Folarin Kehinde

Federal civil servants across various government sectors have expressed frustration and disappointment over the delay in receiving their December 2023 salaries, affecting their Christmas celebrations and financial stability during the festive season.

Numerous workers from federal ministries, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHoCSF), and other national institutions revealed that they marked Christmas without the expected salaries, leading to a sombre holiday for many families.

According to them, the absence of funds impacted traditional celebrations, including merriments, elaborate cooking, and planned visits.

Reports indicated that federal workers in revenue-generating agencies such as NNPC, NPA, NIMASA, NCC, CBN, and FIRS, among others, were the only ones to receive their salaries for December, aggravating the dissatisfaction among other civil servants.

Speaking to correspondents from Daily Trust, affected workers expressed their dismay, citing financial hardships and the unexpected delay as reasons for their inability to partake in customary celebrations.

“Despite the general misgivings about previous administrations, I cannot remember anytime our December salaries were delayed,” one of the workers said.

Despite the government’s announcement of a 50% reduction in transportation costs, many workers couldn’t take advantage of the relief due to the absence of funds.

“With the way things are ‘tough’ in the country, we don’t even have savings. We were excited when they announced a 50 per cent discount on transportation, but sadly despite the support many people could not travel ahead of Christmas.

“How can we travel and enjoy the so called 50 per cent transport reduction, when we don’t have monies in our pockets?” another civil servant asked.

An employee from the University of Abuja, representing the sentiments of many, voiced concern about the inability to bring joy to their families during the festive season due to the salary delay.

“There is no excuse whatsoever, to say the truth. They removed the subsidy, they said they have been saving monies since June. This is over six months but we rarely get our salaries before the end of the month.

“I got my November salary in the second week of December. Now that it is the end of the year and it is the Christmas season, we thought they would pay us around the 20th or 22nd. Sadly, they did not…We only went to church, returned home and we are waiting for the public holiday to end so that we can continue with our life,” he said.

Others emphasized that the delay not only impacted Christmas celebrations but also raised concerns about meeting financial responsibilities in January, especially with school resumption.

A top government official, however, assured that efforts to resolve the issue swiftly and guarantee salary disbursement before the close of the day (Monday).

No fewer than sixty persons were reportedly killed by assailants in fresh attacks on three Plateau communities of Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association, led by Solomon Mwantiri, has officially confirmed and strongly denounced the tragic events that happened in Ruku, Hurum, Darwat, Mai Yanga Sabo, NTV villages in Gashish, and Ropp Districts of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, as well as in Bokkos LGA, on the night of Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24.

The tragic incident resulted in the brutal killing of at least 60 innocent people and caused significant property damage estimated in millions of naira.

According to available information, NTV witnessed 9 casualties, Mai Yanga Sabo had 5, Darwat reported 3, and Hurum had 1 victim.

The neighbouring villages of Bokkos suffered the most with a death toll exceeding 40, along with numerous injuries, looting of food items, and destruction of properties.

The group said: “The BYM extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of jihad.

“We also wish to assure the affected communities that we stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and will continue to advocate for justice and accountability.

“We called on the government and relevant authorities not only to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice but to swiftly come up with palliative packages as well as compensation for the victims.

“We called on the government and relevant authorities not only to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice but to swiftly come up with palliative packages as well as compensation for the victims.

It stated: “We also call on the International Community to add its voice to the genocide on the Plateau which has been unabated for years.

“The BYM want to urge all Plateau sons and daughters to put aside their differences and come together to resist terrorist elements that have taken over our ancestral lands, turning same to terrorist enclaves wherefrom armed bandits and Fulani militants have been brought and stationed to continue with the mission of annihilation, ethnic cleansing and kidnapping amongst others.

“We must also recognize that the ongoing crisis in our dear State requires a holistic approach, which would aid in addressing the root causes of the invasion otherwise there won’t be peace and sustainable development as well as social cohesion.

“In conclusion, the Berom nation wants to reiterate its commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, equality, and justice and pledged to continue working with security personnel and all government agencies to ensure the promotion of peace and unity in our state.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has extended his Christmas wishes to Nigerians, urging citizens to maintain hope despite the difficulties faced in the country.

In a statement released by Eseme Eyiboh, his special adviser on media and publicity, Akpabio acknowledged the hardships arising from the removal of petroleum subsidy but emphasized its eventual benefits for all.

“On behalf of my family, constituents, and the entire National Assembly, I extend warm congratulations to our Christian brothers and sisters on the celebration of Christmas, symbolizing the birth of Jesus Christ,” the statement reads.

Akpabio encouraged Nigerians to continue praying for the country and its leaders while embracing love and reflecting on the virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ.

He emphasized the importance of perseverance, urging citizens not to lose faith in the present government, particularly under President Bola Tinubu.

“I am confident that with your prayers and support, the current administration will alleviate your sufferings soon,” Akpabio affirmed.

The Senate president highlighted the season’s significance, urging people to allow the birth of Jesus Christ to guide their actions, thoughts, and words.

He emphasized the essence of spreading love and kindness, stating that even small acts of goodwill can bring light to the darkest situations.

Amidst global challenges, Akpabio underscored the importance of Jesus Christ’s birth, considering it a beacon of hope, solace, and assurance in a world grappling with uncertainty and strife.

As Nigerians celebrate, Akpabio implored citizens to embrace hope, drawing inspiration from the birth of Jesus Christ, who symbolizes hope and offers comfort to those seeking guidance.

Jim Obazee, President Bola Tinubu’s special investigator trawling the books of the Central Bank of Nigeria, has accused Ibrahim Gambari and Zainab Ahmed of involvement in mismanaging over N17 trillion in public funds in connivance with Godwin Emefiele.

The two officials, who served respectively as chief of staff and finance minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, were blamed for a series of questionable use of ways and means instrument of the CBN that left the country unable to account for N17.3 trillion.

“Stealing of public funds through advances to government, otherwise known as ways and means, constitutes a criminal offence,” Mr Obazee said in a memo to the president believed to have been delivered on December 20. “The sum of N17.369 trillion remains unaccounted for, as neither due appropriation nor approvals exist to support the diversion of public funds through this medium.”

“This constitutes an offence under the penal code as applicable in the Federal Capital Territory to which actors and conspirators, in this instance, are liable,” Mr Obazee added.

Mr Gambari declined comments when reached on Saturday. The former chief of staff appeared to be facing his first public controversy since Peoples Gazette reported how his son Bolaji Gambari was emerging as a top influence peddler following his father’s appointment. The October 2020 story infuriated the chief of staff, who was a top diplomat at the United Nations for decades, prompting him to order a protracted tethering of our website in Nigeria a few months later in January 2021. The Gazette has continued to fight the matter in court.

Between Mr Gambari and Mrs Ahmed, who was finance minister until the expiration of last administration in May, trillions of naira went unaccounted for after unauthorised appropriation, Mr Obazee said, adding that nearly N23 trillion in illegal spending was suspiciously authorised to be covered through conversion of Nigerian assets by the National Assembly. Mrs Ahmed also declined comments on Saturday.

The special investigator said the exploitation of ways and means was a criminal offence that should be severely punished under existing regulations of the central bank.

“The Supreme Court should be approached to nullify the approval that the 9th National Assembly gave to securitise the ways and means of N22.7 trillion,” Mr Obazee said, noting that it contravened Section 38 of the CBN Act, 2007.

President Bola Tinubu has yet to comment on the findings of the special investigator, whose report this week was the first from his office since he was appointed in July to look into years of corruption at the central bank and other federal institutions.

But the probe has drawn criticism from some experts, including a former CBN deputy governor, Kingsley Moghalu, who said the disclosure of the special investigator’s activities could undermine the confidence of potential foreign investors in the Nigerian economy. Supporters of the administration, however, said investors should place confidence in a jurisdiction where people could be held to account for corruption.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has vehemently denied a report alleging his involvement in the alleged illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The report, published by an online newspaper, claimed that a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which supposedly occurred on February 8, 2023 — weeks before the presidential election.

The report further alleged that Mustapha, along with the embattled former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorised the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.

The investigator’s report, as quoted by the publication, claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the apex bank.

However, Mustapha, in a strongly worded statement made available to journalists on Saturday, categorically refuted the accusations, calling them “outrageous and unsubstantiated.”

He described the article as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate my character and besmirch my reputation.”

The former SGF stressed that he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal.

He also stated that he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.

Furthermore, Mustapha questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing to the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.

The former SGF demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents and expose those behind the “smear” campaign.”

The report further alleged that Mustapha, along with the embattled former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorised the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.

The investigator’s report, as quoted by the publication, claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the apex bank.

However, Mustapha, in a strongly worded statement made available to journalists on Saturday, categorically refuted the accusations, calling them “outrageous and unsubstantiated.”

He described the article as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated” attempt to assassinate my character and besmirch my reputation.”

The former SGF stressed that he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal.

He also stated that he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.

Furthermore, Mustapha questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing to the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.

The former SGF demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents and expose those behind the “smear” campaign.”

Mustapha also appealed to the public and media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation.

Part of his response reads: “The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative. It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported “Presidential Directive” bearing the signature of President Buhari. This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny. In fact, I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers.

“I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth.

“Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. I have served with dedication and transparency, and my record speaks for itself. I will not allow this baseless and defamatory attack to go unchallenged. I will defend my reputation vigorously and ensure that the truth prevails.

“This is not just about me; it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honour. I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognize it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity.”

The Nigerian Police has reacted to the incident involving Nollywood actor and director, Azeez Ijaduade, who was reportedly shot in Iperu Remo, Ogun State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, sharing fresh details about the incident, said one of its officers attached to the executives of Bramajaj Company Limited, Ogere Remo, “accidentally discharged a shot from his rifle” during the end-of-year party of the company at a hotel in Iperu.

According to the police, Ijaduade, his crew members, and other actors were said to be having a movie shoot at the same hotel when the shot hit the Nollywood actor’s neck.

The actor was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was said to be currently responding to treatment.

“The victim is currently in a stable condition,” Odutola said.

Recall that the victim’s colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, via his Instagram handle, @iamabiodunadebanjo, early Sunday morning, said Ijaduade was shot by a trigger-happy policeman.

The actor wrote, “Please we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by Nigerian police personnel.

“He is presently at Babcock University Teaching Hospital.

“Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has uncovered a total sum of N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs under former minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk.

Details of the ongoing probe exclusively obtained by Sunday PUNCH revealed that the money was transferred from the Federal Government’s coffers and sent to 38 different bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks belonging to or connected with a contractor, James Okwete.

Following receipt of the funds, Okwete allegedly transferred N6,746,034,000.00 to Bureau De Change Operators, withdrew N540,000,000.00 in cash, purchased luxury cars with N288,348,600.00, and bought luxury houses in Abuja and Enugu State with N2,195,115,000.00.

Fifty-three companies were allegedly traced to Okwete, who was also said to have used 47 of the companies to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86. He is also linked with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks in which 134 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.

Checks by our correspondent with the Corporate Affairs Commission revealed that Okwete is a director in only 11 of the 53 companies, while the remaining 42 companies’ accounts are only linked to his Bank Verification Number as a signatory to the accounts.

Sunday PUNCH reports that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs currently serves as the parent ministry to eight agencies, including the National Social Investment Office, the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internationally Displaced Persons, among others.

Umar-Farouq was the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. She was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019 as the youngest cabinet member.

Her work with Buhari dates back to his days as the leader and presidential candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change when she was the national treasurer of the party and later the national treasurer of the All Progressives Congress.

She was later appointed minister in 2019 by President Buhari.

The EFCC document revealed, “Between 2018 and 2023, the subject (Okwete) received the sum of N37,170,855,753.44 from the coffers of the Federal Government linked to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“The monies were sent to 38 bank accounts domiciled in five legacy commercial banks. The suspect transferred N6,746,034,000.00 to Bureau De Change Operators, N540,000,000.00 withdrawn in cash, N288,348,600.00 used to purchase cars, and used N2,195,115,000.00 to purchase choice properties within Abuja and Enugu State.

“Fifty-three companies were traced to the suspect. He used 47 of the companies to lift Federal Government contracts amounting to N27,423,824,339.86. Okwete is associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks in which 134 of the 143 accounts are corporate accounts linked to different companies.”

In 2020, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it uncovered N2.67bn meant for the ministry’s school feeding programme in private bank accounts.

The former ICPC Chairman, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, disclosed that the commission unravelled N2.67bn in personal accounts, being payment made to some federal colleges for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

Other discoveries by the ICPC include 18 buildings, 12 business premises and 25 plots of land. Owasanoye said under the Open Treasury Portal review carried out between January and August 15, 2020, of the 268 Ministries, Departments and Agendas, 72 had cumulative infractions of N90m.

The former ICPC chairman argued that the money was paid when children were not in school.

Despite requests by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project to Umar-Farouq to publish details and names of the suspects, the former minister failed to reveal their names.

Reacting to this, SERAP had written on its official Facebook page, “Following the disclosure by the ICPC that N2.67bn meant for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown ended up in private bank accounts, we’re calling on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development of Nigeria, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, to immediately publish details of those suspected to be responsible, or face legal action.

“We’ll also pursue appropriate legal actions to hold suspected perpetrators to account, in the public interest.

“Diverting funds meant to feed school children (who are already disproportionately affected by corruption), especially during COVID-19, is a blatant violation of the rights to education, health, and dignity, as well as the government’s own COVID-19 transparency frameworks.

“Corruption in school feeding increases distrust in the government. The Federal Government must ensure that transparency and accountability measures are fundamental to all school feeding and other initiatives in the context of COVID-19, to ensure the children receive the support they need.”

When contacted over the development, the spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, neither confirmed nor denied the story.

Oyewale simply said, “No comments on that.”

Reacting, a human rights lawyer, Tolu Babaleye, said, “If we want to be sincere, the corruption under the Buhari government was unprecedented. The main accused under Goodluck Jonathan’s government was Diezani Alison-Madueke, but under Buhari, many have cases to answer. Nigerians deserve to know what happened in the aviation sector, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, and other sectors. I call on President Bola Tinubu to probe that administration so that Nigerians can know who is corrupt and for justice to be served.”

On his part, Chairman, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa, Ezenwa Nwagwu, urged Tinubu to probe all previous administrations.

“Buhari’s government should be probed, and not just his government, but all previous governments and past heads of MDAs, and all those who are found wanting should be brought to justice,” Nwagwu noted.

Similarly, the Counsellor of a Civil Society Organisation, International Social Justice and Human Rights, Jackson Omenazu, said, “It is exceptionally important to probe the Buhari government, but Tinubu is morally incapacitated to probe Buhari’s government because he is an integral part of the APC government.

“Tinubu cannot exonerate himself from the maladministration of Buhari. (Godwin) Emefiele (former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria) is just a victim of circumstances. The only crime he committed was because he raised his head gullibly and showed interest in being President.”

Another lawyer and public affairs commentator, Jiti Ogunye, said that it was desirable for the present administration to probe the preceding administration following the Air Nigeria and CBN scandals, but regretted that the law did not make provisions for that.

Ogunye noted that the law only allowed the incumbent administration to probe individuals who were engaged in corrupt practices under the previous administration, including the President, to establish facts.

He stated, “When Nigerians are fascinated with the idea of a holistic and comprehensive probe of a past administration by the succeeding administration, the law does not grant an administration that blanket powers to probe the past administration in the way Nigerians imagine.

“We have anti-corruption agencies, which are the ICPC and EFCC. We have criminal laws, anti-corruption laws, and money laundering laws. Recently, we have had the Proceeds of Crime Act. The provision of these anti-corruption laws has no place for targeting an administration in totality like that, but if there are individuals, including a former president, who are suspected to have committed corruption crimes, guilty of corrupt practices, or suspected to have committed money laundering, if found guilty of all other crimes bordering on corrupt practices and abuse of power, these individuals may be investigated specifically.”