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China Discovers Massive Gold Reserves in Hunan

by Leading Reporters November 24, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

China has uncovered a significant gold deposit in Hunan province, valued at an estimated $83 billion. The discovery, made in Pingjiang County, includes over 40 gold ore veins found more than 2,000 meters underground.

Preliminary studies have identified 300.2 tons of gold in the core exploration area, with the highest-grade samples containing up to 138 grams of gold per metric ton. Experts predict the site could hold over 1,000 tons of gold reserves at greater depths, exceeding 3,000 meters.

China’s gold reserves

The discovery highlights China’s position as the world’s largest gold producer, accounting for 10% of global output in 2023, according to the World Gold Council. However, despite its production dominance, China consumes far more gold than it produces.

In the first nine months of 2023, the country consumed 741 metric tons of gold, while domestic mines produced only 268 tons. This shortfall has made China increasingly reliant on imports to meet its demand for jewelry, technology, and other industries.

Gold reserves, such as the one in Hunan, refer to deposits that can be mined profitably. These discoveries are crucial for a nation heavily dependent on gold imports, as they reduce reliance on foreign markets and strengthen domestic resources.

Gold Prices Surge Amid Global Tensions

Gold prices have experienced a sharp rise this year, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions worldwide. On October 30, 2024 the most actively traded gold futures contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange reached a record high of 639.48 yuan per gram.

By Thursday’s close, the contract traded at 617.7 yuan per gram, marking a 27.8% increase since the start of 2023. The ongoing rise reflects growing investor interest in gold as a safe-haven asset during times of uncertainty.

At current exchange rates, one U.S. dollar equals 7.2383 yuan, further emphasizing the significant value of gold in both domestic and international markets.

The strategic importance of the discovery

The Hunan discovery could play a role in addressing China’s gold supply challenges. With a widening gap between production and consumption, the reserve is expected to boost the country’s ability to meet its own gold needs.

Analysts believe that tapping into such deposits will also help stabilize the domestic market and reduce dependence on volatile global gold prices.

The Pingjiang County site is one of the deepest gold discoveries in China. Its rich veins and high-grade ore samples highlight the potential for significant economic gains. However, extracting gold from such depths poses technical and logistical challenges, requiring advanced mining techniques and substantial investment.

The gold reserves found in Hunan represent a pivotal moment for China’s resource management and economic strategy, opening new opportunities to strengthen its position in the global and local precious metals market.

November 24, 2024 0 comments
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HeadlinesOpinion

Welcome The APC, A Party of Demagogues Only Motivated By Power

by Leading Reporters November 24, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

By: Daniel Noah Osa-Ogbegie

The All Progressives Congress APC have long been noted as a political party whose only motivation is to grab power for the sake of power. They showed it in 2014/2015 when they gave their ticket to a morose Buhari because of his popularity in the core North of Nigeria with a constant twelve million votes in order to grab power.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo kneeling before Philip Shaibu and APC leaders
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo kneeling before Philip Shaibu and APC leaders

In addition to fielding Buhari as their (APC) presidential candidate, they did everything possible to demonize Goodluck Jonathan while presenting Buhari as the Messiah Nigeria had been waiting for to take away their sufferings by ending corruption and instituting a frugal government.

Buhari had no message beyond fighting corruption and enforcing discipline, yet many Nigerians were carried away and thought he was ” an elegant cow coming from Uzebu ” ( please ask a Benin person to interpret this for you).

All the things the APC criticised Jonathan for during that campaign window, they did worse. They changed nothing and added to the woes of Nigerians. For instance, Buhari said he would sell off the planes in the Presidential fleet or convert them to start a national commercial carrier if elected as President. Buhari did not only fail to do this, he acquired more jets. The only attempt at starting a national carrier was the grotesque launching of Nigerian Air artistic design on paper with millions of Dollars.

Buhari’s government was a cesspool of corruption, inefficiency, nepotism and total abdication of governance.

Buhari’s successor, his fellow APC leader and founder, Bola Tinubu, continued from where Buhari stopped and took it further in profligacy, larceny, nepotism and grand insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians. I will dwell on Tinubu another day, but before anyone calls me names, it is trite to offer this reminder that I supported Tinubu because he was the candidate of my then political party and the fact that I thought he would replicate some of his dynamisms as Lagos State Governor as President of Nigeria. My choice at the time was actually Prof. Yomi Osinbajo, until Tinubu emerged as candidate.

The APC have clearly shown that it is a party that over promises and under deliver because of their desperation for power. They showed this with Buhari and Tinubu and are now showing it with Okpebholo in Edo state.

From 2020 till the last Governorship election in Edo state, Edo APC leaders and their social media messengers have been very huge on allowing Edo based Edo people to be the fulcrum of Edo Government and criticised Godwin Obaseki for importing Edo people from outside the state to run his government. With what I have seen of the appointments Monday Okpebholo has made so far, he is proving to be a lot worse than Godwin Obaseki in this area. His government so far is 95% diasporan, if you like, none Edo based.

I deliberately stayed off Monday Okpebholo’s appointments so far so as to wait till most of the appointments are made to give him the benefit of doubts, but I would like to make preliminary observation on his appointments so far, especially the appointment of the Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service.

I can not fault Sulaiman Aledeh’s appointment in anyway. He’s a friend ( by friend, I mean he’s not a foe, and I personally know him and he knows me) , a fellow alumnus of Western Boys’ High School, Benin City ( some years my senior) and a fellow Ikpoba Hill boy.

As much as I wish him well, APC social media urchins saying he’s home grown is overreaching. He’s a Lagos boy, a diasporan that Edo APC so much loathed for over five years now.

The way Edo APC disparaged Obaseki, Asue Ighodalo and some other personalities in Obaseki government because they didn’t always live and work in Edo state or that they didn’t school in Edo state or that they didn’t grow up in Edo state, one would think that their appointments would be dominated by Edo based personalities.

Only one Edo based person has been appointed by Okpebholo so far, after almost 15 appointments. His name is Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor, who was as recently as January this year the Regional Manager of UBA, Edo/Delta region. If Mallam Gani Audu can be counted as Edo based, then he would be the other one. If anyone contests this conclusion, feel free to controvert me with facts and I will tell you where they all live and work. The only person I didn’t know until now was the newly appointed SSG.

During this last campaign, I warned Edo people not to listen to the jejune arguments of homeboy and foreign based orchestrated by APC leaders, that they were mere demagogues and filibuster to hoodwink Edo people. Now they have clearly vindicated me so early in their adhoc government.

May Edo win!

News Source: https://www.truthlivenews.com/welcome-the-apc-a-party-of-demagogues-only-motivated-by-power

Daniel A. Noah Osa-Ogbegie, Esq. writes from Etete New Layout, Benin City.

November 24, 2024 0 comments
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Terrorist Intent: Simon Ekpa, Four Others detained

by Leading Reporters November 21, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

Simon Ekpa, has been arrested in Finland along with four others on terror-related charges, The Finnish-Nigerian separatist and self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile

It was gathered that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests, citing allegations of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and financing terrorism.

The arrests, carried out earlier this week, led to the suspects being remanded by the district court of Päijät-Häme. Authorities allege that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, used social media to incite violence in southeastern Nigeria, exacerbating tensions in the region.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, emphasized the cross-border nature of the case, highlighting international cooperation in uncovering the alleged activities.

Ekpa, known for his radical activism, has a history of controversy. In 2023, Finnish police briefly detained him for suspected fundraising fraud. Globally, he has gained notoriety for advocating election boycotts and publicly endorsing violence. In one of his widely shared statements, Ekpa said, “I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defense against war crimes committed against us.”

The arrests signal a critical development in addressing allegations of international terrorism and separatist militancy, with implications for security both in the South East particularly, in Nigeria and abroad.

November 21, 2024 0 comments
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Headlines

Banditry: Constituents vow to recall embattled Senator Shehu Buba

by Leading Reporters November 13, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

The embattled Senator Shehu Buba, who represents the South Senatorial District of Bauchi State, is currently facing a storm of allegations and constituent discontent following revelations linking him to individuals with terrorist ties in Northern Nigeria. The situation has escalated rapidly, with the Department of State Services (DSS) investigating his potential involvement with wanted terror suspects. This deepening scandal is fueling grassroots movements within his constituency, who are now calling not only for accountability but also for a recall of the senator himself.

Sources close to the senator and political observers suggest that Buba’s once formidable political career may be in jeopardy, as his actions come under intense scrutiny. The senator, who once enjoyed a degree of respect and influence within Bauchi State, is now witnessing his reputation unravel amidst revelations of his alleged connections with Abubakar Idris, a known terrorist figure arrested on August 17, 2024. Idris’s arrest reportedly implicated Buba in ways that have raised alarm among his constituents, who are outraged by the shocking possibility that one of their own elected leaders could be among the people abetting terrorism/banditry and causing more hardship for them.

This backlash against Senator Buba has sparked the initiation of a formal recall process, a rare and challenging political maneuver that shows the depth of dissatisfaction among his constituents. The movement has taken shape, with growing numbers of registered voters signing a petition to force the senator’s recall, aiming to reach the threshold required by law to initiate a referendum. If the recall process gathers sufficient momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be compelled to conduct a vote, giving Buba’s constituents a historic opportunity to remove him from office—a move that would send serve as a lesson to other political office holders fueling evil with their positions.

In addition to this ongoing move, information available to 247ureports indicate that Senator Buba’s predicament is further exacerbated by recent revelations questioning his true origin. Investigations indicate that Buba, whose background was previously unknown to many in Bauchi, originally hails from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State. He reportedly moved to Nabardo village in Bauchi’s Toro Local Government Area in 2001 under tenuous circumstances. This discovery has fueled resentment among constituents, some of whom are now challenging his legitimacy as a representative of Bauchi State.

“We thought he was one of us, but he’s not even a Bauchi indigene,” an anonymous community leader lamented in an interview with this reporter.
Senator Buba’s political rise is as controversial as it is unlikely. After moving to Bauchi, he initially found a foothold through family ties; his sister was married to Abdullahi Yuguda, a relative of former Bauchi Governor Isa Yuguda. Securing a position as a teacher in a local primary school, Buba gradually wove himself into the political fabric of Bauchi State, securing an appointment as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Nomadic Education under Governor Yuguda’s administration. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he was reportedly dismissed after just three years. Undeterred, Buba shifted allegiances, joining former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign machinery and aligning himself with the influential Miyetti Allah, an association that has long been enmeshed in Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.

By 2019, Buba’s political ambitions took a significant leap forward when he was appointed Caretaker Chairman of Toro Local Government Area, a position conferred upon him by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. Despite being relatively obscure, Buba’s career trajectory continued upward, and in 2022, he declared his senatorial ambitions. He secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination under contentious circumstances, with insiders attributing his success to the influence of Yakubu Dogara, a prominent political figure in Northern Nigeria.

“The way he clinched that nomination was strange, almost as if it was handed to him. How he won the election still remains a mystery to most of us,” a constituent revealed, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Buba’s political rise.

Upon winning the senatorial seat, Buba was assigned the powerful position of Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence—a role traditionally reserved for senior and highly reputable lawmakers. His appointment has been met with widespread disapproval, with critics labeling it as an anomaly and a grave error in judgment by the National Assembly.

“To have someone with such dubious affiliations in charge of national security oversight is a dangerous gamble,” a political analyst told 247ureports.

Speculations also abound that Buba’s appointment as the Committee Chairman was not based on merit but was orchestrated to undermine state authorities in Bauchi, reflecting the complex power dynamics at play.

“He was placed in charge of the Committee “to fight” the Bauchi government,” a source opined.

It was further gathered that these recent allegations against Buba have now forced him to avoid public appearances, especially in his constituency, with many speculating that he fears a backlash from angry residents. Since Idris’s arrest, Buba’s visibility has sharply declined, with no known public engagements or constituency visits, further adding to the speculation that he is distancing himself from the growing outrage.

“His absence speaks volumes,” said a political observer.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned.

November 13, 2024 0 comments
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Debt or Tea Management Office? How Debt Management Office wasted N26.2m on tea
Exclusives

Debt or Tea Management Office?  How Debt Management Office wasted N26.2m on tea

by Leading Reporters October 31, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

The Patience Oniha-Debt Management Office (DMO) has escalated its frivolous spending, this time on tea. According to insider information exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters, the DMO management has wasted a staggering N26,231,612 (Twenty Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty One Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira) ‘drinking’ tea.

This new spending spree throws up the issue of morality in leadership.  One may thus ask if the Nigeria’s Debt Management office is truly managing Nigeria’s debt or incurring more debts for the country through its tea extravaganzas and tea-menias.

The information revealed that the Debt Management Office on the 15th of August, 2024 paid the sum of N26,231,612 to three vendors for supply the office tea.  On the said date, Franjesica Nigeria Limited was paid the sum of N8,743,786 via payment code 1001204431-42 for supply of tea, while Fesuch Nigeria Limited was paid the sum of N8,744,115 for supply of tea on the same 15th of August, 2024.

Information obtained further revealed that on the same 15th of August, another monstrous sum of N8,743,711.89 was paid for supply of tea to Keyless Nigeria Ltd via payment No 1001205531-38, bringing the total of money spent on tea and paid on the same day to N26,231,612.

This outrageous and unsubstantiated spending will stir the question of morality for a government agency saddled with the responsibility of management Nigeria’s debt.

October 31, 2024 0 comments
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How SMEDAN awards multi-million naira contract to company linked to fraudulent L.G. Caretaker Chairman – Hon Tervershima Abraham Agber
Investigation

How SMEDAN awards multi-million naira contract to company linked to fraudulent L.G. Caretaker Chairman – Hon Tervershima Abraham Agber

by Leading Reporters October 31, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria has awarded a multi-million Naira contract to Daho Global Resources Limited, a company co-owned by Hon. Tervershima Abraham Agber.

According to information uncovered by LeadingReporters, SMEDAN paid Daho Global Resources Limited N23,860,465.12 on March 30, 2024, via payment code 0222027001, to offer skill acquisition training in the Southeast Geopolitical zone, a project our investigation revealed was not carried out.

Recall that the erstwhile Caretaker Chairman of Gboko Local Government Area Council, Hon. Tervershima Abraham Agber was one of the three local government chairmen sacked by Benue State Governor, Governor Hyacinth Alia for non performance, misconduct, and mismanagement of council funds.

Other agencies and ministries that have continued to patronize Daho Global Resources Limited include, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security,  Federal Ministry of Environment and National Rural Electrification Agency.

A source in the know further revealed that most contracts awarded by SMEDAN violate Public Procurement Act and beneficiaries are usually friends, referrals from top government offices.

“Most monies moved from that agency take the form of sensitization programme”.  These monies end up in the personal pockets of some top management staff and friends of politicians. The source threatened to expose all the prevailing anomalies in the agency through an international press conference to be organized in conjunction with civil society organisations in no distant time.

October 31, 2024 0 comments
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Nigeria now worse than Chad and South Sudan as countries with the lowest and most alarming life expectancy

by Leading Reporters October 25, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

Nigeria is now rated the worst country with the lowest life expectancy in the world with its 54 years life expectancy.  Other countries ranked better than Nigeria include Chad with 55 years of life expectancy. South Sudan, Lesotho, and Central African Republic have 57 years of life expectancy each.

This is according to new data based on the United Nations Populations Division Estimates. 

While advancements in healthcare, technology and science have continued to positively impact the living conditions of people across the globe, these feats are absent in many countries.  Some of the countries on the lowest socio-economic rungs are facing challenges such as restiveness and terrorism, political instability, abject poverty and abysmal healthcare facilities and services. These factors have continued to negatively affect the living standards of the people, hence a declining life expectancy.

Nigeria with a 54year life expectancy tops the list of countries with the worst and most declining life expectancy.  Other countries assessed include Chad which has 55 years life expectancy.  Chad has been facing challenges of malnutrition, extreme poverty and limited access to clean waters and healthcare.

Losetho has 57 years life expectancy.  The country’s inability to curb the surging prevalence of HIV/AIDS has continued to affect 23% of its adult population. These HIV carriers hardly have access to quality health care, including access to antiretroviral drugs.

Central African Republic shares the same 57 years of life expectancy as South Sudan and Lesotho.

Central African Republic (CAR) like South Sudan has been engulfed in arms restiveness, political instability, and displacements. This situation has led to food shortages and a lack of access to good healthcare facilities, Many communities in these countries lack access to basic necessities such as clean water, nutritious food, and medical care. Diseases like malaria and diarrhea, contribute to high child mortality rates, further lowering the country’s life expectancy. This combination of limited resources and persistent instability continues to impact the public health outcomes in the region.Nigeria is now rated the worst country with the lowest life expectancy in the world with its 54 years life expectancy.  Other countries ranked better than Nigeria include Chad with 55 years of life expectancy. South Sudan, Lesotho, and Central African Republic have 57 years of life expectancy each.

This is according to new data based on the United Nations Populations Division Estimates. 

While advancements in healthcare, technology and science have continued to positively impact the living conditions of people across the globe, these feats are absent in many countries.  Some of the countries on the lowest socio-economic rungs are facing challenges such as restiveness and terrorism, political instability, abject poverty and abysmal healthcare facilities and services. These factors have continued to negatively affect the living standards of the people, hence a declining life expectancy.

Nigeria with a 54year life expectancy tops the list of countries with the worst and most declining life expectancy.  Other countries assessed include Chad which has 55 years life expectancy.  Chad has been facing challenges of malnutrition, extreme poverty and limited access to clean waters and healthcare.

Losetho has 57 years life expectancy.  The country’s inability to curb the surging prevalence of HIV/AIDS has continued to affect 23% of its adult population. These HIV carriers hardly have access to quality health care, including access to antiretroviral drugs.

Central African Republic shares the same 57 years of life expectancy as South Sudan and Lesotho.

Central African Republic (CAR) like South Sudan has been engulfed in arms restiveness, political instability, and displacements. This situation has led to food shortages and a lack of access to good healthcare facilities, Many communities in these countries lack access to basic necessities such as clean water, nutritious food, and medical care. Diseases like malaria and diarrhea, contribute to high child mortality rates, further lowering the country’s life expectancy. This combination of limited resources and persistent instability continues to impact the public health outcomes in the region.

October 25, 2024 0 comments
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Exclusives

Breaking: Emiefele associate and former MD of MINT plunges into mental illness: 

by Leading Reporters October 7, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

The former Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting MINT and an associate of the embattled erstwhile Central Bank Governor Abbas Umar Masanawa is currently undergoing treatment for mental illness, a close family member has told on LeadingReporters. The source said his mental illness may have followed his failed political ambition and series of money, property and investment seized by President Bola Tinubu-led government.

The source said that Mr. Masanawa was thoroughly de-cashed by the DSS and other anti-corruption agencies over official embezzlements that characterized his leadership when he held sway in MINT.

Mr. Masanawa is one of the associates of Godwin Emiefele who he picked along from Zenith Bank when he was appointed the Central Bank Governor.  Godwin Emiefele promoted him to the position of the Managing Director of MINT.

Mr. Masanawa resigned to contest Governorship Election in his home state, Katsina.  His political outing hit a bend as he lost the guber ticket to the former MD of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria SMEDAN Umar Dikko Radda.

As soon as he failed in his political attempt, Emiefele offered him a job in the Central Bank of Nigeria as his aide after which he was moved to NIRSAL, another affiliate of CBN to head the agency.

The source told LeadingReporters that Masanawa was among those indicted for official corruption that characterized Godwin Emiefele-led CBN and its affiliates.  This led to his detention in the facilities of the DSS.  His interrogation led to the uncovering of large sums of money he had hidden away in different locations. 

“He was de-cashed.  All the money he stole and hid was dug up and seized by the government.  He lost property and investments worth billions of Naira.  His investments in different banks were also seized and recovered by the government.  These could have led to the current mental illness he is suffering.  He was in a fast lane before he hit a bend. A lesson for many public office holders to learn from”.  The source said.

October 7, 2024 0 comments
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Census: CSOs Commend Preparedness of National Population Commission(NPC) to conduct credible Census exercise

by Leading Reporters October 7, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

…. appeals for continued advocacy by stakeholders

A joint coalition comprising over (100) Civil Society Organizations across the six geo political zones of the country have commended the leadership of the National Population Commission (NPC) over the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census exercise at the earliest convenience of Mr President. The coalition under the umbrella of Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria (COHSCN) in a joint communique released to journalists in Abuja on friday noted that Civil Society Organizations across the six geo political zones in the country have carried out a comprehensive assessment of the Commission’s preparedness to conduct a credible Census and indeed, from the interactions, engagements, surveys and evidence before our joint committees as collated from all the six geo political zones in the country, the Alh Nasir Isa Kwarra led management of the Commission is fully charged and ready to deliver a world standard census exercise once Mr President makes the proclamation.

National coordinator of the coalition Dr Richard Oduma specifically appreciated the Commision for digitalizing the entire census project in line with international best practices and to enhance the overall credibility of the census exercise” this feat by the Commission is unprecedented and must be encouraged by all stakeholders so as to give the Commission the necessary morale boost needed to deliver on the mandate.

“Above all, it is important to reiterate that the success of any census exercise largely depends on the continued advocacy and information available to the public hence the need for sustained conversation on this very important exercise.” As patriots we owe the Commission a duty to maintain advocacy in our various spheres of influence no matter the sacrifices. “Because it is in the best interest of the people to be informed of the advantages of the census exercise so as to key into it as expected”

‘Indeed, the significant investment of resources by the federal government and donor agencies to assist the Commission in the , acquisition and development of massive technological infrastructure and hardware in preparation for the census exercise as well as the elaborate recruitment and training of manpower to compliment the highly modernized process is sincerely worth the wait and in the best interest of the country. “Our country for the first time is equipped with the necessary technological tools as well as the manpower needed to conduct a credible Census exercise that would be acceptable to both the local and international community ” This is a feat that is worthy of our collective public commendation. “Our charge to the commision is to remain focused on the objective to deliver the first digital census in our history”

“The Commission has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to the success of the census exercise by the systems and structures put in place ahead of the exercise, for us, this is the major take home and hence our appeal for continued advocacy “

The coalition also noted that the Commission under the current leadership has remained commited and ready to deliver when called upon by the president. ” Regardless of the limited resources available, the Commision has continued to engage and rebrand her personel preparatory to the much awaited exercise ” Overall, from our assessment, the government is going to be the greatest beneficiary as only a credible Census will provide the needed statistics for planing, research and development of the people.

“Furthermore, we commend the frugality and accountability in the management of budgeted resources that has become a culture in the Commission’s policies over the years” The open governance policy of Mr President has resonated strongly with the Commission activities which has given us access to critical information that has boosted our confidence in the Commission ” The Civil Society Organizations have therefore come together to commend the Commission’s leadership and to show solidarity and support to ensure that Nigerians get a credible Census whenever the opportunity presents itself. “

The coalition further expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the people and the country further emphasizes the need for a credible Census in the shortest possible time ” We hope Mr President is working in this direction, the statement added.

The coalition called on the Commission to join hands with Civil Society Organizations, faith based organizations and students groups to sustain the much needed advocacy ahead of the census exercise. “While the Commission is empowered by law to conduct periodic census, it is clear that the active awareness and participation of the citizenry in the exercise is what will make the objective realistic and we urge all stakeholders to volunteer on the advocacy needed for this noble exercise in the overall interest of development.

The Coalition while leading the charge on collective and sustained advocacy by stakeholders, maintained that the gesture was a vote of confidence on the Commission and her leadership demonstrating the organic endorsement of the census exercise by citizens.

October 7, 2024 0 comments
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Investigation

Breaking:  Group calls for probe of Ms. Gloria Akobundu as Two terms tenure of eight years in NEPAD expires September 30th, 2024.

by Leading Reporters October 4, 2024
written by Leading Reporters

There are reports that the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of African Union Development Agency – New Partnership for African Development NEPAD, Ms. Akobundu’s era was allegedly characterized by corruption, nepotism, violation of Code of Conduct Act, among other allegations.

Meanwhile, a group League of Patriots has made a fresh call to President Bola Ahmed for the investigation of Ms. Akobundu over perennial corruption, criminal infractions, using her relatives as aides and sending them to man government offices in foreign lands and violations of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that characterized her tenure.

The group, League of Patriots consist of Nigerian professionals at home and the Diaspora.  In a communique issued via a unified telegraph delegate meeting drawn from members in Nigeria, Europe, America and Asia exclusively obtained by LeadingReporters, the group said that Ms. Gloria should be thoroughly investigated especially regarding allegation of flooding the agency with relatives and friends who act as her aides.

“From what we have gathered, The NEPAD Boss Ms Gloria Akobundu represents negativity in all its ramifications, corruption, and ineptitude and does not hold prerequisite qualities to hold the strategic position she held, let alone being given another opportunity to serve in illegality.

Speaking to LeadiingReporters International Correspondent, the Secretary of the League – Marshal Ndubuisi said that allowing Ms Akobundu to get away with such impunity in a strategic organisation like NEPAD will become a misnomer and a national misrepresentation which has continued to dent the image of Nigeria among the comity of nations and other strategic stakeholders.

“If not for dirty politics, how on earth can such a woman be allowed to serve in such strategic office going by her antecedents. We have verifiable information that highly suggests criminal infractions, mismanagement of resources as well as lack of managerial skills required to optimize the fortune of the agency for the good of Nigeria and Nigerians.   Ms Akobundu has continued to leverage her connection with politicians from her home state to stay put despite allegations of corruption and violations of the Code of Conduct Act hanging on her shoulder.  Now, she wants to take that impunity to an all-high level by seeking for extension of office. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ms. Akobundu sits on the board of many private companies not only as a shareholder but also as a director in violation of the Code of Conduct and Tribunal Act (CCB&T Act, 5th Schedule, Part 1, Paragraph 1-11 to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  She uses these companies to carry out her corrupt and nefarious acts.  They include:

  1. C.P. Golden Limited
  2. Ugofito Nigeria Limited
  3. Enka Construction Ltd
  4. Melrose Bakeries Ltd which later become Melrose Farms Ltd
C.P. GOLDEN LIMITED status reportDownload
UGOFITO NIGERIA LIMITED status reportDownload
ENKA CONSTRUCTION LIMITED status reportDownload
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The group said their investigation revealed that none of the companies was declared in Ms Akobundu’s Assets and Liability Forms.

“These companies have continued to be used as conduits to fleece the government including using the same to corner contracts from her benefactors in Imo State Government House.

League of Patriots therefore called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to save Nigeria from further embarrassment by not granting her extension in office but rather should get the anti-corruption and other concerned agencies to institute a probe of her abysmal two terms in office.

All efforts to reach the NEPAD Boss Ms Akobundu for clarifications were unsuccessful as at the time of publishing this report as all her known lines were switched off.

October 4, 2024 0 comments
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