April 2021 – Page 43

Post Date : April 11, 2021

Ganduje: Kwankwaso Left Over N50bn Liability For LG Road Projects

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano has accused his predecessor, Senator Rabi’u Kwankwaso, of leaving a liability of N54.4billion for the five kilometres road projects across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state. In a statement on Sunday, Ganduje said the state Executive Council had received the report of the “Technical Committee to assess the 5 km road projects all of which were awarded by the previous administration under the defunct Ministry of Land and Physical Planning with the state Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) as supervising agency.” The committee was set up after Daily Trust exposed the state of the projects. The state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, who spoke on behalf of Ganduje, said the committee visited 39 local governments where its detailed report indicated awarded contract sum for the projects, present site conditions, value of executed works, amount certified and amount released for the projects. He said 5km projects in three local governments were revoked and rewarded due to non-performance in Warawa, Ungogo and Dawakin Tofa, while some portions of the projects in Tsanyawa and Bichi along Kano-Katsina road were released to the federal ministry of works and housing based on request from the federal government. He said three other projects in Rimin Gado, Karaye and Bunkure local government that fall within main arterial highway were expunged from the main project and re-awarded separately for execution, while metropolitan local governments of Dala, Nassarawa, Gwale, Municipal and Tarauni were allotted various projects within the municipality as 5km projects. But reacting to the allegation, Kwankwaso, who spoke through his former Commissioner for State Affairs and deputy governor candidate of the PDP in the 2019 election, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, said, “Thank God it was Ganduje who was the Commissioner of Ministry of Local Government, he was in charge of the entire project. It was his (Ganduje) ministry that was supervising the project and making recommendations for payments to contractors.” He admitted that most of projects were left uncompleted, but what the Kwankwaso administration did was payment of 30% as “mobilisation fee and if you exhaust it and sufficiently prove that you have done something beyond the initial 30% you collected, then you make a claim and it is paid. Unfortunately for Ganduje, all these processes were strictly done in his ministry.” “As far as we are concerned, we don’t know of any liability of any N54billion. Maybe they are now trying to cook up something,” he said. Gwarzo said the administration of Kwankwaso carried out its own findings on the projects before leaving office and it will release the technical report if challenged to do so.

Post Date : April 11, 2021

Gunmen kill four in Katsina community

Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Saturday night killed four men at Yar Marafa Village, Yar Malami ward in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State. Residents gave the names of the victims as Alhaji Lawal Damfuge, Samaila Namoali, Musdafa Senior and Ado Lafate. They were said to be residents of the village. The gunmen reportedly stormed the village on Saturday night and started shooting, thereby throwing the community in confusion. Although details surrounding the incident were still sketchy by Sunday, it was learnt that the gunmen stormed the village when residents were about to retire to bed late Saturday night. It could also not be ascertained whether the gunmen looted items during the attack after killing the four victims. Residents revealed further that the four victims were buried according to Islamic rites on Sunday. The reaction of the spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, SP Gambo Isah, was still being awaited by 6.50 pm on Sunday.

Post Date : April 11, 2021

Herdsmen kidnapped Imo priest – Police

The Imo state police command has confirmed the abduction of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Marcel Izu Onyeocha, blaming it on suspected herdsmen. Police Spokesman, Orlando Ikeokwu, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said Onyeocha is of the Mother Theresa of Golgotha Catholic Church , World Bank, Owerri, the state capital. According to the statement, the cleric was travelling when his car broke down along Port Harcourt-Enugu Expressway. The statement said, “On 11/04/21, one Bissong Isa Atugu reported that on the 10/03/21, at about 7:45pm ,while driving from Enugu to Owerri with a Nissan Exterra SUV, in company of one Rev . Fr. Marcel Izu Onyeocha of Mother Theresa of Golgotha Catholic Church, World Bank Owerri, the vehicle developed fault around Ihube in Okigwe LGA, and as they stepped down to check the vehicle, a group of people believed to be Fulani herdsmen emerged from the bush and inflicted machete cut injuries on him, while the priest was kidnapped and taken to unknown destination. “Sequel to the above, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Mohammed , has activated all the tactical teams of the Command, with a view to rescue the priest, and possibly arrest the culprits. “He however calls for calm as the Command will do everything possible to ensure the rescue of the priest.”

Post Date : April 11, 2021

Report: FG seeks INTERPOL’s support to arrest over 3,400 escaped inmates

The federal government has reportedly asked the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) for assistance in arresting more than 3,400 inmates who escaped from custody in Nigeria. According to PUNCH, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) enlisted the support of INTERPOL to be on the lookout for the inmates after recent jailbreaks. An NCS official was quoted as saying that in addition to the prisoners who escaped in Imo state, a total of 3,471 “dangerous” inmates are currently on the run. Gunmen had attacked the federal prison in Imo during which they were said to have freed over 1,800 inmates. The jailbreak was the latest among others that have happened across the country in recent times. The NCS is said to be compiling data of all inmates to also forward to various security organisations as part of efforts to re-arrest the prisoners. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) is also on the alert for the escaped inmates. “Suffice it to say that the bulk of those who fled Owerri correctional centre are hardened criminals,” the source added. Francis Enobore, NCS spokesperson, was quoted as confirming that the list of the prisoners will be forwarded to both the INTERPOL and the NIS. “Like the ones we are processing now, we want everything to be comprehensive so that we send them at the same time,” he reportedly said. “We also realise that waiting for the list to be comprehensive before sending may also slow down the manhunt, so these batches that are coming up would be sent for local searches at motor parks and other places, but everything would be uploaded to the (INTERPOL) platform.”

Post Date : April 11, 2021

South East Governors float Security Outfit

Governors of the South East have gone the way of their South West counterparts by establishing a regional security outfit to tackle criminality. At a security meeting in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Sunday, the governors announced the establishment of EBUBE AGU, which will have its headquarters in Enugu State. Governors of the South East have gone the way of their South West counterparts by establishing a regional security outfit to tackle criminality. At a security meeting in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Sunday, the governors announced the establishment of EBUBE AGU, which will have its headquarters in Enugu State. After IPOB’s attack-on-sight directive: Police operatives live in fear in S’East Buhari appoints new DG for women devt centre In the South-West, Amotekun was launched to checkmate unrest in the region. Chairman of the Southeast Governors forum, Dave Umahi, who read a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the South East Governors expressed optimism that the development will boost security. “After exhaustive discussions on the current security challenges in the South East and with valuable contributions from participants at the first South East security summit in Owerri on this day Sunday April 11th 2021, it was resolved as follows: “To strongly and unequivocally condemn terrorism and banditry in any part of Nigeria, particularly in the South East. The meeting strongly condemns the burning of police stations, violent attacks on custodial centres with the unlawful release of inmates, and the killings including security personnel, natives/ farmers and headsmen. “That the five South East states are on the same page with the federal government on the issue of security challenges in the country. To this end, the meeting makes it absolutely clear that the South east will stand resolutely with the federal government to fight terrorists and bandits to a finish “That the political leadership in the South East has resolved to bring together all the arsenals at their command, as one united zone, to fight and flush out criminals and terrorist from the zone. “That the summit resolved that to achieve this, there is a need to galvanise all the relevant stakeholders in the south east, the political class, the business community, the bureaucrats and the intelligentsia to provide all necessary support to security operatives in the five south east states to ensure total success in the fight against criminality in the zone. “That the heads of all the security agencies in the south east have resolved to exchange intelligence in a seamless, effective new order that will help to checkmate crime in the zone. “That to fast track crime-busting in the south east, the heads of security agencies have been mandated to draw up a comprehensive list of their logistics and material needs for sustainable success in the fight against criminality, for the immediate provision by the leadership of the South East. “That a committee made up of security personnel, government officials and relevant stakeholders be set up to coordinate and monitor the implementation of the south east joint security platform. “To applaud the initiative of the South east security summit and to make it a statutory summit that will convene every quarter while its hosting shall rotate among the five south east states. The meeting resolved to maintain a joint security vigilante for the South East otherwise known as Ebube Agu. “The meeting appreciated the formation of South East joint security outfit co. Named Ebubeagu. Headquarters in Enugu to coordinate our vigilante in the South East. South East Governors requested the Acting IGP to stop the influx of IGP monitory units but to allow cps and state and Zonal commands to handle their cases. Meeting approve that the acting IGP and other security chiefs do invite the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo and CAN to find out the reason for increasing insecurity of the South East.” Security formations were targeted in multiple attacks in Imo last week. A Catholic priest was also abducted in the early hours of Sunday, raising security concerns in the state.

Post Date : April 11, 2021

5,000 persons displaced, as Boko Haram hits Adamawa

YOLA No fewer than 5,000 persons, mainly women and children have been displaced following weekend attack by Boko Haram in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa. Dr Mohammed Sulaiman, the executive secretary of the Adamawa state emergency Management agency, announced this in Yola on Sunday. The Executive Secretary disclosed that many other communities from neighbouring local governments were also displaced. He recalled that the insurgents came in nine vehicles on Friday to attack Kwapre village in Dugwaba District of Hong Local Government Area. Suleiman stated that the insurgents surrounded the village and killed seven people, including three children. “During the attack, 50 houses, worship centres, markets and schools were burnt. “Many people, including women, girls and men, were kidnapped by the attackers. ” However, we received a report that eight persons among the kidnapped victims escaped. “The displaced persons during the attack are taking refuge in nearby villages,” he said. The District Head of Dugwaba, Mr Simon Yakubu disclosed in Yola that the attackers invaded the village at about 1 p.m. and started shooting. “During the attack that lasted for more than two hours, more than 20 persons were injured and no fewer than 20 persons are unaccounted for as at this report. “Places of worship, schools, shops food stores and village head house were destroyed,” Yakubu said. He said that the injured had been receiving treatment at Hong General Hospital, while two persons who were critically injured by gunshot had been referred to Federal Medical Centre, Yola. According to him, many villages in Dugwaba district, including Kwapre are few kilometres away from Sambisa forest where insurgents use as their hideouts. He also recalled that in 2014, Kwapre village was attacked and destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents. When contacted, Mr. James Pukuma, Chairman, Hong Local Government Area, said that normalcy has returned to the area as security and local security groups had been deployed to protect lives and property. He called on the people of the area to be vigilant and report any suspicious move to the nearest security agency for quick response. DSP Sulaiman Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Adamawa, confirmed the attack.

Post Date : April 11, 2021

Gunmen kidnap Catholic priest in Imo

Izu Marcell, a catholic priest, has been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in Okigwe LGA of Imo state. The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday morning along Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway. Marcella, who is said to be a lecturer at Imo state university, was in transit from Enugu to Owerri when the attack happened. The gunmen reportedly shot sporadically into the air which brought his vehicle to a halt before he was whisked away. Orlando Ikeokwu, police public relations officer (PPRO) in Imo, did not respond to calls to confirm the abduction. Text messages sent to his phone received no response. Imo has come under attacks by gunmen in the past few days. Last Monday, gunmen attacked a correctional centre and the police command headquarters in Owerri, the state capital. Over 1,500 prisoners were reportedly freed in the attacks. The police accused members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being behind the attacks.

Post Date : April 11, 2021

South-East govs meet in Imo on security

Governors of the South-East region are currently holding a meeting today in Owerri, the Imo State capital over the security issue in the region. Navy and Air Force Commanders, the Inspector-General of Police, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other stakeholders are reportedly expected to be present at the meeting. The was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to Imo State Governor, Oguike Nwachuku. Also, the Imo State Government confirmed the meeting via a tweet, saying “Southeast Security Summit currently ongoing at Owerri, Imo State. All 5 South-East Governors present at the meeting.” The meeting holds days after gunmen attacked the Owerri Custodial Centre, freeing 1,884 inmates. The Imo State Police Command was also attacked by gunmen who set several vehicles abalze on the same day. Details later…

Post Date : April 11, 2021

We Will Fight Corruption With Rule Of Law – Bawa

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa, has reiterated the commission’s commitment to fighting corruption within the ambits of the law. Speaking in Kano during his maiden visit to the Zonal Office of the EFCC, Bawa said what distinguished the anti-graft agency at inception was strict adherence to the rule of law. “There were no new laws that other law enforcement agencies were not empowered to enforce; the only thing that made EFCC unique, is adherence to the rule of law,” he said on Saturday. “We allow the law to take its cause. Once someone crosses the line, we will do our job with civility and charge them to court to answer for their crime.” The EFCC boss also charged the staff to adhere to the commission’s core values which are professionalism, integrity and courage, in the discharge of their duties. Bawa urged workers to renew their commitment to work in order to ensure the agency’s success, noting that while not expecting perfection from the staff, his appointment as chairman should inspire young officers to aim for greatness. He further called the staff to shun indiscipline and corruption as such vices would not be tolerated in the Commission. “There are pioneer officers of the Commission who have worked hard to make the EFCC what it is by sheer determination and courage and that is what we need to uphold and remember We need to always remember where we are coming from so as to know where we are headed, ” he added. On the issue of reforming the Commission, the EFCC boss disclosed that he had set up committees to look at the issues of digitalization of the database, Standard Operations Procedure, Staff welfare, among others. He also assured that the agency under his watch will be proactive in its approach to fighting corruption.

Post Date : April 11, 2021

Pay judges more, cut Buhari, govs, lawmakers’ jumbo allowances, SERAP tells FG

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Engr. Elias Mbam, Chairman, Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) to “urgently review upward the remuneration, allowances, and conditions of service for Nigerian judges, and to review downward the remuneration and allowances of high-ranking political office-holders in order to address the persistent poor treatment of judges, and to improve access of victims of corruption to justice.” SERAP also urged him “to send your review and recommendations to the National Assembly for appropriate remedial and legislative action, as provided for by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].” The letter followed the nationwide industrial action by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) to press home their demand for financial autonomy for the judicial arm of government, and the federal government’s silence on the judiciary workers’ strike that has grounded courts across the country. In the letter dated 10 April 2021 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Judges should get all to which they are reasonably entitled, and it is unfair, illegal, unconstitutional, and discriminatory to continue to treat judges as ‘second-class people’ while high-ranking political office-holders enjoy lavish salaries and allowances.” SERAP expressed concern that: “The remuneration and allowances of judges have fallen substantially behind the average salaries and allowances of political office-holders such as President, Vice-President, governors and their deputies, as well as members of the National Assembly.” SERAP said: “Nigerian judges are among the least paid in the world. The poor treatment of judges is neither fair to them nor to the Nigerian people. Judges deserve remuneration, allowances, and conditions of service commensurate with their judicial powers and responsibilities.” According to SERAP, “While the remuneration and allowances of judges are grossly insufficient to enable them to maintain themselves and their families in reasonable comfort, high-ranking political office-holders continue to enjoy lavish allowances, including life pensions, and access to security votes, which they have powers to spend as they wish.” The letter, read in part: “According to our information, the last review of the remuneration, allowances, and conditions of service for political, public and judicial office holders carried out by RMAFC in 2009 shows huge disparity between the remuneration and allowances of judges and those of political office-holders.” “Judges’ work is very considerable but they cannot give their entire time to their judicial duties without the RMAFC reviewing upward their remuneration and allowances, and closing the gap and disparity between the salaries of judges and those of political office-holders such as the President, Vice-President, governors and their deputies, as well as lawmakers.” “Although one of the three coordinate branches of the government, the judiciary is treated with contempt, and considered so unimportant by the pollical class that authorities over the years have refused to pay them reasonable remuneration and allowances.” “We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, the Incorporated Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel the RMAFC to comply with our requests.” “Despite their important roles and responsibilities, Nigerian judges are poorly treated when their remuneration, salaries, allowances, and conditions of service are compared with political office-holders.” “Judges should not have to endure the most poignant financial worries. The increase in the cost of living and the injustice of inadequate salaries bears heavily on judges, as it undermines their ability to effectively perform their judicial functions.” “The roles and functions performed by judges across the country are second to none in their importance including in facilitating access of victims of corruption and human rights violations to justice and effective remedies.” “Far-reaching questions of constitutional law depend upon them for solution. Judges are also required to determine issues, which profoundly affect the rights and well-being of the people.” “The meaning and effect of anti-corruption legislation and treaties such as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission Act, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC] Act, the UN Convention against Corruption, and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption depend upon their learning, wisdom and judgment.” “The stability of the country’s system of government, a government of laws rather than of men, depending as it does to so great an extent upon the confidence and respect of the people for those who, as judges, hold the scales of justice in their hands, depends upon the character and the wisdom of these men and women.” “The RMAFC has the powers under paragraph n, Third Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian Constitution to determine the remuneration, salaries and allowances appropriate for judges and political office holders, consistent with sections 84 and 124 of the Constitution.” “SERAP notes that Nigerian authorities between May 1999 and March 2011 reviewed upward the salaries and allowances of political office holders at least on four occasions. However, the salaries and allowances of judicial officers were only reviewed twice during the same period.” “Nigerian government and the RMAFC have the duty to provide adequate resources to enable the judiciary to properly perform its functions.” “As a safeguard of judicial independence, the courts’ budget ought to be prepared in collaboration with the judiciary having regard to the needs and requirements of judicial administration. Furthermore, the remuneration and pensions of judges must be secured by law at an adequate level that is consistent with their status and is sufficient to safeguard against conflict of interest and corruption.” “Nigerians would continue to be denied access to justice, to a better judiciary and a better administration of justice until judges across the country are paid what they deserve.” “SERAP urges you and the RMAFC to separate the review of remuneration and salaries for judges from that of political office-holders. This would ensure fairness, and that judges receive the justice they so conscientiously dispense to others.” The letter is copied to Dr Ahmad Lawan, Senate President; Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of House of Representatives; Mr Ekpo Nta,