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Group Urges Gov. Kefas to Probe Alleged Diversion of FG Palliatives
A group, Taraba Concerned Citizens (TCC), has urged Gov. Agbu Kefas, to investigate alleged diversion of Federal Government (FG) palliatives to 16 local government areas (LGAs) and two development areas of the state.
The group, through its coordinator, Mr Timothy Gayus, and the secretary, Hamisu Salejo, made the call while speaking to newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.
TCC called on Kefas to probe the local government council chairmen saddled with the responsibility of distributing the palliatives to the vulnerable.
Reports says that there have been widespread allegations of diversion of food palliatives sent to Taraba by the Federal Government, to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.
The items include bags of rice, maize, sorghum, garri and fertilisers, which were allegedly found on sale in major markets in the state.
“We demand to know why the palliatives meant to be distributed free to the masses have dominated all the major markets in the state without getting to the locals.
“Our question is that who sold them to the marketers? The palliatives were given to the state to cushion the present hardship the people are passing through, and not to be sold.
“The people are hungry, but the local government council chairmen chose to sell the palliatives.
“The people behind the diversion of the palliatives must be exposed and made to face the wrath of the law, in order to serve as deterrence to others,” the group said.
When contacted by some of the journalists on phone, Mr Saviour Nokun, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Special Duties, said that it was the LGAs that first got the allocations.
Nokun assured that the allegations would be investigated and the culprits brought to book.
“Due to widespread outcry of alleged diversion of the commodities, I personally visited the Jalingo main market and found the commodities in some market stalls.
”This is sad and I want to assure you that the government will do everything possible to unmask those behind the diversion,” the commissioner vowed.
Available records from the ministry indicate that Wukari, Sadauna, Jalingo and Gasol LGAs, were given 850 bags each of rice, maize, milet and sugar; while the rest of the LGAs were allocated 800 bags of each of the items. (NAN)
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NSE Blames Collapsed Building Incidences to Handiwork of Unqualified Engineers
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Tuesday blamed the incidents of collapsed buildings in the country to unqualified engineers.
The President of the society, Mrs Margaret Oguntala, made this known in an interview with the newsmen shortly after inspection of some projects by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and Borno Government in Maiduguri.
“We have found out that the collapse of buildings has nothing to do with the engineers who registered with us,” Oguntala said.
According to her, the society had been advising people to know the importance of using professionals in their projects.
She urged Nigerians to always consult with the NSE and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria to ensure that only qualified engineers handle their projects.
She lauded the collaboration of NEDC with members of the society in Borno in the execution of its projects.
She said that members of the society were actively involved in finding a lasting solution to challenges facing Alau Dam that led to the recent Maiduguri flood disaster.
“We have already nominated some of our members to join the government in preparing sustainable solutions to mitigating the reoccurrence of the collapse of the Alau Dam which occurred in Sept. 10.”
Report says that Oguntala was in Maiduguri for the society’s combined retreat. (NAN)
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Oyo Govt Introduces Redress Mechanism for Outdoor Advert Practitioners
The Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) has introduced a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) form for outdoor advert practitioners.
According to a statement issued in Ibadan on Friday by the agency’s Director-General, Mr Oludolapo Eso-Ajanaku, the GRM is to address complaints from outdoor advertisement practitioners and business owners.
Eso-Ajanaku described the initiative as the agency’s commitment to fostering accountability and improved stakeholders’ engagement in the advertisement industry across the state.
He explained that the GRM form is a data-friendly tool aimed at streamlining the process of lodging complaints and grievances.
He maintained that this was to ensure an effective and prompt resolution of disputes with the provision of a dynamic and business-friendly environment.
“The new GRM form can be accessed through the OYSAA website: www.oysaa.oyostate.gov.ng.
“Complainants can also contact the OYSAA office at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, to access the new GRM form,” he said.
The OYSAA boss encouraged concerned stakeholders to utilise the mechanism in addressing issues of complaints and grievances.
He promised an excellent and dedicated commitment to maintaining and sustaining open-line communication with utmost professionalism and efficiency. (NAN)
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Bode George Slams Onanuga Over Attacks on Obasanjo
By Mike Odiakose, Abuja
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has taken Bayo Onanuga, a spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the cleaners over his recent remarks targeting former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
George described Onanuga’s comments as disrespectful and contrary to Yoruba cultural values that emphasize reverence for elders.
The controversy began after Obasanjo, speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on November 16, criticized Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, calling them a “travesty.
”He attributed Nigeria’s underdevelopment to corruption, poor leadership, and a lack of moral values, pointing to the inefficiency of successive administrations.
Obasanjo also emphasized the need for reforms in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rebuild public trust.
In response, Onanuga accused Obasanjo of hypocrisy, claiming that the former president oversaw what is widely considered one of Nigeria’s most fraudulent elections during his tenure.
Onanuga further argued that Obasanjo failed to address several key national issues and that subsequent administrations have had to contend with the consequences of his poor economic policies.
However, George, in an interview with Nigeria Info FM, condemned Onanuga’s tone, stating that Yoruba traditions discourage insults toward elders, regardless of differences in opinion.
He pointed out that Obasanjo, as a senior statesman, deserved respect, even in disagreement.
“An old man who could be Bayo Onanuga’s father said something, and you blasted him right, left, and centre. Yoruba culture does not permit such behavior,” George said.
George also recalled a previous instance where Onanuga allegedly disrespected him, adding that the spokesperson has a history of attacking individuals with differing opinions.
He warned Onanuga to be mindful of his actions, stating, “There’s always a day after, and that’s more important. He should be vigilant.”