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Reps Set Up Special Committee to Investigate Use of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, Interventions

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2025

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up a Special Committee to conduct an immediate investigation into the utilization of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, and interventions allocated to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Government Institutions, and GOEs from 2015 to present.

The committee is expected to assess compliance with existing regulations and guidelines regarding the management and reporting of these funds, including any instances of diversion or misappropriation.

In addition the committee is to make recommendations for the enhancement of regulatory frameworks, sanctions, monitoring systems, and accountability measures to ensure the effective and intended use of public funds in all relevant sectors.

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “URGENT NEED TO INVESTIGATE UTILIZATION OF TAKE-OFF GRANTS, BAILOUT FUNDS, AND INTERVENTIONS ALLOCATED TO MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES (MDA’s) INSTITUTIONS, AND GOVERNMENT-OWNED ENTERPRISES (GOE’s) FROM 2015 TO PRESENT”, by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda on Thursday at plenary.

Debating the motion, Rep. Chinda noted that the provisions of Section 88 (2) (b) of the Constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria that empowers the House to expose corruption, inefficiency or wastage in the management of public funds appropriated by National Assembly.

The Minority Leader emphasised that the prudent use of public funds is crucial for ensuring accountability, transparency, and public trust in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

He acknowledged that over the years, the government has provided Take-off Grants and Intervention Funds to both new and existing agencies to support their operations, alongside Bailout Funds aimed at facilitating specific services and clearing outstanding liabilities.

However, he expressed concern over recurring allegations of fund diversion and mismanagement, warning that the failure to use these funds as intended undermines critical public services and projects.

Rep. Chinda further noted that the financial losses resulting from such mismanagement pose a serious drain on public resources—funds that could otherwise be directed toward essential services and national development, in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.

The motion reads in part: “Also Concerned that the misuse of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, and other interventions has severely compromised national development goals, hindering progress towards critical social and economic objectives.

“Aware that the misappropriation of these funds has led to a demonstrable deterioration in the quality of public services delivery and compromise the security of the nation thereby undermining public trust in government effectiveness.

“Also, aware that the lack of stringent oversight and monitoring mechanisms may contribute to the inefficiency in the deployment of these resources, resulting in wasted funds that could otherwise be utilized to improve the good intended government policies and as well protect lives of citizens”.

Chinda therefore said there was the need for a thorough investigation by the National Assembly, as required by Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to examine the scope, usage, and accountability of these financial allocations. This he said will ensure proper oversight, prevent misuse of public funds, and promote national development.

The House asopted the motio and resolves to set up a Special Committee to investigate the matter and report back to within four weeks for further legislative action.

Related Topics:Chinda Investigate Legislative Nigeria Reps

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Angry South-East Youths Give Fulani Herdsmen 48 Hours To Vacate Enugu

Published

16 minutes ago

March 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

.. declare enough is enough

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has given herdsmen in Enugu State a 48-hour ultimatum to leave the area declaring that enough is enough.

The coalition, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, expressed concerns over alleged killings and rapes by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA of the state.

Ibem described the activities of the alleged herdsmen as wicked, nefarious, and satanic, saying the coalition “condemns it in its entirety.”

According to him, the so-called Fulani herdsmen are not herdsmen but terrorists who are on a land-grabbing mission,” stressing that there is no correlation between the rearing of cattle and “the killing of innocent human beings in their own town.”

“For these terrorists to be raping our women and inserting sticks into their private parts after raping them is the worst wickedness against humanity, and it must not go unpunished.

“The good people of Enugu have complained enough about these killings and rapes, and it is time for the governor, Chief Peter Mbah, who is the Chief Security Officer of the State, and the Chief of Defence Staff to arrest these perpetrators and prosecute them accordingly.

“We call on the youths of Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA, and other communities in Enugu State and the South East states to wake up from their slumber and sack killer Fulani terrorists parading as herdsmen from their communities

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ECOWAS Integration Unstoppable: Barau Reaffirms Commitment to Single Currency

Published

1 hour ago

March 6, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Senator Jibrin Barau, has reiterated the bloc’s determination to achieve regional economic integration and a single currency, despite recent challenges, including the withdrawal of three Sahelian nations.

Addressing journalists at the 1st Extraordinary Session of ECOWAS for 2025 in Lagos, Barau emphasised that uniting the region economically remains a top priority.

He dismissed colonial-era borders as artificial divisions, insisting that West Africans have always been one people. He highlighted the region’s shared linguistic and cultural ties as a natural foundation for economic unification.

Barau pointed to existing infrastructure projects facilitating regional economic integration, such as cross-border highways, healthcare systems, and aviation connections.

Drawing parallels with Europe’s economic model, he expressed confidence that the single currency initiative would eventually become a reality.

“The intention of ECOWAS is to unify so that we can be one entity. We’ve always been one people before colonial demarcations. Whether in Nigeria, Ghana, Benin, or Côte d’Ivoire, we share cultural and linguistic ties,” he said.

“We are working on ensuring that we have a single currency just like in Europe. One currency, one people, one aspiration, one destiny,” he added.

Regarding the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, Barau maintained that the door remains open for their return.

He acknowledged that ECOWAS respects each nation’s sovereignty but urged them to uphold international democratic standards.

“We are willing to work with them. They should democratise and try to sit at the table to see how democracy can be strengthened,” he said.

Barau explained that ECOWAS does not interfere in the internal affairs of member states but expects all nations to adhere to internationally recognised democratic principles.

He remained optimistic that the Sahel states would eventually return to the regional bloc.

“They are our brothers, and I can assure you that one day they will be back,” he stated.

The regional body has been working on multiple fronts to foster economic and political unity.

In addition to the proposed single currency, ECOWAS is advancing key projects aimed at improving cross-border mobility, trade, and infrastructure.

Despite recent challenges, Barau’s remarks reflect a strong commitment from the ECOWAS Parliament to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term integration.

With continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts, the dream of a unified West African economy remains within reach.

News

Popular Youth Leader Shot Dead Over Tricycle Park Dispute By Security Operatives

Published

2 hours ago

March 6, 2025

Naijablitznews

Chidebe Ibeakuzie (aka Mighty), a youth leader in Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State, has been shot dead.

Multiple sources said he was shot dead by security agents in a tussle over the ownership and control of a tricycle park near the military cantonment in Onitsha.

During the clash, two Obosi youths were reportedly abducted, others injured, while an unspecified number of Keke Operators and passersby sustained gunshot injuries.

The unrest stemmed from a heated dispute between the families of late Tochukwu Anyaoku, an Obosi native, and Edward Ibuzo, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency.

The late Anyaoku had leased the tricycle park before his death last year, with his wife taking over its management after his demise.

However, Ibuzo allegedly laid claim to the land, sparking a bitter standoff.

Obosi youths accused Ibuzo of orchestrating the attack by engaging operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), who they claim were responsible for the fatal shooting of Mighty.

In response, Ibuzo denied any involvement, stating via a WhatsApp call to journalists that he was in Germany at the time of the incident, while he also has a court judgement authorizing him to take over the park.

He alleged that DSS operatives had intervened after witnessing a suspected kidnapping, which led to an exchange of gunfire.

A prominent Obosi stakeholder, Omezie Chukwurah, also known as “Governor Obosi,” lamented the escalating violence, revealing that previous police interventions had led to another Obosi youth being shot in the head.

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He further alleged that the operatives who killed Mighty arrived in vehicles linked to Ibuzo.

The Sun