Aiyedatiwa suspends caretaker chairmen in Ondo.

Aiyedatiwa suspends caretaker chairmen in Ondo.

Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has suspended caretaker chairmen of the 18 local government areas and 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA).

The caretaker chairmen are to remain suspended until the case is determined by the court.

An Akure High Court presided over by Justice Yemi Fasanmi had granted an interim injunction filed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which sought to restrain late governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from inaugurating any person or persons not democratically elected as member(s) of caretaker committees to administer the affairs of the local councils and the LCDA pending the determination of the interlocutory Injunction in this suit.

Justice Fasanmi later barred the caretaker chairmen from operating after they resumed office on the excuse that they had been sworn in before the order was granted.

Aiyedatiwa’s suspension of the caretaker chairman was contained in a letter by the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and signed by Alonge Adewale.

The letter read: “It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that despite the suspension of all recently appointed Caretaker Committee members for Local Government (LGAS) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State by a Court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in that posts.

“Consequently, I have been directed to request the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in all the LGAs/LCDAs to immediately assume responsibility as head of their respective Local Government Areas/ LCDAs in acting capacity pending the resolution of all Legal matters relating to this subject.”

The letter asked the suspended Caretaker Chairmen to submit, without delay, all assets and properties of the LGAs/LCDAs.

But one of the caretaker chairmen who pleaded anonymity said they had earlier secured a stay of execution against the court order.

He said the case would linger till the Supreme Court adjusted it.

The caretaker chairman said they were shocked that Aiyedatiwa refused to obey the order for a stay of execution.

SuperSport will not broadcast AFCON 2023 – Multichoice.

SuperSport will not broadcast AFCON 2023 – Multichoice.

Multichoice, the parent company of DStv, revealed on Wednesday, January 3, that the popular satellite TV service will not be airing the upcoming AFCON 2023 tournament.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Multichoice stated that SuperSport TV failed to secure the broadcasting rights, leaving millions across Africa scrambling for alternative ways to watch the continent’s biggest footballing event.

The statement reads: “SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2-24, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.

However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.

Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivaled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League, and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions.”

The 34th edition of the CAF AFCON will get underway on 13 January in Ivory Coast as 24 nations eye the biggest prize in African football.

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.”