Sadiya: I applied to EFCC for extension of time for my client to appear for interview- SAN

● She did not shun commission’s invitation

Counsel to former Minister of Humanitarian Services, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, Sir Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN) has clarified the erroneous media report doing the rounds about his client, saying that she did not shun the invitation extended to her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Okpeseyi said that on the contrary she was eager to make herself available to offer clarifications to operatives of the anti-graft agency who were looking into the books of two financially independent agencies under the ministry, including the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

“I was at the headquarters of the Commission on Tuesday to submit a letter to that effect and to seek extension of time (a shift in date) to enable my client, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, to make herself available at another opportune time to offer clarifications about activities of some agencies under the ministry she superintended in the immediate past administration.

“Although, the EFCC has yet to send me a formal reply, the leadership availed us of its understanding, which resulted in parties amicably agreeing to have the interview originally scheduled for Wednesday (January 3, 2024) postponed to a time that the Commission would subsequently fix after looking through its schedules,” Sir Okpeseyi said in a chat with the media.

He said that once the coast was clear and a new date was fixed by the Commission, his client would be available to answer questions and offer clarifications on the areas of her stewardship that are not clear to the Commission.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria took the opportunity of the chat to attack the impression being created in a section of the media that his client was being invited for alleged misappropriation of funds.

According to him: “That is not the case in this circumstance. She has been invited to offer clarifications into certain expenditures by some agencies under her ministry.”

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier said it would not arrest the immediate past Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, for the alleged N37.1 billion fraud in agencies under the ministry.

The EFCC had also said that the former minister did not shun its invitation.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said this on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Oyewale noted that the former minister sent a letter that she couldn’t honour the invitation because she was indisposed [due to health challenges].

“It is true that she didn’t show up, but she sent a letter pleading for more time explaining that she had some health challenges.

“She didn’t shun EFCC invitation; she actually gave reasons why she couldn’t meet up

“Her lawyer was also at the commission to brief the anti-graft agency of why she couldn’t come or honour the invitation,” he told NAN.

Oyewale said the EFCC had considered her plea and expected that she would honour the invitation without further delay.

The EFCC spokesperson said there might not be any reason for her arrest as she had done the needful through her lawyer.

“The position of the commission is that she should turn herself in without further delay,” he added.

Oyewale further stated that the N37.1 billion being branded might not be a correct figure of the money misappropriated under the ministry.

He said: “On the figure that is being branded, I cannot categorically confirm the figure because it is an ongoing thing. We are still tracing all the transactions here and there; it may be more than that.

“We can’t publish a figure now until we finish the tracking, and it may be more than what is being brandished now.”

The EFCC spokesperson added that the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, had been released.

Shehu, who was arrested on Tuesday, was, however, directed to be coming to the EFCC office for interrogation until the end of the investigation.

She was arrested in connection with the ongoing probe of the humanitarian affairs ministry.

“She was the National Coordinator in charge of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme under the ministry during Buhari’s tenure, and she has been queried over some of the money that left the ministry’s coffers through her,” Oyewale said.

It would also be recalled that the former minister had, through her media aide, Alexander Udeh, issued an initial response to the media report that insinuated her into business relationship with a contractor.

Read her: “My attention has been drawn to publications in some online media outlets trying to link my name with the activities of one Mr. James Okwete who is reportedly being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial improprieties.

“Ordinarily I would have ignored such publications, which at best could be seen and regarded as speculative but doing so will give energy to the adventure of those who take delight in mudslinging, especially against those who are, or have been privileged to hold public offices.

“In this age of digital media when unverified materials are easily dumped and recalled from the cyber space, it would be inappropriate to ignore such a malicious linkage.

“I wish to state categorically that I neither know the said Mr. Okwete nor has ever had him represent me in any way whatsoever. Therefore, linking me with him in whatever guise is bogus and ill-intentioned.

“I remain proud to have served my country as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with every sense of responsibility and would defend my actions, stewardship and programmes during my tenure whenever I am called upon to do so.

“While I resist the urge to engage in any media banter whatsoever on this issue since my name was never expressly mentioned by the agency reportedly investigating Mr. Okwete, I am nonetheless prepared to seek redress legally and clear my name if there is any such defamatory reference to my person from any source.”

Meanwhile, sundry reports said that the agencies, which financial activities caught the interest of and scrutiny by the anti-graft agency had their budgets independently and exclusively administered by them as long as spending did not go above a certain threshold.

It was learnt that if proposed expenditures went above the threshold, the agencies would have to revert upstairs for ministerial approval.

But the agencies, as learnt, ensured that expenditures for contracts were below ministerial approval.

These, as gathered, are some of the areas the former minister would be expected to clarify or shed light on in her rescheduled interview with operatives of the EFCC to enable it [the Commission] track the “expended” funds being investigated.

ANA Spearheads Strategic Advocacy for Hajj 2024 Accessibility Amid High Cost Concerns

A concerted effort led by Sen. Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi under the Arewa New Agenda (ANA) banner has launched a far-reaching advocacy campaign aimed at enhancing access to Hajj 2024 for Nigerian Muslims. This initiative highlights critical issues surrounding the cost and accessibility of the sacred pilgrimage, advocating for measures to ease financial burdens faced by intending pilgrims.

ANA’s effort according the group’s leadership, was fully endorsed and supported by the leadership of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), from concept to finish.

The ANA’s campaign was marked by strategic engagements across key regions—North West, North East, North Central, and FCT—bringing together religious leaders, stakeholders, and state pilgrims’ boards to address pressing concerns ahead of the looming December 31st payment deadline for Hajj 2024.

ANA’s advocacy encompassed multifaceted challenges impacting the affordability of Hajj, including accommodation near Haram, feeding schemes, royalties, airfares, and service charges, all contributing to the overall high cost incurred by intending pilgrims.

Stakeholders voiced concerns during the engagements, notably about fraudulent activities targeting pilgrims, delayed information dissemination, and inadequate awareness within rural communities regarding the new regulations and payment deadlines for the 2024 Hajj.

Regional observations revealed promising trends in some states meeting their Hajj quotas, while others faced challenges due to pending court decisions and delayed commitments. The need for deadline extensions and subsidies emerged as key recommendations to make Hajj more accessible.

The North Central region particularly highlighted a lack of comprehensive information and suggested intensive educational campaigns to bridge the awareness gap among intending pilgrims and rural communities.

Stakeholders advocated for intensified enlightenment drives, closer collaboration with financial institutions to alleviate payment hurdles, and a call for governments to subsidize Hajj fares, addressing concerns about fraud, improved management, and early savings schemes.

Encouragingly, government officials in various states, including Kano, Kebbi, FCT, Zamfara, Kwara, and Nasarawa, expressed confidence in their governments’ interventions to ensure a successful Hajj 2024, affirming their commitment to addressing affordability challenges.

Sen. MoAllahyidi conveyed gratitude for the support extended by the National Hajj Commission and various state pilgrims’ boards, acknowledging their collaborative efforts to advance the cause of making Hajj 2024 more accessible for Nigerian Muslims.

Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Beta Edu  Allegedly Withdraws N3 Billion in a Month , Triggers NSPIPA Boss Suspension Amidst Transparency Rift

Shocking revelations have emerged regarding Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, who allegedly withdrew a staggering sum of N3 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) within just one month.

According to insiders at the agency, this large withdrawal sparked a contentious dispute between the Minister and the suspended NSIPA National Coordinator/CEO, Hajia Halima Shehu. Shehu reportedly resisted the unjust depletion of public funds under the guise of National Social Register (NSR) Verification, without proper evidence or authorization from the NSIPA account.

Insiders revealed that the funds were withdrawn without the knowledge of the NSIPA boss. To safeguard against further unauthorized withdrawals, the NSIPA Accounting Officer decided to secure the remaining funds in safe custody. Hajia Shehu, the suspended NSIPA boss, redirected the remaining funds from accounts designated for Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) to protect them from misuse.

FORMER LABOUR PARTY PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT CALLS ON THE PARTY TO GIVE ACCOUNT OF CAMPAIGN FUNDS

In an open letter to the leadership of Labour Party on the 2023 Election, Comrade Faduri Joseph, a former presidential aspirant under Labour Party has called the party to account for the campaign funds received during the 2023 presidential election as a sign of good leadership, which will be an indication that if given power, transparency and accountability will be the watchword.

Addressing the Labour Party leadership, executives, honourables, and his fellow compatriots, he observed that, “no doubt our party ran a laudable election and the support we got from Nigerians, showed that power belongs to the people, and it reflected in the contention that trailed the election of 2023 that we almost won.

“Having said this, I would like to use this medium to thank the people of Nigeria who believed that ‘YES WE CAN’ and inspite of many people thinking Labour Party had no structure to make a statement, we made a landmark and kudos to all of us and the good people of Nigeria.

“After election, our flag bearer and party went to court to challenge the outcome of the election; to fight for true democracy and we came back short.

The activist also popularly called Fadojoe, added that, beside all these came so many trouble waters that the party went through from suspension of key leadership executives to the leadership cracking into three (3) factions as at today. He further stressed on issue of money mismanagement, corruption within the party that according to him are just to mention but a few.

“We are no doubt suppose to be a formidable and positive opposition to this govt that has come to sink our nation the more with never thought through policies that has crumbled our nation in every areas of the economy.

“Having said all this. It is also worthy of note that if we must be a party of choice for Nigerians then we must show leadership and show to the good people of Nigeria that the New Nigeria we talk about is possible and achievable through our party, then we must first and foremost come together and resolve all issues and cracks within the party for ‘a house divided against itself can not stand’. We must drop the hatchet and bring both warring parties in our party to a round table and resolve all our internal issues before we can say to be an opposition. We can not operate the same style of political mess we see in the ruling party we claim we are better than and yet doing worse, then we will become laughing stock to Nigerians, who want nothing more than just a nation where they can survive and live as citizens. Not a situation where they live like slaves in their own country.

He thus noted that since many Nigerians all around the world supported Labour Party and her presidential candidate financially, by now one would have expected the party and most importantly the presidential candidate in person of Mr. Peter Obi to release report of the support the party got from many Nigerians both home and abroad. “How much we received, spent, and what we have left; if any, to plan ahead for next election.

“Thirdly, it is imperative to sit down and look through the lenses of 2023 and see what we did wrong. Where we lack strength and how to work on these lapses for future elections, because if we don’t look and examine inwardly, how we got it wrong in 2023 election then we will repeat the same mistakes in future elections get same result.

“Our Candidate cannot claim to be an alternative to corruption, but refused to come out clean to Nigerians and the party of how much kindhearted Nigerians donated, both home and abroad to support the movement and the new Nigeria agenda for the world to trust and believe us next time. So I am calling on His Excellency Mr. Peter Obi to give account of money donated to his campaign from both home and abroad; for Nigerians to see through, then we can criticize the present government in power for corruption and flaws in administration.

“You can not question the government in power for accountability when we lack such. We can not talk of corruption about this government when we can not explain millions of dollars, pounds sterling, and other foreign currencies giving to our party in 2023. We can not chide this administration of APC of failed policies when we as a party failed in just governing our own party.

Concluding he stressed that, “the New Nigeria project must start now, we in Labour Party must not just see ourselves as just fortunate and a better or choiced alternative without starting to sell a new agenda to Nigerians now, not to wait till when election is few months away before we put our party together and position it for take over.

CSOs Establish Group to Ensure Monitor PHCs in Nigeria

…Speak on need for Accessible, Affordable Healthcare

In an effort  to support the development of an improved Healthcare services across the the country, Civil Society Organisations under aegis of CSO-PHC Engagement Forum (CPEF) met in Kaduna and resolved to establish a group to monitor the activities of Primary Healthcare Centres in Nigeria.

According to the CSOs, the aim of aim of setting up the monitoring unit is to ensure that the ordinary citizens can access good medical healthcare that is  affordable , especially at the rural areas.

In a Statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the newly created CSO-PHC Engagement Forum; Comrade Bala Ahmad Mohammad and Comrade Peter Ibrahim Amfani , the  decision to create  the monitoring was informed by the decay in the healthcare system and lack of proper management of healthcare facilities , especially at local government areas.

The statement further reads: ” At the Kaduna meeting held at Arewa House,  ,We discussed extensively  some of the problems  facing healthcare delivery services , especially in the rural areas and resolved to work out a functional modalities to inspect and monitor PHCs as a way of check on the personnel and management of the facilities.

“We discovered that Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructures across the country remain severely underdeveloped, lacking the modern medical facilities that are essential for quality care with the country’s healthcare indicators rank among the worst in Africa.

“Considering the rate of deprivation , poverty and death rates, the need to  monitor the functionality of medical healthcare facilities, equipment and personnel efficiency has become a thing of paramount importance in order to ensure quality healthcare for the deprived citizens. “

While acknowledging that the decay further exacerbated by a series of critical issues, thus  our decision to concentrate on monitoring   of  the PHCs to compliment National healthcare development agencies with emphasis  for the ordinary citizens to enjoy affordable and accessible without any for bureaucratic bottleneck.

“We also discovered that the country has several barriers that limit delivery of PHCs: amongst them the internal conflict in parts of the country, crime and corruption, multiplicity of governmental and donor agencies, vertical programmes, low political commitment to implementation of approved health policies, differences in remuneration between levels of care.

“Our study  also revealed that inadequate referral services, inadequate number of staff, high cost of drugs and services, availability of healthcare for 24 hours were some of the factors with high frequency that influence the utilization of healthcare services.”

However, it which urged the federal government to improve funding of the  health sector,  expressed  worry that the health system is relatively weak, and there is yet a coordinated response across the country with a number of health workforce crises have been reported due to poor welfare, lack of appropriate health facilities and emerging factions among health workers. “

UBA SANI @ 53: AGAIN, TEARS OF JOY FLOOD KADUNA ORPHANAGES, HOSPITALS

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, has through his Foundation distributed food and other personal care items worth millions of Naira to orphanage homes and other vulnerable communities in the State to mark his 53rh birthday which falls on December 31st.

The distributed items include hundreds bags of parboiled rice, Indomie noodles, cartons of cooking oil, seasonings, soap, pomade, toilet tissue papers, and sanitary pads for women.

Presenting the food items to the orphanage homes, the Executive Director of Uba Sani Foundation, Mallam Ibrahim Dan-Halilu said the donation was the fifth in series since the birth of the foundation in 2018.

He described the Governor as a free-giver who has been offering this kind of support to the less privileged long before he became a Senator.

Mallam Ibrahim said, “the Governor established the Foundation to continue the good work of providing succor to the poor, adding “since 2018 we have been donating to orphanage homes and other vulnerable communities in the state, in addition to our primary responsibility of empowering young persons and women, sponsoring the education of indigent students, and offering health intervention to those with little or no resources to cater to their health.”

“The Executive Governor also provides humanitarian assistance to communities ravaged by natural disasters and banditry through the Foundation, Mallam Dan-Halilu reiterated.

The Directors of the orphanages poured encomium and prayers on the governor for bringing succor to the orphans who have no one to take care of them except God and other well-meaning persons in the society.

They prayed Allah to grant him long life and sound health.

Speaking to Journalists at the ceremony, the Director of Umm Aytam Marayu Foundation, Hajiya Zubaida Bature said both the orphans and parents have marked the birth date of Mallam Uba Sani because of the donation they have been receiving from his Foundation every year.

She explained that their orphanage had been benefitting from Uba Sani Foundation’s food distribution four over four years now.

It was a celebration galore at Adonai Orphanage, Kakuri with beating of drums and dance by the orphans and their caregivers who expressed extreme joy over the food relief coming from the governor.

The Coordinator of the orphanage, Mr. Mathias expressed joy over the donation from Uba Sani Foundation, which according to him has been sustained for over four years now.

He added that the donation always puts smile on their faces as they were sure of having food to eat which is the basic need of every human being without which one cannot do anything.

In her own remarks after receiving the donation, the Director of Al-Ihsan Orphanage Home, Hajiya Firdausi Yusuf Muhammed, said they were delighted over the visit that take place on the Governor’s birthday every year.

She Firdausi thanked the Governor for the donation and prayed for his long life and divine guidance to discharge his responsibilities fairly and equitably.

At Naphtali Orphanage, the Director, Mr. Festus Adams paid for the governor’s long life and successful tenure.

“The Governor is a Man of God for him to remember us. His donation is the first we are receiving this year. People are struggling to survive so nobody is coming to donate due to the current economic hardship.

“We thank His Excellency for this and pray to God to give him long life, and be his guide throughout his tenure and beyond,” prayed Elder Solomon.

The Kano Road Destitutes also thanked the governor for the donation and prayed for his long life and good health.

Abdullahi Ismail, the leader of the physically challenged thanked the governor for donating food and cooking oil to their households.

He explained that by donating food to the needy on his birthday, the governor has shown that he understood the central position of gratitude to God.

The orphanage homes visited include Umm Aytam Marayu Foundation, Unguwan Dosa which caters for over 1000 orphans and widows; Al-Ihsan Orphanage, Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway, which has about 300 orphans in its custody; and Adonai Children’s Home along Gwari Avenue Kakuri,, whose inmates were largely minors and widows.

Other facilities visited are Naphtali Orphanage, Gonin Gora, Halal Children’s Home, Unguwar Rimi GRA, and Kano Road Community of underserved persons numbering over 1000, who live along the entire stretch of the road connecting Gombe Road.

Also, the Uba Sani Foundation visited some selected health facilities in the state where it presented cash donations to about 2000 underprivileged patients who needed money to buy their treatment drugs or pay for laboratory tests.

Presenting the financial assistance to patients, Mallam Dan-Halilu said the Governor wanted to use the occasion of his birthday to put smile on the faces of the less privileged, which is why he is presenting cash donation to patients in the two hospitals that needs support to sustain their medication.

The Chief Medical Directors of the facilities thanked the Governor for his generosity, and prayed Allah to extend his life so that more people will continue to benefit from his acts of kindness.

“I pray Allah to give him more years of good health to enable him sustain the gesture of helping the less privileged in our communities., said the CMD of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital.
Some of the patients who spoke to journalists, thanked the Governor for remembering them on his birthday, and prayed Allah to reward, guide and protect him throughout his tenure and beyond.
The Uba Sani Foundation was established by Mallam Uba Sani in 2018 to provide intervention in education, health and economic empowerment. The Foundation has trained thousands of people, including youth and women in various vocational skills; provided scholarship to over 2000 high school students; and sponsored the treatment of many patients with health complications, including the congenial twins.

6TH JAN: TGNEWS AWARD COMMITTEE WISHES ALL A GREAT 2024

The General news (Tgnews) have planned an event the will serve as a womb opener of the 2024 year. It’s a public lecture and Award Ceremony where trophies and medals will be presented to great Nigerians who has helped in many spheres of endeavors to develop our dear nation.

The event scheduled to hold in Lelewal Hotel Hall Yola on the 6th January 2024. It is going to be a great day to have a lecture by Professor Umar Pate, Vice Chancellor, Kashere Federal University on Security and media, the way forward for a secured Nigeria.

The award which is the maiden edition of TGNEWS merit and productivity award is classified into four distinct categories.

The four categories for the award include; award for excellence in leadership, meritorious service award, award for dedication and quality service and unsung heroes award.

Those who will be conferred with the 2024 edition of award of excellence in leadership include governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, immediate past secretary to the federal government of federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, former governor Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow and the member representing Fufore/Song federal constituency in the house of representatives, Hon. Aliyu Wakili Boya.

Those to be conferred with meritorious service award include; Arch Bishop Panti Philibus, Sheikh Nuruddeen Khalid, HRH Kurhaye Hassan Dishon Dansanda II, Kwandi Nunguraya, HRM Daniel Shaga Ismaila, Hama Bachama, HRH Umar Sanda, Gangwari Ganye, HRH Abubakar Isa Ahmadu Emir of Mubi and Alhaji Abubakar Murtala, Dan Lawan Mubi and district head of Belel.

Personalities who will be conferred with
award for dedication and quality service include; Rear Admiral Jamila Malafa (Rtd.), Prof. Umar Pate, Dr. Abdullahi Dauda Belel, Barr. Chafari Kanya Shadrack, Mal. Hamisu Idris Medugu, Hon Hassan Mamman Barguma, Umar Dauda Duhu and Stella Din-Jacobs.

Those to be conferred with TGNews unsung heroes award include; Ardo Usman, a Shoe Cobbler and a groundnut seller, Celina Peter.

TGNews has placed so much value and relevance to the award given to the unsung heroes as a mark of their resilience and can do spirit despite the inclement and indurate socio-economic turf of the Nigerian society.

These are people who should have resigned to fate and resort to begging and embrace other demeaning ventures to survive, considering their disadvantaged conditions but instead took the gauntlet and channel their energies to better themselves and the society in general.

Congratulations to the awardees for seeing the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. The award will mark a good begining to the life of everyone of you.

You’re symbol of democracy and national unity, Tinubu tells Uba Sani at 53

The President, in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale on Saturday, celebrated the accomplished engineer and politician whose leadership odyssey has been one of sacrifice, dedication, and service to the people. 

Tinubu commended the governor for his devotion to the nation, from his early years as a pro-democracy activist, promoting the pristine elements of democracy, good governance, and national unity.

President Tinubu extolled the brilliance and excellence of the Governor, who is both a mechanical engineer of high repute and a renowned finance expert.

He recalled his efforts as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Financial Institutions, and now as governor.

The President thanked the governor for his unwavering support while wishing him many more years in good health, happiness, and strength in the service of the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria.

“BETTER DAYS AHEAD!” -FADOJOE ASSERTED IN HIS NEW YEAR MESSAGE

The National Leader of Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, Comrade Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe said that no matter the present situation in Nigeria, we should be hopeful of better days ahead.

The Labour Party Presidential Aspirant, Fadojoe, in his new year greetings encouraged Nigerians that as we are going into a new year, “let’s keep alive our hope of becoming a better version of ourselves and in building a new Nigeria of our dream. In deed a nation we can be proud of and that our children can confidently call their own.

“Though considering the present situation one may be tempted to ask if there is hope for Nigeria, but the real Nigerian spirit is the never give up mindset irrespective of prevailing circumstances. That was manifest in our football team when patriotism was the order of the day, example was in Saudi 89, Japan 93 and Atlanta 96; on each occasion the Nigerian football team have come from goals deficits in dramatic encounter to level up and secure a win in a seemly impossible situation and against the so called world soccer giants like Brazil and Argentina.

“As we enter a new year, let’s wake up the sleeping giant in each of us, dream big in 2024, plan big and work your plan. Also be determined to do something towards being part of patriotic Nigerians that will build a new nation. Always remember that if you can conceive it, you can believe it, if you can believe it you can achieve it.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire members of Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative, I say HAPPY NEW YEAR! AND WISHING YOU A GLORIOUS, BLESSED AND PROSPEROUS YEARS AHEAD”, he concluded.
Happy new year to you all

SIGNED:

Faduri Oluwadare Joseph aka Fadojoe,
Former Presidential Aspirant Under Labour Party and National
Leader of Rescue Movement For New Nigeria aka Rescue The Vulnerable Initiative.