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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a probe into the alleged withholding of operational funds approved by President Bola Tinubu for six federal information agencies by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

The investigation follows reports by Premium Times alleging that the Permanent Secretary failed to process payment files for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Voice of Nigeria (VON), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National Orientation Agency (NOA), and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), despite presidential approval. The delay reportedly affected the operations of the agencies, with sources alleging that Mrs. Ukaire insisted that agency heads make detailed presentations on their projects and financial utilisation before the payments could be processed.
Agency heads and civil service experts reportedly argued that the demand contravened established procedures.

They cited a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which directs supervising ministries not to interfere in the financial administration of parastatals, noting that the agencies are accountable to their governing boards and supervising ministers rather than the Permanent Secretary for routine operational releases.

In response to the allegations, the ICPC invited Mrs. Ukaire and the heads of the affected agencies for questioning to determine the circumstances surrounding the delayed funds. Although those invited were questioned, no one was detained, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Following the report and the ICPC’s intervention, Mrs. Ukaire reportedly approved the payment files and forwarded them for disbursement. Heads of the affected agencies confirmed that the documents have now been transmitted and are awaiting final release into their respective accounts, bringing relief after months of uncertainty.
Source: Rewritten from a report by Premium Times without altering the original facts.

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Bandits have anducted Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza.

According to Daily Trust, the abduction occurred after the judge returned from a trip to Sokoto.

Justice Bunza was whisked away on Sunday at his home along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area of Kebbi.

According to Daily Trust, the attack occurred after the judge returned from a trip to Sokoto.

He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen stormed his residence and took him away,” a source said told Daily Trust.

The source added that, although nobody in the house was hurt, the attackers were shooting sporadically before moving away with him.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Kebbi State Command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the abduction.

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By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has welcomed the appointment of Dr. Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), describing him as the right choice to strengthen relations between the Executive and the Legislature.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, the Speaker congratulated the new presidential aide and commended President Tinubu for what he described as another demonstration of sound political judgement.

Speaker Abbas said the President had once again shown his confidence in capable hands by appointing Olanrewaju-Smart, who previously served as his Chief of Staff before joining the Presidency in 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs.

Before working with Abbas, Olanrewaju-Smart was Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who is now Chief of Staff to the President.

Congratulating the appointee, the Speaker described the elevation as well deserved, citing his years of dedicated service and extensive knowledge of legislative processes.

He said Olanrewaju-Smart is “the right person for the job”, adding that the appointment was “well-deserved.”

According to the Speaker, the new presidential adviser has consistently demonstrated commitment to duty, professionalism and a deep understanding of parliamentary procedures and democratic governance.

He further described Olanrewaju-Smart as “not only brilliant and a model of integrity but also a hardworking and patriotic young Nigerian.”

Speaker Abbas expressed optimism that the appointment would deepen collaboration between the Presidency and the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives.

He said he was particularly encouraged by Olanrewaju-Smart’s role as the liaison officer between both arms of government, noting that it would further strengthen cooperation and cordial working relations between the Executive and the Legislature.

The Speaker also wished the new adviser success in his assignment and prayed for divine guidance, wisdom and strength as he assumes his new responsibilities.

Olanrewaju-Smart holds a doctorate in Educational Management from Lead City University, Ibadan, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. He is an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI in the United States, where his work focuses on artificial intelligence and civic technology. He also holds a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations.