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LG autonomy: Chairmen, councilors who embezzle funds risk jail – AGF
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) warned yesterday that local government chairmen and councilors who embezzle council funds do so at the risk of going to jail.
Fagbemi, who spoke in Abuja at the opening session of the validation meeting of the National Anti-corruption Strategy (NACS) Action Plan 2022-2026, said the efforts that led to the recent judgment on financial autonomy to local governments were not a waste.
Fagbemi observed that some have continually argued that unless the task of conducting local government election is transferred to another body, the Supreme Court judgment may not have any meaningful impact.
The AGF said his view has always been that such issues would be addressed when they arise.
He tasked the various anti-corruption agencies to be up and doing because they are required to oversight the deployment of funds at the Local Government level.
“I told them that when we get to the bridge, we will cross it. But one thing I keep saying is that the governors have immunity, but local governments chairmen do not have. The counsellors don’t have. So, it will be very easy to put them where they belong.
In any event, we need activities at the local government level. They are not to be over-sighted by anybody, except by the critical anti-corruption agencies – the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the police and others, when the need arises.
“And as often as the need arises, we will deal with that aspect.
“So, if a governor asks you to go and commit a crime and you accept, he will not follow you to Kuje or Kirikiri. No, you are on your own.
“So, this is a challenge to the anti-corruption agencies and I know that they are up to the task,” Fagbemi said.
He argued that it was not necessary to preach to those who will be at the helm of affairs at the local government level because they are expected to be able to read and write and differentiate right from wrong.
“You don’t have to preach to anybody. Those who would become Chairmen and Counsellors, at least they should be able read and write. They will know that it is a crime to steal and that if you steal, the penalty is there,” he added.
He said the vision of the NACS is to ensure “a Nigeria that is free of corruption for sustainable human development,” while the mission statement is “to provide a holistic national anti-corruption strategy for all sectors and stakeholders in the fight against corruption.”
The AGF recalled that the first NACS was for between 2017 and 2021, adding that the NACS Action Plan was developed, validated and adopted by relevant stakeholders on the 26th March, 2018.
He explained that at the expiration of the initial NACS, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) considered and approved the extension of the implementation of NACS 2017-2021 for another four years.
The AGF explained that the NACS Action Plan 2022 – 2026 is a product of series of consultation and collaboration between the 22 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government with anti-corruption and accountability mandates.
He added that the framework for the NACS Action Plan implementation is focused on five pillars which serve as the driving force for both the public and private sector and the national and sub-national levels of government.
Fagbemi identified the five pillars to include prevention of corruption, public engagement, campaign for ethical re-orientation, enforcement and sanction and recovery and management of proceeds crime.
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“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)
A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.
Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.
He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.
“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.
“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.
“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.
“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”
Amiloadednews
The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.
NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.
How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has declared that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) will be extradited to the country to face charges against him.
Speaking on the arrest of Ekpa in a short press statement made available to journalisrs, the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, was pleased with Ekpa’s trial.
Gusau wrote: “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”
Recall that the Finland district court in Lahti had ordered the remand of Simon Ekpa on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Ekpa was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The court alleged that the offences dated back to August 23, 2021. Finland authorities have also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.
The head of the investigation, crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police, stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to vi3lence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria. The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)
BREAKING! END of road for Fubara as FG halts allocation
SEE Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate Today, 22 November 2024
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