News

Again, group drags Women Affairs Minister over alleged financial infractions

Published

2 months ago

July 13, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A group, under the aegies of Asiwaju Conscience Group, ACG, on Saturday, demanded that the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, should come out to clear her name over the recent online news publications over a leaked contract document.

In a recent controversy that has sparked outrage across the nation, a leaked document from the Ministry of Women Affairs has revealed what appears to be egregious overpricing in the ministry’s empowerment program.

The document, which surfaced this week, outlines the purchase of several items at shockingly inflated prices, raising serious questions about financial mismanagement and accountability.

According to the leaked document, the Honourable Minister, Kennedy-Ohanenye, approved the purchase of a cutting scissor for a staggering 180,000 naira, a pressing iron for 200,000 naira, a steaming machine for 400,000 naira, and a tape measure—referred to as a tapping machine—for an eye-watering 900,000 naira.

These prices, according to Analysts, are far exceeding the market rates for such items, thus, the calls for an immediate explanation and investigation.

Citizens and civil society organizations have reacted to this, demanding that Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye addresses these revelations.

In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Musa Mohamed and Hon. Tobi Adelaja, Chairman and Secretary, respectively, on behalf of Asiwaju Conscience Group; the group said it was not time for the Minister to sit back and keep quite, while Nigerians drag the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over her (Kennedy-Ohanenye’s) misgivings.

“The document’s contents are not only embarrassing but also indicative of gross financial impropriety within the Ministry of Women Affairs.

“The exorbitant costs listed have led to suspicions of possible corruption or gross incompetence in the management of the ministry’s funds.

“As the public demand for clarity intensifies, the pressure is mounting for Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye to break her silence and respond to the damning allegations contained in the leaked document.

“In light of these revelations, we call upon Honorable Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye to step forward and deny or confirm the facts presented.

“The integrity of her office and the trust of the Nigerian people are at stake. It is imperative that she provides a transparent explanation for the apparent gross inflation of prices in the ministry’s empowerment program. Failure to do so would not only undermine the credibility of her office but also further erode public trust in government institutions.

“The nation awaits a response from Minister Kennedy-Ohanenye, hoping for a swift and honest clarification of these troubling financial discrepancies.

“Anything short of this is an embarrassment to the ministry and the nation, which we would not take it. We would not allow any misgiving from any of the appointees to dent the long time image of the President”, the group warned.

Just on Tuesday, the Honourable Minister was caught in a deep heated argument with the House of Representatives Committee on Women Affairs over the whereabouts of the sum of N1.5bn contract fund.

The House is currently investigating how N1.5bn disappeared from the ministry’s coffers after the approval from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, AGF, whereas, the Contractors were not paid a penny.

News

Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo

Published

30 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.

Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.

For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.

THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.

He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.

There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….

A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.

The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.

News

Guber poll :PDP govs storm Edo to support Ighodalo

Published

32 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Barely 24hours to governorship election in Edo State, no fewer than two governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday arrived Benin City.

The governors, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, arrived the state to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Fintiri made this known in a post on his social media page on Friday evening.

He said : “Just touched down in Edo State alongside my brother, Gov. Agbu Kefas, ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election. We stand united in support of our Official PDP Nigeria candidate, Asue ighodalo, for a brighter future.”

Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP leader in the state, had earlier cried out over alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress to rig the election.

As at the time of filling this report, it was unclear if other PDP governors would also hit the state for the election

News

Speed Darlington taunt Burna Boy about his grammy award (+Video)

Published

43 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Austin Ojomah

……. As Speed Darlington queries Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy over his Grammy win.

By Ojomah Austin.

Controversial Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington has sparked controversy with his claims that Burna Boy’s Grammy Award win can be attributed to the influential role of American rapper and entrepreneur, P. Diddy.

Amid allegations against US rapper, P.Diddy, resulting in his arrest, Speed Darlington suggested that Burna Boy had an intimate relationship with Diddy which paved the way for him to win the Grammy.

Speed Darlington’s bold and contentious assertion comes amidst recent allegations surrounding Diddy, who was reportedly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of human trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

In a provocative Instagram video, Speed Darlington credited Diddy for Burna Boy’s rapid ascent to international fame and Grammy success, highlighting the American rapper’s significant impact on Burna Boy’s music career.

Speed Darlington openly challenged Burna Boy to disclose the nature of his relationship with Diddy. Suggesting an amorous relationship between the duo, he blatantly asked Burna Boy to reveal how many bottles of oil Diddy used on his buttocks before he was able to win a Grammy.

In his words:

“It wasn’t long after Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that he won a Grammy Award. Burna Boy, don’t be offended, but how many oils did Diddy use on your nyash before they gave you the Grammy Award?”.

In response to Speed Darlington’s video, One @oluchukwu_____ wrote: “Akpis confidence need to be studied 😂😂.”

vibe_with_fiona wrote: “When burna comes for him,make una no say burna too do o?”

godson_allsom wrote: “If there is Grammy for comedians 😂 akpi for done win like 10.”

official_kahlan wrote: “Presido I don tire to defend you 😂 ga zu ike 🙄.”

asikosharon50 wrote: “Very anyhow talk, Burnaboy won Grammy for his hard work and talent . If na Diddy dey share Grammy why him own Artist for him label nor dey win the Grammy? Na him be say Tems dey and wizkid sef they nick people dem work with naa, useless talk …”

jaytee_yna wrote: “I’m a big fan of Akpi but this is so irrelevant and irresponsible. Burna’s hardwork & God’s grace gave him the Grammy. Okbye!”

lorah_irez wrote: “If person never bèat akpi he no go rest, wetin be this na 😂😂😂.”