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Presidency Confirms Tinubu’s Sanction Of N3 Billion For National Social Register Verification

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In light of the ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of N585m by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr Betta Edu, the Presidency on Monday called for restraint and patience from Nigerians, warning against a media trial….CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who said this while responding to fresh revelations on the matter, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the release of N3bn to verify the National Social Register under the former administration of Muhammadu Buhari.

The social register was created for cash transfers and other social investment programmes under Buhari.

A memo dated December 18, 2023, from the Office of Chief of the Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, titled ‘Conveyance of approval; Re: appeal to use N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) from the Covid-19 palliative fund for verification of the national social register,’ read:

“The above subject refers. Please be informed that Mr President has approved the expenditure of N3,000,000,000.00 (three billion naira) only, from the Covid-19 Palliative Fund for verification of the National Social Register. Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.

But speaking to The PUNCH on Monday night, Onanuga said “The President has directed the EFCC to investigate the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and all these matters are under investigation already.

“I am sure that the EFCC had seen that memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff and they are doing something about these findings.

“Let us allow them to do their work. Let us not to be doing double investigation on the same issue or a media trial on an issue that is under investigation. Nigerians should exercise patience.

“When the EFCC is done with their findings, they will tender their report to the President who will then act on the result of the investigation.”

An online platform had reported that a company owned by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was paid a total of N438.1m by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation under Betta Edu for consultancy services from the contract.

New Planet Project Limited was reportedly one of the consultants awarded contracts from the N3bn doled out by the suspended minister for the national social register contract.

According to reports, other beneficiaries include Fabunmi Olanipekun & Co, which got N419.5m, Vintsolve Global Consult was also paid N558.8m, Periscope Consulting got N277m, Blue Trend Enterprise was reportedly paid N277.8m, Laitop Dynamics Interlink Services got N277m, Memak Nigeria Limited was paid N277m, MC Van Management Consult Limited got N275.8m, Danzinger Nigeria Limited got  N275.8m , while Blue Trend Enterprises received N277.8m.

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Tension In Kebbi As Suspected Thugs Attack Convoy Of ADC Presidential Candidate, Atiku.

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The campaign convoy of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reportedly come under attack by suspected political thugs in Kebbi State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Naija News, Atiku’s Special Adviser on New Media, Royalty Uso, disclosed the incident in a post shared on his official account on Thursday.

Uso alleged that the attack occurred while the former Vice President’s convoy was travelling through Kebbi State for campaign activities.

He claimed that suspected hoodlums blocked the convoy, threw stones at vehicles and attacked members of the media team accompanying the campaign.

The presidential aide accused the attackers of being sponsored by the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that their intention was to intimidate supporters and prevent journalists from reporting the campaign activities.

He further disclosed that several pieces of equipment belonging to the media crew were destroyed during the incident.

In his post, Uso wrote: “Attack on HE Atiku Abubakar’s convoy in Kebbi State by APC-sponsored thugs. APC-sponsored thugs attack the ADC presidential campaign convoy in Kebbi. Most of the gadgets belonging to the camera and video crew were destroyed in the attack. Cameras, video equipment, tripods and other working tools were smashed, leaving the crew unable to continue live coverage of the campaign.

“The thugs did not come to steal. They came to destroy. They targeted our cameras and video crew because they did not want Nigerians to see what is happening here in Kebbi.”

However, the allegation that the attackers were sponsored by the APC was made by Atiku’s aide.

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2027: Tinubu Set For Major APC Campaign Rally In Rivers, Akwa Ibom Projects On Agenda.

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President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to embark on a two-day visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers States as part of his official engagements and political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The President is expected to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Friday, November 6, to inaugurate several projects completed by the administration of Governor Umo Eno.

Tinubu will also participate in a political rally during his visit to the state.

The development was announced in a statement released on Thursday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Ahead of the presidential visit, Governor Eno has declared Friday a work-free day to allow residents to welcome Tinubu.

Among the major projects scheduled for inauguration are facilities located at the Victor Attah International Airport.

They include the newly constructed International Terminal Building, the International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village.

Other projects expected to be commissioned include the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, as well as Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.

The President is also expected to inaugurate the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort.

Following the completion of his engagements in Akwa Ibom, Tinubu will travel to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday to attend an All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally.

The event will mark his third campaign rally since he officially launched his re-election campaign in Kaduna last month.

According to Onanuga, the two-state visit will also give the President an opportunity to interact with political stakeholders, APC members and supporters.

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Sad News Hits Benue Judiciary As Ex-Chief Judge Justice Adam Onum Passes Away

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The Benue State Judiciary is mourning the death of a former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adam Ochume Onum.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The judiciary announced his passing in an official statement released on Thursday by the Protocol Officer of the High Court of Justice, Makurdi, Jooli Terna David, on behalf of the Chief Judge.

In the statement, the judiciary described his death as a significant loss to the legal profession, the institution and the country at large.

It noted that the late Justice Onum would be remembered for his integrity, extensive knowledge of the law and unwavering commitment to the fair administration of justice.

The judiciary also expressed its sympathy to his family, friends and members of the legal community, urging them to remain strong during the difficult period.

It further disclosed that details of his burial arrangements and a valedictory court session in his honour would be announced at a later date.

The statement concluded with prayers for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and provide his family and loved ones with the strength to bear the loss.

In a related development, the National Judicial Council (NJC) has directed the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the state’s Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, on the shortlist of candidates for appointment as substantive Chief Judge.

The council objected to her omission from the list of nominees submitted by the commission, maintaining that the most senior judge of the state’s High Court should be considered for the position.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, disclosed that the directive was reached during the council’s 112th meeting held on November 3.

The meeting was presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

According to the statement, the council also recommended 28 candidates for various judicial appointments and deliberated on several disciplinary matters.

The statement partly read: “Council also directed the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to include the name of the most senior Judge of the State High Court, the Acting Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Ijeoma Agugua, in the list of candidates for appointment as substantive Chief Judge of the State.”

The Imo State Judicial Service Commission is legally responsible for initiating the process of appointing judicial officers in the state.

However, the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge in Imo State has remained contentious between the NJC and state authorities since the compulsory retirement of former Chief Judge, Justice T. E. Chukwuemeka Chikeka, over alleged age falsification in November 2024.

The NJC’s latest directive further highlights the disagreement surrounding Justice Agugua’s consideration for the position.

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