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N2.5 billion Fraud: Tension as Visitation Panel Visit UNIBEN, Auchipoly
By Ikhili Monday EBALU, Benin City
Ahead of the Federal Ministry of Education visitation panel’s trip to look into the many allegations of fraud involving the two institutions, tension has gripped the management of the University of Benin and the Federal Polytechnic Auchi both in Edo state.
Indications are the panels which have since received their briefs from the Ministry at Abuja will be on their way to the two institutions and the nine other universities and Polytechnics which the ministry in the country.
The minister of Education Alhaji Adamu Adamu had inaugurated the visitation panel few days to Christmas in Abuja and listed the other affected institutions as , university of Benin, Edo state, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina state, Michael Okpara University of agriculture, Umudike in Abia state and University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
Others are the Federal University Kashere, Gombe state, University of Abuja, FCT and University of Nigeria, Enugu state, Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo state, Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra state, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos state and University of Calabar, Cross River state.
While at the University of Benin the panel is expected to see firsthand, all the documents relating to the allegation of graft which formed the series of petitions by some members of staff, received by the Minister , the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Independent corrupt practices commission, ICPC.
The allegations range from procurement fraud to overtime racket and grand looting of internally generated revenue running into millions of Naira, some with the knowledge and active support of the University governing council.
In the petitions the staff have labeled the university, “a cesspool of corruption”, even as they called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to beam his searchlight on the decay in the University which has the Emir of Kano, HRH Muhammad Sanusi as Chancellor.
The petitioners allege a “N320million promotion arrears paid to staff in 2017”, but which was actually diverted at a time most members of staff have not had their appointments confirmed, not to mention promotion.
They have also referred to a N132million procurement fraud in three batches two in 2016 involving the sum of N63million and N96million with the third involving the sum of N231million purportedly spent on a contract for printing of security and non-security documents which were actually contrived.
Another petitioner alleged that of the sum of N1.7billion generated as internally generated revenue, IGR, mostly from consultancy services to federal, states and local governments in the country only about N700million was remitted to the treasury single account, TSA
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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