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El-Rufai denies siphoning N423bn, says he served Kaduna with integrity
El-Rufai denies siphoning N423bn, says he served Kaduna with integrity
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned the state House of Assembly’s adoption of a report of its ad-hoc committee calling for a probe of his administration from May 2015 to May 2023.
He said the allegations that he siphoned N423 billion as governor of Kaduna State was spurious.
Indeed, El-Rufai said the action of the Assembly was politically motivated and a hatchet job that would yield no positive result for the state.
This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday through the ex-governor’s spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye.
The former governor said he led a government of integrity and competence during his eight-year administration.
The ad hoc committee set up by the state assembly to investigate all finances, loans and contracts awarded under the El-Rufai administration on Wednesday submitted its report to the House.
The Chairman of the committee, Henry Zacharia, said most of the loans obtained under the El-Rufai’s administration were not used for the purpose for which they were obtained; while in some cases, due process was not followed in securing the loans.
Speaker of the Assembly, Yusuf Liman, also said that a total N423 billion was allegedly siphoned by the El-Rufai’s administration leaving the state with huge liabilities.
The committee, therefore, recommended the investigation and prosecution of El-Rufai, and some members of his cabinet by security and anti-corruption agencies for alleged abuse of office, diversion of public funds and money laundering.
The committee also recommended the immediate suspension of the Commissioner of Finance, Shizer Badda, who also served in the same capacity under the El-Rufai’s administration.
Responding, El-Rufai’s spokesman (Adekeye) affirmed the integrity of the El-Rufai government and dismissed as “scandalous” the claims by the committee.
He said, “Malam Nasir El-Rufai is immensely proud of his record of governance and the legacy he left in Kaduna State. This record of consistently high performance in public and private office cannot be altered by any malicious effort to use the auspices of a state legislature for defamation and undeserved smears.
“Many of the officials who served in the El-Rufai government appeared before the ad-hoc committee because of their confidence in the quality of their service and the rectitude which they served Kaduna State.
“They were under no illusion that they were participating in a fair process. It was obvious that the ad hoc committee was merely going through the motions of an inquiry just to give some gloss to predetermined conclusions.
“It is sad to see such a shameful departure from any notion of decency and fairness by a state legislature. We dismiss with contempt the claims being peddled in connection with the report.
“Malam El-Rufai wishes to assure discerning Nigerians that he has served Kaduna State with integrity and to the best of his capacity, assisted by a hardworking and patriotic team.
“He complied with all extant laws in all his activities while he was the governor. This jaundiced probe should be disregarded as the politically motivated hatchet job it is.”
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FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike
FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Tuesday, said that the choice of who becomes senator in 2027 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) should be determined solely by residents of the FCT, and not by the Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The former governor of Rivers State had dared Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the FCT, stating that he would ensure she did not return to the Senate in 2027.
Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike’s performance, adding that FCT residents were unimpressed as the FCT lacked essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and potable water.
Meanwhile, Kingibe had earlier criticised Wike’s performance, adding that FCT residents were unimpressed as the FCT lacked essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and potable water.
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Adeyanju, responding to Wike on X, said that the Minister could not decide for the people because the FCT was not Rivers State, where election results were written with guns.
The human rights lawyer said, “FCT is not Rivers, where people write results and shoot guns. Even incumbent presidents get defeated in the FCT.
“I know these folks have 100% control of INEC and other rigging mechanisms, but the arrogance is truly uncalled for.
“Nigerian politicians are like power-drunk Nigerian celebrities and pastors who can boast openly about getting the police to lock you up, and they will eventually do it,” he said.
FCT is not Rivers State where you write election results – Deji Adeyanju tells Wike
News
I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo
I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says his talks with the south-east governors excluded the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
On Tuesday, governors under the umbrella of the south-east governors’ forum resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to seek the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the forum, announced this the resolution at the end of a meeting of the governors held in Enugu, Obasanjo also paid a solidarity visit to the southeast governors forum in the state.
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In a statement on Wednesday, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo special assistant on media affairs, said the ex-presidentand Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth secretary-general, met with south-east governors to discuss regional development.
The statement said that the meeting did not include discussions about the potential release of Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government.
“The meeting with them was at my invitation and of Chief Emeka Anyaoku before their summit begins. The issue of Nnamdi Kanu was not on the agenda and was not discussed in my presence,” the statement said.
“The regional development issues include that of security and infrastructure, economic and cooperative collaboration, which was meant to complement the national economic development agenda.
I didn’t discuss Nnamdi Kanu’s release with South-East govs – Obasanjo
News
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
The Senate has advanced a bill to grant all residents, including foreigners, the right to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN) sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I.
Jibrin (Kano North), the bill also aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to ensure compliance without severe legal consequences.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) presented the bill’s principles, emphasizing the need to repeal the current Act and establish a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance its oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.
“The bill’s objectives include expanding the eligible registrants under the Nigeria ID System to achieve inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.
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“It allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for official identification purposes.”
Furthermore, the bill proposes streamlined sharing of personal data with robust data protection measures to safeguard privacy and foster public trust in data handling.
It also enhances administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely compliance with ID registration requirements.
Importantly, the bill advocates for replacing criminal penalties with administrative measures for non-use of NIN, aiming to encourage compliance without burdening individuals with severe legal consequences.
After debates, the Senate proceeded to pass the bill, marking a significant step toward potential reforms in Nigeria’s identity management system.
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
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