News
Umahi’s SA On IGR Suspended Indefinitely
By McDonald Onu, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi has ordered an indefinite suspension of his Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue, Chief Jeremiah Oketa, for action described as going beyond the authority and command of his office.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Senator Emanuel Onwe, announced this while briefing journalists on the outcome of the state executive council meeting in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Onwe, who said that Special advisers and commissioners were no longer authorized to collect any form of taxes or revenue for the state, added that the board of internal revenue had been mandated by EXCO as the only legal body to do so.
He also announced that it had become an offence for anyone to receive on behalf of the government or pay any rent or revenue in cash to the government.
The commissioner said, “The Special Adviser on IGR, Chief J.O.J Oketa, has been suspended indefinitely for going beyond the authority and command of his office.
“Special Advisers and commissioners are no longer authorized to collect taxes or revenue of any kind. The Only legal body now authorized by council to collect revenue is the Ebonyi Board of Internal Revenue or any agent that the board may legitimately engage to do so.
“All payments of all kind of revenue should be done in the way it goes directly into the account of government”, he said.
He explained that the Executive Council received presentations from companies on enumeration and collection of taxes and revenues for government without imposing hardship on Ebonyians.
Meanwhile, the state Executive Council has set up an advisory committee on higher education comprising representatives of the three senatorial zones of the state.
They include, Amb.Frank Ogbewu, Engr.Fidelis Nwankwo and Prof.Chigozie Ogbu.
Their function is to look into the situation of higher institutions in the state, particularly the Ebonyi state university and recommend the way forward for government.
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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