News

Governors’ Forum Secretariat On Fire As Director Exposes Alleged Corruption, Diversion Of Funds By Director-General, Okauru

Published

6 months ago

May 25, 2024

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Secretariat has written to the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, over alleged fraudulent activities of the Director-General of the forum, A B Okauru.

In the petition dated May 17, Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, the NGF Director, Media and Public Affairs, detailed the illegal activities of Okauru, calling on the Chairman of the forum to order a forensic audit of the financial books in the last 15 years to show the enormity of financial impropriety going on under the DG.

Bello-Barkindo warned that the Governors’ Forum Secretariat was on the verge of imploding, claiming that the DG’s allegiance lied with someone outside the 36 governors that constitute the Forum.

According to the petition, Okauru is running an agenda contrary to that of improving the lives and livelihoods of the populace at the sub-national level apart from the willful self-aggrandisement and personal gratification that he obtained through many illegal transactions.

Accompanying the petition with affidavit, which he said would amplify its authenticity and to emphasise that everything in it was the truth, he added that the DG had turned the Secretariat of NGF into a family affair and now more of transactional than developmental.

The petition partly read, “The Director General Okauru, has occupied the office for fifteen years. In those years, instead of a history of progress, the DG and his ED Finance and Admin had turned the Forum and its finances into their personal fiefdom. It is a litany of graft. Millions of Naira is stolen through spurious over-invoicing. At different times, the DG and the Executive Directors have had shouting bouts in the open, in the full glare of staff over money.

“The Secretariats accounts have not been audited in the last decade to say the least, that even the phony auditors invited to mock the auditing process have at various times confessed that the job they are doing for the secretariat is a wash. Has anyone ever wondered why an institution that midwife’s huge monetary deals like the Paris-London refunds does not have a qualified accountant?”

“In an organisation that makes over N3billion annually, the total annual income of its entire staff is N70million. Staff of the Forum are always asking where all the money goes. There is a staff that earns N20,000 a month or $20.

“There are instances. The N630m deductions from the N5bn infrastructure support fund which ended in a shouting bout among governors while you are chairman was a deliberate ploy to make you look bad among your colleagues. The secretariat did not brief you adequately. Their instructions from their master’s house, across the street, was to set booby-traps and obstacles in your path.

“Sir, you must take urgent steps to ameliorate the situation. In my opinion, the NGF requires a forensic audit of all its accounts including those that were opened during crises periods to avoid the prying eyes of Governors in the name of NIGOFO among others,” he suggested.

Insisting that he is ready for whatever may emanate from the petition, the Director explained that owning to the happenings, he consulted with reputable Human Resources Managers who advised me to document his altercation with Mr. Okauru, should the matter get to higher authorities, including the law courts.

“…They should have just asked me, and I will repeat myself, fearlessly. My constitutional duty as a public interest journalist locally and internationally is to expose malfeasance. I still stand by my accusations against Okauru and his wife. They stole the DG’s job. The interview that brought Okauru to office was conducted by Restral Consulting, an outfit solely owned by Ifueko Omoigui Okauru who at the time was Chairman of the FIRS and operating a consulting firm, even as a high earning civil servant. They commit crimes upon crimes and expect to get away with it. But everyday is for the thief and one day for the owner.

“The sale of a plot donated to the secretariat by the FCT minister is another case in point. The plot situated in the heart of Abuja referred to as the Central Business District was sold by Okauru to Mrs Okauru for a paltry N800m, a cost they decided in their bedroom. No plot of land in that district goes for less than N4bn then and N10bn today. The whereabouts of the proceeds in both organisations are still uncertain. At the time, Gov Rochas Okorocha had protested the insider trading deal, a crime in the eyes of the law.

“I am narrating all these to illustrate the scenario under which the majority of staff of the Forum, who are serving you and your colleagues diligently are working. All is not well at the NGF. I have had cause to write to the DG on his obnoxious behavior and in fact even previously resigned my appointment with the Forum at different times only to be persuaded to stay that things would get better, but instead they got worse. The point I am making is that I have never been afraid to say the truth. All contracts are awarded to Okauru’s clan, just as HR reforms contract at the Forum was awarded to a car-dealer. Ask the staff.

“Exposing these infractions and several others like them have been the major reasons why Okauru would threaten to take my life. As the vehicle for aiding donor agencies to interact with the sub-national on the same platform, the NGF earned money from grants. However instead of utilizing the money for the collective good of the organization, Okauru paid a few of his minions but even they complained that he shortchanged them. …That is why I took his threat on my life seriously.

“On the Paris-London Club transaction which the NGF midwifed, the NGF made close to N19bn out of which the staff of the NGF were to be rewarded with N850m by the Chairman of the Forum, at the time Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State. Okauru and his accomplice sat on the money for nearly a year until I led the staff to his office to demand the payment of the share of the Forum’s workers. This action evoked a shameless finger-pointing exercise between Okauru and Jibia. Eventually the money was shared in a manner that shocked everyone. Okauru alone took N250m while he gave his Executive Directors N200m each. The remaining staff were left with N200m. the staff were agitated and wanted to protest this sharing formula, but the other Director (Legal) and I held the Forum together and pleaded with the staff to let it go.”

“… Despite the lump sums Okauru paid himself and the Executive Directors in lieu of official vehicles, housing and furniture, a utility vehicle once disappeared from the office. The car was in Okaurus house, and we demanded that the car be brought back. He promised to bring it back and directed the Human Resources officer to send a driver to his house to retrieve it. On getting to his residence, he told the driver that he couldn’t find the keys to the car. Months later I saw Okauru and his wife at a funeral shamelessly sitting in the car.

“The 15 years of sitting as DG has turned Okauru into a despot. He has also personalised the secretariat and shared its properties with his family, friends, and cronies. …Where office property expires or are procured, Okauru gifted old ones to his kith and kin or sent them to his village even when the HR would have declared that that office equipment was to be auctioned to staff. Not satisfied with what he hauls away the office pays for everything including his haircuts.

“At this point it is important to bring up an attempt by Okauru and his wife through the instrumentality of her NGO, Dagomo, to bullishly take over the NGF and make it their family business. At the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, they came up with a plan to participate in the distribution of palliatives to the most vulnerable citizens of this country. But what came as a philanthropic gesture by Dagomo turned out to be a grand design to transfer the services that the secretariat rendered to Governors to their NGO as a consultant.

“Finding that arrangement fishy I called the attention of my colleagues to the scheme which we resisted and forced Dagomo to withdraw from the team. However even though we blocked the hostile take-over of the NGF by one family that wanted to run the subnational secretariat from their bedroom, they left, but not with empty hands. The NGF parted with N50m to Dagomo, Okauru’s wife’s NGO.

“What is happening today at the secretariat where the DGs floor has a retinue of nine staff is another dimension to this takeover. Not even Governors have that number of aides in the name of personal staff. There is one staff on that floor whose name will not be mentioned in order not to shame his children. His duty is to flush the toilet after it had been used by Okauru. Personnel files are stored in Okauru’s home, giving teeth to the fact the Mrs Okauru uses the NGF as her retirement plan. It is evident as any matter that was ever discussed at the Forum must await Okauru to take it home first before it is executed.

“Lest I forget, I am not the first person that has been lied against to be thrown out. Philemon Anda, the administrative officer was flushed out for carrying out instructions issued by Jibia. When Okauru questioned Philemon, Jibia left Philemon in the lurch and was dismissed inappropriately by Okauru. The case of Madu Emmuemen is still fresh in the Forum’s memories. Okauru sacked Madu without as little as a query. This administrative ineptitude is what is now being extended to me.

“In our altercation, Okauru told me he had already written me off as a staff of the NGF. I asked him, “why don’t you man up and sack me?” Instead of manning up, he weaved a lie that I had resigned “verbally” and rushed to the gate to order security not to let me back into the premises. On what I said about his wife, I promised him that I will gladly repeat it but that will be in court. His response, “we will follow you to your house, your bedroom and even to Sweden”. It is the cry of a desperate man. I took that threat seriously because I am not about to let anyone touch my wife, my son and my two dogs. I have since moved everyone to safety and reported the matter to the IGP and also sought special protection against Okauru from the Swedish police.

“Your Excellency, I have sought protection from the Northern Governors’ Forum, the Northeast Governors’ Forum and the Governor of Adamawa State, where I come from. They are all in copy. As far as I am concerned, I am still a staff of the NGF as no DG can whimsically sack me through non-procedural means because as a director only the Chairman or a committee of governors can take a decision on my employment. For now, I am very aware that I am putting my life on the line by challenging Okauru’s unethical conduct, sir.

“I am giving this background to notify Governors of the sickness in the NGF that I have had to work to defend before the Nigerian public, in spite of threats to my life and my hard-earned integrity that no one has ever questioned. Journalists have accused me of aiding this Forum’s clannishness, not knowing that everything is in Mr Okauru’s efforts to shield the country from knowing he has been in this office for 15 years.

“Even at that Okauru has not shown gratitude to the governors who he speaks ill of at various times. For example, when the Southeast Governors’ Forum DG, Senator Uche Ekwunife visited the NGF Secretariat in Abuja, Okauru openly announced that “whether anyone likes it or not Sakari is the best Chairman of the NGF.” Such a preposterous statement coming from one who is supposed to be fair to all. I also wonder what society thinks of a man who worships male friends of his wife.”

Finally, he said that his lawyers had filed a suit against Okauru. “The rest of the revelations will be made in full public glare before a court of law as well as the court of public opinion.”

Meanwhile, SaharaReporters’ efforts to get the reaction of the DG Okauru were unsuccessful as he did not take his calls for two days before filing this report.

News

Honoring Excellence: Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete JP – A Beacon of Inspiration for GCU Class of 92

Published

20 minutes ago

November 18, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Government College Ughelli (GCU) Class of 92 is beaming with pride as one of our own, Hon. Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete JP, achieves another significant milestone in his illustrious career. Dr. Akpodiete, the Executive Director of the Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation, recently earned his PhD in Management from Ballsbridge University, British Virgin Islands—a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.

Dr. Akpodiete’s journey is one of grit, dedication, and selfless service. With degrees from prestigious institutions such as Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and the Paris Graduate School of Management, France, alongside honorary doctorate degrees from esteemed universities including European-American University (Commonwealth of Dominica) and the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, his academic and professional accomplishments speak volumes.

As a Management Consultant, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Security Expert, and Community Developer, Dr. Akpodiete has seamlessly combined intellectual prowess with a passion for uplifting others. His leadership extends to memberships and fellowships in renowned global organizations, such as the Africa Institute of Public Administration (Ghana) and the International Professional Managers Association (UK), among others.

Beyond his academic accolades, Dr. Akpodiete has made monumental contributions to humanity through his foundation and leadership roles. Notable achievements include:

Organizing free medical outreaches and water projects for underserved communities.

Advocating for regular medical checkups in rural areas.

Conducting vocational and enterprise training for women and youth.

Donating educational materials to schools in Ughelli.

Supporting skill acquisition in fish farming and digital marketing.

His visionary efforts in social welfare and strategic empowerment have earned him numerous recognitions, including the GCU Class of 92 Silver Jubilee Philanthropist Man of the Year 2023 Award, highlighting his unwavering support for our alma mater and broader society.

Currently serving as the President of the Explorers Innovative Initiative, Dr. Akpodiete continues to champion human capital development, research, and community upliftment. His tireless efforts embody the values of resilience, service, and excellence that GCU stands for.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, let us draw inspiration from Dr. Akpodiete’s story—a journey marked by resilience, service, and an unyielding commitment to humanity. To the GCU Class of 92 and beyond, may his accomplishments remind us of the boundless potential within us to impact our communities positively.

Congratulations, Dr. Olotu Otemu Akpodiete JP! You are truly a shining light for us all.

Written by Taghogho Von Apochi, 2024

News

Kebbi denies supporting illegal mining

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Kebbi State government has debunked the news alleging that it was supporting illegal mining ongoing within the state.

The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Mining, Alhaji Haliru Aliyu-Wasagu, on Sunday, while addressing a press conference in Birnin Kebbi, described the report as fake, malicious and a calculated attempt to distract the present administration from its efforts to reposition the state.

He said: “The briefing is to categorically debunk a recent online report which falsely alleges that the Kebbi State government is supporting illegal mining activities in Libata, in the Ngaski Local Government Area.”

The commissioner recalled that the ministry was established in 2023 alongside eight others by Governor Nasir Idris to diversify the state’s revenue sources and address key developmental priorities.

Aliyu-Wasagu also recalled that in September 2023, the state government took decisive action to sanitise the mining sector by suspending all mining activities across the state.

He said the decision was informed by several critical observations, including the lack of verifiable corporate social responsibility initiatives, community development agreement projects, and proper royalties and tax payments to federal and state governments.

The commissioner said the state government had approved and cleared seven mining companies to operate within the Libata area so far.

He said strict protocols were in place to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations, including registration with the ministry.

Aliyu-Wasagu said that after the registration, the ministry would write an introduction letter to be presented to the emir or district head for a consent letter to be forwarded to the Mining Cadastral Office, Abuja, to facilitate the application for a licence.

Other procedures include the ministry validating licences through the Mining Cadastral Office server, engaging with host communities for compensation, and community development projects, and obtaining an insurance permit/clearance from the ministry before mining.

“In the specific case of Libata, Ngaski LGA, Three Crown Company was issued a license by the Mining Cadastral Office, Abuja, for a total landmass of 5.4 square kilometres (27 cadastral units).

“Subsequently, a portion of this land (two square kilometres or 10 cadastral units) was allocated to El-Tahdam Exploration Limited.

“This overlap caused by the Mining Cadastral Office, Abuja, led to a dispute between the two companies. It is important to emphasise that the Kebbi State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Mining has no involvement in this conflict.

“While Three Crown Company registered with the state government in 2023, El-Tahdam Company did in 2024. Three Crown fully completed the licensing process from the state to the federal levels,” he said.

In his contribution, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, said the publication was done to distract the government.

He stated that the state has never had a government more responsive, inclusive, and caring than the present administration.

He told residents that the governor was democratically elected to foster democracy and ensure good governance and appealed for support.

News

Govs threatening Reps over Tinubu VAT bill – Spokesman

Published

2 hours ago

November 18, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The deputy spokesman for the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has disclosed that some state governors are threatening to deny federal lawmakers return tickets in the 2027 general elections if they do not withdraw their support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills now before the National Assembly for consideration.

Agbese also disclosed that the lawmakers will today (Monday) engage the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, and other renowned tax experts on the bills.

Recall that on September 3, 2024, the President transmitted four tax reform bills to the National Assembly for consideration, following the recommendations of the Oyedele-led tax reforms committee.

The bills include the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which is expected to provide the fiscal framework for taxation in the country, and the Tax Administration Bill, which will provide a clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

Others are the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, which will repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service Act and establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, which will create a tax tribunal and a tax ombudsman.

The 36 state governors have, however, demanded the withdrawal of the executive bills, citing the need for more consultation and public input.

In the meantime, the President has rejected the counsel of the governors, insisting that amendments to some of the clauses can be made when the bills come up for debate in the Senate and House of Representatives.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH in Abuja, Agbese said some governors are holding meetings ahead of National Assembly resumption to consider the tax bills and other important legislations.

He said, “Some of these governors are threatening members from their states. They have even gone far to threaten that they would deny members return tickets in 2027 if they support the bills.”

The threats notwithstanding, the Benue lawmaker said nothing would make him and his colleagues change course, provided the bills are targeted at revamping the economy.

He continued, “As far as we are concerned in the House of Representatives, nobody can stop us from supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid to reboot the economy to work for the country.

“We are united across party lines to make sure the country works. This is the disposition of Speaker, Tajudeen Abass.”

Waxing spiritual, Agbese quoted Isaiah 54:15 saying, “Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me. Whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.”

While noting that lawmakers in the past could indeed be cajoled to give up their principles, the legislator reminded the governors that the 10th Assembly congressmen are a different breed of Nigerians.

He said, “The difference between the new crop of politicians in the House of Representatives is that we are intellectually sound, progressive-minded and pro-Nigeria.

“We were not elected by the governors but our constituents and as far as the legislation (bills) will work for those that elected us, we will support them unequivocally, wholeheartedly and powerfully to see the light of the day.”

Meanwhile, the House, according to Agbese, will on Monday interface with the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, Oyedele, and other renowned tax experts, ahead of Tuesday’s resumption of plenary.

He added that the leadership of the House, in a bid to enable lawmakers to make contributions from a position of informed knowledge, had distributed copies of the bills to members for their independent study.

“We are engaging Taiwo Oyedele and other tax experts on Monday.

“We have made copies of the bills available to every lawmaker to study, dissect and make inputs when we bring them up for debate,” he stated, adding that the proposed legislation was likely to scale through but with some amendments where necessary.

He continued, “I see the 10th House Congressmen passing the bills with minor adjustments to polish them with a touch of patriotism and intellectualism. That’s the trademark when you have a teacher leading a parliament anywhere in the world.”

The bills are expected to dominate debate in both chambers of the National Assembly when the lawmakers reconvene for plenary duties, on Tuesday, November 19.

Also, in a telephone interview with The PUNCH, the member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Anambra State, Mr Afam Ogene, said the interface with tax experts billed for Monday (today) would reveal the merits and demerits of the tax, urging Nigerians to be patient with their representatives as they brainstorm to take a position on the bills.

Ogene said, “For starters, the legislature, anywhere in the world, is a deliberative assembly of men and women charged with the responsibility of making laws for the good governance of that given society. Flowing from the above, it is only wise that the legislature and legislators should never shut the doors to dialogue, even with perceived opponents.

“As a National Assembly, my take is that the overall good of our country, and its component units should be uppermost in arriving at any decision.”

While noting that there were genuine fears over the motives of the proposed tax laws, the Labour Party legislators said Monday’s interface would avail both parties the opportunity to hear each other.

He continued, “Fears have been expressed regarding what the real ‘motives’ of the tax bills could be, but therein lies the real essence of the technical session of tomorrow (today) by the promoters of the bills.

“I expect that during the session, everyone who has misgivings about particular clauses and sections of any of the bills would be allowed to express such, so that at the end of the day, suggestions and recommendations for possible amendment would be attended to, before the public hearing stage.”

On his part, Odianosen Okojie representing Esan North East/Esan South East, Edo State, urged his colleagues to waste no time in passing the bills when they come up for debate on the floor during plenary.

He said, “I will urge the House to speedily pass the tax reform bills in support of Mr President. The President means well for the country, looking at the bold steps he is taking, in terms of positive policy making. The governors should embrace the tax reform bills because it’s going to be a win-win situation for all.

On his part, a Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, Oluwole Oke, pledged his readiness to work with the Green Chamber in arriving at a position on the matter.

“I will work with the committee at the public hearing and in the committee of the whole,” Oke told our correspondent.

Efforts to get comment from the spokesperson for the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu, proved abortive as he could not be reached via phone calls and did not reply to the text and WhatsApp messages sent to him by our correspondent.

Credit: PUNCH