NEWS
Alleged N585m Fraud : Documents reveals Betta Edu’s Adherence to Due Process
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The suspended minister, Dr. Betta Edu, currently facing investigation for an alleged N585 million fraud, is said to have meticulously followed existing due processes, according to a source conversant with modern administrative procedures.
The source explained that senior officials of the Ministry, notably Halima Shehu – who handled the entire process, seemed to have disappeared from the controversy, describing the development as tactical manoeuvre and calling on President Bola Tinubu to demand further clarification on the matter.
Barrister Jim Ekpeyong, a concerned citizen, also told newsmen in Abuja on Sunday, that the documents revealed that Edu’s alleged involvement in a fund transaction request, approved and executed into an assistant director, Mrs.
Bridget’s account, with sources from the Ministry confirming adherence to Financial Regulations applicable to MDAs.The document asserted that the suspended minister adhered to established processes within the humanitarian ministry, supported by Financial Regulations for MDAs.
Another document shares details of the 2021 FG’s payment to project accountant personal accounts in MDAs, highlighting Mrs. Bridget’s role in overseeing financial activities related to the program.
Despite financial regulations binding MDA transactions, the released documents argued that the minister’s actions aligned with established procedures, emphasizing Mrs. Bridget’s duty to manage funds disbursement and retirements under the specified regulations.
The funds in question were said to be intended for beneficiaries under Mrs. Bridget’s monitoring and supervision through a payment system. Notably, Mrs. Bridget, an Assistant Director and civil servant in the ministry, is stated to be unrelated to Dr. Betta.
The source from the ministry defended Mrs. Bridget, asserting that the payment request process was well-established, insisting there was no illegality involved.
The source argued that the controversy appears to be a trap set to tarnish the image of the government, emphasizing, “no money is missing and the program’s transactions were successful.”
It questions the call for Dr. Betta Edu’s resignation, pointing out her proactive reporting of a missing 44 billion from the NSIPA account, with a subsequent recovery of 39.8 billion.
The source contended that the minister’s commitment is driven by a desire to serve and achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s poverty-alleviation plans, dismissing accusations of fraudulent intentions.
The narrative underscored Dr. Betta Edu’s dedication to breaking records and her courage in pursuing the government’s goals despite challenges.
According to the source from the ministry: “She has done nothing illegal, it was just a trap which I believe she’s going to survive. The process by which she requested the payment to Mrs Bridget, was already established in the ministry, there are regulations for it within the ministry and all MDAs have been using it over the decades. So it’s not that Edu had bad intentions nor did the destination account associated with her, but I think some individuals just want to use her to embarrass the government. People that are after her position took advantage of the situation and the target is to tarnish the image of the government.
“What people are ignoring is that, is money missing? No. Did the program carry out the transactions successfully? Yes.
“So why call for her head?
Was the 44 billion missing from the NSIPA account in the space of one week, as she reported to the appropriate authorities for further investigation, stolen? Yes
“And 39.8 billion has been recovered so far, from the perpetrators and paid back into the government account? Yes.
“This document and regulation process should let Nigerians know that she’s not associated with any intention of fraud in this government.
“Edu is just a young woman willing to serve, break records in this government, and achieve President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plans to pull millions of Nigeria out of Poverty, which many are scared of her courage and hardworking spirit,” Barr Ekpenyong stated.
The source also urged President Tinubu to check the activities of old brigade politicians working against “the brilliant new breed appointees in his administration.”
NEWS
Ajuri, Tinubu’s Spokesperson Takes Exit, Cites Mesical Reaaona
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Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”NEWS
Fuel Crisis: 1000 CSOs Fault Tinubu’s Economic Team, Want Immediate Reconstitution
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By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.NEWS
Tension in Makurdi Community as NAF Personnel Demolishes Houses, Destroys Rice Farm
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There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.