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Canada’s PM makes rare appearance before House committee
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on Thursday made a rare appearance before a parliamentary committee to defend a contract awarded by his government.
The contract borders on implementation of a student grant programme worth 674 million U.S. dollars (N256.7 billion).
The House of Commons finance committee had summoned Trudeau to explain why his government awarded the contract to a charity linked to his family.
In his opening remarks during the virtual appearance, the prime minister denied that the voice of WE Charity Canada was based on family connections.
Trudeau said he learned about the contract just hours before it showed up on the agenda of a cabinet meeting held on May 8.
“We Charity received no preferential treatment. Not from me, not from anyone else.
“My chief of staff and I were finding out about this important part of the programme only hours before the cabinet meeting.
“The public service recommended WE Charity. I did absolutely nothing to influence that recommendation,” he said.
The prime minister said he initially removed the programme from the cabinet meeting agenda, but later changed his mind following repeated advice.
Trudau said after almost two weeks of further deliberations, he was advised that the programme could only go ahead with We Charity.
“I actually slowed it down and pushed back on it to make sure everything was done exactly right because I knew questions would be asked about the links to my family,” he said.
Reports say it is unusual for a Canadian prime minister to appear before a parliamentary committee, the last time being in 2006.
Trudeau’s chief of staff, Katie Telford, was also scheduled to testify before the committee after the prime minister.
The testimony followed the prime minister’s investigation for possible conflict of interest in the programme.
This is the third ethics probe he has faced in three years, according to the paper.
He has reportedly already apologised publicly for participating in the Cabinet decision to pick WE Charity Canada to manage the grant programme.
The organisation is said to have backed out shortly after the programme was announced.(NAN)
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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