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Buhari Orders Criminal Investigation Into N6 Trillion Investment In NDDC For 19 Years

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President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered criminal investigation into an approximated six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) since 2001.

Recall that the President had ordered for a holistic
forensic audit of the activities of the Commission
from inception to August 2019 in response to the yearnings of the people of the Niger Delta region to reposition it for the effective service delivery.

Buhari gave this order Thursday in Abuja after receiving the final forensic audit report from the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

Represented by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, Buhari stated: “The Federal Government will in consequence apply the law to remedy the deficiencies outlined in the audit report as appropriate.

“This will include but not limited to initiation of
criminal investigations, prosecution, recovery of funds not properly utilized for the public purposes for which they were meant for amongst others.

“In all these instances of actions, legal due processes will strictly be complied with.”

According to the President, the forensic audit report willbe forwarded to the Federal miinistry of Justice for a legal review and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government will be engage in doing justice to the findings accordingly.

Buhari disclosed that, It is on record that between 2001 and 2019, the federal government has approved three trillion, three Hundred and Seventy five billion, seven hundred and seventy six thousand, seven Hundred and ninety ninety four naira, ninety three kobo as budgetary and two trillion, four hundred and twenty billion, nine hundred and forty million, and, eight hundred and ninety four thousand, one hundred and ninety one naira as income from Statutory and non Statutory Sources, which brings the total sum to six trillion naira given to the Niger Delta Development Commission.

He said it was also on record that the the execution of over 13, 777 projects in the oil rich region were substantially compromised.

Buhari noted that the Federal government is also concerned about multitudes of Niger Delta development commission’s bank accounts amounting to 362 and lack of proper reconiliation of accounts.

He stated that the call for the audit by the people of the Niger Delta Region arose from the huge gaps between resources invested in the region vis a vis the huge gap in infrastructural, human and economic development.

Buhari said he was not oblivious of the interest
generated by Stakeholders towards the forensic audit
exercise and the agitation for the constitution of the Board of the NDDC.

He went on: “However, this Administration is determined to address challenges militating against the delivery of the mandate of the NDDC to the people of the Niger Delta
Region.

“It is in the broader context of the foregoing developments that the i recently signed into Law the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which has been a contentious issue over the years for successive governments, to bring about the prudence and accountability in the Petroleum Sector and to give a sense of participation and ownership to the host communiues.”

According to him, the report on the forensic audit of the NNDC and recommendations will be critically analysed for necessary action and implementation.

“We owe it a duty to the people of the Niger Delta Region to improve their standard of living through the provision of adequate infrastructural and socio-economic development.

“The welfare and socio- economic inclusion of the Niger Delta Region is paramount to the development and security of the Region and by extension the country.

“Funds spent on development activities should as a consequence promote political and socio-economic stability in the Region,” Buhari added.

Earlier in his remarks, Akpabio disclosed that the auditors have concluded examination
and documentation of a total 13,777 contracts for
projects and programmes awarded to Contractors and consultants in all Niger Delta States from 2001-August 2019, at a total final contract value of N3,274.206,032,213.24.

According to Akpabio, the name and identity of a vast number of beneficiary companies were also captured as well.

His words: “Via Field Verification, the Forensic Auditors established the exact status of all contracts for proiects and programmes in all constituent states during the period under review classified into completed, ongoing, abandoned, terminated, taken-over and non-existence.”

The Minister disclosed that the auditors also focused on funding gaps, Irregularities, mismanagements and Due Proces Violations/Conflicts of lnterest.

He went on: “A Personnel Audit and Review of the governance and organisational structure of NDDC was also carried out. An
operational guideline/Manual and a fit-for-purpose organogram that would aid the transformation of NDDC to a globally competitive development agency has been developed as well.

“Available financial records of the commission were analysed with the aim of establishing the total amount of funds received by the Commission from all sources, both statutory and non-statutory and the total funds and other resources paid to contractors as well as the total amount outstanding as debts with regards to such projects within the period under reference.

“The Auditors have also provided policy recommendations, interms of measures that should be taken to ensure the prevention of such irregularities and mismanagement, going forward.

“With utmost respect Sir, I crave the indulgence of Your Excellency that after my speech, the Lead Forensic Auditors will present to you a quick summary of their Findings and Recommendations.”

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Sultan of Sokoto Urges Nigerians to Stop Criticizing Leaders and Allow God to Deal With Them

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Sultan Muhammad Saad Abubakar

 

Nigerians have been urged to desist from castigating their leaders and all those in authority.

This call was made to Nigerians by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III on Monday at the the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria hosted in Kaduna.

According to the Sultan, it is important that Nigerians rather than insult their leaders, they should allow God to really with them.

He also urgee Nigerians to contibue praying for their keaders and tne nation as a whole.

He further called on religious leadera accros Nigeria to quit misleadinh members of ghwir congregation.

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“A lot of people say we have never had it so bad, but no matter how difficult it is, ease will come. We believe nothing lasts forever.

“Nothing bad and nothing good lasts forever. Let us intensify prayers in our congregations and encourage our followers to pray for our leaders.

“We will not castigate them; we will allow Almighty Allah to deal with them as He wishes and He will,” the Sultan notes.

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Arewa APC Merger Group Hails President Tinubu for Release of Detained minors

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The Arewa APC Merger Group has thanked President Bola Tinubu for his swift and compassionate response in ordering the release of detained minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement signed by National Coordinator Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa in Abuja, the group expressed gratitude for the President’s decisive action, which has brought renewed hope to many Nigerians.

The group commended President Tinubu for showing strong leadership on the issue, noting that his actions demonstrate a commitment to justice and the well-being of Nigeria’s youth.

They emphasized that this move reassures citizens of the President’s dedication to fairness and the protection of human rights under his administration.

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The release order from President Tinubu came after the Arewa APC Merger Group took substantial steps to advocate for the detained children.

In response to reports of mistreatment, including allegations of malnutrition and poor conditions, the group provided essential food and support to the minors both at the Federal High Court in Abuja and while in custody.

This effort underscored the group’s commitment to the welfare of young Nigerians and their resolve to seek justice.

Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa stated that the group is encouraged by the President’s response and considers it a positive signal of his administration’s commitment to addressing national issues with compassion and responsibility.

The Arewa APC Merger Group remains hopeful that this action will set a precedent for prioritizing the rights and well-being of Nigeria’s youth across the country.

President Tinubu’s decision to release the children reflects his administration’s acknowledgment of the calls from various stakeholders to uphold justice and safeguard the future of young Nigerians.

The Arewa APC Merger Group expressed their appreciation for this significant step, which they believe will strengthen public confidence in the government’s dedication to the rights of all citizens.

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Breaking: Court Drops Charges Against Minors

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out the charges brought against a total of 119 #EndBadGovernance protesters.

All 119 protesters were arraigned on Friday, November 1 on charges bordering on Treason felony, inciting to mutiny, among others.

The defendants were arraigned in two batches at the previous proceeding.

The first batch comprised a total of 76 protesters which included 32 minors and the second batch a total of 43 protesters.

The trial judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, struck out the suit following an application by the counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, M. D Abubakar, to take over and discontinue the matter.

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