Chairman ​‌‌‍⁠⁠‍⁠⁠‌‌‍⁠‌​‌‌​‌​of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Friday while briefing State House correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Aliyu said the fake agency, identified as the National Brands Development and Mandates in the Nigeria Special Project Office, had been illegally allocated office space within the SGF’s premises.

He said the discovery was made during the commission’s broader investigation into the fake Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, PFIPC, earlier uncovered.

“The ICPC has uncovered another fake agency and office operating under the name National Brands Development and Mandates in the Nigeria Special Project Office, which had been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The discovery was made in the course of the ICPC’s broader investigation, as earlier directed by Mr President, and the commission has briefed him comprehensively on these new developments,” Aliyu said.

The ICPC boss identified the promoter of the fake agency as Prince George Nwabueze, adding that the president had ordered for his immediate arrest.

He said Nwabueze allegedly promoted the fake agency without authorisation from the president, contrary to extant laws governing the establishment and operation of government agencies.

Aliyu said the commission had engaged the Office of the SGF to obtain vital information relating to the fake agency and would continue its investigation into the matter.

“Accordingly, Mr President has directed the immediate arrest of Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and the immediate suspension of the following Permanent Secretaries; M.S Danjuma, Engineer Nadungu Gagare, and Richard Pheelangwah,” he said.

Aliyu said the presidential directive was part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity within the federal government’s administrative structures.

He said the discovery further underscored the importance of the forensic audit of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, and internal government processes ordered by the president.

Aliyu said the ICPC would continue to provide relevant information to the president as investigations progressed, stressing the need to identify and eliminate administrative loopholes that could facilitate the creation of fictitious agencies and offices.

Source: NAN

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Mr. Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Imohiosen said that the cancellation of the parade did not reduce the importance of the anniversary.

He said that the government remained committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th independence with dignity and enthusiasm.

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According to him, all other programmes lined up for the anniversary would go ahead as planned.

“The government regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation and appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community and invited guests,” he said.

Imohiosen urged Nigerians to continue to support the reforms of President Bola Tinubu toward building a greater nation.

Source: NAN

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He, however, called for further, closer and constructive engagement with the private sector on the Act to ensure that businesses were not unduly constrained.

The president’s directive covers five key areas.

First, all MDAs must enrol their employees in the National Health Insurance Authority, NHIA, health insurance plan.

Where desired, MDAs may take up supplementary private insurance coverage in accordance with the NHIA Act.

All entities participating in public procurement must present a valid NHIA-issued Health Insurance Certificate as part of their eligibility documentation.

This certificate confirms compliance with the mandatory health insurance requirement and serves as a condition precedent for continuing any procurement-related engagement.

The presidential directive also compels all MDAs to require applicants to present valid NHIA Health Insurance Certificates as a precondition for issuing and renewing licenses, permits, and other official approvals.

According to the directive, the NHIA will establish a digital platform to enable easy verification of Health Insurance Certificates, ensuring transparency and accessibility.

READ ALSO: Tinubu appoints Nakore, Kodage into governing council of varsity

Finally, the directive compels all MDAs to work with the NHIA to develop internal procedures to verify the authenticity of the submitted Health Insurance Certificates and ensure consistent compliance monitoring.

The presidential directive aims to expand health coverage, safeguard workers, reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures and promote accountability in public and private sector engagements.

The NHIA Act, 2022, stipulates compulsory health insurance for Nigerians and mandates NHIA to ensure health coverage for all persons in Nigeria and undertake necessary measures to achieve its objectives.

Three years after the Act was enacted, national health insurance coverage remains alarmingly low despite recent progress in the health sector.

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A statement released on Thursday revealed that the appointment took immediate effect.

Until his appointment, Odunuga was a Deputy Editor with The Nation newspaper.

Yomi Odunuga started his journalism career with The Punch newspapers as a Proof Reader. He was the Abuja Bureau Chief and Deputy Editor (Nation’s Capital) of The Nation newspapers.

Born on June 2, 1966, Mr. Odunuga a poet, lyricist, reporter, and columnist, started his journalism career with the The Punch newspaper over 27 years ago. He was, for several years, the State House Correspondent of the paper where he maintained two columns–Life in Abuja and the popular weekend treat called Inside Aso Rock.

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His insightful and critical analysis of the intriguing politics of that period earned him accolades and recognition which later saw him being promoted to the position of Abuja Bureau Chief of The Punch newspaper.

In 2006, he was elevated to the position of Group Political Editor of The Punch.

He later joined The Nation newspaper as an Assistant Editor and Bureau Chief in Abuja. At The Nation, his rested The Punch newspaper column, Knuckles, transformed into Knucklehead, which offers him the opportunity to continue his weekly interrogation and critique of the socio-political developments in the polity.

In 2019, he was appointed as Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

After completing his tour of duty at the National Assembly for four years (1999 to 2023), he returned to the newsroom of The Nation newspapers as a Deputy Editor charged with the responsibility of conducting special interviews in addition to writing incisive and analytical articles.

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The Akwa Ibom First Lady reportedly passed away on Thursday after a brief illness.

In a statement by the SGF Chairman, Governor Dapo Abiodun, who is also the Governor of Ogun State, the forum described the late Pastor Eno as a remarkable woman who was the pillar behind her husband’s success in both the private and public sectors.

The governor said that the invaluable contributions of Mrs. Umo Eno would be greatly missed.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Governor Pastor Umo Eno on the tragic passing of his beloved wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno. A remarkable woman, Pastor Patience was not only a devoted partner to the Governor but also a pillar of strength and inspiration to countless individuals in Akwa Ibom State in particular and Nigeria in general.

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“Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno dedicated her life to serving others, embodying the values of compassion, faith, and resilience. Her tireless efforts in uplifting the less-privileged and advocating for the welfare of women and children in Akwa Ibom State have left an indelible mark. She was a beacon of hope whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

“In this time of profound grief, we stand in solidarity with Governor Umo Eno and the entire Umo Eno family. The loss of a cherished spouse is a pain that words cannot fully express.

“We encourage our friend and colleague, Governor Umo Eno, to find solace in the love and memories shared with Pastor Patience, as well as in the support of family, friends, and the people of Akwa Ibom State who mourn alongside him.

“May her soul rest in peace, and may God grant comfort to all who knew and loved her,” the statement reads in part.

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The announcement was made on Friday in a statement by Willie Bassey, Director, Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The SGF office stated that the suspension followed ongoing investigation of Emefiele’s office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy.

Emefiele, it was revealed, had been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), Mr Folashodun  Shonubi.

Shonubi, it was said, would act as the CBN Governor, pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms.

“Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the CBN Governor, pending the conclusion of investigation and the reforms,” the statement reads in part.

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Akume, who was inaugurated on Wednesday by President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said he felt highly honoured to be appointed.

The former governor of Benue State, addressing journalists shortly after the inauguration said:

”It is an honour to be chosen to serve in this exalted position out of over 200 million Nigerians. It is a challenge to serve in line with the oaths I have taken today. I assure Nigerians I will do my best and I will not disappoint the President.

”I will not disappoint this country; I will not disappoint my party. I believe Nigerians will find fulfillment in my responsibility as I discharge my duties.”

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu swears in Akume as SGF

70 years old and immediate-past Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Akume, after his tenure as governor in May 2007 was elected into the National Assembly as the Senator representing Benue North West Senatorial zone in 2007.

He was re-elected in 2011 and 2015, demonstrating the trust reposed in him by his constituents.

During his term in the Senate, Akume served as Minority Leader from June 2011 to June 2015.

Prior to his political career, Akume started work as a civil servant in the Benue State Civil Service in 1979 as a Land Officer.

Over the years, he held various positions in both the state and federal governments, retiring voluntarily as a Federal Permanent Secretary, Establishments and Management Services, in 1998.

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The event took place at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Present at the occasion were Vice President Kashim Shettima; President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, and governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

Also at the occasion were the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, and the wife of the new SGF, Mrs Regina Akume.

Recall that Tinubu announced the appointment of the the immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, as the SGF, on Friday.

Also, the president announced the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, and a former Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, as Deputy Chief of Staff.

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The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja in a statement signed by Director, Information State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye.

Also, former governor of Benue State and immediate past Minister of Special Duties, George Akume, was named the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, charged  Lawal alongside his younger brother, Hamidu, Suleiman Abubakar; Apeh Monday, and two companies, Rholavision Engineering Limited and Josmon Technologies Limited with 10 counts of misappropriation on November 30, 2020.

Justice Charlies Abgaza ruling in a no-case- submission filed by the defendants ruled that EFCC failed to establish prima facie case against the co-defendants.

Agbaza held that no ingredients of any offence was made out by the 11 witnesses that testified for the EFCC.

He further held that EFCC did not establish that Babachir Lawal was either a member of the Presidential Initiative for North East PINE that awarded the contract or a member of the Ministerial Tenders Board that vetted and gave approval to the disputed contract.

The judge held that EFCC also failed to link Babachir Lawal with Bureau of Public Procurement BPP that issued a certificate of no objection to the contract before it was awarded.

Agbaza therefore discharged all the defendants of the 10-count charges against them for want of evidence to link them with the purported offence.

They had pleaded not guilty to the charges when they first appeared before the late Justice Jude Okeke on February 13, 2019.

The EFCC alleged that Lawal, while he was the SGF, converted and awarded cumulative proceeds of grass cutting contracts worth over N544 million to companies he had interests in.

They also pleaded not guilty the allegations against them when they were re-arraigned before Justice Agbaza.

Source: NAN

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