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BREAKING] ₦37.1bn Fraud: Buhari’s Minister Arrives EFCC Headquarters

By
Shehu Danladi
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Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, has reported to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for interrogation regarding an ongoing probe into the alleged laundering of ₦37,170,855,753.44 during her tenure. The funds are said to have been funneled through a contractor, James Okwete.

Umar-Farouq’s arrival at the EFCC headquarters was confirmed around 10 am on Monday. Earlier, she had formally written to the EFCC, citing health challenges and seeking an extension of the deadline for her appearance.

“I have, at my behest, arrived at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to honour the invitation by the anti-graft agency to offer clarifications in respect of some issues that the commission is investigating,” Umar-Farouq tweeted on Monday morning.

The former minister faced the possibility of arrest after failing to appear on the initially scheduled date. The EFCC, in response to her plea for more time, mandated her to submit herself without further delay.

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC, confirmed that Umar-Farouq’s legal representative had met with interrogators, but emphasized that the commission expects her presence for further questioning. Ongoing investigations into the alleged fraud involve tracing transactions related to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.

The EFCC had earlier arrested James Okwete, the contractor implicated in the case. Sources indicate that Okwete has provided crucial information linking Umar-Farouq and former directors-general of the ministry to the financial misappropriation.

It has been revealed that the laundered funds, totaling ₦37.1bn, were transferred to 38 bank accounts held in five legacy commercial banks linked to Okwete. Transactions included transfers to Bureau De Change Operators, cash withdrawals, purchase of luxury cars, and acquisition of properties in Abuja and Enugu State.

The investigation also disclosed that Okwete had 53 companies connected to him, with 47 of these firms securing Federal Government contracts amounting to ₦27,423,824,339.86. The contractor is associated with 143 bank accounts in 12 commercial banks.

Umar-Farouq, appointed as the youngest cabinet member by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019, is not the sole focus of the investigation. Three other former ministers are reportedly under probe for graft estimated at ₦150bn.

The EFCC has affirmed its commitment to unraveling the details of the financial misappropriation, stating, “We are still tracing all the transactions, hence we cannot put a figure to everything now as investigation is still ongoing.”

Supreme Court Upholds Election of Hyacinth Alia as Benue Governor

By
Saladin Babagana
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In a recent development, the Supreme Court has upheld the election of Hyacinth Alia as the governor of Benue state, dismissing the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Titus Uba.

Both the governorship election petition tribunal and the court of appeal had previously affirmed Alia’s victory.

Despite the PDP’s dissatisfaction with the earlier judgments, the Supreme Court’s decision has now settled the matter.

Hyacinth Alia, a Catholic priest, had received a certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to the INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, Alia, the APC candidate, secured 473,933 votes, defeating Titus Uba of the PDP, who garnered 223,914 votes in the Benue governorship election.

Federal Medical Centre in Lagos Adopts Strategies to Address Brain Drain , Enhance Healthcare Services

By
Udehi Alambo
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In response to the challenges posed by the “Japa” syndrome (brain drain) affecting the healthcare sector, the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Dr. Adedamola Dada, outlines proactive measures. The hospital is actively encouraging retired specialists, creating an enabling environment to retain existing staff, and recruiting new personnel to address resignations.

Despite acknowledging the impact of brain drain, Dr. Dada emphasizes that the hospital has designed programs to ensure continuity and minimize disruptions in patient care. The utilization of retired specialists, who are still active and skilled, has been a key strategy in maintaining service levels.

Addressing the cost of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment, Dr. Dada suggests that increasing the volume of patients seeking IVF services can potentially reduce costs. The hospital aims to contribute to this by treating a significant number of patients, leveraging economies of scale to obtain consumables at a better rate and, consequently, reducing the overall cost of IVF.

Discussing the broader issue of quackery in healthcare, Dr. Dada highlights the importance of creating access to healthcare through national health insurance. He emphasizes that once access is improved, fewer individuals will resort to untrained practitioners, reducing complications and improving overall healthcare outcomes.

Regarding the prediction of losing 50% of healthcare workers by 2025, Dr. Dada expresses confidence in the ability to address the challenge by improving the economic environment, remuneration, and creating strategic advantages to retain healthcare professionals. He believes in focusing on the positive aspects and improving the overall economy to retain skilled workers.

Reflecting on his six years as the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Dada notes the transformation of the Federal Medical Centre into an efficient public health institution. The hospital has expanded its facilities, increased bed capacity, and enhanced the quality of services. Challenges, including human resources and infrastructure development, were addressed through strategic planning and technological advancements.

Despite facing challenges in phases, Dr. Dada remains optimistic about the future and the hospital’s continued growth. The recent commissioning of a new building further expands the hospital’s capacity, enabling it to offer additional services, such as IVF and ophthalmology, to meet the healthcare needs of the community.

As healthcare institutions grapple with various challenges, proactive measures and strategic planning, as exemplified by the Federal Medical Centre in Lagos, play a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services.

Additional N30bn Budgeted for National Assembly Renovation Sparks Criticism

By
Udehi Alambo
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Lawmakers in Nigeria have allocated an additional N30 billion (approximately $71 million) for the ongoing renovation of the National Assembly Complex in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.

This comes on top of the initial budget, bringing the total amount spent on the renovation to N60 billion. The N344.85 billion budgeted for the National Assembly is the highest ever allocated to the legislature.

The delay in completing the renovation has been attributed to fluctuations in the value of the naira against the US dollar, hampering the importation of materials and equipment.

Critics express concern over the increased budget for renovation, calling for transparency and accountability in public spending.

The decision to allocate more funds to the renovation project has raised eyebrows, especially as Nigeria faces economic challenges and essential sectors require substantial investment.

Critics argue that prioritizing such a project amidst pressing needs in health, education, and infrastructure may not align with the broader interests of the citizens.

The National Assembly’s role in overseeing government spending has also been questioned, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsible allocation of resources.

As the debate over public spending continues, stakeholders urge policymakers to consider the nation’s overall development priorities and allocate resources judiciously.

Transparency and effective oversight mechanisms are crucial to ensuring that public funds are used efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

Manufacturers Brace for Worker Layoffs as Naira Declines by 39%

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

The Nigerian naira has experienced a 38.9% depreciation against the US dollar in the past three months, falling from N745.19/$ on October 3, 2023, to N1035.12/$ as of January 3, 2024, at the official Investors and Exporters (I&E) window of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This continuous decline has raised concerns among manufacturers and the organized private sector, with fears that companies may scale down operations, leading to worker layoffs.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), and the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists expressed worries over the negative impact of the falling naira on their members. The naira’s volatility persists despite government efforts to enhance foreign exchange (FX) market liquidity, including clearing FX backlogs and receiving a $2.25 billion support facility from the African Import-Export Bank.

The naira’s decline is seen as a potential threat to economic stability, with fears that more companies may shut down or downsize operations. Manufacturers have intensified calls for the Central Bank to address the ongoing forex scarcity and provide a lasting solution to the crisis. The organized private sector urges prioritized forex and credit allocation to manufacturers, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to stabilize the foreign exchange market.

Concerns grow as the naira’s value remains under pressure, impacting businesses that heavily rely on imported materials and contributing to a challenging operating environment. The depreciation raises questions about the effectiveness of recent interventions and highlights the urgency of addressing structural issues in Nigeria’s economy to attract foreign investments and stabilize the forex market.

The World Bank has recommended measures such as controlling inflation, stabilizing the foreign exchange market, removing import restrictions, improving infrastructure, and pursuing clear, consistent trade policies to boost economic growth. As the manufacturing sector faces uncertainties, stakeholders call for concerted efforts to address the root causes of the forex challenges and ensure a more sustainable and resilient economic environment.

NDLEA Intercepts Drug Consignment , Apprehends Female Bandits’ Supplier

By
Mosali Edunosa
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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos, intercepted a consignment of Colorado, a potent strain of cannabis, on New Year’s Day.

The drug was concealed in boxing kits imported from the United States of America. A subsequent intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of Olorunfunmi Olakunle, a 38-year-old individual responsible for distributing the psychoactive substance to dealers across Lagos State.

Femi Babafemi, the spokesperson for NDLEA, stated that the consignment arrived on January 1 via Cairo on an Egypt Airlines flight, marked as boxing kits. Olakunle revealed that he delivered such consignments whenever his childhood friend, Sagir Salami based in the US, sent them. The intercepted shipment had a total weight of 1.80 kilograms.

In a separate operation, a 28-year-old female supplier of ammunition to bandits, Bilkisu Suleman, was arrested by NDLEA operatives along the Zaria–Kano Expressway. She was found in possession of 249 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition concealed in her handbag. Bilkisu intended to deliver the ammunition to an identified bandit in Kakumi village, Katsina State.

The NDLEA also reported the transfer of a suspect, Francis Suru, and 63 jumbo bags of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 2,104.2 kilograms and a truck to the Lagos State Command. The military authorities at Bonny Camp Cantonment in Lagos transferred the suspect and drug exhibits after they were initially intercepted by NDLEA officers near the cantonment on December 12, 2023.

In other operations, NDLEA operatives in Niger State intercepted a J5 bus coming from Ondo State to Zaria, Kaduna State, with 23 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 219.5kg. In various arrests across different states, suspects were apprehended with significant quantities of cannabis and other illicit drugs.

These efforts reflect the NDLEA’s ongoing commitment to curbing drug trafficking and related criminal activities across Nigeria.

MDCN Issues Warning Against Denying Patients Care During Strikes

By
Olajumoke Sanusi
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The Medical and Dental Council Of Nigeria (MDCN) has issued a stern warning to doctors, cautioning against denying patients access to healthcare services during strike actions. The regulatory body addressed this concern in a letter dated January 4, 2024, sent to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of various healthcare institutions.

Dr Tajudeen Sanusi, the registrar of the MDCN, highlighted the growing trend of registered practitioners engaging in industrial actions, including strikes, to enforce their labor rights. The letter emphasized that the conduct of shutting down the health sector during strikes has brought disrepute to the medical professions and will no longer be acceptable.

The key points from the MDCN’s directive include:

  1. Patients on admission must not be discharged solely due to a strike action.
  2. Emergency units, labor rooms, and other critical care facilities must remain open and manned by scheduled practitioners.
  3. Accidents and emergency units must operate based on the provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act.

The MDCN warned that administrative practitioners, such as Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, would be held responsible and face severe consequences for any violation of these regulations.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) recently issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, setting a deadline of January 31, 2024, to meet its demands. Failure to meet these demands could result in industrial action within the health sector.

The ongoing trend of strikes in the healthcare sector in Nigeria has been a recurrent issue, with various demands from medical professionals seeking improved welfare, salary reviews, and other workplace conditions. The MDCN’s warning aims to ensure that patient care remains a priority, even in times of industrial action.

Gunmen Storm Abuja’s Sagwari Estate, Kidnapping Ten Residents

By
Toyin Adebayo
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On a disturbing event, on Sunday night at around 7:30 pm, gunmen broke into Sagwari Layout Estate on the Dutse axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and abducted at least ten people.

Witnesses stated that the invasion was carried out by the kidnappers, who were dressed as herders. Eight individuals were removed from the estate, and two more employees were kidnapped from a nearby hotel.

After successfully sending a distress message to the estate’s WhatsApp group, one of the victims expressed worries for his family’s safety and quickly cut off contact.

The security officers have begun searching the hills behind the estate with assistance from estate security staff.

A security operative who was beaten and tied by the kidnappers has been rescued.

FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, could not be reached for comments. Repeated calls made to her phone were left unanswered.

However, a call placed on the Police emergency call centre, revealed that the command was aware of the incident, and the closest DPO had been informed to mobilise men to the scene.

Tragedy Strikes as Boat Mishap Claims Eight Lives in Anambra: NIWA Issues Statement

By
Nnenna Nwankwo
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The National Inland Water Authority (NIWA) has confirmed a devastating boat mishap in Umumu Anam, Anambra State, resulting in the tragic loss of eight lives. The incident occurred as the passenger boat, en route from Idah in Kogi State to Onitsha in Anambra State, encountered a snag on the water channel, leading to its capsizing.

NIWA General Manager Corporate Affairs, Jibril Darda’u, conveyed the unfortunate news in a statement, stating that the incident took place between Thursday, the 4th, and Friday, the 5th of January, 2024, at approximately 7 a.m.

Upon receiving the distressing report, NIWA promptly deployed relevant personnel from the marine department to conduct rescue operations, recover bodies, and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

“Preliminary reports indicated that the wooden engine boat rammed into a snag on the water channel and capsized with about 50 passengers on board,” the statement revealed. Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives at the scene, while 38 others were successfully rescued.

NIWA reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring safer inland waterways, emphasizing ongoing recovery efforts. The Authority expressed sincere condolences to the families and friends of the deceased, extending prayers for the repose of their souls.

The statement concluded by reaffirming NIWA’s dedication to implementing measures that guarantee the safety of inland water transportation, pledging to provide detailed information as soon as field officers complete their investigation and report back to headquarters.

Agriculture Minister Pledges to Eliminate Round-Tripping, Improve Farmers’ Data for Enhanced Food Security

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has underscored the commitment of the Ministry to eradicate round-tripping and enhance the accuracy of farmers’ data, aiming to bolster food security and production in Nigeria.

During a meeting with the Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Kyari emphasized the need to address persistent challenges that have hindered government policies and programs in the agricultural sector.

Kyari stated, “It is imperative for us to tackle some of the challenges observed and ensure that they do not impede our agricultural development agenda.” He specifically mentioned cases of round-tripping in collaboration with agro-dealers and issues related to poor validation of farmers’ data in certain participating states.

Expressing the Ministry’s unwavering commitment, he assured that stringent measures would be implemented to transparently distribute farm inputs during the upcoming dry/wet season farming for rice, maize, and cassava. Collaboration with state and local governments, traditional rulers, NGOs, and relevant MDAs is deemed crucial to achieving these objectives.

“As we seek the support of all stakeholders in the agricultural sector, we are dedicated to overcoming challenges and ensuring a successful intervention despite time constraints,” Kyari affirmed.

Highlighting the commencement of the second phase of dry/wet season farming, the Minister expressed determination to make it a substantial success. He acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the Ministry’s focus on leveraging technology and mechanization for massive staple crop production.

Kyari concluded, “We are grateful for the support and guidance of Mr. President as we work towards a more food-secure Nigeria.” The Minister’s commitment aligns with the broader goal of achieving food security through strategic interventions and collaboration across various sectors and stakeholders.

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