News
Investigate Allegations Against NGF DG— Group Urges Governors
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Northern Emancipation Network (NEN) is urging Nigerian Governors to thoroughly investigate the allegations against A. B. Okauru, the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
The group also highlights the unjust treatment of Abdulrazaque Bello Barkindo and questions the appointment process of the DG, urging a comprehensive examination and rectification.
NEN expresses deep concern about the deliberate marginalization of Northern professionals within the administrative staff structure of the NGF.
The group warns that failure to address these concerns will perpetuate a culture of impunity and further deepen the marginalization of Northern professionals, vowing vehement resistance to such outcomes.
This call is contained in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Haruna Ibrahim Anaruwa, and shared with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We are committed advocates for the rights and fair treatment of Northern professionals in all sectors of society, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation, taking necessary actions to ensure justice and equal opportunities for all.”
The statement asserts, “NEN believes that this act of impunity is being perpetuated by the Director-General of the NGF, A. B. Okauru, taking advantage of the complacent silence of the Nigerian Governors.
“NEN firmly supports Barkindo and condemns any unjust treatment or unwarranted dismissal based on baseless claims, insisting on the strict adherence to due process.
“Furthermore, NEN is troubled by the reported unconventional appointment process that led to the tenure of the DG for the last fifteen years.
“It has come to our attention that the DG was screened and appointed outside due process and without due diligence, a clear abuse of constitutionalism, and disregard for the ordinary rules of decency.
“This blatant violation undermines the credibility and integrity of the NGF and raises serious questions about the governance and decision-making processes within the Forum.
“In addition, concerns have been raised about financial irregularities within the NGF, suggesting that the Secretariat’s accounts have not been audited in the last decade, leading to questions about the misuse or misappropriation of funds.
“This is particularly troubling considering the organization’s involvement in high-value monetary transactions such as the Paris-London refunds. It is essential that the NGF employs a qualified accountant and ensures transparency and accountability in its financial operations.
“NEN calls upon the Nigerian Governors, as major stakeholders, to break their silence and address the issue of deliberate marginalization of Northern professionals in the staffing of the NGF.
“It is important that the Forum operates on principles of fairness, transparency, and meritocracy to provide equal opportunities to all professionals, regardless of their geographic origin.”
The Association of Scavengers, Scrap Dealers, and Recyclers, Abuja, has publicly dissociated itself from a Federal High Court suit filed by unregistered scavengers and beggars against the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the association’s chairman, Mallam Muntari Mohammed, clarified that the group is a duly registered body, with members holding valid identity cards and engaging in legitimate waste management, scrap trading, and recycling businesses.
He stressed that the association has always complied with the FCT Administration’s rules and regulations, maintaining a clean record.
Muntari noted that the association had formally written to the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to affirm its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and adhering to stipulated guidelines.
He distanced the group from unregistered scavengers, whom he accused of tarnishing the reputation of legitimate operators through theft and other illicit activities.
The chairman addressed the FCT Minister’s recent ban on scavenging, which stemmed from misunderstandings about the distinction between honest scavengers and rogue elements.
“We have never confronted the FCT authorities and will never do so,” Muntari said, emphatically dissociating the association from the court case against Wike.
The Vatican has confirmed that only one round of voting will take place this Wednesday afternoon as the conclave to elect the next pope officially gets underway.
Cardinals from around the world gathered earlier Wednesday in the Sistine Chapel, where they took a sacred oath of secrecy before the chapel doors were ceremonially closed with the Latin phrase “extra omnes,” meaning “everyone out.” The papal master of ceremonies then declared the start of the conclave, invoking a centuries-old tradition whose name comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “locked with key.”
Wednesday’s solitary ballot marked the opening step in the process to choose the new leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. Should the vote prove inconclusive requiring a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope, cardinals will resume the process on Thursday, casting up to four ballots daily until consensus is reached.
Each cardinal votes by writing “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”) on a paper ballot, followed by the name of their chosen candidate. In a quiet and orderly procession, they approach the silver and gilded urn in order of seniority to place their ballots.
As the final vote is cast, the tension rises in St. Peter’s Square, where the faithful and millions watching around the globe await the first sign of smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney. Black smoke will indicate that no decision has been made; white smoke will proclaim that a new pope has been elected.
The last two conclaves, in 2005 and 2013, ended on the second day, with Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis elected after a series of swift ballots, respectively.
As the doors remain closed and Vatican cameras withdraw, the world waits in hushed anticipation for the next chapter in the history of the Catholic Church to be written.
Governor Hyacinth Alia will not honour the House of Representatives Committee invitation scheduled for Thursday, May 8.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, confirmed this to journalists on Wednesday in Makurdi.
The House had summoned the governors of Benue and Zamfara, alongside their Assembly leadership.
Kula stated that the invitation is unconstitutional and the governor will not comply with it.
He explained that Alia has filed a case at the Supreme Court challenging the lawmakers’ invitation.
“Yesterday, the Benue Assembly passed a resolution rejecting the Reps Committee invitation.
“They believe the invitation is based on ignorance and have decided not to attend. They will also challenge it in court,” he said.
Kula added that the governor, independently, has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the invitation’s legality.
He said: “Since the matter is in court, I will not speak further on it.”
Kula also claimed that the civil society group behind the petition is faceless and unregistered.
According to him, the address on the group’s letterhead is fake and lacks credibility.
He said there is a coordinated campaign of misinformation and sponsored protests aimed at destabilising Benue.
In recent weeks, he noted, there have been protests in Abuja allegedly representing Benue people’s concerns.
“These protests aim to provoke a state of emergency in Benue by portraying it in a negative light,” he said.
He claimed the organisers seek to undermine progress and return to a failed political order.
“Their ultimate goal is to create chaos for selfish political gain,” Kula added.
He accused the protest sponsors of trying to remove the governor through disruptive means.
“They will not succeed. Benue people stand firmly with their governor,” he said.
He assured the public that Benue remains peaceful and the government is functioning effectively.
“Governor Alia is committed to fulfilling his mandate and addressing the state’s challenges,” he said. (NAN)