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Chaos As Reps Ordered Arrest Of WAEC Officials Over Investigation On Accountability

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By Gloria Ikibah 
 
It was drama as Four staff of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) were on Tuesday evening arrested on the orders of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies.
 
The officials were the Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria, Amos Josiah Dangut who represented the Registrar of WAEC; Senior Deputy Registrar Angus Okeleze; Acting Director of Finance, Victor Odu; and Deputy Director of Finance, Segun Jerumeh.
 
This was sequel to a motion moved by a member of the Committee, Rep. Uchenna Okonkwo, during an investigative hearing, after the officials failed to answer the questions to their satisfaction.
 
The lawmakers during the hearing were in heated arguments with the WAEC officials whether the examination body was accountable to parliament or not.
 
Dangut had earlier in his presentation to the committee posited that WAEC was not an agency of government, hence not accountable as other agencies.
 
But the lawmakers insisted that WAEC Nigeria was a creation of an Act of the National Assembly, and must account for all their activities to them.
 
They pointed out that the National Assembly makes appropriation for WAEC.
 
The lawmakers also stated that WAEC’s convention dictates that they must submit to the legislation of any of its member countries.
 
Following the arguments, Okonkwo moved the motion: “I will like to move a motion that while pending the investigation to look into the activities of WAEC Nigeria, the invited guest before us should be taken into custody and held at the police post while we seek for solutions for these issues they are bringing upon Nigerians.”
 
The motion was seconded by Rep. Marie Ebikake a member of the Committee. 
 
There was an uproar in the venue of the hearing as one of the WAEC officials kept shouting at the panel that it was being unfair to them.
 
Thereafter the officials were taken away by members of the Sergeant at Arms of the National Assembly where they were detained in one of the offices for about 15 minutes.
 
However, after a brief closed door session, the Committee resolved to allow them go and come back at a later date with relevant documents demanded of them.
 
The Committee Chairman, Rep. Oforji Oboku, said they must bring the audited statement of accounts of the examinations body from 2018 till date.
 
He also directed that they must present relevant documents in respect to a N5 billion loan, WAEC got in 2022 to buy a customised calculator among others.
 
The Chairman said WAEC cannot operate outside the supervision of the National Assembly.
 
“You are not different from any other agency, saying you are not an agency of government. We are not here to witch hunt you. WAEC is subject to Nigeria’s laws. We have reviewed the position and we have all the powers to oversight you. You cannot come here and say WAEC is not an agency of government,” he said.
 
He said WAEC would be invited at a later date.
 
He insisted the WAEC officials bring the requested documents, else there would be sanctions.
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President Tinubu Speaks On Ajuri Ngelale’s Indefinite Leave Request

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has endorsed Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, indefinite leave request.

Recall Ngelale, in a statement on Saturday, announced an indefinite leave of absence.

He proceeded on the leave to attend to pressing medical matters affecting his immediate family.

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In a statement he posted on his general communication WhatsApp platform on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff on Friday.

He noted that the memo was a means of notifying him of the decision to pause his functions, including his roles as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.

Ngelale explained that the decision was after consultations with his family due to a worsening medical situation at home.

He expressed hope to return to full-time national service when circumstances permit.

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In a statement posted on X by Tinubu’s Special Assistant on New Media, Olusegun Dada and signed by the Presidency, Tinubu approved Ngelale’s request.

Tinubu stated that he fully understands his Chief spokesperson’s reason and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

The statement read: “The President has received the memo from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President as well as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, informing of his decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence for personal and health reasons.

“The President accepts his reasons for the leave, fully understands them and sympathizes with the circumstances that have led to this seemingly difficult decision.

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“While extending his heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Chief Ngelale and his family during this challenging moment, the President hopes for a speedy recovery and full restoration to health.

“The President notes his tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation, and thanks him for the remarkable contributions he made in his various capacities, especially in advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.

“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors.

“During this period, we kindly ask that the wish for privacy of Chief Ngelale and his family be respected.”

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Confusion As FG Denies Ownership Of Yacht Spotted In France With Nigerian Flag

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…says it belongs to an undisvcosed private individual

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The presidency, on Saturday, denied ownership of a yacht spotted hoisting Nigerian flag in St-Tropez, a coastal town in France.

There had been reports of a “presidential yacht belonging to the Nigerian government being used for vacation at St Tropez” on social media.

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Senior Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on digital and new media, Otega Ogra, in a post on X, said the yacht belongs to a private individual.

The presidential aide said flags used by the president or armed forces do not contain the coat of arms like the one on the yacht.

Ogra said on Saturday, “There have been false claims circulating that a private individual’s yacht was spotted in St. Tropez is a Nigerian government yacht. Here are some points to consider in order to discern the truth.

“The 42m Bennetti yacht currently being shared online has been privately owned for around 5 years since it was constructed.

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It is important to note that this specific yacht has no connection or ownership ties to the Nigerian government, president or armed forces. Any claims or assertions suggesting otherwise are simply not true and inaccurate.

“It is not uncommon for luxury yachts to fly the flag of the owner’s country as well as the flag of the country in which they are registered.

“The official Nigerian flag is Green-White-Green without a coat of arms in the middle. Flags representing the Nigerian President or the Armed Forces do not contain a coat of arms in the center. Placing anything in the center of the flag is a clear deviation

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Constituency Devt: Senator Manu fulfils promise, installs solar energy as alternative source of power for constituents(Photos)

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

In a bid to enhance better life for his constituents, Senator Manu Haruna has facilatated installation of solar energy in Takalafiya community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly fulfilled his promise of ensuring the energy needs of his constituents are adequately taken care of.

This initiative reflects his unwavering commitment to addressing the energy needs of his constituents by providing a reliable and sustainable power source.

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The solar energy project is expected to improve the quality of life in the community, enabling access to electricity for homes, schools, and local businesses, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

This project is part of Senator Haruna’s broader efforts to enhance infrastructure and development in Taraba Central.

Manu is also working tirelessly to make sure areas not connected to the national grid are connected within the shortest period possible.

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