Gov. Adeleke reads riot act to cabinet members.

Gov. Adeleke reads riot act to cabinet members.

Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has read riot act to his cabinet members on service delivery.

Adeleke also set up a monitoring and evaluation unit for quarterly performance review of cabinet members.

A statement by Mr Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment on Wednesday in Osogbo, quoted the governor as making the remarks while addressing the maiden State Executive Council meeting.

Adeleke also directed council members “to redouble their efforts in service delivery to the people.

“We should note particularly that 2024 is a critical year for this administration.

“By December, we will be reaching the mid-term. We must move fast in the implementation of our sectoral plans.

“You all must work hard in your various ministries to achieve set goals.

“Kindly be informed that I have set up a discreet monitoring and evaluation team to prepare quarterly reports on ministries and assess performance of members of the cabinet.

“Even though you did not sign a performance bond on assumption of office, you will henceforth be evaluated on your service delivery.

“We will not hesitate to remove from office any appointee that fails to deliver based on Monitoring and Evaluation reports,” he said.

Adeleke urged the cabinet members to focus on serious state matters rather than lobbying around issues of personal benefits.

Also, the council approved the appointments of six new traditional rulers in the state.

The statement said all the appointments were with immediate effect.

In addition, the council approved the elevation of 11 more traditional rulers in Osun state to a Part II (Recognised) Status of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of Osun state, 2002.

(NAN)

No apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan.

No apologies for supporting Diri’s re-election, says Jonathan.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said he has no apologies to offer anybody for endorsing and supporting the re-election of Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in the November 11, 2023, off-season governorship polls.

Justifying his decision, Jonathan said it was the right thing to do as the governor had the support of the majority of the people of the state to continue in office.

He spoke during the Thank-you visit of Diri and a high-powered delegation to him at his residence in Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

A statement issued by Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, said the wife of the former President, Patience , was also on hand to receive the governor and his entourage.

Diri, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, was announced the winner of the election after polling 175,196 votes to defeat his closest rival, Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress who polled 110,108 votes.

Jonathan explained that he publicly endorsed Diri’s candidature during the campaigns because of his visionary leadership demonstrated in handling the affairs of the state.

He said the governor deserved to be re-elected for his developmental efforts, particularly for ensuring peace and stability in the state.

The former president said, “I did what I did during the governorship election and I have no apologies to anybody because I know that the governor and his team were doing very well, especially in the area of peace and stability of the state. At a time, l became very worried.

“I have not said others did not do well. After all, I was also governor for a little less than one and a half years and also had my challenges.

“Since Diri came on board, the excesses of cult groups, particularly in Yenagoa, have reduced reasonably. If we must move forward, first and foremost, we must handle the issue of security in order to attract investors. I saw that the governor and his team have a vision and he needed to be encouraged to do another four-year term.”

He charged the governor to do more to meet the high expectations of the massive support base for his Prosperity Administration, adding that “to whom much was given, much was expected.”

Responding, Diri appreciated the former president for his support and endorsement, which contributed to the PDP’s victory at the polls.

The governor expressed optimism that Jonathan would have more roles to play in reconciling people in the country and the African continent to ensure peace and development.

He said, “Your endorsement of a sitting governor was more than billions of naira. And so, having secured that endorsement, we were very sure of victory. We are here to say a big thank you, as that has brought stability in the state.

“So, with the kind of peace and security we have in our state, Bayelsa is ready for private investors to come in.”

Diri also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful, free and credible election in the state.

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.

Read Also: Osun APC blasts Aregbesola, says ex-gov dishonoured agreement by Tinubu, Akande

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.