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Covid-19 Probe: House of Reps Direct Ministries of Health, Others to Refund N85b to FG Covers
From Lateef Taiwo
In reaction to several outcry from Nigerians over alleged mismanagement of Covid 19 Fund by some agencies of government, the House of Representatives on Public Accounts Committee, PAC, on Thursday directed the ministries of health as well as the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to immediately refund the sum of N85b meant to address the negative effects of covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but was not utilize to federal government cover.
The directive was issued on Thursday my the Chairman of the Committee, Hon Bamidele Salam during a resumed hearing of his committee at National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
The committee also gave the Rural Electrification Agency, 24 hours to provide all necessary documents to back up monies released to it from the COVID intervention fund for medical facilities across the country.
As part of efforts to recover unutilized covid-19 funds released to special ministries during the pandemic to mitigate its effect on Nigerians, the house of representatives public accounts committee has urged the affected government ministries and agencies to refund all monies budgeted as special intervention fund.
According to the committee, the essence of the probe was not witch hunt anybody, ministry or agencies but to ensure that the committee is transparent and accountable in its investigation over the various sums of money released to Ministries, Department and Agencies.MDAs.
The chairman had also informed the panel that the total money made available to MDA’s amount to N600 billion as intervention funds adding that the major reason was to assist in mitigating the effect of covid-19 on Nigerians.
The ministries of Health, Rural Electrification and Industry Trade and Investment who were all present during the probe had failed to convince the committee on how the funds were utilized.
The permanent secretary, ministry of Health, Daju Kachallom who represented her ministry during the probe, urged lawmakers for adequate time to enable her present relevant documents to the investigative panel
In his ruling the committee chairman ordered the ministry of health to refund the 10 billion naira released for the local production of covid-19 vaccine.
The probe panel also ruled that the past and present executive secretaries of the ministry Industries, Trade and Investment, return the 75 billion naira covid-19 intervention fund and submit all documents to back up the refund to the committee.
The committee gave all the affected ministries and agencies up to Monday being 22Jan.2024 next week to appear before it with relevant documents
Members were however not satisfied with the way these funds were utilized prompting the committee to issue a directive that the funds be returned to government coffers which should be channeled towards other pressing needs.
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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