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I Retired From IBB Regime To Preserve My Integrity – Odigie-Oyegun
FROM Lateef Taiwo
A former governor of Edo State and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has disclosed that his refusal to compromise as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service during the military regime led to his early retirement at the age of 48 years.
Odigie-Oyegun made this revelation over the weekend, in his closing remarks at the formal commissioning of the John Odigie-Oyegun Public Service Academy, an institution named after him by the Edo State government to celebrate his 84th birthday and 19 years of meritorious service as a civil servant at the federal level.
Odigie-Oyegun said, “I was bold to tell the military what I wanted as a Permanent Secretary to ensure I don’t get into trouble. The Ibrahim Babangida regime then posted me to various ministries, including the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
“The first thing the military did was send me a list of people to be retired but I am not the one to retire them but write to the Public Service Commission with reasons. I sat with my commissioner, an Armond Commander in the military, who could not tell me what these people did but said the instructions were from the Supreme Headquarters.
He said, Three military officers were appointed by the IBB regime to supervise the different import licences and I was told that I would be the one to sign all the import licences but I politely refused. I told them I couldn’t do that because I was not responsible for it and where I come from, we don’t behave this way.
Adding that, Immediately after that conversation, I knew I would be sacked and I went to report myself to the Head of Service of the Federation at that time. I went to my office, and instructed my secretary to prepare a resignation letter, so I could retire before the military could sack me. We all have a decision to make, it requires courage to take major steps to maintain integrity, defend what you stand for.
According to him, When there was a crisis at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, I was the only signatory of the Nigerian Passport at that time, I did all my duties and responsibilities, maintaining my integrity. I retired at 48 years after 19 years of service.
The celebrant, who commended the governor for his developmental strides in the state and transformation of the state civil/public service, called on civil servants in the state to be committed, dedicated and upright in their service to the state as they would get their reward for it.
Odigie-Oyegun said, I thank you Mr. Governor Obaseki and your wife, for honouring me when I am alive. I appreciate you and today I feel very fulfilled for this. I was glad when something was named after me. Getting calls all around the world that they saw a building named after me, I told them my governor did it.
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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