News
Ex Sambo Aide Testify Against Metuh, Returns N25m
Abba Dabo, former Special Adviser, Political Matters to thenVice President, Namadi Sambo, has told the Federal High Court, Abuja, that hehad returned the sum of N25million he had collected from Peoples DemocraticParty,PDP, spokesman, Olisa Metuh.He said the money was for him use in countering negativecriticisms against the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, both inthe traditional, and in the social media.Dabo, who appeared as the seventh witness to testify against Metuhwho is standing trial over a seven-count charge of money laundering, told thecourt that he had to returned the money to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,EFCC, when he discovered that the money was part of the arms fund that wasallegedly diverted by the then National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.According to him; “On December 16, 2014, Metuh paid N25m throughDestra Investment Limited account into my personal account for purposes ofpublicity for the PDP.“When it became obvious that former President Goodluck Jonathanwill run for office, government officials, and party leaders started to meet toreview the achievements of the government and prepare for the elections.”“In the course of those meetings, a lot of concern was shown inthe opposition’s total control of the media. The PDP was getting negativepublicity, and ministers were told to speak more to the press to enhance theimage of the government.”“On my part, we set up a media support group and registered itas ‘Media Support System’ to do media work for the party. We commissionedwriters to write and be paid to promote the government.”“We called it rapid response team, which was successful. It wasits success that led to more meetings with Metuh.”The former aide, further told the court that the social media,particularly, was becoming vicious and critical of the then ruling party, PDP,just as Hausa radio stations equally became a problem for the party, so thespokesman felt he(Debo) could be of help, which was why he was given the N25million, just five days after the party’s presidential nomination convention. “With that money, we setup a team of facilitators and young IT enthusiasts to run a website called,‘What’s up Naija’ but we could not register it because the Corporate AffairsCommission (CAC) wanted it to be ‘What’s up Nigeria.’“Because the money was linked to the controversial arms deal, Idecided to return it. On my own accord, I decided the best way out of thisrigmarole was to pay back the money. I paid it back to the Economic andFinancial Crimes Commission, EFCC.”Dabo, a former editor of the Sunday New Nigeria, Kaduna, GaskiyaTefi-Kwabo, the Hausa version, is also a onetime Chief Press Secretary toformer President Shehu Shagari.
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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