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AGF urges traditional, religious leaders, youths to fight corruption
From Lateef Taiwo
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has urged religious and traditional leaders to join the fight against corruption.
He enjoined them to use their positions as agents of social control to motivate people to work for positive changes in the country.
Fagbemi stated these today in Abuja at the opening of a Public Engagement on Youth, Religion and the Fight Against Corruption organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The event featured the launch of the ‘Interfaith Preaching and Teaching Manuals” and “Fraud Risk Assessment Project for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs),” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Fagbemi said, “There is no doubt that our nation is blessed with both human and natural resources which must be effectively annexed and deployed for us to witness the desired progress in our national life.
“The statistic from www.worldometers.info as at 24th of January 2024 put our current population at 226,898,639 with the youth accounting for 70% of the said total population. This shows that the fight against economic and financial crimes will receive unprecedented boost if we take advantage of the teeming useful youth population.
“Also important is the use of religious organizations as an indispensable partner in the fight against economic and financial crimes.”
He added, ‘It is not in doubt that religion serves as an agent of social control of behaviour and motivates people to work for positive change. It should therefore not be heard that a religious organization, leader or follower is involved directly or indirectly in any activity that will negatively impact our society.”
The AGF said Tinubu was determined to collaborate with all stakeholders in tackling corruption using multi-dimensional or cocktail of approach of the prevention of crimes as well as effective and efficient investigation and prosecution of offenders.
“It is on this note that I am urging our religious leaders and teeming youth to take ownership of the fight against corruption and to effectively collaborate with the EFCC in combatting financial crimes and sundry offences. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of a collective effort in the fight against corruption. This fight is real; and we must pungently successfully fight it to a standstill,” he added.
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
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