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Emefiele: Former SGF Distances Self, Buhari From Alleged $6.2bn Withdrawal from CBN

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From Lateef Taiwo

In the resumed trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, told the court that the withdrawal of $6.2 million dollars payment for foreign election observers was not authorised by him.

Mustapha who appeared as a witness in the ongoing trial mounted the box and testified as the fourth prosecution witness, PW-4.

He informed the open court that that both his signature and that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was forged by those that withdrew $6,230,000 from the vault of the apex bank on February 8, 2023.

He told the court that he was neither aware nor took part in any correspondence that led to the withdrawal of the fund which was allegedly meant for the payment of foreign election observers.

Led in evidence by counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the former SGF maintained that documents that authorised the withdrawal of the money, neither emanated from his office nor the presidency.

He equally denied receiving any amount from the said money.

While faulting the authorization letter that was purportedly issued from his office, Mustapha, told the court that it was not the business of the federal government or the office of the SGF to request funds from the CBN for the payment of foreign election observers.

He said the responsibility of relating with such observers was solely that of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

While distancing himself from the withdrawal, the witness, said: “My lord, all through my service year as the SGF, I never came across these documents.

“It was claimed that Buhari also signed, but on the face value of this document, having served for five years and seven months as SGF, this document did not emanate from the president for the following reasons.

“A correspondent that has the seal of Nigeria does not carry a reference number. The seal is the authority.

“Secondly, I have looked at it and read the document. Federal Executive Council, FEC, decisions are not transmitted by letters. They are transmitted through extracts after conclusions are adopted.

“Thirdly, I am the custodian of FEC, the president will not refer executives’ conclusions to me.

“Also, in all the five years and seven months I stayed in office, I never heard of the term ‘Special Appropriation Provision’, referred to me.

“The terms known to me my lord are appropriation as provided by the Appropriation Act, which is normally passed by the National Assembly. When the government file drafts, it brings Supplementary Appropriation.

“In all the correspondences I have received from Buhari, it has never had or ended with: ‘Please accept the assurance of my highest regard.’

“I am his subordinate. My correspondences do not carry that.

“And lastly, looking at the signature, it is a failed attempt at reproducing Buhari’s signature. I will leave that to the experts,” he added.

Recall that yesterday an official of the apex bank, Mr. Onyeka Ogbu, had earlier in his testimony, told the court that the money was withdrawn and handed in cash to an official from the office of the SGF, named Jibril Abubakar.

He said the action was backed by approvals by both President Buhari and the former apex bank cheif Emefiele, following a request by the ex-SGF, Mustapha.

However, in his evidence, the former SGF told the court that he never knew the said Abubakar, adding that he was not a staff in his office.

He equally told the court that contrary to the claim in the letter, President Buhari did not preside over the FEC meeting on the day the purported approval was given, but the then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Meanwhile, trial Justice Hamza Muazu has adjourned further hearing in the matter till March 7.

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RUN Set to Mobilize Millions of Youth for Tinubu/Akpabio Ahead of 2027

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Following the conclusion of party primaries, Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) as a civil society group championing the cause of all youths and middle age citizens has congratulated His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory in the presidential primaries recently held.

RUN also congratulated Senator Godswill Akpabio for emerging unopposed and the wild jubilation that greeted his victory as the Senator representing his constituency, the good people of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.

In a press release signed by Amb. Solomon Adodo and made available to journalists, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the group described the win of the duo as beam of hope for Nigeria beyond 2027.

According to him, “the win of Asiwaju and Akpabio signals a beam of hope for Nigeria that beyond 2027, we shall be consolidating on the gains of synergetic partnership between the legislature and the executive as a precursor for rapid development.

“The support extended to Mr. President by the Senate President has yielded significant strides in fasttracking development across all parameters that affect national productivity”

The group therefore called on all Nigerians to come out in their numbers to support the president while outlining series programs with potentials to foster national unity across regional and religious lines.

“As a group representing the interests of Nigeria youths, we are determined to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President towards improving the skill set of Nigeria youths towards increased productivity and an end to unemployment”, the release stated.

The group expressed confidence in the possibility of a new Nigeria of our dreams with the victories of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Godswill Akpabio who will definitely be handed a second term as the Senate President “to continue synergizing with Mr. President for a better Nigeria”.

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HON. JA’AFARU YAKUBU HONOURED WITH DOUBLE TRADITIONAL TITLES OF CHIROMAN GASSOL AND MARAFAN BAKUNDI BALI

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The Member representing Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ja’afaru Chiroma Yakubu (ADC), has been conferred with two prestigious traditional titles — Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali — in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to public service, and immense contributions to community development.
The traditional honours were officially bestowed on the federal lawmaker by the revered traditional ruler of Bakundi Chiefdom, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Kabiru Muhammad Gidado Misa, the 10th Lamdo of Bakundi, during a colourful coronation ceremony attended by members of the royal family, community leaders, political associates, supporters, and well-wishers.
The conferment of the dual traditional titles has continued to attract widespread commendation from stakeholders across Taraba State and beyond, with many describing the recognition as a reflection of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s growing influence, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of his people.
In a congratulatory message issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Comrade Bashir Umar Dali, the lawmaker was described as a courageous, humble, and visionary leader whose commitment to humanity and community advancement has remained outstanding.
According to the statement, the titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are symbolic recognitions of the lawmaker’s selfless service, people-oriented representation, and tireless efforts towards promoting unity, peace, and sustainable development across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency.
The statement further noted that Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu has consistently distinguished himself through impactful representation, empowerment initiatives, and developmental interventions aimed at improving the lives of the people.
“Your commitment and selfless contributions to the growth and progress of the people continue to inspire many across Bali/Gassol Federal Constituency and beyond,” the statement read.
Comrade Bashir Umar Dali also prayed for greater wisdom, strength, honour, and divine guidance for the federal lawmaker as he continues to shoulder greater traditional and leadership responsibilities in service to the people.
Observers have described the conferment of the two traditional titles as a major endorsement of Hon. Ja’afaru Yakubu’s leadership credentials and his increasing relevance in the socio-political and traditional landscape of Taraba State.
The titles Chiroman Gassol and Marafan Bakundi Bali are regarded as highly respected honours within the traditional institution, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional character, loyalty, service, and commitment to the development and unity of their communities.

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EID-EL-KABIR: BELLO BABAYO BELLO COMMENDS TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOMBE GOVERNOR AS HE FELICITATES WITH MUSLIMS NATIONWIDE

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The Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, has extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful across Nigeria, particularly the people of Gombe State, on the occasion of the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to continue promoting peace, unity, love, and national development.
In a goodwill message released to journalists on the occasion of the Islamic festival, Engr. Bello described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred celebration that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, faith, compassion, and gratitude to Almighty Allah as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
He called on Muslims to use the spiritual significance of the season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, support one another, and continue praying for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello also commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his commitment to national development, economic reforms, infrastructural advancement, and efforts aimed at strengthening unity and progress across the country.
According to him, the administration of President Tinubu has continued to demonstrate determination in laying foundations for long-term growth and national transformation through bold policies and strategic governance initiatives.
The NDPHC Executive Director equally praised Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, for his loyalty, dedication, and support toward the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government.
He noted that the Vice President has continued to play a vital role in promoting stability, inclusion, and effective coordination within government.
Engr. Bello further applauded the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for what he described as purposeful leadership and remarkable strides in infrastructural development, healthcare, education, youth empowerment, and peaceful coexistence in the state.
He said the governor’s developmental policies and inclusive style of governance have continued to attract admiration and confidence from the people of Gombe State and beyond.
“Eid-el-Kabir remains a season of reflection, gratitude, sacrifice, and devotion to Almighty Allah. It is also a period that reminds us of the importance of unity, compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. As we celebrate, we must continue to pray for our leaders and for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of our dear nation,” he stated.
Engr. Bello urged Muslim faithful to extend love and kindness to the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable members of society during the Sallah festivities, stressing that charity and generosity are central teachings of Islam.
He also commended the people of Gombe State for sustaining the culture of peaceful coexistence, harmony, and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The engineering professional and public administrator expressed optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness greater development, unity, and economic advancement under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He prayed for Allah’s continued guidance, wisdom, protection, and blessings upon the President, Vice President, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, and all leaders across the country.
Engr. Bello finally wished Muslim faithful in Gombe State and across Nigeria a peaceful, joyous, and spiritually fulfilling Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

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