16102021 - Southeast Gov INEC top official in trouble over $4m bribe

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8 — SATURDAY VANGUARD, OCTOBER 16, 2021 2023: Bakare meets Buhari, speaks against power rotation By Johnbosco Agbakwuru AHEAD of the 2023 Pres idential election, the General Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, (CGCC), formerly Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare has said that he would contest for the 2023 presidential elections if God gave him the go-ahead. Pastor Bakare, who met behind closed doors with President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, took a swipe at those clamoring for rotational presidency, describing it as political immaturity. Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with the president, Pastor Bakare said that the region where the president of the country came from had never been better than other regions. The fiery cleric, who was the running mate to President Buhari in the 2011 presidential election on the platform of Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, also commended the Senate for approving electronic transmission of election results. Although he refused to disclose the agenda of his meeting with the president, he said, “It’s a private visit to President Muhammadu Buhari, and I’ve dispensed what’s in my heart.” Asked if he would be contesting for the position of president in the 2023 election, he said: “Every Nigerian, who is of age and who is not disqualified by any means, is free. I am a nation builder, if God wants me to do that, and the people of Nigeria will appreciate that, why not? I’m as free as anybody to do anything with my time. I’ve pastored a church for 33 years, now we raise new leaders. I want to focus on nation-building. “The Office of the President is only one office, there are so many other things we can do as people to support whoever is there to make sure that we do not go into retrogression, but begin to make steady progress as a people. I’ve already communicated my plans to Mr. President, and it stays between us.” Also asked about his take on the decision by the Senate that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should transmit election results through electronic means, he said it would deepen the nation’s democracy. He said: “Perhaps, that is one of the best things the present National Assembly has done, especially the Senate, because with that, Nigerians can vote, and then results can be transmitted so easily. Not only that, part of the State of the Nation address that I did on October 10, I emphasized how Nigeria youth, especially undergraduates, are disenfranchised in our country. “22.3 million students are registered, but during the election, campuses are shut, they will not be able to return there to vote and are therefore disenfranchised. If we can not just transmit results but to be able to vote electronically, that will be wonderful. It will deepen and enhance our democracy. “Not only that, the Diaspora sends above $25 billion to Nigeria. Nigeria in Diaspora should also be able to vote as they do in every other country in the world. The more the merrier. Yes, democracy is a game of numbers, but our people should have the final say. “So, the office of the citizen must be as important, if not more than the office of the governor or the president because they are the people who put them in power. Sovereignty still lies in the hands of Delta earmarks N469.4bn for 2022 fiscal year By Festus Ahon, ASABA DELTA State Govern ment, yesterday said it has earmarked N469.4 billion for the 2022 fiscal year and assured that the Ughelli/ Asaba road dualization would be completed in December 2022. The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Barry Gbe who disclosed this while briefing newsmen, said the 2022 budget proposal was approved by the State Executive Council, EXCO meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Gbe said the approval was in line with the state fiscal responsibility law, adding that after a thorough review of the N425 billion indicative budget size earlier proposed by his ministry, Exco had a fairer view of what the 2022 budget size should look like. He said the approved budget was more than what his ministry had earlier proposed in Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the Fiscal Strategy Paper, MTEF and FSP, adding that it was the MTEF and FSP that determine the budget size. According to him, “After a review of the indicative budget size we were able to have a fairer view of what the budget size should look like. It •Says: 'I'll contest if God wants me to' •Adds: Political immaturity responsible for agitation for rotational presidency •Backs Senate on electronic transmission of election results •President Muhammadu Buhari welcoming Pastor Tunde Bakare in the State House, yesterday. Photo: State House was to a large extent, more than what we proposed in the MTEF and FSP.” While saying that the N469.4 billion budget estimate of the state was cut out from the MTEF, he said: “We have to grow the IGR from N75 billion to N80 billion. We increased our assumptions around the capital receipts and borrowing to sufficiently fund our expenditure side. “We will fund facilities in the new universities, facility procurement in the Ministry of Health, as well as do procurement and funding contract around technical education ministry. We will be doing a whole lot around education generally (higher and basic) and also roads. “We intend to complete the bridges that are yet to be completed especially the Ayokoromo bridge that his Excellency is so particular about.” Noting that the state government would not stop at creating entrepreneurs in the year 2022, Gbe said: “We are expanding the net around the girlchild programme and every other empowerment programmes.” The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles the people of Nigeria.” As an advocate of restructuring, he was asked how he would want Nigeria to be restructured and he said: “I had said it, it’s in the open, the documents are already there, it’s not something I can cover in five minutes. We can do it without shooting any gun. I have made copies of the lecture which I prepared available to the president. “We need to move this nation forward. The founding fathers of this nation:Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, alongside their entourage, in Lancaster House and everywhere, agreed on what type of government Nigeria should have. We must not change the goal post amid the game. We are better off together as a nation than going our different ways. But it must be based on equity, justice, fair play, and a rule of law.” Aniagwu who also spoke to newsmen, said: “The Ughelli/ Asaba road dualization is one of the roads we are mopping up funds to tackle. The contractors have assured us, particularly the one handling the section C1 and C2 which is from Asaba to Ogwashi-Uku and from Ogwashi-Uku to Ossissa, who said as soon as we make some funds available, that between now and before the end of the dry season, they would have been able to connect all through from Koka junction to Ogwashi-Uku and the same time deliver one side from Ogwashi-Uku, which is the right side down to Ossissa. Buhari to NUJ: Engage in productive dialogue to resolve disputes By Johnbosco Agbakwuru PRESIDENT Muham madu Buhari has urged the media to forge greater unity in the union and engage in productive dialogue to resolve any issue inimical to the progress of the association. The president also congratulated the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on the outcome of the seventh triennial delegates’ conference which saw the re-election of Chris Isiguzo for a second term in office as president. This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja, yesterday. According to the statement, “From the outset of this administration, President Buhari has made clear that press freedom is a minimum in a democracy that would flourish,” however, such freedom must be used responsibly. “Considering the formidable role the media play in shaping and influencing the course of events in any society, the president reminds the NUJ leadership that the country will continue to look up to their members for fair, balanced and objective journalism. President Buhari urges the media to forge greater unity in the union and engage in productive dialogue to resolve any issue inimical to the progress of the association.” The president assured the newly elected executives that the present administration would uphold and unrelentingly safeguard the watchdog role provided for the media in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Letter to the Editor: Palace statement on the cessation of Mr Ayiri Emami as a Chief of Warri Kingdom We refer to statement that was presented to the leadership of the Ologbotsere family and members of the press who were present ,along with the Chiefs and some members of the Itsekiri Royal family on Tuesday, October 05, 2021. As I had complained to you, you will find that at no point did it include that the Ologbotsere Title was abolished as was reported by the Vanguard reporter, Mr. Jimitota Onoyume. Some people have mischievously cashed-in on this to poison people’s minds and we have had to continue to explain but only to those we know and can reach. Please help to correct this . Thank you and God bless you. Brown You ‘re an embodiment of peace, unity, Gbajabiamila tells Alaafin of Oyo at 83 By Levinus Nwabughiogu, Abuja SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gba jabiamila, has congratulated the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on his 83rd birthday. Gbajabiamila, who described the Yoruba traditional ruler as an embodiment of peace, unity, and traditional institution memory, noted with delight how the Alaafin has enjoyed good health from the Almighty God over the years. The Speaker said: "Oba Adeyemi has been leading by example, carrying his subjects along since becoming the Alaafin of Oyo over five decades ago." Gbajabiamila noted the invaluable contributions of the Alaafin in the development of the Yoruba race, saying he was much revered for his diligence, commitment and dedication to his people. He recalled how the Oyo Empire instituted the democratic system of governance many decades ago, which he said Oba Adeyemi has been upholding since 1970 when he ascended the throne. While wishing the Alaafin God’s continuous protection and increased wisdom, Gbajabiamila prayed for longevity and good health for him. Inflation drops, shows 7th month decline By Emmanuel Elebeke THE Consumer Price Index, (CPI) which measures infla tion increased by 16.63 percent (year-on-year) in September 2021. This is 0.38 percent points lower than the rate recorded in August 2021 (17.01 percent). The decline also represents a consistent decline of inflation rate in the last seven months as increases were recorded in all COICOP divisions that yielded the Headline Index. On month-on-month basis, the Headline Index increased by 1.15 percent in September 2021, this is 0.13 percent rate higher than the rate recorded in August 2021 (1.02 percent). The percentage change in the average composite CPI for the 12-month period ending September 2021 over the average of the CPI for the previous 12-month period was 16.83 per cent, showing 0.23 per cent points from 16.60 per cent recorded in July 2021. The urban Inflation rate increased by 17.19 per cent (yearon-year) in September 2021 from 17.59 per cent recorded in August 2021, while the rural inflation rate increased by 16.08 per cent in September 2021 from 16.45 per cent in August 2021. On a month-on-month basis, the Urban Index rose by 1.21 per cent in September 2021, up by 0.15 the rate recorded in August 2021 (1.06), while the Rural Index also rose by 1.10 per cent in September 2021, up by 0.11 the rate that was recorded in August 2021 (0.99) per cent. The inflation has maintained a consecutive decline of seven months from march when it recorded 18.17%, 18.12% in April and 17.93% in May. In June, it showed 17.75%, 17.83% in July and 17.01% in August. Presenting the report at a press briefing, the Statistician General of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Dr. Simon Harry said the decline in the inflation rate was an indication of a positive trend and recovery of the economy considering the difficult situation the economy was currently in, assuring that the trend would be maintained for a long time to come.
SATURDAY Vanguard, OCTOBER 16, 2021—9 Where’s N1b Buhari approved for D’tigress? Dalung challenges Sports Minister to come out clean on alleged diversion •Queries how training grants found way into escrow account •Says, Buhari released N1bn for team after he left t office as minister •Problem started in 2017, before I became minister - Dare By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja igeria’s former Minister of Sports and NYouth Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung has challenged his successor, Mr Sunday Dare to come clean on the N1 billion approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the nation’s women basketball team, D’tigress, saying though the funds were released in August 2019, it is disheartening that the players have not been paid till today. Dalung who said he had facilitated the approval of the money, explained that it was paid months after he had left office as minister but that it has now found its way into an Escrow Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN. According to him, he had created the escrow account in 2019 to receive funds from sponsors and donor bodies and to allow for easy access by the various national sports federations without having to go through bureaucratic bottlenecks. The ex-minister who disclosed this on a breakfast television programme, The Arise Morning Show was reacting to comments by Mr Dare who partially washed his hands off the case, saying it started in 2017 when he (Dare) was not the minister. “For athletes who wear the Nigerian colour, it is a commitment, sacrifice. As a minister, I also ensure that I support them. “I work within a system where the allocation of resources is based on certain critical factors. What we have done is to ensure that we push the files and do the documentation. The processes are ongoing. “I share the pains. These are allowances that are owed since 2017 when I was not even the minister. “This is something that the government has on an incremental basis tried to address. I know that part of this money has been paid. Credit Jide Fashekun with Adopt-an-Athlete Initiative – Dalung tells Dare mmediate past Minister of Sports and IYouth Development Barrister Solomon Dalung has urged his successor, Sunday Dare to credit late sports journalist, Jide Fashekun with the hugely successful adoptan-athlete initiative. Dalung disclosed that he was close to Fashekun who was his personal friend and adviser who initiated the programme through which the current Minister has been able to convince well-to-do Nigerians and corporate bodies to adopt numerous Nigerian athletes before the Tokyo Olympics. In monetary term, the policy yielded thousands of US Dollars and millions of Naira for the athletes as training grants which was a huge burden off the government. Late Fashekun and Mary Onyali ran a foundation which was aimed at producing world champions for Nigeria. The two traversed the length and breadth of Nigeria in search of sponsors for the project. Onyali who became a Personal Assistant to Dare on assumption of office as Sports Minister may have sold the idea of Adoptan-Athlete initiative to her new boss. Fashekun who birthed the original idea has never been acknowledged, a development which Dalung is frowning at. “I understand the pain and I want to put it on record that the ministry has never slept at a switch”, Mr Dare had said in a video which has gone viral on the social media. However, Dalung in his response said there was no reason not to have paid the girls till now. He said; “I apologise sincerely to the girls. They do not deserve what they got from us as leaders because these are champions that we should be celebrating but not plunging them into this disgraceful state of affairs where they have to fall back on other means of reaching out to us. “There were no issues in 2017 because when they won, I was given three days notice and I immediately reached out to the Presidency and got them to meet with the Federal Executive Council FEC. The president appreciated them and the ‘handshake’ was N1 million paid to each of the players and N500,000 to each member of the coaching crew. Immediately after the FEC meeting, they provided their bank account details and the money was disbursed to them. So, no issue with regards to 2017. “This issue we are talking about was a result of their participation at the World Cup in 2018 in Spain. We had budgetary issues with their qualification preparation because the provision made in the budget went to the National Assembly and came back far below what we expected. I had to meet the President and he said I should put up a memo, which the Federation did. The amount was N1.5 billion covering their preparations and participation in the 2018 World Cup. This memo was not even brought to the ministry on time and so we were caught up with going to Spain. Then the president of the Federation said we could raise funds for the competition and when we return and we were paid, we could then address some of these issues. “We went and the girls did the country proud, becoming the first African country in 100 years to qualify to the quarterfinals here was a huge protest in Abuja, Tstaged by Nigerian basketball players on Thursday. The protesting players were demanding for a change in the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation. The players carried banners with very clear messages that show they no longer want Musa Kida as President of the NBBF. The protesters marched from the Area 10 Old Parade, Garki to the Unity Fountain, Maitama, demanding that Kida must be prevented from imposing himself on the basketballers and other stakeholders as the association’s President. Some of the banners read: “WE ARE BASKETBALL PLAYERS; NOT THUGS, PAY OUR FEMALE CHAMPIONS ALLOWANCES; BRING BACK ELECTIONS TO ABUJA; Sports minister leave basketball alone etc Meanwhile, the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development summoned Kida and a former President of NBBF, Tijani Umar, to another emergency meeting over the lingering crisis rocking the association. The meeting which is slated for •Dalung •Dare in basket ball, defeating great basket ball nations like Italy, Turkey and Argentina. “So, when we came back, I approached the President again and he graciously approved N1 billion covering the costs of preparations and participation for the World Cup. I kept pursuing it and the funds were not released till I left office. “The funds were released in August 2019. I was no longer the minister then. So passing the bulk of the blame to me, yes it all started under my watch but I did my own part of the bargain. What the girls are asking for now is why they have not been paid since August 2019. They are aware that the money has been released. So, passing it back to me is not the best way to go. The best way is for the ministry to come out clean, apologise and explain why the money, the AIE, which was raised in the name of the ministry suddenly found its way into an Escrow Account in the Central Bank because the AIE was issued in the name of the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Monday, October 18, 2021, in Abuja is to find a lasting solution to the four-year old feud between the duo. This is coming a few days after D’Tigress, Nigeria women’s basketball team protested over their unpaid wages and allowances in a video that has gone viral. They also expressed grievances over what they described as unfair treatment meted out to them by the Nigerian government and the outgoing caretaker board of the NBBF, led by Kida after their victory at the 2021 FIBA Afrobasket Women’s Championship in Cameroon. Development. I know as a fact that the money was released to the ministry and the Nigerian Basket Ball Federation was paid because when the girls started complaining in 2020, they got back to me that they had not been paid and I called the President of the Nigerian Basketball Federation and he said the money had been released and they were going to pay the girls”, he added. Mr Dalung urged the ministry not to sweep the issues under the carpet. “So, I think that there is something that we are trying to hide. The issues are many. So, trying to sweep them under the carpet will not help us. Their stipends, training grants, allowances and bonuses had not been paid. All these things, the girls are entitled to. They have not been paid their camping allowances, participation allowances, bonuses and training grants. “The training grants are provided by the international basketball federation. Are we also saying that these training grants that came have also migrated into the escrow account? Certainly not. What is this escrow account that we are telling Nigerians? I created that account in 2019 after the democratization of the national federations because I wanted to insulate the national federations from undue interference from the bureaucracy so that all contributions coming from outside, not from the government, will go into that account and we can be able to track them and render account to sponsors. But since I left office, they have never, never activated this account. It has been dormant. So, if monies suddenly migrated into a dormant account, I will challenge anybody that is saying this to help us with the statement of the escrow account. Blaming me, yes, I take full responsibility for not being able to get them their money before I left office”, he stated. The players had in a video clip threatened to boycott future call-ups to represent Nigeria for the 2022 World Cup qualification series if all outstanding allowances were not paid. Ify Ibekwe, one of the players, listed the figures owed and also included the $100,000 donation which was given to the team by three Nigerian banks in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Basketball players protest against Dare, Kida •Protesting players •Buhari It could be recalled that just a few months back, Nigerian athletes staged a protest in Tokyo, Japan during the Olympics following the disqualification of some Nigerian athletes from competing by the Integrity Unit of World Athletics following the non-compliance of the athletes The athletes were protesting local authorities’ “incompetence” during preparations for the Tokyo Olympics. Some Nigerian athletes, who were disqualified from participating in the Games, were seen on the streets of Japan expressing their anger against the sports administrators in Nigeria. The Tokyo misadventure was also full of scandals that resulted in the cancellation of a multimillion dollar kit contract between Nigeria and famous and internationally recognised sports wear manufacturers, Puma.
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16102021 - Southeast Gov INEC top official in trouble over $4m bribe

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