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Reps Quiz Federal Polytechnics Damaturu, Mubi, Monguno Over Infractions

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2 years ago

November 24, 2024

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has queried the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Borno State and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State over series of administrative and financial infractions.

This was as Rectors and some management staff of the three institutions appeared before the house Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education, as part of oversight function to render accounts of their budget performances.

But the Committee found various infractions in the documents presented by the three institutions which ranged from abuse of Federal Character in employment, Extra-Budgetary spendings and recurring abandoned, uncompleted projects in one of the institutions.

During presentation by the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Dr. Abdulrahman Ishaku, the Committee discovered that projects that were to be completed in two to three years were not finished despite adequate release of funds in budget.

Specifically, the Committee was provoked by the non-completion of a staff quarters and an administrative block project by the institution for years.

Speaking, Rep. Emil Inyang who stood in for the Committee Chairman, Rep. Fuad Kayode Laguda at the meeting on Thursday, lamented that, the projects have not been completed and have been recurring in the budgets.

He said, “Physical Planning, can you show me where you rolled over the project to 2023? It’s not here. Is it in 2024? Why do you come here to lie? Where is it? That admin block, is it in use? Has it been completed? So, you have abandoned it.

“Gentlemen, I don’t know what to say to these kinds of people. Construction of staff quarters, Item number Nine under 2022 capital projects. Have you seen it Rector? What is the state of that building? Is it completed? It is completed, that’s what is shown here, and you are saying it is still remaining fittings. Is fittings not part of completion?

“You people are just disgracing yourselves. We are just killing this country from various directions. From our various positions we are just killing this country. Let me ask a question on this staff quarters. In 2022, the amount appropriated was N57.9 million, N28.9 was utilized was released, so remaining N28.9 that’s half.

“But, by 2023, appropriation was 88 and the entire amount has been released. So, is it the same project?If it is the same project, when this appropriation was done, does it mean that, the other 28 that was not done, not utilised that time, is it kept somewhere?”

The Rector however informed the Committee that, the fund was later mopped up.

In his ruling after the submission, the Chairman stated, “What I will tell you now is that, instead of going through this your document that does not satisfy anything, please, you will.list all the abandoned, all the structures you have not completed. When it started, How much was appropriated, How much you have put in till date, the state of those projects one after the other in the entire school.

“Not just in. your regime. From inception till date.So that, we will include them in your 2025 budget. You will not do any new thing as capital. You must complete these abandoned. You have turned some of these projects to conduits of putting money into them and not completing them. Even the ones you have written as completed here. You used your own mouth to tell us here that, you have not installed fittings. That is what you said.

“So, this is why it is necessary for us to go there and see things for ourselves.Because what you are doing here, you are just wasting governments’ resources. These abandoned projects or the state of the jobs especially constructions, let’s have it in one week time. How much you have put in there, at what stage are they, how much you will need to complete”.

Similarly, the Committee criticized the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu over using Insecurity as an excuse for financial malfeasance and other infractions as well the abuse of Federal Character in employment.

Chairman of the Committee noted that, the institution has carelessly spent its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) according to the records presented to the Committee.

In his presentation, the Acting Rector, Dr Ibrahim Babale Gashua said, the institution is faced with the challenge of low IGR as a result of the insecurity being faced in the state, which according to him, has reduced students intake and other activities.

He said, “We that are residing in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, we have three different high institutions. We have to lower our tuition fee because not everybody will come from outside the state. Even those in the state, it is only the course that is not available in their places that they come for in Damaturu because of the insurgency”.

The Committee however discovered that, despite the insurgency claim that reduced the institutions IGR, there was no commensurate reduction in its spending which the Committee said cannot be justified.

Another member of the Committee while commenting on the matter said, “Everybody comes to claim insurgency. Students don’t want to come to the schools. But it doesn’t stop them from spending the whole money.IGR, you blow it, Overhead, and yet, there is insurgency. So, it’s funny. You see, if I have a house and I am supposed to have 10 people occupying it. If 10 people are not occupying it, it means that my NEPA.payment, my PHCN money will reduce, because consumption of power supply will reduce. My water consumption will reduce. My number of cleaners will reduce because I don’t have full occupation. You understand what I am saying? My security personnel will reduce in terms of numbers.

“So, these are the issues.Most of the Polytechnics in the North come here brandishing this insecurity issue as the major reason for non performance. You are not performing on students admission, but you are performing on your expenditure profile”.

Speaking, Chairman of the Committee said, “Ok, this insurgency is a big excuse. Once you mention it, you will all close our mouths.Look at your Nominal Role, a federal Institution. Open to page 47 and 48, you will see how you have obeyed the law of the land, the Federal Character. Have you seen it Acting Rector? That’s the best you can do? You think from all those Zero-Zero states, if you offer them employment they wouldn’t come?”.

The Rector however reacted saying, “Some of them don’t come. Even those that we have left. I am telling you Sir”.

But a member of the Committee, Rep. Adebayo Adepoju faulted the Rector’s claim and said, it was not justifiable.

He said, “You cannot defend it, because if you are trying to defend it, saying that you’ve done everything in your powers and Nigerians have refused to come to your school, at that point, you say you have done the most you can do.

“But, when you did not even given Nigerians the opportunity to apply. We know what goes on in Federal Character. We know. I am telling you, if you go there and you want to apply, everybody has an interest, they give you. And before you know, they give you Certificate of Compliance.

“That Certificate of Compliance, we have shredded it so many times. Give yourself the opportunity to be fair to Nigerians.People want jobs in this country. We have so many jobless people and you will agree with me, there are many that will say, I won’t mind to go to Borno to teach.Please let’s give them an opportunity”.

The Rector and Management of the Polytechnic were directed to remedy the anomalies in their employment and henceforth advertise all vacancies in national dailies in order to give all Nigerians equal opportunity.

Similarly, after a presentation by the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Prof. Garba Mohd, the Committee directed the institution to also be diligent in its observance of Federal Character and other issues as the Committee discovered a skewed empolyment in the institution in favour of a particular section of the country.

It reminded the Rector and members of his management that, as a federal institution, it is required by law to treat all parts of the country in terms of employment and other considerations.

Related Topics:abandoned chairman school States students

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Akpodiete Celebrates Chief James Ibori at 68, Commends His Legacy of Service

Published

28 minutes ago

August 4, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP, Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, has congratulated former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, on the occasion of his 68th birthday. The felicitation was contained in a statement issued in Ughelli on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

Dr. Akpodiete described Chief Ibori as an exceptional statesman and visionary leader whose tenure laid the foundation for Delta State’s political and socio-economic advancement.

He noted that Chief Ibori’s landmark contributions in governance, infrastructure, and human capital development continue to shape the lives of Deltans today.

According to Dr. Akpodiete, Chief Ibori’s brand of purposeful leadership, courage, and dedication to the growth of Delta State has earned him national respect and admiration. He praised the former governor for his consistent advocacy for peace, unity, and sustainable development.

The Executive Director also acknowledged Chief Ibori’s role in grooming a generation of political leaders and public servants, describing him as a mentor whose experience, wisdom, and guidance remain a source of inspiration for Delta State and Nigeria.

Dr. Akpodiete prayed that God Almighty grants Chief James Ibori sound health, long life, divine wisdom, and renewed strength to continue his service to humanity, and wished him a joyous and memorable 68th birthday celebration.

Signed
Hon. Dr. Olotu Akpodiete JP
Executive Director
_Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation_

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I Will Query God For Allowing Me Get Involved In Politics – Peter Obi

Published

30 minutes ago

August 4, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has revealed the question he would ask God if given the opportunity, saying he would want to know why he was led to leave his comfortable private life for the challenges of politics.

Obi made the remark while addressing a gathering of his supporters, where he reflected on his political journey and the responsibilities that come with public service.

According to the former Anambra State governor, he never envisioned a life in active politics and believes his current position is part of God’s plan.

“I’m a politician today, but if I ever have the opportunity to question God, I would ask Him why He allowed me to leave my comfort place and get involved in politics,” Obi said.

He, however, added that he believes every individual is placed where God intends them to be and should use their position to serve humanity.

“But wherever we find ourselves is where God wants us to be, and we must do everything we can for the benefit of the masses.Africans & Diaspora

“I’m here by the grace of God, and I must not abuse His grace, whether it’s in a private, corporate, or government setting,” he added.

Obi’s remarks come amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with major political parties and candidates intensifying consultations and engagements across the country.

Umahi Campaigns Against Obi

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, has openly urged Nigerians, particularly those from the South-East, not to support Peter Obi’s presidential ambition.

Speaking during an inspection of ongoing federal road projects, including sections of the Trans-Saharan Highway and other legacy infrastructure initiatives, Umahi reaffirmed his support for the re-election of Bola Tinubu, citing the administration’s investment in infrastructure across the country.

The minister said he was not bothered by criticism from Obi’s supporters, insisting that he remained convinced that Tinubu deserves another term in office.

“They have been insulting me. But I enjoy it honestly because it shows that what I’m doing is touching them. Some of them are also reasonable. They say the only thing is that you’re attacking Peter Obi.

“I say, no, I’m not attacking Peter Obi. I’m asking people in the South-East and Nigeria not to vote for him but to vote for President Bola Tinubu… And I have my facts,” Umahi said.

He argued that continuity in leadership would ensure the completion of major infrastructure projects currently being executed across the country.

According to him, changing governments could delay or complicate the execution of ongoing projects due to policy changes and the need to renegotiate contracts.Africans & Diaspora

Umahi expressed confidence that all legacy projects initiated under the Tinubu administration would be completed if the President secures a second term.

Highlighting one of the projects, he described the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as a major success, revealing that the road is expected to be completed by December with reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights, and landscaping.

He also announced plans to introduce tolling on the expressway after completion, explaining that the revenue generated would be used for road maintenance.

“The Enugu-Onitsha Expressway is a success story. By December, that project will be totally completed with solar lights and tree planting, majorly on reinforced concrete pavements. We are going to do tolling there. The essence of the tolling is just for the maintenance of the road and to provide security that will be patrolling the road,” he said.

The minister further commended contractors handling the various projects and praised officials working with the administration for their commitment, urging them to continue informing Nigerians about the government’s infrastructure achievements.Africans & Diaspora

The comments from both Obi and Umahi reflect the growing political contest ahead of the 2027 elections, with leading figures already making public appeals aimed at shaping voter opinion and strengthening support for their respective political camps.

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Monday Sit-at-Home has ended in Onitsha — Governor Soludo declares

Published

36 minutes ago

August 4, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has declared that the Monday sit-at-home across the Southeast is over.

Soludo disclosed this while revealing how he was stuck in traffic for 15 minutes in the Onitsha area of the state on Monday, August 3.

In a bid to push for the actualization of Biafra and the release of its embattled leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had declared a sit-at-home on Mondays across the region. Economic activities were crippled due to the Monday sit-at-home in the zone.

Explaining that he came late due to traffic at Onitsha where everyone was going about their business, Soludo said:

“I’m sorry I came in about 15 minutes late because I was stuck in traffic at Onitsha. Today is a Monday, and to have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over.

“I’m here in solidarity with you and my rich neighbour, Delta State. You have a governor in whom I’m well pleased any day, anytime.

“I had to move my executive council meeting today to tomorrow or next because this is very important and I’m very delighted to be here.”