Okafor said he remained resolute in defending his reputation and ensure justice.
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Boss Mustapha denies $6.3m CBN looting allegation, demands probe
Boss Mustapha denies s $6.3m CBN looting allegation, demands probe
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has denied a report alleging his involvement in a reported illegal withdrawal of $6.3 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during Muhammadu Buhari administration.
The report claimed that a special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu uncovered the alleged theft, which occurred on February 8, 2023 before the presidential election.
The report alleged that Mustapha, along with the embattled former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, authorised the removal of the cash from the bank’s vault under the guise of funding foreign election observer missions.
The investigator’s report, as quoted by the publication, claimed CCTV footage captured how the money was moved out of the apex bank.
But Mustapha, in a statement obtained on Saturday, denies the accusations, saying they were “outrageous and unsubstantiated.”
He described the article as a “malicious fabrication” and an “orchestrated attempt to assassinate my character and besmirch my reputation.”
The former SGF stressed that he lacked knowledge of the purported “Presidential Directive” cited in the report as justification for the withdrawal.
He also stated that he was never involved in discussions or transactions related to any payments for foreign election observers.
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Furthermore, Mustapha questioned the timing of the allegations, pointing to the sensitive pre-Christmas period as a deliberate attempt to exploit public sentiment and sow seeds of doubt.
The former SGF demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter, urging the authorities to probe the source of the fabricated documents and expose those behind the “smear campaign.”
Mustapha also appealed to the public and media to exercise critical thinking and not succumb to misinformation.
Part of his response reads: “The article hinges on the dubious premise of forged documents and a misleading narrative. It claims that $6.3 million was withdrawn from the CBN vaults based on a purported “Presidential Directive” bearing the signature of President Buhari. This document, unsurprisingly, has not been presented for public scrutiny. In fact, I have no knowledge of such a directive, nor was I ever involved in any discussions or transactions regarding the alleged payment to foreign election observers.
“I demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. Let the relevant authorities probe the source of these fabricated documents and expose those responsible for this malicious attempt to damage my reputation. I have nothing to hide and welcome any legitimate investigation that sheds light on the truth.
“Throughout my career in public service, I have always upheld the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. I have served with dedication and transparency, and my record speaks for itself. I will not allow this baseless and defamatory attack to go unchallenged. I will defend my reputation vigorously and ensure that the truth prevails.
“This is not just about me; it is about upholding the integrity of public service and safeguarding the reputation of those who have served this country with honor. I trust that the Nigerian people will see through this orchestrated attack and recognize it for what it truly is: a desperate attempt to silence a voice of reason and integrity.”
Boss Mustapha denies $6.3m CBN looting allegation, demands probe
News
Rivers crisis may truncate Nigeria’s democracy, remember ‘Operation Wetie’ – Bode George warns
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”.
Rivers crisis may truncate Nigeria’s democracy, remember ‘Operation Wetie’ – Bode George warns
News
NANS kicks against tuition fee introduction in federal varsities
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
News
Binance: Rep threatens legal action over $140m bribe allegation
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.
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