COVER
NDDC: Sack IMC Now, Senate Tells Buhari
By Jude Opara and Matthew Dadiya, Abuja
The rancor generated by alleged financial recklessness by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) reached a crescendo yesterday, with the Senate blaming itself of incompetence in oversight functions.
The Senate, specifically said it was not doing enough to monitor activities of the Commission, a situation that led to the many financial breaches in the commission under investigation.
Also, the Senate faulted the Federal Government for the rot and corrupt practices perpetrated in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The ad-hoc committee investigating the misappropriation of funds in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), therefore, mandated the IMC of the Commission to refund all “unjustifiable funds” it paid to its staff and contractors.
Equally, the panel recommended that going forward, the NDDC should report directly to President Muhammadu Buhari even as it urged the President to dissolve the IMC and set up a board for the Commission.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi read these recommendations at plenary presided by Senate President, Ahmed Lawan.
This development came exactly two weeks after the acting Managing Director of the NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, told the nation that the commission spent a whopping N1.5 billion on provision of COVID-19 palliatives.
He disclosed this at the investigative hearing on the N40 billion corruption allegation against the commission.
The Senate had on May 5, set up a seven-man ad-hoc committee to investigate the “financial recklessness” of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the commission.
The lawmakers said within the last three months, the commission has spent over N40 billion of the commission’s fund “without recourse to established processes of funds disbursement which has opened up further suspicion among stakeholders of the Niger Delta Region.”
The ad hoc committee further recommended that oversight of the forensic audit should now be supervised by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation to ensure transparency; it also asked the federal government to engage a renowned auditor to oversee the forensic audit.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Niger delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has told the House of Representatives that he was misunderstood in his earlier statement on National Assembly members being 60 per cent beneficiaries of contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
In a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Akpabio said the House panel probing the alleged mismanagement of N81.5 billion in the NDDC did not give him the opportunity to clarify his statement.
Akpabio’s letter was read about an hour after the Speaker had said that the Lower Chamber would sue him for defamation since he failed to name the lawmakers who got the contracts after the 48 hour -ultimatum.
The former Senator had while appearing before the panel probing the NDDC on Monday, claimed that most of the contracts awarded by the Commission went to the federal lawmakers.
However, in his letter, the former governor of Akwa Ibom State still insisted that the Chairmen of the two committees on NDDC in the Senate and House of Representatives, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, respectively were involved in misdemeanor.
“I hereby respond as follows, the investigating committee refused or neglected to give me the opportunity to explain the reference to ‘most NDDC contracts awarded since 2001 from the records allegedly to members of the National Assembly was done without the knowledge of the alleged beneficiaries’. However, the two chairmen of the committees in both chambers have adequate knowledge,” Akpabio wrote.
“I never referred to members of the ninth national assembly as beneficiaries of NDDC contracts as NDDC is yet to fully implement any NDDC budget since the commencement of the ninth national assembly. In fact, the 2019 budget passed in February and harmonized on 5th of March 2020 was received by the commission in the middle of April 2020 when the same was designated to expire on 31st May 2020.
“However, it is pertinent to point out that the clerk forwarded a letter dated 20th of March without attaching the budget details, this anomaly was brought to the attention of the senate investigating purported financial recklessness by the management of the commission in July 2020.
“It has always been known that the two chairmen of the committees on NDDC in both(Houses) exhibit unusual influence to the exclusion of committee members and even the management of the NDDC appropriate funds projects after passing of line items at plenary.
“Permit me to explain that any reference to 50 or 60 percent during the investigative hearing was an answer to a question by a member of a committee as to whether or not a medical director could act as a director projects within the confines of the NDDC act 2000, I answered in the affirmative pointing out that the greatest project in the world is COVID-19 pandemic which is medical in nature.”
The embattled Akpabio also assured the House members that as a former Senator, he will continue to promote the ideals of the legislative arm of government and the Senate as an institution.
By David Torough, Abuja
Zenith Bank Plc has assured its teeming customers of exceptional service delivery and improved customer experience following the successful completion of its Information Technology Infrastructure Upgrade.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the bank, Dr.
Adaora Umeoji in a statement expressed her immense gratitude to all customers of the bank for their patience and support during its recent IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.Umeoji emphasized that the bank was committed to delivering unparalleled service experience, saying “We undertook such an extensive endeavor in other to better position Zenith Bank Plc for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and provide memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints,” adding that the bank now has one of the best technology infrastructure in the Nigerian banking industry, and is well positioned to ensure customers experience exceptional service delivery going forward.
Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.
The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.
The bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2023 and 2024 in the International Banker Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best
Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
By David Torough, Abuja
The death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has thrown the nation into mourning, casting a heavy pall over official functions at the Presidency and the security services.
The Presidency yesterday announced Lagbaja’s death following what many attributed to his protracted battle with cancer.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos, “after a period of illness”
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.According to the statement, Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service.
He had previously served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion among other sensitive positions.
Incidentally, President Tinubu had, last weekend Wednesday, appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, to stand in for Lagbaja who had been away on medical treatment.
The President had, last Tuesday, gone ahead to decorate Oluyede as Lieutenant General, deepening speculations that Lagbaja was not being expected back anytime soon.
Following the death of the late COAS, the Presidency postponed the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for yesterday in honour of the fallen COAS.
The President also directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was also caught in the sombre atmosphere. A joint statement mourning the demise of the COAS was issued by Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
The MOD expressed shock over the sad news recalling Lagbaja’s contribution to the Army and his dedication to duty.
The statement said, “He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.”
Similarly, there was palpable grief at the Defence Headquarters over the loss with the leadership expressing deep sorrow of the development.
It noted that the COAS, until his death, demonstrated exemplary leadership. He was credited with spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and also playing critical roles in multiple military operations across the country.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force announced the cancellation of all non-essential personal and social engagements for two days. The Force also suspended non-urgent commitments in honour of the late COAS.
In a statement by Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police authorities described Lagbaja as a highly respected figure, known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.
“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service.
“The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday joined other leaders across the globe in congratulating America’s President-elect, Donald Trump.
The world leaders sent their congratulatory messages hours before Vice President Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump.
Tinubu expressed his eagerness to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
The Nigerian President’s message was conveyed through a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.
”According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.
The Nigerian leader congratulated the American electorate on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” the statement said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
Atiku, in his message, described Trump’s victory as “a lesson in the art of rising after every fall,” apparently seeing possibilities of his own victory in future elections amid a string of past losses.
Atiku, who contested in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has recorded a string of losses in previous election cycles on different political party platforms.
Atiku commended the process that led to the outcome of the US presidential election, hailing the American citizens for their unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.
He appealed to Trump to stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and the world in general.
“I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future.
“It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party.
“This triumph, without a doubt, will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process – a timeless reminder that democracy, with all its trials and tribulations, remains a force for good in the world.
“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.
“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.
“I also extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice”, he said.
Meanwhile the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, has called Trump to congratulate him on winning the presidential election.
Associated Press (AP) report quoted a campaign aide of Harris’ as having had a discussion with Trump on the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
Harris was billed to make a public concession speech later Wednesday night, which would be her first appearance since she lost the election to Trump.
Further report said she would be delivering her speech at Howard University, Washington DC.
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