NEWS
Dickson Describes Petition Against him at EFCC Frivolous
Sen. Seriake Dickson has described the allegations contained in the petition over which he was questioned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday as “frivolous’’.
Dickson said in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, on Wednesday, that the anti-graft agency had questioned and allowed him to return home on self recognition.
The senator representing Bayelsa West, was alleged to have breached asset declaration laws and diverted funds for flood response, to the tune of N17.
5 billion during his tenure as governor of the state.Dickson was governor of Bayelsa between Feb. 14, 2012 and Feb 14, 2020.
He explained that the assets which the petition alleged that he bought with public funds during his tenure as governor, were acquired with loans in 2007.
He explained that the assets were duly declared to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).
“As a law abiding citizen and with a lifelong commitment to supporting law enforcement and security agencies, I honoured the invitation as rescheduled.
“I understand that the subject matter of the inquiry relates to investments of my family trust, which I incorporated as a member of the House of Representatives as family assets and investments, which were made between 2007 and 2012 before I became governor.
“I understand that there is a petition from an NGO alleging that these investments (largely buildings, plots, farms, etc in my village, Orua, Yenagoa, and two buy-to-let houses in the UK, were not declared.
“I have a duty to clarify these issues with the investigating authorities who by law have the responsibility to inquire into these matters,’’ he said.
Dickson stated that the investments were funded by loans and advances, and repaid from salaries, allowances, savings and other incomes, adding that one of the properties “is still on mortgage’’.
He said that all the relevant documents were made available to the EFCC.
On the allegation of diverting the N17.5 billion donation for flood victims during the 2012 flood disaster that ravaged the country, Dickson described the allegation as blackmail because Bayelsa Government did not receive such donation.
“However on getting to the commission, the investigating team came up with a new allegation of diversion of flood funds in 2012 totaling N17.5 billion.
“The petition further alleged that the money was used for my re-election in 2019. The fact is that there was no such donation over the 2012 flood in Bayelsa.
“Curiously, there was no mention of donor or where the money came from. There was also no re-election for governorship in Bayelsa in 2019 which are clear proofs that the petition was totally frivolous.
“The commission after looking into these allegations have since asked me to return home on self recognition,’’ Dickson stated. (NAN)
NEWS
Imo Governor Appoints 16 Special Advisers
From Marcel Duru & Charity Wins, Owerri
Imo State Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma has approved the appointment of 12 Special Advisers (SAs) as efforts are in top gear to deepen the gains of the Shared Prosperity 3R Government of his second term.
The appointments, according to the governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku on Wednesday in Owerri, were with immediate effect.
The newly appointed SAs are: Barr. Leo Awazieama; Joseph Oputa; Mrs. Ijeoma Ikegwuruka; Comrade Austin Chilakpu; Dr. Patrick Uzoma; Dr. (Mrs) Obianuju Nwokejiobi; Chidi Onyewuchi; Andy Chikwe; AND Amarachi Anyaehie.
Others are: Tonia Chimenem Chinda; John Ikeaka; Mrs. Chinyere Emeziem; Mrs. Esther Ukachukwu; Ezechi Chukwueme; Humphrey Ikeaka and Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Pat Ekeji.
Governor Uzodimma congratulated the new appointees and urged them to brace up to contribute their quota in the overall interest of Imo State.
NEWS
CNPP Laments over Rising Food Inflation
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) has lamented the rising state of food inflation in Kogi State.
The Kogi State Chairman of CNPP, Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi in a statement made available to Journalists, fumed that the prices of food stuff and other goods have continued to bite harder on the people of the State.
Abdullahi, who disclosed that Kogi is a Civil Servant state and does not deserve this continuous untold hardship noted that the present economy is toxic on the people.
He stressed that Kogi State having the highest food inflation in Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics report is not only embarrassing but condemnable.
He emphasized that the people of the State are suffering adding that, the present administration should urgently put measures in place to ameliorate the sufferings of the masses.
” It is not good news as far as CNPP is concerned that Kogi recorded 48.46 per cent, which is the highest food inflation rate in Nigeria followed by Kwara 46.18 percent, while Akwa Ibom was pegged at 45.18 percent.
“Now in Kogi State, when you go to the market, what you will buy at a particular price in the morning will be different from what you will buy with the same goods in the afternoon or evening . The traders didn’t go to the market to buy new products but they will on their own increase the prices just to frustrate the people despite them earning peanuts as their wages. This is unfair and condemnable.
“We are appealing to the government of Kogi State to intervene in the rising state of food inflation. People are really suffering. Kogi State is a Civil servant state and does not deserve what they are getting now. Many traders in Kogi State are using the present economic hardship in the Country to exploit the people.
“This must stop before things get out of hand. The Government must ensure that those who are sabotaging its effort in controlling economic inflation are checked. We know that the present administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will do the needful for the people of Kogi State to smile again” he stated.
He, however, appealed to the people to remain calm, promising that CNPP will hold the government accountable for good governance in Kogi State.
NEWS
Benue killings: Benue reps frown on incessant attacks on communities, killings of his constituents
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The member House of Representatives representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Arc. Asema Achado, Wednesday, condemned the incessant attacks on Benue communities and killing of 28 persons by suspected Fulani herdsmen militia in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
Arc. Achado who described the action of the attackers as senseless, expressed deep condolences and solemn empathy to the grieving communities of Tse-Kperyisa, Tse-Adaa, and Tse-Shiver, where innocent farmers were slaughtered by herdsmen. Achado in a statement by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mendah Manasseh, said he joined his voice with the Gwer West people in condemnation of the senseless and unlawful attacks..The statement said “the attacks have inflicted immeasurable pain and suffering upon the peace-loving people of Gwer West.”I implored the Benue State Government to urgently intervene by enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, by ensuring that the perpetrators of these barbaric acts face swift and decisive justice.“They should also collaborate with law enforcement agencies to apprehend those responsible for these heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.”I therefore call on the people of Gwer West to remain steadfast and united in their quest to bring an end to the spate of killings.Achado assures his constituents of his unwavering support and steadfast commitment to championing their cause and advocating for lasting peace and security in the constituency.