No One Can Prove I Stole Rivers State Money – Former Governor, Rotimi Amaechi Says

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has denied allegations that he embezzled money meant for the development of Rivers state when he was governor. Amaechi said this while speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on corruption organised by the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja today July 28th.


“If you had followed the Rivers State government when I was governor, we were the first state to introduce the Public Procurement Law in the country. The state cabinet used to call the Director General of Public Procurement in the state as an alternative governor, that they wanted an amendment to that law. The reason they wanted amendment is that he (DG) refused to increase the threshold to one hundred million naira, per ministry, instead he reduced it to 10 million naira. I had a battle with him (DG BPE) and the world bank who insisted that we should not go for an amendment but should persuade him to increase the threshold. I remember the cabinet tried to go to court against him and I remember that he was also trying to go to court against Commissioners. In fact, the procurement DG wrote a memo that I felt was very incriminating requesting that since the law requires the governor to take any commissioner who doesn’t comply with the public procurement law to court, I should please take the commissioner of education to court for not complying… Everybody in the cabinet felt that he was an alternative governor, they felt that he was slowing the process,” he said.

Mr. Amaechi said transparency in the use of public funds was key to his administration as governor, and that the Rivers community was fully briefed periodically on how funds were being utilised.

“Within that period we insisted on engaging the indigenous communities on how much we received and how we spent the money. That is why I feel that after this ministerial appointment, I should do everything possible to stay away from government because in spite of all the forms of transparency I introduced in government, one man could begin to tell lies to Nigerians and Nigerians believe him. The governor of Rivers State said I squandered N3 trillion naira. I did not receive up to N1.8 trillion naira as governor both from IGR and funds from federal allocation. So, how could I have squandered money I did not even receive in the first place? You can see the politics of lies and lies. As Minister of Transportation, I run an open and transparent system. I believe in name and shame. What name and shame does is, if you name and shame those of them who don’t have conscience they won’t come to public functions. I do have conscience. In fact, it was the word corruption that brought me to this occasion because I wanted to see who will get up and say to me, ‘this is evidence that you are corrupt. We went to court against the Rivers State government on their allegation of corruption against me. The Court of Appeal said, produce that document that found this man (Amaechi) guilty of those crimes and up till today he (Wike) has not produced it,” he said

Rotimi Amaechi Weighs In On The Issue Of Who Built The Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line

As tweeted by the minister of transport ...

Why I Attended The Peace Meeting With Rotimi Amaechi- Nyesom Wike

Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday disclosed why he attended a peace meeting with the former governor of the state now Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi which was brokered by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and Director General of the Department of State Security, Musa Daura. Speaking at the Rivers West Senatorial District Rally in Degema, Wike said he was at the meeting because he loves peace and wants the state to move forward


“I was at the peace meeting because we love peace and want the state to move forward. I signed an undertaking on your behalf that we are prepared for INEC credible, free and fair elections. It is not in our position to have crisis because we are the ones losing"he said The state will be holding rerun elections for Senatorial/House of Representative positions this Saturday July 30th.

Toyin Aimakhu Unveils Her “Teemoji” With Phrases In Yoruba

Just like Kim Kardashian, Blac Chyna and Amber Rose have done, Nollywood actress Toyin Aimakhu has launched her line of emojis.

Her emojis are called “Teemojis” and they come with many of Toyin’s unique facial expressions matched with everyday local phrases and parlance in Yoruba Language.

Will you download the app?

See a sneak peek at some of the expressions below.

Cancer Patient Mayowa, All smiles After Raising The Complete Money She Needs For Surgery

Ovarian cancer patient Mayowa Ahmed has thanked Nigerians for helping her raise the $100,000 she needs for surgery and asked everyone to pray for her. She was visited by actress Toyin Aimakhu who shared a video on IG. See more screengrabs below....

Amaechi & Wike Attend Peace Meeting To Ensure Violent-Free Re-run Elections In Rivers State

In an effort to guarantee a violent-free and credible Re-run Senatorial/House of Reps elections in Rivers State, a crucial meeting was held on Tuesday between the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, the DG of Department of State Services, Alh. Musa Daura and the two major players in Rivers State politics, Gov. Nyesom Wike and Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi.

In a statement released by the Nigeria Police Force, the meeting was said to held in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cordiality. They deliberated on the overall need to have peaceful, free and fair election devoid of violence in the State. Wike and Amaechi resolved to be irrevocably committed to lasting peace and vouched to play the game by the rules in the forthcoming re-run elections in the State. They also agreed to prevail on their teaming supporters to adhere to their commitment to peace and security in the State. In addition, they agreed to convene another meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, aimed at further solidifying their commitment to peace.

Buhari Appoints Nwalem Mbam As Chair Of Revenue Mobilization, Allocation And Fiscal Commission

President Buhari has approved the appointment of Elias Nwalem Mbam from Ebonyi state as the Chairman for the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

Mbam's appointment is contained in a statement released form the office of the secretary to the government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal yesterday July 26th.

The statement also adds that President Buhari also approved the appointment of Marilyn Amobi as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET). Both appointments is with immediate effect.

Pictures Of Michelle Obama At The Democratic National Convention In 2008, 2012 And 2016

Unlike President Obama, Michelle Obama  doesn't look like much has changed about her. Compare  her looks at the Democratic National Convention in 2008, 2012 and 2016... she is more beautiful as she grows older

Buhari's Presidency Will Energise The Economy - VP Osinbajo

The N500B Social Investment programmes of the Buhari presidency is a means to energize the economy and deal with issues of poverty in the country, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Speaking today while receiving a delegation of the Muslim Lawyers Association at the Presidential Villa, Prof. Osinbajo said the social investment programmes would train people, create jobs, feed school children from homegrown farming and grant soft loans to traders, artisans and market women.

"All these are ways and means of energising the economy and deal with some of the harshest problems like poverty," says the Vice President while also adding that despite the current economic conditions in the country there is great hope.
According to him, "we are here at this time because that is the will of God to deliver the goods and do the right things for this country. It is very interesting the situation we find ourselves, but there is great hope."
The Vice President said both the president and himself are committed to a new united Nigeria, populated by a 'New Tribe' that would be united across otherwise divisive lines be it ethnic or religious. He added that Nigerians must fight corruption which is responsible for the current situation of things in the country, stressing that if it is not challenged, corruption would worsen the situation.

He added that as a people "we should never be divided on religion and ethnicity, everyone is free to practice their own faith. When we come together as a people we must advance the interest of our nation."

Earlier the President of the Muslim Lawyers Association, Dr. Kamal Alhaji Daud praised both the president and the vice president pledging the association's support in the fight against corruption and also prayed for wisdom and strength for the Buhari presidency. The group had held a lecture entitled Service Above Self, in honour of the Vice President.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
Office of the Vice President

I Will Not Shield Any APC Member- Buhari

President Buhari says if any member of his party APC nor any of his supporters is found guilty in any act of corruption, he will not shield them. He said this in a new interview with The Interviewer magazine.
“Do you just grab people along the road and take them off to court for trial just because you want to create a semblance of balance? First, there has to be an accusation which must be properly investigated, and when a prima facie case has been built, you prosecute.
 If any of my backers or party (APC) members has anything established against them, let’s see whether I will shield anyone from prosecution. There seems to be a preponderance of the People Democratic Party members standing trial because they had been in power for 16 years, they had access to the public treasury and abused the trust reposed in them. You can be assured that anybody caught in corruption will answer for it irrespective of party, tribe or religion.”he said

Budget Scandal: Hon. Jibrin Makes More Accusations Of Bribery And Diversion Of NASS Funds

The former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin has accused Speaker Yakubu Dogara and three principal officers of diverting money meant for the lawmakers’ official residence.

Jibrin made the allegation in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

According to Jibrin, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun diverted millions of Naira all in the name of paying for guest houses and their official residence.

“The issue became so messy that the Deputy Speaker openly accused Hon. Herma Hembe of short changing them of millions of Naira in the deal to the shock of many members.

Speaker Yakubu Dogara frequently abuse his office amounting to conflict of interest by soliciting for inappropriate favours from agencies and multinational companies.

He forced an agency to grant loans and a construction company blackmailed to do some work at his Asokoro ‘plot’

Speaker Yakubu Dogara has carefully designed a scheme to scam members through deduction from their salaries certain amount of money for a so called mortgage arrangements to build houses for members.

He has been applying every under hand tactics to ensure Members agree to the deal,” he said.

Jibrin further alleged that the speaker had consistently refused members access to the financial dealings and internal budget of the house.

According to him, the speaker runs the financial management of the House like a cult, aided and abated by the Chairman House services, Hon. Babanlle Ila.

“It is no longer news that all over the House, Members are aware of the monumental fraud perpetrated by Speaker Yakubu Dogara in this regard. We are even told that this is a child’s play compared to the mess and allegations of money laundering he left behind as Chairman house services in both the 6th and 7th Assembly, ” the statement read in part.

According to Jibrin, the EFCC should have something to start working with in respect to his tenure as Chairman House services, if they properly dust their files.

“I am therefore once again calling on colleagues and well meaning Nigerians to prevail on Dogara, Deputy Speaker, Whip Ali Doguwa and Minority leader, Leo Ogor to put the interest of the country first.

“They should allow the house to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations on them. This is just the tip of an ice bag. I will make further revelations in due course,” Jibrin threatened.

Responding to the allegations, the Special Adviser to the speaker on Media and Public Affairs, Hassan Turaki, described the allegations as false and baseless.

“These are all lies and desperate attempts of a drowning man to clutch unto anything found. All his frivolous allegations do not disclose any element of corruption or wrongdoing against the Speaker,” he said.

The crossfire between Dogara and Jubrin had started since he was removed as chairman appropriation committee, which had led to avalanche of revelations on illegal activities of lawmakers in the padding the recently passed appropriations act.

Jubrin had accused the speaker and some of his principal officers of adding N40 billion for themselves in the budget; he also claimed to have prevented the trio from perpetrating the fraudulent act.

Kebbi State Governor Pays Unscheduled Visit To Schools, Orders Immediate Sack Of FIve Teachers Over Absenteeism

Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has directed the relevant education authorities to immediately terminate the appointment of five teachers at Gamjeji Village Primary School in Maiyama LGA for their nonchalant attitude towards their work.


The Governor gave this order during an unscheduled visit to Mayalo, Gamjeji, Gumbin-Kure, Sambawa and Unguwar Shuaibu where he inspected some primary and secondary schools in the early hours of Monday, July 25th.

Governor Bagudu discovered that the affected teachers remain absent from the school for long periods of time, which consequently affects the level of education received by the pupils. In Unguwar Shuaibu, it was discovered that five teachers allegedly teaching at the primary school presented to him by the headmaster were in fact security guards and not teachers.


The Governor, who is well known for paying unscheduled visits to government facilities, offices and schools, warned that his government will not condone laziness, absenteeism, idleness, unpunctuality and falsehood in the discharge of duties by teachers and supervisors in the educational sector. He made it clear that it would amount to criminality for the teachers to continue to receive salaries every month without working for it.

He also warned that the incumbent government has made discipline one of its priorities in the civil service and would continue to monitor the attitude of workers across the state.

The Kebbi State Government is set to train and retrain teachers, renovate and furnish public schools with much needed educational facilities and furniture in a bid to upgrade the educational sector of the state.

Army Rescues Missing Commanding Officer, 5 Others

The Nigerian Army has rescued five soldiers and officers among those declared missing after an ambush by Boko Haram members at Guru Gongon in Borno state on Wednesday July 20th. ‎ A commanding officer, three officers and 16 soldiers were declared missing in action after the ambush.

In a statement released today by Army spokesman, Col. Usman Sani, the commanding officer of the troops was among those rescued early this morning.


The statement reads
”It will be recalled that some of our troops were missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon on July 20, 2016. Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them. The measures included the use of air assets, special forces and patrols. We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found five more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit’s commanding officer. Although they are in a stable condition, they have been moved to our medical facilities for medical care.”

Train Crashes With A Truck And A Car On Ibadan - Abeokuta Road, No Casualties Recorded

A train badly crashed with Vehicles today at Kila, Kilometer 3 on Ibadan - Abeokuta road today. A DAF truck, Toyota Camry, and a Train were involved in the accident. However, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), no casualties were recorded. More pictures from the scene below.

The Federal Government Has Said That The Killers Of Slained Abuja Evangelist, Eunice Elisha Will Be Brought To Book, PUNCH Reports

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal said this on Saturday as a representative of President Muhammadu Buhari at the burial service held in RCCG FCT 2 Provincial Headquarters in Kubwa on Saturday.

“As a government, we want to inform you that all the perpetrators of this act will not go free and will be brought to book. All Nigerians should be safe and free to practice their religion anywhere.

Government’s resolve is to fish out the perpetrators. We pray to God not only to forgive them, but pray that the perpetrators seek for repentance.

On behalf of the President and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, may God console you,” Lawal said.

Also present was President Buhari’s Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Femi Adesina.

She was murdered in the Kubwa area of the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, July 9th at about 5:30AM.

They left her in a pool of blood, with her bible, megaphone and cellphone, until her corpse was spotted by residents of the neighbourhood, who alerted the police.

SA to President Buahri (Media and Publicity) Femi Adesina (L) and SGF, Babachir David Lawal (R).

 See more pictures below....

 

Photo Credit: NTA | PM News