Oyebanji lauds Outgoing LG Bosses over good performance.

Oyebanji lauds Outgoing LG Bosses over good performance.

.....Rules out abandoned projects in councils.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, yesterday applauded the outgoing local government Chairmen for their outstanding performance in their respective council areas.

Oyebanji disclosed that he was impressed by the chairmen's performances and services to Ekiti, describing their efforts in the last two years they have been in the saddle as satisfactory. 

The Governor stated these in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, at a valedictory luncheon organised in honour of the outgoing Chairmen of Local Government / Local Council Development Areas, by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs. 

The event which was also gravely by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, came a day ahead of the inauguration of newly elected council chairmen billed for Thursday, January 4.

During his interaction with the local government henchmen, Oyebanji appreciated them for giving their best to the state, saying that their performance had shored up the level of progress and development at the third tier of government.

"On behalf of the good people of Ekiti State and your councils, I stand here to thank you for your services to the state and for helping in delivering democracy dividends to our people. 

"You have all done well, history will continue to be kind to you. You deserve to be honoured and celebrated because you have done so well"  

The Governor assured the local government chairmen that their successors will complete all ongoing projects they have started, saying his government has strong aversion for abandoned projects at the council level in the interest of Ekiti citizens.

Oyebanji said: "For those that have been returned, I congratulate you. Those that are not returned, there is no point to fear about tomorrow, it is common to public office holders. There are times for entry and exit . If you are exiting, see it as part of life".

Oyebanji appealed to the council bosses to put behind them the acrimonies of the recent party's primary, saying the future is still bright for those who had done exceedingly well in serving the people. 

"Wherever we find ourselves as politicians, we must be humble with power. You must connect with the people, treat them with respect and honour. You must also serve God. If God has singled you out among the people to lead, try and get closer to Him". 

Speaking further about political contest, Oyebanji said: "It is not a game one should be angry over. I have lost elections two times. I lost with former Governor Niyi Adebayo in 2003. I lost with Governor Kayode Fayemi in 2014. So, those that will not be coming, don't see it as the end of life. Don't limit God, he can still take you to a higher position". 

Applauding the Governor for giving direction on how best to make the councils more productive, the Chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Ekiti chapter, Hon. Olabode Adetunji, hinged their performances to high level of financial independence allowed by the Oyebanji in councils. 

Adetunji, who doubles as the Chairman of Efon Local Government, promised that the incoming council henchmen will back the governor in the realisation of his dream at the local government level.

"You are a special breed of Governor. You allowed the local governments to be free and flourish. That is why we are having projects all over the state. Be rest assured that the incoming ones will build on our legacies. 

"We appreciate the governor for giving us this opportunity to serve", he said.

Plateau killings: Northcentral governors lift victims with N100m.

Plateau killings: Northcentral governors lift victims with N100m.

Governors of Northcentral states yesterday donated N100 million to victims of Christmas Eve killings in Plateau State as calls for the Federal Government to revamp the security architecture grew.

Terrorists attacked 15 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, killing over 115 persons and razing 221 houses.

The death toll rose to about 200 days after the attack.

Chairman of the Northcentral Governors Forum/Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule announced the cash gift when he and others visited Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

He said it was to help reduce the survivors’ suffering.

Describing Plateau as a home for all Nigerians, he stressed the need to identify the root causes of the attacks and find a lasting solution.

Sule described the attack as terrorism, saying the perpetrators must be fished out and punished.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and his Niger State counterpart Mohammed Umar Bago condemned the killings, calling for unity.

Alia called on the people of Plateau, Nasarawa, Benue and Niger states to unite and defeat terrorists.

According to him, there was a need for a united strategy and willpower to consistently check the borders to curtail the menace.

Mutfwang expressed appreciation to his brother-governors for visiting to commiserate with him.

He reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with them to promote peace, unity, and development in the region.

N17b cash: EFCC detains social investment scheme coordinator.

N17b cash: EFCC detains social investment scheme coordinator.

Afew hours after her suspension, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arrested the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.

She was still being detained as at press time last night.

Halima Shehu was picked up in connection with the movement of N17 billion from NSIPA account to some suspicious accounts within one week.

The interception and recovery of the cash followed some alleged payments of billions of naira by the agency without presidential approval.

It was learnt that the EFCC might have recommended Halima Shehu’s suspension to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Her suspension, based on preliminary investigation, was to pave the way for an unfettered probe of the infraction.

Operatives of the commission, who were drafted to the National Coordinator’s private office and home, arrested her at about 8pm yesterday.

After searching her home and office, she was taken into custody at about 9pm for interrogation.

It was also learnt that the EFCC was closing in on a director of the agency, who was allegedly complicit in the huge payments into the suspicious accounts.

But, some crack operatives of the EFCC will today interrogate a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, for allegedly laundering N37, 170,855,753.44 during her tenure through a contractor, James Okwete.

The ex-minister has disowned the implicated contractor.

She might be quizzed today by a team of interrogators.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that following intelligence, the EFCC uncovered “unusual movement of billions of naira” from NSIPA’s account.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The EFCC raised a red flag on the suspicious payments of billions of Naira into some individual and corporate accounts. Preliminary investigation showed that there was no presidential approval for the payment of such humongous funds

“Pre-emptive steps were immediately put in place to track the suspicious funds. So far, about N17 billion has been intercepted and recovered from some accounts by this commission.

“Our team is working round the clock to trace the remaining billions of Naira suspected to have been laundered from the Social Investment cash.”

An EFCC source told our correspondent how the NSIPA boss was arrested.

He said: “Shortly after her suspension, EFCC operatives laid siege to her office in Maitama District but it took almost two hours to arrest her. While the siege lasted, the EFCC chairman directed that the operatives should not break into her office or her residence.

“Eventually, she was arrested and detained by our team. Her grilling immediately started based on preliminary findings.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the EFCC might have recommended Halima Shehu’s suspension, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.

Before Halima’s appointment, she worked as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme .

She also served with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development between 2017 and 2022.

Investigation confirmed that the President wielded the big stick yesterday because Halima Shehu had earlier defied a presidential directive to work with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, to pay the outstanding and statutory stipends to beneficiaries of the N-Power programme before Christmas.

The N-Power programme was created by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari to address youth unemployment with the beneficiaries earning N30,000 monthly.

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About 400,000 beneficiaries have not received monthly stipends in the past few months.

A highly-placed source said: “The suspended National Coordinator did not work with the minister as expected on N-Power. Following the defiance of the presidential directive, the presidency asked the minister to liaise with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay the N-Power beneficiaries.

“In the midst of this challenge, the EFCC intercepted suspicious payments by NSIPA. The president had no choice than to approve her suspension as requested by the EFCC.”

The EFCC was on the trail of a director of the Social Investment Agency who was central to the suspicious payments.

On Umar-Farouq, a source said: “We have invited her. Our team is set to interact with her because the affected contractor has made some statements which we need to interrogate.”

In a letter to the ex-minister, the EFCC said: “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

Rivers Speaker’s resignation sacrifice for peace – Fubara.

Rivers Speaker’s resignation sacrifice for peace – Fubara.

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, said, on Tuesday, that the resignation of the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Edison Ehie, was so that peace could reign in the state.

The governor added that his decision to toe the path of peace in the Rivers political crisis was not out of fear but in the interest of peace.

He spoke at the maiden state banquet held by his administration in Government House Port Harcourt on Monday night to celebrate the New Year.

It was reported that Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis, following a move by 27 lawmakers loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike to impeach Fubara.

To forestall the impeachment, the Assembly complex was on the night of October 29 destroyed with an explosive, while the House was factionalised.

President Bola Tinubu later waded into the crisis by inviting the players to a parley in Abuja, during which a signed an eight-point resolution to resolve the crisis.

Though many said the resolutions were skewed in favour of Wike and warned Fubara against going ahead with it, the governor had insisted that he would abide by the terms of the resolution.

A few days ago, the Speaker of the Assembly faction, Ehie, who opposed the impeachment move, tendered his resignation from the legislature and wrote to inform the Independent National Electoral Commission of his decision.

Ehie, in his resignation, did not give any reason for his resignation.

Speaking on Monday, Fubara said all the steps that had been taken were calculated to ensure peace.

He said, “Whatever it will take, as seen in our decisions… Yesterday (Sunday), a lot of people were worried: why would the Speaker resign? It is to tell you what we can do for peace to reign.”

Fubara stated that his administration would not be enmeshed in any dirty political war that would hinder its developmental plans for Rivers State.

He said, “Every decision that we’ve taken is not borne out of fear but because we have the interest of our people and we have respect for elders

“I’m appealing to every one of us to embrace the peace. We need this peace because our intention for the state is not for our personal interest but for the development of the state.

“So, when we are faced with this type of situation we consider the actions and reactions. Who is going to suffer? Fubara will not suffer, but one million supporters will suffer.

 “Our New Year message to our dear state, more especially this is our inaugural banquet to show that the government is alive.

“I want to leave you with only this message, we will not disappoint you. We also will not be involved in any dirty fighting because we know that we are going to be the losers.”

He said his administration was determined to leave a legacy of unity and development in Rivers State, and not a legacy of political apprehension.

In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, expressed gratitude to God that despite the political turbulence in the state, Fubara remained focused on dispensing the dividends of democracy in the state.

According to him, Rivers State is blessed to have a governor who is “calculated, humble, honest and hard-working.”

He urged Rivers people to be apostles of peace, truth and justice for the state to continue on a trajectory of greatness

Kebbi trains 2,400 schoolteachers in English language, others.

Kebbi trains 2,400 schoolteachers in English language, others.

The Kebbi State Government has commenced the training of 2,400 primary schoolteachers in the use of English language, Mathematics and pedagogical skills.

Declaring the training open at the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Nasir Idris said his administration was determined to revolutionalise the state’s education sector.

He urged teachers, parents and other stakeholders to join hands with his administration to move the education sector forward.

“Let me use this medium to inform this gathering that I am going to give more priority to teachers, especially their welfare.

“This administration will also give support and encouragement to  Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment.

“We are going to modify and strengthen its operations to conform with the needs of our society,” he said.

The Chairman, Kebbi State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Suleiman Khalid, said the training was divided into six units, with 400 participants in each unit.

Khalid said the training would run for two weeks and the participants would be trained in English language, Mathematics and pedagogical skills.

Earlier, the Rector, Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Dr Usman Sani-Tunga, commended the governor for the initiative, describing training and retraining of teachers as the best way to drive the sector to prosperity.

Kano seeks wealthy citizens’ assistance on quality education.

Kano seeks wealthy citizens’ assistance on quality education.

The Kano State Government has said that it would reach out to wealthy individuals for funds to provide critical infrastructure to raise the standard of basic education in the state.

Governor Abba Yusuf stated this when he hosted heads of media organisations in his office on Monday night.

He said, “We can’t fund the education sector alone without the assistance of wealthy residents; hence, the need for us as a government to reach out for the task ahead.

“This is part of efforts to ensure that stakeholders contribute their quota towards revamping the sector.

“We will reach out to wealthy individuals, corporate organisations, development partners and donor agencies in this direction.”

The governor said his administration was committed to providing quality education to the youth to guarantee a stable future, pointing out that “the era when pupils and students receive lessons on bare floor will soon be a thing of the past.”

Yusuf, therefore, called on wealthy Kano residents to sponsor qualified indigenes to further their education.

“There is a need to show love to others, particularly the underprivileged and the Almighty Allah will ensure that their pockets never run dry.

“We cannot leave the education and training of our children to the government or the parents alone. Any physical structure built by an individual, be it a primary school or higher institution, will bear the name of such personality as it has been the tradition of our government.

“It is my prayer that our well-to-do individuals in the state will stand strong and grow from strength to strength,” Yusuf said.

Ondo PDP Suspends State Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams.

Ondo PDP Suspends State Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Working Committee in Ondo State has taken a decisive step by suspending its State Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams. The suspension comes as a result of allegations of anti-party activities and conduct that could tarnish the party's reputation.

In a letter issued on Tuesday and signed by nine members of the State Working Committee, the decision to suspend Adams was unanimously approved. The committee expressed concern over activities that were deemed contrary to the party's interests and capable of bringing it into disrepute.

Adams has been officially advised to present himself before the State disciplinary committee for further investigation. The disciplinary hearing is scheduled to take place within the next week, during which Adams will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations brought against him.

The suspension signals a notable development within the Ondo State chapter of the PDP and reflects the party's commitment to internal discipline and adherence to its principles. As the State Chairman faces disciplinary proceedings, party members await the outcome of the investigation and the decision of the disciplinary committee.

The PDP in Ondo State remains focused on maintaining internal harmony and upholding the values that define the party. The suspension of the State Chairman underscores the party's dedication to accountability and its determination to address any actions deemed detrimental to its collective goals.