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President Tinubu Urged to Take Strong Action Against Corrupt Officials

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2 years ago

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…. Extending Investigations to the Oil and Gas Sector
By Abubakar Yunusa

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to refrain from accommodating or engaging in negotiations with former government officials who have been involved in looting the nation’s treasury.

In a statement released in Abuja, Frank expressed concern that the President’s initial enthusiasm in pursuing corrupt elements seems to have waned or disappeared entirely.

President Tinubu Urged to Take Strong Action Against Corrupt Officials

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Frank urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts to hold corrupt officials accountable for their actions. This would ensure that the ongoing investigation and arrest of individuals such as Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank, and AbdulRasheed Bawa, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, are not perceived as driven by personal vendettas.

Furthermore, Frank advised President Tinubu against rewarding ex-governors and ex-ministers facing corruption charges or criminal allegations with fresh appointments. Such actions would undermine the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign and trivialize the fight against corruption.

Frank called upon the security agencies operating under Tinubu’s leadership to expand their investigations into the oil and gas sector.

He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who illicitly benefited from the fuel subsidy regime and engaged in fraudulent practices regarding daily PMS consumption. It is essential to ensure that these individuals repay the funds they looted from the nation.

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Frank expressed concern about perceived negotiations with looters by Tinubu’s government, which has potentially hindered further actions against corrupt individuals.

He highlighted the expectation of the Nigerian populace for more arrests and prosecutions, as they had applauded the President’s initial actions against corruption. Failing to bring looters to justice could undermine the fight against corruption and perpetuate a sense of impunity.

Frank cautioned that if caution is not exercised, the arrests of Emefiele and Bawa may turn out to be mere isolated incidents.

He expressed doubt about the President’s commitment to genuinely combat corruption, suggesting that the anti-corruption drive might target individuals based on their support or lack thereof during his bid for the presidency.

Frank expressed disappointment at the inclusion of former political officeholders with known corrupt tendencies in Tinubu’s cabinet.

He cited examples such as Senator Godswill Akpabio and Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, whose past actions raised corruption allegations but have now been appointed to key positions.

This pattern raises concerns about the potential reward of looters with significant positions of power.

Moreover, Frank pointed out that several former governors and ex-ministers, despite being the subjects of numerous petitions to the EFCC, are seeking positions in the present administration. This situation risks perpetuating a system where individuals accused of corruption continue to hold influential roles.

Frank drew attention to the hardships faced by the poor as a result of policies implemented by Tinubu, such as the removal of fuel subsidies. He stressed the importance of not allowing those who fraudulently benefited from subsidy schemes to evade consequences while ordinary Nigerians suffer from rising living costs.

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Frank concluded by reminding President Tinubu that Nigerians and the international community are closely watching his anti-graft efforts.

He emphasized the need for genuine commitment to the fight against corruption, rather than the perception of merely targeting individuals like Emefiele and Bawa.

Timi Frank’s appeal serves as a reminder of the critical importance of upholding accountability and justice in Nigeria. It is imperative for President Tinubu to take strong action against corrupt officials, to restore public trust, and to demonstrate a firm commitment to combating corruption.

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Underperformance: Ex-Kaduna Chair Replies Jagaba, Says Abbas Among Top-Ranking Ministers

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7 minutes ago

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March 11, 2025

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By Israel Bulus, Kaduna

The former Executive Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Hon. Nasara Rabo, has countered recent allegations of underperformance against the Minister of Environment, Mal. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, asserting that the minister ranks among the top performers in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Nasara was responding to calls for the minister’s removal by the former National Youth Coordinator of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Mr. Nasiru Jagaba.

He dismissed Nasiru’s claims, arguing that a thorough assessment of the Ministry of Environment’s policies, initiatives, and impact on environmental sustainability tells a different story. He stressed that such calls for removal should be based on facts, not mere opinions.

“Nasiru, who once led SOKAPU’s youth wing, should understand the process of appointing and removing a Minister in Nigeria. The duties and functions of a Minister are clearly outlined in the Nigerian Constitution and the establishment acts of various ministries. Each minister operates based on budgetary provisions and presidential approvals,” he said.

Nasara referenced a recent ministerial performance ranking conducted by Hadiza Usman, Special Assistant to the President on Coordinating Ministries, which highlighted Malam Abbas Lawal’s significant achievements in tackling deforestation, promoting renewable energy, and enforcing environmental protection laws.

“I would advise Nasiru to familiarize himself with the national and international programs and projects spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment before making calls for the Minister’s removal. The minister has introduced innovative initiatives, including waste management reforms and climate resilience strategies, earning widespread recognition from stakeholders and the public,” Nasara added.

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He further emphasized that each Minister operates based on an allocated budget and presidential directives, stating, “Key performance indicators such as policy implementation, environmental sustainability efforts, and public impact underscore the Minister’s dedication to addressing pressing ecological challenges.”

In addition to his environmental efforts, Nasara noted that the minister has supported Kaduna State indigenes by sponsoring students in various Universities across the country, covering their tuition fees.

Observers, he said, have commended the Minister’s proactive engagement with international partners, successful acquisition of funding for green projects, and policies that align with global environmental standards. These achievements, he maintained, reinforce the administration’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.

“As the Ministry of Environment continues to enhance national environmental policies, the Minister’s outstanding performance sets a benchmark for other ministries. His work reaffirms the importance of prioritizing ecological conservation for future generations,” Nasara stated.

He concluded by acknowledging the role of criticism in governance but insisted that Nasiru Jagaba’s claims of underperformance do not align with the ministry’s tangible progress.

“The Minister of Environment has demonstrated commitment to sustainability, policy implementation, and stakeholder engagement, making significant strides despite challenges. Constructive dialogue and continued support will ensure even greater success in environmental Governance,” Nasara said.

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11 killed as bandits attack, set villages ablaze in Kebbi

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4 hours ago

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March 11, 2025

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No fewer than 11 people have been killed in coordinated attacks by suspected notorious bandits in some villages in Arewa Local Government Area (LGA) of Kebbi.

Police Public Relations Officer of Kebbi State command, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Abubakar said: “On 09/03/2025 at about 2047hrs, suspected Lakurawa bandits in their large numbers with sophisticated weapons invaded Dogon Daji, Danmarke, Yar Goru, Tambo, Birnin Debi, Garin Nagoro and Garin Rugga villages.

“They are all in Arewa LGA and are border communities between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

“As a result, 11 people lost their lives, and two others sustained gunshot wounds. The suspected bandits also set ablaze some houses at the affected villages,” he stated.

The Police image maker added that on receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bello Sani, swiftly mobilised to the scene for an on the spot assessment.

Abubakar noted that the CP interacted with the Police, Army, Civil Defence, and the vigilance group that had been deployed to the areas to combat crimes.

“The CP equally condemned the unfortunate incident and instantly reviewed the security architecture of the area by deploying additional tactical teams.

“He charged them to decisively deal with suspected Lakurawa bandits operating in the area.

“The CP also had a meeting with critical stakeholders in the area, where he commiserated with them, and appealed to them to always assist the Police and other security agencies with relevant and timely information for prompt response.”

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Houses set ablaze in Jigawa communal clash

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5 hours ago

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March 11, 2025

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At least 26 thatched houses and 16 granaries were burnt in a communal clash in Taura Local Government Area (LGA) of Jigawa, the police have confirmed.

Police spokesman SP Lawan Shiisu said in a statement in Dutse on Monday that the incident occurred during a conflict between residents of two communities in the LGA.

“On Sunday, at about 21:45 hours, residents of Gidan Na Ruwa Fulani Settlement, Taura LGA, saw a large group from Zangon Maje Village flashing torches and chanting war slogans.

“This prompted all villagers to flee for their lives,” he added.

Shiisu said that, upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Taura and his patrol team swiftly rushed to the scene.

“When they arrived, the team discovered that youths from Zangon Maje had attacked and set fire to 24 thatched houses and 16 local granaries,” Shiisu said.

He explained that a preliminary investigation showed the trouble began when Musa Hussaini, 20, and Shanu Sule, 26, both from Zangon Maje, were beaten and their motorcycle stolen.

As a result, the victims raised the alarm and mobilised members of their community to retaliate, leading to the violent confrontation.

Shiisu, however, said normalcy had since been restored, and patrols were being intensified to prevent further disturbances.

According to him, the Area Commander in charge of Ringim led a police team to the affected areas on Monday, meeting stakeholders and engaging in dialogue.

Shiisu added that five suspects had been arrested and were in custody, assisting with the investigation.

“The command urges citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to report grievances to the proper authorities for a swift response,” Shiisu said.

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He warned that anyone found guilty of violence would face severe consequences. (NAN)

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