The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to refer the allegations of mismanagement of $16 billion power projects to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation.

Buhari had on Tuesday accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of spending $16bn on power projects during his tenure as the President without corresponding power supply to Nigerians.

Responding, Obasanjo said the President’s allegation was rooted in ignorance, claiming he was already cleared of any wrongdoing concerning the power sector by the National Assembly. In a statement sent to Concise News on Wednesday by its executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP said that if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, anyone suspected to be involved in the projects should face prosecution.

SERAP also urged Buhari to investigate the alleged squandering of over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply covering the governments of former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.”

Mumuni said; “We welcome the focus by President Buhari on the massive allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the power sector and urge him to expand his searchlight beyond the Obasanjo government by ensuring accountability and full recovery of the over N11 trillion squandered by the three administrations. It is only by pursuing all the allegations and taking the evidence before the court that the truth will be revealed and justice best served. This is the only way to conclusively address the systemic corruption in the power sector and an entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators.”

“Addressing impunity in the power sector should be total. This would help improve the integrity of government and public confidence and trust in their government. It would also serve as a vehicle to further the public’s perception of fairness and thoroughness, and to avert any appearance of political considerations in the whole exercise.”

The statement added; “SERAP notes that lack of access to uninterrupted energy/electricity services has forced many citizens to use and collect frequently contaminated surface water for drinking and household uses; and denied the citizens the ability and services for boiling, purifying, disinfecting, and storing water, as well as for irrigation to increase the productivity of lands, thereby decreasing the availability of food supplies and undermining employment opportunities.

“SERAP notes that the failure by successive governments to tell Nigerians the truth about allegations of corruption in the spending of not just the $16 billion but also the over N11 trillion spent by three governments on electricity supply amounts to a failure to ensure that energy services/electricity services are progressively made available, on the basis of equality and non-discrimination, to the whole population, including those most disadvantaged, such as the fringe dwellers and the rural poor.”

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BIG STORY

Tinubu To Hold First Presidential Media Chat Tonight

Published

3 hours ago

December 23, 2024

PorscheClassy News

President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural media chat is set to be broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed that the media chat will be aired at 9 p.m. today.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

All television and radio stations are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

This marks Tinubu’s first media chat since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

During the chat, Tinubu will respond to questions from a panel of journalists on national matters, including his economic policies, security, and other key issues.

The tradition of presidential media chats began during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The practice was continued by the administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the frequency of the presidential media chats declined.

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BIG STORY

IGP Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Beat Up Officers During Stop-And-Search — Police

Published

7 hours ago

December 23, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations

Published

13 hours ago

December 23, 2024

PorscheClassy News

The federal government has declared December 25-26, and January 1, 2025, as public holidays.

The public holidays are to commemorate the “Christmas,” “Boxing Day,” and “New Year’s Day” celebrations, respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the dates in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians for the holidays and encouraged them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of “love,” “peace,” and “unity” that the season signifies.

He further emphasized that the yuletide is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the statement reads.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

Tunji-Ojo added that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Bola Tinubu administration will usher in a prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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