The trial of former Acting Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Chukwunyere Anamekwe Nwabuoku began on Friday, January 31, 2025 before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja with witnesses narrating how the defendant as former Director, Finance and Account in the Federal Ministry of Defence opened multiple bank accounts through which he allegedly diverted the ministry’s funds.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Nwabuoku on a nine-count amended charge, bordering on money laundering to the tune of N868, 465,000 (Eight Hundred and Sixty-eight Million, Four Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira).
At Friday’s proceedings, Prosecution Counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, presented two witnesses. The first, Prosecution Witness, PW1, Eucharia Ezeobi, a Zenith Bank staff, while being led in evidence disclosed that she opened four companies’ accounts, namely: Temeeo Synergy Concept Limited, Turge Global Investment Limited, Laptev Bridge Limited and Arafura Transnational Afro Limited meant for contractors with the Federal Ministry of Defence and further disclosed that much of the funds moved from the accounts were done by cash withdrawals, a move which she said, the defendant significantly benefited from.
The accounts opening packages, marked Exhibits PWB” were identified by the witness when they were shown to her by the court as prayed by defence counsel, Isidore Udenko.
On his part, the Second Prosecution Witness, PW2, Felix Nweke, who was the Deputy Director, Account and Expenditure under the supervision of Nwabuoku as the Director Finance and Account, Ministry of Defence, told the court that the defendant instructed him to open the four companies’ accounts and subsequently moved funds from the Federal Ministry of Defence Security Operation Account to the companies’ accounts. He further disclosed that funds in the accounts were usually withdrawn in cash and handed over to the defendant.
The defence counsel sought to know from PW2 if the withdrawals were initiated by the defendant alone or if there was an authority higher than him. The witness in his response disclosed that he only took instructions from the defendant, who was his boss in the ministry’s chain of command.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter till February 26, 2025 and March 5, 2025 for continuation of trial.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
January 31, 2025
EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese, One Filipino for Alleged Internet Fraud In Lagos
The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, January 31, 2025, arraigned 11 Chinese, one Filipino and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants are: Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xian Hong Will, Zhang Xiao Lei, Long Zhao Ming, Guo Xiao Fei, Yang Sheng, Wang Zheng Feng, Chen Wenyuan, Liu San Hua, Luo Jia You and Rheign Dela Vega.
They are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024 in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by operatives of the EFCC.
The suspects were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.
One of the counts reads: “That you, LI YIN HUI and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended,
2024).”
Another count reads: “That you, LUO JIA YOU (AKA A. YOU) sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of investigation when you were being questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate group, specialized in Romance scam, crypto currency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others; and in order to mislead them, you falsely represented your name as A. YOU and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.”
Another charge reads: “That you, LONG SHAO MING A.K.A LING YANG, sometime in December 2024 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, with intent to defraud, had in your possession documents containing false pretence, wherein you held yourself out as ‘Linda Maureen’, a citizen of the United States of America, which document you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and punishable under 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other fraud related Offences Act, 2006. “
They each pleaded “not guilty” to the offences when they were read to them.
In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, M. K.Bashir, T. J .Banjo, N. K . Ukoha and B. Buhari-Bala, prayed the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate Correctional facilities.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till 7, 14 and 21 February, 2025 for trial and remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri ”
Correctional Centres.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
January 31, 2025
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: A REBUTTAL TO APC’S BASELESS CLAIMS
February 1, 2025, Ilorin, Kwara State
The recent statement by the APC Central committee is a desperate attempt to deflect responsibility for the glaring challenges in Kwara Central’s democracy. Their claims against the Kwara Central Strategy Team (KCST) are laughable, riddled with fallacies, and only serve to reveal the APC’s desperation to conceal its own failings.
THE KCST’S COMMITMENT TO KWARA’S PROGRESS
The KCST’s concerns about Kwara Central’s democracy are rooted in a deep commitment to the state’s progress. Our call to action is not “alarmist rhetoric” but a legitimate concern, especially given the mounting evidence of executive interference and judicial complicity in recent electoral disputes.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE 2024 LG ELECTIONS
Contrary to the APC’s attempts to rewrite history, Kwarans vividly remember the chaos surrounding the 2024 LG elections – an election marred by irregularities, voter suppression, and logistical inefficiencies. The claim that democracy is “stronger” under the APC is not only untrue but an insult to thousands of Kwarans who feel betrayed by a system that has failed to reflect their will.
KCST: A DYNAMIC TEAM ADVOCATING FOR BETTER KWARANS
The APC’s attempt to paint KCST as a group sponsored by Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is a baseless claim. KCST belongs to Bukola Saraki and The People Democratic Party at large a dynamic team advocating for better Kwarans and better leadership that is ready to serve the masses.
APC’S ROLE IN FOSTERING INSTABILITY
The APC’s allegation that KCST’s political actions are to blame for their challenges conveniently ignores their role in fostering instability across opposition parties through coercion, inducements, and divisive tactics. Our assertion that some opposition figures have been compromised is not unfounded – it reflects a growing consensus among Kwarans that the APC thrives on manipulation rather than merit.
If the APC were truly concerned about democratic integrity, they would focus on addressing the ongoing issues under their leadership, such as rising insecurity, economic hardship, and dwindling public trust. We remain committed to strengthening democracy and addressing Kwara’s challenges – not on petty name-calling or divisive politics.
It’s high time the APC recognizes that Kwarans deserve better than propaganda. They deserve leaders who prioritize progress over politics, accountability over arrogance, and unity over division.
Kwara central Strategy Team KCST
Beyond the Hype: Examining the Facts Behind Kwara State’s Projects – SDQ
I recently stumbled upon an article claiming that Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the sponsor of KCST, but let me set the record straight. KCST has always been associated with him. It’s quite ironic that a group is trying to take credit for something that the current Governor couldn’t achieve, and instead of keeping a low profile, they’re being vocal about it. I find it surprising that they’re not acting like puppets, but instead, they’re exposing themselves.
The ruling party’s claims about the present Governor’s achievements are quite exaggerated and misleading. They’re making a big deal about commissioning projects and breaking jinxes, but let’s take a closer look. The recent commissioning of the Unity flyover bridge is actually a slap in the face, considering the challenges people are facing. Instead of celebrating, we should be thinking about the fact that many young people, known as “Challenges boys,” are about to lose their shops and livelihoods.
The Kwara State economy is struggling, and it’s surprising that people are rejoicing over a commissioned project after all these years. It’s only a matter of time before those who are less concerned become affected and start to worry when it happens to someone they know.
Let’s take a closer look at the claims being made about the present Governor projects. Firstly the Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road, is actually a project that was initiated and largely completed by the previous administration. The present Governor simply completed the remaining work and inaugurated the road, which is not a remarkable feat considering the resources and funding available to him.
Furthermore, the road’s construction was not as smooth as the Governor’s supporters would have you believe. There were significant delays and cost overruns, which were not adequately addressed by the Governor’s administration. The people of Osi and neighboring communities had to endure years of inconvenience and hardship due to the road’s poor condition, and it’s unfair to suggest that the Governor single-handedly solved the problem.
It’s also worth noting that the Governor’s administration has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability in project implementation. The Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle road project is just one example of how the Governor’s administration has failed to provide adequate information about the project’s costs, funding, and implementation.
In addition, the Governor’s supporters are quick to blame the previous administration for the state’s problems, but they fail to acknowledge the significant progress made by the Saraki Dynasty in terms of infrastructure development and social services. Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki invested heavily in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which has had a lasting impact on the state’s development. It’s unfair to dismiss these achievements and suggest that the present Governor is the only one who has made a positive contribution to the state’s development.
The Governor’s supporters are certainly enthusiastic about his accomplishments, but let’s take a closer look. They claim he’s inaugurated several projects, such as the Esie Museum road, Kano road, and the refurbished school for special needs clinics. However, it appears that some of these projects were actually initiated by previous administrations. For example, the 2000-capacity Auditorium at Kwara State Polytechnic was started by the former administration, and it’s unclear what role the present Governor played in its completion. It’s essential to give credit where credit is due and acknowledge the contributions of previous administrations.
Similarly, the Garment Factory and Sugar Film Factory, have been criticized for their lack of transparency and accountability. The Governor’s administration has been accused of mismanaging the state’s finances, including the alleged diversion of funds meant for project implementation. The people of Kwara State deserve to know the truth about these projects and how they were funded.
Rather than just blindly praising them. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but we need to examine the facts and figures to get a true picture of what’s going on. For instance, the Governor’s supporters might say he’s inaugurated over 300 roads, but that’s not the whole story. What’s the condition of these roads, really? Are they well-maintained, or are they already crumbling?
We should be asking questions like, what’s the quality of these roads? Are they safe for drivers? Are they durable enough to withstand the elements? It’s not just about the number of roads that have been built, but also about the quality of those roads. And let’s not forget, inaugurating a road is just the first step – maintaining it is a whole different story. It’s time to look beyond the surface-level claims and dig deeper into the facts.
A popular Yoruba saying “Táa bá ní a dá òkú ìyá wèrè dá ohun nìkan ó ṣeé ṣe kó sun-ún jẹ”.
The people of Kwara State deserve better than empty promises and propaganda.
Signed:
Yahaya Mariam Sidiq (sdq), General Secretary, kwara Central Strategy Team (KCST).
Probe ‘missing N26bn in Ministry of Petroleum Resources, PTDF’, SERAP tells Tinubu
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu “to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly probe allegations that over N26 billion of public funds are missing, diverted or stolen from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources in 2021.”
These damning revelations are documented in the 2021 audited report published on Wednesday 13 November 2024 by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
SERAP said, “Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
SERAP urged him to “use any recovered stolen funds to fund the deficit in the 2025 budget and to ease Nigeria’s crippling debt crisis.”
In the letter dated 1 February 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “There is a legitimate public interest in ensuring justice and accountability for these grave allegations. Tackling corruption in the oil sector would go a long way in addressing the budget deficit and debt problems.”
According to SERAP, “The allegations suggest a grave violation of the public trust, the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended), the country’s anticorruption legislation and international anticorruption obligations.”
The letter, read in part: “Poor Nigerians have continued to pay the price for the widespread and grand corruption in the oil sector.”
“Despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.”
“According to the 2021 annual audited report by the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) in 2021 reportedly paid over N25 billion [N25,607,890,403.11] for ‘contracts without any supporting documents.’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N326 million [N326,065,638.00] deposited in two banks. The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The PTDF reportedly failed to account for over N107 million [N107,691,733.93] being money for ‘the supply, installation, and commissioning of Library automation system and RFID at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI).’”
“The contract for the library ‘was awarded without the prior approval from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The PTDF reportedly paid over N46 million [N46,974,216.43] to ‘three companies for services without evidence of execution.’ ‘One of the contractors was engaged on 13th April 2021 but was paid for services rendered in March 2021. All the three contractors were paid for periods they had not rendered the services to the PTDF.’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The PTDF also reportedly failed to remit over N60 million [N60,355,670.03] of ‘stamp duty from the capital expenditure contracts awarded in 2019 and 2020.’ The PTDF ‘provided no reason why the money was not remitted.’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The PTDF also reportedly failed to account for over N64 million [N64,088,158.44] ‘being payment for store items not supplied.” The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The PTDF also reportedly paid over N41 million [N41,367,493.50] ‘for services not yet performed or goods not yet supplied.’ The payments were made ‘without relevant supporting documents such as invoices, receipts.’”
“The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources reportedly spent over N137 million [N137,751,789.85] ‘from the Capital Vote for expenditures which were recurrent in nature without any approval by the National Assembly and the Minister of Finance.’”
“The Auditor-General fears the money may be missing. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury. He also wants sanctions applied ‘for gross misconduct specified in paragraph 3129 of the Financial Regulations 2009.’”
“The Ministry reportedly failed to account for over N232 million [N232,509,238.21] ‘being payments to seven companies for consultancy services for stakeholders’ engagement in the Niger Delta in January 2021.’”
“According to the Auditor-General, ‘the type of engagements and the reasons for contracting the seven companies were not stated. The venue of the engagement remains unknown. This spending of public funds appeared fictitious.’”
“The Auditor-General fears “the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to remit over N25 million [N25,516,938.00] of ‘taxes collected from payments of N137,929,394.58] made to contractors.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for over N43 million [N43,533,036.65] ‘being irregular payments for the replacement of broken ceiling.’ The Auditor-General fears “the money may have been diverted.’ He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“The Ministry failed to account for over N74 million [N74,721,625.03] ‘being payments made as cash advances granted to officers between March and December 2021 without retirement.’ The Auditor-General fears ‘the money may have been diverted’, and wants it recovered and remitted to the treasury.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The country’s wealth ought to be used solely for the benefit of the Nigerian people, and for the sake of the present and future generations.”
“These allegations can promptly be investigated and fairly prosecuted. Taking these steps would advance the right of Nigerians to restitution, compensation and guarantee of non-repetition.”
“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your government to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“Section 15(5) imposes the responsibility on your government to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, your government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“The UN Convention against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party obligate your government to effectively prevent and investigate the plundering of the country’s wealth and hold public officials to account for any violations.”
“Specifically, article 26 of the UN convention requires your government to ensure ‘effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions’ including criminal and non-criminal sanctions, in cases of grand corruption.”
“Article 26 complements the more general requirement of article 30, paragraph 1, that sanctions must take into account the gravity of the corruption allegations.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
2/02/2025
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Communiqué Issued at the end of the 79th Meeting of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Today, Wednesday January 29, 2025, Presented by the Chairman of the BoT, Senator Adolphus Wabara
The Board of Trustees at its 79th meeting today, Wednesday, January 29, 2025, critically assessed the State of affairs of the Nation and the Party and resolved as follows:
- The BoT expresses serious concerns over the unresolved challenges facing the Party especially as related to the disagreements within the National Working Committee (NWC).
- The BoT calls on the members of the NWC, all Organs, leaders and critical stakeholders of our Party across board to rise above personal, group or sectional interests and place the stability, unity, sustenance and progress of our Party and its ideals above all other considerations.
- In the effort to resolve the current crisis over the position of the National Secretary of the Party, which is presently before the Courts, the BoT set up a committee led by Barr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN to interface with the parties, study the situation and report to the Board for further action.
- The Acting National Chairman assured the BoT that the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will hold as scheduled in scheduled in February 2025 to address all pertinent issues and reaffirm our shared commitment to the unity, discipline, and ideals that bind us together as members of the PDP.
- On the national front, the BoT expresses concerns over the worsening economic and security situation, social dislocation and total sense of hopelessness in the country due to the ill-conceived and ill-implemented polices of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
- BoT decries the insensitivity of the APC administration towards Nigerians as evident in the unjustified multiple taxes and failure to stem the increase in the pump price of fuel, electricity tariffs and telecommunication charges with crippling effect on the productive sector and unbearable rise in cost of living in the country.
- The BoT insists that the APC administration lacks the required patriotism, competence as well as a proficient, transparent and innovative governance team to effectively manage the nation’s abundant human and natural resources to benefit our citizens
- The BoT demands that the APC administration immediately rescind all its anti-people policies and takes urgent steps to stimulate the productive sector, create jobs and revamp the ailing economy.
- The BoT condoled with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother as well as the Governor of Bauchi, State Senator Bala Mohammed over the death of his step mother.
- The BoT reassures all Party members and Nigerians that the PDP remains a strong, united and cohesive political Party committed to the sustenance of democracy and wellbeing of Nigerians at all times.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONCLUDES VISIT TO TANZANIA, AFFIRMS NIGERIA’S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVED ELECTRICITY ACCESS
President Bola Tinubu has concluded his visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he joined other African leaders to participate in the Mission 300 Africa Energy Summit.
The President and his team arrived on Sunday. He is now on his way back to Abuja.
The two-day Summit, hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Union, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and the World Bank Group, adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration.
The Declaration focused on providing access to electricity for 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
A high point of the event was the presidential endorsement of the Dar es Salaam Declaration by African leaders at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre.
Following the reading of the Declaration, leaders from Nigeria, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia signed the document.
Through the Declaration, the leaders from the 12 countries expressed their commitment to ensuring electricity access for their citizens in the next five years.
The 12 nations plan to achieve the goal through National Energy Compacts, which identify specific policy measures to address constraints across their energy sector and set targets based on their unique context.
In the speech read by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the Nigerian leader lauded the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank Group, and development partners for their collective pledge to bring electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.
President Tinubu called on African leaders to prioritise energy access, emphasising collective action.
“Let us work together to create a brighter future for our citizens—where every African can access reliable and affordable energy.
“A future where our industries thrive, our economies grow, and our people prosper,” the President said in the speech by the Minister of Power.
President Tinubu also used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to its unelectrified population by 2030.
“This is an ambitious goal, but we can achieve it together.
“As Nigeria’s President, I am committed to making energy access a top priority,” he said.
Detailing the substantial progress Nigeria has achieved with the support of international development partners, President Tinubu acknowledged AfDB’s $1.1 billion, expected to provide electricity for 5 million people by the end of 2026, while its $200 million in the Nigeria Electrification Project will provide electricity for 500,000 people by the end of 2025.
“We also look forward to the AfDB’s planned $700 million investment in the Nigeria Desert to Power programme and its planned $500 million facility for the Nigeria-Grid Battery Energy Storage System, which will provide electricity for an additional two million people.
“We have equally begun making plans to ensure the effectiveness of the World Bank’s $750 million support for expanding Nigeria’s distributed energy access via mini-grids and standalone solar systems that will provide access to power to 16.2 million people,” he said.
President Tinubu thanked Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina of AfDB for their transformative vision, which he said “will light up and power Africa.”
He also applauded the contributions of the UN Sustainable Energy For All, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the Global Energy Alliance for Development.
“As we all know, Africa is rich in energy resources, yet millions of our citizens still lack access to reliable and affordable energy.
“This situation is unacceptable. It is our responsibility to take collective action to change this narrative,” President Tinubu said.
President Tinubu highlighted ongoing investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power in Nigeria.
“For example, the federal government is in the final stages of developing an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure programme emphasising renewable energy and establishing stricter vehicle emission standards.
“This will ease adoption barriers, galvanise partnerships, and provide affordable EV financing options. I am pleased to announce that the first 100 electric buses are already in the country.
“Nigeria’s energy sector is growing as a direct result of our reforms. The Nigerian government continues incentivising those interested in investing in renewable energy, oil and gas energy efficiency,” he said.
He said that buoyed by Nigeria’s successful attraction of over $6 billion in new investments into its energy sector in 2024 alone, his administration is keen to build on this success in 2025 and beyond.
At the Summit, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced that it has committed $70 million in private sector funding to five Nigerian Renewable Electricity Service Companies (RESCOs) under the Nigeria Distributed Access Through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will implement the project.
Nigeria’s National Energy Compact, presented at the Summit on Monday, sets targets with implementation timelines and outlines the various planned reforms.
They include expanding power generation and investing in transmission and distribution infrastructure at competitive costs, working towards financially viable utilities that provide reliable service, and incentivising private sector participation to unlock additional resources.
Other reform actions include embracing distributed renewable energy and clean cooking solutions for affordable last-mile access and leveraging the benefits of increased regional integration.
According to the document, Nigeria will require an investment of $23.2 billion for last-mile electrification, including contributions from the public and private sectors.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 28, 2025
ABUJA, FCT, JANUARY 28, 2025
PRESS STATEMENT
ATIKU, YOUR POLITICAL DESPERATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PDP’S CATASTROPHIC DISINTEGRATION
The former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, like a badly broken record, has continued to point fingers at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the festering rot in his party, and the spectacular dysfunction of opposition parties generally.
At the national conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria held in Abuja on Monday, January 27, 2025, Atiku, warned that the nation’s democracy was somewhat imperiled by judicial involvement in electoral matters. Also, without a shred of evidence, Atiku alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was paying certain opposition leaders a whooping 50 Million Naira each to discombobulate opposition parties in the country.
It was in the Atiku era as Vice President, particularly in 2003 and 2007, that the PDP conducted the worst elections in our political history. We cannot possibly forget how Atiku’s PDP heavy-handedly captured most South-West states and vowed to remain in power for 60 years. It was in those same years that Atiku’s former boss and then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, infamously described election as a “do or die affair” in a desperate attempt to annex Lagos. If democracy was neither derailed nor endangered in those perilous days, is it now that elections are by far freer, fairer and more credible that Nigeria risks losing democracy?
The judicial branch of government is a constitutional creation like the executive and legislative branches with its constitutionally defined powers to adjudicate disputes among citizens and between citizens and the state. Atiku cannot wish away or seek to abolish enshrined power of the courts to intervene in civil disputes, including electoral disputes, in cases where the authority of the court is validly invoked by a litigant.
It is a thing of irony that Atiku, who is Nigeria’s most prolific electoral litigator, would make such a ludicrous claim that judicial involvement in electoral matters is a threat to democracy. His criticism of the courts and the electoral process rings hollow given his long history of using the courts to further his political agenda. It’s time for him to take a step back and let the democratic process unfold without his interference.
Nigeria’s democracy is far stronger than Atiku’s political ambitions. We deserve better than petty politicking and alarmist rhetoric from an elder statesman. As a veteran politician, one would expect Atiku to understand that while democracy may be about winning election, it is, more importantly, about respecting the will of the electorate and working towards the greater good of all. Atiku should focus on rebuilding his party and offering constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Atiku’s allegation that the APC-led administration was paying out 50 Million Naira to some opposition figures is simply bogus and laughable. Atiku knows that his political desperation is responsible for the PDP’s catastrophic disintegration. Peddling rumors and unsubstantiated allegations should be beneath anyone in the standing of an elder statesman, a former Vice President and a serial contestant for the exalted office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The bizarre suggestion by opposition figures like Atiku, Peter Obi, and recently, aggrieved leaders like Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that our great Party may be complicit in the internal corrosion of opposition parties is pitiful, and only an incompetent alibi for their crass failure to manage their own affairs. They cannot govern their parties but tout their ability to govern Africa’s most populous country.
As discerning citizens, Nigerians know better than to be distracted by the false alarm and hollow allegations of desperate politicians whose only goal is shore up their political relevance in the build up to 2027 general elections.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, Esq.*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUDS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DIASPORAN NIGERIANS
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, said the positive reports on Nigerians in the diaspora would inspire the younger generation on values that enhance the nation’s image.
The President commended diasporan Nigerians while receiving Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, and the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius F. Sandy, at the State House.
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria.
The Canadian High Commissioner told President Tinubu that Nigerians are active in education, sports, science, health, and business in his country.
He said Nigerians in Canada demonstrate high responsibility, civility, and purposefulness when pursuing their goals.
“For us, Nigeria is a key partner. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies. You are also Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa.
“I would like to advance the positive relations over the years. The diaspora in Canada is dynamic and strong. We have Nigerians in government, business, science, and sports. We want to build the ties further,” the Canadian High Commissioner said.
Salvaggio, who had previously worked in Ghana and Cote’Ivoire, said Canada seeks to expand its interest in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture in its partnership with Nigeria.
President Tinubu lauded Nigerians’ accomplishments abroad, describing them as an inspiration to many.
“It is good to hear about how Nigerians are doing well in the diaspora again,” he said.
In another meeting with the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, President Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria’s interest in developing the West Coast and Africa remains a priority.
The President told the envoy that Nigeria’s decades-long investment in Sierra Leone has contributed to Africa’s progress and promoted bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner thanked the President for Nigeria’s support in keeping the country together.
“In Sierra Leone, more Nigerians are doing business than Sierra Leoneans. Most of my teachers in school were Nigerians. There is no difference between a Nigerian and a Sierra Leonean when you are walking in the street of Freetown,” the High Commissioner said.
At another meeting with the new Ethiopian envoy, President Tinubu discussed the warm relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
“We need to continue pursuing peace in our continent. We need to work hard together to promote peace and stability. Our challenge in Africa is insecurity. Insecurity detracts from development. We do not have anybody that will bring peace to us, except we work for it,” he said.
The Ambassador of Ethiopia remarked, “I am in Nigeria to build on the achievements of my predecessors. We will focus on culture. Our cultural relations are a big industry, already enhanced by the Ethiopian Airline.”
After receiving the Letter of Credence from the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, President Tinubu commended the Catholic Church for its investments in education and interventions to reduce poverty.
“We have a lot of value for education in Nigeria, and the Catholic Church has done a lot in that regard, as well as in fighting poverty. Education reduces ignorance and poverty,” he added.
President Tinubu said he looked forward to receiving the Vatican’s leadership in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 30, 2025
