News
Influential people behind illegal mining in Nigeria – Kwara Senatorf
The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Alhaji Sadiq Suleiman Umar, has disclosed that some powerful individuals are involved in illegal mining activities, thus fueling insecurity in the country.
Umar identified the problems associated with illegal mining as hydraheaded, pointing out that the security challenge around it was due to the humongous proceeds realised from the illicit business.
The Senator, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, spoke at the 39th Media Parliament of the Kwara State Council Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held at the Press Centre, Offa Road, GRA, Ilorin.
The legislator also attributed the rising insecurity in his Senatorial District to illegal mining, saying the inability of successive administrations to focus on the sector for the benefit of the nation conferred undue advantage on the questionable characters to operate illegally.
He, however, expressed confidence in the ability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to invest and utilise the resources which abound in the solid mineral sector.
Umar told the gathering that he was in constant touch with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State to tackle the emerging security challenge in Kwara North.
He admitted that his senatorial district is endowed with large mineral deposit but regretted that it has not been utilised to the advantage of the people in whose area the resources are domiciled.
“Insecurity is a big national problem but in Kwara, we are relatively lucky. It is not as severe as in most of the places affected. But addressing the illegal mining, I’m concerned. I have discussed it with the Governor himself.
“That problem is hydraheaded; powerful people are involved. And it is not new. Anything that brings money anywhere in the world is troubled. They include cocaine, marijuana, heroin.
“Anywhere people get money, they will fight and do anything. The problem is brewing in our area. And the issue of insecurity in our area is about mining; it is bringing all of those problems. Yes, mining is supposed to be on the exclusive list. But we have not been serious in Nigeria about mining.
“And we all know by now that the amount of solid mineral resource, especially in our great country, is enough to solve our economic problems. We have so much. Luckily, Kwara is one of the gifted States with the resources.
“The government has not been serious. But I can give you a good news. The good news is that the new federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands this; it means business, and it is serious about it and solid mineral is going to be given a serious attention”, the Kwara North Senator said.
Umar noted that his senatorial district is deficient in the area of infrastructure, saying that it would persist except deliberate sacrifice is made to attack it.
He recalled that he sponsored over 25 bills in the Ninth Assembly and a number of motions, adding that he facilitated many infrastructural projects to the zone to bridge the existing gap.
The Senator maintained that he also undertook projects such as water, electricity and roads among others in various communities of the senatorial district and applauded Governor AbdulRazaq for changing the story of the area for good in the last four years.
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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