News

Nigerians Demand Probe Of NDDC Over Donation To Okpebholo’s Campaign

Published

3 weeks ago

September 7, 2024

A storm of controversy has erupted on social media following allegations that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has released N10 billion and 18 trailer loads of rice as support for Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the upcoming Edo State election.

The hashtag #ProbeNDDCNow has quickly gained traction, with thousands of Nigerians calling for an investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds.

Reports suggest that the funds and rice, purportedly intended for development projects, were diverted to finance Okpebholo’s campaign.

This has sparked widespread outrage, particularly among residents of Edo State, who have taken to Twitter and other platforms to express their anger and demand accountability.

One Twitter user wrote, “Our roads are falling apart, yet NDDC is handing out N10 billion to APC for elections? This is a betrayal of trust! #ProbeNDDCNow.”

Another added, “The money meant for development is being used to buy votes. This is not democracy, it’s corruption! #ProbeNDDCNow.”

Senior officials within the NDDC, particularly those from Edo State, are reportedly furious over the decision to divert funds meant for crucial infrastructure projects, such as the repair of federal roads, to political campaigns.

Many are calling for an immediate investigation into the commission’s financial activities.

Osazuwa Imafidon, a prominent social commentator, voiced his concerns on Facebook: “The NDDC’s role is to improve the lives of Niger Delta residents, not to bankroll political campaigns. We need answers, and we need them now. #ProbeNDDCNow.”

Many Edo residents have expressed their determination not to be swayed by the alleged vote-buying tactics, with some advising fellow citizens to “collect the rice, but vote your conscience.”

As the hashtag continues to trend, pressure is mounting on the NDDC and the APC to address the allegations.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is also facing calls to ensure a free and fair election in Edo State, free from the influence of illicit campaign financing.

So far, neither the NDDC nor Senator Monday Okpebholo’s campaign has officially responded to the allegations.

However, with the growing demand for transparency and accountability, this issue is unlikely to fade away anytime soon.

News

Reps Panel Approves N288bn FCTA Supplementary Budget

Published

42 mins ago

September 25, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives’ Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has approved a N288 billion supplementary budget for the FCT Administration (FCTA).

Naijablitznews.com reports that in a letter transmitted from President Bola Tinubu to Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, the budget includes N8 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N280 billion from miscellaneous revenues. This supplementary budget aims to cover additional funds needed for FCTA projects.

During the budget defense meeting, Chairman House Committee on FCT, Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, explained that the urgency of passing the budget was to support critical development projects in the FCT.

Betara further stated that the FCT Minister had confirmed that most of the budget’s requests for additional funds were already part of the 2024 statutory budget passed by the National Assembly. He also clarified that there are no new projects, except for two new line items.

The Committee agreed to present the report during Thursday’s plenary, as the projects need to begin immediately due to time constraints.

In President Tinubu’s letter to Speaker Abbas, he highlighted the progress made on ongoing projects in the FCT:

“Indeed, residents of the Federal Capital Territory are in high spirits and excited by the scale of ongoing projects within the City Centre and across the six Area Councils. The socio-economic impact is gratifying and shows that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda is being fulfilled quickly”, the statement reads in part.

The President also emphasized the importance of capital projects in the 2024 budget of the FCT, which will significantly impact infrastructure and manpower development.

He stressed that some critical projects were left out of the 2024 budget and must be included to meet the 30 per cent procurement requirement under the law.

News

El-Rufai relishes Sanusi’s reinstatement, says “it’s among most important events of my life”

Published

2 hours ago

September 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Former Kaduna of State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has said that reinstatement of Muhamamdu Sanusi ll as the Emir of Kano is one of the most important events in his life.

El-Rufai stated this at the Arewa Tech Fest, held in Kano on Wednesday.

The event drew politicians and technocrats to discuss advancements in Northern Nigeria

The festival was attended by key figures, including the governors of Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara states.

El-Rufai said, “The reinstatement of his highness is one of the most important events in my life and I want to congratulate you once again.”

News

Lagos Rep. Appointed Chairman, UNN Alumni Organising Committee

Published

3 hours ago

September 25, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos State, in the House of Representatives, Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, has been appointed Chairman of the National Organising Committee of the University of Nigeria Alumni Association.

This appointment was made during the inauguration of the committee for the Founder’s Day celebration at the University of Nigeria Liaison Office in Abuja on Friday, September 24, 2024.

In his acceptance speech, Rep. Onuakalusi emphasized the significance of the Founder’s Day, which is to honour the institution’s founding fathers who established the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

He noted that UNN, which was modeled after the University of Michigan in the USA, is Nigeria’s first indigenous university, designed as a beacon of educational excellence and a symbol of restoring the dignity of the black race.

The lawmaker highlighted that the committee’s main objective is to spearhead the construction of a Grand Research Institute, a 5,000-seat amphitheater, an Alumni Secretariat, and a Conference Arena as part of the Founder’s Tower project.

“This year marks the 64th Founder’s Day, and our primary goal is to build the Founders Tower, which will include a Hall of Fame to celebrate the university’s distinguished alumni. To achieve this, we aim to raise N5 billion and complete the project within 48 months,” Onuakalusi stated.

The National Organising Committee will have several sub-committees tasked with different aspects of the project:

1. Infrastructure and Works – ESV Ben Okoronkwo

2. Finance – ESV Mike Ezechukwu

3. Media and Publicity – Prof Charles Nwekeaku

4. Legal – Mr Monday Ubani (SAN)

5. Administration – Barr Juliet Ukoha

6. Welfare and Logistics – Barr Chioma Okeke

7. Contact and Mobilization – Chief Osita Chidoka

8. Security – ESV (AIG) Ben Igweh

9. Vice Chairman – Dr Ben Onwudinjo and Lady Stella Maduka

Rep. Onuakalusi also mentioned that the Alumni Association will collaborate with the university to establish an Endowment Fund that will support research and aid lecturers in curbing brain drain in the educational sector.

Key figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Minister of Education, are expected to support the initiative during the celebration scheduled for December 4, 2024.

The UNN motto, “To Restore the Dignity of Man,” which was derived from the famous oration “De Dignitate Hominis” by 15th-century philosopher Count Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, underscores the university’s foundational ideals.