Anxiety, joy as schools resume [Sun]
- Education ministers, perm sec, others begin assessment of schools
Anxiety and joy have gripped stakeholders in the nation’s educational sectors as secondary school students in terminal classes nationwide resume for academic activities, four months after they were shut schools owing to Coronavirus pandemic.
On March 29, the Federal Government had directed schools nationwide to close down, but last week Monday, Federal Government announced that secondary schools are to reopen on August 4, though, for exit classes only.
The choice of SS3 students is to enable them write the terminal examinations, starting with the May/June 2020 West African Senior School Certificate Examination Certificate (WASSCE) on August 17.
In the South South, some states have directed reopening, those in the north are billed to repoen on August 10 while South East and South West governors have also announced date for resumption.
Officials of the Federal Ministry of Education have begun tour of Federal Government-owned secondary schools to assess their readiness to welcome students.
Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of State, Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, are leading the team which comprises the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echono, and other senior officials of the ministry.
Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Ben Bem Goong, in a statement released in Abuja, yesterday, announced that all the 104 Federal Government Colleges, otherwise known as Unity Schools, are ready to expected to open their gates to exit classes today.
The statement insisted that all returning students are to undergo temperature checks among other protocols before being admitted into their schools.
Part of the statement read: “The Minister of State for Education, Permanent Secretary and Directors will embark on an assessment tour of all Unity Colleges to ascertain and confirm the reports they have received from the Principals of Unity Colleges.
“Similarly, Federal Education Quality Assurance Directors deployed to the states have been directed to monitor compliance in their respective states.
Commissioners are enjoined to embark on assessment tours in their jurisdictions to ascertain the level of preparations for reopening.”
He said across states, commissioners for education have reported varying degrees of preparation and readiness for reopening between the 4th and 10th of August, for virtually all schools within their jurisdictions.
S’East govs order schools to reopen
South East Governors Forum, yesterday, ordered all schools in the zone to reopen for exit classes today.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, told journalists in Abakaliki, yesterday, that the directive was part of the resolutions of the forum’s virtual meeting held on Sunday.
He noted that the resumption was to enable students in exit classes (JSS3 and SS3) to prepare for their WAEC exams.
Governor Umahi further disclosed that the decontamination of affected schools have started across the states, adding that they would be adequate provision of hand sanitizers and running water inline with NCDC protocols in all the schools.
“Health workers shall be sent to the schools to train the teachers and students on COVID-19 NCDC protocols and to also enforce same” he said.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Acting Secretary for Education, Umaru Marafa, explained that only students in exit classes are expected to resume today.
“All schools in the FCT can re-open for exit students only, on Tuesday, 4th of August 2020 for preparation for their examinations, i.e WASSCE and BECE.
“Schools that have put measures based on the PTF’s guidelines and have been inspected and certified as ready for resumption by the Department of Quality Assurance of the Education Secretariat can re-open from Tuesday, August 4.
“Those that have not been cleared by the Department are advised to hasten up to meet the requirement for resumption of their schools.”
Shoprite considers selling majority stake in Nigerian business [Sun]
Shoprite Holdings Limited is weighing its ownership options for its outlets in Nigeria.
In an “Operational and Voluntary Trading Update 52 Weeks Ended 28 June 2020” released on Monday, the company said it has been approached by “various potential investors”.
The update partly read, “Despite difficult circumstances, in a year incorporating the COVID-19 lockdown and accompanying regulations governing trade, transport and operations, the Group increased total sale of merchandise for the 52 weeks to 28 June 2020 (including the impact of hyperinflation in the prior year) by 6.4 per cent to approximately R156.9 billion. Like-for-like growth for the year was 4.4 per cent.
“Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the Group’s operating model in Nigeria, the Board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or a majority stake, in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited.
“As such, Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited may be classified as a discontinued operation when Shoprite reports its results for the year. Any further updates will be provided to the market at the appropriate time.”
NDDC contracts: Akpabio’s new list sparks controversy [Sun]
- Kalu, Ibori, Uduaghan reply Niger Delta minister
Three former governors, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief James Ibori and Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan have denied any link with contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
While Dr. Orji, Senate Chief Whip, said he only facilitated road projects as his intervention efforts for some communities in the Abia State after they requested him to do so, the others denied ever taking contracts from the Commission.
Kalu was reacting to a statement by Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, where he also reportedly mentioned Uduaghan, Ibori, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume and others relating to contracts awarded by the NDDC.
Five projects were reportedly linked to Kalu, all valued at above N500 million in Abia, while 12 others were linked to Araraume in Imo and Rivers states in a letter by Akpabio to the House of Representatives.
But reacting via a statement by Emeka Nwala, yesterday, Kalu said, “whatever link I have with the projects is because it was considered due to my intervention.”
He said he believed the issues at stake in the NDDC had to do with missing funds and not projects executed, adding that he was worried that his name was being used indiscriminately to sell newspapers without verifications.
According to the Chief Whip, the road projects mentioned by the minister were interventions he facilitated for some communities as a private citizen before he became a senator.
Kalu said his name was mentioned because he used his letter headed paper to write a sympathetic letter to the NDDC in 2016 requesting and pleading with the body to rescue roads in Abia.
He also noted that his relationship with Senator Akpabio dates years back and long before he (Kalu) became governor, adding that he would still request for more road interventions for Abia State from Akpabio.
“I was governor of Abia State between 1999 and 2007 and never held any public office until June 11, 2019 when I was sworn-in as senator. Between 2016 and 2018, during my tour to several communities, leaders and welfare unions of most communities pleaded for urgent intervention on some dilapidated roads. I wrote to the NDDC informing the body of the conditions of these roads and the need for their attention since Abia is an NDDC state. The NDDC in their consideration, which I am very grateful to, awarded the roads to companies that duly tendered for the projects and not myself. Whatever link I have with the projects is because it was considered due to my intervention,”said Kalu.
He also noted that the management of NDDC that awarded the projects was not the interim management in controversy, but the fully constituted body of NDDC with its board.
Said Kalu: “The roads I requested for intervention as mentioned by the Honourable minister were repairs of Ezere-Acha-Ndiokoukwu Road;Amaubiri-Eluama-Uru Ring Road, Lokpaukwu, Umuchieze; Ndi Oji Abam-Atan Road; Okafia-Ozuitem-Bende road and Ozu-Amuru-Abam Road. The contractors have completed and delivered these roads long time ago, except Abam-Atani road, which I learnt from the contractors was slowed down due to rain, but still ongoing.
“Meanwhile, it would interest Nigerians to know that the contractors who built these roads have not been paid any dime. It has not been easy with the contractors, but because it’s a community project they have only but kept hope alive on the NDDC. I am so much concerned about roads because I understand the economic importance of good roads, that’s why I built several roads when I was governor. Even as a senator, it would interest you to know that my major constituency projects are road constructions, reconstructions and rehabilitations. We have put in plans to finish 19 roads in Abia North before end of 2021.
“As a community leader, I do not intend to stop my interventions on roads in NDDC states because all the states need good roads. Good roads help to drive the economy. Therefore, I believe the NDDC forensic audit should focus on the missing funds and not works done. They should focus on paying contractors that delivered their jobs and not using my name indiscriminately to sell newspapers. The minister, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is my good old friend. We have been friends even before I became a governor. I hope he doesn’t expect me to stop seeking for road interventions in our communities. It is his civic responsibility to support the communities and I am very confident he will oblige our future requests especially in areas of good roads.”
Reacting, Uduaghan said denied approaching the NDDC for any contract.
Uduaghan was specifically linked to the emergency repairs of Close B, Alhaji Estate & Environs, Rumuodomaya, Port Harcourt in Rivers State at a cost of N429 million.
But the former governor, in a statement, described the accusation as false, insisting he “never approached the NDDC for any contract whatsoever.”
“It is even more ridiculous that the said contract is a road inside Port Harcourt town,” Uduaghan said in the statement by his Media Assistant, Monoyo Edon.
He said he had drawn the attention of the Akpabio to the publication for correction, describing the publication as mischievous.
Ex-governor Ibori in a statement by his media aide, Tony Eluemunor, said he “never solicited for, or was awarded, or indeed executed, any contract with NDDC or any government agency, at any time, for that matter.”
Schools reopening source of COVID-19 concern, says PTF [Nation]
THE Federal Government on Monday advised stakeholders in the education sector to ensure adherence to COVID-19 prevention protocols as schools open for exit classes.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and PTF Chairman Boss Mustapha said during a briefing in Abuja that all stakeholders must ensure strict compliance with precautionary measures.
Mustapha said: “I wish to restate that the education sector is critical for the development of our children and our nation.
“Reopening the sector is also a source of concern based on the fact that the school system remains a veritable ground for increasing community transmission if appropriate protocols are not put in place and more importantly adhered to.
“In this regard, the PTF wishes to implore stakeholders to ensure that the agreed protocols are put in place and measures strictly adhered to.
“The PTF continues to push forward with the community engagement, risk communication and support to states.
“There is on-going surveillance in the high burden local government areas just as we ramp up our precision efforts.
“Similarly, the Federal Government is supporting the states to firm up their Incidence Action Plans, preparatory to their accessing the World Bank facility for the fight against COVID-19.”
The SGF said the PTF will soon submit its sixth interim report to the President.
He said: “Subject to his approval, we hope to present the way forward to Nigerians at the next briefing on August 6, 2020 (Thursday),” he said.
The Federal Government on Monday announced the reopening of the 104 unity colleges for Senior Secondary Three (SS3) pupils today to enable them to sit for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE).
Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, stated this at the end of a virtual meeting with commissioners for education and other stakeholders.
Federal Ministry of Education Press and Public Relations Director, Ben Goong, said in a statement that all returning pupils are to undergo temperature checks and observe other COVID-19 protocols before being allowed into schools.
“From today (yesterday), the Minister of State for Education, Permanent Secretary and directors will embark on an assessment tour of all unity colleges to ascertain and confirm the reports they have received from their principals.
“Similarly, Federal Education Quality Assurance Directors deployed to the states have been directed to monitor compliance in their respective states.”
Goong said commissioners of education were urged to embark on assessment tours to ascertain the level of preparations for reopening.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) asked schools to reopen today for pupils in exit classes.
FCTA Educations Secretariat warned schools that have not been inspected and certified as ready for resumption by the Department of Quality Assurance of the Education not to reopen.
Acting Secretary for Education, Umaru Marafa, said in a statement: “All schools in the FCT can re-open for exit pupils only on August 4, 2020 for preparation for their examinations, i.e. WASSCE and Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).”
Private and public schools in the Southeast will resume today for exit classes only.
This is part of the resolutions by the governors at their meeting on Sunday.
A communique by the Director-General of the Southeast Governors Forum, Prof. Uchenna Ortuanya, said the states have begun the decontamination of schools.
The statement said the governors are also providing hand sanitizers and water in line with COVID-19 NCDC protocols.
“Random sampling of COVID-19 tests shall be conducted on the teachers and students.
“Health workers shall be sent to the schools to train the teachers and students on COVID-19 protocols and to also enforce same,” the statement said.
In Lagos, the government warned schools not to admit pupils of classes until the government says so.
Commissioner for Education Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo disregarding the policy would lead to sanctions.
She urged schools not to exceed the 20-per class capacity limit set by the government to check the spread of COVID-19.
Adefisayo spoke when she visited schools in Yaba, Surulere and Apapa under Education District IV.
She expressed satisfaction with their level of preparedness, saying the random visits would continue until all schools are covered.
Governors protest nation’s ‘worsening security situation’ [Nation]
- To meet Buhari, Service Chiefs ‘
- Attack on Zulum unwarranted’
GOVERNORS have joined the growing list of Nigerians bemoaning the security situation in the country.
They have planned a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and the Service chiefs to discuss “this worrisome and rapidly degenerating situation.”
The states helmsmen conveyed their feelings in a letter to their counterpart – Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum – whose convoy last week came under attack between Baga and Monguno in his state while on a trip.
The attackers are suspected to be fighters of insurgent group, Boko Haram.
Zulum accused the military of sabotage.
He criticised troops for not showing enough commitment to the fight against insurgency.
The governor threatened to mobilise hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to battle Boko Haram should the troops fail to perform after some time.
In the letter to Zulum, the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, described what happened to Zulum as “one unwarranted attack too many”, which “epitomises our collective vulnerability and the fragility of the country’s security architecture.”
The letter added: “Although you emerged from this incident unscathed, we note with regret the injuries sustained by two members of the CJTF and a police officer attached to your convoy and do accordingly pray for their quick recovery.
“Mr. Governor, forum members are resolutely behind you in your effort to rid Borno State of these dastardly and wicked agents of evil.
“On our part, the Sub-Committee on Security will be meeting tomorrow and rising from the resolutions thereof will soon dialogue with Mr. President and the nation’s Security chiefs, to discuss this worrisome and rapidly degenerating situation.
“On a final note, Mr. Governor, we thank God for always being merciful.”
Fayemi double as chairman of the security sub-committee of the NGF.
There have been calls for rejig of the nation’s security architecture from many quarters.
A lot of others have also called for the removal of Service Chiefs who are believed to be weary to enable new ideas to take root.
At the weekend, Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari, whose state is under the siege of bandits who are operating in the Northwest, said his state is under policed.
According to him, there is an average of about 30 policemen deployed for 100 villages.
Cracks in Ondo PDP as five governors back Ajayi’s ZLP move [Nation]
THERE were indications on Monday that cracks had developed in the Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This followed reluctance of the party’s governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede, to accept embattled Deputy Governor Agboola Ajayi as his running mate.
Also, the division in the state’s chapter of the party has been linked to the Cold War over PDP’s 2023 presidential slot.
Jegede is a close ally of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; he won the primaries, despite the support Ajayi got from five PDP governors.
The five governors had attempted to use the primaries to stop Jegede from becoming the party’s candidate.
Following the failure of the deputy governor at the primaries, the five PDP governors were said to be pushing Ajayi to run on the platform of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
It was gathered that their plot is to split PDP’s votes and stop Atiku from producing a governor in the Southwest to use as a springboard for 2023 presidential race.
But the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which was aware of the development in PDP, has been banking on the cracks in the opposition to consolidate its strength across the state.
The support of President Muhammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu added more bite to the campaign of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
Worried by the new political mileage of APC in the state, it was learnt that some forces in the PDP have begun to prevail on Jegede to retain Ajayi as his running mate, instead of allowing him to defect to ZLP, which can affect the electoral fortunes of the state’s opposition party.
Jegede’s camp was said to be wary of Ajayi, who controls nine members of the Ondo State House of Assembly.
According to sources, Jegede’s strategists fear that Ajayi could become rebellious and impeach the governor, if the PDP wins in Ondo State.
A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Dissatisfied with the outcome of the PDP primary, five PDP governors allegedly instructed the deputy governor to open talks with the leadership of ZLP in the state.
“They have made commitments to bankroll Ajayi’s governorship bid, if he secures ZLP’s ticket.
“Penultimate Friday, Ajayi met with ZLP’s national leader and former governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, where discussions held on the deal to concede the governorship ticket to Ajayi.
“Precisely, last Tuesday, Ajayi was said to have dispatched a chartered aircraft to convey the former governor to Abuja, ostensibly to firm up arrangements with both the NWC of ZLP as well as the five PDP governors backing Ajayi.”
High debt profile: Publish details of loans or face legal action, NLC, TUC, others tell FG [Punch]
- Nigerians facing harsh economic difficulties despite high accumulated debts – Labour, others
The Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and 80 other organisations, under the aegis of the Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, on Monday asked the Federal Government to publish terms and conditions of all the loans it had taken.
The group, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr Femi Falana, (SAN); the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba and his TUC counterpart, Quadri Olaleye, who are both co-chairmen, threatened a legal action against the government if it failed to publish details of the loans.
Recall that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements on Tuesday last week, had asked the lawmakers to stop the investigation into the loan obtained from China to finance rail projects in Nigeria.
He warned that the probe would send a wrong signal to China, which could stop the loan, thereby thwarting the rail projects.
But ASCAB in its statement titled, ‘‘ASCAB demands full disclosure of all loans obtained by Nigeria,’ said it would “challenge the authorities in court if the disclosures were not made.”
The group also urged the National Assembly to reveal the terms and conditions of all external loans.
It said if the National Assembly failed, the Debt Management Office should publish the terms and conditions of all external loans, or face legal fireworks.
ASCAB, which is a coalition of labour and some 80 civil society groups, lamented that Nigeria’s debt profile which was N12.118tn as of May 2015 had leaped to N27.401tn in 2019.
It stated that the figure represented more than 100 per cent debt increase adding that by 2020, the nation had seen an astrological surge in the country’s external debts.
The group said recent revelations at the National Assembly had confirmed the fact that the loans were taken without proper public scrutiny.
It also noted that a committee of the House of Representatives was feigning ignorance concerning the terms and conditions attached to a particular loan agreement.
ASCAB said the huge debt being incurred for the country had the potential of stifling the prospects of economic liberation and political freedom of the people.
The group said within one year, the National Assembly had approved a total of $28bn loans for the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) with no commensurate improvement in the quality of lives of many Nigerians.
Nigerians facing harsh economic difficulties despite high debt profile – Labour, others
Part of the statement read, “Millions of Nigerians continue to face harsh economic difficulties, lacking access to basic needs, yet the debt profile of the country continues to increase.
“It is even more grievous that the government continues to take loans on behalf of the people without their consent neither their keen understanding of the terms.”
ASCAB said the National Assembly appeared desperate to pull wool over the face of Nigerians by covering up its tracks regarding the clause in the Chinese loans.
It added, “The opaque nature of the loans is against the principles of the Nigerian constitution,” ASCAB said, citing Section 21(1) of the Debt Management Office Establishment (ETC) Act, 2003 (DMO Act) which states that no external loan shall be approved or obtained by the minister unless its terms and conditions shall have been laid before the National Assembly and approved by its resolution.”
ASCAB stated that information from the Debt Management Office indicated that the total value of loans taken by Nigeria from China as of March 31, 2020, was $3.121bn.
It noted that it was an indication that the Chinese loan was some 3.94 per cent of Nigeria’s total public debt of $79.303 as of March 31, 2020 while external sources of funds, loans from China accounted for 11.28 per cent of the external debt profile of $27.67 at the same date.
“The loans were obtained with interest rates of 2.5 per annum, to be paid in 20 years with a moratorium of seven years,” it added.
Pondei, others spent N5bn as medical allowances – Senate report [Punch]
- NDDC incurs N808.9m as imprest during lockdown
The Senate report on the alleged financial recklessness in the Niger Delta Development Commission has revealed how the top management of the agency shared N4.9bn among themselves in the guise of medical checkup.
The document also showed that the management paid N114.9m as supplementary medical allowance to 26 staff member during the same period.
It stated that both disbursements were made when the nation was under lockdown to check COVID-19 spread.
The report was adopted and approved by the Senate shortly before it proceeded on its annual recess penultimate week.
A copy of the document obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Monday, indicated that the monies were paid to the individual accounts in March and April this year.
The document indicated that the acting Managing Director, Daniel Pondei, and the two executive directors got N14.2m each.
The report noted that no such payment took place during the first Interim Management Committee led by Joi Nunieh.
It nonetheless, stated that available data showed that the allowance had been in existence even though it appeared to have no specific policy underpinning it.
The report stated, “The three members of the Interim Management Committee received the highest amount of N142m each.
“Two other people, namely Evan Caroline Nagbo and Ms Cecilia Akintomide, took N12,387,500 each, while Peter Uwa Edieya was paid N10,340,000.
The report further added that four other members of staff collected about N8m each while 140 others collected an average of N7m each.
The NDDC management also paid 75 others N6m each while 153 staff members were paid N5.5m.
Four other category of staff were paid between N4.1m and N4.8m while seven others got about N3m each.
The document further indicated that 804 staff members collected between N2.4m and N2.9m each.
Apart from these, the document showed that the management paid N114.9m as supplementary medical allowance to 26 staff members.
No fewer than 15 of them got N7m while one of them collected N5.2m.
The rest however collected between N375, 000 and N550, 000 each.
The report indicated that “payment to all the 1,401 staff who received the allowance was made on 16 March 2020.”
It added that the distribution of the payment category and number of staff did not suggest a regular hierarchical pattern and an absence of clear policy, which raised suspicion of arbitrariness.
The report also stated that the NDDC management used staff members for the distribution of Lassa Fever kits.
It explained that Personal Protective Kits were given to the 185 LGAs of the Niger Delta states through the NDDC staff.
The staff members, according to the document, were paid various amounts, ranging from N300,000 to N6,845,000, on April 15, 2020 for the distribution of the kits.
The report stated, “The total amount used for the distribution is N55,090,000.
“Twenty-nine employees were engaged in ‘Monitoring of the Emergency Response Programme on Lassa Fever Outbreak at a cost of N5,972,500’.
“NDDC did not provide any returns on the end-user beneficiaries which would have helped in evaluating the accountability and transparency of the programme. There was also no mention of the original target beneficiaries.
“NDDC management did not provide details of allocation of the Lassa fever Protective Kits per each state and LGA and how the distributors were assigned as well as the collated report on the distribution exercise.
“They should have justified the huge amount of money allocated for the exercise.”
The report further added that by its own record. NDDC spent N808.9m as imprest between October 29 2019 and May 23. 2020.
It stated that, “this covers a period of seven months during most of which the nation was on lockdown.
“Given that significant amount was also expended on travels, duty tour allowance during this period, payment of bills, it is difficult to justify this huge amount as imprest necessary for the services of the commission.”
Ondo deputy gov set to resign from PDP [Punch]
There are strong indications that the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi, will be resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party this week.
Ajayi, who earlier resigned his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress in June and defected to the PDP, is said to be leaving the main opposition party a few days after losing the PDP primary to Mr Eyitayo Jegede.
It was reliably gathered that the deputy governor had almost concluded arrangements for his defection with the leadership of the Zenith Labour Party.
He was said to have been adopted as the standard bearer of the ZLP in the forthcoming governorship election.
A reliable source confirmed to our correspondent on Monday that Ajay would first resign his membership of the PDP before he formerly joins the ZLP.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, said, “He (Ajayi) will go to his ward to resign from the PDP and he will join the ZLP immediately. Everything will be done this week. The plan has been completed.”
The source added that the leadership of the ZLP was already fine-tuning the name replacement with the Independent National Electoral Commission so that Ajayi’s name would be registered as its candidate in the October 10 governorship election.
The state Publicity Secretary of the ZLP, Mr Felix Olatunde, confirmed the development.
NDDC, EFCC: Presidency Faults TUC Planned Protest [Leadership]
The presidency yesterday described as ill-advised the plan by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on a nationwide protest over President Muhammadu Buhari’s alleged “inaction” on the financial fraud uncovered at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The presidency said the planned protest was totally uncalled for considering that there are ongoing investigations in the cases by both the executive and legislative arms of government.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement noted that these processes must be allowed to run their full courses.
He said it was against the norm in a democratic society as well as the natural laws of justice to seek “action,” meaning punishment, against offenders before proper investigation, trial and conviction.
Shehu in the statement explained that the president had made it clear that the allegations that have surfaced clearly “constitute a breach of trust” and as the investigations take hold and close out, all those found wanting will face the wrath of the law.
The statement noted: “The TUC, as an enlightened group of labour unionists, should indeed voice their indignation whenever such acts are being unearthed.
“However the expectation will be for it to also raise the bar higher, in terms of the debate concerning the impact of such allegations on our ability, to create and retain employment, attract investment, improve the living conditions of its members and citizens, and how a preponderance of these heinous crimes decimates any gains being made in other spheres.
“The world is confronted with a global public health crisis, decline in economic growth, and expanding areas of conflict by non-state actors.
“All these ills in their singular or combined form are consuming every nation. Nigeria is no exception; we must hold the line and lock arms that way we rid ourselves of these existential issues whilst we grapple with those that are our own homegrown problems”.
Shehu further noted that while the Buhari administration was committed to stamping out corruption, organisations like the TUC should be extending a hand in supporting such a fight that is in the collective interest.
Probe Won’t Stop Forensic Audit -NDDC
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has said the ongoing probe of the Interim Management Committee of the commission would not stop its forensic audit as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The NDDC, in a statement issued by its director of corporate affairs, Charles Obi Odili, said hounding and haunting its acting managing director, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei, would not scuttle the audit.
The statement reads in part: “Less than two weeks after an exhaustive and exhausting public hearings by both chambers of the National Assembly, another round of false reports have surfaced in the media, alleging all manners of improprieties by the management of the NDDC. One of the reports alleges that a fresh massive fraud has been uncovered in the Commission.”
Odili, however, said there was no evidence of fraud in the Commission, saying the report is merely a rehash of the allegations which led the National Assembly, on May 5, to order a probe of the 74-day administration of Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei at the Commission.
He added: “Lest we forget, that probe was set up to uncover the sum of N40 billion alleged to be missing from the Commission. In order to allay the fears of our stakeholders, we took the unusual step of publishing the list of payments made by the Commission since Pondei came into office.
“With that publication, the rug was pulled from the feet of our accusers. When the hearings proper started, there was no talk of the missing N40 billion any more. It was now about financial recklessness.
As we pointed out in an earlier release, the issue of missing money is one needing objective proof.
“The issue of financial recklessness is a matter of subjective judgment. The reports of the hearings have been submitted and it is clear there was no money missing at the Commission.
“The response of the Commission to the new reports is that there is no fraud at the Niger Delta Development Commission. Prof Pondei has run a very transparent administration and this transparency is now apparent after the searchlight put on his administration in the past one month.
“Another report rehashed the claim of the Contractors Association that the management demands between 20 per cent and 30 per cent kickback before paying contractors. We wish to state categorically that this is false. This allegation was made at the hearing of the Ad hoc Senate Committee which probed the affairs of the Commission.”
APC, PDP bicker over $460m Abuja CCTV project, $2bn China loan
Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday challenged the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to explain to Nigerians the status of the failed $460 million Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) awarded in August 2010 by its past government.
The APC also challenged the PDP to explain the over $2billion China loan it administration took between 2010 and 2013 alone; $16billion spent on power; fuel subsidy rackets; counter-insurgency funds that were allegedly diverted.
The ruling party was reacting to a statement issued by the Media Office of former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on the standard sovereign guarantee and sovereign immunity clause embedded in Nigeria’s loan agreements with China to fund the ongoing national railway projects.
A statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the deputy national publicity secretary of APC, Yekini Nabena, described Atiku’s comment as “unresearched, unintelligent and pedestrian.”
He stated: “As the Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi has explained, the guarantee/clause in the loan deals is standard irrespective of the country granting the loan.
“Perhaps, Atiku and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could redirect their energies to explaining to Nigerians the status of the failed $460 million Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) awarded in August 2010 by the immediate-past PDP administration.
“Also, they should explain the over $2billion China loan the PDP administration took between 2010 and 2013 alone; $16billion spent on power with no electricity; fuel subsidy rackets; counter-insurgency funds that were diverted and shared to political cronies among other shocking heists.
“Recall that the failed CCTV installation project was initiated by late President Umaru Yar’Adua and awarded in August 2010 by former President, Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to help security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory check the growing insecurity”.
But in a swift response, the PDP demanded that the federal government should begin an investigation of its officials and highly-placed members of the APC over various allegations of fraud.
The national publicity secretary of PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, who stated this was responding to the challenge thrown at his party by the APC to account for the $460 million Abuja CCTV project and $2 billion China Loan.
He said, “Five years in the saddle, we are where we are. The APC that came with the mantra of fighting corruption has since become the most corrupt party in the history of Nigeria.
“Where is the N800 billion they claimed to have recovered? Nigerians know that the so-called recovered monies have since been re-looted by those shouting war against corruption. This government has failed by all standards and they know it.”
“The PDP advises the federal government to immediately begin the investigation of its officials and highly-placed members of the APC alleged to have soiled their hands, with a view to bringing them to book.
“Until they do this, the APC and the government it formed at the centre should keep their peace because Nigerians are now wiser than their needless propaganda”.
FG Warns Politicians Against Flouting COVID-19 Rules [Leadership]
As campaigns for the forthcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States intensify, the federal government yesterday sounded a note of warning to political actors and their supporters on the need to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.
Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who made government’s position during the briefing of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja also revealed that the next phase of the eased lockdown would be announced on Thursday following President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval of the 6th interim report which will be submitted by the task force.
Campaigns for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections billed to hold on September 19 and October 10 respectively, have already started just as the COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing, wearing of face masks and washing of hands, have largely been observed in breach at most of the political gatherings.
But addressing concerns over the electioneering process so far, Boss Mustapha who is chairman of the PTF said the task force and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are currently concluding discussions on the appropriate guidelines and protocols to be adopted for the forthcoming elections.
He said, “The National Response would continue to guide the adoption of sector specific guidelines and protocols just as the PTF is currently concluding discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on appropriate guidelines to be adopted for elections beginning with the August 8th Bye-Election in Nasarawa State to be followed by those for Edo and Ondo States in September and October respectively.
“I, therefore, wish to use this opportunity to implore party leaders, aspirants, members and supporters to remain mindful of the virulent nature of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns and other election processes. We need to remain alive to enjoy the benefits of our democracy”.
The SGF warned Nigerians still doubting the existence of coronavirus and its dangers to change their behaviour in their own interest and that of their loved ones by complying with COVID-19 protocols.
The chairman of the PTF said, “For our countrymen and women who still habour skepticism about the existence and dangers posed by the virus, we urge you to imbibe a change of behaviour by complying with the non-pharmaceutical measures prescribed.
“This appeal remains in your own interest and in the interest of your loved ones. Remember, always wear your mask, observe social distancing, avoid large gatherings and maintain proper hygiene”.