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NFIU Bill: Nigeria Asked To Comply With Egmont Group’s Directive
By Steve Oni, Ilorin
The pioneer chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Justice Mustapha Akanbi, has hailed the passage of the bill on the separation of National Financial Intelligency Unit (NFIU) from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The renowned jurist said he was in total support of the passage of the bill by the Senate to give autonomy to NFIU and separate it from the EFCC as being demanded by the Egmont Group.
He said Nigeria has no choice than to comply with the Egmont Group’s directive.
Akanbi who was a former president of the Court of Appeal stated this during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara state.
He posited that if the Nigerian government refuses to make NFIU an independent body under a separate leadership that can take decision by itself “then it means we are ousting ourselves from the international body”.
He added: “Going by the canvass by various bodies including the Senate itself it appears if we don’t separate the two, if we don’t make NFIU independent under a separate leadership that can take decision by itself, and then it means we are ousting ourselves from the international body, Egmont.
“We have no choice but to comply. What is important is that the earlier we carry it out the better it is for us, if it was the former Attorney General who took NFIU to EFCC, he wanted to control them in a way but from what we now know, we cannot do that unless we want to ridicule ourselves, so the earlier the senate and various bodies concerned make NFIU an independent body, so that we can be in a position of honour and respect, the better. It’s beyond argument.
“I am in support of the passage of the bill by the Senate to give autonomy to the National Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), to separate it from the EFCC as an independent agency as demanded by the Egmont Group. The bill must be passed quickly too”, he added.
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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