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Group kicks As Gov Ishaku Seeks 1bn Loan Through Taraba LGs
Group kicks As Gov Ishaku Seeks 1bn Loan Through Taraba LGs
Uhuru Samuel Adaji Jalingo
The Taraba State Watchdog for Good Governance (TWGG), a socio political group, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop the One Billion Naira loan allegedly proposed by the Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku through the Sixteen local government areas in the state.
The group argued that this was coming barely four months to the end of his tenure.
Coordinator of the group Alhaji Sanusi Ahmed who made the call at a press briefing in Jaalingo on Tuesday said that he was aware of a meeting at the instance of the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yerro, where the Sixteen local government Caretaker Committee Chairmen were made to sign a bond of N62.5mn each on the directives of the state governor.
This, according to Ahmed, was to enable the governor to secure the loan from one of the commercial Banks in the state, following the refusal of the state House of Assembly to grant a N20bn loan request of the governor late last year.
He disclosed that the governor, through Alhaji Bello Yerro on Sunday, January 15th, summoned the Sixteen local government chairmen to the Bureau and made them to sign the bond of N62.5Mn each making a total of N1bn from one of the commercial Banks in the state to enable the governor to complete ongoing projects.
“Gentlemen, it has become very imperative for us to come out and speak now because we see the future of our dear state been completely mortgaged.
“As we speak, we are aware of the plans by the state governor Darius Ishaku through the Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Yerro, to take a loan of N1bn to enable him complete ongoing projects in the state.
“This is apart from several Billion Naira loans he has already incurred without anything commensurate to show for it. This is a governor that has said on several public functions that he has completed all projects that he was supposed to execute in eight years under seven years. So what projects is he borrowing to complete again?
“As we speak, go to Pantisawa/Yorro road, go to Pamanga/Dakka road, go to Wukari/Tsukundi road, go to Mararaba/Baisa/Abong road and the three General Hospitals in Gembu, Bambur and Wukari. None of these has been completed”, he said.
According to Sanusi, even the Jalingo Dual carriage way may not be completed before the end of his tenure, despite several claims that he has completed the projects.
“We see this loan as a conduit pipe by the governor to siphon the funds to his private pocket.
“This is a governor that has taken the state backward in all ramifications and just as the people are preparing to heave a sigh of relief that his time is finally coming to an end, he is trying to inflict even more damage before his exit” he said.
Ahmed urged the EFCC to come to the aid of the state and stop the governor from accessing the loan through the local government councils, from any of the commercial Banks in the state.
Efforts to reach Alhaji Bello Yerro, the Permanent Secretary Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for his reactions were not successful as his known lines were unavailable while spokesperson of the Governor Mr Bala Dan Abu did not return calls to his line as at the time of filing this report.
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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