News
Why Kogi governor, Bello denied me return ticket – Senator Oseni
In an interview with Senator Yakubu Oseni representing Kogi Central Senatorial district, he disclosed that Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello is his boss and he has denied him a return ticket because of zoning arrangement in his district.
Oseni is a first timer to the upper legislative Chamber; a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who believed that he worked hard, but would gladly accept his fate, given that Bello insists on the zoning arrangement.
Excerpt:
You will not be returning in 2023 since you didn’t contest for primary election. What happened?
Ordinarily there is this slogan that hard work deserves more work, but you know politics is local and it is being played locally. There is zoning system in some areas and when it is your turn, it is your turn; when it is not your turn, it is not your turn no matter how hard you work.
That was exactly what happened.
Fortunately, my governor is a very just and fair person that doesn’t want to hurt one person or the other. Even him trying to play the game according to the rule in the area he was so bitter that he couldn’t throw his weight to support me, but he has to play the game the way it is so that he will not truncate what he actually met on ground.
My zone has taken its turn and he has to bitterly take it to the next zone that is supposed to take it because that is how it is being played in my zone. When next it is the turn of my zone they may consider me since I have done well. I’m still very young and very available for the job.
There was insinuation of disagreement between you and governor Yahaya Bello. Can speak on that?
That is what people will ordinarily think about in political environment. Fortunately, the reverse is the case. Governor Yahaya Bello is my boss. He brought me into politics. I’m a pure technocrat, a banker. He saw what I have been doing and brought me into politics.
I worked with him as Chairman, Kogi State Internal Revenue Service. The fact that I did very well there made him to support me to come to National Assembly as Senator to contribute my quota.
He remains my boss and there is no way I will have any fracas or disagreement with him. That will be the last thing that will happen in this world because I’m 100% loyal to him. He discovered me, brought me up politically and I will continue to be loyal to him.
As far as I’m concerned, what he has done is the right thing because he has to play the game by the rule. He is a fair and just leader that is why I said he bitterly took it away from me because he is not happy I’m not returning, but he has to do that to please the majority. There are no differences at all. Even yesterday we were together for more than 5 hours. Anything he is doing you will see me there; we were together.
It also rumoured that that you are planning to defect. Is this true and why?
Yes, it is possible, if Yahaya Bello is decamping I’m decamping. That is the only way; outside that, it will not happen. I remain under his canopy.
What is your future plan politically?
Plans belong to God. You do your own , God will do his own. As at today, I think I still have up to a year in the National Assembly. I’m still concentrating, doing my job meticulously and waiting for my boss for his next action. If my boss say go right I will go right, if he says go left, I will go left. That is my next plan.
Putting this side by side with those who said they must go on, it’s their legitimate right like Senator Smart Adeyemi. What is your take?
That is somebody like Senator Smart you are talking about. Yes, we met him in the political environment and he has his own ideology when it comes to politics. He joined Governor Yahaya Bello and I came with the governor. So, his own ideology is completely different from my own. We are not from the same zone; he is from Kogi West and I’m from Kogi Central where the governor comes from.
May be he saw what I couldn’t see as a veteran in the field. I won’t blame anybody for whatever action they take; that is his/her prerogative. His own is paying him and mine is paying me. It depends on what you want; that is life. I don’t want to say much about it. That is the way he wants to play his own and this is how I want to play my own and I’m happy with my own and he’s happy with his own.
Which area do think Yahaya Bello government needs to give attention considering the fact that no government is perfect?
We are human beings, not gods. As far as I’m concern, there is no government that is completely 100% good. Not even in the developed world. In Governor Yahaya Bello’s government, talk of security, you cannot achieve security 100%. He has tried very well, but I’m seeing some pockets of insecurity coming up again. I advise he should change tactics in fighting insecurity in the state because some pockets of insecurity is surfacing in some areas.
That is the area he performed best and I I want him to go all out without any thing that would touch that record. I will also advise that he should concentrate and complete and commissioning of all ongoing projects so that the next government will not abandon them as is the practice in Nigeria.
News
Group petitions EFCC, ICPC to probe Minister of Defence Minister for owning, operating BDC, others
A Nigerian anti-corruption operating under the aegis of Young Guardians of Accountability (YGA) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC to investigate the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
The group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be ready to sack Badaru, who was also a former Governor of Jigawa State for allegedly owning and operating a Bureau De Change, BDC.
In a petition submitted to the two anti-corruption agencies, the group contended that Mohammed Badaru was involved in conflict of interest and being a Ministrr of Defence, he occupies a sensitive office, insisting that it was too dangerous for security of the nation.
The group said, Badaru operates BDC using multiple companies, urging the EFCCand ICPC to carry out a thorough investigation.
The Young Guardians of Accountability, YGA, accused the Minister of abuse of office and conflict of interest over alleged violation of federal laws that prohibit public officers from engaging in private business activities.
A copy of the petition obtained by CAPITAL POST in Abuja on Wednesday and signed by the Chairman of the group, Adediran Raymond, argued that Badaru ought to have resigned having been appointed as a Minister.
Insisted on violation of laws, the group listed companies which Mohammed Badaru Abubakar maintains Directorship as Talamiz Nigeria Limited, Talamiz Petroleum Nig. Ltd, and Gulfstream Logistics Limited.
Badaru still holds interests in the companies and currently
operate a Bureau de Change, BDC, stressing that it poses a serious conflict of interest.
“Shockingly, Mr. Abubakar continues to file annual returns for these companies, with records as recent as last year. Most egregiously, he operates a licensed Bureau de Change (BDC) while holding a federal ministerial position, flagrantly disregarding the laws designed to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption.”
According to the petitioner, these actions violate multiple provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, which states that a public officer “shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.”
The group called for a swift but thorough investigation to ascertain whether the Minister fully disclosed his business interests in his official asset declaration.
“We demand an inquiry into whether Mr. Abubakar fully disclosed his ownership and involvement in these companies as part of his asset declarations. The fact that Mr. Abubakar continues to operate these companies and submit their annual returns, despite knowing these acts contravene federal law, demonstrates a brazen disregard for the rule of law.
“The Ministry of Defence, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s security, cannot be entrusted to an individual whose actions suggest an intention to exploit state resources for personal gain.
We trust that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will act decisively to ensure justice and uphold the integrity of public service”.
YGA, therefore, urged the anti-corruption agencies to take immediate action, including suspending the minister from office and prosecuting him if found guilty.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
As Nigerians continue to rely on Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) for their daily financial transactions, a new trend of card swapping has emerged, leaving many victims bewildered and financially vulnerable. In this article, we will explore the root of this issue and provide guidance on how to avoid falling prey to this scam.
The Modus Operandi
The scam typically occurs when an ATM user inserts their card into the machine, only to have it retained or spat out. In many cases, the machine may appear to malfunction, prompting the user to remove their card and reinsert it. However, unbeknownst to the user, the machine may have swapped their card with a different one, often with a similar appearance.
The Consequences
When the user attempts to use the swapped card, they will inevitably encounter difficulties, as the card will not match their password or PIN. This can lead to frustration, financial losses, and even identity theft.
Implementation and Prevention
To avoid falling victim to this scam, it is essential to be vigilant when using ATMs. Here are some preventive measures to take:
1. Verify the card*: Before reinserting your card into the ATM, ensure it is indeed your card. Check the name, card number, and expiration date to confirm its authenticity.
2. Be cautious of malfunctioning ATMs*: If the ATM appears to be malfunctioning or retains your card, do not attempt to reinsert it. Instead, contact your bank or the ATM operator to report the issue.
3. Monitor your account activity*: Regularly check your account statements to detect any suspicious transactions.
4. Use ATMs at secure locations*: Opt for ATMs located in well-lit, secure areas, such as bank branches or shopping malls.
Tracing the Root of Card Swap
While the exact cause of card swapping is still unclear, it is believed to be the result of a combination of factors, including:
1. ATM maintenance and repair: Poorly maintained or repaired ATMs may be more prone to card swapping.
2. Card skimming and shimming: Criminals may use card skimming or shimming devices to steal card information and swap cards.
3. Insider involvement: In some cases, bank employees or ATM technicians may be complicit in the card swapping scheme.
Conclusion
Card swapping is a growing concern in Nigeria, and it is essential for ATM users to be aware of the risks and take preventive measures. By verifying the card, being cautious of malfunctioning ATMs, monitoring account activity, and using ATMs at secure locations, Nigerians can reduce their chances of falling victim to this scam. Remember, vigilance is key to protecting your financial security.
Eneojoh writes from Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
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