News
CSO raises alarm over non-payment of NDDC foreign scholars
The Act for Positive Transformation Initiative, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has raised alarm over the delay in the payment of Nigerian scholars abroad by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The CSO, in a statement issued by Mr Kolawole Johnson, Head, Directorate of Research, Strategy and Programme, drew the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to the non-payment of the scholars.
Kolawole urged the President to intervene and save the scholars whose genuine demands were being ignored by the commission.
Kolawole criticised the “unnecessary drama” surrounding the payment of NDDC scholars in foreign countries.
He blamed the delay on the commission’s officials, accusing them of plundering the resources of the people.
Kolawole recalled that the commission issued a statement attributing the delay in payment to verification of scholars which the acting Director of Projects, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, went to London to carry out in September 2020.
According to him, the financial irregularities in the commission are enough to sack and prosecute the members of management in line with the government’s fight against corruption.
When contacted, the spokesman for the NDDC, Mr Charles Odili, in a text message sent to Our correspondent said that bulk of the money for the scholars had been paid.
He blamed the delay in the payment of the balance on EndSARS protest saying that the process was interrupted by the protest.
“The commission had paid a substantial sum, the remainder had to undergo an evaluation process to determine genuine beneficiaries.
“We activated the payment process with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The bank was unable to follow through as a result of the EndSARS protest and the attendant nation wide upheavals.
“The issue will be sorted out presently,” the text message read.
Odili, however, did not react to the alleged corruption and financial irregularities in the commission as alleged by the CSO.
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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