Buhari didn’t Approve $6.2m for elections, his signature was forged - Boss Mustapha – Newstrends
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Buhari didn’t Approve $6.2m for elections, his signature was forged – Boss Mustapha

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Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha

Buhari didn’t Approve $6.2m for elections, his signature was forged – Boss Mustapha

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has denied approving the $6.2 million purportedly used for international election observers.

Mustapha, who was testifying in the ongoing trial of former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, alluded to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature being forged.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an amended 20-count charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust among others preferred against Emefiele.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mustapha denied knowledge of the transaction even after leaving office and he only learnt about it in December 2023.

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When he was showed the approval document from the office of the president, Mustapha said, “On the face value of the document, I can say having served five years and seven months, this document did not emanate from the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Federal Executive Council (FEC) decisions are not transmitted by letters. They are transmitted through extracts after conclusions are adopted.

“I am the custodian of the record of FEC, for that reason, the president cannot refer any executive conclusion to me.

“All the years I have served, I have never heard of the term special appropriation provision. The two terms known to me are appropriation as provided for by the Appropriation Act passed by the national assembly. The second is when the government finds a gap, it brings a supplementary appropriation.

“In all the correspondences I have received from Buhari, it has never had ‘please accept the assurance of my highest regard’. I am his subordinate. The signature is a failed attempt at reproducing President Muhammadu Buhari’s signature. But I will leave that to the experts.”

Buhari didn’t Approve $6.2m for elections, his signature was forged – Boss Mustapha

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Rivers crisis may truncate Nigeria’s democracy, remember ‘Operation Wetie’ – Bode George warns

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Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olabode George

Rivers crisis may truncate Nigeria’s democracy, remember ‘Operation Wetie’ – Bode George warns

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, on Friday, has warned that the political crisis rocking Rivers State could consume the country.

He urged elders and stakeholders of the party to intervene in the crisis between members of the state House of Assembly loyal to the ex-governor Nyesome Wike and incumbent Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

He also urged President Bola Tinubu not to treat with levity the threat by some lawmakers in the state to impeach Governor Fubara, insisting that the state belongs to the PDP.

He advised that nobody should sit on the fence and pretend that things were fine in the state.

He quoted Section 109 (1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution, stating that a member of a House of Assembly would vacate his seat in the House if he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which he was elected.

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George maintained that all the PDP lawmakers who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had automatically lost their seats.

“They are in no position to threaten Governor Fubara. So, their plot to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor is already in vain,” he said.

He also said, “Rivers people belong to PDP. Those threatening to impeach the governor are being remote-controlled by some forces. This must stop because if Rivers is set on fire today, that may end this democracy.

“We should remember ‘Operation Wetie’ which started in the defunct Western Region and eventually consumed the nation and ended the First Republic in 1966.

“All the actors in this crisis in Rivers should avoid actions likely to cause breach of peace and breakdown of law and order in our country.

“Members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of our party should be the elders in the room, act swiftly and nip this crisis in the bud before it consumes everybody.

“All the gladiators should also think of the collective interests of Nigerians. Whether we are members of PDP, APC or other parties, we should stop issuing provocative statements to increase the tension in Rivers.

“Any move that can truncate this democracy must be stopped immediately. Enough is enough”.

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NANS kicks against tuition fee introduction in federal varsities

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NANS kicks against tuition fee introduction in federal varsities

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly opposed the recent proposal by Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, to introduce tuition fees in federal universities.

Echono’s suggestion, made during an education sector conference in Abuja themed “Funding for Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” sparked widespread concern among student communities.

Pedro Obi, the President of NANS, issued a statement on Friday, condemning the proposal as a direct assault on the fundamental principle of accessible education for all Nigerians.

Obi emphasized that federal universities have historically served as pillars of hope for underprivileged students, offering them the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial constraints. Introducing tuition fees, he argued, would undermine this noble principle and create barriers that could prevent countless deserving students from accessing tertiary education.

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While acknowledging the need for sustainable funding in educational institutions, Obi asserted that burdening students and their families with tuition fees is not a viable solution. He urged the government to explore alternative funding mechanisms that would not compromise the accessibility and affordability of education.

NANS called on the federal government to reject the proposal and uphold its commitment to providing free and accessible education for all Nigerians. Obi urged stakeholders in the education sector to prioritize the welfare and future of students above all other considerations.

The statement reiterated that education is a fundamental right, not a privilege reserved for the affluent. NANS affirmed its unwavering commitment to defending this principle and ensuring equal access to quality education for every Nigerian.

NANS kicks against tuition fee introduction in federal varsities

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Binance: Rep threatens legal action over $140m bribe allegation

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Rep. Dominic Okafor

Binance: Rep threatens legal action over $140m bribe allegation

A House of Representatives member. Dominic Okafor, has denied allegations of accepting a $140 million bribe from Binance, an online cryptocurrency trading platform.

Okafor, representing Aguata Federal Constituency of Anambra State, has threatened to sue Premium Times that reported the allegations.

He told journalists in Abuja of his intention to pursue legal action against the media outlet responsible for the report tarnishing his reputation.

This came after Okafor’s motion to investigate the escape of Binance executive Nadeem Anjarwalla from Nigerian security custody.

He asserted that the timing of the bribery allegations, shortly after moving the motion, suggested a deliberate attempt to smear his name and integrity.

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In response to the report, Okafor wrote a letter to Premium Times demanding the retraction of the report within 24 hours.

He copied the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Clerk, Inspector General of Police, EFCC, and DSS.

A Binance executive had earlier accused members of a federal government committee of corruption.

Okafor said he remained resolute in defending his reputation and ensure justice.

Binance: Rep threatens legal action over $140m bribe allegation

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