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House of Reps denies $15 million bribe from executive branch in N22.7trn Ways & Means

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House of Reps denies $15 million bribe from executive branch in N22.7trn Ways & Means

It has been reported that the House of Representatives received $15 million from the executive branch of the government in order to grant President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to restructure the N22.7trillion Ways and Means advances that were taken from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The House of Representatives has denied these reports.

Rep. Benjamin Kalu, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, issued a statement on Friday in which he described the report as malicious and stated that the allegations were not only false but also baseless and unfounded. He also said that the report was malicious.

Read Also: NASS Complex will not be ready until August: FCDA

He explained that in the normal course of events, the House would have refrained from responding to such a report because it had faith that all well-intentioned Nigerians would categorically reject the claims made in the report.

“However, in order to address the report and the unsubstantiated claims that were made within it for the benefit of all Nigerians, it has become absolutely necessary.” Because we have been elected to represent the people, all of our choices and actions are made with their best interests in mind.

It is important to keep in mind that the approval of the executive’s request had been temporarily postponed by the House of Representatives in response to the recommendations of the relevant committees of the House, which had called for additional engagement with the executive in order to facilitate a comprehensive and meticulous analysis and deliberation on public interventions the executive had earmarked the said request for. “It is important to keep in mind that the House of Representatives had temporarily deferred the approval of the executive’s request.

Read Also: May 29: Tinubu’s Inauguration is unstoppable – Movement For Greater Lagos

He stated that “We implore the media to exercise restraint and desist from disseminating unfounded allegations that have the potential to tarnish the reputation of public institutions and individuals, particularly during this critical period when lawmakers are deeply engaged in the political competition for the leadership positions in the impending 10th National Assembly.” “We implore the media to exercise restraint and desist from disseminating unfounded allegations that have the potential to tarnish the reputation of public institutions and individuals,”

APC overturns Goje’s expulsion by Gombe Ward

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APC overturns Goje’s expulsion by Gombe Ward

The All Progressives Congress, the party currently in power, has reversed its decision to kick out former Governor Danjuma Goje for his participation in activities that are opposed to the APC.

Goje, who was serving as a senator representing Gombe Central, was kicked out of the Gombe State ruling party by the Kashere ward he belonged to.

In addition to Goje, other members who were kicked out of the party included Yunusa Abubakar, a lawmaker who represented the Yalmatu Deba Federal Constituency, and Bulus Amos, a senator who represented the Gombe South district.

The subsequent confirmation of the expulsion came from the state executive of the party.
But on Thursday, in Abuja, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, issued a statement with the heading, “Expulsion of Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje set aside – remains a bonafide member of APC.”

Read Also: Lagos CP visits Okada man brutalized by police officers, seen in viral video

It read, “The attention of the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress has been drawn to media reports of the purported expulsion of His Excellency, Senator Mohammad Danjuma Goje by the Gombe State Executive Committee of our party.” This was in response to reports that the Gombe State Executive Committee of our party had allegedly expelled Senator Goje.

“The party has directed that the said expulsion, as well as all related actions in the matter, be and are hereby set aside pending further review and decision of the party’s National Working Committee on the matter. “The party has directed that the said expulsion, and all related actions in the matter, be and are hereby set aside. As a result, Senator Goje is and will continue to be an authentic member of the group that represents Gombe State in our party.
In continuation, Morka expressed deep concerns over the arbitrary manner in which high ranking members are being subjected to various disciplinary measures at the grassroots level, saying that it is a worrisome trend. Morka also said that this is a worrying trend.

“You are corrupt,” Matawalle told EFCC boss after he was implicated in N70 billion fraud

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“You are corrupt,” Matawalle told EFCC boss after he was implicated in N70 billion fraud

Mohammed Bello Matawalle, the governor of Zamfara State in Nigeria, has taken a dramatic turn of events by leveling allegations of corruption against Abdulrasheed Bawa, the head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These allegations come as a response to allegations that he stole money from the state.

This conversation started after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued a statement alleging that the Governor is the subject of an investigation for allegedly misappropriating more than 70 billion naira.
In retaliation, Governor Matawalle called into question Bawa’s integrity in an interview with the BBC and urged him to step down to allow for an impartial investigation into the allegations of corruption that have been leveled against him.

Read Also: NASS Complex will not be ready until August: FCDA

“Investigations are not prohibited; however, they must be carried out in an impartial manner. Governor Matawalle made the statement that he was not the only one who had a bank account.

Additionally, he issued a challenge to Bawa, demanding that the latter disclose any and all documentation he possesses concerning his colleagues and even himself, as he too is the subject of numerous allegations.

Matawalle brought up potential witnesses who were ready to testify against the EFCC chief while insisting that Bawa should step down from his position.

He made a passing reference to a few unresolved issues that existed between himself and Bawa, implying that Bawa was aware of the potential repercussions.

In response to these allegations, the EFCC urged Governor Matawalle to report to the police any evidence that may point to Bawa’s involvement in corrupt activities.

When the BBC tried to get in touch with Bawa, he gave a response that included a philosophical assertion, saying that no human is completely free of faults. He encouraged anyone who had a complaint against him or any other governor or minister to bring it to the attention of the authorities.

Read Also: Lagos CP visits Okada man brutalized by police officers, seen in viral video

Bawa has been quoted as saying, “If he [Governor Matawalle] sees that I have done something wrong, there are police and places where he can file a complaint,”

Lagos CP visits Okada man brutalized by police officers, seen in viral video

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Lagos CP visits Okada man brutalized by police officers, seen in viral video

 

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, paid a visit to the okada rider who was beaten by some police officers in a viral video on Thursday.

In a viral video, three police officers are shown brutalizing Okada. One of the officers was seen beating the man with his baton as another pushed him away. The man who attempted to wrestle his bike with the cops was injured as he clutched on to his forehead, where blood was seen streaming out.

The third officer rode away on the victim’s bike, while the other two departed the scene in a tricycle.

According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a series of tweets via his Twitter account, Owohunwa criticized the officers’ behavior and informed the public that disciplinary action had already been taken against the personnel.

He stated, “CP Idowu Owohunwa today visited the young man engaged in this event and members/leadership of the Hausa community in Abattoir Market, Agege.”

“The CP, who condemned the policemen’s excessive use of force in enforcing the existing ban on the use of motorcycles in certain parts of Lagos State, assured members of the public that the disciplinary measures already initiated against the men would be brought to a logical conclusion and the outcome made public.”

“The Command will continue to guarantee the rule of law is respected, while not relenting in implementing the laws of the land.”

NASS, resident doctors to discuss strike on Friday

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NASS, resident doctors to discuss strike on Friday

The National Assembly has called the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to a meeting on Friday (tomorrow), according to Dr. Emeka Orji, the association’s president, who made the announcement on Thursday.

On Wednesday, resident doctors from 79 tertiary healthcare facilities began a five-day warning strike to make their demands clear.

 

Meet “Oriogbade,” an Ibadan man renowned for his wit…
The doctors are asking for an immediate raise in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure equal to 20% of the doctors’ existing gross earnings.

The doctors demand the immediate removal of the measure that would require medical and dental graduates to perform five years of mandatory service in Nigeria before receiving full licenses to practice and the immediate large recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals.

In addition, they demand that CONMESS be put into effect right away, that the Medical resident Training Act be domesticated, and that all state governments and private tertiary health institutions that conduct any kind of resident training examine the hazard allowance.

NARD stated that work would start up again on May 22, 2022, at 8 am.

Dr. Orji stated on an Arise Television broadcast that the Federal Government had invited the doctors to a meeting.

“All we see in the media is the government negotiating with us, but nobody has called us for any negotiations other than those they are doing with other associations, not NARD,” he said.

However, outside of that, no negotiations have taken place since Monday, May 15, 2023, when our National Executive Council held an extraordinary session and declared the five-day strike that started yesterday. I only learned of the meeting that the National Assembly has called for tomorrow (May 19, 2023), just this afternoon.

The NARD President wished the administration luck in finding temporary workers to replace the striking doctors.

“The Federal Government’s prompt replacement of the clinical personnel that has departed the system is one of the main demands we have in our notice of strike, among other things. We have been claiming that there is a severe lack of personnel in our hospitals, and we lack the manpower to manage the surge in patients at hospitals across the nation.

“So, if the government, which has refused to do that, is now waking up to employ ad hoc staff as a way of resolving this issue, I wish them good luck. However, just as I have been saying, as long as they do not negotiate with good fate, the crisis in the health sector will continue, and our members are watching,” the speaker continued.

He also issued a warning that the government’s threats will cause the situation in the health sector to worsen.

They have only received threats from the government thus far, and the threats they are now issuing will only serve to intensify the current issue.

“As a result, I want to ask them once more to act morally. All they need to do to comply with our expectations and stop making threats is to demonstrate good faith and a dedication to doing so. Our demands are specific, attainable, and easy to meet. It won’t benefit anyone, he continued.

According to accounts, since the doctors started their five-day warning strike, medical services have been completely paralyzed at government hospitals across the nation.

In order to lessen the impact of the strike, hospitals were only providing minimal services, according to our correspondents who were monitoring it in various states on Wednesday.

According to hospital officials, non-striking nurses, doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals were overburdened.

May 29: Tinubu’s Inauguration is unstoppable – Movement For Greater Lagos

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May 29: Tinubu’s Inauguration is unstoppable – Movement For Greater Lagos

LAGOS – The much-anticipated May 29 inauguration of the new administration of the victor of the February 25, 2023, general elections has been the target of numerous prophesies, intimidation, pronouncements, and court injunctions. However, a Lagos-based organization, Movement for Greater Lagos (MGL), has claimed that nobody can stop Tinubu’s inauguration because it has been preordained by God.

Alhaji Rasak Akanni, the group’s spokesperson, revealed the information on Thursday in Lagos at the inauguration of an extra 2,000 members to the fleet.

The MGL, which is sponsored by Otunba Olukunle Ojo, a former chief of staff in Lagos State, has pledged to continue supporting the new administration until it is in a position of authority and has made various contributions in favor of the incoming administration.

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to Akanni, is a detribalized Nigerian, a progressive politician, and an astute administrator who made notable strides while serving as governor of Lagos.

He made a plea to all deserving Nigerians to stand in unison with the President-elect and provide him with more support in order for him to carry out his vision for the nation.

Akanni praised the Alhaji Mujahedeen Asari Dokubo-led organizing committee for the sit-out’s success and pleaded for further support for the incoming administration on May 29, 2023.

Remember that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, and the government of the United States of America have warned potential troublemakers to stay away from the inauguration venue. The Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organization Afenifere has said that all hands must be on deck to ensure a trouble-free inauguration on May 29.
In a statement on Monday, the IGP stressed that anyone found attempting to obstruct the exercise would face consequences from the Police and other security authorities.

Additionally, the U.S. declared on Monday that certain people will be subject to visa restrictions as punishment for disrupting the democratic process during elections.

The organization asked all Nigerians to support him in opposition to all of these statements and let him use his extensive knowledge to bring about the new Nigeria that we have all been calling for.

“Whether anyone likes it or not, a new administration must be installed on May 29, 2023, and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the democratically elected president-elect, will be the only one to take the oath of office. Let’s all come together to support him, pray for him, and encourage him as he finds fresh hope. The Nigerian people elected this individual in a popular vote.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this historic endeavor for the President-elect, and we will never forget to thank our financier, Otunba Samuel Olukunle Ojo (also known as Baba Ojo), for the support so far,” he continued. He has supported our group and paid for our outings. We will keep expressing our gratitude.

The MGL Coordinator assured the group’s participants that they will be well-represented during the President-elect’s inauguration on May 29.

FG establishes committee for “Blockchain Policy” awards degrees to 32,022 participants

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FG establishes committee for “Blockchain Policy” awards degrees to 32,022 participants

The National Committee on the Implementation of the National Blockchain Policy for Nigeria has been officially launched by Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.
The Committee is made up of representatives from 29 organizations in the public, private, and academic sectors.
32,022 Nigerians received their diplomas from the Federal Government’s Blockchain Technology training program during the ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja. The program was designed to give citizens the skills needed to implement the policy.
The National Information Technology Development Agency, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Universities Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Nigerian Communications Commission are among the regulatory bodies that the President, Major General (Retd) Muhammadu Buhari, directed to develop regulatory instruments for the deployment of blockchain technology across the various sectors of the economy on May 3.

Nigeria’s National Blockchain Policy was created to act as a roadmap for the country’s adoption and use of cutting-edge technology.
“The Blockchain policy remains one of the emerging technologies at achieving the desired progress in the seventh pillar of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria, which is a “Digital Society & Emerging Technologies,” Pantami said during the committee’s inauguration.
“We had to develop other policies, including Policy on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics,” he continued, “in order to implement the seventh pillar, and it brought about the establishment of the first National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Africa, located here in Abuja.”Additionally, we created the National Blockchain Policy for Nigeria as part of our efforts to implement the policy, particularly pillar number seven,” Pantami said.

Read Also: NASS Complex will not be ready until August: FCDA

The minister, who also emphasized the significance of technology to the country’s effort to develop a digital economy, noted that the fourth industrial revolution, in comparison, is the one that has not cast Africa into the background. This is especially true given that African nations, particularly Nigeria, are actively participating in the revolution, which, according to the minister, is an extension of the third revolution.

“Blockchain Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Cloud & Quantum Computing, Virtual & Augmented Reality, Autonomous Vehicle, Biotechnology, 5G, and Cyber Security are all disruptive technologies brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” the minister insisted. “Nigeria is one of the, at least three countries in Africa, that are actively involved in the 4th Industrial Revolution.”The policy’s successful implementation, which lays out a thorough framework for incorporating the technology into various facets of the economy, will ensure the development of local talent in the field of Blockchain Technology solution development, creating a strong and globally competitive ecosystem and effectively addressing key issues like governance, security, interoperability, regulatory compliance, accountability, and transparency.

He said that among other things, it would “boost innovation, improve government services, create job opportunities, propel economic growth, enhance public confidence in governance, and promote citizen engagement.”
The National Policy on Blockchain Technology for Nigeria brings the total number of policies Pantami has developed, launched, and is overseeing through various stages of implementation to 21.

 

NASS Complex will not be ready until August: FCDA

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NASS Complex will not be ready until August: FCDA

The Federal Capital Development Authority has estimated that the National Assembly Complex will not be finished being renovated until August of 2023.

This is despite the fact that stakeholders had been putting increased pressure on the FCDA to finish the renovation of the complex in time for the 10th Assembly to be inaugurated in June.

Read Also: Tension as APC Opens Up Race for Leadership of the NASS

Remember that in 2021, Messrs Visible Construction Nigeria Limited was given the contract to renovate the National Assembly complex. The price of the project was estimated to be N30.2 billion, and the completion date was set for August 15, 2023.

Nevertheless, during a press briefing held in his office on Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Ahmad, explained that due to the immense amount of work necessary for a world-class parliament building, it was imperative that the project not be rushed in order to avoid making the same mistakes as in the past, deliver excellent and long-lasting results, and permanently resolve the challenges of leaking roofs and inconvenient sitting arrangements, among other issues.

Nestle appoints new chairman, as Ifezulike steps down

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Nestle appoints new chairman, as Ifezulike steps down

David Ifezulike, the chairman of Nestle Plc’s board of directors for consumer goods, has made his retirement from the company official and named his successor.

Gbenga Oyebode, an independent non-executive director on the Nestle board, will succeed Ifezulike, according to him.

At the company’s 54th annual general meeting, held on Wednesday in Lagos, the retiring chairman made this statement.

He continued, saying that he had served as board chairman for ten years and that he wanted to name his successor at the start of the AGM so that Oyebode would have a chance to hear the shareholders’ worries and expectations.

It has been an honor for me to serve in this capacity, and I would like to introduce my successor, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, on behalf of the company. I brought him up front so he could hear everyone’s complaints and address them.

“The company’s interest is the only thing that matters to us.”

On February 24, 2014, Oyebode was chosen to join the Nestle board of directors. He serves as director of both CFAO Nigeria and Lafarge Africa and is the chairman of Okomu Oil Palm Plc.

At the meeting, the FMCG company’s shareholders approved the proposed final dividend of N36.50 for the fiscal year 2022.

The board of directors had previously declared an interim dividend of N25 from the profit of 2022 and had recommended the payment of a final dividend of N36.50 (2021: N25.50) per share.

The after-tax profit for 2022 was used to calculate the final dividend proposal of N36.50. The total dividend paid out during the year was N61.50.

From N351.82 billion to N446.81 billion in the 2022 fiscal year, Nestle’s revenue increased by 27%.

New guidelines from NAICOM will be driving force behind insurance inclusion – Operator

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New guidelines from NAICOM will be driving force behind insurance inclusion – Operator

Shina Gbadegesin, Managing Director of GOXI Microinsurance, which is Nigeria’s first licensed microinsurance institution, has praised the recent release of the regulatory sandbox guideline by the National Insurance Commission. GOXI Microinsurance was the first licensed microinsurance institution in Nigeria.

In a statement, he referred to it as a commendable initiative that would foster innovation and drive grassroots insurance inclusion. He also said that it would drive insurance coverage for more people.

Read Also: Speakership: Pick Wase As Consensus Candidate, Northern Youths Beg Group Of 6 Aspirants

Gbadegesin made the observation that regulatory sandboxes were guidelines that enabled operators to look for a relaxed regulatory environment in which to test innovative ideas such as products, services, business models, or distribution channels.

He pointed out that the guidelines established parameters that had the potential to improve both the inclusiveness and the efficiency of the process.

According to him, the initiative that was taken by NAICOM would go a long way toward promoting innovation and driving insurance at the grassroots level, particularly by licensed specialists in the field of microinsurance in Nigeria.

According to the statement, “GOXI Microinsurance has invested significantly in technology since its inception, collaborating with various aggregators such as microfinance banks, cooperatives, fintechs, and community-based associations to drive insurance inclusion in Nigeria.” GOXI Microinsurance was founded in 2016.

The company views the new initiative that NAICOM is undertaking as an opportunity to further embrace technological innovation and use it to drive all aspects of its operations.

The managing director of the company expressed optimism that the regulatory sandbox guidelines would inspire insurance companies to be more innovative in their approach to driving insurance inclusion in the country.

He urged the insurance industry to make the most of the opportunity presented by the guidelines to improve the overall efficacy of the industry as a whole as well as the operations of individual companies.

According to what he had to say, “the regulatory sandbox guideline that was developed by NAICOM is an admirable initiative that will promote innovation and drive insurance inclusion at the grassroots level.”

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