Politics

EFCC Accuses Benue Governor of N22bn Fraud .

Published

7 years ago

July 31, 2018

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Special Services based on the instructions of the Permanent Secretary, Boniface Nyaakor.The money, which was allegedly withdrawn under the pretext of security votes, was said to have been diverted while the memos written in respect of the withdrawal were destroyed.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.

Politics

Nigeria on the Brink of Historic Expansion: New States to be Created

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2025

lagoslately

A major development is underway in Nigeria, as the Senatorial Committee’s nationwide tour on state creation has reached its conclusion. The committee’s efforts are expected to lead to the establishment of new states across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Here are the proposed new states:

South West:

Ijebu State (from Ogun State)
Ibadan State (from Oyo State)

South East:

Anim State (from parts of Anambra and Imo States)
Adada State (from Enugu State)

South South:

Toru-Ibe State (from parts of Ondo, Edo, and Delta States)
Obolo State (from Akwa Ibom State)

North East:

Savanna State (from Borno State)
Amana State (from Adamawa State)

North West:

Tiga State (from Kano State)
Gurara State (from Southern Kaduna)

North Central:

Okura State (from Kogi State)
Apa State (from Benue State)

This historic expansion is poised to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and usher in a new era of development and growth.

News

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies at 82

Published

5 days ago

July 13, 2025

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Nigeria is in mourning as news breaks of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. The elder statesman reportedly passed away in the early hours of today at the age of 82.

Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023, was known for his anti-corruption stance, military background, and strong influence on Nigeria’s political landscape for over four decades. Before his civilian presidency, he also ruled as military head of state from 1983 to 1985.

Sources close to the family confirmed his peaceful passing at his Daura residence in Katsina State, surrounded by loved ones. Official statements from the presidency and his family are expected soon.

Tributes have started pouring in from across the nation and beyond, recognizing Buhari’s role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey and his dedication to national security and infrastructural development.

News

Akpabio Removes Natasha Akpoti as Chairman of The Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs

Published

1 week ago

July 10, 2025

lagoslately

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has made a major change in the leadership of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been removed as the Chair of the committee, and a new replacement has been named immediately.

Although no official explanation was given at the time of the announcement, the development has sparked conversations in political circles. Senator Natasha, known for her passion in representing diaspora-related matters, has not yet reacted publicly.