News
Kwara Promises To Retrieve Govt Properties In Private Hands
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly has restated its commitment towards recovering state government’s properties in private hands, to ensure equity, probity and accountability in government owned companies.
The Speaker, Dr. Ali Ahmad gave the assurance in Ilorin, while inaugurating an ad- hoc Committee to investigate allegations of misappropriation, relating to government assets under Harmony Holdings.
Dr. Ahmad explained that the investigation, became imperative, as the legislature was inundated with several stories, petitions and reports of mismanagement and alleged fraud that Harmony Holdings, its subsidiaries, or some of its staff converted or sold choice properties to themselves or their acquaintances and allegedly failed to show evidence of payment of commercially competitive prices into appropriate government accounts, pointing out that director’s breach of fiduciary duties to the company has been widespread and other sundry allegations inconsistent with running of a purely commercial, profit – driven conglomerate.
The Speaker commended the state Governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatah Ahmed, for coming up with the initiative of Harmony Holdings Limited, to oversee other smaller and industry- specific entities to reinvigorate and redirect all potentially income – yielding and revenue generating agencies and parastatals of government.
He said the investigation was geared towards establishing facts, proffer recommendations and ensure that the company, which he said, is the repository of the state’s collective wealth, is salvaged and restored to the path of profitability and enjoined Kwarans to give the committee and the Holdings, the benefit of the doubt.
Dr. Ahmad who allayed the fear that the House was out to witch hunt or victimize any one , urged members of the ad- hoc committee to discharge their duties in accordance with the salient provisions of section 128 of the nation’s Constitution.
He disclosed that the House has given a week of grace to individuals or institutions to return what they have earned unduly from the company to the State and praised a member of the committee Hon. Adamu Usman who returned his landed property, given to him by the company free of charge many years ago in Abuja.
Responding, the Chairman of the Ad- hoc Committee and House Leader, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke promised to carry out thorough investigation, without fear or favour, pointing out that “we will not leave any stone unturned in our attempt to unearth the mystery behind the management of our collective resources “.
Meanwhile, a member of the committee Hon. Adamu Usman who was a senior Accountant of the company between 2012 and 2013, has willingly surrendered all benefits accrued to him, to enable him to be fair in the discharge of his duty, pointing out that the investigation was long overdue.
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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