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Re: Betta Edu N3bn sleaze and GVG fund saga

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…An Effort In Futility By Desperados, By Omogbolahan Babawale

With the hoopla from the recently unearthed large scale sleaze from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) and its concomitant obstreperous cacophony, one thing I’ve observed, very keenly is the adroit adept application of some rules of the best-seller book by renowned Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power. The spinners, while jettisoning Rule 26 which states that, ‘Keep Your Hands Clean’, and which invariably implies if you must do anything untoward, get others to do it on your behalf so you do not take the blame went straight for the jugular of their adversary.

These desperados went straight for Rule 39 which states that you, ‘Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish’. By implication, the rule suggests that you create chaos to take advantage of the opportunity it provides. Of course, people’s attention will be diverted and their focus will be off the major problem at hand which overtly is what is obtainable now in the case involving the suspended former Head, Nigeria Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). And truth remains they will stop at nothing as they might have learnt from Rule 3 to always, Conceal Your Intentions. This affords you the opportunity to always lead people astray when it comes to your intentions. They will hardly realize your plans too soon.

Their desperation has finally led them to apply Rule 15 so quickly. What does Rule 15 say? It says, ’Crush Your Enemy Totally’. And who is the enemy here? Of course, Betta Edu. They believed they had the chance, hence, their decision to ‘destroy’ her completely with phantom, far-from-reality and unfounded fraud allegation. Robert Greene suggested that you show your enemy no mercy, so that they’ll be less likely to try to cross you in the future. This aptly captures the current campaign of calumny against the person of Dr. Betta Edu.

If the analogy were not to be, how come then it was possible for somebody alleged to have peculated a whopping sum of N30bn, stashed in several private accounts within few weeks of her appointment now spined the story such that N3bn was thereafter the major talk-of-the-town while the public speaks less of her humongous and esurient ‘annihilation of our common wealth’? Such spin needs be studied at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom or Harvard Business School in the United States. I shudder when people turn logic on its head. They have practically turned the attention solely on the Minister. Some have even almost turned it to an ethnic thing – North vs South. I wonder how many Southerners defended Dr. Abati, Sen. Obanikoro, Amb. Ayo Oke (the NIA man) among others during the #DasukiGate experience.

To think President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former auditor of high repute, trained by one of the best audit firms in the world – Deloitte would allow such shenanigans is to undermine his intelligence and his resolve to right the many wrongs bedeviling us a people. Meanwhile, Betta Edu, through her aide, Rasheed had said she got approval for the Grants for the Vulnerable Group (GVG) fund moved into a personal account. As a man with financial background, a former auditor with 10-year audit experience, I can say authoritatively that it is not the duty of Betta Edu as a minister to put in internal control mechanisms. That overtly falls within the purview of both the Accountant-General of the Federation and Auditor-General for the Federation. If both officers or their offices through which the payment was made did not raise any objection, why should Edu take the fall? The last time I checked, I remember, Betta Edu as a Minister does not have such powers as to open official account other than the statutory recognized accounts – salary, overheads and revenue (where necessary)…

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Ekiti Airport targets 24-hour flight operation, says Gov Oyebanji

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….Says Ekiti economy has improved significantly under his watch

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has revealed that efforts are in place to ensure the Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport runs 24-hour operation, in a bid to make the route competitive.

The Governor also expressed delight that the economy of the state has recorded significant improvement in the past two-and-a-half years, promising to do more in order to ensure a more sustainable development of the state and better living standard for the people.

Governor Oyebanji who stated these on Monday night during the March edition of his monthly media chat, “Meet Your Governor”, said his government intends to make the Ekiti Airport a major hub, as well as a major driver of the economy, attracting more investors to the state and boosting the economic capacities of the citizens.

He explained that his administration has entered into discussions with three major airlines in the country to commence commercial flights at the airport, facilitate air travel, tourism development, more investment and transportation of cargoes and export of farm produce to local and international destinations.

While expressing optimism that at least two of the airlines would operate flights to and from the airport, Oyebanji said his administration also hopes to make the route competitive by working hard to install Instrument Landing System (ILS) that will enable the operation of 24-hour flights in the airport.

The Governor said: “The issue is to make the route profitable and competitive for airlines and if the route is profitable, they will bring their planes. Part of what we are doing is to make it an airport of choice and by next year, they will be able to run Hajj and (Christian) pilgrimage.

“To make it an airport of choice, we must put a structure that guarantees 24-hour landing.

There is what we call Instrument Landing System (ILS) which enables night operations and also enables planes to land in extreme weather.

ILS as at today will cost close to N4.6 billion but we are determined to get it done.

“We are determined that before the end of this year, we will install ILS at the Ado Airport.

If we are able to do that, it will be the second airport in Southwest after Lagos Airport that has such a facility so that aircraft can land at night. We are also talking to a vendor that will provide a hangar for airport services, so it’s a whole gamut of transaction that is going on.

“The Governor also disclosed that a cargo shed is being constructed at the airport to serve as storage facility for farm produce and cash crops. He commended the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele for facilitating its inclusion in the budget.

The Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport was given approval for non-scheduled flight operation for six months last December. Governor Oyebanji who said expressed optimism that the airport would be one of the most competitive by the time it commences commercial operations.

Speaking further, Governor Oyebanji identified some indices of economic growth witnessed under his administration to include springing up of more businesses in the state made possible by an enabling environment for them to flourish, improved internally generated revenue and receipts from the Federation Account, as well as adequate protection of lives and property.

The Governor who disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) have moved from about N600 million monthly to over N2 billion monthly, attributed the feat partly to the fact that more residents are now encouraged to pay their taxes, having seen evidence of the government’s effective utilization of proceeds of the taxes in every part of the state.

He explained that his administration has not restricted development strides to only Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as it is being speculated in some quarters, noting that virtually all parts of the state including the rural areas have been touched.

He also expressed readiness to keep on working for the people of the state till his last day in office, stressing that he wont be distracted by on going politicking.

Speaking on the state of the treasury, Oyebanji said what the state government and local governments receive monthly are not hidden as they are published by the office of the Accountant General noting that they vary from one month to the other.

He emphasized that his administration does not tamper with the local government funds as the State House of Assembly has an enabling law with established the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) with the monies for the councils coming directly into the account from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

While noting that he does not get involved in how the funds are shared, the Governor pointed out that he only monitors the projects the council chairmen execute with the funds to ensure that they are in line with the needs of the people and they such projects are satisfactory.

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Kogi State enforces ban on rallies, public gatherings amidst riding security concerns

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In view of the growing security concerns in Kogi State, the government has announced a ban on all forms of rallies or public gatherings that have the potential to disrupt public peace.

According to a statement on Monday by the Kogi State Commissioner for information and Communication Kingsley Fanwo, the decision comes after reports of planned violent rallies disguised as political and religious agitations surfaced.

The Commissioner averred that the state government has taken proactive measures to prevent any form of security breach that could destabilize the peace and security of the state.

Explaining further, Fanwo said “With recent incidents in various local government areas, including clashes in communities and tensions rising due to planned rallies, the government has deemed it necessary to implement stricter security measures.

“The ban on public gatherings includes suspending all fishing activities in Kogi Local Government Area until peace is completely restored after recent clashes resulted in the loss of lives.

Additionally, security operatives have been deployed to affected areas to restore calm and implement the directive.

“Furthermore, in Ankpa Local Government Area, communal clashes between Ika-Odele and Ika Ochala are threatening the peace in Kogi East. Security personnel have been deployed to the area to calm the situation and avert further loss of lives and property.

“The ban on rallies and public gatherings applies to all individuals, groups, or organizations within the state until further notice. The government acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to express themselves but emphasizes that security considerations must take precedence for public safety.

“The state government has also directed that any individual or group entering Kogi State with a convoy of security personnel must obtain prior clearance from state commands to prevent unauthorized movements and ensure the presence of duly accredited security agents.

“To ensure strict enforcement of these measures, the State Security Adviser has been tasked to work closely with all security agencies and maintain high alertness to prevent any breakdown of law and order”.

Fanwo added that the government urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies to guarantee the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“With the Chief Servant of Kogi State leading efforts to protect lives and property and maintain peace and stability in the state, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or movements to the appropriate security authorities.

The government reassures the public that any attempt to undermine the peace and security of Kogi State will be met with the full force of the law.

“By implementing these measures and collaborating with security agencies and community leaders, the Kogi State Government is committed to safeguarding the state and providing a safe environment for all residents” the statement added.

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President Tinubu congratulates Jim Ovia on admission to the freedom of the city of London

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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, on his admission to the prestigious Freedom of the City of London.

Admission to the Freedom of the City of London is an honour bestowed on individuals for their service to the city or for their achievements.

In a press statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the honour as a fitting recognition for Mr Ovia’s exceptional contributions to business, innovation, and technology, as well as for his role in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and strengthening economic ties between Africa and the rest of the world.

“This honour is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence, your pioneering role in the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria, and your visionary leadership that continues to inspire generations.

As an accomplished entrepreneur and advocate of innovation-driven development, your recognition in the City of London affirms the global relevance of Nigerian excellence and enterprise”, the President stated.

President Tinubu commended Mr Ovia for being a distinguished ambassador of the nation’s private sector and wished him continued success in his endeavours.

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