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Director alleges fraud in running of Nigerian Governors Forum, demands forensic audit
The Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo, has submitted a letter to the NGF chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, alleging corruption and a lack of transparency in the organization’s management. The leaked communication has brought to light internal conflicts within the NGF Secretariat in Abuja, with high-ranking officials in dispute over purported financial misconduct and recklessness.
Barkindo unveiled concerns about the operational practices of the secretariat, contending that the NGF now prioritizes transactions over development. He asserted that the NGF has deviated from being an agent of change to becoming “a conduit pipe for a few individuals.” He called for a comprehensive forensic audit of all NGF accounts, including those established during crisis periods, to prevent scrutiny by governors under the guise of entities like NIGOFO.
The letter emphasized that the NGF accounts have not undergone auditing for at least a decade, highlighting the transformation of the Forum and its finances into the personal domain of a select few. Barkindo expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of qualified accountants in an organization involved in substantial financial transactions, such as the Paris-London refunds. He disclosed instances where significant amounts, such as the N630 million deducted from the N5 billion infrastructure support fund, were allegedly maneuvered to create conflicts among governors.
Barkindo suggested that the NGF undergo a forensic audit to scrutinize all its accounts, especially those established during crisis periods, to prevent interference by governors through entities like NIGOFO.
News
Maiduguri flood: Ogun Govt donates N200m to Borno State
The Ogun State Government has donated N200 million to the Borno State Government in response to the severe flooding that recently devastated the area, causing significant property damage and displacing thousands of residents.
The flooding was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri on September 10.
Reports indicate that at least 414,000 people have been displaced, with 30 lives lost due to the disaster.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously sent condolences to the people and government of Borno, praising the state government’s swift actions and the support from the Federal Government.
Kayode Akinmade, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, stated on Saturday that the donation aims to aid flood victims and provide immediate relief. He noted the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Borno State caused by the flooding and called on all Nigerians to help those in need.
News
Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji appoints over 300 board chairmen, members
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of chairpersons and members for various government agency boards and parastatals.
This initiative aims to facilitate the efficient operation of government activities and improve service delivery.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.
The appointments, which include both full-time and part-time roles, will take effect on Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Oyebanji congratulated the new appointees, highlighting that their roles present valuable opportunities for public service. He encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their duties.
News
Nigerian govt mobilises contractor to F107 Road, collapsing bridge in Abia
Users of the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road will soon heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has mobilized a new contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to begin work on the collapsed sections of the road.
The mobilization of the new contractor followed a viral video by ABN TV titled “How Your Area,” which highlighted that the Onu Uduma Bridge, commonly known as Nmuri Bridge on the federal road, was on the verge of collapse.
The critical bridge, previously rehabilitated by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has come under severe pressure due to repeated downpours and the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, which exposed it to structural threats.
The Federal Executive Council approved additional funds for the project, supplementing the money initially approved in 2018.
The arrival of CCECC equipment at the affected site on Wednesday has brought hope to the people of Ohafia and all users of the road. This follows the termination of the previous contractor, Heartland, whose contract was revoked due to issues concerning the quality of work.
Speaking on the arrival of the new contractor, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, stated that the progress was a result of his engagement with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, through the Abia State Government, to ensure repairs on the road and the Nmuri Bridge to prevent total collapse.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti, his deputy, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for their swift response to the road’s condition, but urged host communities to offer maximum cooperation to the contractor to ensure smooth and timely completion of the work.
CREDIT: DAILY POST
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