Politics

Federal Government approves new whistleblower bill

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A new whistleblower draft bill has been approved by the federal government as confirmed by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed.

Addressing reporters after the Federal Executive Council meeting yesterday, December 14, Ahmed noted that the existing whistle-blowing policy launched on December 21, 2016, which provides legal cover for individuals who voluntarily expose acts of fraud, bribery, looted government funds and assets, financial misconduct and other forms of corruption and also rewards them with 2.5 – 5 per cent of the funds recovered by the Nigerian government, was losing momentum.

Ahmed told reporters that the Council approved the draft bill to strengthen the fight against corruption and protect whistleblowers that provide helpful information to the FG.

She said;

“The Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning presented several memos today. The first is the draft whistleblower bill for 2022. This memo has been reviewed by the Council and approved with a provision to ensure alignment with the Evidence Act.

“The purpose of operationalising and putting in place a whistleblower bill is to strengthen the fight against corruption and to enable protection for whistleblowers that provide information for use by the government.

“As you know, since 2016, the Council has approved the setting up the Presidential Initiative of Continuous Audit. PICA has been working in partnership with EFCC, ICPC, DSS, and NFIU and the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“We noticed that the whistleblower policy response has lost momentum. We embarked on engagement in the six geo-political zones, and one of the main outcomes we found is that people are concerned about their safety due to providing information. So, this bill is critical to ensure the effectiveness of the retention of the whistle policy.”

Politics, World News

President Buhari meets President Biden at the White House

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President Buhari on Wednesday, December 14, met with United States President Joe Biden in Washington DC.

Photos shared by the Presidency show the President in a meeting with Biden and the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the White House on the sidelines of the US-Africa Leader’s Summit.

The US-Africa summit, which began in 2014, is the biggest international gathering in Washington since the COVID-19 pandemic and the most substantial commitment by a US administration to boosting its influence in Africa for almost a decade.

The summit, according to the US government, “will demonstrate the US enduring commitment to Africa and will underscore the importance of US-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared priorities.”

Politics

Peter Obi Promises To Include Women, PWDs In Govt

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has affirmed that his administration would accommodate women, youths and persons living with disability.

He made this known via his Twitter handle on Wednesday.

“This morning, I attended the Governance Agenda for an Inclusive Nigeria (GAIN) event in Abuja. I was the only candidate that personally signed off on our commitment and affirmation to inclusivity of Nigerian women, youths, and persons with disability (PWD) in governance.”, he tweeted.

Politics

Voter cards now more important than certificates and passports – Gumi tells Nigerians

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Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, says ahead of the 2023 General elections, voter cards are now more important to Nigerians than school certificates and international passports.

Gumi, who said the votes will count in 2023 polls, noted that possessing a voter card is the only way to vote, warning that Nigerians must vote as it is the only way to snatch power and run away with it.

He made the appeal after collecting his voter’s card.

“Your vote counts therefore get your voter’s card as it is the only way left to ascension to power or in other words: to ‘snatch power and run away with it’

“Your voter’s card. Alhamdulillah! I got mine. please go and get yours. Without exaggeration, it’s the most important document one can hold now, more important than an international passport or even certificates. It’s the card that empowers you to choose your leader and you don’t need to be lectured on the importance of leadership which cannot be overemphasized.

“Insecurity, bad infrastructures, poor health services, dwindling economy, civil strife, and disunity squarely depends on leadership. There are nations more diversified in all facets of human dimensions than Nigeria, India as an example, that have developed and have relative stability and security Nigerians can only dream of today.

“It’s not our diversity that is the problem. It’s our parochial leaders, whether; regional, sectional, religious, or sectarian that amplify our differences for the narrow-minded benefits of themselves as well as their families and cronies. Your voter’s card is your God-given weapon to fight the enemies of progress.

“In democracy, it’s your numbers that matter; therefore, your voter’s card is the scarecrow that humbles the politicians to succumb to your demands.“Your voter’s card is your vanguard. You should not be intimidated by regional, sectional, religious or sectarian bigots to submission. Vote your choice without coercion, fear, or blackmail.

“You cannot get a perfect candidate or Party. Look at your overriding interest and vote. Don’t waste your precious vote except where it matters. It only matters where there are numbers and higher probability. But most important don’t be bought, compelled, or blackmailed, and be proud of your choice. May Allah see us through the elections peacefully. Amin.”

Politics

Yemi Osinbajo presides over FEC meeting

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is currently presiding over the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House, Abuja.

Seven ministers are physically present, while others are following the meeting which began at 10:05 am from their various offices in Abuja.

Other top government officials attending the meeting include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan; Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and Power, Abubakar Aliyu.

Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari bags peace and security award

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President Muhammadu Buhari has bagged a peace and security award.

The Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Forum, Sheikh Al-Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah and his deputy, Pastor Bob Roberts of the US, visited Buhari on Tuesday, Dec. 13, to inform the president of his award and to invite him to attend the Abu Dhabi Foundation’s award for his conferment.

The award is said to be in recognition of Buhari’s outstanding achievements in promoting peace and security.

They said the conferment was in line with the Foundation’s work in fighting religious extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence and dialogue amongst all religions.

Speaking while welcoming the pair, Buhari said the work of the foundation in promoting multi-faith dialogue was as important to the world as it was to Nigeria.

Politics

Tinubu Is Not A Lagosian, Bode George Claims

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A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Bode George, has claimed that the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, is not from Lagos State.

He made this claim on Tuesday during an interview on Arise TV’s show.

Urging the former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, to name the school he attended, George said, “First of all, I am a Lagosian, born, bred, schooled and have no regrets whatever.

Now I know for real that Bola is not a Lagosian. You can quote me from here till the end of the world. I have been to his village, I have been to the school he attended and there is somebody who is still a member of our party who was his junior in that school, they confirmed it.

If he says he grew up in Isale-eko, okay fine, which school did you attend? You know you had a community school. I grew up on Evans Street, that is Evans between Smith Street and Odunfa Street in Lagos; 35 Evans Street was my grandfather’s house, that is the family house.

I went to the community school.”

Politics

Politicians buying PVCs from voters, INEC alleges

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Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday accused some politicians of buying Permanent Voter Cards and financially inducing voters to harvest their Voter Identification Numbers.

The commission also said two persons have been recently convicted for illegal possession of PVCs in Sokoto and Kano states.

The acting chairman of INEC and National Commissioner overseeing the FCT, Nasarawa, Kaduna and Plateau States, Mohammed Haruna, raised the alarm in Abuja during the launch of the #YourVoteMatters project by an election observer group, NESSACTION.

The project was supported by the International Foundation for Electoral System; the United States Agency for International Development and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

It aims to assist INEC in increasing the number of PVCs collected ahead of the 2023 general elections as well as the voters mobilised on election day.

Haruna said;

“We are aware that some politicians are more or less buying the PVCs. If you collect the PVC and then you sell it out or allow someone else to have it, you are aiding illegal possession of the PVC which is an offence in our Electoral Act.

“Some of you are aware that only recently, INEC managed to convict two people who were found guilty of illegal possession of PVCs in Kano and Sokoto.

So, I urge people to collect their PVCs, keep them safely, and make sure that on election day, you go out there and cast your votes because, of course, without your PVC you cannot vote.”

The Executive Director of NESSACTION, Eniola Cole, explained that the project scheduled for implementation in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Plateau states, would provide logistics and give incentives to communities with low PVC collection rates.

She commended INEC for gains made in the electoral process through technology and other reforms.Cole said;

“We implore the general public to take advantage of the timeframe set by INEC for PVC collection at the Commission’s LGA offices nationwide from December 12, 2022, to January 5, 2023, and at the 8809 Registration Areas from January 6, 2023, to January 22, 2023, including Saturdays and Sundays.

“The public can, through dedicated channels, inform us of their location to receive support including the PVC collection buses and community outreach activities to be conducted at the local level in each state by our community mobilisation officers.”

Politics

Police confirm attack on PDP campaign office in Gombe

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Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Oqua Etim, on Monday December 12 confirmed the attack on a campaign office of Jibrin Barde, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2023 governorship election in Gombe State by suspected thugs.

Addressing newsmen over the incident, Etim appealed to political stakeholders to guard the peace in the state and not create tension while carrying out their political activities in the state.

He said;

“You have seen the pictures; yes the attack happened and we will get full details before going public.

“We have started investigation because the attack happened in the night and it is too early to give details now.

“So just give me a little more time and we will get you the details.”

Politics

INEC reacts to Imo Headquarters attack

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said no critical election material was during the attack by gunmen on its Imo headquarters.

Festus Okoye, INEC national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee disclosed this in a statement released on Monday, December 12.

Okoye noted that there is a systematic attack targeted at the Commission’s assets across the country, more so on the day that the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) commences nationwide ahead of the 2023 General Election

He said;

“The response of the security and emergency services (the Fire Service) curtailed further damage to the building and other assets of the Commission. No critical election materials were destroyed. There were also no casualties involving staff of the Commission.

“This is third attack on the Commission’s facilities in Imo State in less than two weeks following the earlier attacks on our Orlu LGA office on Thursday 1st December 2022 and Oru West LGA office on Sunday 4th December 2022.

“Our Imo State Headqurters is located in the centre of the Owerri, the State capital, between a court and the State secretariat. This is therefore yet another systematic attack targetted at the Commission’s assets across the country, more so on the day that the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) commences nationwide ahead of the 2023 General Election.”

Politics

INEC to begin PVC distribution today – Spokesperson

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will begin the distribution of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) today, December 12, as confirmed by its Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education, Mr. Festus Okoye.

Speaking at a parley with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Okoye said the commission had met to discuss several issues on the 2023 general election, including PVC.

He further disclosed that Nigerians can collect their PVCs between 9 a.m and 3 p.m daily, including Saturdays and Sundays.

In a bid to ease difficulties in collecting PVCs, the commission has approved the collection of the PVC in 8,809 Registration Areas/Wards across the country.

He said;

“After January 15, 2023, the exercise will revert to the local government offices of the commission until January 22, 2023.

“Those who are unable to collect their PVCs at the local government offices of the commission can do so at the Registration Areas/Electoral Wards.

“INEC had held a retreat in Lagos with its Administrative Secretaries and RECs from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT between November 28 and December 2, 2022.

“At the retreat, the commission finalised the procedure as well as the timetable for collection of PVCs.”

Politics

Gunmen attack Imo INEC office, three killed

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Gunmen on Monday morning launched an attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Owerri, the Imo State capital. Part of the building was damaged after it was torched by a firebomb.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mike Abbatam, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said three gunmen were killed while two firebombs were recovered from the scene.

This is happening eight days after an INEC office was attacked in the Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

Suspected hoodlums had similarly torched the commission’s offices in Ebonyi, Osun and Ogun States within the past four weeks, sparking fears that some people were plotting to derail the conduct of the 2023 elections.

The Owerri attack, which was carried out around 3am this morning, was, however, repelled as three of the perpetrators, including their commander, were gunned down.

Also, AK47 rifles and some pump action guns and eight vehicles were recovered from the hoodlums.

An impeccable source said, “This morning, gunmen launched a vociferous attack on the INEC office in Owerri, Imo State but the joint security team was able to repel them and killed three of the attackers, including their commander.

“Seven vehicles were recovered, including seven AK47 and pump action rifles. Many of the gunmen escaped with bullet wounds. But one police vehicle was burned by the hoodlums.”But Abattam said only three AK47 rifles and vehicles were recovered.

He stated,

“We killed three of the attackers and recovered three AK47 rifles and pump action guns. We also recovered two explosives and three of their vehicles.”

It was gathered that security had been beefed up in parts of Owerri, following the incident.

Politics

President Buhari departs Katsina State for Washington DC ahead of US-Africa Leader’s summit

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President Buhari this afternoon departed Katsina State for Washington DC ahead of US-Africa Leader’s Summit scheduled to hold on December 13 and 15.

The summit which is at the instance of US President Joe Biden seeks to work with “African governments, civil society, diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector to continue strengthening our shared vision for the future of US-Africa relations”.

In the president’s entourage were Bala Mohammed and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, governors of Bauchi and Kwara, respectively, as well as some ministers and other top government officials.

They are expected back in the country on December 18.

Politics

Bandits Ambush, Kill Monarch In Zamfara

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Armed bandits have killed the district head of Yankuzo, Alhaji Hamza Abdullahi Kogo of Tsafe Emirate in Zamfara State.

Channels Television gathered that, the district head was attacked by the bandits on his way back to his community from an official engagement last Friday around 8pm.

Sources from the area said the monarch was shot and wounded in an attempt to abduct him.

He was rushed to the Federal Medical Center in Gusau, the state capital where he later died on Saturday night.

Yankuzo is the hometown of the notorious bandit kingpin, Ado Aleru who was conferred with Traditional title in Yandoton Daji Emirate in July this year.

Many residents of Yankuzo community said the community has never witnessed bandits’ attack since the inception of banditry within the state.

Police authorities in the state are yet to comment on the latest incident.

Politics

INEC laments stakeholders’ poor understanding of Electoral Act

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Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission has lamented the poor understanding of the Electoral Act by key political actors and stakeholders in the country.

The Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, stated this at the weekend during a media/civil society organisations’ parley with INEC on identifying and mitigating flashpoints of electoral misinformation and disinformation.

Organised by the International Press Centre with support from the European Union, the event brought together eminent personalities including the Chairman, Senior Fellow, Centre for Democracy and Development, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim.

Speaking on a keynote address, “Issues, Perspectives and Flashpoints of Electoral Misinformation and Disinformation,” Okoye said stakeholders were yet to transition from the Electoral Act 2010 to the new Electoral Act, 2022.

He also identified poor understanding of the commission’s processes and procedures by those who ought to know some of the issues the public should be aware of and be guided accordingly.

Lifestyle, Politics

Gunmen kill policeman, Pawpaw’s brother, injure commissioner

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Parts of Owerri, Mbaitoli and environs in Imo State came under attacks on Friday afternoon by gunmen who were enforcing sit-at-home order.

The gunmen struck at different locations and killed a policeman, Prince Iheme, elder brother to Nollywood superstar, Osita Iheme popularly known as Pawpaw.

The gunmen also macheted the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Martin Eke.

The gunmen who rode in Trundra operational vehicles shot indiscriminately forcing people to scamper for safety.

While businesses abruptly closed, the roads were deserted as motorists abandoned their vehicles and ran away.At Orji, a community sharing boundary with the state capital, the gunmen wearing black clothes in three vehicles attacked residents and passersby, including policemen.

Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that the gunmen met policemen at the 7Up junction at Orji and shot one cop dead.

He said, “They just killed a policeman now. They opened fire on them and were shouting, ‘There is sit-at-home. We have asked you to go home. Stay indoors.’”

Another eyewitness said, “I just escaped death now. They stopped before us and shot in the air and asked us to go home. They didn’t shoot at us maybe because I was in the midst of some elderly women.”

Our correspondent also gathered that the fleeing gunmen shot repeatedly at Nkwo Orji market before taking off towards Okigwe Road.

At Ubommiri in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, the gunmen attacked the convoy of the All Progressives Congress candidate for Mbaitoli/ Ikeduru Federal Constituency, Akarachi Amadi.

While Prince Iheme was killed on the spot, the state commissioner for Solid Minerals, Martin Eke, was cut with a machete.An eyewitness who didn’t want to be mentioned said,

“This attack is politically motivated. We just finished at one campaign rally ground and were heading to Ubommiri. Our convoy was attacked at Amawuihe before Ubommiri.

“Prince Iheme was riding in the same vehicle with the commissioner for solid minerals. Prince Iheme who is Pawpaw’s elder brother was killed on the spot. The commissioner who was sworn in two weeks ago was cut badly. He has just been rushed to a hospital. They were driving in a Ford SUV. I pray he makes it.”

The police spokesman for the command, Micheal Abattam, had yet to respond to an inquiry concerning the incidents.

Business, Politics

House of Representatives orders CBN to suspend new cash withdrawal limit, summons Emefiele

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The House of Representatives has asked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its new policy limiting weekly cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities.

In a memo released on Tuesday, December 6, and signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Haruna Mustafa, the apex bank directed all banks and other financial institutions to ensure that over-the-counter cash withdrawals by individuals and corporate entities do not exceed N100,000 and N500, 000, respectively, per week.

House of Representatives orders CBN to suspend new cash withdrawal limit, summons Emefiele It also directed that only N200 and lower denominations should be loaded into banks’ ATMs.

At its plenary today December 8, the lawmakers resolved that CBN should halt the implementation pending the conclusion of a probe.

The House also resolved that the CBN governor should appear before the house next Thursday. The resolution was sequel to a motion under matters of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Magaji Dau Aliyu.

Apart from the minority leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who supported the CBN policy in that it will curb banditry and reduce the incidence of corruption, many other lawmakers who spoke vehemently condemned the decision of the CBN.

Lifestyle, Politics

FG recovers over N120bn from proceeds of crimes

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The Federal Government says it has raked in N120 billion from its anti-corruption campaign months after President Buhari signed the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA) into law.

While speaking at the eighth edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration scorecard series (2015-2023), the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said that the recovered funds would be deployed to complete ongoing capital projects across the country.

”Please permit me to say categorically and without any fear of contradiction that the administration’s fight against corruption is very much on track.

As you may already know, Mr President signed into law the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Bill, 2022, on May 12, 2022.

That bill was one of the three which Mr. President signed into law that day. Others are the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022 and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill, 2022.

I have an update on POCA. In line with the new law, I can confirm that so far, the Federal Government has realised over N120 billion, among other currencies, from POCA.

This money will be used to fund the completion of ongoing critical infrastructure projects in the country like the Second Niger Bridge as well as Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja-Kano Expressways.

We will continue to update you on this,” the minister said.

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