Flowerbud News

Month: March 2024

  • Tinubu suspends REA boss, directors over alleged N1.2bn fraud

    Tinubu suspends REA boss, directors over alleged N1.2bn fraud

    President Bola Tinubu has indefinitely suspended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo, alongside three executive directors of the agency, from office.

     

    This followed “new findings unearthed during a comprehensive investigation into the financial activities of the Rural Electrification Agency,” the State House revealed in a statement signed by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.

     

    The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu suspends Rural Electrification Agency managing director and team from office.’

     

    Aside from Salihijo, the President also suspended the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Olaniyi Netufo; Executive Director, Technical Services, Barka Sajou and Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Sa’adatu Balgore.

     

    Tinubu also ordered a wider investigation into the conduct of the officials in “a fraudulent mis-expenditure amounting to over N1.2bn over the past two years, some of which has already been recovered by anti-graft agencies,” Ngelale revealed.

     

    Consequently, the President appointed a new management team of the Agency who will serve in acting capacity with immediate effect.

     

    They include: Abba Aliyu as Managing Director/CEO, Ayoade Gboyega as Executive Director, Corporate Services, Umar Umar as Executive Director, Technical Services, Doris Uboh as Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund and Olufemi Akinyelure as Head of Project Management Unit, Nigeria Electrification Project.

    The President “expects all appointees in his administration to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in the discharge of their duties and reiterates his determination to elevate the yearnings of Nigerians for good governance and qualitative service delivery above the narrow interests of individuals who are entrusted to provide critical services to the Nigerian people,” the statement concluded.

  • Repayment of student loan begins two years after NYSC — FG

    Repayment of student loan begins two years after NYSC — FG

    The Federal Government has said the recovery process from beneficiaries of the Nigeria Education Loan, NELFund, scheme would commence two years after the National Youth Service Scheme, NYSC.

     

    The Executive Secretary, NELFund, Dr. Akintunde Sawyer, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja yesterday.

     

    On June 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law, to enable indigent students access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

     

    However, Sawyer said the reason for the two-year grace after NYSC was to afford the beneficiaries enough time to get a job and be stable before the repayment.

     

    “The law provides that for students who go into paid employment, repayment will be two years after NYSC, but that does not mean that they cannot pay back before that time.

     

    “However, if they don’t have a job two years after NYSC, we cannot compel them to pay. Where are they going to get the money from? So, we will help them and wait for them to be able to pay.

     

    “There will be a register of those who have taken the loan and employers will have access to that register and see who has a loan.”

  • Immigration Withdraws Foreign Postings Of 80 Officers

    Immigration Withdraws Foreign Postings Of 80 Officers

    new comptroller-general (CG) of the service, Kemi Nandap, ordered the withdrawal of their postings to foreign countries withdrawn by Kemi Nandap, new comptroller-general (CG) of the service.

     

    The officers had been posted to a slew of Nigerian missions abroad by Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, who recently retired as CG of the service.

     

    They were expected to be at these new stations abroad for at least three years.

     

    However, in a letter dated March 5, Nandap, through the Assistant Comptroller-General, G.C Didel, asked the officers to return their original posting letters to “effect certain procedural and administrative issues”.

     

    The letter read, “I am directed to request all officers affected to return their original posting orders to enable the service effect certain procedural and administrative issues.

     

    The letters should be returned to the SA-CGIS (Foreign Desk) on or before Thursday 9th March, 2024

  • Defence minister orders DIA to go after coup mongers

    Defence minister orders DIA to go after coup mongers

    Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency, DIA, to go after those calling for truncation of constitutional government in the country describing them as criminals and enemies of democracy who should be brought to justice.

     

    Matawalle, whose directive was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Information in the ministry, Mr Henshaw Ogubike, said: ”Some mischief makers posted viral videos and inciting statement on the media depicting a false situation and impression and encouraging the military to truncate the constitution, which will never happen because Nigerians have aligned with a democratic culture, which makes coup no longer fashionable.

     

    because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country, is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities.”

     

    He described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as agents of darkness.”

     

    In the statement, titled “Democracy is Working in Nigeria,” the minister warned those calling for truncation of constitutional government in the country.

     

    It read: “The minister warned coup mongers calling for the unconstitutional change of government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to desist from their inglorious call, warning that government would not treat those behind it with kid gloves.

     

    “The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naive as the military has come to reality with democratic government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the constitution.

     

    “The minister warns against the dangerous allure of coups. He said those calling for coup do not love Nigeria. Under the present government, there will be no military takeover of power.

     

    “He emphasizes the need for elected leaders to lead, while the military fulfills its duty of protecting the constitution

  • Makinde donates 28 buses to tertiary institutions, says government is sensitive to their plight

    Makinde donates 28 buses to tertiary institutions, says government is sensitive to their plight

     

    Makinde donates 28 buses to tertiary institutions, says government is sensitive to their plight

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has donated 28 eighteen-seater buses to the students of federal, state, indigenous and special education institutions in Oyo State.

     

    The event took place at the Governor’s Office Car Park, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

     

    Makinde, while giving out the buses, said his government is sensitive to what the students are passing through and that his administration will always do its best for the state.

     

    “We are passing through a very difficult situation, a challenging period as a country and yourself, you are probably passing through a lot more challenging situation.

    “But I have good news for you and the good news is that this tough and challenging period will soon pass.

     

    “For us as an administration, we will always do our best for our state.

     

    “Let me wish the student bodies well and I want you to know that we are sensitive to what you are passing through.

     

    “Let me say this, just this morning, I signed off on the scholarship and bursary for 2024, and have asked them to make it online so that it will be first come first served and that the process will have integrity and is seamless.

     

    “For me personally, I am restoring my own personal scholarship scheme, I stopped it when I became the governor, but now I’ve seen the need because government alone cannot do everything, cannot give enough.

     

    “Once again, I want to charge you to cooperate with the leadership in your various institutions,” Makinde said.

     

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Student Affairs, Victor Olojede, commended Makinde for always supporting the students and setting a precedence for good governance.

    In their separate remarks, Secretary, Student Union Caretaker Committee, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Happiness Makinde, and Southwest Coordinator, National Association of Nigerian Students, John Alao, said Gov. Makinde is a pillar of hope for the Nigerian students.

     

    They pledged that the buses will be used effectively.

     

    The event was attended by Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal; Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; commissioners and other dignitaries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • EFCC Arraigns One for N67m Fraud in Yola

    EFCC Arraigns One for N67m Fraud in Yola

     

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews:  The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arraigned one Zakariyau Yahaya before Justice Benjamin Manji of High Court 9 of the Adamawa State High Court, Yola

    He was arraigned on one-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and obtaining to the tune of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven Million, Eighty Thousand Naira), Dele Oyewale, EFCC Spokesman said in a statement.

    The charge reads; “That you Zakariyau Yahaya, sometimes 2022 in Yola, Adamawa State within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, convert to your own use the sum of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven million, Eighty thousand  Naira) property of  Alh. Umar Zuhairu, which was meant for the purchase of cotton seeds and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 300 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State 2018”.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in Hausa language.

    Following his plea,  prosecution counsel, M.O Tijani prayed the court for a speedy trial and the remand of the defendant at a Correctional Centre.  Defence counsel,  Johnson Altajir informed the judge of a bail application already placed before the court.

    Justice Manji adjourned the matter till March 11, 2024 for hearing of bail application and April 8 & 9 for commencement of trial. He also remanded the defendant at a Correctional Centre.

    The defendant was arrested for obtaining the sum of N67,080,000.00 (Sixty-Seven Million, Eighty Thousand Naira) from a petitioner for the supply of cotton seeds and maize.  He neither supplied the products nor returned the money to the petitioner. (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Herbalist in Lokoja

    EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, Herbalist in Lokoja

    By Biola Lawal

    Flowerbudnews: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 48( Forty-eight) suspected internet fraudsters and herbalist for alleged conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence in Lokoja,

    They were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, at various locations in Lokoja, The herbalist, believed to be a spiritual godfather of internet fraudsters, was arrested with various charms, Dele Oyewale, Head,  Media and Publicity said in a statement.

    Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.

    The suspects, all male, between the ages of 17 -34 will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations. (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

  • SALL DEALT A CRUSHING POLITICAL BLOW IN SENEGAL*

    SALL DEALT A CRUSHING POLITICAL BLOW IN SENEGAL*

     

    By Paul Ejime

    (Ejime, an Author, is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications)

    After taking his country and the region on a needless rollercoaster ride, President Macky Sall of Senegal has finally capitulated. The country’s 24th February 2024 presidential election, which he had attempted to postpone by all means, will now take place on 24 March, thanks to the uncompromising position of the population supported by civil society activism.

    Sall had failed to postpone the presidential election through a presidential decree and a controversial law hastily passed by the National Assembly after opposition MPs were removed from the Chambers by paramilitary police.

    The Constitutional Council, which has the final say on electoral matters had to step in to nullify as unconstitutional the decree and the law, which the opposition described as “a constitutional coup,” a malignant syndrome causing political instability in the region.

    Unfazed by the political tensions and sporadic street protests that killed at least 20 people between June 2023 and last month and with dozens clamped in detention, Sall continued on his doomed project by calling a National Dialogue to fix a new date for the presidential vote after the Constitutional Council’s damning verdict.

    He also took his fight to the last ECOWAS summit, accusing the Commission of acting like a civil society organization for daring to admonish his government to respect the electoral calendar and provisions of the country’s constitution.

    Sall’s dubious political game has now run its course. The Constitutional Council on Wednesday dismissed the outcome of the National Dialogue, which had fixed 2nd June as the new date for the presidential election.

    The Council insists that the vote must take place before 2nd of April, the end of Sall’s mandate.

    Consequently, Senegal’s Council of Ministers has fixed 24 March as the new date for the presidential election.

    “The President of the Republic informed the Council of Ministers that the date of the presidential election had been set for Sunday 24 March,” the Council said in a statement.

    Also, late Wednesday, Sall announced the dissolution of the government and the replacement of Prime Minister Amadou Ba with Interior Minister Sidiki Kaba.

    According to the presidency, the move is to allow Ba, the ruling coalition’s presidential candidate, to focus on his electoral campaign.

    Official sources at Senegal’s Electoral Commission, CENA said in Dakar on Thursday that the Commission “is ready for the presidential election.

    Senegal’s constitution allows three weeks for campaigns before the presidential vote, but constitutional experts agree that stakeholders should adapt to “the present exceptional situation” to save the country from further political tensions.

    The constitution also provides for a run-off vote after three weeks in case none of the presidential candidates fails to secure the required 50% +1 vote.

    The Constitutional Council has further recommended that in line with the provisions of the constitution, the President/Speaker of the National Assembly will take over from the outgoing President of the Republic Sall and oversee such run-off polls.

    Many Senegalese were surprised that Sall, who was a major beneficiary of the opposition against his predecessor President Abdoulaye Wade’s third-term agenda, would contemplate a similar route to prolong his stay in power.

    Under local and international pressure, Sall had reluctantly told his compatriots in July 2023 that he would not be a candidate for the 2024 election.

    By the 2nd of April, he would have spent 12 years and the mandatory two terms of presidency prescribed by the Constitution, having previously served as Prime Minister and President of the National Assembly.

    His ill-fated moves had cast Senegal in a bad light, denting its democratic credentials as the anchor of stability in the politically restive ECOWAS region.

    Senegal often prides itself as the country of the “Teranga” (a peaceful place), and the only nation that has not witnessed a military coup in the so-called coup zone.

    Four of ECOWAS’ 15 member States (Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger) are now under military dictatorships with three of them (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger), threatening to withdraw from the regional organization.

    A peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Senegal would be a welcome respite for the embattled regional organization and an opportunity for it to recalibrate its conflict management and resolution strategies.

    Sall’s failed political adventure should also serve as a lesson to ECOWAS leaders, largely blamed for poor leadership, bad governance, and the attendant socio-economic and political instability in the region. (Flowerbudnews)

    **Ejime, an Author, is a Global Affairs Analyst and Consultant on Peace & Security and Governance Communications*(Flo

  • NYSC urges corps members to integrate knowledge learnt during orientation course

    NYSC urges corps members to integrate knowledge learnt during orientation course

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) Coordinator, in Enugu State, Mrs Christiana Salmwang has urged corps members to integrate the knowledge they have acquired during their orientation course and put them into practice.

    Salmwang gave the advice during the official closing ceremony of the three weeks Orientation Course for the 1,503 Corps Members registered for the service year at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Awgu near Enugu on Wednesday

    She called on the corps members to sustain the spirit of resilience, patriotism and hard work exhibited during the course of the orientation.

    She emphasised the importance of identifying areas of need within host communities and encouraged the corps members to contribute by filling those needs, as it brings goodwill and honor.

    The coordinator urged the corps members to continue with their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) classes and to strictly adhere to all instructions from the NYSC scheme.

    Emphasising the Director-General’s keen interest in proper dressing and welfare of corps members, she stressed also on the importance of dressing properly, especially when visiting Local Government Areas (LGAs),

    Ensuring the safety of corps members, the state coordinator said she had set up machinery to monitor all the vehicles conveying the corps members to their various destinations.

    According to her, the plate number, names of all corps members in each vehicle, drivers’ phone numbers and destinations were written on the manifest prepared by her.

    “The phone numbers of the state coordinator and the camp commandant were given to the corps members to call, when the need arises.

    “To ensure that those travelling far have security, a detachment of military personnel will be escorting the vehicles of those travelling to the borders of Enugu and the contiguous states,” she said.

    The closing ceremony witnessed a colourful parade by the corps members as the course ended on a positive note. (Flowerbudnews)