fbpx
Connect with us

News

NSITF Ag MD dragged to NASS, ICPC over nepotism

Published

on

NSITF Boss

 

From Ahmad Nakano

A petition against the Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Kelly Nwagha, has been tabled before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).

 

The Acting MD is being accused of nepotism and other dubious practices regarding the reinstatement of the sacked staff of the Fund.

Why EFCC’s chiefs are always booted out of office?

A group, The Social Justice Initiative (T.S.J.I), which tabled the petition before the commission dated 8th October 2020, said the need for “an external investigation into this matter,” informed their decision to approach the anti-corruption agency.

 

Signed by the Executive Secretary, Azikiwe Chianu, it accused Nwagha of “using his office and position for gratification.”

 

The petition, which has the acknowledgment stamp of ICPC, said the issue has since been on the public domain, including the National Assembly Committee on Public Petition, which is awash with requests for reinstatement from many members of staff dismissed by the past administration.

 

It added that “Dr. Kelly Nwagha was appointed in June 2020 as Acting Managing Director of the NSITF. Prior to his appointment, many staff of the NSITF had their appointments terminated for various offenses.

 

“A notable case amongst these was that of about eight (8) members of staff of the NSITF (Mararaba branch) whose appointment was duly terminated under the previous management after internal investigations found them complicit in the forgery of official documents to obtain personal loans from a Microfinance bank.

 

“These members of staff had their appointments terminated after they were found guilty by a duly constituted disciplinary committee of having breached some of the conditions of service of the NSITF.”

 

The petition stated that the appointment of Nwagha, however, saw some of the dismissed staff found their way back into the Fund.

 

“We are aware through reliable information that some of the eight members of staff dismissed by the previous management have been reinstated into the service of the Fund through the backdoor,” it said.

 

T.S.J.I, whose motto is: Good Governance Through Transparency & Accountability, said the reinstatement was conducted via personal ties.

 

It said some of the dismissed staff, “who have close and personal ties with Dr. Kelly Nwagha are being reinstated at an alarming speed.”

 

Nwagha, the group said, has been “actively cherry-picking” those staff and reinstating them back “without recourse to due process.”

 

It, therefore, urged the commission to investigate with a view to ensuring that the Acting MD.discharges his duties in an open and transparent manner, devoid of sentiments and personal interests

#

News

Breaking: Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Arrested Over Endbadgovernance Protest

Published

on

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

President Tinubu Orders release of all minors who participated in the Endbadgovernance protest .

 

The minister of information and national orientation Muhammad Idris stated this to state House correspondents.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, on Monday.

The Minister was flanked by the Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy; Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and orientation.

Idris stated that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to begin the process of securing the minors’ release without delay.

“The President has directed that all minors be released on the and also reunited with their families anywhere they are in the country. A committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated and anyone found wanting will be brought to book,” he said.

 

#

Continue Reading

News

76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

Published

on

 

The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

#
Continue Reading

News

ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

Published

on

Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

#

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

Continue Reading

Trending