News

PRESIDENCY, INEC AT WAR OVER JEGA’s PLANS TO PRINT ELECTION MATERIALS ABROAD

Published

10 years ago

December 2, 2014

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The decision by the Independent Electoral Commission(INEC) to print election materials for the 2015 general election abroad has been the recent source of disagreement between the Presidency and the Commission.
The Commission which had in the past had its fair share of knocks and kudos for handling previous elections in Nigeria was said to be perfecting plans to print and import all the materials needed for the 2015 general election from abroad with hints that a South African firm is topping the list as the likely beneficiary.
Insiders revealed that some top officials in the Presidency frowned at such decision querying the plans by INEC to spend huge amounts of the country’s money to print electoral materials abroad when the Nigerian Security and Printing and Minting Plc (NSPMC) can do the job at lesser cost.

JEGA

The NSPMC is claimed to have the statutory mandate to print sensitive security materials in the country such as election materials and currencies but critics of INEC’s arrangement are worried that the commission appears to be bowing to pressure from opposition parties in a bid to waste scarce foreign exchange.
A source revealed that it has been very difficult for Jega and his team to convince President Jonathan’s economic management team on the need to print materials abroad.
The INEC team were said to have bordered its decision on fair-handling and the fears of penetration and duplicating of materials if it were to be printed in Nigeria, an excuse which was countered by the re-visit of the economic team on the lateness of election materials in the 2011 general election.
The Commission also made another attempt to hinge the decision on the need to ensure successful elections which critics also reminded them of the many State gubernatorial elections which have been successfully organised with the use of materials printed in the country.
The critics also point at the fact that the NSPMC has lately printed the Nigerian currency with security features that are comparable with the ones found on some of the world’s major currencies like the US Dollar and the Pound Sterling.
There are also indications that the attempt to print materials abroad may be a scheme by some top officials to siphon money out of the country.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, Mr Kayode Idowu in a recent interaction with online platform, The Post stated that there is no reason for INEC to disagree with the Presidency. He hinted that several companies have submitted bids to handle the printing of election materials and that the Commission was evaluating all of them based on its needs as it prepares for the 2015 elections, even though the NSPMC is the only firm in the=at line of business in Nigeria.
Idowu also hinted that when a bid is finally approved that the Commission might not make it public so that politicians do not infiltrate the organisation.

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News

EFCC Arrests Top Businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu

Published

1 week ago

March 13, 2025

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently arrested prominent businesswoman and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, following allegations of fraudulent activities related to a multi-million-naira contract awarded to her company by a South-West state.

Achimugu, who serves as the Chairman of Bluewave Exploration and Production Limited, was detained last weekend after a civil society group filed a petition accusing her of involvement in dubious dealings concerning the contract. She was granted bail the following day but has been instructed to return for further questioning in the coming week.

Beyond her corporate endeavors, Achimugu is well-known in elite circles across Lagos and Abuja. Her social media presence showcases a lavish lifestyle, featuring exotic vacations, exclusive yacht parties, and private jet travels.

This arrest marks a significant challenge for Achimugu, whose business empire and social standing are now under intense public scrutiny. The EFCC’s investigation is ongoing, and the outcome may have far-reaching implications for her career and reputation.

A source hinted that Achimugu was asked by the commission to report back on the 30th of March,2025 for further questioning.

Not really bothered by the investigation, the billionaire days after her arrest launched a 30-day feeding Ramadan programme where she targets the less-privileged.

Additional Information- Streetjournal Magazine

News

Obasa Missing as Lagos Assembly Sits, Lauds President Tinubu

Published

1 month ago

February 7, 2025

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The Lagos State House of Assembly convened for a crucial legislative session yesterday, but an unexpected absence stole the spotlight, the ousted Speaker Mudashiru Obasa was nowhere to be seen. The sitting, which focused on key legislative matters and a commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, went on without Obasa, raising eyebrows among lawmakers and political observers alike.

New Speaker Mojisola Meranda presided over the proceedings, ensuring the session ran smoothly. During deliberations, the lawmakers took turns applauding President Tinubu for his strides in governance, particularly his economic and infrastructural policies aimed at revitalizing Lagos and Nigeria as a whole. However, whispers about Obasa’s absence could not be ignored.

Sources within the Assembly remained tight-lipped on the reason for his nonappearance, fueling speculation.

As lawmakers dispersed after the session, the big question lingered where was Obasa? For now, the mystery remains, but all eyes will be on the next sitting to see if the seasoned politician resurfaces.

lifestyle

Meet The New 47-year-old Alaafin Of Oyo, Prince Akeem Owoade

Published

2 months ago

January 10, 2025

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Prince Akeem Owoade is a Nigerian and Canadian entrepreneur, philanthropist, and president of 100279 Manitoba Limited, a real estate investment and financial services business in Manitoba, Canada.

Born 47 years ago to a prominent and royal family of Owoade-Agunloye in Oyo town, Prince Akeem Owoade is one of the surviving children of Pa Rasaki Ibiyosi Owoade, the descendant of Aremo Aderounmu Iyanda Owoade, Agure Compound, Oyo town in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Prince Akeem Owoade completed his secondary school education at Baptist High School, Saki, Oyo State, Nigeria in 1992. His father worked for Oyo North Agricultural Development Programme (ONADEP) helping Oke-Ogun community in boosting agricultural productivity.

aking an early interest in engineering, Prince AkeemOwoade began his engineering studies by completing his National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from ‘The Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State (1994 to 1997) and The Polytechnic, Ibadan (1999 to 2001), Oyo State. Nigeria respectively. He did his NYSC with Nigeria Gas Company as Mechanical Intern/Planner in 2002.After the completion of his NYSC, he worked with Oceanic Bank International Plc. in Warri as a teller. (2003 to 2004).

Prince Akeem Owoade decided to further his education in the United Kingdom where he attended University of Sunderland (2008) and Northumbria University (2012)