News
Ignore Malami distraction, tackle Magu’s allegations, CSO urges President
A rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Development, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to concentrate on unravelling the series of corruption allegations levelled against the former acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN with a view to serving as deterrent to other appointees.
The CSO consequently described as diversionary barrage of counter allegations on the person of the Minister of Justice at a time he allegedly petitioned the former EFCC boss for allegations that are capable of destroying the anti-corruption toga for which President Muhamadu Buhari was elected.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja, Convener of the CSO, Danesi Momoh Prince maintained that while the CSO could not hold brief for the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation over the allegations also levelled against him, it found the allegations to be attempts to distract the Presidency and the masses from the real issue.
“As Civil Society Organisation devoted to good governance we have found that corruption is a delicate matter that is being indulged by a sophisticated cartel that will go extra miles to have their way. In this wise, we can boldly state that this is also a clear case of corruption fighting back. No one who understands the challenges associated with fighting societal ill would expect the Minister to go without bruises from the people he seeks to stop.
“While we are not holding brief for the Minister, we can say he has proved himself as one who is willing to rid the nation of corruption and illegality. He began by cleaning elements who have been accused of one financial misappropriation or the other.
“You may recall, that Adams Oshiomole the erstwhile National Chairman of the APC was invited by the DSS for allegations bothering on financial misappropriation, this invitation is believed was at the behest of the Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation who could not condone corruption in circles close to him, even the National Chairman of the ruling party.
“Few days ago, the nation became awash with the information that the Erstwhile Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was arrested and detained for allegations bothering on corruption. Again it is believed that the petition leading to his invitation, arrest and subsequent detention was at the behest of the Hon. Attorney General who was obviously amazed that the head of the Anti-Graft Agency is allegedly perpetrating the same graft he was appointed to fight, being a man of principles, the right thing had to be done”, the CSO noted.
It further regretted that Magu who initially stood firm in recovering looted funds would fall to temptation of re-looting the funds that should have been used for the good of the nation.
News
TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
News
Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
News
Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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