News
APC Chieftain threatens to drag Bauchi governor to court over sale of State’s assets
An All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Dr Garus Gololo, has threatened to drag Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, to court over alleged sale of state assets.
In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Galolo warned that he’ll assemble a team of lawyers to sue the Governor if he does not reverse his actions.
Gololo identified the Odubo cattle range in Gamawa local government of Bauchi State as an asset that should be preserved for the future of the state.
The APC Chieftain was reacting to the recent move by the Bauchi State government to lease or sell off six viable properties in the state, saying for personal gains
According to the state government, six public properties have been listed for privitasation including the Bauchi Fertilizer Company, Bauchi Meat Factory, Galambi Cattle Ranch, Bauchi Furniture, Zaranda Hotel and Wikki Hotels and Tours.
Gololo’s position was corroborated by the state chairman of the APC, Babayo Misau, who called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to commence investigation into the sale.
Misau said despite the laudable contributions to the economy of the state, the state government was still planning to sell them.
He described the development as shady, questionable and clearly adverse to the collective interest and well-being of people of the state.
According to him, “Bauchi State derives no meaningful benefit in any of the following transactions which include the leasing of Zaranda hotels for 25 years at N1.2 billion, leasing Wikki Hotels for 25 years at N200 million and sale of Bauchi Meat Factory which is worth billions of naira at the cheap rate of N301 million
Others he said included disposing of Bauchi State Fertilizer and Blending Company at N400 million, sale of Gallambi Cattle Ranch at N150 million and Bauchi State Furniture Company also dashed out at a negligible amount that is far less than its current value.
“More worrisome is the fact that the N2.251 billion to be realised as proceeds of the transactions is too meagre, considering the multi-billion current financial value of the disposed industries.
He alleged that the purchasing companies: AY Shafa Ltd, New Frontier Ltd, H and Y Global Ventures and Butfield Ltd are directly or indirectly linked to Governor Bala Mohammed as business partners and close associates.
News
Information Ministry takes Economic Enlightenment Campaign to Jigawa
To educate citizens on the economic interventions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation has commenced a public awareness campaign in Jigawa State.
The ministry urged the public, especially the youth, to take advantage of the opportunities for self-reliance, with the initiative highlighting various job creation and poverty alleviation programs.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris, represented by Mala Bashir Dahiru Galadanci, Head of the Federal Information Center in Dutse, highlighted the government’s “Renewed Hope” initiatives.
He emphasized that the interventions were designed to change the narratives in the economic wellbeing of Nigerians and provide job and skill opportunities, particularly for the youth, to encourage self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
According to Mr. Galadanci, the administration is committed to addressing poverty and unemployment by introducing accessible programs that benefit citizens at the federal, state, and local levels. He called on the people of Jigawa State to explore these opportunities and support government efforts in transforming the country’s economy.
Jigawa State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Ahmad Tijjani, also called for public support of the government’s policies. He acknowledged that while some recent policy changes have impacted citizens’ living standards, these new interventions are a proactive step toward alleviating poverty and economic hardship.
In a presentation, Professor Ali Siro of the Sociology Department at the Federal University Dutse detailed various federal interventions, including the Student Loan Program, Consumer Credit Corporation, Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, National Youth Talent Export Program, National Housing Initiative, and several small business loan schemes.
He explained the eligibility criteria, repayment terms, and benefits of the initiatives to encourage public participation.
In his goodwill message, the Emir of Dutse, Hamim Nuhu Sanusi, commended the federal government for introducing multiple economic interventions to cushion the impact of new policies.
Represented by Senior Counsellor Alhaji Mustapha Aminu, the Emir suggested a review of civil service rules, urging the government to adjust workers’ salaries and make loan terms more flexible to prevent financial strain on the workforce.
This campaign marked the beginning of a nationwide effort to educate citizens on government interventions aimed at creating socio-economic opportunities and improving the overall welfare of Nigerians.
News
EFCC declares that Bello is not in its custody, amidst speculation of his arrest by the agency
***Bello leaves EFCC without interogation
The Economic ane Financial ctimes Commisaion has discredited reports that the immediate past Governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello is in its custody .
Head, Media and Publicity of the anti graft agency, Dele Oyewale in a terse statement on Wednesday indicated that Media reports earlier in the day that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. “The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody. Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.
Bello’s media team had sent out a statement earlier indicating that the former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello had turned himself in to
honor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities during his tenure.
Their statement confirmed that the former Governor appeared before the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
In another twist, indications emerged that Bello, who had initially claimed to have voluntarily honoured the commission’s invitation, was trailed and arrested by EFCC operatives in Lokoja at midnight.
In yet another twist, Bello’s Director of Media, Ohiare Michael said, “Earlier today, we reported the voluntary visit of former Governor of Kogi State, HE Alh. Yahaya Bello to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office to honour the Commission’s invitation.
“In the statement, we reiterated the former Governor’s great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, and stressed that, all the while, he only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The EFCC did not, however, interrogate him as officials told him he could leave. We don’t know what this means yet. As we write, HE Alhaji Yahaya Bello has left the EFCC office. He was accompanied there by the Governor of Kogi State, HE Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
“Recall that the case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. The former Governor decided to honour the invitation to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear. “
News
At last, Yahaya Bello honors EFCC invitation
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has honored the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invitation, following allegations of corruption and fraudulent activities during his tenure.
Bello’s media team in a statement confirmed that he appeared before the EFCC after consulting with his family, legal team, and political allies.
The former governor had been declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged money laundering and corrupt enrichment amounting to N80.2 billion.
The statement reads: “The former Governor, who has great respect for the rule of law and constituted authority, had, all the while, only sought the enforcement of his fundamental rights in order to ensure due process.
“The case has been before a competent court of jurisdiction, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello had been duly represented by his legal team at every hearing. It is important for the former Governor to now honour the invitation of the EFCC to clear his name as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
“The former Governor believes firmly in the efforts of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place Nigeria on the path of sustainable economic development; and supports the fight against corruption in the country.
“It is on record that he was the first Governor of Kogi State to put in place an anti-corruption mechanism to check graft and ensure that the resources of the State work for the people of the State.
“He was accompanied to the EFCC Headquarters by high profile Nigerians.
“It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Details of his engagement with the operatives of the Anti-Graft Agency will be disclosed later.”
-
Crime11 months ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News8 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi10 months ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News12 months ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro6 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News8 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu