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White Collar Individuals, Government Agencies Behind Nigeria’s Kidnapping Crisis - Says Bwala
AFOLABIAs Nigeria continues to seek solutions to the rising crisis of insecurity, Daniel Bwala, former spokesperson of the Atiku presidential campaign, has said the real perpetrators of the kidnappings and insecurity crisis in Nigeria are individuals in white collars, government agencies and other financial and business interests.
Bwala in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, said the kidnappers are mercenaries working for these perpetrators.
“The notion or narrative that this insecurity is a ploy to offset the Tinubu’s administration in my view is a decoy narrative peddled by either some security narratives or politicians in a bid to give president Tinubu the impression that it is a case of us against them.
“We have seen it seriously, he didn’t commission the law enforcement agency to be brutal about it. This is the same movie as before. In president Buhari’s time, it was the same thing.
“You remember when he started the war against corruption, the minute information started coming out about public officers under his employ and appointment are involved in corruption, they immediately built a narrative to him that it is corruption fighting back and the minute he accepted that notion, everything you said about public affairs under his administration, he didn’t take serious.
“That is why I like what president Tinubu said. he refused to buy that idea, when he said I don’t have that luxury of time; you have to go and deal with this or I take a decision. This problem that is confronting us is local and the solution is local.
“This emerging issue of kidnapping is a crisis economy and the kidnappers in the bush are mere mercenaries. The real perpetrators are in towns, in white collars, in government agencies, some in financial and other business interests.”
The legal practitioner also advised the federal government to be cautious in accepting the offer of foreign partners who are offering to help as that could be a ‘ploy to negotiate their interest’.
“Even the notion that some international partners are opting to help us, I advised the federal government a few days ago on twitter that we should accept that help with a long spoon. These foreign governments oftentimes use that as a ploy to negotiate their interest. They never mean and will never mean well for our problem.
“To juxtapose my point, when a missionary was abducted; an American citizen, you see the swiftness with which the American forces came and rescued the person. If they really wanted to help us, from when Boko Haram started till today, we would have been able to deal decisively with Boko haram. So, let us treat their offer with caution.”
He also supported the president’s statement that no ransom will be paid to the kidnappers, adding that the bandits opted for school children because they understand that it will gain the attention of the United Nations.
“I agree with President Bola Tinubu that no ransom be paid because he must have been briefed based on intelligence that the individuals involved in this ransom thing are white collar people and so, continuing to discuss and paying ransom is feeding off of the crisis economy, thereby financing them and in turn they procure more arms and build that economy to be much more stronger than the oil and gas industry and these bandits know that once you abduct school children, it takes an international dimension because it falls under the convention of the united nations.
“If the President wants these guys back in 15 days, Mr. President can call all the security chiefs and say in 15 days and I don’t see these children back, I am relieving you all and I am getting a new set of securities and I guarantee you that in 15 days, these kids are going to be back. We all know the states in Nigeria where you have large expanse of land and where this possible carnage is going on. What happened to our law enforcement securities.
“Also, we put so much pressure on the Nigerian Army to deal with internal security matters and so they are so overwhelmed and fatigued. These guys are trained to fight conventional war. When you bring them into the internal mechanism of security checks, you are to expect collateral damage
“The president has to be decisive because from Buhari to this president, I have not heard where a demand is made for money and they refuse to release it.”
Meanwhile, the former aide to the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate also stated that President Tinubu made him realize that it was time to focus on nation building rather than politicking, adding that “there must be a Nigeria before there is politics.”
“I have no regrets that I went to PDP nor supported Atiku. At every given time, I do what I do based on my convictions and if at the end of the day, I execute what I want to execute and it doesn’t work out, I accept the realities of fact. The reality I have accepted now is that this politicking is gone and because of the crisis in Nigeria, the only way we can have an election in 2027 is if Nigeria is safe and secure.
“When I saw this president whom I had supported when I was in APC and saw the good intention he has to right the wrong that he past administration has committed, and when he said he wants all other people from other opposition to come together for a nation building, I felt it was the right time for me to look at nation building rather than politicking because after all is said and done, there must be a Nigeria before there is politics.”
Days after the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger Republic land and air borders by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Nigerien authorities have not said anything, even as they maintained their entry points closed.
Nigeria announced the reopening of its borders with Niger Republic on March 13, 2024.
While security operatives like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have eased movement along border communities, their counterparts across the borders have remained adamant.
This is as residents of border communities, especially on the Nigerian side, on Thursday expressed optimism that with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reopen the borders with Niger Republic, life would be easier for them and their neighbours, especially in terms of trading.
President Tinubu’s directive was in line with the decision of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS’) Authority of Heads of State and Government at its Extraordinary Summit on February 24, 2024 in Abuja.
The Comptroller-General of Immigration (CGI), Kemi Nandap, had in a follow-up to what Tinubu said, directed that restrictions on movement at Nigeria-Niger borders be lifted.
Nandap gave the directive through a statement signed by the acting Service Public Relations Officer, Mr Kenneth Kure on Thursday in Abuja.
She directed all comptrollers stationed at states and border commands along the Nigeria-Niger Republic border to comply promptly and lift all restrictions on human movement.
The border closure was part of sanctions to restore democratic order after the military intervention in Niger that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
The two countries heavily relied on each for economic and social activities, among others.
The Niger–Nigeria border is 1,608 kilometres, stretching from Sokoto through Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno states.
After the reopening of the land borders, our correspondents in the affected states monitored the situation around the boundary areas. Their investigations revealed that on the Nigerian side the borders have been reopened in majority of the areas, but it is a different story on the Nigerien side.
Residents who spoke with our correspondents said if the two neighbouring countries reached a common ground, it would be mutually beneficial as it would revive economic activities in the border communities.
Long way to go in Katsina
In Katsina State, residents of the border town of Kongolam, which is less than 20 kilometres from Daura, said security forces on the Niger Republic side blocked their own part.
Lawan Secretary, who spoke to our correspondent said, “Shortly after we spoke with you about the border reopening on the Nigerian side, the Nigerien police brought three of their operational vehicles and blocked the pathway, using stones and sand.
“They told our people who were about to cross that they should go back as the border had not been reopened on their side,” he said.
Secretary, who said he was not happy with the development, added that whatever the situation was, there was the need for understanding between Nigeria and Niger.
“Just remember that it is not only about business transactions, we have marital ties with the people of Niger.
“Also, remember that our people have been importing and exporting certain commodities with extreme difficulty through illegal entry points, spending a lot of money to find their way.
“That alone has helped in raising the cost of commodities because whatever you spent along the way must be reflected in the selling price,” he said.
Corroborating the earlier response, Alhaji Lawal Planner Kongolam, said the road that leads to Niger Republic was blocked by the Nigerien police, cutting short the happiness of affected persons on both sides.
He said the items mostly traded across the borders in their axis included dates, soap and other confectionary products, as well as grains and cattle. He added that with the high rate of foreign exchange with regard to the CFA, cattle had become more expensive.
He, however, expressed confidence that if there would be mutual understanding between the Nigerian and the Nigerien authorities, there would be gradual return of trading activities; and hopefully, the exchange rate of the CFA would come down.
At Jibia town, also in Katsina State, residents were in a joyous mood, saying their lifeline would soon be restored.
Al-Mustapha Danye said many people were forced out of business as they had eaten up their capital, but with the latest development, there was hope for a new life.
“Our markets used to be frequented by traders from neighbouring communities from Niger Republic. On our part, we used to import farm produce, such as tiger nuts, dates and beans.
“We also have other commodities that pass through Niger on transit from Cotonou. We believe that if normalcy returns, prices of these commodities would crash and life would be easier for us,” he said.
Haidar Lamama, a trader and resident of Magama in Jibia, said the border there had been opened by both Customs and Immigration officers on the Nigerian side.
He expressed optimism that prices of all commodities would fall and life would become easier for the people of the area and the country in general.
When contacted, the spokesman of the Nigeria Customs Service, Katsina Area Command, T. Y Balarabe, said the border in Jibia was reopened following the president’s directive.
Niger border at Maigatari still closed
Our correspondent reports that the Maigatari border in Jigawa State was reopened on Thursday at exactly 6am, according to high-ranking security officials in charge of the area. However, the Niger Republic’s security operatives have kept theirs closed.
“They have refused to open theirs, but they are not asking anybody not to cross over into their land by foot.
“All items that are legally allowed will now be transported through the border following the right channels. But items that are banned remain banned. Things like beans, if you pay duty you would be allowed to bring it into Nigeria,” one of the officials who did not want his name mentioned because he was not authorised to speak said.
On their part, residents of Maigatari and environs have expressed hope that once the borders on both sides are fully opened, the development would yield positive results.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the representative of the district head of Maigatari, Yakubu Aminu Wakili said, “We thank God that the border has been opened, and as directed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, all seized items have been returned to us.
“We now move freely but without cars. But from Niger Republic side, they are yet to open their border. It is still manned by security operatives.
“We cannot say anything on the reason they are yet to reopen the borders because we also just opened ours. But we are hopeful that they would reopen theirs.
“For business activities, we are still where we were since the border was closed. The changes are still minimal but we are optimistic that everything will come back to flourish like before.”
Nigeria/Niger borders in Kebbi still shut
Similarly, despite the presidential directive that the borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic be reopened, the international borders in Kebbi State are still shut on both sides as at Thursday, March 14, 2024, which was 24 hours after the directive by President Tinubu.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that the borders at Kamba, Kangiwa and Bachaka in the state were yet to be opened despite the directive.
A resident of Kamba, Musa Hussein, told our correspondent that the border was still shut and its environs isolated for months.
He said, “They are yet to open the borders. I was there this afternoon. What the Customs at the border told us was that they were yet to receive a memo to open the borders.”
Our sources at Customs and Immigration commands in Kebbi State said some top officers of the two services were summoned to Abuja for further briefing on the border issue.
Sokoto’s Illela border communities laud FG
Residents of Illela town in Sokoto State have expressed happiness over the reopening of the Nigeria-Niger borders, recounting that life was unbearable while the sanctions lasted.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that majority of the residents of border communities were into one form of cross-border trade or another before the closure.
A community leader, Alhaji Musa Sarkin Alaru, said the announcement of the reopening brought relief to many residents.
Recounting their ordeal after the closure, he said 70 per cent of their youths were rendered jobless and had left to other places for greener pastures.
“But I am sure they will all come back now that the border is reopened and continue with their trans-border trades,” he said.
The chairman of the Marketers Association in Sokoto State, Chika Sarkin Gishiri, also expressed optimism that the border reopening would lead to crash in prices of some imported commodities in the country, saying there were many goods meant for Nigeria, which could not come into the country because of the closure.
But one of the livestock traders in the state, Murtala Arkilla, wondered if the reopening could lead to crash in the prices of livestock.
Sokoto receives most of its livestock from the neighbouring Niger Republic.
A security agent at the border post, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said all the security agencies there had complied with the directive of the federal government.
“The border is now open for human and vehicular movement,” he said.
During the official reopening, the area comptroller in charge of Sokoto and Zamfara command, Kamal Muhammed, charged security agencies at the border station to collaborate with one another in the area of trade facilitation, information and intelligence sharing for safe, efficient and effective service delivery at the border.
He further commended Customs licenced agents and the Illela community for their patience and cooperation during the seven-month border closure.
Border reopening won’t change anything – Borno, Yobe traders
In Yobe State, Adamu Kanamma, a trader who crosses to Niger through Maino-Sorroa border in Yunusari Local Government Area, said reopening the border would not change anything.
“We maintained the good relationship we had with the people of Niger even after the border closure, but a lot of things happened within that period.
“To say that the price of food items coming into Nigeria from Niger will drop is not possible unless the value of CFA franc crashes to N1,500 or less because, as at yesterday (March 13, 2024), it was N2, 570 equivalent.
“We are now buying a bag of foreign rice at N73,000 from Niger, so how much can we sell it in the Nigerian market?” he asked.
Another transporter from Machina town, also in Yobe, said the number of people passing through the border had not increased yet.
“It is like Nigeriens have become used to the sanctions, they no longer come into Nigeria like before. It is our traders that are taking the goods to them. Also, we face a lot of strictness in dealing with authorities in Diffa, Maino-Sorroa and Maradi, all in Niger,” he said.
A fish trader, Labbo Mustapha, said Nigeriens were demanding taxes from Nigerians more than before.
“You will not sell fish in their country, and you must pay tax for passing through their country from the Lake Chad.
“One of the disturbing situations is that they don’t collect naira and will not give you CFA franc. But they will pay on whatever transaction you do with naira. They have succeeded in making their currency a scarce commodity,” he said.
Laws governing imports, exports subsist – Customs
The national public relations officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, while explaining the modalities of the border reopening, said there were laws governing imports and exports, which are still in force.
He said, “All imports and exports are in tandem with the extant fiscal policies of the government. We have a fiscal policy that places restriction of certain items through some specific ports. They remain extant until we have counter directives.”
Maiwada added that there were subsisting regulations Customs were also adhering to as stipulated by ECOWAS.
According to Customs’ Export Prohibition List, maize, timber (rough and sawn), raw hides and skin, scrap metals, unprocessed rubber lumps, among others, would not be exported.
Among the items that would not be imported are live and dead birds, pork meat, beef, bird eggs, refined vegetable oil, spaghetti/noodles, fruit juice, some medicaments, such as Paracemol, sex enhancement drugs, bagged cement, mosquito coil, soap and detergent, among others.
[DailyTrust]
Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council (NTRCN), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has said that the the late Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, will be missed for his great thought for better and united Nigeria.
According to the Sultan, Oba Lekan Balogun was a colleague and friend in the quality and professionals-populated traditional institutions in the country.
He also said that his reign on the throne was well spent for the good of his people as the Olubadan of Ibadan Land and Permanent Chairman Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council.
This was discussed in a statement signed by the media team of the Sultan of Sokoto on Friday.
“We will miss him for his great thought for better and united Nigeria as he was known for being a detralibalised Nigerian. By his demise, the country has lost an important traditional leader,” the Sultan said.
“Our condolences go to the Oyo State government, the Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, the family of the deceased Olubadan and the entire people of the state.
“May Allah forgive and admit his soul in Al-Jannah Al-Firdaus, Amiin,” he prayed.
Oba Lekan Balogun, who is the 42nd Olubadan, died days after marking his second year coronation anniversary.
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu yesterday alleged that smugglers and beneficiaries of the old petrol subsidy were beginning to fight back, but vowed that his administration would not abuse the trust Nigerians reposed in him.
Tinubu, during a meeting with the Forum of State Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House in Abuja, said that Nigeria would prevail against the agents of destabilization allegedly working to sabotage efforts at repositioning the economy.
The President, according to his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said his administration was deploying resources to critical sectors and areas with significant impact on the welfare of Nigerians, describing the nation’s treasury as sacrosanct.
He assured Nigerians that his government was working round the clock to improve their living conditions, and asked leaders at the grassroots to encourage citizens to get their National Identification Number (NIN) for planning, structuring interventions and to achieve their full integration into various relief programmes.
“As we are fighting corruption, smugglers and old subsidy beneficiaries, they most certainly will fight back,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.
Continuing, he said: “All those who falsified records and became losers with the subsidy (on petroleum products) removal, they will fight back.
“But we will defend our people. The treasury belongs to the people, and that sacred trust must not be abused.
“I urge the state chairmen that regardless of party affiliation, let us help citizens by mobilizing them for NIN registration. Not just PVCs. Some are poor Nigerians who have not experienced formal education and have no understanding of what NIN is and how it will benefit their lives. We must teach them. We must care for them.
“Without NIN, we cannot embark on social security interventions for the vulnerable. We will be making faulty moves without accurate data and iron-clad, digital intervention structures.
“I have established a committee of governors, and it is headed by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima. It is working on what must be done to further lift our people.
“We need to give hope, and we are giving it to the country and our citizens. We are working hard, day and night, even though some agents of destabilization are present in the polity. Nigerians, with our focused support, shall defeat them.
“The programme of our government will be truly progressive; student loans, a national consumer credit system, and social welfare for the unemployed, as well as graduates. Every Nigerian will find a place of belonging in our country.
“In the eye of even the biggest hurricane, we will find that place of tranquility and prosperous harmony for the benefit of all. Nigerians will all partake on this national journey to prosperity.”
Speaking on the central role of agriculture in expanding and accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth, President Tinubu told the party chiefs led by the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje that his government had already drawn up a blueprint for large-scale livestock farming, which will be activated soon.
His words: “We are bringing mechanized farming to the fore. Yesterday’s crisis will become today’s opportunity.
“Fertilizers are being supplied to farmers as we speak. Agriculture and economic diversification provide the answers to our problems. We will not continue to import food. We know how to turn lack into abundance, and the world will watch us do it again.”
Also speaking, Ganduje said the party was poised to establish a Progressive Institute of Policy and Development for the benefit of its members and the broader Nigerian public.
The Forum of APC State Chairmen congratulated the President on his victory at the polls, the election petitions court , and the Supreme Court.
[ThjeNation]
An actress, Yetunde Bakare, says she has never been asked by any man about what she brings to the table in a relationship.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “I personally think that is not a general question. Nobody has ever asked me that. I feel men often ask such questions when they don’t see the woman they are with as someone who has potential.
“He might have studied her and realised that she does not have foresight, or that she lacks vision and purpose.
“He might also see her as someone who is more interested in a luxury lifestyle that she cannot afford on her own. I feel it is just an excuse for the man to let such a woman go.”
“It is really frustrating, and something needs to be done urgently. Things are getting out of hand. A lot of people now spend more than they earn, and it’s driving them into depression.
“The government needs to introduce relief policies to reduce the pressure,” Bakare added.
[Punch]
Lagos State Government has concluded plans to commence discounted sales of food items across the five state divisions effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
This followed Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s promise to launch the initiative as part of measures to cushion effects of the economic crunch in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, who disclosed this on Friday, explained that
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the directive to commence the food markets, tagged: “Ounje Eko’ Food Markets.
According to Omotoso, “Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed that ‘Ounje Eko’ Food Markets should commence discounted sale of food items across the five divisions of Lagos effective from Sunday, March 17, 2024.
“The food items – rice, beans, gari, bread, eggs, tomatoes, pepper, among others – will be sold at 25 per cent discount to residents.
“In order to prevent sharp practices and ensure the foodstuff reaches a large number of Lagosians, a voucher system will be introduced as the pilot scheme kicks off.”
Omotoso, explained that independent payment solution providers and food vendors have been identified and carefully selected to operate the process as they are expected to also provide real-time data on the exercise for monitoring.
“For the purpose of transparency, prices of the items have also been listed. A 5 kilogram, Kg, bag of rice would sell for N5,325, while 1kg goes for N1,065.
“Also, 5kg bag of Beans – N6,225, while 1kg would sell for N1,245.
“Prices of other staple food items will also be made available through various media outlets,” Omotoso added.
Meanwhile, the markets would be open at 27 locations in Ikeja; six in Lagos Island; nine in Ikorodu; five in Epe; and 10 in Badagry divisions, as governor appealed for orderliness, cooperation from members of the public.
“Mr. Governor has called on all Lagosians to cooperate with the operators at the various locations, monitor the process, and provide feedback through official channels of the Lagos State Government,” Omotoso stated.
[Vanguard]
Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), has explained why Ireti Kingibe is not in good terms with him.
Kingibe, the senator representing FCT, and the minister have not had a good work relationship since they both came to the office.
In September 2023, Kingibe said Wike does not have the executive powers to make threats of demolition of “illegal” buildings” in the territory.
In January, the lawmaker claimed that Wike had refused to respond to her letters and messages in the wake of the rising insecurity in Abuja.
Speaking at a media parley on Thursday, Wike said Kingibe’s anger stems from his constant companionship with Philip Aduda, her predecessor in the senate.
The minister said he could not be forced to befriend Kingibe.
“Somebody wants to be your friend. I said I don’t want to be your friend. Is it by force? The problem is that she wanted to be chairman senate committee on FCT but the senate (Godswill) president said: I’m not giving you,” Wike said.
When journalists pointed out the lawmaker’s apparent interest in FCT affairs, Wike responded sharply, saying, “What? Are you going to supervise me? You cannot supervise me”.
The minister said he has always invited the chairpersons of the FCT committee in the senate and house of representatives to witness the flag-off projects in the nation’s capital.
“There’s nothing we have done that I have not invited the two chairmen of the FCT,” he said.
“Nobody can intimidate me. I was a minister before, I became a governor of one of the most important states in Nigeria and now I am a minister of FCT,” he said.
“You’re saying the minister does not carry me along. I don’t have the back. People don’t know how to go about things. It is not by intimidation.”
“The problem is this she ran an election against my friend Philip Aduda. And then she sees Philip Aduda everywhere with me. She said I am taking Philip everywhere instead of her who is the senator.
“Will I abandon my friend because he failed election? People are so petty. It doesn’t make sense.”
Wike asked Kingibe to “do the right thing” through appropriate communication.
[TheCable]
The Niger State goverment on Friday announced that it will be spending N976 million for Ramadan feeding in the eight emirate councils of the state.
Making this disclosure in a statement on Friday, the state Commissioner for Information, Binta Mamman, disclosed that grains have been procured to be distributed to all the 25 local government areas, emirate councils, religious leaders, security agencies, and political parties in the state.
Naija News reports that Mamman detailed that each local government will receive 7,079 bags of assorted grains.
He said, “Each of the LGA will receive 1,000 bags of 10kg rice, 184 bags of 25kg rice, 2,000 bags of 10 kg maize, 490 bags of 25kg of maize, 1,200 bags of 10kg millet, as well as 1,200 bags of sorghum and 775 bags of beans.
“Bida, Kontagora and Suleja LGAs will receive a total of 14,000 bags of assorted grains each, with Chanchaga LGA receiving the highest number of 21,000 bags of grains. Others to benefit from this gesture are traditional and religious institutions, security agencies, Niger State House of Assembly, political party (APC), IDPs and the organised labour.
“A total sum of N976 million would be expended for Ramadan feeding across the eight emirate councils in the state.”
The state government further urged those that will be responsible for the distribution and coordination of the palliatives and Ramadan feeding to be fair in carrying out the task.
A former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that the date for the coronation of the next Olubadan of Ibadanland has not been fixed.
Ladoja made this declaration on Friday while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council.
The meeting was held at the Alalubosa residence of the current Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin.
DAILY POST gathered that the meeting followed the demise of the 42th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun.
Oba Balogun passed on at the age of 81 on Thursday.
Ladoja, who is the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, while addressing journalists on behalf of other members of the Council, said that the date would be announced as soon as the burial rite for the deceased is completed
He maintained that the Council already know the next person to ascend the throne.
Ladoja said, “The departed monarch (Oba Balogun) came from the Otun line, the next monarch will be from Balogun line, so, the head of Balogun line is the Balogun of Ibadanland, who has become the Olubadan designate.
“We all know that Ibadan does things accordingly. If a king dies, we already know who is next, we refer to him as designate.
“We are here to formalize what next, after the burial rite of the deceased would have been completed. We also discussed how to give a befitting burial to the deceased.
“Since the deceased is a Muslim, he has to be buried in an Islamic way, and the Islamic way is that he has to be buried today, so, it has been decided that he will be buried today at Aliwo, which is his ancestral home, by 4:00 pm today.
“There will be a lying-in-state at Mapo Hall from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm before they move to Aliwo for burial. After that, there will be prayer for the monarch.
“There is no date yet for the coronation of the new Olubadan, but the date shall be announced as soon as the burial rites for the deceased are completed.”
The federal government has persisted in its trend of lopsided financial allocations in the annual budget, contrary to the intended purpose of even wealth distribution.
Investigations by this newspaper reveal that certain institutions and senatorial districts, with influential representatives in both the National Assembly and executive arms of government, manipulate the national budget to their advantage.
An analysis of the 2024 national budget has exposed disparities, with some senatorial districts receiving as low as N6-7 billion, while others, such as Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, home to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, received a substantial N21 billion allocation from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs alone.
This figure excludes allocations from other ministries to the same zone.
The former Akwa-Ibom State governor, serving his first term as Senate President, allegedly influenced various committees to secure his preferences in the N28.7 trillion budget.
Within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Women Affairs, over 20 new project items were introduced, ostensibly to serve specific interests.
Under the Ministry of Agriculture, peculiar budget items such as the construction of rural roads and markets in Akwa-Ibom North-West, totalling N18.5 billion, were proposed in the budget.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Women Affairs introduced four new items to empower women in the Senate President’s constituency.
Notably, N2.5 billion is allocated for women’s empowerment initiatives, including provisions of deep freezers and generators across ten local governments, with N250 million earmarked for each local government.
Detailed allocations also include N1 billion for the construction of rural farm roads in various local governments within the senatorial district, alongside N500 million for the installation of solar street lights in towns.
In addition, there are plans for the rehabilitation of roads, installation of transformers, and erosion control measures, amounting to billions of naira, aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and infrastructure development in the region.
Items on the list of the Ministry of Agriculture include the proposed construction of rural farm roads in Ikono & Abak of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial which will cost the government a total of N1 billion.
Another N1 billion is budgeted for the construction of rural farm roads in Essien & Etim expo of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district at N500m per LGA to make a total of N1 billion.
The proposed construction of new rural farm roads in Ika & Ikot Ekpene of the same constituency at N500 million per LGA will cost another N1 billion, with the construction of rural farm roads in Ini & Obot of the senatorial district at N500 million to cost a total of N1 billion.
Aside from that, the construction of rural farm roads in Orun Anam & Ukanafun of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district costs N500 million per LGA, bringing it to a total of N1 billion.
In a different provision, the government has planned to spend N500 million for the fabrication and lighting up of all rural farm roads with one new standard solar street light in all the towns in Ikono & Abak LGA of Akwa Ibom State, besides the N500 million that has been earmarked for the fabrication and lighting of all rural farm roads with one new standard solar street light in towns in Essien & Etim Ekpo LGA of the state.
The ministry of agriculture will also spend N500 million for the fabrication and lighting of all rural farm roads with one new standard solar street light in towns in Ika & Ikot Ekpene LGA of Akwa Ibom State that was governed by Akpabio for eight years.
In that same regard, the fabrication and lighting of all rural farm roads with all-in-one new standard solar street lights in towns in Orun Anam & Ukanafun LGA of the state is to cost the government another N500 million.
If Senator Akpabio can lobby the relevant financial departments of government to do his bidding, he will get the agric ministry to implement the rehabilitation of “selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns” in Ikono & Abak local government of North-West senatorial district of Akwa Ibom at the cost of N1 billion.
The ministry has also voted N1 billion for the rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Essien & Etim ekpo local government of the senatorial zone at the cost of N1 billion.
Unlike other senators, Akpabio’s constituency has got the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to budget for the rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Ika & Ikot Ekpene local government of North West senatorial district of Akwa Ibom. That would cost N1 billion.
Another list of items in the budget for his constituency is the proposed rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Ini & Obot local governments of the state at an estimated cost of N500 million.
There is a new plan for the rehabilitation of selected roads and installation of new transformers and cables in different towns in Orun Anam & Ukanafun local government of North West Senatorial District of Akwa Ibom at N1 billion.
The long list also includes the planned construction of Ibiakpan-Not Akan road to boost agricultural output in Akwa Ibom State at the rate of N1billion, with the “construction of Ikot Uko road and Ikot Ebak at N500m each to aid the movement of fishery produce in Akwa Ibom State” for a total of N1 billion.
There is also the provision of N1.5 billion for erosion control in some parts of Abiakpo, Ikot Essien aci-aikono to ease movement of farm produce which is a new item on the budget, with the construction of internal roads at various communities in the senatorial district to take N1.5 billion.
The ministry has also planned the construction of markets in various communities in Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district at the cost of N1 billion.
In detail, the Ministry of Women Affairs budget showed that Essien & Etim Ekpo got N500 million; Ikono & Abak, N500 million; Ika & Ikot Ekpene, N500 million, while Ini & Obot will also get N500 million for women empowerment. Another N500 million was earmarked for the empowerment of women with deep freezers, generators and other empowerment items to boost their daily earnings in the two local governments of Akwa Ibom North-West senatorial district at N250 million each (Orun Anam & Ukanafun).
Call For Akpabio’s Resignation Morally Reprehensible – Senate
However, the Senate has described the call for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio as morally reprehensible.
By his position, Senator Akpabio is the chairman of the National Assembly.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu, berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for calling for the resignation of Senator Akpabio over the unfounded claim of N3.7trn budget padding allegations by the suspended Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi.
Adaramodu said the PDP had elevated chicanery to statecraft and fatally failed in their sordid attempt to hoodwink the unsuspecting public, on the ineffectual but spurious allegations of budget padding.
“The party’s ludicrous call for the resignation of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President is unthinkable and shows the party as a massaging balm for falsehood and immoral Legislative outbursts,” he stated, adding “that Akpabio will not resign and has no intention to resign at any time because he has not committed any wrong doing to warrant a resignation”.
According to him, it is shocking that the PDP leadership could not comprehend what transpired at Tuesday’s plenary where the allegations were debated and Senator Abdul Ningi, who was given the ample opportunity to defend himself and prove the budget padding allegations, was suspended after he failed to substantiate his claims in the full glare of the public.
He said, “Contrary to the contention by the PDP that N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects, and what transpired on the floor of the Chamber, it is open knowledge that no such absurdity is found in the budget passed by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is being implemented judiciously by the federal government. Perhaps, the N3.7trn being mentioned in the PDP’s shocking statement exists only in the fickle minds of its purveyors and serves as a dubious version of the budget generated by PDP’s unidentified political flying objects.”
Budget: Atiku Insists On Investigation Into Ningi’s Allegations
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations raised by Senator Abdul Ningi.
The former vice president also criticised the senate for the sudden suspension of the whistle-blower without adequate explanation, saying the action has fueled the crisis and raised more questions than answers.
Atiku, who reacted on the matter on his X handle, said, “Over the past few days, allegations have rocked the Senate, questioning the very integrity of the 2024 Appropriation Act, the cornerstone of our nation’s annual planning and development.
“A fiscal policy analytics and advocacy organisation has unequivocally confirmed a disturbing lack of transparency within the 2024 Appropriation Act.
“I demand an immediate and thorough investigation into these allegations. Appropriation lies at the heart of governance, and any deviation from serving the people’s interests will be met with fierce opposition.”
Atiku said denials are unacceptable, and the suspension of one senator cannot silence accusations of corruption and illegal fiscal spending by the federal government.
“Without a clear explanation to the people of Nigeria, we must treat these allegations for what they are: outright fraud.
“The accusation of budget padding totaling N3 trillion cannot be dismissed lightly by the government. Given the current hardships facing our nation, a padded budget is already translating to a padded hunger, padded poverty, padded insecurity, padded energy crises, padded forex instability, and the soaring cost of living.”
He said the Nigerians cannot afford to ignore allegations that worsen our already dire economic situation.
“The current federal government has a disgraceful track record of ignoring issues of transparency and due process in public administration.
“The unresolved $3.3 billion NNPCL loan repayment scandal, with Nigeria now expected to repay $12 billion, remains a glaring example.
“The Tinubu administration must address these high-profile corruption cases transparently,” he said.
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The supreme court has fixed June 7, 2024 for judgment in an appeal seeking to prevent the final forfeiture of N1,222,384,857.84 to the federal government.
Melrose General Services Limited, the appellant, is challenging the judgment of the court of appeal ordering the forfeiture of the money to the federal government of Nigeria.
The appellate court had ruled on the premise that the money was proceeds of an unlawful activity in the Paris Club refund process.
At the court session on Thursday, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, counsel to the appellant, argued that the money involved in the forfeiture suit is not a proceed of any unlawful activity, but payment for a contractual and consultancy agreement his client entered with the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
He prayed the court to reverse the decision of the appellate court.
However, Ekele Iheanacho, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prayed the court to adopt his brief of argument and dismiss the appeal of the appellant.
“There are generally two types of forfeitures used to recover the proceeds and instrumentalities of crimes. They share the same objective — namely the forfeiture to the state of the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime. Both share common two-fold rationales,” he said.
“Recall that the appellant filed his notice of appeal against the well-considered judgment of the federal high court which was equally dismissed by the court of appeal on May 31, 2019, having found that the appellant failed to show that the said funds were not proceeds of crime.
“Further to the background of the matter, the EFCC carried out investigations which revealed among others the sum of N3.5bn was fraudulently paid to the appellant to carry out a consultancy job for the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF).
“Under the guise that the appellant carried out a consultancy job for the NGF entitling it to the money when it did not do any such work.
“The appellant made several withdrawals within a short time leaving N1,222,384,857.84 before the EFCC intervened.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of an additional sum of N220m which the appellant had paid to WASP Networks Ltd and Thebe Wellness Services.”
After listening to all the submissions, a five-member panel of the apex court reserved judgment in the matter till June 7, 2024.
A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Kanmi Ajibola, has canvassed capital punishment for corrupt government officials.
According to Ajibola, the greatest injustice to the law of God and humanity is to allow thieves of the nation’s wealth to live.
Ajibola, representing Oriade State Constituency in the Assembly, stressed that the only and sincere way to curb the menace of high level of stealing of public funds in Nigeria is to eliminate all culprits.
He made his view known in a five-page letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The letter was also forwarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Attorney-General of Osun State and the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun.
In the letter dated March 15, 2024 titled, ‘You can be the Moses and Musa of the present Nigerian generation’, the lawmaker held that there was compelling need to stop and control corruption by capital punishment in Nigeria.
Citing Section 4(1) and (3) of the Constitution, he said it is in the purview of the National Assembly to make laws that should help to halt corrupt practices in the country.
“Few countries including China, Indonesia and Thailand have introduced capital punishment in their laws. Today these nations are now experiencing economic peace, security and rapid developments.
“The anti corruption Laws and Acts in their present existing forms in Nigeria are not result oriented.”
He lamented that the London Chatham House in its estimation said from October 1960 to October 2019, Nigerian leaders, public officers and civil servants stole about $582 billion, while the Human Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) reported that the country lost N1.6 trillion and $825.7 million to corrupt officials between 1999 and 2022.
He noted that if the stolen funds had been injected into the capital projects and infrastructural development, the nation would not be facing social vices such as kidnapping, unemployment, abject poverty and insecurity, among others.
“I think the greatest injustice to the law of God and humanity is to let live, the corrupt people whose acts are directly or indirectly killing the innocent Nigerians by the ultimate effect of their ungodly and illegal actions.
“As a human rights activist, I should not be thinking of a capital punishment to curb or drastically minimize corruption in Nigeria, but for the fact that, the acts of the few leaders that are corrupt are leading to the death of their innocent subjects. I think, this is the only way and the hard way.
“It is an axiomatic fact, that, if this stealing spree continually persists unchecked, the country will ultimately end up in an untimely grave.
“To prevent the sudden and untimely death of Nigeria, the 1999 constitution has empowered the National Assembly with this responsibility to make laws for the peace, order and good government of the federation.
“At this very moment, before corruption kills Nigeria, it is desirable that Nigeria Moves faster to kill corruption.
“Due to the non-availability of effective laws to checkmate corruption the way it should be properly checked, there are loss of peace, order, good governance and good government in the federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Within the thirty (30) days of the receipt of this letter, I plead with the National Assembly to perform this public duty to save Nigeria by introducing penalty clause of capital punishment into our Anti-Corruption Laws and Acts.”
There was confusion at the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday over the amended fraud charge filed against Alli Bello and Daudu Suleiman, as well as the immediate past governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency claimed that the accused persons diverted about N100 billion belonging to the state government in September 2015, months before Yahaya Bello assumed office.
Bello was not a defendant in the original suit and was not in court.
However, Alli Bello, currently the chief of staff to the Kogi State governor and Dauda Suleman have denied the allegations in the amended charges brought against them at the fresh arraignment yesterday in Abuja.
They pleaded not guilty after the amended charge was read to them before Justice James Kolawole Omotoso.
Earlier, Yahaya Bello through his counsel, A.M. Aliyu (SAN) had objected to reading of the amended charges to his client.
His ground of objection was that the EFCC had failed woefully to comply with Section 218 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
The senior lawyer submitted that a copy of the amended charge was not served on them as required by the provisions of the ACJA Act.
The EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) asked the court to reject the argument of the defendant, adding that the court had on its own endorsed the amendment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Omotoso recalled that he had granted accelerated hearing in the matter and had also ordered that all forms of objections must be kept in abeyance till the address stage.
He directed the registrar of the court to read the amended charges.
In the first count, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman were accused of conspiring with one another in September 2015 and converted N80,246,470,089 to their personal use.
They were alleged to have run foul of section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 because they ought to have reasonably known that the money was a product of fraud and criminal breach of public trust.
In other charges, Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman allegedly concealed several millions of naira with one Rabiu Musa Tafada, a bureau de change (BDC) operator trading under Global Venture in Abuja.
Alli Bello’s counsel, Aliyu (SAN), at this point, requested that one of the EFCC witnesses, Edward Fanada, be recalled for fresh cross examination in view of the content of the amended charges.
The request was granted by Justice Omotoso due to no opposition from the EFCC lawyer.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotoso has ordered that Alli Bello and Dauda Suleman should continue to enjoy the bail conditions granted them in the previous charges.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday appealed to all state governors to set aside their political differences and focus on governance.
He also said the country is no longer in the state he met it since assuming office nine months ago, assuring Nigerians that the “tunnel is not as dark as when we started”.
“Since we recognise the need to build our nation together, the time for politics is over. It is now time for governance,” Tinubu said when he hosted Governors for a Ramadan Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed this in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Tinubu to Governor: It is time for governance; let us set aside political differences.’
Highlighting the significance of the holy month of Ramadan and the Lenten season for Christians, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to use the solemn season for reflection, prayers, and charity towards others.
He said, “Your excellencies, it is a very great honour to have you here to share the breaking of the fast. What I just want to say is the promotion of the message of the month of Ramadan which coincides with the Christian Lent.
“This overlapping period is very valuable to our country. And we should utilise it to pray more for our country and be good to one another and our neighbours.
“We are of the same family and parents; living in the same house, but sleeping in different rooms. We must cooperate and spread love among each other.”
Acknowledging the difficulties facing the nation, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future, noting that the challenges are beginning to respond to the solutions being implemented by his administration.
“I am glad that the headwinds are almost over. The tunnel is not as dark as when we started. It is going to be brighter and brighter. We must communicate with each other, stick together, and share joy,” the President said.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq commended the Federal Government for distributing 42,000 tons of grains, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between the national and sub-national governments in addressing collective challenges.
On the payment of wage awards to workers, the governor promised that the states would do the right thing.
”Wet season farming is almost here, and I want to implore all governors to engage in the farming business, so that we can all appreciate the challenges of ordinary farmers and ensure that we have a bumper harvest at the end of the farming season,” the NGF Chairman said.
The governors are the President’s first set of Iftar guests, and he is expected to host more such gatherings with senior government officials in the course of the holy month.
In past Ramadan fasts, former President Buhari had hosted the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, the All Progressives Congress, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers, among others.