Home Blog Page 2061

INVESTIGATION: COVID-19 response projects worth N534.98 million awarded to unverified contractors

Editorial
-
1
INVESTIGATION: COVID-19 response projects worth N534.98 million awarded to unverified contractors

By Aderemi OJEKUNLE 

  • According to the Dataphyte investigation, COVID-19 emergency procurements worth ₦451.18 million have been awarded to unverifiable contractors or suppliers.
  • Some of the companies do not have records on the database of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the Contractors’ list of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
  • Although BPP Guidelines cater for Emergency Procurement, some MDAs hid under the COVID-19 emergency exemptions to award contracts to unverified contractors, ignoring due process.
  • BPP, Stakeholders frown at sharp procurement processes, call for strict punishment

COVID-19 emergency procurements worth ₦534.98 million have been awarded to unverifiable contractors or suppliers, a Dataphyte investigation has shown. A total of 71 projects valued at ₦1.99 billion (₦1,992,650,974.59) were awarded to more than fifty contractors for the supply of different goods and services. This is according to the document published on the website of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP).

The initial search of two key public databases raised red flags. First, about nineteen (19) contractors who have been awarded separate projects to the tune ₦451.18 million have no records on the BPP’s Federal Contractors database. Another five contractors awarded contracts worth nearly N84 million failed to comply with the full requirement of the BPP.

The data mined from the Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO) of the Bureau Of Public Procurement (BPP) showed these contracts were awarded by five MDAs – Ministry of Environment, Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

In April 2020, the Federal Government raised ₦697.54 million donations from individuals, companies, and organisations. The donation aims at fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The data, published on the Open Treasury Portal of the Office of Accountant-General of the Federation, contains daily donations from April 7th to April 30th without record for spending.

For every kobo spent by the Federal Government or its MDAs, it has a significant impact on the livelihood of an ordinary Nigeria. COVID-19 emergency procurement is such a significant fund that every MDA must be held accountable.

Big suppliers by contract sum

Breakdown of the figures showed that the Ministry of Environment spent ₦489.14 million, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) spent ₦587.22 million. The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control (NCDC) spent ₦663.58 million, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) spent ₦2.72 million, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) spent ₦250 million. This covers their COVID-19 expenses up to June 25, 2020, when the data was mined.

Further analysis of the data reveals that Messrs Masfas International Limited received the highest payment for the supply of one Chlorines Based Chemicals and Outdoor Application (Lagos Centre). The contract costs the Federal Government ₦98 million. Messr Design Three Sixty Limited came second on the list for the same supply (Abuja Centre) at ₦97.6 million.

The Federal Ministry Of Environment Headquarters also spent ₦53.9 million and ₦49.8 million as Consultancy Services on Capacity Development of Environmental Health Emergency Response Management and one Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), respectively. Messrs Joki Engineering Consultants Limited and Messrs Westfield Global Construction Limited were the contractors. Others include Uni-Medical Health Care Limited, Kaura Motors Nig. Limited, Future Concerns Limited, and G&T Motors Nig. Limited with contracts above ₦49 million each.

Some of the Red Flags in COVID19-Response Contracts by MDAs

Aside from the concerns about the legal and compliance status of the contractors, the inflated sum of procurement items also marred the COVID-19 spending by these agencies of the Federal Government. Dataphyte also checked some questionable line items in the procurement processes. These items raised issues such as transparency, accountability, lack of purpose and priorities in the fight against COVID-19. The major aim of the emergency fund is to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and prevent its spread in the country.

Some of the contracts include:

  • ₦38 million for IEC materials (Posters) – A3 Poster (233400 one), A4 Poster (233400 one), Laminated A4 Poster for town announcers (191000 one).
  • ₦1 million for COVID-19 ID Card/Pass – (Local Purchase Order (LPO) for the production of 500 Units of NCDC COVID-19 Identity Cards/Pass. Awarded By NCDC
  • ₦18 million for procurement of Liquid Soap (LIQUID SOAP (10000 millilitres per kilogram)) – Awarded by NSCDC
  • ₦40 million for procurement of customised fabric face mask (CUSTOMISED FABRIC FACE MASK (10000 one), CUSTOMISED FABRIC FACE MASK (10000 Carton)) – Awarded by NSCDC
  • ₦48 million for the procurement of Hand sanitiser (HAND SANITIZERS(500ML BOTTLE) (10000 milliliters per kilogram) – Awarded by NSCDC
  • ₦29.7 million for 3,500 litres of ANTISEPTIC awarded by NCDC.
BPP guidelines for emergency procurement

The Emergency Procurements Guidelines published by the Bureau of Public Procurement relaxed certain procedures in order to accommodate procurements under emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in accordance with Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

For instance, the usual Due Process Certificate of “No Objection” is not required before MDAs embark on an emergency procurement. Rather, in an emergency situation, “the procuring entity is expected to proceed immediately to engage in direct contracting to expeditiously address the situation but this must be done along with the principles of accountability, due consideration being given to the gravity of each emergency.

Although the procedures have been relaxed, the guideline stipulates that Procuring Entities have the responsibility to ensure that any contractor to be engaged to carry out any emergency work is eligible to do business with the Government and possesses the requisite technical and financial capacities to undertake the project. In addition, Procuring Entities are to ensure that the procurement is handled with expedition but along the principles of accountability, transparency, and value for money.

But investigations by Dataphyte show that some of the procurements were done without due diligence and principle of transparency. The MDAs also hid under the COVID-19 emergency exemptions by smuggling in unverified contractors, ignoring requisite technical and financial capacities of the contractors.

Contractors not approved to engage in FG contracting process

As at the time of filing this report, checks by Dataphyte also showed that some of the companies do not have records on the database of the Bureau of Public Procurement. For instance, Messrs Alhaji Bello Maikusa & Sons Limited did not comply with the BPP Act. The building contractor was awarded a ₦46.5 million contract for the supply of Non-Contact Thermometer Gun (372 one) for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Also, Messrs Bluzav Global Enterprises Limited received ₦21.54 million for the procurement of 30,000 Vials of 200MG/20ML of injection Ribavirin. Both contracts have been completed.

Other findings revealed Future Concerns Limited. The company has no record on the Bureau of Public Procurement database The company was awarded a ₦49.8 million contract by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Abuja to supply Personal Protective Equipment.

The projects awarded to non-compliant contractors
Contractors BPP Status MDA Title Amount Job Status
AKAKAA GLOBAL SERVICES LTD NO NCDC PROCUREMENT OF ANTISEPTIC 29,750,000.00 Completed
ALABI ANLAMOLE & SONS COM. (NIG) ENT. NO NCDC Fumigation services at Deratization of the Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos. 1,000,000.00 Completed
BIO-COMMS ENTERPRISES NO NCDC Printing of 2019-Coronavirus Information Education and Communications (IEC) Materials for Nigeria 2,551,875.00 Completed
M/S BLESSED PASCHALO GLOBAL LTD. NO NCDC Local Purchase Order (LPO) for the production of 500 Units of NCDC COVID-19 Identity Cards/Pass for 1000000 Completed
M/S CHASOM GLOBAL RESOURCES LTD. NO NCDC Procurement of Office Furniture, Air Conditioners and Public Address System for CPHL, Yaba, Lagos. 3790800
M/S TRISITE LTD. NO NCDC Establishment of a PCR Laboratory at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), NCDC, Yaba, Lagos. 28888467 Completed
NEOM SYNERGY VENTURES NO NCDC Procurement of items to improve the connect center. NCDC HQ. 9,561,000.00 Completed
EKO & OLIVE INVESTMENT LTD No NSCDC PROCUREMENT OF CAMP BED 20,120,000.00 Completed
T.A, ASARIS NIG LTD NO NSCDC PROCUREMENT OF CUSTOMISED FABRIC FACE MASK 40,000,000.00 Completed
G & T Motors Nig. Ltd NO NCDC Urgent Supply of Additional Two (2) Nos. Toyota Hilux for the emergency response to COVID-19 Outbed 49,500,000
GOODWISE GLOBAL SERVICES NO NSCDC PRODUCTION & AIRING OF JINGLES & ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR NSCDC ON FIGHT AGAINST THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 16,940,000 Completed
GRACIOUS RUBY CONCEPT NIG. LTD NO NSCDC PROCUREMENT OF HAND SANITIZER 48,000,000.00 Completed
DIAMOND RAIN INTEGRATED SERVICES LTD NSCDC PROCUREMENT OF LATEX DISPOSABLE GLOVE 19,000,000.00
ISAJ PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMIST LIMITED NO/VERSION 1 NPHDC Supply of Running Tap/Veronica Buckets & Dust Bins 30,573,000.00 Completed
PHARMACONS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED NO NPHDC Supply of Infrared Thermometers – Akwa Ibom Bayelsa Cross River 23,655,000.00 Completed
DREAMS PHARMACY & STORES LIMITED NO NPHDC Supply of Infrared Thermometers – Katsina Kebbi Sokoto Zamfara 38,410,000.00 Completed
MESSRS SULBUH NIG. LTD NO MOE SUPPLY OF SURVEILLANCE KITS ( THERMOMETERS, SANITIZERS) 37,467,780.00
NICKTECK MEDICAL NIGERIA LIMITED NO OAUTH PROCUREMENT OF HAND SANITIZERS 1,170,000.00 Completed

 

By implication, this may breed corruption and question accountability on the part of MDAs in handling life-saving procurements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the contractors were also awarded the contract because some of the items were traceable. Examples include procurement on hand sanitizers or face masks.

Officials at MDAs dodge procurement questions

Several emails sent to the Ministry of Environment, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were not attended to. Email enquiries sent to the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control were not replied. When contacted, Emeka Oguanuo, spokesperson of the NCDC, promised that his team will follow up and get back.  He later asked the reporter to visit the Procurement Unit of the NCDC in Abuja for further details.

On two occasions, this reporter did not meet the Procurement Head, NCDC Abuja, on the seat. When confronted to defend the procurement exercise by his department, a Procurement Officer at NCDC Abuja, who was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the non-compliance contractors were not for COVID-19 procurements.

“These companies were contracted for other purposes outside COVID-19 emergency procurements,” he said.

When the reporter queried him about a contract, “Fumigation services at Deratisation of Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos,” awarded to Alani Anlamole and Sons Com. (Nig) Ent. for ₦1 million, he quickly noted that there were some errors in the compilation sent to BPP.

Explaining further, he said, “Those procurements occurred because COVID-19 is an emergency, and we had to turn to people that already had some items in their store to supply.”

He said the NCDC had informed some of the non-compliant companies that they will not receive balance until they fully complied with the BPP Act. But according to the NOCOPO and files submitted to the BPP, the NCDC did not state any outstanding payment.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) did not reply to email and texts sent to its official line.

The Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) directed the reporter to the Bureau Of Public Procurement for further details about the contractors they awarded COVID-19 related contracts. The letter signed by the Director of Procurement, Mrs M.I. Olorounbi on behalf of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) only listed the Company Registration Number and BPP Number of the two questionable contractors with no further details.

“Kindly contact the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for any further clarification you might need about the two contractors,” Mrs. Olorounbi said.

MDAs  must award contracts to compliant- contractors in accordance with law – BPP

According to the Bureau of Public Procurement guidelines on COVID-19 pandemic, MDAs are to send in completed projects, details of contractors, pricing, and accompanying images for the completed project. This is where the BPP comes in for verification.

Mansur Mamman, a Specialist at the Bureau of Public Procurement, said all contractors awarded COVID-19 related procurement must fulfill all obligations according to the BPP Act. “Even if it’s an emergency, they are expected to get contractors to run the projects and ensure the price is in order. Write to BPP with full documentation, including pictures, and they have to ensure contractors have fulfilled all obligations.

“Contractors must have full verification and accreditation by BPP. They must have complied with Pension, FIRS, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Industrial Training Fund (ITF) requirements.

“MDAs can not say they cannot get contractors that have fulfilled all necessary documentations with BPP. You can easily verify on our portal before even issuing or awarding contracts. That is why they are professionals. Even in an emergency, you can get contractors within your locality on our portal in a minute. They are verified and available across cities.”

Sanction mechanism to airing MDAs, contractors weak

An official at the office of Auditor-General of Federation (AGF) says the lack of strict mechanism and bureaucratic process continue to weaken the sanction process in procurement procedures. The official who asked not to be named told Dataphyte that the AGF can only audit MDA accounts and refer the audit findings to the National Assembly.

“From there, the parliament can investigate or mandate an anti-corruption agency to initiate action against airing MDAs, contractors or suppliers. “Independently, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) can also take up audit findings and prosecute defaulting agencies.”

Stakeholders call for proper audit, strict punishment for MDAs violating procurement laws

Segun Elemo, Executive Director of Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), called for a real-time audit of the public fundings during COVID-19. “The emergency allows relaxation of some strict procurement procedures, but while they make emergency procurement, MDAs are to ensure the economic efficiency and accountability of public funds.

“MDAs have institutional ways of getting around this thing. They have been grounded in sharp practices, and this is time for them to capitalise on the loopholes.”

He urged the Nigerian government to learn from Sierra Leone on real-time audits of public funds and not raise red flags after a year or two.

“The Auditor-General must ensure there is an ongoing audit of all emergency spendings. The ICPC should also step in. They should not wait for a year to start auditing, they must do a real-time audit of every expenditure, particularly COVID-19-related responses.

“We must ensure we get value for every kobo expended on the COVID-19 procurement so they can flag irregularities immediately. COVID-19 spending is a matter of life and death, and every kobo must be accounted for,” Elemo added.

Kachi Chukwu, Program Manager at Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), explains that the whole procurement process is faulty itself. He frowns at how MDAs will release spending without stating the exact amount and figure of specific items.

“They are to follow a standard procurement rule by stating the amount each unit costs. That will give the actual amount of what they have purchased. If they did not do this, then the whole process of submitting COVID-19 expenses is faulty.”

He urged MDAs to follow strict open contracting standards as a means for transparency and accountability in the public sector.

Ijeoma Okereke – Program Executive for PTCIJ says a proper breakdown of procurement items brings about efficiency and accountability in the public sector. For MDAs to follow the path of transparency, she said they must provide adequate information on whatever procurements they have made.

“We understand the moment of disaster comes with intense pressure for the government, but they should not let it be lawlessness. “It can lead to bribery and corruption and a monopoly in nature. Contractors who have not met the laws of BPP would want to manipulate their ways because of the Emergency Procurement guidelines.

“In the end, we get less value for the money paid for. How can you award ₦48 million for the procurement of Hand Sanitiser? Some local people can do those kinds of jobs,” Okereke quizzed

She advised CSOs to collaborate and track public spendings during COVID-19 pandemic and continue to lead the voice against corrupt practices at government agencies.

The Nigeria Open Contracting Portal (NOCOPO) is updating the COVID-19 emergency procurement regularly in line with regulations. The story captured the data up to midday, June 29, 2020.

This report was originally published by DATAPHYTE

Three notable bandits surrender to Nigerian troops in North west- DHQ

Ihuoma ILO
-
0
Three notable bandits surrender to Nigerian troops in North west- DHQ

THE Nigerian Defence Headquarters say its clearance operations against banditry in the North West have been yielding results as three notable bandits have surrendered to troops along with their weapons.

According to John Enenche, Coordinator Defence Media Operations of the Defence Headquarters, the repentant bandits who he did not mentioned their name submitted one Light Machine Gun and 2 X AK 47 rifles.

Enenche explained in a statement that the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI had on July 3, stormed a bandits’ camp at Sanu village in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State following actionable human and technical intelligence on the heavy bandits’ presence in the vicinity.

He stated that the bandits were neutralized by the troops during a search operation within Bawar-Daji village, capturing one bandit while one AK 47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one magazine, among others were recovered.

“The Nigerian troops using aggressive tactical maneuvers, stormed the hideout and exploited the general area and destroying seven major bandit camps while two AK47 rifle, one SMG rifle and 2 Motorcycles, amongst others were also  recovered,” Enenche said.

He added that several bandits suffered heavy injuries and most likely died, due to the vast pools of blood along their withdrawal route.

In a related development, the Defence Media Coordinator said the troops also apprehended a suspected bandits’ logistics supplier, Mohammed Illela at Illela village on July 4  following a tip-off.

The suspect was arrested while attempting to convey 13 jerrycans and 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit concealed in an ash-coloured Volkswagen wagon car, to suspected bandits, he said.

Similarly, on July 5, Enenche said troops stormed an identified bandits camp at Salihawa village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State following credible intelligence on their activities in the village.

“Troops overwhelmed the bandits with superior firepower and neutralized one of the criminals while several others escaped with fatal gunshot wounds,” he said.

The Military High Command, according to him commended the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and  urged them to intensify operations against the bandits and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country.

Ibrahim Magu, EFCC boss spends night in police detention

Samad UTHMAN
-
0
Ibrahim Magu, EFCC boss spends night in police detention

IBRAHIM Magu, the embattled acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is spending the night in detention at the Police Force Criminal Investigations Department, (Force CID), The ICIR can authoritatively report.

Magu was on Monday arrested  by security operatives attached to the inter-agency panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari and taken in for questioning at its offices at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

A reliable police source told The ICIR that the acting EFCC Chairman was interrogated for hours until late Monday evening when the panel rose from the day’s sitting.

However, to Magu’s utter surprise, rather than being let go after all the questioning, he was asked to be detained at the Force CID in Area 10, Abuja. It was confirmed to our reporter that Magu arrived that facility late on Monday night.

However, details of the EFCC boss’ interrogation were still not known as at the time of filing this report.

Magu has been under scrutiny since a memo by Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to President Muhammadu Buhari surfaced last month alleging insubordination and corruption against him.

One of such allegations, according to the memo, was that the EFCC boss disclosed a total recovery of N504 billion but lodged N543 billion in the Recovery Account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), amounting to N39 billion more that originally made public.

Another allegation is that that some of the recovered assets by the EFCC were sold by Magu without following due process..

 

FACT-CHECK: Report on Thompson Oliha’s death MISLEADING

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
-
0
FACT-CHECK: Report on Thompson Oliha’s death MISLEADING

ON Sunday, July 5, 2020, City People Magazine reported the death of Thompson Oliha, with the headline, “Former Super Eagles Star, Thompson Oliha is Dead.”

The report was shared via the social media handle of the entertainment news organisation which has over 12, 400 followers on Twitter.  The report has also been circulated  in several WhatsApp groups.

Oliha was part of the Super Eagles team that took part in the United States 1994 World Cup football tournament.

THE CLAIM

“Former Super Eagles Star, Thompson Oliha is dead,” the news headline reads.

THE FINDINGS

The news published on 5th July, 2020 was authored by Damilare Salami.

Based on Salami’s profile at the footer of the article, he is the Brand and Products Editor at the City People Magazine. The article was written like a fresh report without an indication to show that it is several years old.

The author did not state that the deceased died in 2013 even though he reported the date, time and location of Oliha’s death.

Moreover, several articles which reported the late Oliha’s death affirmed that the ex-footballer died in June, 2013.

The Misleading news report as shared in a WhatsApp group.

The ICIR reached out to Yusuf Abdulraheem, the Chief Medical Director of Yusjib Industrial Medicare Care, the same medical doctor the author quoted in the news report.

Abdulraheem clarified that the deceased died seven years ago.

“Thompson Oliha didn’t die five days ago.  He died exactly seven years, five days ago,” he told The ICIR on Sunday, July 5, 2020.

He said Oliha died “Exactly June 30, 2013”.

According to Abdulraheem, he was at the hospital located along Ajase – Ipo road, Ilorin, Kwara State at about 4:06 am when the incident happened.

He said Oliha was rushed to the emergency unit of the hospital but was already lifeless.

“He was brought in dead,” Abdulraheem said. “Immediately I saw him, he was already cold and turned blue. There was no pulse.  Clinically he was dead.”

“I pronounced him dead at 4:06 am in June 2013,” the doctor stressed.

FACT-CHECK: Did court restrain Obaseki from contesting Edo PDP primaries?

The Edo State Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ahmed Agbona said he attended the burial of Oliha.

Oliha was from Edo State.

Agbona stated that there might be another Thompson Oliha as the Oliha’s family is popular in Edo State.

He however stressed that, the Oliha who was the teammate of Daniel Amokachi in the 1994 National Team died in 2013.

“I am from Edo State. I was part of those that buried him,” Agbona noted.

Meanwhile, other independent findings by The ICIR revealed that the picture used for the story was first published in 2013.

THE VERDICT

Based on all evidence available, the claim is MISLEADING.

Meals will no longer be served on domestic flights – Minister

Seun DUROJAIYE
-
0
Meals will no longer be served on domestic flights – Minister

HADI Sirika, Minister of Aviation on Monday said meals will no longer be served aboard domestic flights, once operations resume. 

“For this domestic operation, there will be no food. No food will be given to reduce contamination level and we will allow you to come with your mask,” Sirika.

“Like the MD of FAAN had said the other day, we see it as your private thing. So it is you bring your mask, they don’t have to be the fancy ones.”

Sirika disclosed this at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, noting that the decision was part of efforts to control the spread of coronavirus on flights.

Currently, Nigeria has recorded 28,711 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 645 deaths according to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

It could be recalled that Boss Mustapha, Chairman of PTF had earlier announced July 8 as the date for the resumption of domestic flight operations in the country.

The Federal Government has since released guidelines for air travel operations.

While speaking at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, last week, Sirika announced that international air travelers taking off from the country’s airport terminals must arrive five hours before hour of departure in order to observe COVID-19 measures.

For domestic flights, he recommended passengers to arrive three hours before departure time, adding that the airports are being set up to accommodate crowd and minimize physical contact.

Police Service Commission fires 10 police officers, demotes eight for misconduct

Amos ABBA
-
0
Police Service Commission fires 10 police officers, demotes eight for misconduct

 

THE Police Service Commission (PSC), on Monday announced the sack of 10 senior police officers and demotion eight others for offences related to misconduct in the line of duty.

The dismissed officers were a Superintendent of Police, five Deputy Superintendents of Police and four Assistant Superintendents of Police were among those affected.

Ikechukwu Ani, spokesperson of the Commission revealed in a statement, that the decision was taken at its 8th plenary meeting session that took three weeks where the promotion of 6,618 senior police officers, including a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, was approved.

He added that a deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) were reduced in rank, a decision which also affected four Superintendents of Police (SP), one Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Police.

According to him, the Commission also approved the punishment of severe reprimand for 16 officers, reprimand for 13 and letters of warning to four others.

Two Officers are to receive Letters of advice while eleven were exonerated, he said.

While disclosing that the Commission looked into 83 disciplinary cases which included 18 appeals and petitions, Ani stated that the Commission  also approved the promotions of 6,618 senior police officers including one Assistant Inspector General of Police to Deputy Inspector General of Police, four Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspector General of Police and three Deputy Commissioner of Police to Commissioner of Police.

Ani noted that the officer promoted from AIG to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Olushola Oyebade, currently at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, was to represent the Southwest geopolitical zone.

 

FG to shutdown third mainland bridge for six months

Ihuoma ILO
-
0
FG to shutdown third mainland bridge for six months

THE Federal Government has disclosed its plans to shut the Third Mainland Bridge for six months effective from Friday, July 24.

Olukayode Popoola, Federal Controller of Works in Lagos state  who confirmed that consultations are going on for another phase of repair works to begin on the 11.8km bridge, stated that work will  commence on the outer section of the bridge.

He explained that the and the ministry is working with relevant agencies to perfect traffic during the period.

”We want to do maintenance work on the Third Mainland bridge very soon. We may close it from July 24, we are still working out the modalities and when we perfect the traffic management plan, we will move to the site,” he said.

He added that this development will force motorists in Lagos who ply the bridge to begin making arrangements for alternative routes.

”Everything being expected for the repairs of the bridge arrived the country, that is why we want to start the repairs now,” Popoola said.

There have also been reports of some worn-out expansion joints on the structure, raising concerns over the state of the bridge.

The Third Mainland bridge has gone through a series of repair works and was last shut in August 2018 for a three-day investigative maintenance check.

FG announces August 4 for WAEC to commence

Niyi OYEDEJI
-
0
FG announces August 4 for WAEC to commence

THE Federal Government on Monday announced that the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) examinations for senior secondary school in Nigeria will take place between August 4 and September 5, 2020.

Bashir Ahmad, Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on New Media, made this known on his twitter handle.

He stated that Emeka Nwajuba, the Minister of State for Education made the announcement  at the Presidential Task Force on COVID–19 daily briefing in Abuja.

The Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba, announced this on Monday at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja.

“From the 4th of August to the 5th of September, please take note. Last week the Chairman of the PTF announced that school facilities will be available for those who want to go into revision classes.

“The idea here is that we have a whole month from now till then, those who can and those who are willing; the states who are willing should make their schools available for their children to revise.” Nwajiuba said.

“We have done the most we can with our representatives at WAEC and we have, this afternoon, confirmed that the dates allotted for the exams will be from the 4th of August through to the 5th of September.”

According to him, the ministry will publish the local timings for the examinations after a meeting with authorities of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), among other stakeholders.

Nwajiuba disclosed that as soon as WAEC examinations were concluded, the government would take up the National Examination Council (NECO) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.

 

Corruption allegations: Magu picked up by security agents

Seun DUROJAIYE
-
0
Corruption allegations: Magu picked up by security agents

IBRAHIM Magu, acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was on Monday picked up by security operatives attached to the inter-agency panel set up by President Muhammadu Buhari, following several allegations of corruption against him, The ICIR can report.

This came shortly after it was reported that the acting EFCC chairman was arrested by the Department of Security Services (DSS). But the DSS in a response denied arresting him.

President Buhari had about a month ago set up the panel to investigate several allegations of corruption against Magu. The panel is headed by Justice Ayo Salami, a retired President of the Court of Appeal who is also the chairman, Corruption and Financial Crime Cases Trial Monitoring Committee (COTRIMCO).

Magu is being investigated by the panel over allegations of corruption including owning properties abroad, abuse of office, insubordination among others.

The Nation reports that Magu was stopped in traffic while moving out of the Wuse II Annex of the EFCC in Abuja and the invitation was extended to him.

He was said to be on his way to the Force Headquarters at the time and pleaded with an officer from FCID who met with him to honour the scheduled appointment.

But he was told the invitation by the panel was more important.

At about 1.35 pm, Magu arrived at the Villa where he was ushered into the wing, the newspaper reported.

As at Press time, Magu has been joined at the Villa by his lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo.

The panel is said to be sitting at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa.

It is believed that he was invited by the panel to defend himself against the 22 weighty allegations submitted in a memo by Abubakar Malami, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to  President Buhari sometime in June.

Magu honours panel invitation

Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), says it’s acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu honoured an invitation by a Presidential Panel reviewing the activities of the EFCC, at the Banquet Hall wing of the Presidential Villa,  Abuja.

Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC in a statement on Monday explained that Magu was served the invitation to the panel,  while on his way to the Force Headquarters, Abuja for a meeting.

“The EFCC’s boss was neither arrested nor forced to honour the invitation.  A member of a legal team from the EFCC is also with him on the Panel,” Oyewale said.

774,000 Jobs: Lawan says only NDE will implement recruitment process

Ihuoma ILO
-
0
774,000 Jobs: Lawan says only NDE will implement recruitment process

AHMAD Lawan, President of the Senate, on Monday said only the National Directorate of Employment  (NDE) will be fully in charge of the recruitment exercise designed to ingest 774,000 youths across Nigeria as part of the Federal Government COVID-19 palliative measures.

The recruitment modalities must first be fully explained by the NDE and the Ministry Labour and Productivity, Lawan said while addressing journalists in Abuja.

“Only NDE will implement this programme. The NDE led by the Ministry of Labour will have to come and explain,” the Senate President said.

“It will be unfair to say that we in the legislature and executive are not on the same page because of an action by someone in the executive,what the National Assembly is insisting on is in national interest.”

The National Assembly had suspended the recruitment  exercise under the Special Public Works programme under NDE initiated by the Federal Government to cushion the effect of COVID-19 pandemic following an altercation between Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour and Productivity and members of National Assembly Joint Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity during a hearing on the programme.

While Keyamo alleged that the lawmakers were angry because he refused to let them own the process, the committee members who walked him out during the hearing alleged that he was dictating how they would conduct the panel to them.

Ajibola Basiru, Senate spokesperson, who announced the suspension of the programme during a press briefing, noted that the exercise has been put on hold pending proper briefing by the minister to explain the recruitment modalities to the National Assembly.

1...2,0602,0612,062...3,440Page 2,061 of 3,440