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How we disbursed N1.1bn World Bank loans – Officials answer to Abia govt panel
The Director of Computer Services at the Abia State Ministry of Budget and Planning, Ejem Kalu, and the retired Director of Debt Management in the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Umah Ukaonu, were called before the Abia State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Government Properties and Funds to address a petition filed by A. N. Nwachukwu. The petition alleges collusion and the withdrawal of millions of naira.
Another petition lodged with the panel disputes the wrongful removal of Mrs. Joyce Chidozie Ubani from her position as Head of NG Cares Units and the non-implementation of NG Cares projects in Abia State.
During cross-examination by the Panel’s legal counsel, Mr. Ejem Kalu clarified that Mrs. Joyce Chidozie Ubani did not hold the position of State Cares Coordinating Units (SCCU). He explained that the World Bank had directed the state to appoint State Cares Coordinating Units, a role he assumed.
Kalu stated that the first tranche of money, totaling 1.1 billion naira, was disbursed to six platforms after successfully documenting and implementing 86% of NG Cares Units projects in Abia State. The platforms included Cash Transfer (62 million naira), Labour Intensive Public Work (61 million naira), CSDA (280 million naira), FADAMA (517 million naira), and SCCU (142,980,244.60 naira). Kalu affirmed that the 1.1 billion naira from the World Bank was appropriately utilized for its intended purpose.
In response, Umah Ukaonu explained that the funds were released and withdrawn from the Ministry through the signatures of the Permanent Secretary, himself as the Director of Debt Management, and the Director of Finance for various projects and programs. He also mentioned that 10 million naira was generated in 2022 from companies partnering with the Abia State government, and such funds were directly deposited into government coffers.
In a separate matter before the Judicial Panel, the former General Manager of Methodological Complex Nig LTD, Mr. Henry Nwaijike, claimed that equipment and machines kept in the company’s warehouses were looted by unknown individuals. He reported the incident to security agencies and denied involvement in the looting of government property.
The petitioner, Onyebuchi Nwankpa, spokesperson of the Abia State Ministry of Trade, argued that the former General Manager should account for how the equipment and machines were looted during the handover process. Counsel to the Abia State Judicial Panel, Mrs. Enobong Okafor, referred to a letter dated 3/5/2022 by Johnson Onuoha, indicating that the evacuation of machines occurred before Henry Nwaijike handed over to the acting General Manager of Methodological Complex Nig LTD, Ada Chukwu.
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EFCC nabs 34 currency speculators in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives, assigned to the Taskforce on Currency Mutilation, Dollarization of the Economy, and Forex Malpractice, have apprehended 34 individuals suspected of engaging in foreign exchange fraud. The arrests were made during a sting operation on Friday, following credible intelligence regarding illicit dollar sales in the Wuse Zone 4 area of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
As conveyed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects include individuals such as Usman Mohammed, Abdullahi Nasir, Abubakar Saleh, and others listed in the statement. The arrests reflect the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to cleanse and stabilize the foreign exchange market.
Oyewale stated that upon the completion of investigations, the suspects will be brought before the court to face charges.
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Transfer: Wolves table €12m bid for Osayi-Samuel
Wolverhampton Wanderers, a Premier League club, has reportedly submitted a €12m bid for Bright Osayi-Samuel, the Super Eagles defender currently playing for Fenerbahce. According to NTVSpor, Wolves are eager to secure the services of the Fenerbahce star, with Crystal Palace and Leeds United also expressing interest in the full-back.
It remains uncertain whether Fenerbahce will accept the offer. Osayi-Samuel is enthusiastic about returning to England after a successful stint with Queens Park Rangers. Throughout this season, he has made 34 appearances across various competitions, contributing to nine goals. Despite having one year left on his contract with Fenerbahce, his desire to return to English football could influence his future transfer.
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BenPoly: Purge yourself of ethnic favouritism – Group tells Alia
The Idoma Intellectual Forum (IIF) has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to ease the growing tension within the Benue State Polytechnic community by promptly appointing a substantive Rector for the institution. In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Dr. Sunday Ochigbo, the National Secretary of IIF, the group expressed support for Governor Alia’s commitment to revamping the educational sector in Benue State.
While acknowledging the governor’s decision to dismiss all heads of state-owned higher institutions with the aim of bringing in more qualified individuals, the group expressed concern over the delay in filling the vacancy at Benue Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. They noted that despite the swift appointment of a substantive Provost for the Benue State College of Education, Oju, and a Rector for the Alfred Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi, the process for Benue State Polytechnic has been protracted.
The group criticized the composition of the management team at Benue Polytechnic, describing it as unfavorable to the Idoma people and contrary to the principles of state representation. They highlighted the dominance of Tiv individuals in critical management positions within an institution situated in Idoma land as unacceptable.
Moreover, the IIF condemned the removal of an Idoma Rector and the installation of a Tiv acting Rector by the Alia administration. They denounced what they perceived as a deliberate effort to marginalize and disadvantage the Idoma people across various sectors in Benue State, including within a state-owned Polytechnic located in Idoma territory.
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