Anti-graft war should start from N’Assembly – EFCC chair.

Anti-graft war should start from N’Assembly – EFCC chair.

EFCC chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

The Senate, on Wednesday, screened and confirmed the nomination of Ola Olukoyede as the substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

While fielding questions from the senators during his screening, Olukoyode told the lawmakers to ensure that the fight against corruption begins in the National Assembly.

He declared that he was ready to work no matter whose ox was gored.

 “Let the fight against corruption begin from this hallowed chamber.

“If you are fighting corruption, you become the enemy of everybody,” he said.

Olukoyede said the time had come for all anti-corruption agencies to focus more on prevention rather than enforcement.

He said,” Enforcement is a very strong tool in our hands and we are going to apply it very seriously.

“Without downplaying the importance of enforcement, there is what we call a transactional credit system. If we continue to allow Nigerians to buy houses, cars and other luxurious properties by cash, because we don’t have an effective credit system, one thousand anti-corruption agencies will not do us any good and that is the reality.

“We must create an atmosphere to make sure that people have choices. If I don’t steal money, can I afford to train my children in school with good standards? If I don’t steal money, can I buy a car after I have worked for five years? If I don’t steal money, can I put a three-room bungalow in place after I have worked for 20 years?

“An average Nigerian does not own a home, when he has the opportunity, he would steal. Even if he does not have the opportunity he would create one.”

The new EFCC chairman also called on the judiciary to place substantive justice above technicalities when dealing with corruption cases.

“We must encourage our criminal justice system to adjudicate in such a way that it will not drag for a very long time.

“Prosecution should not be allowed to last for a maximum of five years from the court of first instance to the Supreme Court. The Senate can work on that very seriously. If we make the administration of the criminal justice system really work, you will see the great work the anti-corruption agencies are doing,” Olukoyede added.

He said there was a connection between the low standard of living in the country and the rise of corruption.

“The savings of an average civil servant in Nigeria all through his service years cannot build the type of houses they are building and cars they are riding.

“The problem we have is just like the proverbial monkey that was locked up in a cage with a bunch of ripe bananas. The owner stood outside with a cane. The monkey would either eat the bananas, get beaten and be alive, or allow the bananas to get rotten and die of hunger,” he stated.

He added, “I will do more in the areas of blocking the leakages. We spend more money fighting corruption when we could have spent less to prevent it.”

The EFCC chairman noted that Nigeria lost a total of N2.9tn to procurement fraud in three years.

According to him, he did a survey between 2018 and 2020 on 50 entities in Nigeria; both human and corporate entities.

Olukoyede narrated, “I picked just one scheme, one species of fraud, which is called contract and procurement fraud. I discovered that within the three years, Nigeria lost N2.9tn.

“When I put my figures together, I discovered that if the country had prevented the money from being stolen, it would have given us 1,000 kilometres of road, it would have built close to 200 standard tertiary institutions; it would have also educated about 6,000 children from primary to tertiary levels at N16m per child.

 “It would have also delivered more than 20,000 units of three-bedroom houses across the country. It would have given us a world-class teaching hospital in each of the 36 states of the country and the federal capital territory.”

Meanwhile, the Senate erupted in laughter when the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, told Olukoyede not to use him as an example in the anti-corruption fight.

Olukoyede had while speaking said, “If we are investigating the Senate President for example…”

But Akpabio said, “I’m very glad that the nominee wants to use the Senate President as an example. But Mr nominee, leave the Senate President for now, look at this direction (pointing at the seats of opposition lawmakers).”

Apart from Olukoyede, the Senate also confirmed Muhammad Hammajoda as the Secretary of the EFCC.

Similarly, the Senate also confirmed Halima Shehu as the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme.

Credit: The Punch Newspaper

By: Tope Omogbolagun

President Tinubu Approves Staggered Commencement of Six New Universities to Address Skill Needs.

President Tinubu Approves Staggered Commencement of Six New Universities to Address Skill Needs. 

By: Comr Olamide Akinwumi J. 

President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the phased commencement of six out of 14 public universities established during the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. This decision was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tahir Mamman, following discussions with the president.

The universities include two colleges each for agriculture, education, and medicine, strategically aligned with the skill acquisition needs of the Tinubu-led administration. The Buhari administration had previously approved the establishment of numerous universities, both federal, state, and private, over seven years.

However, the Federal Government faces financial constraints in launching all these institutions simultaneously due to their capital-intensive nature. Hence, President Tinubu's administration is adopting a conservative approach in approving new universities.

The Minister of Education expressed that starting 14 institutions simultaneously would place a significant financial burden on the government. Therefore, the President has directed a staggered implementation to ensure adequate government support.

Dr. Mamman did not specify which universities were approved but mentioned that colleges of agriculture, education, and medicine would be prioritized to meet the nation's educational needs.

Furthermore, the Minister discussed the government's plans to complete the National Library in Abuja.

Meanwhile, Former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the administration endeavors to improve the education sector and the economy. He expressed confidence in the "renewed hope agenda" and emphasized the positive impact it would have on education, security, and economic development in the country.

The phased establishment of these new universities aligns with the administration's commitment to revamp the education sector while maintaining fiscal responsibility in managing public resources.

Senate appoints Ashiru to replace Umahi as Deputy Leader, Onyeka Deputy Chief Whip.

Senate appoints Ashiru to replace Umahi as Deputy Leader, Onyeka Deputy Chief Whip.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J.

The Senate has undergone significant leadership changes with the appointment of Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru (APC – Kwara South) as the new Deputy Leader and Senator Nwebonyi Peter Onyeka (APC – Ebonyi North) as the new Deputy Chief Whip. These appointments were announced during a plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The recent changes came as Senator Ashiru, previously holding the position of Deputy Chief Whip, was elevated to the role of Deputy Senate Leader. This promotion was necessitated by the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as the Minister of Works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leaving the Deputy Senate Leader position vacant.

With these appointments, the Senate's leadership structure has evolved to accommodate the changes, ensuring the effective and seamless operation of the legislative body. Senator Ashiru's new role as Deputy Senate Leader reflects his experience and capabilities, while Senator Onyeka's appointment as Deputy Chief Whip underscores the need for a well-rounded leadership team.

These changes aim to enhance the Senate's ability to fulfill its legislative responsibilities and serve the interests of the Nigerian people. The newly appointed leaders will play essential roles in guiding the Senate's proceedings and deliberations, working towards the betterment of the nation.

Federal Government cautions on abuse of social media.

Federal Government cautions on abuse of social media.

....Information minister promises free press.

The media will not be gagged under President Bola Ahmed Tunubu, the Federal Government said yesterday.

But the government advised the citizens to use the social media with a high sense of decency and fairness.

Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said this after a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House yesterday in Abuja.

The minister assured the media that they would enjoy better freedom under the current administration.

He urged practitioners to practise responsible journalism, stressing that the President has given him the responsibility of renewing the confidence of Nigerians in their country.

Idris announced that the government would soon initiate a national dialogue on orientation and reorientation with the goal of re-establishing Nigerians’ trust in their fatherland.

Addressing reporters on how to manage the excesses of social media, the minister noted that responsible journalism is the way to go.

“While government and Mr. President and all of us in that sector are committed to ensuring that there’s press freedom, that freedom, like I said, comes with responsibilities. A lot of things that some of these people in the social media are doing are also not very patriotic.

“Sometimes, you’ll say news that is not factual. But I don’t want a situation where it will be seen that government is trying to gag the press. I want that to be underscored. There is no attempt by government to gag the press. We’re going to do whatever it takes that is responsible, that is also accountable. Responsible journalism is the way to go.

“You know that Mr. President believes in press freedom; he believes in the freedom of expression, and he’s not going to gag the press in any way, shape or form. He’s going to work assiduously to ensure that the Nigerian press that has been free is even freer.

“But, like I say all the time, this freedom also comes with enormous responsibility. You can’t just say what is not right because you say you’re enjoying press freedom. There’ll be freedom, but it has to be responsible freedom,” he said.

Commenting on the need for renewed patriotism among Nigerians, Idris said the Tinubu administration was trying to rebuild patriotism and discipline in the minds of the citizenry.

The minister said the current administration was working to reintroduce the values of discipline, patriotism, and a belief in the nation’s ideals that were instilled by the founding fathers.

He noted that this would herald a fresh perspective in the roles of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and place national orientation at its core.

Explaining why he visited President Tinubu, the minister said: “I have come to tell the President my experience at the new Ministry of Information and National Orientation. He has given me a mandate of what to do.

“I went, saw the sectional heads of the ministry. I went round all the eight agencies under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation and I went to charge them with the responsibility that Mr. President has given us – to reset that sector, to make it more functional, so that once again we will have a very vibrant Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

“You know that the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down in this country. This is not in doubt. We’re trying to rebuild that and Mr. President has given me a marching order to see that Nigerians believe in this country once again. We’re coming up with a national discourse on orientation and reorientation so that Nigerians can believe in their country.

“You know that people don’t believe even leaders, those they themselves have elected. Flags are not flying anymore. You go to government offices, you don’t even see the symbols of our collective existence flying in public buildings. We’re bringing that about.

“We’re bringing back this concept of discipline, that Nigerians should have patriotism, believe in the nationhood that our founding fathers have told us. So, it’s going to be a new Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and national orientation is going to be at the centre of it,” he said.

Credit: The Nation Newspaper.

Why I walked out of Senate plenary~ Ndume.

Why I walked out of Senate plenary~ Ndume.

Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Ali Ndume yesterday explained why he walked out of the Red Chamber after clashing with Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.

 In an interview with the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Ndume said: “When Senator Kawu Sumaila proposed a motion which he said was urgent on closing the border between Nigeria and Niger, it was first argued that the motion was not urgent.

“But the President of the Senate let him finish what he wanted to say. After hearing the motion, it was agreed that since it is related to security, it should be suspended.”

The Borno South senator explained that it was at that point he wanted to explain the importance of the motion to the Red Chamber, but was denied the opportunity.

“I would like to clarify that the motion, although impactful, falls outside the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Senate.

“The closure of the border was not initiated by the President of Nigeria but rather during his tenure as President of ECOWAS. As such, he has the authority to advocate on our behalf.

“In order to address this matter, it is imperative to involve the President of our nation, but I was not afforded the opportunity to convey this message.

“While this was happening, it coincided with the time of prayer, prompting my departure. Consequently, my colleagues misconstrued my exit, and the journalists changed the meaning of my exit,” he said.

Ndume added that he told another senator that he was going to pray and then he left.

Also, erstwhile Adamawa North Senator Elisha Abbo, who was sacked by the Appeal Court on Monday, has apologised to Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his earlier claim that the Senate President was complicit in the judgment that sacked him form the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

Speaking on Arise News Television on Tuesday night, Abbo said neither himself nor any other senator planned to impeach Akpabio.

The controversial senator also denied his earlier claim that the Senate President had plans to kick out Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and three other senators.

“I have to say this with all sense of humility and responsibility that the press release that we rendered yesterday (Monday) was premature as the available information at our disposal then portended.

“We discovered a lot of things yesterday, last night. I also had a discussion with my leader, my elder brother, colleague, and the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Akpabio, and I am convinced that he was not involved in my exit from the Senate,” he said.

Abbo added that he also got a more credible and authenticated intelligence on Tuesday morning to the effect that Akpabio was not involved in kicking him out of the Senate through the Court of Appeal.

The erstwhile senator acknowledged that based on additional intelligence he received, Akpabio’s innocence was confirmed.

On reports of attempts in the past to impeach the Senate President, Abbo, who was reportedly linked to the alleged plot, said: “I want to say that there was no plan to impeach the Senate President at any time. He himself was a product of the popular votes of confidence by us (he and his colleagues). I support and respect Senator Godswill Akpabio to deliver on the core mandate of the Nigerian people. I am praying for God to give him wisdom, because the Senate is a chamber of equals. I am praying for wisdom for him to know how to manage his colleagues because I don’t want him to fail.”

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Senate President, Eseme Eyiboh, who was also on the same TV programme, praised Abbo for his apology.

Expect more road projects next year, Oyebanji Assures Citizens.

Expect more road projects next year, Oyebanji Assures Citizens.

The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has assured the people of the state that the best has not been seen in terms of performance under his administration, promising to accelerate the development pedal in  his second year and deliver more democracy dividends. 

He said the government will undertake more road projects next year based on numerous requests by towns and villages as well as the commencement  of the World Bank assisted Rural Access to Market Project, that will focus essentially on rural roads linking farms to markets. 

The Governor stated that he has been able to overcome many challenges in the last 12 months to keep some of his electioneering campaign promises, especially in infrastructure upgrade pledging that his administration is primed to do much more in the second year.

Oyebanji spoke in Isinbode-Ekiti, Ayekire Local Government Area of the state, on Wednesday, while flagging off the reonstruction of Ikole-Ara-Isinbode road to connect Ekiti South Senatorial District to the Northern axis of the state. 

Oyebanji, who apologised to the community for the agony the commuters plying the route must have experienced on the highly deplorable road, said the year of excruciating pain has gone with the commencement of the reconstruction work.

Oyebanji  described the gesture as keeping to the promise he made while campaigning across the state, assuring that he would keep to all the social contracts signed with the people to build a trust between the government and the governed.

Tracing the trajectories of government's interventions on the road, Oyebanji said: "You know that this road has undergone three stages of rehabilitation, but all were short-lived. But this present  reconstruction is going to  be total.

"All the lapses witnessed in the previous rehabilitation activities  shall be corrected to make this one last and durable.

"We are assuring you that as we begin the second year of this administration, greater things shall continue to happen to our people. We will continue to fulfil all our promises to you, that is our pledge and we shall keep to it.

"I want to charge the contractor handling the project to do a good job that he has been known for and it must be delivered in record time".

Branding the Ikole-Ara-Isinbode road as central to economic development of that axis, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, said Oyebanji's government is expending humongous sum of money on rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads on the premise that it was a propelling force for improved industrial development and investment drives.

Adebayo urged the company handling the road project to deliver the best  job and finish in record time to be able to meet the yearnings of the motorists .

Applauding the Governor for the gesture, the Onisin of Isinbode, Oba Adesoji Akinyemi, said the road  was the shortest route from Ekiti to Kwara, commending the Governor for being a promise keeper, which he demonstrated with the project and the restoration of light to entire Gbonyin Local Government Area .

Governor Oyebanji's Threefold Vision for Ekiti: Unity, Progress, and Shared Prosperity.

Governor Oyebanji's Threefold Vision for Ekiti: Unity, Progress, and Shared Prosperity.

By: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi J. 

As Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji marks his first year in office, the core of his administration's vision for Ekiti State becomes evidently clear – "Ekiti First, Ekiti Together, Ekiti Forward." These three guiding principles encapsulate his unwavering commitment to the people and the progress of the state.

Governor Oyebanji's first year in office has laid a solid foundation for the ambitious goals he has set for the state. His administration has worked diligently to improve various sectors and create an environment where shared prosperity is not just a phrase but a reality.

Ekiti First: This principle underscores the Governor's commitment to prioritize the interests and well-being of Ekiti State above all else. It's a testament to his dedication to serve the people, enhance their lives, and address their needs. Governor Oyebanji firmly believes that by putting "Ekiti First," he can steer the state towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

Ekiti Together: Unity and cooperation are central to the Governor's vision. He understands that Ekiti's development requires the collaborative efforts of all its residents. Regardless of political affiliations or backgrounds, the call is for all Ekiti people to come together in a spirit of camaraderie. Working collectively, they can overcome challenges and seize opportunities to drive progress.

Ekiti Forward: The final pillar of Governor Oyebanji's vision is "Ekiti Forward." This is a commitment to not only maintain the state's current progress but to push the boundaries of development further. Governor Oyebanji's goal is to continuously propel Ekiti State into the future, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for all its citizens.

The achievements of Governor Oyebanji's first year in office have provided the state with a robust starting point. Yet, he acknowledges that the journey to a better Ekiti is a collective effort. He calls on Ekiti State residents to rally behind his administration's goals and objectives. To achieve the vision of Ekiti First, Ekiti Together, and Ekiti Forward, the Governor emphasizes the need for unwavering support from all.

With this vision at the forefront, the future of Ekiti State appears promising. It is a call for unity, progress, and the realization of shared prosperity in the state.

As Governor Oyebanji looks ahead, one thing is evident – the people of Ekiti State have the potential for greatness, and with their continuous support and participation, they can truly achieve it.

Ekiti State's future is indeed bright, and by standing together, the citizens of the state can work towards a more prosperous tomorrow.

Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James is a Public Relations Specialist, Content Creator, and Journalist, born and raised in Ise-Ekiti, Ise/Orun Local Government Area of Ekiti State. He can be reached through: Akinwumiolamide09@gmail.com, 09068215955.