Connect with us

News

ICPC chairman calls for collective fight against corruption

Published

on

Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices And other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu, has urged Nigerians to join the commission in the fight against corruption in the country.

Aliyu said that collective efforts against corruption could create a nation where transparency and accountability were prioritised and could lead to sustainable development and a better quality of life for all citizens.

He made the remarks at an interactive session organised to commemorate the 2024 International-Anti Corruption Day, on Monday in Ile-Ife, Osun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by ICPC in collaboration with Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit, (ACTU), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife

The chairman spoke on the theme “Uniting With Youth Against Corruption Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.

Aliyu, represented by Mr Hafeez Hassan, the Osun ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner, said that corruption was undermining societal progress and must be tamed.

According to him, corruption is affecting economic development, good governance and also hindering the realisation of collective aspirations.

“The youths have indispensable roles in driving the needed change, promoting transparency and building a future deeply rooted in integrity.

“Nigerian youths need to utilise their immense abilities to tackle the menace and build a corrupt-free nation, with their energy, creativity, innovative, mindset and idea.

“Young people can disrupt the norm and advocate for transparency and accountability, especially from public and government officials.

“By fostering a culture of integrity and actively participating in governance, the youth can pave the way for a brighter future where ethical practices prevail and corruption is no longer tolerated.

ALSO READ:  Peter Obi Insist Nigerians In Diaspora Must Keep Hope Alive

“The youths must make a united stance in their commitment to eradicate corruption and build a nation that thrives on ethical values and principles”, he said.

Earlier, Prof. John Okeniyi, the Chief Medical Director, OAUTHC, said that corruption must be fought to a stand still for the country to move forward.

Okeniyi said that all forms of corruption must be stopped through the collective effort of all Nigerians.

Also, the state Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, commended ICPC on their effort in the fight against corruption in the country.

Adepele-Ojo, represented by Justice Yinka Afolabi, a judge in the state, urged the youths “to be faithful to whatever they lay their hands upon and say no to corruption”.

Delivering his lecture, Prof. Ibrahim Bello, Chairman, ACTU OAUTHC, urged Nigerians to kick against corruption in Ministries, Department and Agencies of government. (NAN)

News

Trump threatens attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities as talks continue

Published

on

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his threat of drastic consequences for Iran over its nuclear programme, including a potential attack on Tehran’s nuclear facilities.

During a meeting at the White House with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, Trump said: “They can’t have a nuclear weapon, and they got to go fast, because they’re fairly close to having one, and they’re not going to have one.

“And if we have to do something very harsh, we’ll do it. And I’m not doing it for us.

“I’m doing it for the world, and these are radicalised people, and they cannot have a nuclear weapon.”

When questioned by a reporter if this included an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump affirmed, “Of course it does.”

The U.S. government and other Western states as well as Israel aim to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

During his first term in office in 2018, Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Vienna nuclear deal, which was designed to limit Iran’s nuclear programme and lift sanctions in return.

Following this, Tehran also ceased adhering to the agreement’s stipulations.

Last Saturday, the U.S. and Iran resumed talks about a possible new nuclear agreement after years of deadlock, with Oman acting as a mediator.

The next round of talks is expected to hold on Saturday in Rome.

Trump confirmed the scheduled date and expressed confidence in resolving the issue with Iran, describing it as “almost an easy” problem.

Earlier Monday, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi announced that he would travel to Tehran this week ahead of the next round of nuclear talks.

ALSO READ:  SON Inaugurates Mobile Calibration Vehicle, Measuring Equipments In Rivers

According to Iranian media reports, Grossi is expected in Tehran on Wednesday.

“Continued engagement and cooperation with the agency is essential at a time when diplomatic solutions are urgently needed,” Grossi wrote on X on Monday.

Tehran’s lack of cooperation with IAEA inspectors is a main cause of the growing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, along with its production of near weapons-grade uranium. (dpa/NAN

Continue Reading

News

Alleged N33.8bn fraud: Court adjourns trial of ex-Power Minister

Published

on

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, until May 2.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s video evidence to counter the allegations by Mamman that his extra-judicial statement was not voluntarily made, was played in the open court.

Justice Omotosho had ordered that the video clip of the interview session conducted by the commission’s officials during their investigation be played in a trial-within-trial, following allegation that the ex-minister did not voluntarily make the statement.

The ex-minister had, through his lawyer, Femi Atteh, SAN, insisted that his statement tendered by the EFCC in the alleged corruption trial was not not made voluntarily.

The EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, disagreed with Atteh’s submission.

The judge consequently ordered that the video clip be played in the open court to ascertain the veracity of the argument.

In the video on Monday, Mamman insisted that he could not write statement due to his ill-health.

Counsel to the EFCC, Abbas Muhammed, asked the EFCC investigator and a witness, Abubakar Kwaido, whether he read the statement of caution to Mamman before the session.

Kwaido confirmed that the cautionary statement was read to the defendant before the video recorded and the statement taken.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until May 2 for continuation of trial.

Oyedepo, the lead prosecuting counsel, had, on Thursday, asked Kwaido whether he harassed Mamman or threatened him with detention but the witness responded in the negative.(NAN)

ALSO READ:  The Member-Elect, Jema'a/Sanga Federal Constituency, Daniel Amos Has Tasked The Muslim Ummah To Use The Lessons Learnt during The Holy Month Of Ramadan In Praying For The Unity Of The Country
Continue Reading

News

Ghastly accident claims 7 lives in Ebonyi– FRSC

Published

on

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ebonyi has confirmed the death of seven persons in Sunday’s auto crash at Nwafia Oga, Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area.

The Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Henry Igwe, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, saying that it occured at about 7.30pm.

Igwe also said that the crash involved a commercial Toyota Bus, with Registration Number UWN 429 ZY and an articulated vehicle, with Registration Number XW 294 ENU.

He said: “20 persons were involved in the crash, consisting of six males and two females.

“The dead include four males and three females, while two females were injured.”

According to him, 11 persons, comprising two males, eight females and one child, escaped unhurt.

The FRSC chief also said that the crash was caused by speed violation.

He said that while the injured were taken to St. Saviour Hospital, Onueke for treatment, the remains of the deceased were taken to the Onueke General Hospital’s morgue.

He said that investigation into the crash had commenced.

“We still urge drivers to drive carefully and obey road signs because it is only the alive that travels,” he said. (NAN)

ALSO READ:  I Secured N1bn To Build Theatre Classroom, Rehabilitate College Of Nursing Kafanchan Hostel – Rep Amos
Continue Reading