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EFCC Accuses Benue Governor of N22bn Fraud .

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The EFCC has linked Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State to an alleged fraud to the tune of N22bn.This is just as the EFCC revealed that 21 members of the Benue State House of Assembly are under investigation for allegedly diverting N375m meant for the procurement of vehicles that would be used for oversight functions.

The allegations are contained in a report of an investigation which began in 2016 but was made available to punch on Monday.According to the report, the governor, between June 30, 2015 and March 2018, ordered the withdrawal of N21.3bn from four government’s accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria and the United Bank for Africa.

On paper, about N19bn out of the money was said to be meant for the payment of six security agencies that had been deployed in the state to address the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
However, the EFCC stated that less than N3bn of the money was paid to the security agencies while the remainder could not be accounted for. .
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The anti-graft agency said one person identified as Oliver Ntom, withdrew over N19bn from the account of the Bureau of Internal Affairs and Special Services based on the instructions of the Permanent Secretary, Boniface Nyaakor.The money, which was allegedly withdrawn under the pretext of security votes, was said to have been diverted while the memos written in respect of the withdrawal were destroyed.

The funds being spent were not in the budget of the Benue State Government.It further accused the governor of failing to pay salaries despite withdrawing N1.328bn from the Joint State Local Govt Account in Fidelity Bank with number 50**

Meanwhile, the EFCC has invited 21 out of the 30 lawmakers in the Benue State House of Assembly for allegedly diverting part of the N375m meant for the procurement of vehicles in 2016.
According to the anti-graft agency, the Benue State govt had in 2016 awarded a contract worth N417m (N375m after tax) to Mia-Three Nigeria Limited to procure 30 Prado TXL vehicles for the lawmakers.However, only eight members received the vehicles while the others diverted the funds.

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Nasarawa ADC Suspends State Chairman Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities, Sets Up Disciplinary Committee

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nasarawa State has suspended its State Chairman, Godwin Alaku Williams, over alleged involvement in anti-party activities.
The suspension was approved by the party’s Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) following a petition accusing Williams of actions deemed harmful to the unity and progress of the party in the state.
The decision was taken at a TLT meeting held on Wednesday at Otunsha Hotel, Keffi, and presided over by the party leader, Chief John Michael Abdul.
In a statement issued by the party’s spokesperson, Comrade Idris Ojoko, the suspension will last for 14 days, pending investigation and the outcome of proceedings by a disciplinary committee constituted by the TLT.
Ojoko also announced the appointment of Barrister Paul Magaji Ajeh, formerly the State Secretary, as Acting State Chairman, while Umar A. Babayaro has been named Acting Secretary.
According to the statement, the allegations against Williams include his alleged refusal to recognise the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) led by Senator David Mark, and his failure to integrate coalition members into the ADC party structure in Nasarawa State.
Other accusations include allegedly reporting some party leaders to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police, describing them as impostors.
Williams is also accused of constituting parallel party organs at various levels within the state, interfering with the establishment of party offices at the state, local government, and ward levels contrary to NWC directives, and disrupting the ongoing membership registration and revalidation exercise.
Meanwhile, Ojoko announced the formation of a disciplinary committee chaired by Barrister Hassan Yakubu. Other members include Amina Zanwa, Mamman Sunday, and Yunus Abdullahi Sidi, with Gaza Mark Auta serving as Secretary.

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Atiku’s Son Expelled From Political Group After Defecting to APC Ahead of 2027 Elections

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The Atiku Haske Organisation has expelled Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, following his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

In a statement released on Saturday, the group’s National Secretary and Convener, Hon. Mai Nagge Musa Bakari said Abba had no authority to issue directives to the organisation, noting that he neither founded nor registered the group.

“The Atiku Haske Organisation was founded by us. Abba was merely invited to join the group. He neither contributed a single naira to the organisation nor does he possess its certificate of registration. We are, therefore, under no obligation to adhere to any directive from him,” Bakari said.

The organisation accused Abba of acting contrary to its collective decisions, values, and principles, prompting his expulsion. Bakari declared any instruction allegedly issued by Abba regarding the group’s political stance as “null, void and dead on arrival.””

The group categorically denied defecting from the African Democratic Congress, emphasizing that while it was previously aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party, members collectively resolved to move to the ADC, a decision that remains unchanged.

Despite expelling his son, the organisation reaffirmed its support for the former vice president, describing him as “the most credible candidate” capable of delivering good governance and alleviating Nigerian suffering.

Atiku has described his son’s decision as “entirely personal,” stating that such developments at the intersection of family and politics are “neither unusual nor alarming.”

The development signals intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with major political figures already repositioning themselves for the electoral contest.

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2027: Anytime Tinubu thinks I am no longer valuable, he has the right to sack me —Nyesom Wike

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Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has every right to remove him from office whenever he is deemed no longer useful.
Wike made the remark while addressing recent political discussions surrounding his role in the Tinubu-led administration. He stressed that his appointment is entirely at the president’s discretion and not a matter of entitlement.
According to the former Rivers State governor, his focus remains on delivering results and justifying the confidence reposed in him, rather than worrying about removal from office. He added that leadership positions come with responsibility, not permanence.
Wike’s comment has since sparked reactions across political circles, with many viewing it as a reaffirmation of loyalty to President Tinubu and the principle that public office is service-driven, not guaranteed.

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