
News
Alleged N100Bn fraud: Prosecute Yahaya Bello now – PDP chieftain tells EFCC
A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kogi State, Austin Okai, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to bring the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, to justice over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Okai, who was the House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/Bassa in the 2023 elections, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He said in spite of the arduous task of protecting the state, it is imperative not to overlook the plight of civil servants grappling with the repercussions of fiscal misdeeds.
He recalled that Justice Tijani Ringim, a vacation judge, had on August 31, 2021, ordered the freezing of government accounts following an ex-parte application filed by the EFCC.
“The anti-graft agency, in a 13-paragraph affidavit in support of the ex-parte application, had stated that it received credible and direct intelligence.

“The intelligence which led to the tracing of funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities in an account No. 0073572696 domiciled in Sterling Bank Plc with the name Kogi State Salary Bailout Account.
“Moving the application for the interim forfeiture of the funds on August 31, 2021, A. O. Mohammed, counsel to the EFCC, had urged the court to grant the order to prevent further dissipation of the funds in the account.
“Mohammed had also told Justice Ringim that the N20 billion meant to augment payment of salary and running cost of the government was kept in an interest-yielding account with the bank,” he said.
Okai said the state’s Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, debunked the allegation then and said that the state government judiciously used the funds for its intended purpose.
According to Okai, it is untenable to shield any individual, including Bello, at the expense of the welfare of Kogi workers.
He said the results of such actions were profound, with millions of lives hanging in the balance.
Okai noted that the EFCC had recently named the former governor in an ongoing corruption case but had yet to formally charge him.
According to him, Bello’s nephew, Ali Bello, and his associate, Dauda Suleiman, the two defendants in the case, were accused of diverting funds belonging to Kogi government.
“But in the newly introduced count, the two defendants in the case were accused of conspiring with the former governor to convert the total sum of N80.2 billion belonging to Kogi State Government to personal use,” he said.
Okai urged all Kogites and all concerned Nigerians to galvanize support for the EFCC’s efforts to bring Bello to justice, saying there was urgency for enhanced scrutiny of Bello’s alleged transgressions.
“The staggering loss of billions of naira, a burden borne by the citizens, serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to uphold accountability and transparency in governance.
“Moreover, revelations of property acquisitions in lucrative locales like Dubai, Maitama, and Lagos raise serious questions about fiduciary responsibility.
“It is disconcerting that despite the confiscation of numerous properties by the EFCC, investigations were impeded by immunity provisions.
“Now, with Bello out of office, I urge Kogites and all concerned Nigerians to galvanise support for the EFCC’s efforts to bring him to justice.
“The misappropriation of public funds cannot be tolerated, and those responsible must be held accountable irrespective of their former positions,” he said.
Okai said the call to action was not driven by any personal interest but rather by a steadfast commitment to the principles of good governance and fiscal probity.
He said it was incumbent upon every citizen to remain vigilant and resolute in demanding transparency and accountability from those entrusted with the stewardship of public resources.
According to him, the future well-being of Kogi State hinges upon the integrity of its leaders and the diligence of its citizens in upholding the rule of law.
However, the Kogi State Government has described as false the allegation of corruption levelled against the immediate past governor, Bello, by the EFCC.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement, insisted that the state’s funds were not missing, and accused the EFCC of being politically motivated to tarnish Bello’s reputation.
“As an administration, we inherited the zero tolerance for corruption policy from the immediate past administration of Governor Yahaya Bello,” Fanwo said. (Daily Post)
News
Senator Umeh commiserates with family of boy swept away by flood
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Senator Dr. Victor Umeh, on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of Engr. Christian Ezenwafor in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area, following the tragic death of their six-year-old son, Master Success Ezenwafor.
The incident occurred earlier in the week when floodwaters swept away a vehicle conveying pupils of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Awka. Among the victims was young Success, whose life was cut short in heartbreaking circumstances.
Senator Umeh, who was in Awka on an on-the-spot assessment of the growing menace of flooding and erosion in the area, made a stop at Nibo to personally console the bereaved family.

The victim, Master Success Ezenwafor
Expressing deep sadness over the loss, Senator Umeh offered words of solace to the grieving parents and family members during the visit.

“It is heartbreaking that such a young and promising life was cut short in such tragic circumstances,” Senator Umeh said. “Words are insufficient to heal this kind of pain, but we pray that God Almighty grants your family the fortitude and strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Senator Dr Umeh with the bereaved family
The senator also reiterated his commitment to working with relevant authorities to tackle the recurring flooding and erosion challenges in Anambra Central, stressing that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further loss of lives and property.
News
Enugu Council Election: Residents comply with movement restriction directive, as roads, markets, shops closed
Residents of Enugu metropolis on Saturday complied to the restriction of human and vehicular movement in the ongoing Local Government Election in the state.
It was observed that most roads remained empty of vehicular movement, while markets and shops were closed.
It was also observed that security men on election duties were seen in strategic locations within the metropolis.
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, SP Daniel Ndukwe, noted that security agencies had maintained that the restriction of movement must work to ensure a smooth and hitch-free election.
Ndukwe said that security agencies had begun strict enforcement of the restriction order and would “definite close all shops and penalize motorist found wanting”.

“So, far, the security situation has been generally peaceful and the election process is ongoing smoothly as anticipated.
“We are hopeful it will remain peaceful till 4p.m. when the process will be over.
“From our observation, the restriction of movement has been generally complied with and we will definitely deal with those that act in the contrary today.
“We call on all in the state to be calm, cast their votes peacefully and maintain decorum throughout the process,” he said.
It would be recalled that the police, on behalf of other security agencies, ordered the restriction of human and vehicular movements across the state from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on election day, except for persons on essential duties and duly accredited election officials.
The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission,(ENSIEC) is conducting election into the 17 Chairmanship and 260 Ward Councillorship positions in the state.
Seven political parties, who signed the Peace Pact for the election on Monday, are currently participating at the election.
News
Police officer who said Obi, Igbo man can never be president arrested, in trouble
The Police Command in Lagos State has identified the police inspector seen in a viral video making inappropriate remarks while travelling in public transport.
The command also said it had begun disciplinary proceedings against the officer in line with the established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Adebisi said the command was committed to transparency and accountability and would not condone conduct capable of bringing the NPF into disrepute.
She said the statements made by the inspector were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition of the command or the NPF.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr Fatai Tijani, reiterated the need for professionalism, civility and discipline among personnel.
“CP Tijani reiterates that all personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times.
“He said wearing the police uniform came with the responsibility to uphold the integrity and reputation of the NPF.
“The CP warned that the command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the police.
“He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to accountability and maintaining professional standards among its personnel,” Adebisi said.
The spokesperson said the command remained committed to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity.
In a viral video circulating on social media, the inspector was seen and heard making political and ethnic remarks about former Anambra governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while aboard a public transport.
The Inspector was also heard making claims about Obi’s suitability for the presidency and alleging that he was a criminal and a “Yahoo” person.
He further suggested that President Bola Tinubu would use his financial resources to defeat Obi in an election, while claiming that an Igbo man could not become president of Nigeria. (NAN)
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