Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, on Wednesday, vehemently denied allegations that he bribed the House leadership with $1.7 million to secure his position.
In a statement, he described the claims as “false, nonsensical, and childish” attempts to divert attention from the endemic corruption in the oil industry.
Ugochinyere expressed support for the Speaker’s decision to dissolve the joint committee investigating challenges in the oil sector, stating that he trusts the Speaker’s judgment.
He emphasized his commitment to transparency and reform, vowing to push for accountability in the oil industry.
Read Also: Ogun doctors embark on indefinite strike over pay differences
The lawmaker praised the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for their inclusive leadership style, which has maintained stability in the House.
He dismissed the allegations as a “smear campaign” by corrupt elements seeking to escape justice.
Ugochinyere reaffirmed his focus on fighting for good governance, undeterred by the attacks and allegations against him and the House leadership, warning that those behind the allegations will face the wrath of the law, including other smear campaigns.
“The allegation is a belated, nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House,” Ugochinyere said.
“We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation on corruption in the oil industry. I remain focused in my fight for good governance”, he added.
The post Rep Ugochinyere denies $1.7m bribery allegations, vows to fight corruption appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Rep Ugochinyere denies $1.7m bribery allegations, vows to fight corruption
CDS Musa urges ECOWAS Defence Chiefs to uphold democratic values
The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, has called on ECOWAS Defense Chiefs to always uphold democratic values.
He gave this advice at the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Wednesday.
Musa decried military takeover in some West African countries, saying it has created unintended consequences and threatened democratic values in the region.
According to him, the threat of military takeover must be destroyed, adding that it negates the core values and responsibilities of the military profession.
He further stated that in democratic countries, the military must uphold democratic values in line with the principles of their constitutions.
Also speaking, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; and his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Yusuf Tuggar; tasked the service chiefs from the regional bloc to tackle terrorism through effective collaboration to combat the illicit movement of small arms and light weapons in the West African sub-region.
The meeting held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja has regional security as one of its agenda at a time the bloc is considering the establishment of a force that will counter security challenges.
Of the 15 defence chiefs expected at the meeting, those of Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Togo were absent.
At the end of the previous meeting last August, the defence chiefs had agreed to a comprehensive and holistic approach towards political, security and diplomatic dimensions in addressing the situation in Niger Republic.
The military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had set up the mutual defence pact, leaving the wider Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc in January.
In July, the three country’s leaders took part in the first summit of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), set up after pulling out of ECOWAS.
Their exit from ECOWAS was fuelled in part by their claim that Paris was manipulating the bloc, and not providing enough support for anti-jihadist efforts.
CDS Musa urges ECOWAS Defence Chiefs to uphold democratic values
Suspected herders attack farmers in Plateau, injure four
Gunmen suspected to be herders have attacked some farmers in Plateau State injuring four persons in the process.
It was learnt that the victims had gone to their farms in the Bachi community, Riyom Local Government Area when the gunmen attacked them.
The President of the Berom Youths Moulders Association, Solomon Mwantiri confirmed the incident to The According in Jos on Wednesday
He said the attack took place on Tuesday afternoon and that the injured victims had been evacuated to the hospital and were currently receiving treatment
He said, “At about 2: pm today, August 6, 2024, a group of over 20 well-armed Fulani attacked some natives of Lwa in Bachi District, Riyom LGA who were farming around the Seheng area of the village.
“As a result, four persons sustained varying degrees of injuries including one Caleb Bachen, who had a fracture in his hand”
One of the victims, Caleb Bachen who spoke from his hospital bed said, “I was at a different location from other farmers whom I heard them crying aloud for rescue from the gunfire that was all over the area.
“I never knew what was happening. On trying to run back home, some of the attackers holding arms, machetes, and sticks came after me and hacked me mercilessly despite repeated pleas.
“I screamed for help, and one man by the name Saddau, came and rescued me from the hands of the attackers whom I cannot figure out their number, but were more than 15. Other victims may know the actual figure”.
Another victim said, “We took permission from the Fulani some months ago before we went to cultivate our farms after many years of denial of access thereto.
“The Fulani started threatening us last week that we won’t be allowed to harvest our crops this year.
“So, while we were on our farms, I saw over 20 armed Fulani, who started shooting sporadically, chasing us away from the farmlands. Those carrying sticks beat and injured four of us, some of whom have been rushed for medical attention.”
The Spokesman for the Plateau State Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached when contacted on the incident as calls put to his mobile phone indicated that it was switched off
Zamfara denies budgeting N19.3bn for kitchen equipment
The Zamfara State Government has refuted the claim that it budgeted N19.3 billion for purchasing kitchen equipment in 2024, stating that fake news is intended to mislead the public.
On Tuesday, an online platform (not the According)) reported that a review of the Zamfara State budget performance document showed that the state budgeted the quoted amount to purchase kitchen and canteen equipment for the 2024 fiscal year.
In a response during a press briefing in Gusau, the the state capital, the state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mallam Abdulmalik Gajam, expressed disappointment in the misleading report.
Gajam provided details of the breakdown of the N19.3 billion budgeted for projects under the Ministry of Education.
He said, “The news platform that peddled the fake news pushed half-baked statistics, omitting the vital information from the complete budget performance document.”
“The breakdown of 19.3 billion was budgeted under the Ministry of Education, and it is under the category of capital expenditure.
“The name canteen & kitchen is a fixed asset purchase the coded name of a particular category of multiple expenditures which contain a provision on the agile program, construction of zonal primary schools, provision of smart primary school in Gusau, procurement of kitchen utensil for all government school for 40 million naira, construction of teachers training centre and creation of teachers development funding scheme.
“All this put together is what constituted 19.3 billion.”
The commissioner further stressed that Governor Daudu Lawal’s administration came to reduce the abuse of public funds and block leakages.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
#EndBadGovernance protest: Plateau, Bauchi relax curfew
The Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, on Wednesday, relaxed the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on Jos, the state capital.
Also, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has announced the relaxation of the 24-hour curfew imposed on the Katagum Local Government Area of the state, following a significant improvement in the security situation.
Mutfwang’s Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, announced this in a statement, noting that residents in the affected Jos and Bukuru metropolis can now move freely between 2 pm and 6 pm daily until further notice.
The statement read in parts, “Following the improvement in the security situation within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau State Government has announced a relaxation of the earlier imposed 24-hour curfew. Effective from Wednesday, August 7, 2024, residents of the area can now move freely between the hours of 2 pm and 6 pm daily until further notice.
“Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who ordered the relaxation after consultation with the security agencies, praised them for their diligence and commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the curfew.”
The statement added that the governor “emphasised the importance of maintaining vigilance to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order, and assured that the government would continue to review the curfew as the situation improved.”
The governor urged residents within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious activities for prompt action.
On Sunday, the governor imposed a curfew on the affected areas following reported cases of looting of goods in the Bauchi Road community and Zolo Junction by hoodlums.
The Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Ibrahim Kashim, said on Tuesday that the curfew was relaxed to 12 hours, from 6 pm to 6 am daily.
“This decision comes as a welcome relief to the residents of Katagum who have been under a 24-hour curfew since the deterioration of the security situation in the area,” the statement partly read, adding that the “government’s swift response to the situation has helped to restore sanity and the relaxation of the curfew is a testament to the progress made.”
Mohammed equally “expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of law-abiding citizens and called on them to continue working with security agencies to maintain peace and order.”
Due to the destruction of public property, stealing and victimisation in the Katagum Local Government Area, the state government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Monday.
I didn’t bribe to secure House Committee chair – Ugochinyere
The Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream Petroleum, Ikenga Ugochinyere, has refuted allegations that he gave $1.7 million to the House leadership to secure the position.
He described the allegations as an attempt to divert attention from endemic corruption in the oil industry.
The lawmaker also expressed support for the Speaker’s decision to dissolve the joint committee investigating challenges in the oil sector, stressing that he trusted the Speaker’s judgment.
He reiterated his commitment to transparency and reform, vowing to push for accountability in the oil industry.
Ugochinyere hailed the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for their inclusive leadership style, which, according to him, has maintained stability in the House.
He dismissed the allegations as a “smear campaign” by corrupt elements seeking to escape justice, reaffirming his focus on fighting for good governance, undeterred by the attacks and allegations against him and the House leadership.
Ugochinyere said, “The allegation is a belated nonsensical, childish, and unprofessional fiction work aimed at creating division in the House to aid some criminal elements that are long overdue for the prison to think they can escape justice which is impossible as the demand for transparency and reform is a task that will be pushed.
“Only a childish mind will believe the poorly scripted work that Speaker was given 1.7m dollars for something that those not worth a penny. We will not dignify the cheap attempt to distract and divert attention from the House investigation on the corruption from our Oil industry.”
I didn’t bribe to secure House Committee chair – Ugochinyere
FG rejects foreign interference, investigates protest violence
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reiterated Nigeria’s stance against foreign interference in its domestic affairs and highlighted the importance of cordial international relationships.
Tuggar made this known at the briefing of the members of the diplomatic corps on the programme and policies of the Federal Government, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The nationwide #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protest, which commenced on Thursday, August 1, was in response to the hardship experienced by citizens in the country.
Several major highways were blocked, exacerbating the situation.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which gained momentum in major cities such as Lagos, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, were marked by violence.
In some instances, security officials’ actions were the catalyst for the violence, while in other cases, it has been driven by overzealous protesters or counter-protesters.
Over the weekend, media reports and footage showed EndBadGovernance protesters carrying Russian flags.
In a national broadcast on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu pleaded with the organisers of the nationwide protest to suspend the action as it had gone violent in some states with the attendant loss of lives and destruction of property.
The According reported on Monday that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force arrested no fewer than 30 EndBadGovernance protesters waving Russian flags in Kano and other states.
Also, one of the flag producers, identified as Ahmed Bello, was arrested with a large quantity of flags in Kano.
The Minister appealed for continued collaboration from the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts in overcoming its current challenges and achieving a better future for all Nigerians.
“While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programs and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception.
“The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.
“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerians at home and abroad,” he explained.
In his address, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s support for peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while committing to investigating the violence and bringing those responsible to justice.
Idris thanked the diplomatic community for their support and assured that the worst of the unrest is over.
He expressed optimism that the government’s policy interventions would soon yield positive results for the nation.
“I want to assure your excellencies that the Federal Government has launched an investigation into the violence that we have seen in the last one week to identify and bring to justice all those responsible.
“We are committed to preventing the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents in the future. I also want to thank you individually and collectively for your support and understanding during that difficult period.
“I want to assure you that the worst is over, and we can now as a nation march forward to enjoy the fruit of all the policy and programme interventions being implemented. I thank you for your kind attention,” he stated.
Obaseki mourns Patrick Ekpu, Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Benin
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has mourned the passage of Emeritus Archbishop of Benin, Archbishop Patrick Ebosele Ekpu, saying he was a great ambassador of the Catholic faith.
TVN reports that Obaseki, in his condolence message, said he was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of the cleric.
According to him, Archbishop Patrick Ekpu was compassionate and kind and had an illustrious history as a Catholic priest who worked assiduously for the growth of the Christian faith.
“He was an inspiration to many and a model that a lot of young people looked up to.
“I celebrate his impactful service to humanity and God and appreciate his work for Christ in Edo State, where he served for many years in promoting peace and societal cohesion. He is a great ambassador of the Catholic faith.
“Archbishop Ekpu was devoted to Christ and has done enviable work in the Lord’s vineyard, building a community of Catholic faithful who have continued to sustain his legacy of service, compassion, and sacrifice,” the governor said.
Obaseki commiserated with His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, the Archbishop of the Benin City Catholic Archdiocese, and the entire Edo Catholic community.
He prayed God to grant the Catholic community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Obaseki mourns Patrick Ekpu, Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Benin
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yunus, to lead Bangladesh interim government
Nobel laureate, Prof. Muhammad Yunus has been named Bangladesh’s interim leader.
Recall that the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following weeks of intense protests by the citizens.
Yunus, 84, was appointed a day after Hasina left.
The Nobel laureate, who is a long time political foe of the ousted Prime Minister, has been praised for his pioneering use of microloans.
Hasina regarded him as a public enemy – he is currently on bail, appealing against a six-month jail term in what he has called a politically-motivated case.
Students who led the mass protests that unseated Hasina refused to accept a military-led government and pushed for Prof Yunus to lead the interim administration.
The decision to name Yunus as chief adviser of the interim government was sequel to a meeting between President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders and student leaders.
“When the students who sacrificed so much are requesting me to step in at this difficult juncture, how can I refuse?” Prof Yunus had said.
“He is returning to Dhaka from Paris where he is undergoing a minor medical procedure,” his spokesperson had said.
Recall that the protests in Bangladesh began in early July with demands from university students to abolish quotas in civil service jobs, but snowballed into a broader anti-government movement.
READ ALSO: Bangladesh president dissolves parliament, frees ex-PM
Over 400 people are reported to have died in clashes between government forces and protesters – mostly civilians shot by police.
On Monday alone, more than 100 people died across the country, making it the single deadliest day in the movement. Hundreds of police stations were also torched.
Hours before protesters stormed and looted the former PM’s official residence in the capital Dhaka, Ms Hasina resigned and fled to neighbouring India. That brought a swift and abrupt end to her nearly 15-year rule.
Even as Bangladesh’s economy grew in the past decade, the former PM came under increasing criticism for silencing her critics and jailing her political opponents.
Some of them, such as ex-PM Khaleda Zia and activist Ahmad Bin Quasem, were released soon after Hasina’s hasty exit.
Zia chairs the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which boycotted elections in 2014 and again in 2024, saying free and fair polls were not possible under Hasina.
The 78-year-old was imprisoned in 2018 for corruption – charges which he said were politically motivated.
Rights groups had said that Quasem was detained in 2016, one of hundreds of forced disappearances during Ms Hasina’s tenure.
Yunus, who was sentenced to six months in jail in January for violating labour laws, has said he too was a victim of Hasina’s ire.
He has faced other allegations in the past, going back to 2011 when he was accused of defaming Bangladesh’s politicians.
The post Nobel Peace Prize winner, Yunus, to lead Bangladesh interim government appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Re-strategize approach in addressing hardship – Group tells Tinubu
The Katsina State chapter of the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, has called on President Bola Tinubu to re-strategize his approach to addressing the economic hardship in the country.
The leader of the Islamic sect in the state, Sheikh Yakubu Musa-Hassan, made the call on Wednesday in Katsina during an interactive session with journalists.
He also urged protesters to shun such an act, as it was not the best, considering the existing security situation in some parts of the country, urging them to rather embark on a national prayer.
Musa-Hassan further gave an example with the incident of vandalism, stealing, and killing as a result of the protests as the reason they have called on the youths to sheath their swords.
He, therefore, called on parents to always call their children to order, so as to avoid their involvement in such nefarious acts.
“The protests should serve as a lesson to the state Governors and Tinubu, to re-strategize their approaches in addressing the dire economic situation in the country.
“Tinubu should adopt the follow-up method in ensuring that whatever support he released to be shared to the people reaches those that are in dire need of it, but not to be shared to politicians.
“Many people were not aware of such financial and food support from the Federal Government, therefore, the president should re-strategize.
“Giving food and money to those in need is not enough, the government should teach the youths entrepreneurship for them to be self-reliant,” the cleric said.
Musa-Hassan called on those that the Federal Government saddled with the responsibility of sharing such largesse with the public to fear Allah and deliver it to the people it was meant for.
According to him, failure to do so, they should await the punishment from Allah on the judgment day, where they have nothing to pay with, except their little good deeds.
He also responded to social media reports alleging that JIBWIS was given the Federal Government’s rice for distribution to people, saying “I have never seen a single bag of such rice.
Re-strategize approach in addressing hardship – Group tells Tinubu