Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: Tobiloba Kolawole

  • How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    How IPOB is plotting US, UK against Nigeria – Presidency says

    Tobiloba Kolawole

    The Presidency has revealed a ploy by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
    to use smear campaigns to malign the Federal Government of Nigeria with the intent to damage the relationship between it and its international allies.

    This revelation was disclosed Sunday evening by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu who stressed that it was necessary to draw the attention of citizens and the International community to what he described as a “misleading campaign”.

    Garba, accusing the IPOB leadership of spearheading the misleading campaign revealed that the group’s approach is using false allegations such as “persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State”.

    He said: “A very deep and wide investigation by an agency of the Nigerian government, working with international partners have made us become aware that there are two, interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in this regard.

    “Both are using the cover of Christianity – and calling for a US Special Envoy to be appointed to stop the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria. But the real purpose is to drive a wedge between the Nigeria government and its US and UK/European allies” he said.

    Garba, in a veiled reference to exiled leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, faulted the interest of IPOB leadership whose religious views is divergent to that of his followers.

    “IPOB leadership of course self-proclaims as “Jewish,” a position not shared by the generality of the members.

    “For reasons of convenience, he claims to have an interest in the welfare of Christians – but this is a ruse: the case for independence, the leader believes, is strengthened by “proving” the government of Nigeria is “autocratic”, engaged in a “silent slaughter” of their own citizens along religion and ethnic lines – and that therefore the only viable option for the unique religious and ethnic minority is a sovereign Biafra separate from Nigeria, he stated.

    READ ALSO: Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in katsina, others

    While warning stakeholders across board, the presidential spokesman further revealed how the group’s campaign and activities against the Nigerian Government are being funded by unknown sponsors.

    “Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse.

    “The campaign consists of producing articles in the names of the alleged Christian NGOs’ leaders (of campaign groups created at the time this PR contract with a US lobbying firm was signed) and letters to and from members of Congress to the White House.

    “Unfortunately, some Members of Congress have clearly been persuaded there is indeed a “Christian persecution” underway in Nigeria – and do so quoting the campaign – and they are known to be taking up the case directly with the White House to appoint the special envoy”, Mr Shehu said.

    Expressing how far the group had gone in its attempt to heat up the polity and cause disquiet nationally and international, Garba noted that the “misleading campaign” has caught the attention of the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and other international figures and organizations in the UK and Europe.

    Shehu stated that: “There is also a UK and European angle of the Campaign, which is more opaque than its US sister campaign – given there is less legal requirement for public filings – but what is known of this at the moment is that their Budget is sufficient to hire four PR firms in the UK, Belgium, France and the US (the latter additional to the above).

    “They have founded an “NGO/Charity” and a linked web-based campaign named “Stop the Silent Slaughter” which is well designed and complete with video “evidence”-completely concocted.

    “Members of the alleged Christian NGO have had multiple Op-Ed articles in conservative news websites promulgating their message of a “Christian Genocide”. Some of those articles have also been used as “evidence” in the sister US campaign.

    “Two of those conservative news websites were co-founded by the owner of the UK PR firm they have hired to generate their publicity as well as an OP-Ed article in the name of a British MP who may have been convinced by their campaign under false pretences” Shehu revealed.

    With additional coverage in France, EU and Germany as stated by Presidential spokesman, Shehu added that: “They secured a MPs debate on the “Christian Genocide” in the House of Commons in which staff member of the UK PR was referenced as the “private secretary” to the leader of the UK-based Charity”.

    Shehu pointed out that the misleading actions of the group is capable of damaging inter-religiois dialogue in the country as well as the reputation of Nigeria among international communities.

    READ ALSO: AfDB Board finds middle ground, supports Adesina, grants US a review

    He said: “It is clear from all of the above that the IPOB’s extraordinarily and dubiously well-funded campaign in the US and UK/Europe is misusing the issue of the welfare of Christians purely to further their own political ends”.

    He however called on international groups and societies to send representatives to Nigeria for fact findings so they could see the false claims by “these terrorist groups who are duping them of their money and involving them in conduct and activities disguised to destroy the harmonious relationships existing between their home countries and Nigeria”.

    Shehu advised Nigerians and the international community to “ignore this campaign as they have disregarded similar past campaigns originated by this group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian State”.

  • Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in Katsina, others

    Bandit Attacks: President Buhari to increase military operations in Katsina, others

    President Muhammadu Buhari says he will deploy more military operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina and Kaduna States in order to check the activities of bandits.

    The President made this known on Thursday when the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari who has been troubled with recent attacks by bandits in his state, visited the State House Abuja.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu Saturday, President Buhari stressed that “bandits, who have committed crimes against innocent citizens in the state, and across the country, will not be spared”.

    Assuring the people and government of Katsina State of renewed efforts, the President stated that security operations in the troubled state and other parts of the country will be reviewed and improved to ensure the security of lives and property.

    The President, commiserating with Governor Masari over the loss of lives to incessant attacks warned “bandits to surrender their weapons, or face disgraceful and violent end’’.

  • AfDB board finds middle ground, supports Adesina, grants US a review

    AfDB board finds middle ground, supports Adesina, grants US a review

    The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) board, decided to opt for a middle ground resolution of the impasse generated by the demand of the United States, a non-regional investor in the bank, for an independent probe of misconduct allegations leveled against the bank’s President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, whom the ethics committee of the organization has already cleared.
    In a statement issued by the Chairperson of the Bureau of the Board of Governors, Ms. Niale Kaba on Thursday, the board stood its ground on the accuracy of the outcome of an internal investigation that had cleared Adesina of improper conduct, but confirmed it would authorise an independent review of the ethics committee report, as against the US’ “independent probe” in order to please all stakeholders.

    READ ALSO: African Development Bank Presidency: I’ll stand by you – Buhari tells Adesina

    AfDB’s board of governors said it believed the bank’s ethics committee, which produced the report, had carried out its role correctly. But the board has nevertheless agreed to authorise a review.

    “The independent review shall be conducted by a neutral high caliber individual with unquestionable experience, high international reputation and integrity,” it said.

    The AfDB chief who never hid his desire to run the bank for a second term, gained the support of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) due to his sterling performance at the bank. In April, Dr. Adesina was confronted with the first resistance to his second term bid in the form of allegations of misconduct by a whistleblower and later a second resistance when the United States rejected an internal process that cleared him of wrongdoing.

    The United States, AfDB’s second-largest shareholder, has demanded a new independent probe into the allegations, rejecting the bank’s investigation over reservations about the integrity of the bank’s process.

    Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the leader of the nation with the largest single share, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria has voiced his support and gave his backing to Adesina in his bid for a second term as AfDB president.

    Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari meets African Development Bank’s (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina

    READ ALSO: Workers Welfare: House pledges support-to criminalise estimated billing

    The board however stressed that the review of the investigation would take no more than four weeks considering the organization’s electoral calendar.

    Owing to the disquiet in Africa’s number one bank, the board of Governors resolved to review the bank’s whistle-blowing and complaints handling policy at a later date presumably to improve the confidence of all stakeholders in its Internal mechanism.

  • Lagos inspires innovation, pays over N16 billion pension in one year

    Lagos inspires innovation, pays over N16 billion pension in one year

    The Lagos State Government has initiated an interactive knowledge sharing platform to tap into the wisdom of its pool of civil-servant-staff for novel ideas that will aid the development of the state.

    The platform known as SHIFT Talks, was disclosed Wednesday by the state’s Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponnle at the Ministerial Press Briefing to mark the one year in office anniversary of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu held at the JJT park in the Alausa area of Ikeja, Lagos State.

    In her remark to journalists at the event, Ponnle described the initiative as one that will help the State “at harvesting the collective wisdom inherent within the service, showcasing innovation by staff and networking to bridge the inter-ministerial gap”

    Giving further explanation on how the initiative will also celebrate members of the Lagos State Government staff who distinguish themselves by following through on creative ideas, the Commissioner recognised some civil servants who had come up with ideas that aligned with the intent of the initiative in its first edition.

    “Knowledge SHIFTer, like Mrs. Tope George, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice shared nuggets from a book she authored while Innovation SHIFTer, Seun Ogunmolu, who launched an App he developed, was recognised by Mr. Governor for an excellent performance. It should be worthy of note that Mr. Ogunmolu was advanced to GL 10 as a result of his innovative drive”.

    Giving performance account of her ministry and agencies under her supervision in the last one year, Ponnle noted that the Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) had by the end of March 2020, designed and implemented a total of 44 Learning and Development programmes for a total of 2,164 Public Service staff to enhance job performance.

    READ ALSO: Alleged N225M Fraud: SERAP, Budgit call on IGP as Senator Aduda’s loyalist threatens activist

    Among others, She listed the organisation of In-Plant, Tailor-Made Workshops and Seminars, sponsorship of officers for Local and foreign training and approval for Study Leave as programmes implemented to boost the morale of employees.

    Reiterating the commitment of the Sanwo-Olu led government to boost service excellence, the Commissioner noted that: “We have trained a total of 4,210 staff during the year in-class sessions, representing 30% of the cumulative number trained in the previous four years, apart from the over 11,000 participants online”.

    She averred that in order to ensure a safe, conflict-free and productive workplace, the Ministry provided strategic and expert advice on industrial relations and also played an important role in the successful negotiation of the new minimum wage plus consequential adjustments, noting that three months arrears, as agreed, had already been paid to employees between February and April 2020 during the lockdown.

    Ponnle also emphasised that “the Lagos State Government pays more than the Federal recommended minimum wage, which shows the magnanimity of Governor Sanwo-Olu in ensuring that the ‘take-home’ of staff truly take them home”.

    In the area of Pension payments, she affirmed that the State Government has consistently distinguished itself as the leading State in the payment of contributory payment scheme, its management, implementation and administration in Nigeria, while also leading the pack in the full implementation of an increase in employers’ contribution from 7.5% to 10% and employees contribution from 7.5% to 8%.

    She submitted that a total of 4,104 retirees had their accrued pension rights of N16,759,441,707.75 credited into their RSAs between May 2019 to April 2020, saying that the government also approved the release of N13.75billion to fund the Redemption Bond Account, thereby increasing the additional funding rate from 5% to 10% of total annual staff emoluments in order to fully clear the backlog of arrears from the old defined benefit scheme era of pension management by the State.

    READ ALSO: Ogun moves to improve standard of education, inaugurates committee

    Ponnle stated further that the Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, has commenced the issuance of pensioners ID cards to retirees while additional benefits that will accrue to civil service retirees, who hold ID cards, will be unveiled in due course.

    She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry to developing initiatives that will ensure the mandate of a 21st Century-compliant workforce is achieved.

  • Ogun moves to improve standard of education, inaugurates committee

    Ogun moves to improve standard of education, inaugurates committee

    The Ogun State Ministry of Education has inaugurated a 13-member committee tasked with the responsibility of developing ideas that will improve the standard of education in the State.

    This step in the state’s education sector was Wednesday announced by the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Primary and Secondary Education, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo who said the committee was saddled with responsibilities of overseeing the management side of schools, to support and challenge schools’ senior leadership team, setting of strategic direction in schools, creating a robust accountability, ensuring financial probity among others.

    Stressing the commitment of the state government to ensuring quality and efficient schooling, Soyombo stated that the School Based Management Committee would help in bridging the gap between the government and the people, and design programmes towards restoring the lost glory and standards of schools in Ogun.

    In her remark, she said “we are committed to ensuring newly appointed committee members are up to speed and effective in their roles as quickly as possible. We would provide a number of services to support you from the start”.

    According to the Special Adviser, the State government had achieved a lot within its first year in office, including the renovation of primary schools, payment of running cost and the introduction of Ogun Digi-class.

    READ ALSO: African Development Bank Presidency: I’ll stand-by you – Buhari tells Adesina

    Reiterating the goals set for the inaugurated committee in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Abosede Ogunleye said the committee was inaugurated to ensure improved educational standard, as well as help students realise their full potentials.

    The Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, Alhaji Adekunle Adegbite while giving an acceptance speech, described the occasion as a good intervention, promising to do all within their capacity to support the present administration at ensuring qualitative teachings and learning in schools, while also canvassing for support from individuals, Parents Teachers Association (PTA), Old Students Association, Royal Fathers, Community Leaders among others.

    Source, Press, Ogun Ministry Of Education

  • Alleged N225M Fraud: SERAP, Budgit call on IGP as Senator Aduda’s loyalist threatens activist

    Alleged N225M Fraud: SERAP, Budgit call on IGP as Senator Aduda’s loyalist threatens activist

    By Tobiloba Kolawole

    The threat to the life of anti-corruption activist Garba Abdullahi over his role in exposing alleged misappropriation of N225 million constituency projects involving Senator Philip Aduda, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources has been condemned by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

    The civil rights organization in a statement Tuesday urged Nigerian authorities including the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and Federal Ministry of Water Resources (FMWR) to ensure the safety and security of Abdullahi.

    “We also urge authorities to promptly, thoroughly and transparently probe the alleged threats and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible”, SERAP demanded.

    The group reiterated the important role of activism IN checking corruption and executive recklessness in public office, which is backed by a United Nations (UN) Convention.

    “UN Convention against Corruption which Nigeria has ratified, recognises [in arts 5, 13 and 63] the important role activists play in the fight against corruption, impunity, and promotion of access to public services. They should never have to face threats to their safety or lives.”

    READ ALSO: Just In: FG reduces petrol pump price to N121.50 per litre

    Not loosing track of the uncovered corruption as alleged by Abdullahi, SERAP did not only challenged the relevant agency to investigate corruption allegations leveled against the Federal Ministry of Water Resources but to ensure that the suspects, including an undisclosed Senator are prosecuted.

    “We urge ICPC to promptly, thoroughly and transparently probe the alleged misappropriation involving @FMWRNigeria (Federal Ministry of Water Resources) and a Senator, find out where the public funds ultimately ended.

    “The ICPC should prosecute suspected perpetrators if there is relevant admissible evidence”, the group added.

    Trouble started for Garba Abdullahi, a community champion for Budgit, an independent civic organization when he shared a “Fraud Alert” article that implicated Senator Aduda and some officials of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, which was initially posted on the organization’s Facebook page.

    READ ALSO: Buhari lifts lockdown on worship centres

    In a statement by the spokesperson for Budgit Tuesday, Iyanu Fatoba affirmed that Abdullahi has been reviewing threats since he shared the organization’s “Fraud Alert” article.

    While calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for his intervention, Fatoba confirmed that the involvement of of Senator Aduda is true as her organization will not put out any unverified information.

    “We also maintain that we will not share false information with members of the public to incite misunderstanding between them and their representatives at any point. By issuing this press release, we are calling on The Inspector General of Police to investigate this issue and prevent any mishap from happening to any of our staff, community champions – Garba Abdullahi or affiliated persons” she stated.

    READ ALSO: Nigerian reggae legend, Majek Fashek is dead

    Read Full Text by Budgit Below:

    Our attention has been drawn to a threat received by our community champion in Abuja as a result of a fraud alert post shared from our Tracka page to his Facebook page, sometime last week.

    The post, which was initially published on our Tracka page on the 30th of May, called out Senator Aduda and The Ministry of Water Resources for allegedly mismanaging financial resources to the tune of N225m and converting a public project into a personal project, by naming the constituency project after Jummai Aduda, Senator Aduda’s mother. The post which reads “Fraud Alert, Sen. Aduda aided by Min of Water Resources has converted a public project of N225M “mine.” The Constituency Project – gulped N100m (2016) N75m (2017) & N50m (2019) – is now JUMMAI ADUDA YOUTH CENTRE with engraved mother’s picture.” garnered several reactions from active citizens who joined BudgIT and Tracka in condemning the unacceptable and unconstitutional act.

    Following this post, Sunday Dogo Zaka – a loyalist to Senator Phillip Aduda issued a threat through his Facebook page that the Abuja South PDP youth forum would “take care” of him, after which we received a distress call from our Community champion, Garba Abdullahi. He claimed that he has been receiving calls from strange and unfamiliar people who also threatened his life. Another anonymous caller advised him to visit the Senator’s former aide because they plan to “do him something bad”. As we speak, our community champion, Garba Abdullahi, has gone into hiding as a result of these threats.

    As an organization, BudgIT, together with Tracka reaffirms our position that the naming of constituency projects is not left to the prerogative of the parties involved as there are laid down procedures to be followed when re-naming a project. This might have community inputs but the Honourable Senator is aware that there are laid down principles in re-naming a public project, as against what was stated in the Appropriation Act.

    We also maintain that we will not share false information with members of the public to incite misunderstanding between them and their representatives at any point. By issuing this press release, we are calling on The Inspector General of Police to investigate this issue and prevent any mishap from happening to any of our staff, community champions – Garba Abdullahi or affiliated persons.

  • Nigerian Reggae legend Majek Fashek is dead

    Nigerian Reggae legend Majek Fashek is dead

    Nigerian reggae music star known for his 1988 all time hit song “Send Down the Rain”, Majekodunmi Fasheke, widely known by his stage name Majek Fashek, is dead.

    Late Nigerian Reggae Music Icon, Majek Fashek

    The death of the reggae icon was announced early Tuesday, June 2, by his manager Umenka Uzoma who wrote on his instagram page:

    “Today been having pressure calls, well it is true that the African No 1 Legendary ICON has gone to be with the LORD his Maker, Day said.

    “Let’s celebrate him, his achievements, and his family, whatever decisions made by his immediate family will be notified”, Uzoma stated.

    Fashek, 57, who until his death battled mysterious illness in recent years, started his music career in the early 80s with a group called Jastix.

    In 1988, he broke out of the group to further his career as a solo artiste and recorded his popular debut single Prisoner of Conscience.

    His album, which had the widely accepted hit track Send Down the Rain was a huge success that only lasted until heavy use of drugs largely truncated the euphoria thus leading Majek to years of bankruptcy and frustration.

    Over the last decade, Majek had made efforts at comebacks to performing again but failed, he was never what he used to be.

  • Akinwummi Adesina: Sierra Leone President, ex-US AfDB representative strengthens support base

    Akinwummi Adesina: Sierra Leone President, ex-US AfDB representative strengthens support base

    The support base of embattled President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), DR. Akinwunmi Adesina has been strengthened by two top level individuals, Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio and Harold Doley, the first United States representative to the AfDB. They are the latest joining in with their voice.

    In a message posted on twitter last Sunday, President Bio expressed solidarity to the man that is widely referred to, across the continent as Africa’s Chief Developer.

    Adesina, the 2013 Forbes Africa Person of the Year awardee did not only appreciate President Bio throwing his weight behind him, he also expressed gratitude to other African leaders who had spoken in his favour over controversies generated by some whistleblowers and fanned by the United States, a non-regional member of Africa’s multi billion dollar development bank.

    “Thank you very much Your Excellency President Bio of Sierra Leone for your heartwarming confidence and support and that of the good people of Sierra Leone. I am humbled and grateful. @CyrilRamaphosa (President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa), @MBuhari (President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria) @AUC_MoussaFaki (Chairperson, African Union Commission)”, Adesina wrote.

    On his part, Doley did not fail to emphasise Dr. Adesina’s impressive feat as head of the AfDB in an open letter to US President Donald Trump.

    READ ALSO: Regional road will relieve traffic pain on Lekki-Epe axis – Sanwo-Olu

    Doley stressed that Adesina, since he assumed office in 2015, has rapidly restructured the bank refining its focus through a High-5 strategy, driven by strategic investment in energy, and electricity, agriculture, technology that significantly improved food security, access to private sector finance, improved transport infrastructure, water and sanitation, which has directly impacted the lives of many Africans.

    While he noted that it is profitable for America to support the AfDB, Doley said: “In 2019, with US support, the AfDB stakeholders approved a general capital increase of 115 billion dollars, the largest in the bank’s 56 years history. The increase more than doubled capital from 93 billion dollars to 208 billion dollars.

    “Also in 2019, the bank’s concessional window, the African Development Fund, received a 35 percent replenishment with donor contributions.

    “US shares of $499,695,200 represents 7.81 percent of total subscriptions are a critically needed resource for low-income countries and transition states.

    READ ALSO: AfDB: Obasanjo knocks US over flagrant ridicule, rallies support for Adesina

    “Ultimately, supporting Africa’s private sector is critical for social and economic development. In 2018, Adesina led an unprecedented effort to attract global investment into Africa through the inaugural Africa Investment Forum”, Doley’s letter read in part.

    In separate statements written to the Ethics Committee and Board of Governors of the AfDB to register their support for Dr. Adesina, the Nigerian Government through the office of the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, and 14 former African presidents and prime ministers led by Nigeria’s ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo including ex-President Goodluck Jonathan affirmed that an independent probe is stretching the matter too far since the Ethics Committee had cleared the Bank’s president of wrongdoing according to the governing procedures, to which an external independent probe is alien.

  • IGR: We earned over N81.4 billion in 2019 – says Ogun Government

    IGR: We earned over N81.4 billion in 2019 – says Ogun Government

    The Ogun State government has reacted to some media reports that erroneously claimed the state generated merely Seventy billion, nine hundred and twenty two million, five hundred and ninety thousand, four hundred and ninety five naira, eighty nine kobo (N70,922,590,495.89) as internally generated revenue for year 2019 In their review of Internally Generated Revenues record of the 36 States of the Federation.

    A statement by the Information Officer, Ministry of Finance, Segun Craig, Friday said “from the audited account of the state for 2019, which was published in some national newspapers, the actual figure of Ogun State Internally Generated Revenue stands at N81,420,131,107.30 (Eighty one Billion, four hundred and twenty million, one hundred and thirty one thousand, one hundred and seven naira, thirty kobo only)”.

    Craig noted that whatever figure that is being quoted differently from the official number by the State Ministry of Finance should be disregarded.

    READ ALSO: President Buhari requests house approval for fresh N5.513 billion

    In his words of caution, Craig advised all stakeholders, including the general public to stay guided by on information pertaining to he state so as not to be misled.

    “The State Government, through the office of the Hon. Commissioner of Finance and Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor hereby deems it highly expedient to advise all relevant stakeholders in the financial sector and beyond, and to also call on the reading public to be properly guided” he added.

  • Breaking: Buhari appoints Dongban-Mensem Acting President, Court of Appeal again

    Breaking: Buhari appoints Dongban-Mensem Acting President, Court of Appeal again

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal (PCA) with effect from June 3, 2020, for a further period of three (3) months.