Headlines

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday condemned the brutal attacks in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas, LGAs, of Plateau State, where over 115 persons were killed by bandits.

LEADING REPORTERS recalls that the gunmen had on Christmas Eve invaded the local councils, killed at least 115 villagers and burnt down 17 communities.

The state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who confirmed the number of casualties and the level of destruction in the attack in an interview on Tuesday, said scores of residents are still missing.

Tinubu reacted to the attack in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement said Tinubu has directed security agencies to immediately move in, scour every stretch of the zone, and apprehend the culprits.

The President also directed the immediate mobilisation of relief resources for surviving victims of the attacks as well as medical treatment for the wounded.

While condoling with the government and the people of Plateau, the President assured Nigerians that “the envoys of death, pain, and sorrow would not escape justice”.

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).

Wife of the late chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state, Mrs. Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and his sister, Ms Ofonime Frank have been burnt to death.

The tragic fire incident, which occurred on Christmas eve, razed down the house of the late PDP boss, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state. 

The cause of the fire remains unknown as at the time of this report.

This was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists by the Secretary, Transition Committee of the local government, Hon. Udeme Idiong disclosed in the early hours.

The Transition Community chairman of the council Hon. Godwin Ekpe (JP) has declared seven days mourning for all indigenes of the local government, the statement revealed.

It also stated that council chairman has sought the approval of the state government to withdraw all Ukanafun contingent in the ongoing Christmas Carol activity scheduled to hold on 28th December, 2023

 The statement states: “Sequel to the tragic fire incident that occurred at the residence of our Late State Party Chairman, Obong Udo Ekpenyong on 24th December 2023 which claimed the lives of his wife, Mrs Elizabeth Udo Ekpenyong and her sister, Ms Ofonime Frank, the Chairman, Transition Committee, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Godwin Ekpe JP has declared a 7 days mourning period for all indigenes of Ukanafun Local Government from Tuesday 26th of December, 2023 to Monday 1st January, 202

“He has also in collaboration with the Stakeholders of the Local Government and approval of the State Government approved a withdrawal of Ukanafun’s contingent and performance in the ongoing Christmas unplugged activity earlier scheduled to hold on the 28th of December, 2023.

“While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, we pray for the repose of the departed souls”.

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.”