Technology

Rep Calls for Declaration of Emergency on Digital Literacy

By Web News 285

By Olawale Asake

A member representing Ibadan North West/Ibadan SouthWest Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Mr. Adedeji Olajide popularly known as Odidi Omo, has called for the declaration of a state of emergency on Digital Literacy in Nigeria.

Mr. Olajide made this call while fielding questions on a Radio Programme in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The Lawmaker maintained that Data is the new gold which has become a crucial resource for economic growth and development, just as oil was the mainstay of our economy in the past, data is now the new oil that must be treasured.

“We must prioritize digital literacy and skills acquisition to prepare our youths for the digital economy.”

He emphasized that the future of national development as a country is digital, hence, Nigerian youths must be digitally compliant to remain relevant in the global economy.

Mr Olajide said youths must be equipped with the necessary skills to compete favourably with their peers globally, adding that Nigerian youths are very intelligent and resourceful.

While further highlighting the importance of digital literacy in improving the country’s economy, the Federal Lawmaker noted that, Digital Literacy would not only reduce unemployment rate among the teeming youths but also help increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

He, however, commended the public for being calm at the moment when there is hardship in the country, saying, the suffering will soon be a thing of the past. The Lawmaker promised to continue to bring dividends of democracy back to his Constituency by facilitating many more projects that will be beneficial to the people

Economy

EFCC Presents N76.586 billion Budget Proposal to House of Reps 

By Web News 350

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, presented a budget of N76.586billion (Seventy Six Billion, Five Hundred and Eighty-Six Million Naira) as its budget proposal for 2024 to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes.

The proposed budget represents a 53.48% increase over and above the Commission’s 2023 appropriation of N49.901 billion (Forty-Nine Billion, Nine Hundred and One Million Naira).  In the budget estimate,  a total sum of N37.074 billion(Thirty-Seven Billion, Seventy Four Million Naira) was proposed as personnel cost, N14.513billion( Fourteen Billion, Five Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira) as overhead cost and N25.000( Twenty Five Billion Naira) as capital cost.

Presenting the budget to the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes,  Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede stated that the 2024 proposed estimate of N76.486 billion represented a significant increase over  2023’s N49.901 billion budget owing to additional funds needed for overhead, personnel and capital costs.

“This increase is solely attributable to the increase in personnel cost from N36.834billion to N37.074billion in 2024, overhead cost from N10.535billion to 14.513billion in 2024 and capital cost from N2.531billion to N25.000billion in 2024,” he said.

Commenting on the 2023 budget performance, Olukoyede explained that the sum of N36.835billion was appropriated as the Commission’s personnel cost for the year, “out of this figure, the sum of N28.452billion representing 77% has been released for the payment of salary and allowances of staff on the Commission’s payroll between January and November 2023. He added that “the sum of N7.024 billion representing 67% of the N10.535 billion appropriated for the Commission for its overhead cost in 2023 has so far been released.”

The EFCC Chairman further stated that the Commission’s request for additional funds for overhead is due to the high cost of air travel tickets, motor vehicle fuel cost, diesel cost and the high cost of maintenance of buildings, operational vehicles and office equipment in the headquarters and fourteen Zonal Commands.

 He appreciated the Committee’s support for the Commission in the discharge of its duties and the successes it is achieving in the fight against economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

Responding, Chairman, the House  Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Obinna stated that financial crimes pose a significant threat to the stability and progress of any economy. “In recent years, our nation has witnessed a surge in sophisticated financial crimes that demand our immediate attention and robust defense mechanisms.  From money laundering to cybercrimes, the challenges are multifaceted and ever-evolving. It is our duty to stay ahead of these threats, adapt our strategies and equip ourselves adequately to counteract the forces that seek to undermine our economic well-being and that of our nation.” He stated that the budget’s defence and discussions on issues related to it were a reflection of the Committee’s commitment to creating an environment where citizens can trust the financial institutions that drive the economy and which will empower the EFCC to carry out its vital duty. “It is a pledge to provide the necessary resources to empower the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to carry out its vital mission effectively,” he said.

Entertainment Politics

Mohbad’s Royalties: Reps Summon Naira Marley, Manager

By Web News 763

The House of Representatives has summoned controversial singer Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley to appear before it.

This was part of moves to secure proper compensation and royalties of late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad) musical works.

The House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance, also invited the manager to the late singer, Jiggy Adeoye to an interactive session slated to hold next week Tuesday.

In a letter dated October 26, 2023, signed by the Committee’s Clerk, Yusuf Ibrahim, t                   he House said both Naira Marley and Mohbad’s manager were needed to guide the committee on further legislative action.

The letter reads: “The House Committee on Justice, Youth and Legislative Compliance invites you and the legal team of MOHBAD for an interactive meeting session as regard a referral received being a resolution of the House of Representatives during their plenary session on Tuesday 26th September 2023 with respect to the circumstances surrounding the royalties and other benefits of Mohbad and to ascertain the level of your interaction with other relevant copyright organizations, such information will guide the committee on further legislative action.

“In view of the above, you are kindly invited for an interactive session with the chairman, Committee on Justice, Youth and legislative compliance scheduled as follows;

Tuesday October 31, 2023, at 2:30pm”

Ibrahim Shehu

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Crime

Ex-IPPIS Officer Admits Taking Bribe, Indicts FCC Chairman

By Web News 406

There was mild drama on Monday when a former Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System desk officer at the Federal Character Commission, Haruna Kolo, accused of collecting bribes from job seekers in exchange for employment, owned up to the allegation.

This was just as he admitted to having received over N75m from desperate jobseekers on the instructions of the Chairman of the FCC.

Not done, Kolo claimed that the FCC boss instructed him to transfer the money to his (Kolo) personal account and pay her in cash which he did a couple of times in her house.

Kolo made the revelation at the ongoing investigative hearing by the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating federal ministries, departments and agencies, parastatals and tertiary institutions on mismanagement of the IPPIS.

The ex-IPPIS desk officer told the lawmakers that he resigned from FCC on November 2, 2022 to join the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria but ended up getting salaries twice from FCC.

He added that the anomaly was reported to the Human Resource Officer who told him that the issue would be addressed.

He said, “When she came to FCC as the Executive Chairman, she appointed me as a protocol officer and I carried out my duty diligently.

“On the allegations of job racketeering, the FCC Chairman instructed me to liaise with one Mr Shehu, who is a personal driver and Personal Assistant to the Taraba State Commissioner. As a desk officer, I was responsible to take whoever was employed to IPPIS for capturing. No one could go there without a letter from the Chairman or Human Resource Officer of the FCC.

“When she came, she wrote a letter to the Accountant General of the Federation, instructing that no letter from the FCC should be honoured except she signs the letter. So, whenever there was new employment, she signs, gives to me and I take it to the Accountant General’s office for capturing.

“Shehu is the one that brought those who paid money to my account for job, some paid N1m, others N1.5m, all to my personal account, my Ecobank account. She asked me to give cash to her, which I did through POS. So, there is no evidence of transfer or anything.

“On the allegation of working at seven places, I was never at any time involved in seven jobs. They are making the allegation based on assumption.”

 He continued, “The second allegation on my subsequent employment at AMCON was a result of her personal favour to me. We were four in number, and she gave the appointment letter to me, Kadijah, and Olushola. We all proceeded for an interview at AMCON headquarters in Abuja after which we were called upon for training on the 16th January 2023,

“After the training,  Olushola and I were called to Lagos. Unfortunately, Kadijah, who is the chairman’s biological sister, was rejected. The Chairman accused me of being responsible for her rejection.

“I see no reason why (sic) the chairperson would make allegations of such magnitude against me. I have been threatened even at gunpoint and had to leave Abuja.

“Sir, I want this committee to know that after this sitting if anything happens to me, the FCC chairperson should be held responsible, ” Kolo added.

Responding, the chairman of the committee, Yusuf Gagdi, promised to do every possible to unravel the truth and make the same available to Nigerians.

“This committee will not sit down and watch taxpayers’ money being embezzled.

 “I know why we were asking Kolo to give us evidence and we know why we were deferring this sitting for other witnesses alleged to have had financial dealings with the FCC.

“Kolo will appear here tomorrow (Tuesday). We are calling the other witnesses. We will allow you to do your work. Whoever is found wanting will answer his father’s name, including Kolo Haruna,” he said.

The committee adjourned sitting till Tuesday (today).

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

Okada Rider Wins House of Reps Seat

By Web News 897

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the Labour Party, LP, candidate, Donatus Mathew, winner of the Kaura Constituency, Kaduna in the Federal House of Representatives.

Matthew, who is an Okada rider is the first LP candidate to win a legislative seat in the 2023 Reps election.

The returning officer, Professor Elijah Ella said he polled a total of 10,508 to defeat the incumbent member and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, member, Hon. Gideon Lucas Gwani came second with 10,297 votes.

Professor Ella said the candidate of All Progressive Congress, APC, trailed with 9,919 votes, while that of the New Nigerian People’s Party, NNPP, secured 5,354 votes to come third and fourth respectively.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after declaring him the winner of the poll, the member-elect, Mathew, thanked the electorate for the confidence reposed in him to represent them at the Green Chamber.

Mathew however, solicited support and cooperation from the people, while pledging to carry everyone along to achieve the desired success.

It was gathered that he resorted to riding okada after things went awry for him following his time as a Councilor.

“Mathew didn’t do many campaigns, he has few posters and he was once a councillor during Makarfi era, but later things went bad for him. He picked up Okada business, today he’s going to the Federal House of Reps, this is what Labour Party represents. It’s a party for all, no preferential treatment.”

The incumbent legislator who is also the Minority Whip in the House of Representatives, Mr GideonGwani, congratulated the member-elect and wished him well.

Mr Gwani urged his supporters to remain calm and accept the will of the electorate, even as he noted that God gives and takes power to and from whomever he pleases at the appropriate time.

ngnews247/Adetutu Adetule

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News

Reps Intensify Efforts to get Fair Justice for Ekweremadus in UK

By Web News 403

The house of representatives has resolved to take measures to enable Ike Ekweremadu, former deputy senate president, and his wife, Beatrice, to get justice in the UK.

At Tuesday’s plenary session, Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house, said he will “try” to meet his UK counterpart to ensure the Ekweremadus are given fair treatment.

Gbajabiamila made the remarks following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Abdullahi Abdulkadir, a legislator from Bauchi state.

The former deputy senate president and his wife were recently arrested for allegedly taking an individual to the UK for organ harvesting.

They were subsequently remanded in custody till July 7.

Gbajabiamila said the lower legislative chamber will use “diplomatic pressure” to ensure that “due process” is followed in the issue.

“I have spoken with the Nigerian high commissioner (to the UK, Sharafa Ishola) who has been extremely proactive in this matter and I expressed the need for him to continue to avail Senator Ekweremadu with all the necessary assistance that he will need to prove his case. I think this should be heightened as well to the UK parliament,” Gbajabiamila said.

I would try and get in touch with the speaker of the parliament (UK) whom I was opportune to meet with and had fruitful discussions with just a couple of months ago. I believe honourable Buba Yusuf (chairman of the house committee on foreign affairs) should also get in touch with his foreign affairs counterpart in the UK parliament.

“We are not talking about anything but for the parliament in the UK to make sure that Senator Ekweremadu gets the proper due process, that the rule of law is applied and that he is treated fairly on this matter. I believe the UK parliament or the congress of the United States, if their own was involved or if they have one of theirs, even a citizen, in this country that was going through the same travails, I believe that those parliaments would responsibly get involved as well. So, we must apply diplomatic pressure.”

The speaker said Nigeria and the UK have “strong diplomatic ties”, adding that “we have to wait to gather all the facts” on the matter.

While moving his motion, Abdulkadir said fresh information suggests a different narrative which might not be available to the UK police at the time of the arrest of Ekweremadu and his wife.

He said the UK should work with Nigeria to “conduct a holistic and thorough investigation to ascertain all the facts relating to the allegation in order to make a fair determination on the issues in the best interest of equity and justice for all concerned”.

Contribution to the motion, Toby Okechukwu, deputy minority leader, said the UK may have acted on inaccurate information.

The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Gbajabiamila.

The house subsequently mandated the ministry of foreign affairs and the high commission of Nigeria to the UK to wade into the matter.

The lower chamber asked the National Identity Management Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service, and banks to “swiftly respond to legitimate requests for information to facilitate the prompt resolution of the charges”.

The minister of foreign affairs, acting comptroller of the NIS, director-general and chief executive officer of NIMC were also invited to “brief the house of representatives through the relevant committees on all necessary actions taken regarding this matter”.


Cable/Taiwo Akinola