grilling sessions in EFCC in the light of the interactions we have had with some people.”

    It was not immediately clear whether or not Oyo-Ita will be able to have a session with the President today.

    A Presidency source added: “She has been trying to have audience with the President without success. If she attends the FEC meeting, she might be at an advantage to interact with the President

     

  • Alleged N3b scam: Oyo-Ita weighs options, seeks soft landing

    TWO Federal Permanent Secretaries and three Directors of Finance have joined the list of those questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the ongoing probe of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita over an alleged N3billion contract scam.

    Another suspect in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) who was detained after freezing the N600million in his account, has been released, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The released suspect is said to be a Project Accountant in the OHCSF.

    Oyo-Ita herself is weighing options opened to her as she anxiously awaits the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari   on her fate.

    She does not want to be dismissed from office by the president, sources said.

    The Nation also gathered that some highly-placed Nigerians may have been trying to intercede on her behalf with the President.

    The options being considered by Oyo-Ita include a soft-landing by getting the authorities to hear her own side of the story; retirement or resignation; and a waiver from prosecution after returning funds allegedly traced to companies linked to her.

    Read Also: N3b ‘fraud’: EFCC quizzes Head of Service Oyo-Ita

    Her camp was in a dilemma yesterday on whether she should attend the presidential retreat for ministers-designate tomorrow.

    She has been receiving treatment in an Abuja hospital in the last one week.

    Investigation by The Nation revealed that the quizzed Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Finance confirmed the award of the contracts to the firms associated with Oyo-Ita.

    It was learnt that they   made payment vouchers and other relevant documents available to the EFCC investigating team.

    A top source said: “our detectives have interrogated two Permanent Secretaries and three Directors of Finance of some of the ministries where contracts linked with the Head of Service were awarded.

    “The investigating team has made progress because these officers are ready to testify against Oyo-Ita. They kept records and made all relevant documents available.

    “We will soon release the details of our findings to the public to prove that our operatives had a good trail of these contracts and some money.

    “We are expecting Oyo-Ita to recover as fast as possible in order to be able to report for interrogation on more issues we have raised for her. Some clues have led to the uncovering of more links.”

    Responding to a question, the source said the “suspect in whose account we found N600million has been released on bail but his movement restricted pending the conclusion of investigation.

    “All the invited Permanent Secretaries and Directors of Finance were also placed on administrative bail.”

    A reliable source in the presidency confirmed that “she has been contacting highly-placed Nigerians to intercede on her behalf but we do not know what she wants from the President.

    “Only the President can determine her fate in the light of the report of the preliminary investigation of the EFCC.

    “I think when the President returns, he will look at the issues dispassionately and take a decision in the interest of the public.

    “If you have observed the President since 2015, he does not rush to judgment on any case unlike during his tenure as a Military Head of State.

    “The only constant thing about President Buhari is that he will not condone corruption no matter how big you are.”

    A source close to her said: “Certainly, she wants to be allowed the benefit of the doubt.  She prefers a soft landing to being hurled before a court.

    “Many people are out to prevail on the President to negotiate her exit. The soft-landing options being considered by Oyo-Ita and her strategy team   border on getting to hear her side, either retirement or resignation and a waiver from prosecution after returning funds allegedly traced to her or companies linked with her.”

  • Fed Govt: why new minimum wage implementation is delayed

    Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita has described as unrealistic the percentage increas being demanded by workers’ representatives in the Joint National Public Negotiation Council (JNPNC).

    The HoCSF blamed the delay in the payment of the 30,000 new minimum wage to workers of the payroll of the Federal Government on the rejection of the staggered increment being proposed by the federal team.

    She feared the kickoff in the payment might be delayed further if senior civil servants refuse to back down on their demand.

    President Muhammadu Buhari directed the implementation of the new wage for civil servants, earning below N30, 000 before the signing of the minimum wage bill into law on April 18.

    Negotiation between the Federal Government and the JNPNC broke down two weeks ago because of differences in the method to adopt for the consequential adjustment for civil servants on grade level seven and above.

    Read Also: N30, 000 minimum wage: Group mobilises for warning strike

    The federal team in the technical committee is proposing 9.5 per cent increase for workers on levels 07 to 14 and five per cent for those on levels 15 to 17 but labour is demanding a 30 per cent salary increase for workers on levels 07 to 14 and 25 per cent for workers on levels 15 to 17.

    Mrs. Oyo-Ita said in Abuja yesterday that the President Buhari-led government remained committed to the implementation of the new minimum wage

    Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Monday, that HoCSF urged Labour to review its demands.

    She said: “President Buhari is keen on the implementation of new minimum wage and that is why the committee set up on the consequential adjustment arising from the new minimum wage has been meeting unions within Labour unions and public service to arrive at a consequential adjustment.

    “There were a few, not very realistic demands, from the unions and so as not to continue delaying the implementation of the well thought out and dear policy of the President, we have to go ahead and seek his approval for the implementation while we continue discussion on the consequential adjustment.”

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), the umbrella body for senior civil servants has said that its members would not accept the government circular on the implementation.

    It insisted that it will be left with no choice than to call its members out on a national strike if the government failed to meet their demand.

  • States to receive $700m to improve governance, public finance management

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said the federal government will release $700million to states to improve governance and public finance management.

    Buhari explained that this was one of the several measures to enthrone transparency and accountability in the public sector in order to deepen the fight against corruption.

    The president who was represented by Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, disclosed this at the annual conference of Auditors-General of Nigeria, with the theme: “Nigeria’s drive towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The strategic roles of Auditors-General”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Buhari said: “At the state level, several measures have been introduced to achieve certain minimum improvements in governance and public financial management. These include the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability program (SFTAS), in which $700million will be made available as grants to states.

    “Similarly, $50million in technical assistance will be made available to key agencies with the states to build capacity.

    “At the inception of this administration, three cardinal goals were set: security, fight against corruption and revamping of the economy. Three and a half years down the line, I am pleased to report that tremendous achievements have been recorded in all three areas.

    “I must state however, that the desired level in the fight against corruption is yet to be attained.”

    Read Also: ‘Buhari deserves second term’

    He explained that his administration introduced several reform initiatives in the financial management sector to help stem the tide of corruption and waste.

    These public finance reforms, the president explained, were targeted at reducing waste and driving up revenue.

    “These initiatives include the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which has tremendously reduced leakages in the system. Similarly, it has introduced the Presidential Initiative of Continuous Audit (PICA). PICA has the mandate to validate controls, assess risks, prone personnel costs, ensure compliance with public financial management reforms, detect errors and make recommendations to management for necessary actions.

    “Recently, I approved several sweeping reforms in the public finance sector so as to further reduce and drive up revenue. These reforms include: performance monitoring that will set financial indicators and targets for revenue generating government-owned enterprises.

    “New measures for expenditure controls, budgeting and financial reporting requirements, as well as financial oversight have also been set.

    “Henceforth, the accounts of government-owned enterprises shall be audited within four months after the end of each financial year.

    “The role of Auditors-General to the success of these new reforms can therefore not be overemphasized.

    “The SDGs adopted by all United Nations member states is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity,” the president said.

    He therefore urged the Auditors-General to take their roles very seriously as it has a direct impact on our development as a nation and what we make from our limited resources. He advised them to be vigilant, independent and above politics.

    The Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Anthony Ayine, in his welcome address, said Nigerians must work together in order to successfully implement the SDGs.

    “The challenge of development and improving the well-being of the citizens of Nigeria is not for the federal government alone. The audit community therefore, has a strategic role to play.

    “Through audits, Supreme Audit Institutions (SAls) have the opportunity to stimulate the government to have more policy coherence among its actions. It is the duty of the SAI community to help watch over SDGs implementation and policy integration.

    “Our audits could look at specific programmes that target the poor and vulnerable groups, to assess how they work, or they could look at the whole government, to evaluate whether these issues are incorporated into a range of government policies,” he said.

  • FG redeploys four Permanent Secretaries

    President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday approved the redeployment of four federal permanent secretaries to various ministries.

    Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HOS), made this known in a statement in Abuja.

    She stated that Alhaji Mu’azu Abdulkadir, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel have been redeployed to Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    “Mrs Georgina Ehuria, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) was now deployed to Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.

    Read Also: Obaseki appoints six new permanent secretaries2018/03/28

    “Mr Aliboh Leon, Permanent Secretary Special Duties, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) was also deployed to Federal Ministry of Environment.

    “Alhaji Suleiman Mustapha, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, OHCSF has been deployed to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

    She directed that all handing-over and taking-over processes should be done on or before Friday, Sept. 28, 2018

  • Oyo-Ita, Ghanaian Minister provides solution to fix housing deficit

    Says 55, 000 civil servants subscribed for FISH housing scheme

     

    Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, and Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Works and Housing, Hon. Freda Prempeh have called for increased Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to fix housing deficit in the country.

    The dignitaries including the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola made the call during 12th edition of the Abuja International Housing Show, held at the weekend in Abuja.

    It was themed: Driving Growth and Sustainability in Nigeria’s Housing and Mortgage Markets-Improving Structures and Policies for impact.

    The HOS, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Welfare Office, Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack disclosed that about 55, 000 civil servants have subscribed for the Federal Integrated Staff Housing (FISH) programme.

    Oyo-Ita restated Federal Government commitment to addressing the housing deficit stressing that there are other ongoing programmes to ensure affordable housing delivery.

    “This is an indication of the desire of key stakeholders in this sector not only to fill the gaps in the housing sector in terms of quantum but also to ensure qualitative delivery. The FISH programme is being delivered in partnership with private sector organisations, either as estate developers or financiers.”

    Theme of the expo, she stated was timely as it highlighted challenges of affordable housing in the country and West Africa sub region.

    Earlier, the Ghanaian deputy minister identified high cost of building inputs, access to land title, poor land system and infrastructure cost as challenges bedeviling the sector.

    Read Also: Minimum wage increase on table, says Oyo-Ita

    Aside, Hon. Prempeh attributed corruption and selfish interest as another setback of the built industry.

    However, she called for the adoption of modern technologies and need to partner with the private sector.

    According to her, houses should be built in districts to reduce cost and achieve affordability, adding that more than 60, 000 acres of land have been earmarked for low income earners in Ghana.

    “Partnering with the private sector the more will help provide affordable housing for Nigerians,” she said.

    The Minister of power, works and housing, Fashola, while declaring open the conference restated federal government’s commitment to providing sustainable affordable housing to the people.

    Fashola said there are ongoing policies aimed at providing access to mortgage finance at single digit interest rate.

    The minister, represented by his colleague from State, Hassan Zarma noted that the current administration has initiated a new policy towards better housing delivery nationwide.

    “As our demography is increasing, there is need to multiply the structure to reduce cost of housing with efficient consideration methods.

    “It is our goal as a government to industrialise the building and housing delivery process in Nigeria and ensure that the building components are manufactured in the country.”

    Fashola was eventually awarded by organisers of the show.