News
Coronavirus: Buhari should address the nation now, says OPCI President
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
With the worsening situation of the rampaging coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria in which not less than 22 index cases have been confirmed, President Muhammadu Buhari has been called upon to listen to the voices of reason from the Senate and other well meaning people and address the Nation without further delay.
National President of Oodua Progressives Care Initiative (OPCI), Dr. Maruff Olarewaju, who made the call over the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, while addressing journalists, said: “When this pandemic virus started in China some weeks ago, we thought it was China’s problem and it would soon be contained, but unfortunately reverse was the case.
“In developed countries like USA, UK, Germany, Canada, China, and even in Iran and Saudi Arabia, they all see the virus as an emergency situation and leaders of these countries had taken it upon themselves to promptly address their citizens to allay their fears and keep them abreast of efforts being made by their administrations to nip the deadly virus in the bud and prevent its spread in their respective countries. But we are at a loss over President Buhari’s complacency on a highly sensitive issue like this.
“President Muhammadu Buhari should understand that he is the one we voted for, and not the Minister of Health or anybody else. Mr President should know that whatever he does today will surely be history tomorrow.
“When Ebola virus came to Nigeria during ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure, he was very proactive and didn’t waste time in addressing the Nation. To his credit, the Ebola virus was contained within a record time.
“As a matter of fact, Nigerians need Mr. President’s assurance on the virus through his broadcast and not press statements from his media aides or Ministers. Mr. President should see it as his responsibility to defend the citizens of this country come what may and under any circumstance. Mr. President should not feel too big to come out from his cocoon to address the people who voted him into power. To do otherwise only smacks of disrespect to the 200 million Nigerians who ate looking up to him for guidance.
“Nigerians want to know from the President the steps so far taken by the government and the plans on the table to tackle the virus, plus amount of money earmarked for the containment of the virus.
“The USA government has said that over one trillion dollars will be disbursed to their citizens at the rate of one thousand dollars each, the UK also did the same. President Muhammadu Buhari should tell us his government’s plan on this, not just the closing of schools, mosques, churches, borders and airports, this is not enough. The citizens should be considered as paramount.”
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.
*
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.
*
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
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader