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₦30B Controversy: EFCC Summons Governor Makinde.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) has filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged mismanagement, diversion, and criminal breach of trust concerning ₦30 billion released by the Federal Government to Oyo State following the January 2024 Bodija explosion in Ibadan.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The petition, dated January 5, 2026, was signed by HEDA Chairman Olanrewaju Suraju and addressed to EFCC Chairman Olanipekun Olukoyede.
HEDA sought clarification on the status and utilisation of the ₦30 billion, which was intended for victim compensation, reconstruction of the affected Bodija area, and emergency relief. The group expressed concern that only about ₦4.5 billion was reportedly disbursed for relief and compensation, while the remaining funds allegedly remain unaccounted for.
“The organisation is concerned that only about ₦4.5 billion intervention funds were reportedly applied to relief and compensation for victims, while the entire ₦30 billion remains largely unaccounted for,” the petition read.
The petition comes amid public controversy sparked by former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, who claimed in a national television interview that ₦50 billion was released to Oyo State for victims and reconstruction of Old Bodija. The Oyo State Government, however, clarified that it received ₦30 billion—not ₦50 billion—and that the funds were untouched pending the release of the remaining ₦20 billion.
Explosion victims have since demanded the immediate release of the ₦30 billion to supplement earlier compensation, which they deemed insufficient. Previously, the state disclosed that ₦4.085 billion had been disbursed to victims, while ₦24.6 billion was spent from its own resources on reconstruction and environmental restoration of the Bodija area.
Speaking with The PUNCH, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, maintained that the ₦30 billion remains untouched and dismissed the renewed controversy as politically motivated.
“The Oyo State Government stands by the comprehensive statement issued on the unfortunate incident. It’s 2026, the eve of the 2027 general elections. We are aware of the narratives and remain prepared,” Oyelade said.
In its petition, HEDA further raised concerns over transparency and accountability, alleging that the ₦30 billion has been kept in a commercial bank accruing interest for over a year without public disclosure. The group urged the EFCC to compel the state government to provide a transparent account of the funds, their utilisation, and any remaining balance.
“These allegations raise serious concerns bordering on corruption, abuse of office, diversion of public funds, criminal breach of trust, and possible money laundering, all of which fall within the statutory mandate of the EFCC,” the petition stated.
While acknowledging that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution grants immunity from prosecution to a sitting governor, HEDA stressed that such immunity does not preclude investigation into the management of public funds.
“Constitutional immunity does not preclude investigation, particularly in issues relating to accountability and the management of public resources,” the group said.
HEDA therefore urged the EFCC to conduct a “thorough, impartial, and professional investigation” into the receipt, management, and utilisation of all federal intervention funds released to Oyo State in connection with the Bodija explosion.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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