Connect with us

News

Alleged scam: EFCC Impounds Okowa’s Passport

Published

on

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized the international passport of the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Okowa was nabbed by the anti-graft agency on November 4, 2024, over an alleged diversion of N1.3tn derivation fund.

The N1.3trn amounted to a 13 per cent derivation fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023.

He was also accused of failing to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40bn he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

Advertisement

Okowa also allegedly bought shares of N40bn in one of the major banks in the country, representing eight per cent equity to float the offshore LNG.

According to sources in the commission, Okowa was at the EFCC office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and was subsequently arrested by officials of the commission.

A source privy to the matter but not permitted to speak with journalists said Okowa had been released since last week Wednesday, after meeting his bail conditions.

The source said one of the conditions was to submit his travel documents with the agency, pending the conclusion of the matter.

Advertisement

“Okowa is no longer in our custody. He was released last Wednesday after meeting his bail conditions, which include depositing his travel documents with the commission, pending the conclusion of our investigations of the allegations against him.

“The sum allegedly is too huge to take risks. And what we have done is not out of place. This is to prevent anyone under investigation from jumping the bail he/she had been granted,” he said.

Several calls put through to the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were not answered.

He was also yet to respond to the message sent to him on the matter as of the time of filing this report.

Advertisement

Speaking on his trial, Okowa described the allegation that he misappropriated N1.3tn oil derivation funds while in office as laughable and totally false.

Speaking when he received the national leadership of Urhobo Progress Union, led by its President General, Chief Ese Owe, on a solidarity visit at his residence in Asaba, on Tuesday, Okowa said he was not worried by the EFCC invitation.

The former governor, who was speaking publicly on the issue for the first time since his return from honouring the EFCC invitation, said he was confident that he would come out clean.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifejika, the former governor disclosed that the petitioners were driven by mundane political considerations but asserted that he would continue to support Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to deliver on the mandate freely given to him by the Delta people.

Advertisement

“It was a petition written several months ago, but unfortunately, with the politics of our time, some people decided to ensure that Okowa must be invited by the EFCC.

Advertisement
“People are genuinely uncomfortable about Okowa and I was actually invited and I went there by myself and the first thing I saw was that they said I misappropriated N1.3tn. I said, do you know the kind of money you are talking about?

“To successfully take N1.3tn, it means you have to be taking between N16bn and N20bn every month into your pocket. I don’t even know if the President of this country will be able to do that, not to talk of the governor of Delta State.

“They have forgotten that the first in three years we came into office – 2015, 2016 and 2017 – the money that was coming into the state was not even enough to pay salaries at all.

Advertisement

“Some local governments like Ethiope East were owing as much as 15 months salaries and even in the state here, some people were getting half salaries.

“Delta State is the highest salary-paying state in this nation; our salaries grew to the level that salaries and pensions went up to over N11bn in a month.

“There are some states whose total staff strength is less than 18,000, but here in Delta, we have over 56,000 workers,” he said.

The former governor added, “Workers always received their salaries promptly while we also embarked on all the projects that were done, and nobody thinks about it, especially the projects we did in the riverine areas. But, I know that the people are not happy with those who wrote the petition.”

Advertisement

He said, “Personally, I am not against investigation because the EFCC has to do its job, and I know that I have done everything how it ought to be done.

“For every allegation, they will investigate, and when they have found the truth, they will stop, but for those who sent a wrong communication, it is rather unfortunate.

“I just pray for them because when you allow yourself to be used as a tool when evil starts to come, the impact will be so much, but I pray that God will forgive them.

“I know that by the special grace of God, we have done the things we ought to do to the best of our ability and by the special grace of God, Governor Oborevwori is beginning to do a lot.

Advertisement

“I believe that by next year, he will do a lot more. So, let me assure you that I will continue to support the UPU and the governor of the state as much as I can because I know that he has a lot to offer this state.”

He commended the UPU for its support to him over the years, saying, “I thank the UPU and the Urhobos because they supported me a lot and they also believe in equity because I always got more votes from them than their sons who contested against me.”

Earlier, the President-General of UPU had said that their visit was to thank the former governor for supporting their son, Oborevwori, to emerge as governor of the state.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

See Photos of World’s Tallest and Shortest Women Meet for Afternoon Tea in London

Published

on

The world’s tallest woman and the world’s shortest woman met for the first time this week, sipping tea from china cups — and bonding over what they have in common while celebrating their differences.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea


Rumeysa Gelgi, from Turkey, stands at 7 feet and 0.7 inches, while Jyoti Amge, from India, is 2 feet and 0.7 inches.

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea


Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea

Jyoti Amge, shortest woman, and Rumeysa Gelgi, tallest woman, meet for the first time and share afternoon tea


“You’re so beautiful,” said Gelgi, 27. “Thank you — you too,” replied Amge, 30.

Their meeting, over afternoon tea at London’s Savoy Hotel on Tuesday, came ahead of Guinness World Records Day, which is held annually in November to mark record-breaking achievements and encourage people to attempt records. The pair have been honored as “World Record icons” in the 70th anniversary edition of the Guinness World Records book.

Story continues below advertisement
“Meeting Jyoti for the first time was wonderful,” Gelgi said in a release Wednesday. “She’s the most gorgeous lady. I was waiting to meet her for a long time.”

Gelgi said the pair bonded over their love for makeup, jewelry and doing their nails.

Advertisement

Video footage showed them sitting down for tea, cakes and sandwiches stacked next to them, with the London Eye visible from the window.

Amge said in the release that she was “so happy to look up” and see the world’s tallest woman, whom she called “good-natured.” She added that it was difficult at times for the pair to make eye contact “due to our height difference.”

“Guinness World Records is all about celebrating differences,” its editor in chief, Craig Glenday, said in a statement ahead of Guinness World Record Day, which is on Thursday.

“By bringing together these two amazing, iconic women, they can share their perspectives on life with each other and, also, with us,” Glenday said.

Advertisement

Gelgi’s record-breaking height is due to a rare genetic condition called Weaver syndrome, which causes rapid growth, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

Story continues below advertisement
The primary symptom is growth and bone development that occurs faster than usual, making those affected taller than average. People with Weaver syndrome may have rigid muscles and difficulty extending their elbows or knees.

Gelgi used a walking aid for support during the pair’s meeting. Her case of Weaver syndrome was the 27th ever diagnosed and the first in Turkey, according to Guinness World Records.

Weaver syndrome is generally caused by changes in the EZH2 gene, according to the NORD, though the organization notes that some people with Weaver syndrome do not have a mutation in the gene.

Advertisement

Story continues below advertisement
Amge, an actor who played the character of Ma Petite in the television series “American Horror Story,” has a genetic growth disorder that occurs in the early stages of fetal development, known as achondroplasia.

According to Johns Hopkins, the condition causes shorter bones, abnormally shaped bones and shorter stature. While the genetic defect can be passed from parent to child, in about 80 percent of cases, achondroplasia results from a spontaneous mutation that occurs in the developing embryo.

On Thursday, Gelgi shared photos on Instagram of the two exploring London despite the cold weather, posing side by side in front of Tower Bridge.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Speaker Abbas Decries Gross Inadequacy In Health Sector Despite Annual Allocation

Published

on

By Gloria Ikibah
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Reps. Tajudeen Abbas, has lamented that the health sector is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries, despite the considerable amount is allocated annually by the Federal Government.
The Speaker also said alot more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.
Abbas stated this at a public hearing for four bills organised by the House Committee on Healthcare Services at the National Assembly Complex on Friday.
The Bills are “A Bill for an Act to to Amend the National Residency Training Act 2018”; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Insurance Authority Act 2021”; “A Bill to Amend the National Tobacco Control Act”; and “A Bill to Establish the Institute of Healthcare Service Administrators of Nigeria”.
The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Obordor Mitema, member representing Ogbia Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, said it was for this reason that President Bola Tinubu, recognizing the urgency of this situation, prioritized healthcare as one of the pillars of his Renewed hope Agenda for Nigeria.
According to him, this was to revive the country’s healthcare sector and to ensure it receives the necessary support partnerships with the private sector within and outside Nigeria are being explored and hopefully in the not too distant future we shall see vast improvement.
He said, “Though the Federal Government appropriates a considerable amount yearly to the health sector, the amount is still grossly inadequate and far below what is invested in other countries.
“It is no longer news that despite the committed efforts, the health Sector has sadly over the years faced several challenges associated with outbound medical tourism, emigration of skilled healthcare workers, poor salaries and insufficient budgetary allocation.
“It is also sad to note that even though Nigeria has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Africa the progress it has achieved in health has been rather slow and disappointing hence, more effort is needed if we are going to be at par with Western countries.
“Indeed more needs to be done if the life expectancy of the average Nigerian is to rise as well as a reduction in infant mortality.”
Speaker Abbas commended the Acting Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bassey Akiba and the entire members of the committee for organizing this hearing.
He said it is a reflection of their commitment and support to do their quota towards helping Nigerians achieve not only better health but having access to better healthcare.
“We all know the significance of having a Health Sector that works. Western countries have taken bold steps to make their Health sector first class and second to none and we must do the same.
“The House Committee on Healthcare Services and other Health related Committees of the House of Representatives and indeed the National Assembly are fully committed to doing their part by initiating and amending laws that will always be people friendly with the aim of bringing succor and positive changes towards the Health sector in Nigeria.,” he said.
Rep. Akiba, said the healthcare sector in Nigeria over the past few years has gone through a myriad of challenges.
The challenges, according to him, includes the rising cost of healthcare services, financial challenges for providers, preventable medical errors, high mortality rates in both cases, lack of insurance coverage, the need for an improved mental health system, increased demand for personalized care, and a well-regulated health care system among others.
“As parliamentarians, it is our responsibility to discuss critical legislation that will not only shape the future of our nation’s health but impact possibly other people.
“Public hearings are essential because it is one of the crucial avenues used to sample opinions on any matter of public relevance and importance. Like I mentioned, there are four bills.
“Three of these bills are an amendment bill, three of the bills are an amendment bill, and one is an establishment bill. I wish to assure you all that as legislators and members of the Committee on Health Care Services.
“We are conscious of our constitutional and legislative resources towards the people. We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders and support any genuine effort required to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria,” he said.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said, A Bill to Amend the National Residency Training Act should be dropped for more input by relevant stakeholders.
The Association said the Medical Residency Training Act was a bill primarily sponsored by Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), an affiliate member.
First Vice President of the NMA, Dr Benjamin Oluwatosin, said It was a surprise to them that the primary constituency on the Bill was never contacted for input.
He urged that the Bill be stepped down to get more input of relevant stakeholders.
“So, in solidarity to our affiliate NARD and the validation of the Medical Residency Training Act we strongly advise that this bill be stepped down until every stakeholder involved and primarily NARD and then NMA is on the table from the very beginning,” he said.
Stakeholders who attended the hearing included representatives of the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors, Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Committee of Chief Medical Directors among others.
Continue Reading

News

Reps Demand Details Of Project Undertaken From Ministry Of Solid Minerals In 2024 Budget

Published

on

By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed  the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to provide details of all projects embarked on in the last year.
The Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi gave the directive when the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mary Ogbe, appeared before it to defend the 2024 budget.
The committee members expressed displeasure with the inconsistencies in the presentation by the Permanent Secretary and resolved that all documents pertaining to all jobs carried out by the Ministry be made available before next Tuesday.
The lawmakers also queried the Ministry for not capturing most of the projects it embarked on in the presentation it made.
Gbefwi said, “We are expecting the budget and we cannot appropriate if we do not know the true status of the utilisation of what has been given you in 2024.
“We were quite detailed when we sent you then documents we required. You must provide details of all the projects, budget codes, budget items, appropriated amount, contractors, amount awarded, date of award, the status of the projects, the percentage with regards to performance, and the lot numbers among others.
“So all these individual items must be captured in detail in this document so that Nigerians would know how the money that has been appropriated has been utilised.
“There are a number of projects that were not captured in the presentation to the Committee. There was no explanation whatsoever.
“Don’t give us any half baked documents again. Every line must be adhered to. And give us the advertisment that was done, the code the contractors and everything. Even if it is before. FEC. Kindly put it in the remark section. Go and work on your documents again and make proper presentation. Let’s have a comprehensive submission,” he said.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary said a total of N25.05 billion was appropriated as expenditure outlay for the ministry in the 2024 budget.
“This comprised of 894.4 million as overhead cost and 23.15 billion as capital expenditure. The personnel cost of the Ministry was captured in the captured still in the Ministry of Steel Development for 2024 because the personnel separation  had not been fully executed.
“On appropriation releases to the Ministry, she said for overhead, the total appropriation is N895, 441, 335. As at October 31st 2024, N745, 367, 779 had been released. Balances as at October 31, is N149, 073, 555. Percentage of releases of the appropriation for the overhead is 83 percent. Expenditure on release is the same amount that has been released. So there is a hundred percent performance. For capital appropriation it is N23, 150, 884, 863. Out of which N2, 724, 818, 977 has been released. 11 percent had been released and percentage performance is 100 percent.
“The Ministry achieved a 100 percent utilisation mainly of non debt recurrent expenditure and the percentage utilisation in capital as at the end October is 11 percent. This is because procurement process is still ongoing and some are awaiting FEC approval. With the bottom up cash plan, works must be executed before payment,” she said.
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News