By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the low implementation rate of the capital component of the 2024 budget.

Thr Chairman Public Accounts Committee (PAC),  Rep. Bamidele Salam, during an interactive session with the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Shakirat Madein, on Wednesday,  revealed that only 25 percent of the capital budget has been implemented.

The chairman who stated that the underperformance hinders economic growth and development, urged the AGF to expedite the submission of the 2022 Consolidated Financial Statement to the Auditor General in line with constitutional provisions.

Rep. Salam lamented Nigeria’s lag in timely audit report submissions compared to Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda, attributing this to delays in financial statement submissions by the Accountant General’s office.

Addressing revenue leakages, the committee called for stricter measures, including process automation and regular audits of Government-Owned Enterprises. It also instructed the Accountant General, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Interior to resolve issues delaying the automation of revenue collections from foreign missions to enhance transparency.

Rep. Salam disclosed that the 2021 Auditor General’s Report, recently submitted to the National Assembly, would be prioritized once the 2024 Appropriation Bill is passed.

In her remarks, Dr. Madein attributed delays in the consolidated financial statement to inadequate data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but assured that efforts to resolve this are near completion. She pledged to conclude the process within two months.

The Accountant General also highlighted ongoing initiatives to enhance public expenditure management, including a review of the Financial Regulations 2009, which is awaiting Federal Executive Council approval.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Senator Nenadi Usman, the Chairperson of the Labour Party Caretaker Committee, has issued a stern warning to Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he will be held responsible for any harm that may come to Peter Obi or his associates.

Usman emphasized that Morka’s recent threat against Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, would not be tolerated.

This comes after reports of Obi denying claims of his arrest at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State. Usman maintained that despite Obi’s denial, Morka’s comments on January 5, 2025, directly threatened Obi’s life and were an affront to the democratic process.

In a statement of condemnation, Usman said, “It is with great concern and a deep sense of responsibility that I condemn the inflammatory remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka during his appearance on national television. His statements not only pose a direct threat to Peter Obi’s life, reputation, and business interests, but they also undermine the fundamental principles of democracy, decency, and responsible political engagement.”

Usman continued, highlighting Obi’s dedication to public service, “Mr. Peter Obi is a man of impeccable character who has devoted his life to serving Nigeria and championing good governance. His commitment to merit, competence, and rule of law is unwavering. To attack him with baseless allegations and threats is a clear indication that the APC cannot engage constructively on the issues that truly matter to Nigerians

She further remarked that such rhetoric has no place in the country’s democracy, as it undermines national unity, discourages productive political discourse, and endangers lives. Usman reminded Morka and the APC leadership that “words have consequences,” and that the Labour Party would hold them accountable for any harm that befalls Obi or his associates.

Senator Usman also called on security agencies to investigate the alleged threat and hold Morka accountable for his remarks. “We urge the security agencies to take swift action to investigate this matter and ensure that individuals who use public platforms to incite violence or issue veiled threats are held responsible. Political leaders must rise above such petty behavior and focus on addressing the pressing challenges facing our nation, including insecurity, unemployment, and economic instability.”

Usman reaffirmed the Labour Party’s unwavering support for Obi, stating, “The Labour Party will not be intimidated by threats. Peter Obi represents hope for the Nigerian people, and we stand firmly by him in his pursuit of a better Nigeria.”

Additionally, Usman demanded a public apology from the APC and a retraction of Morka’s statements. She stressed that any failure to do so would imply tacit approval of such reckless behavior. “The APC must immediately issue a public apology to Mr. Peter Obi and retract the offensive statements made by its National Publicity Secretary. Anything less would be a tacit endorsement of such reckless and dangerous behavior.”

Concluding her statement, Usman reminded political leaders of their responsibility to promote peace, unity, and responsible political dialogue, emphasizing that true leadership is measured by how individuals treat one another, especially in times of disagreement.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the soldiers who were killed in an attack on an army base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State.

Members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles last Saturday on the base in Sabon Gari in Damboa area of Borno State.

They set fire to the base along with army vehicles, military sources said, on condition of anonymity as they are not authorised to speak on the incident.

Fighter jets deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away struck the attackers as they retreated.

Tinubu in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, expressed his profound sympathy to the military authorities following the loss of six brave soldiers during a dawn terrorist attack on January 4.

He ordered a “thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences.”

“This resolute action by the Army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security. Their actions testify to our resolve to eradicate terrorism and banditry, paving the way for a future where peace and security prevail for all Nigerians,” the President was quoted as saying.

I extend heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to our military and security forces on behalf of a grateful nation.

“Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats.”

The Commander-in-Chief also commended the armed forces for their swift and decisive response, particularly the air component, in launching effective retaliatory strikes.

To Tinubu, the targeted air raids resulted in the significant neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their assets as they attempted to flee.

The President wants the military to proactively take the war to the camps of bandits and terrorists.

He particularly emphasised the Northwest, where these criminals continue to threaten the lives and homes of innocent villagers.

Tinubu called on Nigerians and the media to support the military’s efforts to restore peace and security in the nation.