Author: Val Kosi

Fire Service Budget Defense Halted Amid Discrepancies, Lawmakers Demand Transparency

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) faced a significant setback Friday when the National Assembly Joint Committee on Interior abruptly halted its budget defense session. Lawmakers committee, co-chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole and House of Representatives counterpart Abdullahi Aliyu Ahmed, expressed deep concern over glaring discrepancies in the agency’s 2025 budget proposal and its 2024 performance.

“What you wrote contradicts what you are saying, and we hold you to your written statements,” Oshiomhole declared, highlighting a particularly alarming issue: the inconsistent pricing of firefighting trucks. Identical trucks, procured from the same company, were listed at vastly different prices – ₦1.5 billion in one instance and ₦2.5 billion in another.

While FFS Controller General Jaji Abdulganiyu Idris attributed these discrepancies to variations in tanker sizes, lawmakers remained unconvinced. “This appears to be over-padding or over-invoicing,” Oshiomhole asserted, emphasizing the need for detailed explanations and supporting documentation.

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The committee also raised serious concerns about ongoing projects, criticizing the lack of clear specifications and contractual commitments. The FFS 2025 budget proposal included a staggering ₦603 billion in projected outstanding payments, leaving lawmakers perplexed by the lack of clarity on these commitments.

“We need to appreciate the difference between contract commitments and proposals,” Oshiomhole stressed. “Without proper documentation, this committee cannot approve your budget.”

He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, reminding the agency that “every ₦10 lost by MDAs, when multiplied across all agencies, becomes an alarming figure. We must ensure that the little drawn is properly distributed so that every Nigerian gets a sip, especially the poor.”

Furthermore, the committee questioned the FFS’s ability to accurately report its revenue generation. Idris presented manual receipts as evidence, which the committee swiftly rejected as insufficient. Lawmakers demanded verifiable bank statements and supporting documentation from the Accountant-General’s office.

Frustrated by the numerous discrepancies and the lack of transparency, the committee ultimately halted the budget defense session. “Work on your documents and submit a proper presentation to this committee,” Oshiomhole warned. “Otherwise, there will be zero allocation for the agency.”

This incident underscores the lawmakers’ commitment to fiscal transparency and the efficient use of public funds. It serves as a stark reminder that public trust in government spending hinges on accountability and the responsible use of taxpayer money.

January 21, 2025
Donald Trump Sworn In As 47th US President, Plans Immigration Crackdown

Donald Trump was sworn in for a historic second term as president on Monday, pledging a blitz of immediate orders on immigration and the US culture wars as he caps his extraordinary comeback.

With one hand raised in the air and the other on a Bible given to him by his mother, the 47th US president solemnly took the oath of office beneath the huge Rotunda of the US Capitol.

Republican Trump and outgoing Democratic President Joe Biden had earlier traveled by motorcade together to the Capitol, where the ceremony was being held indoors — and with a much smaller crowd — for the first time in decades due to frigid weather.

Earlier, they and their spouses met for a traditional tea at the White House.

“Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump as he and First Lady Jill Biden greeted their successors at the front door to the presidential residence.

Trump, 78, was a political outsider at his first inauguration in 2017 as the 45th president, but this time around he is surrounded by America’s wealthy and powerful.

The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon chief Jeff Bezos, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai all had prime seats in the Capitol alongside Trump’s family and cabinet members.

Musk, who bankrolled Trump’s election campaign to the tune of a quarter of a billion dollars and promotes far-right policies on the X social network, will lead a cost-cutting drive in the new administration.

While Trump refused to attend Biden’s 2021 inauguration after falsely claiming electoral fraud by the Democrat, this time Biden has been keen to restore the sense of tradition.

Biden joined former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton at the Capitol. Former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush were there but ex-first lady Michelle Obama pointedly stayed away.

– ‘American decline’ –

Unusually for an inauguration where foreign leaders are normally not invited, Argentina’s hard-right president Javier Milei was attending, along with Italy’s far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The bitter cold weather has forced Trump’s inauguration indoors for the first time since Ronald Reagan’s in 1985, missing out on the customary massive crowds along the National Mall.

Behind the pomp and ceremony, the billionaire is kickstarting his nationalist, right-wing agenda with a barrage of around 100 executive orders undoing Biden’s legacy.

Trump will declare a national emergency at the Mexico border, give the US military a key role on the frontier, and end birthright citizenship, as he seeks to clamp down on undocumented migrants, an official from his incoming administration said.

Trump has pledged to start immediate deportations of undocumented migrants.

He will also sign an order for the US government to recognize only two biological sexes and seek to eliminate federal government diversity programs as he takes office.

The announcement of the hardline policies came a day after Trump had promised a “brand new day” and to end “four years of American decline.”

“I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country,” Trump told an inauguration eve rally where he danced with the Village People band.

– ‘Ecstatic’ –

Despite promising a new “golden era,” populist Trump also campaigned on often apocalyptic depictions of the country in his victorious election campaign against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in November.

At sunrise on Monday, the National Mall, where the inauguration was originally due to be held, was largely empty — save for the Fairchild family, who traveled from Michigan to pay tribute to Trump.

“Ecstatic,” said grandmother Barb, when asked how they were feeling, adding she thought the move indoors was made “to protect our president.”

With minutes left in his presidency, Biden issued extraordinary pre-emptive pardons for his brothers and sister to shield them from “baseless and politically motivated investigations.”

He also pardoned former COVID-19 advisor Anthony Fauci, retired general Mark Milley, and members of a US House committee probing the violent January 6, 2021 US Capitol attack by Trump’s supporters.

Biden said he had also restored the tradition of leaving a letter for his successor — though he said the contents were between him and Trump.

Trump will make history by replacing Biden as the oldest president to be sworn in. He is also just the second president in US history to return to power after being voted out, after Grover Cleveland in 1893.

Another first is Trump’s criminal record, related to paying a porn star hush money during his first presidential run — and a string of far more serious criminal probes that were dropped once he won the election in November.

For the rest of the world, Trump’s return means expecting the unexpected.

From promising sweeping tariffs to making territorial threats to Greenland and Panama and calling US aid for Ukraine into question, Trump looks set to rattle the global order once again.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Trump ahead of the inauguration and said Monday he was open to talks on the Ukraine conflict, adding he hoped any settlement would ensure “lasting peace”.

January 21, 2025
Defence Headquarters Labels Bandit Leader Bello Turji a ‘Coward,’ Says His Days Are Numbered
Bello Turji
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, a coward whose end is near after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma raided his hideouts, killing his son and several of his fighters during clearance operations in Zamfara State.

In a statement issued by Major-General Edward Buba, the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, the military highlighted Turji’s desperation as he flees from one location to another, seeking assistance from other bandit commanders.

“On January 17, 2025, a coordinated operation between troops of Operation Fansan Yamma as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis,” Buba stated.

“The operations killed scores of terrorists, including notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s son, on Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding. The intensity of troops’ firepower resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed.”

The statement also noted that Turji abandoned his son and fighters during the military raid, describing his actions as cowardly.

“The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants. I want to remind him that his days are numbered,” Buba declared.

The operation also led to the rescue of kidnapped hostages held by Turji and the destruction of his camps in multiple locations, including Shinkafi, Kagara, and Chindo.

In a related operation, troops dismantled another terrorist camp led by Idi Mallam along the Zango Kagara Forest, neutralizing three terrorists and arresting three suspected collaborators.

Recovered items included:

Two machine guns

One AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition

61 rustled cattle

44 sheep

The DHQ reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide, vowing to sustain the offensive against terrorists.

“Troops are sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist. Overall, troops continue to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens nationwide,” the statement concluded.
January 21, 2025
Otudeko, Onasanya Arraignment Stalled Amidst Service of Process Controversy

The much-anticipated arraignment of prominent Nigerian businessman, Oba Otudeko, and former First Bank Managing Director, Stephen Onasanya, took an unexpected turn when their legal teams vehemently protested the lack of proper service of the charges. This procedural hurdle effectively stalled the proceedings, leaving the courtroom in a state of uncertainty.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has leveled a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, Onasanya, and several others, including former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited. These charges stem from allegations of obtaining a substantial N12.3 billion from First Bank through fraudulent means.

The courtroom drama unfolded as defense lawyers, led by renowned legal luminaries Bode Olanipekun (SAN) and Olumide Fusika (SAN), argued that their clients had not been duly served with the charges, a fundamental requirement for a fair legal process.

Fusika, representing Onasanya, expressed deep concern over the media trial his client had endured, emphasizing that such premature publicity could severely prejudice public opinion and undermine his right to a fair hearing.

“My Lord, it is deeply concerning that my client has been subjected to intense media scrutiny without the formal service of charges. This not only compromises his right to a fair trial but also infringes upon his fundamental right to dignity,” Fusika stated, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.

The EFCC, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered these claims, asserting that multiple attempts had been made to serve the defendants at their last known addresses. While acknowledging the presence of media reports on the impending arraignment, Oyedepo vehemently denied any involvement by the EFCC in disseminating such information. He suggested that journalists may have independently gathered information through other sources.

“My Lord, we categorically deny any involvement in the release of any information to the media regarding this case,” Oyedepo stated, seeking to distance the commission from any perceived attempts to influence public opinion.

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Despite the initial impasse, the court ultimately allowed Fusika to accept service of the charges on behalf of his client. This procedural maneuver paved the way for the court to adjourn the proceedings until February 13th, a date set for the formal arraignment of the defendants.

The EFCC alleges that the defendants engaged in a complex web of fraudulent activities between 2013 and 2014. These alleged offenses include conspiracy to defraud First Bank, obtaining loans under false pretenses, and engaging in sophisticated money laundering schemes.

The charges further allege the use of forged documents to deceive the bank and secure credit facilities for various entities, including V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited.

This case has captivated public attention, highlighting the gravity of financial crimes and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat such illicit activities. The upcoming arraignment promises to be a pivotal moment in this legal saga, with far-reaching implications for the defendants and the financial landscape of Nigeria.

January 21, 2025
EFCC Boss: Procurement Fraud Fuels Nigeria’s Corruption Woes

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has delivered a stark assessment of Nigeria’s corruption crisis, declaring that procurement and contract fraud are the nation’s most significant challenges. Speaking at a meeting with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) led by its Director-General, Adebowale Adedokun, Olukoyede emphasized that these illicit activities permeate the public sector, hindering development and undermining public trust.

“In the EFCC, we grapple with both private and public sector fraud,” Olukoyede stated. “Within the public sector, a domain rife with challenges for Nigeria, we’ve observed that contract and procurement fraud constitute a staggering 90 percent of the overall corruption cases. This encompasses a wide range of deceitful practices, including commingling of funds, contract splitting, and various other forms of manipulation.”

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He further lamented the devastating impact of these corrupt practices on the nation’s progress: “Infrastructure development and other crucial aspects of national development are severely hampered by the pervasive issue of contract and procurement fraud.” Olukoyede stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the EFCC and the BPP, highlighting the need for enhanced cooperation in project implementation and monitoring.

Adedokun, in his address, underscored the BPP’s commitment to a renewed focus on integrity and transparency. He emphasized that the bureau, under his leadership, is dedicated to streamlining procurement processes and minimizing opportunities for corruption.

The EFCC’s credibility has taken a significant hit in recent months. The abrupt postponement of a highly anticipated media chat scheduled for January 19th further fueled public speculation and raised concerns about the commission’s transparency and accountability.

While the EFCC plays a crucial role in combating financial crime, it is imperative that the commission operates within the bounds of the law and respects the fundamental rights of all citizens.

January 21, 2025
Anambra NMA: Man Who Killed EFCC Officer Not a Medical Doctor

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has refuted claims that Joshua Ikechukwu, the alleged killer of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, is a medical doctor.

The EFCC, on Sunday, accused Ikechukwu of killing Aminu Salisu, an assistant superintendent officer (ASO), during an operation in Anambra State. According to the agency, Ikechukwu is involved in internet fraud and deals in coding and online medical supplies of questionable authenticity.

Despite these allegations, several reports identified Ikechukwu as a medical doctor allegedly affiliated with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, prompting clarification from the NMA.

In a statement on Monday, Obiaeli Ifeanyi, secretary of NMA’s Anambra chapter, categorically denied Ikechukwu’s membership in the medical profession, attributing the misrepresentation to his dealings in medical supplies.

“Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a member of NMA Awka Zone, and no member has been able to identify such a name as either a colleague or member of NMA,” the statement read.

“Joshua Chukwubueze Ikechukwu is NOT a Medical Doctor (not even an academic doctor) as widely published by the media though he deals in medical supplies and has been addressed as a Doctor.

“This calls for concern about the flagrant abuse of the title Medical Doctor by imposters and quacks, dragging the image of the revered medical profession to the mud.”

The NMA also called on the public and media outlets to refrain from addressing Ikechukwu as a doctor, stressing the importance of preserving the integrity of the medical profession.

The association further demanded a public retraction from the EFCC and media organizations that published reports falsely attributing the suspect’s identity to the medical profession.

January 21, 2025
Tinubu Appoints Zahrah Audu as PEBEC Director General

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Zahrah Audu as the new Director General (DG) of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

The appointment was announced in a statement by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday.

PEBEC, established to eliminate bureaucratic and legislative hurdles and enhance Nigeria’s ease of doing business ranking, is poised for a strategic transformation under Audu’s leadership.

“Audu’s appointment aligns with the president’s vision to invigorate Nigeria’s economic landscape,” Akume said.

Zahrah Audu, an entrepreneur and technology expert, brings a wealth of experience in business development, innovation, and investment promotion to her new role. She replaces Jumoke Oduwole, now the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment.

The new DG confirmed her appointment via LinkedIn, sharing her enthusiasm to drive PEBEC’s objectives.

Audu holds a background in software engineering and a business management degree from a prestigious UK institution. Before her appointment, she served as the Technical Adviser on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Office of the Vice President.

In her new capacity, Audu will lead PEBEC’s “Invest in Nigeria” campaign and coordinate the Existing Foreign Direct Investors Roundtable Forum, initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position as a top-tier investment destination.

Beyond her professional achievements, Audu is a noted philanthropist, actively engaging in initiatives to uplift underprivileged communities. Through her advocacy, she has fostered relationships with international organizations and governments, pushing for policies that expand economic opportunities for Nigerians.

January 21, 2025
Nigeria Set to Overhaul Tax System in July, Aiming to Boost Revenue and Stabilize Naira

The Nigerian government is on track to overhaul its complex tax system in July, according to Taiwo Oyedele, head of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. This ambitious reform package aims to simplify tax collection, reduce the tax burden on businesses, and ultimately boost the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio, one of the lowest globally.

The core objective of these reforms is to streamline Nigeria’s intricate tax landscape. Currently, businesses and individuals grapple with a labyrinth of over 60 different taxes and levies. The government intends to consolidate these into a more manageable six, significantly reducing the administrative burden and enhancing compliance.

“Those reforms are transformational,” Oyedele emphasized during a recent public address. “They keep me excited. The reason why I have the energy to keep going is because of the possibilities I see in those reforms, which haven’t been done since independence.”

Nigeria’s tax-to-GDP ratio currently languishes at a mere 10.8%, significantly lower than the average for comparable economies. This low revenue generation hinders the government’s ability to fund critical infrastructure projects and social programs. The reforms aim to rectify this by increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio to at least 18% by 2026.

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One of the key drivers behind these reforms is to address the persistent instability of the Nigerian Naira. Oyedele highlighted that Nigerian businesses are currently compelled to pay taxes worth over $3.5 billion annually in foreign currency, primarily US dollars.

“If I say to you that in Nigeria today, Nigerian businesses are being asked to pay levies and fees and taxes in dollars worth over $3.5 billion a year,” Oyedele explained, “You send your people to the forex market to look for dollars to pay the government. It does not add $1 to your supply, but it adds $3.5 billion to your demand. We are fixing that.”

By eliminating these foreign currency tax obligations, the reforms aim to reduce pressure on the Naira and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

While the reforms hold significant promise, they have not been without their detractors. Some Northern leaders have voiced opposition to the proposed changes, calling for wider consultations.

Despite these challenges, the government remains committed to implementing the reforms. Legislation is expected to be passed this quarter, followed by a period of preparation for implementation, with the official launch anticipated in July.

The success of these tax reforms will have a profound impact on the Nigerian economy. By simplifying the tax system, reducing the burden on businesses, and increasing revenue generation, the government aims to create a more conducive environment for economic growth and development.

January 21, 2025
Ajaokuta Steel Project: Lawmakers Grill Minister Over Fresh Audit, Budget Irregularities

The Joint National Assembly Committee on Steel Development has expressed serious concerns over glaring irregularities within the Ministry of Steel Development’s 2024 budget. During a recent budget defense session, committee members, led by co-chairperson Zainab Gimba, highlighted significant issues, including allocations for vague “capacity-building programs” and “skills training initiatives” with no discernible evidence of execution or impact.

Gimba expressed grave concerns about the potential for these funds to be misappropriated.

“A first-hand appraisal of the 2024 submissions reveals budget infractions, such as funds allocated for programs that lack clear documentation of execution,” Gimba stated.

“Administrative and recurrent costs have escalated significantly without corresponding improvements in ministry activities or outputs, raising serious questions about mismanagement or misallocation of funds.”

The committee members were particularly alarmed by the discovery of several projects, especially those related to the long-awaited completion of the Ajaokuta Steel plant, that appear to have violated the Fiscal Responsibility Act, a cornerstone of financial governance in Nigeria.

Citing breaches of the Public Procurement Act, Gimba pointed to instances of non-competitive bidding processes and inflated contract costs, strongly suggesting a lack of transparency and accountability. “There are ghost projects, a direct violation of Nigeria’s Financial Regulations,” she stressed, emphasizing the need for a thorough and independent forensic audit of all 2024 expenditures and contracts.

Furthermore, the committee expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Ministry’s 2025 budget allocation, where a staggering 57.2% of the total budget is earmarked for personnel costs. This leaves a mere 34.6% for capital expenditure, a woefully inadequate sum for modernizing the critical steel sector.

“Our committee is deeply displeased with the Ministry’s consistent communication failures and lack of sufficient information provided during budget defenses,” Gimba asserted. “If the legislature fails to rigorously scrutinize budgets, government accountability will be severely undermined. We will utilize all our statutory powers to ensure compliance.”

Echoing these concerns, Committee Chairman Patrick Ndubueze emphasized the paramount importance of a robust steel sector for driving Nigeria’s industrial growth. “Nigeria cannot progress without a solid steel industry,” he declared. “We must prioritize capital investments over salaries. Repeating past mistakes is simply unacceptable.”

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A key point of contention during the hearing was the Ministry’s decision to initiate a fresh technical audit of the Ajaokuta Steel plant despite three previous audit reports. Lawmakers expressed skepticism about the necessity of yet another audit, demanding clarity on why the findings of the existing reports had not been implemented.

Minister of Steel Development Abubakar Audu defended the decision, arguing that the previous audits, conducted over a decade ago by different companies, no longer accurately reflected the current realities of the project. He highlighted the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia for the plant’s completion, stating that the Russian consortium, in collaboration with Nigerian engineers, would conduct a new technical audit.

“The tripartite MoU was signed in Moscow with Messrs, Tyazhpromexport (TPE), the Russian firm that originally built the Ajaokuta steel plant, and consortium partners,” Audu explained. “The consortium will conduct a fresh technical audit, a report of which will be submitted to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval before work on the plant can commence.”

However, lawmakers remained unconvinced. “You haven’t conducted the technical audit, yet you have already arrived for $2 billion,” questioned Committee member Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. “How did you arrive at this figure before completing the audit? We have three existing reports on previous audits carried out on Ajaokuta Steel. Why can’t we implement these existing reports? Why do we always sign new ones?”

In response, Minister Audu acknowledged that the existing audits were conducted over a decade ago and by different entities, stating, “The reports will have to be bankable; we are involved with new partners, separate from those who worked on the existing reports.” He reassured the committee that the government had full confidence in the Russian consortium’s ability to effectively contribute to completing the Ajaokuta Steel plant.

The hearing concluded with the Minister promising to address all the concerns raised by the committee regarding the Ministry’s 2024 budget performance and its projections for 2025. This episode underscores the critical role of legislative oversight in ensuring responsible and transparent government spending, particularly in crucial sectors like steel development, which are vital for Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialization.

January 21, 2025
Katsina Police Arrest SIM Swap Fraud Syndicate and Child Murder Suspects
The Katsina State Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of engaging in illegal SIM card swapping and bank fraud. The arrests, announced on Thursday, followed a targeted operation based on credible intelligence.

According to Abubakar Aliyu, the police spokesperson, the suspects used sophisticated techniques to fraudulently access victims’ bank accounts after illegally swapping their SIM cards.

“The suspected notorious fraudsters who specialized in swapping SIM cards of unsuspecting members of the public to fraudulently use sophisticated tactics to withdraw money from their victim’s bank accounts,” Aliyu said during a press briefing.

The police recovered 32 SIM cards from the suspects and revealed their identities:

Muhammad Murtala, alias Bomboy, age 20, of Rahamawa quarters.

Muhammad Umar, alias Dogon Baba, age 33, of Sabuwar Unguwa quarters.

Muhammad Quraish, age 29, of Sabuwar Kasuwa quarters.

Emmanuel Ogunwoye, alias OG, age 25, a bank staff member.

The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation.

“The command, acting on credible intelligence, launched an operation to track down the syndicate. After a thorough investigation, four suspects were arrested and confessed to the commission of the offense,” Aliyu added.

Arrests in 12-Year-Old’s Abduction and Murder

In a separate case, the Katsina police also arrested two individuals for the abduction and murder of Salihu Sadi, a 12-year-old boy in Kaita Local Government Area.

Aliyu disclosed that the suspects, identified as Muttaka Garba and Yusuf Usman, kidnapped the boy while he was running an errand for his mother.

The suspects demanded a ransom of ₦25 million from the victim’s parents but tragically killed the boy during negotiations.

“These suspects callously took the life of an innocent child after making financial demands from his family,” Aliyu said.
January 18, 2025