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BREAKING: House of Rep Committee List, Portfolio Finally Emerge

by Folarin Kehinde July 29, 2023

written by Folarin Kehinde

The house of representatives committee list with their portfolio has finally emerge, Leading Reporters can authoritatively confirm.

The list includes the following:

Emergency and Disaster Management- Hon. Joseph Bassey, APC, Cross River (Chairman) Hon Basiru Usman Gorau, PDP, Sokoto (Vice Chairman)
Aids, Loan and Debt Management – Hon. Abunbakar Nalaraba, APC, Nasarawa (Chairman), Hon. Lanre Okunola, APC, Lagos, (Vice Chairman)
Appropriations- Hon Abubakar Bichi – APC, Kano (Chairman), Hon. Iduma Igarewey, PDP, Ebonyi (Vice Chairman)
Constitution Review – Hon. Benjamin Kalu, APC, Abia (Chairman), Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, APC, Edo (Vice Chairman)
House Services – Hon. Amos Daniel, PDP, Kaduna (Chairman), Hon. Ishaya Lalu, APC, Plateau (Vice Chairman)
Alternative Education- Hon. Aliyu Ibrahim Al Mustapha, APC, Sokoto (Chairman), Hon. Akinosi Olatunji, APC, Ogun (Vice Chairman)
Public Petitions- Hon. Mike Etaba, APC, Cross River (Chairman), Hon. Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa, APC, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Hydrological Services HYPADEC – Hon. Mahmud Abdulahi, APC, Niger (Chairman), Hon. Akpo Paul, PDP, Akwa Ibom, (Vice Chairman)
Ports and Harbour – Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, PDP, Enugu (Chairman), Hon. Yemi Alli, APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
Agric Production and Services – Hon. Bello Kaoje, APC, Kebbi (Chairman), Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, PDP, Rivers (Vice Chairman)
Works – Hon. Akin Alabi, APC, Oyo (Chairman), Hon. Usman Banye, APC, Katsina, (Vice Chairman)
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)- Hon. Ibori Suenu, PDP, Delta (Chairman), Hon. Jafaru Leko, APC, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Local Content – Hon. Boma Goodhead, PDP, Rivers (Chairman), Hon. Seyi Showunmi, LP, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
National Planning and Economic Development- Hon. Isiaka Ibrahim, APC, Ogun (Chairman), Hon. Clement Jimbo, APC, Akwa Ibom (Vice Chairman)
Food Drugs Administration and Control- Hon. Mrs. Regina Akume, APC, Benue (Chairman), Hon. Emeka Idu Godwin, LP, Anambra (Vice Chairman)
University Education, Hon. Abubakar Fulata, APC, Jigawa (Chairman), Hon. Etteh Ikpong, PDP, Akwa Ibom (Vice Chairman)
Land Transport- Hon. Blessing Onuh, APC, Benue (Chairman), Hon. Fayinka Oluwatoyin, APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
Legislative Compliance – Hon. Yusuf Badau, APC, Kano (Chairman), Hon. Gwacham Maureen Chinwe, APGA, Anambra (Vice Chairman)
FCT Judiciary – Hon. David Zacharia, APC, Kogi (Vice Chairman), Hon. Ibe Osonwa, LP, Abia (Vice Chairman)
Finance – Hon. James Faleke, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Seidu Mua Abdulahi, APC Niger (Vice Chairman)
Commerce – Hon. Ahmed Munir, APC, Kaduna (Chairman), Hon. James Barka, PDP, Adamawa (Vice Chairman)
Information Technology – Hon. Stanley Olajide, PDP, Oyo (Chairman), Hon. Jingi Rufai, PDP, Adamawa (Vice Chairman)
Agric Colleges and Institutions – Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, APC, Oyo (Chairman), Hon. Idris Salman, ADC, Kogi (Vice Chairman)
Judiciary – Hon. Wole Oke, PDP, Osun (Chairman), Hon. Mohammed Danjuma, NNPP,Kano (Vice Chairman)
Delegated Legislation –Hon. Femi Bamishile, APC, Ekiti (Chairman), Hon Okoafor Dominic Ifeanyi, APGA, Anambra (Vice Chairman)
Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Aliyu Abdulahi, APC, Katsina (Chairman), Hon. Okom Ime Bassey, PDP, Akwa Ibom (Vice Chairman)
Ecological Fund- Hon. Aminu Jaji, APC, Zamfara (Chairman), Hon. Oyediji Najimdeen Oyeshina, PDP, Oyo (Vice Chairman)
Federal Capital Territory (FCT)- Hon. Muktar Betara, APC, Borno (Chairman), Hon. Chinedu Emeka Martins, PDP, Imo (Vice Chairman)
Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Hon. Remi Oseni, APC, Oyo (Chairman), Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdulahi, PDP, Kaduna (Vice Chairman)
Power- Hon Victor Neokolo, PDP, Delta (Chairman), Hon. Joshua Gana, PDP, Niger (Vice Chairman)
Maritime Safety, Education and Administration Hon. Khadija Bukar, APC, Yobe (Chairman), Hon. Odudoh Uduak, PDP, Akwa Ibom (Vice Chairman)
North East Development Commission – Hon. Usman Zanna, APC, Borno (Chairman), Hon. Kabir Yusuf, APC, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Public Accounts – Hon. Bamidele Salam, PDP, Osun (Chairman), Hon. J. J. Umaru, APC, Nasarawa (Vice Chairman)
Federal Character- Hon. Idris Wase, APC, Plataeu (Chairman), Hon. Adebayo Adepoju, PDP, Oyo (Vice Chairman)
Airforce- Hon. Alhassan Rumrum, NNPP, Kano (Chairman), Hon. Rufus Ojoawo, APC, Ekiti (Vice Chairman)
Army – Hon. David Ogaewu, APC, Benue (Vice Chairman)
Aviation –Hon. Abdulahi Idri Garba, APC, Niger (Chairman), Hon. Festus Akingbaso, PDP, Ondo (Vice Chairman)
Communications –Hon. Peter Akpatason, APC, Edo (Chairman), Hon. Balani Usman Midala, PDP, Borno (Vice Chairman)
Customs and Exercise – Hon. Leke Abejide, ADC, Kogi (Chairman), Hon. Shehu Hasan HUSEIANI, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Defence – Hon. Jimi Benson, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Ahmad Kalambaina, APC, Sokoto (Vice Chairman)
Electoral Matters –Hon. Bayo Balogun, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Adamu Yakubu, PDP, Jigawa (Vice Chairman)
Foreign Affairs – Hon. Abdulmuminin Jibrin, NNPP, Kano (Chairman), Hon. TiJANI Zana Zacharia, APC, Yobe (Vice Chairman)
Gas Resources – Hon. Nichlas Mutuh, PDP, Delta (Chairman), Hon. Mustapha Tijani Ghali, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Health Institutions – Hon. Amos MOgaji, PDP, Kaduna (Chairman), Hon. Adesola Adebayo,APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
Healthcare Services – Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, APC, Kebbi (Chairman), Hon. Bassey Akiba, LP, Cross River (Vice Chairman)
Interior – Hon. Aminu Chindo, PDP, Katsina (Chairman), Hon. Ganiyu Ayuba, APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
National Security and Intelligence – Hon. Ahmed Satome, APC, Borno (Chairman), Hon. Stainless Nwodo, LP, Enugu (Vice Chairman)
Navy – Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, APC, Plataeu (Chairman), Hon. Abdulahi Umar Kamba, APC, Kebbi (Vice Chairman)
Petroleum Resources (UPSTREAM) –Hon. Alhassan Dogwa, APC, Kano (Chairman),Hon. Sesi Whinghan, APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
Petroleum Resources (DOWNSTREAM)- Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, PDP, Imo (Chairman), Hon. Aliyu Mustapha Abdulahi, PDP, Kaduna (Vice Chairman)
Police Affairs- Hon. Makki Yaleman, APC, Jigawa (Chairman), Hon. Ahmed Adewale, APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
Rules and Business –Hon. Francis Waive, APC, Delta (Chairman), Hon. Bello Ambarura, APC, Sokoto (Vice Chairman)
Water Resources – Hon. Sada Soli, APC, Katsina (Chairman), Hon. Musa Agah Avia, PDP, Plateau (Vice Chairman)
Housing and Habitat – Hon. Aminu Balele, APC, Katsina (Chairman), Hon. Lanre Oladebo Alomoleye, PDP, Osun (Vice Chairman)
Industry – Hon. Dolapo Badru, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Saad Wada Taura, APC, Jigawa (Vice Chairman)
Insurance and Actuaries Matters- Hon. Ahmadu Jaha, APC, Borno (Chairman), Hon. Abel David Fuoh , PDP, Taraba (Vice Chairman)
Labour, Employment and Productivity – Hon. Adegboyega Adefarati, APC, Ondo (Chairman), Hon. Yusuf Basir, PDP, Kaduna (Vice Chairman)
TETFUND and Services – Hon. Miriam Onuoha, APC, Imo (Chairman), Hon. Aliyu Bampa Misau, PDP, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Constituency Outreach – Hon. Dickson Taghir, APC, Benue (Chairman), Hon. Adewale Adebayo, PDP, Osun (Vice Chairman)
Environment- Hon. Julius Pondi, PDP, Delta (Chairman), Hon. Terseer Ugbor, APC, Benue (Vice Chairman)
Public Procurement – Hon. Idem Unyime, PDP, Akwa Ibom (Chairman) Hon. Sani Ibrahim Tanko, PDP, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Capital Market and Institutions –Hon. Bob Solomon, PDP, Rivers (Chairman), Hon Umar Muktar Zakari, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
FCT Area Councils and Ancillary Matters- Hon. Fred Agbedi, PDP, Bayelsa (Chairman), Hon. Peter Akpanke, PDP, Cross River (Vice Chairman)
Information, National Orientation, Ethics and Values- Hon. Stev Fatoba, APC, Ekiti (Chairman)Hon. Nazif Belo Yusuf, PDP, Katsina (Vice Chairman)
Inter-Parliamentary Relations – Hon. Mark Esset, PDP, Akwa Ibom (Chairman), Hon. Anamero Dekeri, APC, Edo (Vice Chairman)
Justice – Hon. Olumide Osoba, APC, Ogun (Chairman), Hon. Sunday Umeha, LP, Enugu (Vice Chairman)
Media and Public Affairs –Hon. Akin Rotimi, APC, Ekiti (Chairman), Hon. Philip Agbese, APC, Benue (Vice Chairman)
Niger Delta Ministry – Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo, PDP, Imo (Chairman) Hon. Hasan Mohammed Danjuma, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Pensions – Hon. Hussaini Jalo, PDP, Kaduna (Chairman), Hon. Olaide Lateef Mohammed, APC, Oyo (Vice Chairman)
Poverty Alleviation – Hon. Tijani Jobe, NNPP, Kano (Chairman), Hon. Billy Osawaru, APC, Edo (Vice Chairman)
Public Service Matters – Hon Sani Bala, APC, Kano (Chairman), Hon. Ahmadu Kabiru, PDP, Zamfara (Vice Chairman)
Rural Development – Hon. Marcus Onobun, PDP, Edo (Chairman), Hon. Mohammed Abdul, PDP, Taraba (Vice Chairman)
Science and Technology – Hon. Bagos Musa, PDP, Plateau (Chairman), Hon. Jonathan Okodhiko, PDP, Delta (Vice Chairman)
Solid Minerals – Hon. Jonthan Gaza, SDP, Nasarawa (Chairman), Hon. Ojo Makanjuola, PDP, Oyo (Vice Chairman)
Special Duties – Hon. Kabir Tukura, APC, Kebbi, (Chairman), Hon. Canice Nwachukwu, APC, Imo (Vice CHAIRMAN)
Sports – Hon. Ekene Adams, LP, Kaduna (Chairman), Hon. Jajere Mohammed Buba, PDP, Yobe (Vice Chairman)
Steel – Hon. Zainab Gimba, APC, Borno (Chairman), Hon. Datti Yusuf Umar, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hon. Wale Raji, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Shehu Mommed Bello, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Youth Development – Hon. Martins Esin, PDP, Akwa Ibom (Chairman), Hon. Adegbesan Joseph, APC, Ogun (Vice Chairman)
Culture and Tourism Hon. Kareem Abisodun, APC, Oyo (Chairman), Hon. Mohammed Muktar, APC, Jigawa (Vice Chairman)
Drugs and Narcotics – Hon Abbas Agboworin, PDP, Oyo (Chairman), Hon. Dankawo Idris, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) – Hon. Derin Adesida, APC, Ondo (Chairman), Hon. Mansur Musa, PDP, Kebbi (Vice Chairman)
Women Affairs and Social Development – Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Amadi Blessing Chigeru, PDP, Rivers (Vice Chairman)
Science Research Institutions – Hon. BENI Lar, PDP, Plateau (Chairman), Hon. Chijioke S. Okereke, LP, Enugu (Vice Chairman)
Police Institutions – Hon. Mohammed Salihu-Jirei, PDP, Adamawa (Chairman), Hon. Offiong Godwin, PDP, Cross River (Vice Chairman)
Public Assets – Hon. Ademorin Kuye, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Dabo Ismail, APC, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Shipping Services – Hon. Abdulsamad Dasuki, PDP, Sokoto (Chairman), Hon. Mohammed Ahmed Sani, APC, Zamfara (Vice Chairman)
Federal Polytechnics – Hon. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka, APC, Ogun (Chairman), Hon Agunye Danladi, APC, Kogi (Vice Chairman)
Federal Colleges of Education, Hon. Aliyu Wakil Boya, APC, Adamawa (Chairman), Hon. Uguru Emmanuel, APC, Ebonyi (Vice Chairman)
Basic Education Examination Boards – Hon. Okoku Abonsizibe Oforji, PDP, Bayelsa (Chairman), Hon. Sekav Iyorton, APC, Benue (Vice Chairman)
Basic Education – Hon. Mark Useni, APC, Taraba (Chairman), Hon. Muktar Shagaya, APC, Kwara (Vice Chairman)
Science Engineering – Hon. Taofeek Ajilesoro, PDP, Osun (Chairman), Hon. Shehu Rijau, APC, Niger (Vice Chairman)
Petroleum (MIDSTREAM)- Hon. Okojie Odi, APC, Edo (Chairman), Hon. Koki Segir, NNPP, Kano (Vice Chairman)
Civil Societies and Development Matters, Hon. Victor Obuzor, PDP, Rivers (Chairman), Hon. Sani Lawal, APC, Katsina (Vice Chairman)
Corporation and Integration for Africa- Hon. Kwamoti Laori, PDP, Adamawa (Chairman), Hon. Dennis NNAMDI AGBO, LP, Enugu (Vice Chairman)
Diaspora – Hon. Adamu Tanko, PDP, Niger (Chairman), Hon. Bala Rabiu, APC, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Financial Crimes – Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, LP, Abia (Chairman), Hon. Moshood Osun, APC, Lagos (Vice Chairman)
Internal Security of National Assembly – Hon. Mohammed Ibrahim Garba, NNPP, Kano (Chairman), Hon. Okeke Jonas Owuegbuchulam, PDP, Imo (Vice Chairman)
Internally Displaced Persons/ Refugees – Hon. Tunji Olawuyi, APC, Kwara (Chairman), Hon. Abdulahi Balarabe Dabbai, PDP, Katsina (Vice Chairman)
Legislative Library, Research and Documentation- Hon. Yusuf Galambi, NNPP, Jigawa (Chairman), Hon. Obika Joshua, LP, FCT (Vice Chairman)
Populations – Hon. Jimi Odimayo, APC, Ondo (Chairman), Hon. AUWALU Abdu Gwalabe, PDP, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Anti- Corruption – Hon. Kayode Akiolu, APC, Lagos (Chairman), Hon. Mohammed Dan Abba, PDP, Bauchi (Vice Chairman)
Climate Change –Hon. Okonta Chris, PDP, Abia (Chairman), Hon. Mohammed Jamilu, PDP, Katsina (Vice Chairman)
Ethics and Privileges – Hon. Garba Inuwa, PDP, Gombe (Chairman), Hon Sesoo Ikpagher, APC, Benue (Vice Chairman)
FOI Reform of Government Institutions – Hon. Seidu Yusuf Miga,, APC, Jigawa (Chairman), Hon. Obodor Mitema, PDP, Bayelsa (Vice Chairman)
HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malarial Control – Hon. Amobi Ogah, LP, Abia (Chairman), Hon. Isah Dogonyaro, APC, Jigawa (Vice Chairman)
Human Rights – Hon. Abila Makinde, APC, Ondo (Chairman), Hon. Mugasir Lukman Alani, PDP, Osun (Vice Chairman)
Lake Chad – Hon. Sani Nazifi, APC, Jigawa (Chairman), Hon. Okodhiko Jonathan, PDP, Delta (Vice Chairman)
Legislative Budget and Research – Hon. Mohammed Bio, APC, Kwara (Chairman), Hon. Obeta ChidEnugu, EnUGU (Vice Chairman)

July 29, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

Lassie Foundation Drums Support for Quality Education, Healthcare Services for the Girl-Child

by Folarin Kehinde July 28, 2023

written by Folarin Kehinde

In a bid to ensure the realization of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Universal primary and secondary education for all, Lassie Foundation, a non-governmental organization has advocated for support the girl-child in the country.

The Convener, Barrister Pamela Ozigbo while speaking recently at an outreach at Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Abuja stated that government and stakeholders need to ensure that every girl-child have access to education and basic health services in the country.

Ozigbo who lamented the increase in gender based violence in the country, said her organisation over the years have been in the forefront, advocating for the rights of the girl-child, hence every girl-child deserves their rightful place in the society.

She however opined that high representation of women at the National Assembly would help mitigate the effects and many challenges of the girl-child hence enjoined participation of more women in politics and be a voice for the girl-child.

Meanwhile Barrister Ozigbu stated that the foundation has adequate plans to drastically reduce the number of girls on the streets .

Her words:

“At lassie foundation one of our core projects for this year is to reduce the number of disadvantaged girl-child on the streets, by doing this, we’ll be able to empower them with desired skills”.

Corroborating, an associates of the foundation and founder, Star Crest for Women in Africa Foundation, Barrister Esther Omenka stated that women are always marginalized in Africa considering the patriarchal mentality that it’s a man’s world.

Omenka lamented that women are not given enough opportunities and privileges stated that her NGO is fully committed to bridging the gap.

Her words:

“My NGO is about the empowerment so for underprivileged women or children across the African continent, and we can’t do that without including girl child in our scope.

“We have organized several Back to School programs for the underprivileged African child because we believe that every child, every African child deserves to go to school and have basic universal education,”.

July 28, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

US, EU reject INEC financial reports submitted by Prof Yakubu; Call for probe

by Leading Reporters July 22, 2023

written by Leading Reporters

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu is currently under investigation over $50m foreign donation it received for 2023 General Election, PointBlanknews has revealed. This is aside a staggering N355b the commission received from government for the conduct of the election that has been adjudged the costliest and the most abysmal in the political history of Nigeria.

This followed a financial report submitted by Prof Mahmoud Yakubu on how he managed funds donated by foreign countries for the conduct of the last general elections which were held on February 25 and March 18, 2023 respectively.

The head of Nigeria’s election management body, is suspected to have diverted some of the donor funds to private use.

Sources conversant with the unfolding situation disclosed to Pointblanknews that traces of Yakubu’s investments as well as individuals who helped him facilitate such transactions have been identified are also being investigated.

The sources revealed that the probe is being conducted by the donor countries who rejected the financial report presented by the chairman on how the funds were used.

The key donors are the United States (US) and the European Union. While the IS donated $25 million to INEC, the EU gave the electoral commission €39million (N17.94bn).

INEC budgeted and received N355 billion for the conduct of the 2023 general election last May.

Yakubu, a professor of History, conducted the 2019 and general elections. While the 2019 presidential election attracted a lot of dispute, the 2023 presidential poll is ranked as the most expensive yet disastrous electoral exercises in Nigeria’s history.

The latter poll saw a remarkably increased use of technology, especially the deployment of Bimodal Verification Modal System (BVAS) machines for voter verification and authentication, as well as the IREV which was meant to openly transmit results in real time on the commission’s website.

However, while the BVAS recorded appreciable success, the IREV, midway into the election process failed to transmit presidential election results in real time.

This is in spite of the fact that it transmitted results of federal legislative elections which were held the same day and time presidential poll.

Besides the massive logistics crisis that surrounded the polls, there was difficulty to upload results of the election from the polling units by INEC staff as the network channel used by the commission was shut down.

Meanwhile, the commission had budgeted N177Billion for anti-hacking software.

The commission’s spokesman, Festus Okoye, had on election day issued a statement blaming a glitch for the failure of the IREV to function as planned.

Yakubu’s repeated promise to Nigerians and the international community that the commission will use these technology tools had attracted a lot of donations to enable the commission deliver on mandate.

Besides dispelling a claim, ahead of the election, of plans to jettison the real time transmission of results on Election Day, Yakubu had assured the international community through the Chatham House in the UK of INEC’s resolve and preparedness to deploy both BIVAS and IREV for the contentious poll.

The opposition parties and their candidates, PDP’s Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, have since rejected the outcome the election which produced APC’s Bola Tinubu as president, citing among other things, the failure of commission to respect the law which provided for the use of IREV.

They also declared a vote of no confidence in Yakubu.

The source said, “Aside suffering a Visa Ban, Prof Mahmoud Yakubu is under investigation over how he spent donations from the United States, European Union and other foreign donors.

“The US gave INEC $25 million to help INEC, while the EU gave €39million (N17.94bn) for the conduct of transparent, credible and inclusive 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

“However, expenditure reports sent by INEC to the donors were considered unacceptable. Properties and investments overseas linked to Yakubu have been traced, including a private jet.

“The proxies he used to acquire them were also identified. How he acquired those properties investments and when are now subject of investigation,” the source said.

Recall that the European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), in its report after the general election, gave INEC a poor rating. The presidency and commission rejected the verdict.

July 22, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

Ikpeazu running from pillar to pole to shield self from Abia Panel Probe

by Leading Reporters July 22, 2023

written by Leading Reporters

Former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu is swimming in troubled waters over constitution of panel of inquiry aimed at probing his rudderless leadership, by Governor Alex Otti leadership.

The former governor appears unsettled by the recent establishment of a judicial panel of inquiry on the recovery of government properties and funds belonging to Abia State. And his currently running to courts to seek relief from being probed.

Reacting, the former Governor turned towards the courts in search for an order to halt panel of inquiry. He approached the Federal High Court in Abuja for an ex parte order. The justices of the federal high court refused to issue the ex parte order. The court refused to issue the order on two occasions.

According to available information, the two attempts failed owing to Ikpeazu’s inability to put the state government on notice as directed by the courts. A source who claims to be conversant with the efforts by Ikpeazu to halt the panel of inquiry from executing its duties explained how the former governor went about it.

According to the source:

“Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the immediate past Governor of Abia State, had instituted Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/907/2023 DR. OKEZIE IKPEAZU & 3 ORS VS GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE & 8 ORS in the Abuja division of the Federal High Court and same was assigned to his Lordship Hon. Justice Omotosho J.

“In that suit, Dr. Ikpeazu sought (by way of an Ex-Parte application) to secure an Ex-Parte order to restrain a Judicial Panel of Enquiry set up by the Government of Abia State to recover government properties and funds. His Lordship Hon. Justice Omotosho J. refused the Ex-Parte application insisting that the respondents be put on notice.

“He immediately withdrew the suit and filed a fresh one FHC/ABJ/CS/945/2023 Ikpeazu Vs INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE (IGP) & 8 ORS which was assigned to His Lordship Hon. Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who, also refused the Ex-Parte application to restrain the proceedings of the panel and gave the Claimant 2 (two) days to put the respondents on notice. He once again quickly withdrew the suit

“It is obvious that by withdrawing both suits and also refusing to put the Abia State Government on notice as directed by the court, it is clear that this is a subterranean exercise and patent manifestation of bad faith and a desperate attempt to use the court as a shield for the alleged criminal activities of his administration in Abia State.”

Another source close to the current State Government in Abia State adds, “it on good authority that Ikpeazu is shopping for another court that would possibly give him the order to stop the probe”.

Newscredit: 247ureporters.

July 22, 2023 0 comments

Business Headlines

Agusto & Co. affirms Fidelity Bank’s ‘A’ rating, with a Stable Outlook

by Leading Reporters July 19, 2023

written by Leading Reporters

Pan-African credit rating agency, Agusto & Co. has affirmed the ‘A’ rating assigned to Fidelity Bank Plc and assigned an ESG score of ‘2’ in reflection of the agency’s view that environmental, social and governance issues have minimal contribution to the Bank’s credit rating.

According to a note on the Agusto & Co. website, “The rating reflects Fidelity Bank’s improved profitability, strong ability to refinance, adequate capitalisation and low level of impaired credits.”

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 7.5 million customers serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank was recognized as the Best Payment Solutions Provider, Nigeria, 2023 and Best SME Bank, Nigeria, 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards. The bank had previously also won awards for the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

July 19, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

FGN May Raise Minimum Wage To N200k, To Take Decision Soon

by Leading Reporters July 17, 2023

written by Leading Reporters

The federal government is considering raising the minimum wage to N200k per month, as requested by organised labour. Some experts are concerned about the potential impact on the economy.

State governors are urging caution regarding the proposed minimum wage increase, while a Technical Working Group (TWG) chaired by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has been tasked with resolving the issues.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the matter was discussed at the last month’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, and it was there that the Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission made a presentation on how the federal government can meet up with the demand for N200,000 per month minimum wage.

Sources say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes the organised labour’s demand for a higher minimum wage is not unrealistic, citing his campaign promises as proof of his readiness to handle the challenge.

At the NEC meeting, which the president inaugurated in June, the Salaries & Wages Commission costed the financial implications of the said minimum wage increase and showed how the federal government could pay it, with a certain recommendation that it was well within the capacity of the federal government.

But at the meeting, the state governors who make up the membership of the NEC raised questions over the proposal.

Leading the governors at the meeting was Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo, who argued that before adopting the presentation to significantly raise the national minimum wage, it would be important for NEC to first understand where the money would come from, how much would come and what states would get.

Part of the expectations and planning is that with the new foreign exchange policy, more cash would be available to be shared by the federal and state governments under the FAAC monthly distribution.

According to informed sources, there would be enough surplus cash to enable the significant raising of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N100,000 monthly.

Similarly, the savings from the fuel subsidy would further mean more cash inflow to the federation account.

July 17, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

Exposed: How Foreign NGOs aid Money Laundering in Nigeria: Marie Stopes fingered

by Leading Reporters July 17, 2023

written by Leading Reporters

On September 5, 2012, Angela Nworgu, then head of the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, SCUML, of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), disclosed that NGOs are now used as conduits for money laundering and the support of criminal operations.

Several years later, the revelation she made in her opening remarks at the annual seminar for Designated Non-Financial Institutions (DNFIs) with the theme “Strategic partnership Among DNFIs for Effective Implementation of AML/CFT Regime in Nigeria” held at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, is still relevant.

According to Nworgu, research by the Financial Actio n Task Force indicates that money launderers “who use NGOs to carry out layering of stolen wealth through several countries to disguise the actual origin of the money do not mind losing 40% of the total amount in the process because it is money gotten from illegitimate means”. This admission of fact raises questions about Marie Stopes Nigeria’s apparent receipt of sizable funds from organizations without affiliation to its services or business operations.

Marie Stopes was founded by Marie Charlotte Carmichael Stopes, a proponent of birth control who launched the first contraceptive instruction clinic in the UK in 1921. She was born on October 15, 1880, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died on October 2, 1958, close to Dorking, Surrey, England. MSI, which has its presence in 37 countries, opened its first clinics in Nigeria in 2009 for the sole purpose of “providing high-quality contraceptive services” for Nigerians. Its head office is located at 59, Anthony Enahoro Street, Utako, Abuja. It has branches in Edo State and Lagos.

For a company that flaunts “providing high-quality contraceptive services” as its core mission, its relationship with companies that have no direct affiliations or are in the same line of operation becomes a source of worry to Our Reporters.

THE INFLUX OF CASH

Documents obtained by our Reporters, show how Marie Stopes Nigeria received millions of Naira from different companies, including construction companies. The irregularities of payments into different accounts belonging to the ‘supposed NGO’ raise eyebrows.

Below is a chronicle of some of this influx:

Between 29/03/2019 and 25/04/2019, Rigserve Ventures, which was incorporated in Lagos, Nigeria, with Registration Number 2605768, paid N310,000,000 into Marie Stopes’s First City Monument Bank (FCMB) account number – 0739250018. The company was registered on 09 May 2018, and its status is unknown.

Within the space of one month, (29/08/2018 to 26/09/2018), EBOLEEY C INVESTMENT LTD, which was incorporated in Nigeria with Registration Number 461026, paid N341,975,000.00 into Marie Stopes’s FCMB account number – 0739250018. The company was registered on 28 August 2002, and its current status is unknown.

Titilayo Olufunmilayo Eboh, a major stakeholder of Marie Stopes, uses three of her companies to pump millions into several accounts of MCI. On 05/02/2018, CHAYOMI MULTI SER-N, a company owned by Titilayo Olufunmilayo Eboh, paid N20,000,000.00 and another 30,000,000.00 into Marie Stopes FCMB Account 0739250018. The company was incorporated in ABUJA, Nigeria, with Registration Number 1323640. It was registered on 21 Mar 2016, and its status is unknown.

Barely five months after it was founded, CHAYOMI PETROLUIM LTD, on 27/07/2018, in tranches, paid N433,200,000 into Marie Stopes’s FCMB account 0739250018. The company was incorporated in ABUJA, Nigeria, with Registration Number 1474052. It was registered on 26 Feb 2018, and its status is unknown.

The company is owned by Titilayo Olufunmilayo Eboh. Also, between 23/05/2019 and 25/06/2019, the company paid N252,000,000 into Marie Stopes’s FCMB account 0739250018.

In the same vein, CHAYOMI ALUMINIUM LTD, owned by Titilayo Olufunmilayo Eboh between 09/01/2018 and 05/07/2018, paid N1,492,910,000 into Marie Stopes FCMB account 0739250018. The company was incorporated in ABUJA, Nigeria, with Registration Number 1372008. It was registered on 03 Nov 2016, and its current status is unknown.

We will later investigate the newly incorporated Chayomi group; its findings are mind-blowing. Take note of this, as we publish our report later.

In different transactions, WIDE-RANGE INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD on 11/07/2017 paid 20,000,000.00, 15,000,000.00, 20,000,000.00, 55,000,000.00 into Marie Stopes Nigeria FCMB accounts – 739250104, 739250070, 739250087. The company, owned by Ikobayo Olatunde Isiaka and Ikobayo Oluwafifunwa O, was incorporated in LAGOS, Nigeria, with Registration Number 864157. It was registered on 14 Jan 2010, and its current status is unknown.

On 17/05/2018, DIAMOND GLOBAL EXCHANGE AND INVESTMENT LTD had in two transactions, paid N94,000,000.00 into Marie Stopes FCMB account 0739250018. The company, owned by Shahru Haruna Zahraddeen, was incorporated in ABUJA, Nigeria, with Registration Number 1440235. It was registered on 22 Sep 2017, and its status is unknown.

Another company, CONSTRUCTION LOGISTICS LTD, paid 10,000,000.00 into Marie Stopes’s FCMB account 0739250018 on 04/04/2018. The company also paid N50,000,000.00 into the same account on 05/04/2018.

Within two months, BLUESWORTH RESOURCES paid a whooping sum of N538,100,000 into Marie Stopes FCMB account 0739250018. The transactions were done between 26/03/2018 and 04/05/2018. It is germane to note that the company, owned by Banjo O. Wasiu and Banjo O. Adijat, was incorporated in OJOTA, Nigeria, with Registration Number 450869. It was registered on 23 May 2002, and its status is unknown.

A pharmaceutical company, LIZAK PHARMACEUTICAL LTD, incorporated on 18 Jan 1998 (25 years ago), with registration number 327442, linked to a politician identified as Alhaji Aliyu Zakari Jiya credited MARIE STOPES Nigeria with the sum of N30,000,000.00 on 1 June 2015. The amount was paid in three tranches. On 02/06/2015, the company also paid 10,000,000.00 to Marie Stopes. All monies were paid into FCMB account 739250025.

Alarmed by this influx, Our Reporters visited their head office in Abuja to have a first-hand chat with the Country Director, Emmanuel Ujah, on who these supposed ‘partners’ are pumping millions into the company’s accounts.

THE VISIT TO MARIE STOPES NIGERIA

On Tuesday, 28th June 2022, we visited Marie Stopes Clinic Abuja, located at 29 A.E. Ekukinam Street, Utako 900108, Abuja, to inquire about their services and connection with the above-mentioned companies. The personnel who spoke to our correspondents said they were not in a position to respond to the issues and referred our team to their head office at 59, Anthony Enahoro Street, Utako, Abuja.

Our team was greeted by an unfriendly and obnoxious ruse at the gate. The security men on duty told our correspondent that no one could enter the building except on appointment, not even for media enquiries–which is strange for an NGO with a public interest.

When the Team insisted on seeing any administrative staff, the security personnel made a call, and the coordinator, of Corporate Services, Susan Jummai Gashau, came out to speak with them. She affirmed that no one could visit the ‘NGO’ to make enquiries except by invitation or appointment. She, however, asked the SecretReporters Team to write a letter seeking an appointment with the Country Director. This was done, and the letter was acknowledged by Susan, who promised to revert with a scheduled date for the meeting to hold. A reminder was sent about a week later but was completely ignored.

On 20th July 2022, paid another visit to Marie Stopes’s head office in Abuja, and the narrative was the same at the gate. When a call was made to Susan, she said her boss had yet to issue a directive on the next line of action.

On July 21st, We sent an email to MSI’s head office in the United Kingdom, to ask if it was aware of the monetary transactions by its Nigerian branch and if a local branch is permitted to make such transactions. They did not respond to the mail, and despite sending a reminder four days later, on the 25th, MSI still did not respond to the mail.

Determined to speak with the NGO, our team, on Wednesday, 31st August 2022, paid another visit to their head office at 59, Anthony Enahoro Street, Utako, Abuja. Again, the team was greeted by the same unfriendly and obnoxious ruse at the gate, the security men firmly maintaining that no one could enter the compound except on appointment. Despite exerting efforts to speak with any personnel on ground, they maintained that it was impossible to gain entrance, and speaking with their personnel is only on invitation.

More worrying was that a female staff exiting the building said to the security personnel, ‘Do not allow anyone to enter the compound’.

With the above damning influx of cash laced with irregularities, the complexity of gaining access to the company’s premises, and Marie Stopes’s unwillingness to speak to Us, New credit: to SecretReporters

July 17, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Police Withdraw Officers Attached To Buhari’s Wife, Brother, Others

by Folarin Kehinde July 17, 2023

written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has withdrawn the Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel previously attached to prominent individuals, including Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and his brother, Mallam Mamman Daura.

Other personalities affected by the withdrawal include Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Iyorchia Ayu, a former Senate President.

The order for this withdrawal was contained in a Police Wireless Message obtained by Channels Television on Monday.

According to the authorities, this move comes as part of an ongoing reassessment and reorganization of security details by the Nigerian Police Force. The decision aims to optimize the deployment of police personnel and ensure the effective use of resources in line with prevailing security challenges in the country.

The withdrawal of PMF personnel from these high-profile individuals is not indicative of any specific threat or security breach. Instead, it aligns with the broader goal of streamlining security arrangements to meet the evolving security needs of the nation.

While the affected individuals may no longer have PMF personnel assigned exclusively to their protection, it is important to note that they will still benefit from other security arrangements provided by relevant agencies.

July 17, 2023 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Air Force Plane Crashes During Training in Benue

by Folarin Kehinde July 14, 2023

written by Folarin Kehinde

A Nigerian Air Force FT-7NI trainer aircraft has crashed in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.

He said two pilots onboard the aircraft survived and were being observed in a military facility.

“Luckily, the two pilots on board survived the crash after successfully ejecting from the aircraft. Additionally, there was no loss of lives or damage to any property around the area of impact.

“Both pilots are currently under observation at NAF Base Hospital, Makurdi. Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has constituted a Board of Inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash,”.

July 14, 2023 0 comments

Documents Reveal How Fmr CBN Governor, Emefiele Launder Public Funds Using Family's Account leading Reporters

Headlines

BREAKING: Documents Reveal How Fmr CBN Governor, Emefiele Launder Public Funds Using Family’s Account

by Leading Reporters July 14, 2023

written by Leading Reporters

It is not yet uhuru for the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has Incriminating documents has revealed high level of corruption, nepotism, favoritism and gross abuse of office while he reigned supreme as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Discreet information gotten from this online revealed that Emefiele laundered money through a company registered in the name of his wife and other members of his family.

According to our findings, the company, Maggo Farms Limited was registered on October 18th 2018, with RC number 1533205 and address as 33, Ikorodu crescent, Dolphin Estate, Lagos State.

Those listed as directors and shareholders are; Magaret Emefiele Dunbiri, Ucheonye Anthony Mary, Godwin Emefiele Pammichukwu Junior and Andrew Emefiele Andres Olisehike.

It was gathered that even though the suspended CBN Governor’s wife claimed to have registered the Maggo Farms Limited in 2018, she actually registered the company on 19th May 2014, few months after the husband was named the substantive CBN Governor with the name, Maggo Farms.

Our findings revealed that instead of using her name, she fraudulently used one Oriekose Augustine as the director. She added another director with the same name but twisted it this time as Oriekose Oriekose Augustine as the second director. Ironically, the Maggo Farms has same 33, Ikorodu crescent, Dolphin Estate, Lagos State as its registered address in CAC with RC number 2301316.

Meanwhile, in Maggo Farms Limited website (www.maggofarms.com), the about us section agreed that “Maggo farms had been in existence since the February 2015”, thus confirming that the one bearing Augustine as director is owned by the Emefiele family.

Investigations revealed that this same Maggo Farms which is a business name with the Emefieles as beneficial owners is what they consistently used to collect the CBN Anchor borrowers fund. The account used in accessing the funds is 1014400833 with Zenith Bank.

The phone number attached to the bank statement to receive alerts is 08179564031. This number incidentally is registered to Mrs. Margaret Emefiele. Similarly, documents revealed that on 5th October 2021, the embattled CBN Governor’s wife secretly registered a company in the United Kingdom, which is not included in CCB asset declaration form.

The company named Coats Investment Group Limited has her and two others namely, Albert Kwabena Williams and Dan Wangi as directors. It has company number 13662708 and registered address as Flat 3, Dexter Court, Diary close, London, SW6 4HA, England. we also unearthed how the governor exercised impunity by collecting double money for himself and his wife from CBN. On November 11, 2020, Godwin Emefiele was paid the sum of N16,181,850 from CBN account into his Zenith Bank account number 2020000064.

It was titled ‘Board holiday pay for self to USA’. On the same day, another N16,181.850 was paid into the same Zenith Bank account belonging to Godwin Emefiele but this time, titled as ‘Board holiday for spouse to USA’.

In another incriminating document, this online medium discovered that despite collecting salaries from CBN, Emefiele received payments from the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting. One of such payments was made on 15th December 2020 to the tune of N9,988,000. More so, it was gathered that Emefiele entrenched NEM Insurance where his younger brother, George Augustine Emefiele is DGM (Marketing) as the major insurance company in CBN/NSPM.

Some of the payments made to the insurance company under Emefiele’s instruction are; on 5th March 2020, the CBN under Emefiele paid NEM Insurance N31,496,300.

On the same day, Emefiele ordered another payment of N135,628,125 from CBN account into NEM Insurance. NSPM on 3rd February 2020 also paid the insurance company N11,340,355. On 31st December 2020, NSPM also paid N31,479,123 while CBN on 10th November 2020 paid N17,938,375 to the company.

Meanwhile, Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the DSS to release the governor claiming that his detention is not just illegal but null and void. News Credit: Secret Reporters

July 14, 2023 0 comments

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