Connect with us

News

In A Single File: EFCC Questions Oyo Ex-Council Bosses

Published

on

The Ibadan zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has started a probe into the activities of 33 former local government caretaker chairmen in Oyo State while in office.

The anti-graft agency is also probing the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters and the state government on allegations bordering on abuse of office and stealing.

It was learnt that the probe followed a petition written to the EFCC regarding the alleged diversion of over N363m.

The petitioner alleged that a few days before the 2015 presidential election, the chairmen in connivance with some state government officials shared the money.

It was further alleged that between March 23 and March 25, 2015, N11m was approved by the Local Government Stabilisation Account for each of the 33 local government areas of the state.

The money was said to have been withdrawn in cash by the various caretaker chairmen and allegedly handed over to the then chairman of the state branch of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria.

A source at the EFCC said, “We have been able to establish a prima facie case against some Oyo State Government officials, including the 33 caretaker chairmen. We believe the funds were meant for the 2015 election.

“We will soon arrest those found culpable.”

One of the former caretaker council chairmen said that he was told that the money was meant to prevent Boko Haram’s possible attack during or after the election.

He confirmed that he had been invited by the EFCC to state what he knew about the money.

The ex-council boss said, “We were told that there was a security report that Boko Haram could strike in the state during or after the election and that each of the council areas should contribute N11m and hand it over to the ALGON chairman so that the anti-terrorist activity, for which the money was meant to be coordinated centrally.

“From the amount, N10m was actually deposited to the ALGON chairman, while N1m was in the hands of each council chairman for logistics in the councils. I heard that three councils could not raise the money, while some chairmen refused to deposit their own because they were afraid that it could be diverted for election purposes. I have been invited by the EFCC and I have stated what I know about the whole issue.”

Asked if the chairmen knew how the money was eventually spent, the ex-council boss said the impression he had was that it was spent for the purpose.

He said, “How would I know the way the money was spent when I was told that the anti-terrorist activity would be centrally coordinated?

Additional Info; Punch Newspaper

Business

NATE Honours Focal Point Boss, Kamal Bello

Published

on

By

‘honor isn’t given, its earned’ This quote depicts the mood at the just concluded 39th Conference of the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering in Ibadan where the CEO of Focal Point, Engineer Kamaldeen Olalekan Bello was conferred with a Fellow title.
It was an assembly of the finest engineers and construction giants in Nigeria who converged on the Daylan Event Centre, Ibadan venue of the conference of a memorable night of honours and awards.
Kamaldeen Bello who recently bagged a Corporate Membership of Occupational Safety and Health Association UK shone like a northern star when the hall erupted at the mention of his names and citation as a Fellow.
According to the NATE, the Engineering body bestowed the honor upon the Focal Point boss for his achievements and contributions to the field of Civil Engineering.
With an enviable career devoted to the serving of God and mankind, Bello has worked in various capacity starting with Adpett Nigeria and later Danrin Engineering, the Nigerian Army and some other reputable institutions before floating his Focal Point.
At the event, the dynamic building expert whose essay ‘Moments Of Truth; How To Stop Building Collapse In Nigeria’ forms a literary debate in the Engineering and Construction industry stated that the honour was a proof that he is on the right track at this moment in his career.
Continue Reading

News

Amidst Denial, Ibadan Billionaire, Dotun Sanusi To Contest For Governor

Published

on

By

Despite his denial, Ilaji Farm boss, Dotun Sanusi has his eyes on the governorship seat of Oyo State.

 

Those in the know claimed the billionaire who also owns the Icast International school is hinging his chances on his closeness with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

Sanusi whose influence in the last election was put in play to deliver for the re election of Governor Seyi Makinde has become a sort of political influence in Oyo State.

 

The Ilaji boss, some days ago denied the guber ambition claims.

 

In his words, the billionaire claimed ‘anything that has to do with politics, count me out’.

 

But sources maintained his denial was part of the plans.

 

 

Continue Reading

News

Singer, Ebenezer Obey Loses Ex-wife

Published

on

By

Prolific singer, Commander Ebenezer Obey is presently not in a good mood.

 

The ageing musician who is popular for his genre of yoruba music lost one of his confidants some days ago and this has thrown a shade of grief at him.

 

The woman, Iyalode Alaba Lawson died in his Abeokuta home some days ago.

 

The woman who held the title of both the Iyalode of Egbaland and Yorubaland is said to have married the musician at her younger days. The brief affair produced a child.

 

It was said that they later went apart but maintained a close relationship till her death.

 

At 72, Iyalode Alaba Lawson was widely respected. A prominent woman and record holder, the first Nigerian woman to sit on Naccima as president.

 

Ogun State has announced the plans to give her a befitting burial.

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending