Connect with us

News

Ghost workers: Police top list as ICPC uncovers 908 across MDAs

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly paid out through the fraudulent payroll scheme.

ICPC Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed the findings while speaking on the outcome of the commission’s investigation, according to BBC Pidgin. He explained that the probe began in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments.

Aliyu said investigations revealed that some senior public officials allegedly inserted the names of relatives and associates into government payrolls and diverted the salaries for personal use.

He disclosed that one suspect allegedly enrolled his wife, son and mother-in-law as government workers while also collecting the salaries of 12 other fictitious employees.

Advertisement

According to him, the investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of ghost workers at 570.

He said the National Water Resources Authority had 80 ghost workers, while the Federal Ministry of Works recorded 56.

Aliyu added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had 24, the Ministry of Defence 19, while both the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment recorded 17 each.

He further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health had 15 ghost workers, while the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation recorded 12.

Advertisement

The ICPC chairman also said ghost workers were uncovered in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior, although he declined to disclose the figures for those institutions, noting that investigations are still ongoing.

The commission described ghost workers as individuals whose names are illegally added to government payrolls despite not being legitimate employees, allowing fraudsters to siphon public funds through fictitious salary payments.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Gov Kefas cries out over incessant crime, drug abuse, attacks in Taraba

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

 

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has raised alarm over rising cases of criminal activities, illicit drug consumption and unprovoked attacks across the state.

He also expressed concern over reported cases of unprovoked attacks, urging security agencies to remain vigilant and respond promptly to emerging threats.

Kefas, while speaking on security challenges associated with mining activities, described security as a collective responsibility requiring the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Advertisement

He called for greater collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and other relevant stakeholders to effectively tackle criminal activities and prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

The governor urged heads of the various security agencies in the state to remain committed, honest and professional in the discharge of their responsibilities.
He raised the concern on Friday at an emergency security meeting convened to address growing security challenges and other emerging threats confronting the state.

He stressed the need for the agencies to work in synergy and share relevant intelligence to enable them to respond effectively to security threats and maintain peace across the state.

Protecting lives and property remains a major responsibility of the government and security agencies,” Kefas said.

Advertisement

The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the military to peace and security in Taraba, expressing appreciation for their continued support and sacrifices.

Noting that residents depended on security operatives for their safety and wellbeing, he called for sustained cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, traditional authorities and other stakeholders to address emerging security threats.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria at 66: TeeJay Yusuf Calls for Urgent Action to Tackle Hardship, Insecurity, Restore Hope

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Hon. Teejay Yusuf has called for urgent national action to address economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other challenges confronting the country.

Yusuf, in an Independence Day message, said Nigeria had come a long way since gaining independence but stressed that the country was still far from achieving its full potential.

He noted that millions of Nigerians were grappling with economic difficulties, rising insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure and growing uncertainty about the future.

According to him, the nation’s challenges must not be ignored or allowed to undermine confidence in Nigeria’s future.

Advertisement

“At 66, we must move beyond celebrating our independence to confronting the challenges before us with courage, honesty and determination,” he said.

Yusuf urged the government to translate Nigeria’s enormous human and natural resources into tangible benefits for citizens through job creation, improved security, stronger institutions and better infrastructure.

He also emphasised the need for collective responsibility, stressing that nation-building should not be left to government alone.

While calling on public officials to remain accountable, Yusuf urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their individual contributions to national development.

Advertisement

He expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to overcome its challenges, citing the country’s vast resources, talented population and resilience.

“What we need is the collective will, purposeful leadership and national commitment to turn possibility into reality,” he said.

Yusuf further urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, calling for sustained efforts to address existing problems, strengthen institutions and build a better future for coming generations.

He said the 66th anniversary should serve as an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s progress and renew their commitment to building a nation that future generations would be proud of.

Advertisement

“We have endured enough. We must now build better. We have waited long enough. We must now act. The Nigeria we desire will not build itself. We must build it together,” he declared.

Yusuf concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Anniversary, praying for divine intervention to heal the country, strengthen its people, guide its leaders and restore peace, hope and prosperity.

Continue Reading

News

‘I Can Barely Walk Now’ — Pete Edochie Opens Up About Health Struggles, Body Swelling

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie has raised concerns about his health after revealing that he is struggling to walk and has been experiencing recurring swelling in different parts of his body.

The legendary actor disclosed his health challenges during a visit to ailing Ghanaian actor Emmanuel Armah in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday.

Edochie was in Ghana for the launch of the Pete Edochie Legacy Project, an initiative established to celebrate his contributions to African cinema and storytelling.

During the visit to Armah’s residence, a video circulating online showed the veteran actor praying for his colleague and offering him financial assistance.

Advertisement

Speaking about his own health, Edochie admitted that his physical condition had deteriorated, making walking increasingly difficult.

“Sitting down here, I am not very well myself. Walking is a problem for me now, but I still have hope that I will recover.

“Sometimes I wake up and parts of my body have swollen up. After some time, they go down again. My hand is swollen,” he said.

Despite his health challenges, the 79-year-old actor expressed faith in his recovery, adding that he continued to place his life in God’s hands.

Advertisement

Edochie also prayed that his condition would not become a burden to his family and those around him.

“I just keep asking God, you are the author of life. Whenever you feel it is time for me to go, just take me. Don’t let me bother the people who are around me,” he said.

Turning his attention to Armah, Edochie expressed optimism that the Ghanaian actor would overcome his prolonged health challenges.

“Emma, I believe that you will recover someday, by the grace of God,” he said.

Advertisement

The revelation has sparked concern among fans and admirers, many of whom have taken to social media to express sympathy and offer prayers for the veteran actor’s recovery.

Edochie’s visit also drew attention to Armah’s prolonged absence from active acting due to health complications, which have kept the once-popular Ghanaian screen star away from the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News