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N8.3bn Scam: Minister, Others Under Probe
Application of public funds in the on-going U-17 World Cup tagged: ‘Nigeria 2009’ are reportedly receiving the attention of relevant anti-corruption agencies in the country, even though spending is still being done on the project.
The controversial N8.2 billion contract for the upgrading of the Nigeria Television Authorities (NTA) facilities for the coverage of the competition, was said to have compelled the commencement of the probe, following public outcry on perceived underhand dealings in the award of the contract.
The contract was awarded to a United Kingdom-based company, Well Trade Services (WTS), in partnership with Sony Group, by a minister (names withheld), following an approval by the Federal Executive Council on July 15, 2009.
Checks revealed that the probe was multi-dimensional because of different angles to the contracts awarded for the competition, considering that the handling of funds approved for the competition by the Local Organising Committee, has also been a subject of probe.
The committee had been accused of frivolous spending, with about N40 million said to have been expended on biscuits and soft drinks. A source who preferred anonymity, revealed that given the proactive nature of some of the probing agencies, there might not be any need for petitions to be written against the minister and other public officers before investigations were launched into their activities, especially when there were compelling evidences to look into such matters.
The international dimension to the equipment upgrade contract was said to have been responsible for the early start into the investigation, since it was taken that it would take a relatively longer time to get all the facts in the matter.
It was also learnt that the early start was to make sure that facts gathering had gone far before the completion of the competition and the expected audit of the finances that would go into it by all the relevant agencies.
It was further gathered that the probe became compelling after it was discovered that South Africa, which is hosting the senior World Cup in 2010, paid about N2 billion less for brand new equipment.
Those involved are expected to provide answers to some riddles in the project, especially having to pay more for renovation, even when the said upgrade was said to be almost useless for the configuration NTA was having in place now.
Another issue is the late or non-delivery of the equipment contracted to WTS when the competition was almost ended and why the contract was not awarded directly to Sony, which would supply new kits at a lower cost of 20 per cent less than what was agreed with WTS.
With the broadcast right eventually going to AIT, those involved would also be expected to explain why the contract was still awarded, since FIFA made it known early enough that AIT came tops in its assessment. The contract awarded by the Nigerian government was to “Renovate from SD to HD 6 x 12 Camera HD OB van for £25,777,571.24; renovate from SD to HD 6 x 2 Camera HD SNG van for £4,389,798.89; renovate and upgrade 1 x IBC for £1,952,722.26, with the total project costing £32,120,092.39.
The total value in the nation’s currency amounted to N8, 351,224,022, (Eight billion, three hundred and fifty one million, two hundred and twenty-four thousand, twenty-two naira), with the currency exchange put at N260 to one British pound.
Government-owned South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), on September 9, 2008, signed an agreement with Sony for 380 million rand (about N6.3 billion), to supply brand new OB vans to broadcast the 2009 Confederation Cup and 2010 Soccer World Cup in High-Definition (HD).
The specifications of the OB vans supplied for the World Cup were far superior to that of NTA and were as follows: Four new OB vans. Identically- specified, each 30-ton vehicle is equipped with 18 cameras, and wired for 24, including 3 super-slo HD cameras. The interior is divided into four main areas; production, sound, video tape area (VT) ; and vision control.
Another grey area in the Nigerian contract is that though, Sony also bid for the direct supply to the NTA at a lower cost, the ministry allegedly decided to award the contract to WTS , which would in turn, buy the equipment from Sony.
A source noted that “the prices quoted by them (WTS) were for renovation as stated on the approved budget and quotation. Also, Sony on its own part, quoted directly to NTA for the same project. However, the same Sony Broadcast, which WTS claimed to be partnering, in quoting directly for the same project, refused to provide NTA a quote for renovation, as they believed that there was no value in renovating the present facilities.
Instead, Sony provided a cheaper quote for brand new equipment to NTA.”
The Rivers State Chief judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi has granted pardon to six inmates standing awaiting trial at the Port Harcourt maximum correctional center.
The six lucky inmates granted pardon on Tuesday by the state Chief Judge included Nwekeala Chizoba, Samuel Emmanuel, Aniete Kelvin, Ebube Fubara and Goddey Okpara who were on awaiting trial as murder suspects and have all spent between 10 years to seven years in the custody without a proper information filed against them in the court.
Justice Amadi during a special gaol delivery exercise last Tuesday at the Port Harcourt Maximum Correctional Centre opined that the special gaol delivery was part of activities lined up to commomerate the 2024/2025 legal year in the State and restated the commitment of the state judiciary in decongesting the correctional centre and ensuring that those inmates who are not supposed to be there are removed from the custody.
The state chief judge stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to build a society that supports rehabilitation and gives a second chance to anyone or group of people who have fallen short of the expectation of the law and have been punished accordingly.
He stressed that the National Judicial Council(NJC) encourages judges to pay more attention to criminal matters to enable them to decongests the correctional facilities, noting that since his assumption into office, his administration has been able to reduce the number of inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centres and the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre in particular, to less than 2,000 as against the over 4,000 inmates previously in the faculty.
According to him, “as they release the deserving inmates, they affirm their commitment to justice, compassion and rule of law but that they must not forget the fundamental principles of justice delivery system which is truth and fairness, integrity and equality before the law.”
I encourage you all the released inmates to return to your families and become better citizens. You must not engage in action that will return you all back to prison. Let me say that while the judges show empathy to you all, it does not absolved individuals from being held accountable for actions against individuals, corporate organisations and state which the law frowns at, ”he stated
The Chief Judge thereafter stood down the exercise to enable the DPP to intervene to case files following the fact that majority of the persons listed to benefit from the exercise are facing murder charges and adjourned to a date that will come before December.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the outgoing state Comptroller of Nigerian Correctional Centre, Port Harcourt, Felix Lawrence, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General, commended the state judiciary led by Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Chibuzor Amadi for their continuous effort aimed at ensuring justice and decongesting the facilities.
Other activities lined up for the event included special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral , Anglican Communion, Rebisi Port Harcourt, inspection of guard of honour by the state Chief Judge mounted by officers of the Nigerian police and a special court session held at the ceremonial court hall.
By: AkujobiAmadi
The Director General of Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement (RBoPP), Dr. Ine Briggs, has explained that the Sir Siminalayi Fubara administration plans to enforce transparency in governance through public procurement.
Speaking at a one-day Public Procurement Enlightenment workshop organised in collaboration with the State Local Government Service Commission for newly elected chairmen, vice chairmen, secretaries and leaders of legislative assemblies, Dr. Briggs said it is key for grassroot development.
She stated that the Sir. Fubara administration plans to reduce wastage and at same time infuse efficiency in public expenditure.
The RSoPP DG said the local government political office holders remain key drivers in the new vision hence the workshop is to arm them with knowledge on how to execute projects in tandem with needs of the people.
“ Your role in the prudent management of public resources is, therefore, not just administrative it’s the cornerstone of delivering the dividends of democracy. Every procurement decision you make must reflect a commitment to fairness, transparency and accountability” Dr. Briggs submitted.
One of the key goals of the administration she further reminded the participants was to use their offices to foster economic growth through public procurement.
She warned that the law establishing the agency empowers it to penalise defaulters, but that what is more important is voluntary compliance to the laws.
In addition to that, she said urged the local government council leaders that champion the practice and implementation of public procurement law.
On his part, Acting Chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Pastor GoodLife Ben Iduoku averred that the aim of the workshop is to arm key stakeholders in the local government system to generate new ideas, innovation and strategies in tandem with government policies and programmes.
The workshop dealt on various topics on procurement planning, methods, Understanding Bid Process, including types of Construction Contracts and law.
Some participants were awarded excellence and meritorious awards as part of the programme.
By: Kevin Nengia
The 19th anniversary of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Rivers State Chapter, recently ended in Port Harcourt in grand style, with participants from various schools including proprietors, the academia, civil society groups and top government functionaries charting the way forward for educational improvement.
The 19th NAPPS anniversary christened, ‘Innovation and Adaptation: Transforming Challenges Into Opportunities’ was held at Casoni Hotels, Port Harcourt.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the association, Dr. Jaja Adafe Sunday expressed gratitude to the members and executives for their untiring efforts towards the achievements of the body.
He sought the intervention of government on the lingering crisis on the economy as it is affecting the running of schools.
He decried high cost of things including fuel and raw materials which has adversely affected the running of schools and payment of teachers.
Dr. Sunday hinted that the current economic situation in the nation is biting hard on the operations of schools, saying inflation, removal of fuel subsidy, fuel scarcity, poor electricity supply, tariffs and lack of government grants are some of the challenges faced by schools, and urged the members to brace up to the challenges, as it is the panacea to building a brighter future.
Guest speakers from the health sector and the academia thrilled the gathering on the essence of basic education which they said is the key to national development.
Former Dean of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Professor Azuru and the Chief Medical Director of Meridian Hospitals, Dr. Odo Iyke were some notable guest speakers who delivered lectures at the occasion.
Some distinguished proprietors also got special recognitions and awards.
The 19th anniversary cake was cut by the Rivers State NAPPS Chairman with representatives of the state government assisting.