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Senate Investigates SURE-P Fund Diversion For Vote-Buying …As Reps Recommend NEMA DG’s Sack Over N33bn Fraud

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Senate has resolved to investigate alleged misuse of the Social Intervention Programme (SIP) funds by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
The upper legislative chamber also agreed to probe how funds allocated to the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P), were utilised before 2015.
The resolution followed adoption of a motion by the Minority Leader, Biodun Olujimi on alleged deployment of funds under the SIP, to buy Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to promote President Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential election in 2019.
Olujimi displayed copies of signed forms, by an alleged SIP beneficiary, and claimed that beneficiaries were made to attach their PVCs before they can benefit from the fund.
She noted that it was unfortunate that the Social Intervention Programme, which was created for the benefit of every Nigerian, was allegedly being manipulated to buy PVCs for Buhari’s re-election bid.
Olujimi, who came under Order 42 (personal explanation), prayed the Senate to investigate the matter as a matter of urgency.
She urged the chamber to ensure that the SIP fund was not used for political purposes.
But, Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, described the allegation as completely unfounded.
As Lawan moved to disabuse the minds of his colleagues about any untoward use of the fund, the Senate erupted with shouts of ‘point of order.’
Attempts by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, to control the situation failed for some minutes.
Thereafter, Saraki yielded the floor to Senator Dino Melaye to move his point of order.
Melaye said Olujimi’s motion should first be seconded before contributions would be made but requested for protection, and be allowed to make his points.
Saraki said Lawan should be allowed to speak, which he did.
Lawan said: “I listened attentively to the motion by Senator Olujimi. I want to say that the SIP of this administration is transparent. For the first time in the history of social intervention programmes in Nigeria, we have proof that anywhere you are in Nigeria, you can apply.”
But, shouts of ‘point of order’ continued.
Senator Albert Akpan took the floor to raise Orders 49 and 52, and reiterated Melaye’s position that Saraki should first allow Olujimi’s motion be seconded.
He added that contributions in support of the motion should be taken after which those opposed to the motion should take the floor.
But Saraki could take none of that.
He insisted Lawan be allowed to conclude his contribution.
Buoyed by that support, Lawan said the SIP was computer-based, which made it easy for Nigerians to apply wherever they were.
He urged the Senate President to be above board and blind to the debate.
Lawan also said it was on record that the SIP has been the most successful in the country.
“We inherited poverty, we inherited empty treasury. This administration is working to change the system. The social intervention fund is under the office of the Vice President, who has been very transparent in the implementation of the programme for the benefit of all Nigerians,” the leader said.
Lawan added that he was not against whatever the Senate wanted to do with Olujimi’s motion “but the investigation should not be turned into a political weapon.”
He reminded the Senate that Nigerians were aware that Sure-P failed and that Olujimi should tender the document she had while the investigation should be party blind.
Thereafter, the Senate adopted the prayer that the probe should be apolitical.
The prayer that Sure-P should also be investigated was also adopted.
Senators Ibrahim Gobir, Shehu Sani, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Danjuma Goje, among others, were appointed to probe Olujimi’s claims.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to relieve the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Mustapha Maihaja of his duties over the alleged mismanagement and embezzlement of “over N33billion .”
An ad hoc committee of the House investigated the operations of NEMA under Maihaja and recommended his sacking.
The House has just approved the recommendation of the panel, which is chaired by a member from Gombe State, Mr. Ali Isa.

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FG To Seize Retirees’ Property Over Unpaid Housing Loans

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The Federal Government Staff Housing Loans Board says it has begun the compilation of list of retired civil servants who have defaulted on the full repayment of housing loans obtained.
Head of Information and Public Relations, FGSHLB, Mrs Ngozi Obiechina, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.
Obiechina quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs Salamatu Ahmed, as saying that the move was aimed at recovering mortgaged properties from retirees who failed to meet their loan obligations.
Ahmed noted that the decision followed a recent memo issued by Mrs Patience Oyekunle, Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
According to her, the memo reminded public servants of the mandatory requirement to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness to the FGSHLB and MDA Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a precondition for retirement.
The Executive Secretary said that the board would take necessary legal steps to repossess properties where applicable, in line with the terms of the loan agreements.
She said this was in line with the provisions of the Public Service Rules 021002 (p), issued by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
“I am directed to bring to your attention the provision of Public Service Rule (PSR) 021002 (p), which mandates all public servants to obtain a Certificate of Non-Indebtedness as a prerequisite for retirement.
“The Federal Government will commence the seizure of mortgaged properties belonging to retiring federal public servants who have failed to fully repay housing loans obtained from the board,” she said.
Ahmed explained that the FGSHLB reserves the legal right to repossess any mortgaged property in cases where a public servant exits service without fully repaying the loan.
She reiterated that the directive also applied to already retired officers who were still indebted.
She urged all affected public servants to regularise their loan status and obtain the required clearance certificate without delay.
“The board is currently compiling a list of such retirees, which will be forwarded to relevant regulatory agencies for debt recovery.
“The FGSHLB remains committed to enforcing compliance and ensuring proper loan recovery procedures are followed, “ she added.

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FG Begins Induction For New Permanent Secretaries, Accountant-General

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The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
The Federal Government has kicked off a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation, aimed at equipping them for strategic leadership and effective policy implementation.
The induction, according to a statement yesterday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Eno Olotu, which commenced on Wednesday, is being held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja.
Speaking at the opening session, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, congratulated the new appointees and described their roles as pivotal to governance and national development.
“Permanent Secretaries are the engine room of the government. They are critical to driving policy implementation, institutional performance, and reform across the service”, she said.
“The expectations are high, and the responsibility is immense. But with commitment and teamwork, we can deliver a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centred public service.
“This final lap of FCSSIP 25 calls for urgency, accountability, and strategic focus. You must translate vision into measurable results,” she stated.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, described the programme as a strategic investment in leadership capacity and institutional effectiveness.
The sessions featured expert-led discussions, simulations, and strategic briefings facilitated by a distinguished faculty, including Engr. Suleiman Adamu, former Minister of Water Resources; Dr. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination; Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Justice; Alh. Yusuf Addy, retired Federal Director; Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Amb. Mustapha Lawal Suleiman, Mr. Adesola Olusade, and Dr. Ifeoma Anagbogu, all retired Permanent Secretaries.
Participants include Dr. Obi Emeka Vitalis, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, Mr. Danjuma Mohammed Sanusi, Mr. Olusanya Olubunmi, Dr. Keshinro Maryam Ismaila, Dr. Akujobi Chinyere Ijeoma, Dr. Umobong Emanso Okop, Dr. Isokpunwu Christopher Osaruwanmwen, Mrs. Oyekunle N. Patience, Dr. Kalba U. Danjuma, Mr. Nadungu Gagare, Mr. Onwusoro I. Maduka, Dr. Usman Salihu Aminu, Mr. Ogbodo Chinasa Nnam, Mr. Ndiomu Ebiogeh Philip, Dr. Anuma N. Ogbonnaya, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olaninre, and Mr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed, alongside the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi.
The induction programme will feature sessions on public sector leadership, policy delivery, ethics in service, digital transformation, and performance management.

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NNPCL To Undergo Forensic Audit Soon -FG

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has announced that a forensic audit of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin soon.
Edun revealed this at the ongoing Nigerian Investor Forum, held alongside the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.
The minister explained that the recent changes in the NNPCL management are part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to clean up and examine the company closely.
While addressing top global investors, including representatives from J.P. Morgan, Edun shared key reforms the government has introduced to revive the economy and restore investor confidence.
He told the investors that the government’s bold economic steps have laid a strong foundation to attract private investment.
He stated, “Our goal is not just to maintain this momentum, but to accelerate it. We are targeting seven per cent annual growth, and we believe the policies we have implemented have laid the groundwork to achieve this.”
Edun highlighted that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out major reforms that are already making a difference.
He added that the Nigerian economy grew by 3.84 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 and recorded a 3.4 per cent growth for the year.
Edun further stressed the importance of the reforms, describing them as “unprecedented,” adding that, “We said we would do it, and now we have done it. This time, we’re staying the course.”
He pointed out signs of progress such as lower budget deficits, a better trade balance, and a more stable exchange rate.
He also said that the focus is now on growing key sectors, especially agriculture.
According to Edun, agriculture is at the top of the government’s agenda, with the aim of improving food supply and increasing productivity.
“We aim to close the food supply gap, not by importing more, but by enabling domestic producers to scale and innovate,” he said.
On infrastructure, Edun revealed that the government has rolled out 90,000km of fibre optic cable to improve internet access.
He said this move is crucial for supporting young Nigerians and tech startups.
He also noted that 4,000km of roads have been offered for private sector participation, with the first 1,000km already approved for construction.

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