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Jigawa Assembly suspends LG chairmen over N942.03M

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Jigawa Staye House of Assembly Complex

By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse

The house committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs of the Jigawa State House of Assembly has uncovered financial misappropriation of over N942,033,814 by four local councils’ chairmen

This was contained in a committee’s report presented on the floor of the House during plenary session presided over by the speaker of the house, Rt. Honourable Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin.

Presenting the report to the house the committee chairman, honourable Aminu Zakari said the discovery was made during the committee’s oversight function carried out in the 27 local government areas of the state.

The House unanimously approved the suspension of the four local government council chairmen and directed the vice chairmen of the affected local councils to take over the mantle of leadership till further notice.

The committee chairman, honourable Aminu Zakari listed the affected local government council chairmen to include Alhaji Muhammad Sani, Dutse Honourable Bala Usman Chamo, Gumel, Honourable Ahmed Rufa’i and Ringim Alhaji Shehu Sule Udi for alleged financial misconduct and administration in their respective local government councils.

According to the report the chairman of Auyo local government council, Alhaji Sani was accused of making 54 payments of over N158.3 million without vouchers, 29 illegal payments to the tune of N54.3 million, 54 payment of over N66.8 million without vouchers among other allegations.

While honourable Chamo of Dutse local government council was suspended over alleged illegal transaction to the tune of N240,001,082 which contained 70 irregular payments amounting to over N126.4 million, over N30.6 million payment 19 times without proper procedure and approval.
Explaining further, he said, 42 payment vouchers amounting to N82.8 million had no supporting documents such as house approval, LPO, Bill of quantity etc.

The Gumel local government chairman, honourable Rufa’i was accused of missppropruating over N543.6 million, part of which is over N400 million ecological fund diverted to overhead cost and 22 different payments to the tune of over N143.6 million to individuals.

But the case of the suspended Ringim local government chairman, Honourable Udi is more of administrative lapses with some financial malpractices such as illegal auctions of local government properties, shortchanging local government finances on internally revenue generations.

Honourable Zakari submitted the recommendation for the committee to the house as follows “That these honourable house should consider the indefinite suspension of local council chairmen of Auyo, Dutse, Gumel and Ringim for suspicious allegation of misconduct, negligence of duties and inducious spending of public funds without justification in line with provision of section 9 of local government law principal cap 18 law of JIgawa state 2012 as well as financial memorandum”. The vice chairmen of the affected local government should take over the local government council till after investigation. The house should continue with further investigation on the matter”.

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Senate Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767 Trillion Loan Request

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The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.

President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.

Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.

The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.

The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.

This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.

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Finland Detains Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges

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Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.

The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.

A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.

Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”

Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.

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Ogun Council Polls: Ex-Rep Amusan hails APC’s Landslide Victory

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Jelili Kayode Amusan

***Lauds Governor Abiodun’s Leadership

***Tasks New Local Government helmsmen on Grassroots Development

Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Ogun State.
He described the outcome as a clear affirmation of the party’s growing acceptance and connection with the people.

In a statement released by his media office, Hon. Amusan attributed the victory to the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has prioritized the development of critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

“This victory did not come as a surprise. It is a reflection of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ogun State. His numerous initiatives, including improved road networks, strengthened security, and better healthcare services, have earned the APC the confidence of the people across all local government areas,” Amusan noted.

The former lawmaker, who previously vied for the governorship, said the APC’s success in all local government areas highlights the effectiveness of the Governor’s grassroots-oriented policies and his ability to inspire trust and unity within the party.

While congratulating the newly elected local government chairmen, Hon. Amusan urged them to emulate Governor Abiodun’s leadership style by focusing on service delivery and fulfilling their campaign promises.

“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Their effectiveness in governance plays a crucial role in the overall success of any political system. The new chairmen must prioritize grassroots development and ensure they deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities,” he advised.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their overwhelming support for the APC, encouraging them to continue backing the party as it works to fulfill its promises.

“Our people have shown unwavering support for the APC, and I am confident that with their continued trust, the party will further enhance governance and bring more prosperity to Ogun State,” Amusan concluded.

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