Don’t involve Bello’s children in corruption fight, rights group tells EFCC

The Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CHILDRANE) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to leave out the children of former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, from the probe of N80 billion money laundering charges it has levelled against him.

The spokesperson, CHILDRANE, Emmanuel Abah, during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, denounced the breach of privacy and other safeguards of Bello’s children via repeated references to them in EFCC’s press conferences and statements.

Abah emphasised the need to protect children’s rights during legal processes.

He warned that “Nigerian child, our hope of any meaningful tomorrow as a nation, were now increasingly an endangered species.

”The EFCC had confirmed the receipt of the refund of $760,000 paid as advance school fees by Bello for his children at the American International School, Abuja.

The school had asked the EFCC to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of the former governor.

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But Abah condemned the action of the school for publicly disclosing her refund of the school fees paid for the children by their family to the EFCC, especially as the action potentially violated the judgment in a case by the Bello family in which the school was a party, while summarily jeopardising the well-being of children to whom she owed a direct duty of care.

No worker can survive on less than N100,000 minimum wage – Shehu Sani

Shehu Sani, former Senator representing Kaduna Central, has urged the Federal Government to address the minimum wage issue, highlighting that no Nigerian worker can adequately survive on less than N100,000 given the current economic climate.

During an interview with ARISE TV, Sani made these remarks, discussing the ongoing minimum wage dispute between organized labour and the government.

He emphasized that the government possesses the financial means to pay a fair minimum wage, asserting that ensuring a living wage for workers is imperative.

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“It’s unrealistic for a Nigerian to survive on less than N100,000,” Sani stated. “When you scrutinize the government’s proposed N45,000-48,000, you’ll realize its impracticality considering various expenses. The government should seriously consider labor’s stance.”

Sani also highlighted the challenges of implementing wage increases amidst existing financial constraints. However, he noted that recent economic reforms have generated increased revenue for the government, suggesting that investing in workers’ wages is a productive use of these funds.

“Economic reforms come with sacrifices, but they should be equitable,” he explained. “Workers see the influx of trillions; they want their fair share. Subsidies historically enhanced wage value, but with their removal, workers expect compensation.”

Sani’s remarks underscore the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to addressing wage disparities and ensuring workers’ financial well-being amidst evolving economic conditions.

No worker can survive on less than N100,000 minimum wage – Shehu Sani

Emefiele: Contractor speaks on how he paid $600,000 bribe to CBN director

In a dramatic revelation before the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja, a contractor with the Central Bank of Nigeria testified on Friday that he paid a $600,000 bribe to a former CBN director to secure payment for a contract.

Victor Onyejiuwa, Managing Director of Resource Computer Limited, stated that while executing contracts for the CBN, Punch reported on Saturday.

He said he had no direct dealings with former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele. Instead, Onyejiuwa alleged that the bribe was paid to John Ayoh, the former CBN Director of Information Technology.

Onyejiuwa explained that all communications with Ayoh were conducted via WhatsApp. He testified that the first installment of $400,000 was paid in Lagos, and the remaining $200,000 was delivered in Abuja.

He noted that there was no formal authorization from CBN management to pay the bribe.

During cross-examination by Emefiele’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, Onyejiuwa confirmed that Ayoh signed both the contract award and its completion. He detailed that his first contract with the CBN was valued at N1.3 billion, and the second at $2.1 million.

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Onyejiuwa continued to work with the CBN until 2019, after Ayoh’s departure, and stated that no bribes were demanded for subsequent contracts executed under Emefiele’s tenure as governor.

“I did a new contract with the CBN, and no bribe was demanded and the payment for the contract was made in due time,” Onyejiuwa testified.

He admitted under cross-examination that he never sought confirmation from any CBN deputy governors regarding Ayoh’s authority to collect the bribe, nor did he have any direct instructions from Emefiele.

Onyejiuwa also revealed that he did not present any letter demanding a bribe to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court heard that the $600,000 was delivered directly to Ayoh in his office, and signed off by an IT department official after payment.

Former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele and co-defendant Henry Omoile face 26 counts related to abuse of office and alleged fraud totaling $4.5 billion and N2.8 billion. Both have pleaded not guilty.

On the previous hearing date, Onyejiuwa told Justice Rahman Oshodi that he was coerced into paying $600,000 before his contract payment was approved. He recounted a senior CBN official pressuring him in 2017, stating that payment would be withheld unless the bribe was paid. Following this, Onyejiuwa managed to gather $400,000 and $200,000, respectively, which facilitated the contract payment within weeks.

The trial is set to continue on July 9 and 10.

Emefiele: Contractor speaks on how he paid $600,000 bribe to CBN director