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Cabinet Reshuffle: Fire Steel Dev Minister, Audu now – Group Tells Tinubu

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2024

……Says he’s incompetent,highhanded, a launch pad for failure

A group, Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre (NGGRC), led by its executice director and prominent social critic, Comrade Igbotako Nowinta, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to drop the Minister for Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.

The call becomes expedient as the President prepares to reshuffle his cabinet.

Industry watchers among others slam the young Audu over his alleged incompetence and high handedness.

According to Comrade Nowinta, who doubles as an international conflict resolution expert, in a press release titled, “Audu: A Danger In The Ministry for Steel Development”, made available to the media in Abuja , Sunday October 6th, 2024, the group stated that ,Audu is a “clear minus to the so- called President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and a danger in the Ministry for Steel Development, as a result of his abuse of office, glaring incompetence, high-handedness and wastages of public funds”.

The Press release reads in details below:

“The attention of NGGRC was drawn to certain alleged negative activities going on within the Ministry for Steel Development, under the watch of Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, which prompted an investigation from our end.

Our investigation revealed the fact that Audu is not fit to stay a day longer as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

“We discovered that Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is like a bull in a China’s shop in the Ministry for Steel Development; very lawless, an enemy of laid down statutory bureaucratic process and an extreme version of a triangle in a round peg”.

“This man is a launch pad for failure and a danger to the efforts of President Tinubu to revamp the Steel sector in Nigeria. For instance, the manner he is handling the Revitalisation, Privatisation and Completion of Ajaokuta Steel Company negates transparency , breach of BPP Act, and may put the country in another judicial quagmire, like the Global Steel Holding Ltd case where Nigeria was taken to court at the international level, and paid compensation in hard currency;

“Talking about impending litigation that will surely embarrass and ridicule our country again, Global Steel Holdings Limited, an Indian company, won the concession of the Ajaokuta steel mill for 10 years, but the agreement was revoked when the federal government accused the firm of asset stripping, a development that led to a court case between the two parties; Global which eventually was settled $496 million dollars by Federal Government.

What of his breach of Public Procurement Act in the choice of Proforce to recently sign an MOU in Russia; Why did he hastly chose the Russian outfit for the pre – auditing of Ajaokuta Steel Company as the job was recently advertised and lied to the National Assembly that Russians were in Ajaokuta on their own?”

“We hereby call for the investigation of the choice of Proforce as the Minister’s preference to sign the MOU, to avoid any pitfall or litigation process on Ajaokuta Steel Company like it happened in the past.

Audu is not a team player; he runs the Ministry in a solo manner without considering the input of the Minister of State who is more experienced in public service as a former deputy governor in Taraba, when Audu’s father was governor in Kogi state.
It will be recalled that Audu’s former SA media, Mr Haruna, aka Haruspice, who came on recommendation, after serving a former vice president was compelled to resign in December 2023.

Indeed, Audu rushed to sign the MOU without the perusal and consent of the Ministry of Justice and without consulting experts from Ministry of Finance to discuss the financial aspect.Its on record that he forced the pill down the Russians who stated categorically that it’s better for them to build a new steel plant close to a port than revamp Ajaokuta Steel company.His trip to Russia was baseless even as the Permanent Secretary was not a signatory nor, sighted the said MOU before signing”.

“Nigeria Good Governance Research Centre is ready soonest to submit petitions to the EFCC and relevant committee in the National Assembly with shocking proofs of Minister Audu’s glaring disregards for the legislature,incompetence, as well lead a protest in Lokoja and Abuja.

“This man was found of bullying the former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, who is now with the Ministry of Solid Minerals; he never takes professional advise on how to run the Ministry, especially on financial matters. This ugly development is causing setback for the smooth running of the Ministry”.

“Audu only got his appointment on the goodwill of his late father as a political associate of President Tinubu, therefore, Mr. President must put the interest of Nigerians first, by dropping him as Minister as he is not leaving up to expectations,even as he has become a danger magnified by his hideous embrace of policies of self preservation instead of national interests”.

“With billions of dollars being pumped daily into the Ministry of Steel, it is not sensible for it to be left in the hands of a man whose character is incubated in administrative vendetta, self interest and irresponsibility. For the Steel Ministry to move forward it needs a goal getter who will provide the culture of accountability, transparency, honesty, firm objective, sincerity of purpose and concrete paradigm for constructive engagements with stakeholders”.

“This Minister is a clear minus to the so called President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and a danger in the Ministry for Steel Development, as a result of his abuse of office, glaring incompetence, high-handedness and wastages of public funds.Audu disobeyed the Presidential Order on Board dissolution on the National Steel Council (NSC), until the National Assembly intervened”.Records available also shows the fact finding committee constituted by Prince Audu requested for ₦10m from the dissolved Council.

“The experience needed for a newly created technical ministry, such as the Steel, requires a knowledgeable and experienced person to man, not an inept like Audu who had no technical knowledge nor public service experience. A deeper insight in his administrative lapses in the Ministry of Steel is mind boggling, as he has not been able to improve on the existing structures in the defunct Ministry of Mines and Steel not to talk of bringing new ideas”.

“Therefore, as Mr. President considers a cabinet reshuffle, this is the time to drop a man with a voracious appetite for impunity, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu as Minister for Steel Development”.

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Lagos Youths Condemn Attacks on Seyi Tinubu By Faceless Groups

Published

27 minutes ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

A group under the auspices of Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youth (CLYI), has disassociated itself from recent media publications aimed at discrediting Mr. Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu.

Coordinator of the group, Hon. Tunde Azeez in a strongly-worded statement issued on Tuesday, described the allegations as baseless and perpetrated by faceless individuals seeking to tarnish Mr. Tinubu’s reputation.

The coalition clarified that the controversial post circulating on social media, purportedly made by its members, is fraudulent.

“We wish to categorically state that the earlier post did not originate from the members or executives of the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youth,” Azeez asserted.

Describing Mr. Tinubu as a “proud and industrious son of Lagos,” the coalition pledged unwavering support for him, and noted his significant contributions to youth empowerment and development in Lagos.

The group further expressed its readiness to support Mr. Tinubu should he decide to declare interest in the governorship of Lagos State, although they clarified that he has not engaged in political discussions with any group or individual regarding such aspirations.

“Seyi Tinubu is one of us, Lagos is home and will remain home for him, not just as an indigene but also as a critical player dedicated to helping young people.” ,” the statement emphasized.

The group further directed a stern warning to the faceless individuals behind the defamatory campaign, particularly one Ibrahim Whyte, whom they accused of impersonating the coalition.

“We strongly caution Ibrahim Whyte and his cohorts to desist from blackmailing Mr. Seyi Tinubu while falsely impersonating our group,” it added.

The coalition vowed to explore legal options to protect its integrity and that of Mr. Tinubu, should the defamation persist.

CYLI, concluded by urging Lagosians to disregard the misleading narratives and focus on fostering unity and development in the state.

News

House Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767trn Loan Request

Published

1 hour ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has granted approval for the implementation of the new external borrowing of N1,767, 610, 321, 779.00 (USD 2.209B).

The approval was sequel to the adoption of the recommendations of the House Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management Chaired by Rep. Abubakar Nalaraba, and presented at the Committee of the Whole on Thursday.

Presenting the report, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Nalaraba said the committee met and made the following recommendations, which he entreated the House to approve.

He said: “Approve the implementation of the New External Borrowing of one trillion, seven hundred and sixty seven billion, six hundred and ten million, three hundred twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and seventy-nine Naira (₦1,767, 610,321,779.00) (equivalent of USD2, 209, 512, 902. 22b) at the Budget

Exchange rate of USD1.00/800 in the 2024 Appropriation Act and that the amount should be raised from one or more sources. Namely; issuance of Eurobonds in the ICM, Issuance of debut sovereign Sukuk in the ICM, Bridge/syndicated loans, subject to market conditions;

“That based on availability and cost, to issue Eurobonds in the sum of USD1.70 billion or more, but not more than USD2,209,512,902,.22b, approved as New External Borrowing in the 2024 Act;

“Given the significant increase in the official exchange rate from USD1.00/₦800 to approximately ₦1,640, it is recommended that the exchange rate excess resulting from this adjustment be exclusively utilised for implementation of capital projects in 2024, to ensure that additional funds are

directed to impactful infrastructure & developmental projects that will contribute to the Nation’s long term growth and stability;

“Approve the Promissory Note Programme and Bond Issuance to settle outstanding claims and liabilities of the federal government. This approval prioritizes the issuance of Promissory Notes to address outstanding reimbursement debts owed to States, high-priority judgment debts, and other liabilities incurred by Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. This measure is critical to preventing additional interest costs, mitigating further increases in the Federal Government’s debt profile, and reducing the debt-to-GDP ratio;

“That the Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, working with the Debt Management Office are authorised to take all necessary actions required to give effect to this.”

The lawmakers unanimously adopted and passed the recommendations.

News

Reps Direct IGP, DG DSS To Deploy Personnel To Etsako LGA Over Worsening Insecurity

Published

2 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and Director General, Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi to urgently deploy personnel to tackle the worsening insecurity in Itsukwi, Imiakebu, Imiegba and Okpekpe communities in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “Urgent need to deploy security agents to Itsukwi, Imiegba, Okpekpe and Imiakebu communities to halt herdsmen’s onslaught against innocent citizens,” by Rep. Billy Osawaru, member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Edo State on Thursday at plenary.

Rep. Osawaru, drew the attention of the House to the provision of Section 14 (b) of the 1999 Constitution (As amended) on the need for government to provide security and welfare for the people.

He stated that Section 17 (b) of the Constitution provides that the sanctity of the human person shall be recognised and human dignity shall be maintained and enhanced; governmental actions shall be humane.

According to him, Chapter 4 of the nation’s Constitution in Section 33 (1) provides that “Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.”

He said: “The House is aware that on Monday, October 28, 2024, herdsmen invaded Ugbereke, a popular farmland known for its fertility and destroyed completely the yam plantation of a youth leader in Itsukwi community (Ward 9, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State), Mr Samuel Igbeneghu.

“The House is also worried that on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, three farmers by the names Umuagene Obey, Emuesugheli Obi and Ogbitabu Imoudumhe (all from Okpekpe community in Ward 10, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State were ambushed on the way to their farms and brutally murdered by suspected herdsmen.

“Same day, the killers made their way to Ugbereke, and killed one Undyar Aondongu (male) while five women were beaten and left to flee with various degrees of injuries.”

The lawmaker stated that as a result of these violent campaigns, farmers in these communities no longer visit their farms for fear of being attacked or killed.

He therefore warned that if the Federal Government fails to take urgent steps to address the crisis, acute hunger owing to food scarcity would be the natural consequence, not just for the people of the area but the entire Etsako East Local Government Area and by extension, Edo State as a whole.

Then the presided officer, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put itcto a vote, the House unanimously adopted the motion, observed a minute silence in honour of the dead and directed the immediate deployment of security agents to the four communities.

The House also mandated the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies to investigate this tragic incident and fish out the perpetrators for prosecution, while also tasking them to Immediately step up the security surveillance to contain the escalation of insecurity within Itsukwi, Imiakebu, Imiegba and Okpekpe communities and beyond.

The legislative body also urged the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, DG, DSS, General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army and the Commander, 4th Mechanised Brigade in Edpo State to deploy their personnel to Itsukwi, Imiakebu, Imeigba and Okpekpe communities to safeguard the lives and properties of the people.

The motion was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Army, Police, National Intelligence and Legislative Compliance with a timeframe of four weeks to report back for further action.