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Reps summon Gov. Alia’s Aide, others over missing N20bn Benue LG funds

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives has summoned the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dennis Akura and others, for interrogation over alleged embezzlement of 20 billion naira belonging to the 23 local government councils of the state.

Other persons to appear before the House with Akura are, the Directors-General Services and Administration (DGSAs) in the 23 local governments of Benue State, Cashiers and other key staff of the Benue State Government who will answer questions bordering on gross abuse of office and massive fraud.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Special Adviser, Akura and the others will be quizzed by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024 over the reported missing N20bn local government funds.

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The letter summoning the LG Bureau Adviser and the others read that the petition will be heard and determined in their absence if they fail to honour the invitation on Tuesday.

“Whereas the above named petition is now pending before this Committee and the particulars aforesaid are already within your knowledge, and whereas, the petition has been assigned to be heard by the Committee for determination.

“YOU ARE HEREBY required to note Sections 88 and 89 (e) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and appear in person before this Committee on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024 at 2.00pm or so soon thereafter as the Committee shall direct.

“AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you do not attend the hearing as required, the case may be heard or determined in your absence”, the letter read.

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The summon of Governor Alia’s Special Adviser by the House followed a petition brought to it by a pro-democracy, anti-corruption civil society organization, Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN).

The group had written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Department of State Services (DSS), as well as the National Assembly, demanding that the Special Adviser to the Governor Hyacinth Alia on Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Akura and others be arrested, interrogated and prosecuted for alleged diversion of local government funds.

In the said petition also sent to President Bola Tinubu, GICN, a group made up of lawyers, private investigators, human rights activists, media professionals and policy analysts, accused Akura of supervising brazen embezzlement and diversion of over N20 billion, being part of aggregate Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) funds which accrued to the 23 Local Government Councils in Benue State between June to November, 2023.

It said the LG Bureau under Governor Alia has been using some of its staff and privately owned companies to syphon the funds meant for local government councils in the state.

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“From the records attached as APPENDIX 2A and 2B, the aggregate FAAC allocation received in the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA), maintained pursuant to Section 162(6) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) for onward disbursement to the 23 Local Government Councils within the period under review totals N55, 897,592,592.81 only.

“Out of the above sum, only N35,849,988,725.37 was disbursed to the 23 Local Government Councils. This left a balance of N20,051,603,867.44, which remains undisbursed, even though the SJLGA is supposed to be a transit account and not a savings account. It happened that Dr. Dennis Akura under the strict directives of Governor Alia, allegedly diverted the aforesaid N35,849,988,725.37 using staff of the Bureau as well as some companies they have registered mainly for that purpose…” the group stated.

The group urged the House, security agencies and anti corruption agencies, to ensure that Akura and others fingered in the petition are brought to justice and made to account for their actions.

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2027: Tinubu Can Be Shoved Aside If INEC Is Closely Monitored – Dele Momodu

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Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.

Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.

According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.

“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said

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VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.

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Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.

The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.

Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.

The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.

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The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

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Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.

This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:

“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.

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“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.

“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.

“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.

” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.

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“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.

“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.

“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.

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“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.

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