News

N440m contract probe: ICPC summons Kano Speaker, others

Published

1 week ago

September 13, 2024

Kano State House of Assembly Speaker Jibril Falgore, Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu and three others have been invited for questioning as part of the ongoing probe of the N440 million drugs contract scam in 44 local government areas in the state.

They were invited yesterday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Others invited are: Majority Leader Lawan Dala; Minority Leader Labaran Madari; Clerk of the House Bashir Diso; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Apart from the Permanent Secretary who will interact with ICPC team on September 18, the Speaker and the rest are to undergo interrogation on September 19.

The letter of invitation, dated yesterday and addressed individually to those invited, reads: “The commission is investigating alleged violations of the provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, No. 5 2000.

“Pursuant to Section 28 of the said Act, you are to appear for an interview before the undersigned at the ICPC headquarters, Abuja. You are expected to come with either a lawyer, Justice of Peace, Staff of the Legal Aid Council, or any individual of your choice.

“The appointment is scheduled and should be strictly adhered to. Accept the assurances of the Hon. Chairman’s highest regard.”

Since July 18, the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has been trying to investigate the award of the N440 million drugs contract, which was awarded to NOVOMED Pharmaceuticals.

The contract, which was meant for the supply of drugs to the 44 local government areas, was alleged to be in breach of the state’s Procurement Law and Financial Management Law.

But, on August 27, the Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the Ministry of Local Government Affairs and all the 44 council bosses secured a court order restraining the state anti-graft agency from probing the alleged drugs contract scam.

They asked the court to declare that the arrest and detention of the applicants and their employees by the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission amounted to an infringement and encroachment of their fundamental human rights under Section 34, 35, 36, 41 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.

The applicants also asked a Kano State High Court, presided by Justice Ibrahim Musa Muhammad, to restrain ICPC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Commissioner of Police, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 1) Kano and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano Zonal Command.

Justice Muhammad, who granted the request to retrain ICPC and others, adjourned the matter to September 12 (yesterday).

But ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN), who appeared before the Kano State High Court yesterday said the chairmen have no locus standi to institute the matter because the Supreme Court has declared all the caretaker committees in LGAs as illegal nationwide.

He also said the resolution of the Kano State House of Assembly to extend the tenure of the 44 chairmen of the 44 Caretaker Committees in the councils was not valid because such committees were unknown to the 1999 Constitution.

He asked the court to vacate the restraining order sought by ALGON, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and the 44 chairmen of the Caretaker Committees.

As at press time last night, the ICPC had decided to go ahead with the probe of the N440 million drugs contract.

A source said: “We received Intel from a whistleblower on the drugs scandal and we have decided to investigate all the allegations. There are many other allegations we are looking into.

“We have invited the Speaker and five others to assist in the course of our investigation. We need to ask them to clarify some issues which may inhibit ongoing investigation.”

News

Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo

Published

28 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.

Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.

For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.

THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.

He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.

There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….

A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.

The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.

News

Guber poll :PDP govs storm Edo to support Ighodalo

Published

30 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Barely 24hours to governorship election in Edo State, no fewer than two governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday arrived Benin City.

The governors, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, arrived the state to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Fintiri made this known in a post on his social media page on Friday evening.

He said : “Just touched down in Edo State alongside my brother, Gov. Agbu Kefas, ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election. We stand united in support of our Official PDP Nigeria candidate, Asue ighodalo, for a brighter future.”

Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP leader in the state, had earlier cried out over alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress to rig the election.

As at the time of filling this report, it was unclear if other PDP governors would also hit the state for the election

News

Speed Darlington taunt Burna Boy about his grammy award (+Video)

Published

41 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Austin Ojomah

……. As Speed Darlington queries Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy over his Grammy win.

By Ojomah Austin.

Controversial Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington has sparked controversy with his claims that Burna Boy’s Grammy Award win can be attributed to the influential role of American rapper and entrepreneur, P. Diddy.

Amid allegations against US rapper, P.Diddy, resulting in his arrest, Speed Darlington suggested that Burna Boy had an intimate relationship with Diddy which paved the way for him to win the Grammy.

Speed Darlington’s bold and contentious assertion comes amidst recent allegations surrounding Diddy, who was reportedly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of human trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

In a provocative Instagram video, Speed Darlington credited Diddy for Burna Boy’s rapid ascent to international fame and Grammy success, highlighting the American rapper’s significant impact on Burna Boy’s music career.

Speed Darlington openly challenged Burna Boy to disclose the nature of his relationship with Diddy. Suggesting an amorous relationship between the duo, he blatantly asked Burna Boy to reveal how many bottles of oil Diddy used on his buttocks before he was able to win a Grammy.

In his words:

“It wasn’t long after Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that he won a Grammy Award. Burna Boy, don’t be offended, but how many oils did Diddy use on your nyash before they gave you the Grammy Award?”.

In response to Speed Darlington’s video, One @oluchukwu_____ wrote: “Akpis confidence need to be studied 😂😂.”

vibe_with_fiona wrote: “When burna comes for him,make una no say burna too do o?”

godson_allsom wrote: “If there is Grammy for comedians 😂 akpi for done win like 10.”

official_kahlan wrote: “Presido I don tire to defend you 😂 ga zu ike 🙄.”

asikosharon50 wrote: “Very anyhow talk, Burnaboy won Grammy for his hard work and talent . If na Diddy dey share Grammy why him own Artist for him label nor dey win the Grammy? Na him be say Tems dey and wizkid sef they nick people dem work with naa, useless talk …”

jaytee_yna wrote: “I’m a big fan of Akpi but this is so irrelevant and irresponsible. Burna’s hardwork & God’s grace gave him the Grammy. Okbye!”

lorah_irez wrote: “If person never bèat akpi he no go rest, wetin be this na 😂😂😂.”