News

Netizens slam Yahaya Bello say he’s worse than Hushpuppi

Published

8 months ago

April 27, 2024

Netizens slam
Yahaya Bello say he’s worse than Hushpuppi

Netizens have argued that Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, is worse than convicted internet fraudster Ramon Abbas, popularly called Hushpuppi.

The embattled former governor of Kogi State has stirred up social media with his school children’s invoice payment after allegations that he withdrew a large sum of money from the state’s coffers.

Bello paid $845,000 in school fees in advance for his children at the American International School of Abuja.

Recall that the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, claimed on Tuesday that an investigation by the anti-graft agency revealed that Bello is culpable.

Following a failed attempt to arrest him in his Abuja residence last week on Wednesday and the ex-governor’s absence from the Federal High Court, where he was scheduled to be arraigned last Thursday, the EFCC declared him wanted.

Bello insists that the EFCC’s attempt to arrest and prosecute him for an alleged N80.2bn fraud violated a February 6 order of the Federal High Court in Lokoja restraining the anti-graft agency, and he has been on the run.

Hushpuppi, from Nigeria, was jailed for more than 11 years in the US for his role in an international fraud syndicate.

Hushpuppi was also ordered to pay $1,732,841 (£1,516,182) in restitution to two victims.

The influencer rose to fame by flaunting his wealthy lifestyle on his page, which boasted 2.8 million followers.

But it all came crashing down when he was arrested in Dubai two years ago.

In a series of comments on social media, Nigerians stated that Bello is a worse criminal than Hushpuppi.

See also House Maid Flees With N13.9m Cash, Jewellery, Others A Week After Resumption
Ola, an X influencer, notes that “the offense of Yahaya Bello is no different from Hushpuppi in that the US government sent him to jail, but come to Nigeria, the government will still make you walk freely.”

Furthermore, he said, “You have milked this country to nothing. Enough is enough.”

“It is good news that the American International School is not ready to soil its name.”

Isaiah Dins, said, “I prefer Yahoo Yahaya Bello to be in Kirikiri prison to serve a life sentence, while Hushpuppi to join the DSS intelligence so that they can bring down more Yahayas in Nigerian politics.”

Ofala mentioned that “one stole from the mega-rich; very condemnable though, but you see this Yahaya Bello that mortgaged the future of his poor state citizens? I will be shocked if he gets anything less than 20 years in prison.”

Dr. Kenon alleged that “Hushpuppi was even more lenient because he didn’t steal from his people. Yahaya Bello stole from the people he was supposed to protect.”

Ikechukwu Ude notes in his argument that “Yahaya Bello swore an oath to protect and preserve the constitution and the money and wealth of Kogi State but stole them dry. Hushpopi did not promise to be a good guy.”

Another X user, Favour Biagialo, said in her reaction, “Yahaya Bello looted from the people that put him in government, knowing fully well they are struggling, deprived workers of their sweat and labour.

“Hushpuppi committed a cybercrime; he stole from foreigners and not from his people.”

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

2 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”