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![[GIST] Onyekwere makes history after Commonwealth Games discus gold](https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltyYh4ysBHI/U04MKlHc6pI/AAAAAAAADQo/PFxXaGZu9PQ/w100-h100-c/no-image.png "[GIST] Onyekwere makes history after Commonwealth Games discus gold")
Reigning African Games and African Championships champion, Chioma Onyekwere, saved her best for the last major competition of the year to make history as the first Nigerian woman to win the Commonwealth Games gold in the Discus Throw event. Onyekewere, 28, threw 61.70m in her fourth attempt to take the lead from home girl, Jade
Nigeria has won gold and bronze medals in the women’s Discus throw final at the Commonwealth Games holding in Birmingham. Nigeria’s Chioma Onyekwere clinched the gold medal after throwing an SB of 61.70m, to beat England’s Jade Lally who won the silver medal after throwing 58.42m. Also, Nigeria’s Obiageri Amaechi came third in the final,
Four South American countries on Tuesday launched an unprecedented joint bid to host the centenary 2030 World Cup with the hope of bringing the global showpiece back to its first home. “We are in this iconic place where history began,” said Alejandro Dominguez, president of South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL, from the Centenario stadium
The Italian authorities have arrested a suspect involved in the murder of a Nigerian man in Italy, Ogochukwu Alika. Alika, a physically challenged man, was beaten to death with his crutches by the unnamed attacker while people watched and recorded the incident with their phones. Giving an update on the case in a statement on
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Tuesday in Abuja, said his regime had given the military “full freedom” to end the insecurity in the country which he called “madness”. According to a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari was reacting to the recent attacks in Kaduna,
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), Tuesday, congratulated a 16-year-old Nigerian girl, Iyeneobong Essien, for finishing second at the Champion of Champions World Golf Championship Invitational in Northern Ireland. President Buhari’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘President Buhari congratulates 16-year-old Nigerian golfer
![[GIST] Election Tribunal Orders Arrest of Nigerian Electoral Commission, INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu For Contempt Of Court](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/_105708763_inecchairmo_0.jpg "[GIST] Election Tribunal Orders Arrest of Nigerian Electoral Commission, INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu For Contempt Of Court")
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election Tribunal led by Chief Magistrate F. Oyekan has ordered the arrest of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for contempt of court.
The tribunal order the arrest while ruling on the application moved by C.I. Okoye leading Simon Daudu and A.J Adagami in Petition No FCT/ACET/EP/7/2022 which was delivered by K.L. Appah.
INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu
The tribunal stated that the order followed the refusal of the INEC Chairman to obey its order to produce documents named in the subpoena served on him on July 22, 2022, in the case.
The tribunal described Yakubu's failure to produce the documents as flagrant disobedience of the order of the court which must attract appropriate consequences under the law.
It, therefore, ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) or the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to arrest the INEC boss and produce him before the tribunal on Friday, July 29 to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for contempt of court.
![[GIST] No Immediate Solution To Aviation Fuel Crisis; Nigeria Doesn’t Produce It – Minister Tells Airlines](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/Hadi-Sirika.jpg "[GIST] No Immediate Solution To Aviation Fuel Crisis; Nigeria Doesn’t Produce It – Minister Tells Airlines")
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said there are no immediate solutions to the prolonged and recurrent crisis rocking Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The minister, who held an emergency meeting with the Airline Operators Association of Nigeria (AON) in Abuja on Tuesday, said the variables impacting the crises in the aviation sector are beyond the industry’s control. Thus there is no immediate solution.
Sirika said there is no short term solution because of the variables involved especially because it is a global problem.
“Energy crisis is real and it is global. Today, there is an aviation fuel problem all over the world, from America to New Zealand. It is aggravating in Nigeria because we don’t produce the product. It’s aggravated also because the foreign exchange is scarce in Nigeria, the source of earning the foreign exchange also has dwindled,” he explained.
He reiterated that the federal government had in the past sourced 10,000 metric tons of aviation fuel for the airlines, adding that the government was willing to do more.
“As we speak, the government is in the process of finding a permanent solution to this issue,” he said.
Some of the solutions, he said, include, “importation of the product at appropriate price, accelerating the refurbishment of our refineries and also waiting for the coming on stream of Dangote Refinery to boost supply of the product.”
“So when you ask how soon, I wouldn’t know when Dangote will come on stream; I wouldn’t know how soon the refineries will be filled. I wouldn’t know when imports would become sufficient. But the government is working towards all these to happen,” he said.
He also said he would meet with relevant stakeholders including the Central Bank of Nigeria so the airlines can access dollars at the official market rate rather than the black market rate.
The president of AON, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, in his comment said the aviation fuel crises began from N180 per litre and now stood at N1000 per litre.
He also said the Forex crisis was a huge burden on the industry.
“The rate at which the dollar is escalating now is very alarming. Every day, a difference between 10-15 naira is added at the parallel market. Last week, it was N610 but today, it is N670 to one dollar,” he said.
He called on the minister to intervene.
Also commenting, Mr Allen Oyeama, the vice president of AON, said the AON was satisfied with the government intervention in the industry.
“It is not easy to give a timeline to issues like this because the challenge is global. Even the American airlines are threatened too. It’s not only Nigeria. This is why they are eating the government? But we are pleased so far,” he said.
![[GIST] Panic In Abuja As Commercial Motorcyclists Clash With Police, Attack Residents, Damage Vehicles](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/SR%20Designs%20-%202022-07-27T094842.154.png "[GIST] Panic In Abuja As Commercial Motorcyclists Clash With Police, Attack Residents, Damage Vehicles")
Scores of commercial motorcycle riders on Tuesday went on a rampage in Abuja over the alleged killing of two of their fellow riders and seizure of motorbikes by the Nigeria police.
The incident occurred at Area 1 at about 6:00 pm while people were returning home from work. It led to the destruction of many vehicles as the angry motorcyclists descended on anything in sight, including moving vehicles.
Many people were reportedly injured during the incident.
An eyewitness who spoke to SaharaReporters said the motorcyclists who were on a revenge mission blocked a major road and attacked many vehicles with stones and sticks.
"The situation is getting serious at Area 1. We heard that two of their members were killed by police and they are angry and they attacked people randomly. They destroyed many vehicles on the expressway. They were just throwing stones at all vehicles, breaking their windscreens," the eyewitness said.
The incident forced people to run helter-skelter in search of safety.
SaharaReporters gathered that it took the intervention of armed policemen from Durumi Divisional Police Headquarters to disperse the riotous crowd.
As of the time of filing this report, the angry mob had regrouped under a bridge where they set a bonfire, thereby causing more tension for the residents in the area.
Reacting to the incident, the FCT Police Spokesperson, DSP Josephine Adeh, in a statement said no life was lost in the incident.
She added that about 20 motorcycles were seized by the operatives of the Durumi Divisional Police Headquarters for violating the ban on motorcycles in some parts of the FCT.
She said, "Following the ban of motorcycles in some parts of the FCT by the FCTA, the FCT Command having held several meetings with the various heads of motorcycle units across the Territory activated an enforcement exercise at the various Divisional and Area command AORs.
"Today 26th July 2022, motorcycles numbering about 20 were arrested by Operatives of the Durumi Divisional Police Headquarters on an Enforcement round for violating the ban.
"The motorcycles were taken to the Division and subsequently handed over to the VIO for screening. Upon sighting the VIO at the Division, the errant motorcyclists in their number decided to obstruct the VIO from moving out of the station and started attacking the officers.
"The police swung into action, dispersing the violent motorcycles who took to the street to express their displeasure. No life was lost nor properties damaged. Normalcy has since been restored. The command urges members of the public not to panic, and to go about their lawful business while monitoring of the area and surveillance continues."
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![[GIST] Nigerian Police Arrest Suspects In Connection With Killing Of 3 Policemen In Delta](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/Policemen-e1623451207843.jpg "[GIST] Nigerian Police Arrest Suspects In Connection With Killing Of 3 Policemen In Delta")
At least two suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of three policemen in the early hours of Sunday in Delta State.
Gunmen on Sunday attacked a police station in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, killing three policemen.
The officers were said to be responding to a distress call sent by local vigilantes when the gunmen shot them to death.
Authorities say the local vigilantes claimed they were under attack and urged the police to come to their rescue. The policemen then set out on the rescue mission but were ambushed and three of them were killed.
However, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe in a statement released on Tuesday, noted that the Command was closing up on the other members of the gang.
The Command also dismissed reports that a 6 pm to 6 am curfew had been declared in the Okpanam community.
The statement reads, "The attention of Delta State Police Command has been drawn to the rumour making round that a '6-6 curfew has been declared in Okpanam with effect from 26/7/22 to enable security agencies carry out their job.'
"This is not only laughable but completely ridiculous and a lie put up by some mischievous persons to cause confusion among residents of the community.
"The Command wishes to emphatically state that there is no curfew declared in Okpanam community and as a matter of fact, Okpanam community is calm and two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident that led to the death of three policemen in the early hours of Sunday, 24/7/2022 and the Command is closing up on the other members of the gang."
"The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, FCIA, PSC+ is assuring members of the public, particularly residents of Okpanam community that they should go about their lawful business(es) without fear as the Command is not only able and willing, but also committed to the protection life and property in the State," the statement added.
![[GIST] Governor Matawalle Lied, We Received N60m As Ransom To Release Zamfara Schoolgirls —Terrorist](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/EnxceqyW4AAlX-Z%20%281%29.jpeg "[GIST] Governor Matawalle Lied, We Received N60m As Ransom To Release Zamfara Schoolgirls —Terrorist")
A member of a terrorist group that kidnapped 279 schoolgirls of Government Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara State early this year has disclosed that a ransom of N60 million was paid by the Zamfara State government to secure the release of the pupils.
The leader of the terrorist group disclosed this in a documentary released by BBC African Eye on Monday.
Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle
"We used part of the money to buy rifles," he told BBC.
Meanwhile, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state earlier claimed that no ransom was paid to the terrorists while confirming their release.
The governor, in a tweet, said; “Alhamdulillah! It gladdens my heart to announce the release of the abducted students of GGSS Jangebe from captivity.
“This follows the scaling of several hurdles laid against our efforts. I am enjoying all well-meaning Nigerians to rejoice with us as our daughters are now safe.”
The governor later told the BBC Hausa that no ransom was paid, but appealed to the Nigerian Government to increase the number of security agents in the country.
According to the governor, the 279 students were in good health and no one was hurt. He said he and his wife were at the Government House Gusau, receiving the freed schoolgirls who had been conveyed to the state capital in buses.
![[GIST] National Agency, NEMA Receives Fresh Batch Of 175 Stranded Nigerians From Libya](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/The-Returnees.png "[GIST] National Agency, NEMA Receives Fresh Batch Of 175 Stranded Nigerians From Libya")
Another batch of 175 stranded Nigerians from Libya has been received by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State.
It was learnt that the returnees are 77 male adults, 64 female adults, 11 male and 12 female children, five female infants and six male infants.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, who was represented by the Acting Coordinator of the Lagos Territorial Office of the Agency, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development.
According to the Director-General, the stranded Nigerians were received at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at about 23:58 p.m, with Boeing 737-800 Al Buraq Air, with registration number 5A-DMG.
"The returnees were brought back to the country by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) through a voluntary repatriation programme.
"The programme was meant for the distressed Nigerians who had left the country to seek greener pastures in various European countries but could not afford to return when their journey became frustrated.
"The returnees are 77 male adults, 64 female adults, 11 male and 12 female children, five female infants and six male infants.
"Among those brought into the country, two females and two males had medical issues," Farinloye stated.
He however urged the returnees to turn a new leaf in looking for ample opportunities in the country that were enough for everyone to achieve their desired goals.
He appealed to them to avoid vices that they must have been exposed to from the country of departure.
![[GIST] Christian Association, CAN Gets New President, Daniel Okoh As Ayokunle Bows Out](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/Screenshot%202022-07-27%20at%209.28.33%20AM.png "[GIST] Christian Association, CAN Gets New President, Daniel Okoh As Ayokunle Bows Out")
The Christian Association of Nigeria has elected Most Reverend Daniel Okoh as its new President, ending the tenure of Reverend Olasupo Ayokunle.
The announcement of Okoh’s election is contained in a statement by the CAN General Secretary, Joseph Daramola.
Okoh is the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church, also called Nation Builders (Odozi-Obodo).
CAN comprises of five blocs; the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN); Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN); Christian Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (CPFN)/Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN); Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC); TEKAN and ECWA Fellowship.
The umbrella Christian body in Nigeria is scheduled to hold its General Assembly on July 27, which will usher in the new administration.
The assembly also marks the end of the tenure of Samson Olasupo Ayokunle and other members of the National Executives in his team.
The outgoing CAN president thanked all Nigerians for their support and prayers, which he said led to his successful tenure.
The handover ceremony and beginning of a new regime will take place on July 29.
![[GIST] No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/Peter-Obi-and-Atiku-Abubakar_1_0.jpeg "[GIST] No Way I Can Work With Atiku, Every Presidential Candidate Is Contesting To Win – Peter Obi")
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Monday, said he entered the “match” of the 2023 general elections and his only aim is to win and not to work for the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Obi while speaking on Channels TV on Monday evening, noted that he had all what it took to defeat Atiku.
The former Anambra State governor, Obi was running mate to Atiku in the 2019 general elections and despite his acclaimed eloquence, the duo lost to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari.
In the buildup to the 2023 elections, Obi had “divorced” Atiku and opted to run on the platform of the Labour Party as its presidential candidate.
Atiku, however, said last Friday in an Arise TV interview that Obi could not perform any miracle to win the presidential election in 2023.
However, when Obi was asked on Channels TV about the possibility of him working with Atiku if the chance arose, he said he was in the contest to win, adding that he had all it took to win.
Obi said, “Nobody goes into a match thinking of what will happen. Everyone is going into it to win. I’m going into this contest to be the next President of Nigeria… I think I have all it takes to win.”
Politics News AddThis : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements :![[GIST] 2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/EgbzbSaVoAA538H.jpg "[GIST] 2023 Elections: Nigerians In Diaspora Should Be Allowed To Vote – AfDB President, Akinwumi Adesina")
The President of the African Development Bank (ADF), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has made a case for Nigerians in diaspora to vote in the 2023 general elections to decide the leadership of the country.
Adesina, who was Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, made the appeal in his speech at the celebration of Nigeria's diaspora day, delivered virtually.
While eulogising Nigerians in diaspora and their contributions to the development of the country, the AfDB president disclosed that in 2021, Nigerians in diaspora remitted $20billion to the country which represented four times more than the foreign direct investments in the same 2021 and half of the nation's crude oil export.
He said, "Today Nigerians in diaspora send home over $20 billion a year as remittances. Now to put this in perspective, you are going to think of the following - Nigeria's foreign direct investment in 2021 was $4.8 billion according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD). That means remittances by Nigerians in diaspora are four times the total foreign direct investment to Nigeria.
"Nigeria export revenue from crude oil average is about $40 billion annually. Now that means that remittances by Nigerians in the diaspora are half of the crude oil exports of Nigeria, is like the new oil for Nigeria.
"Without any doubt, Nigerians in diaspora are Nigeria's second largest source of revenue after crude oil. Nigeria should therefore provide policies that support Nigerians in diaspora regardless of where we live or work; home is home.
"Nigeria will achieve greatness if the diasporans will play a great part in our country's greatness. That is why it is important for Nigerians in the diaspora to be allowed to participate in the political processes of Nigeria.
"It is time that Nigerians in the diaspora are allowed to vote other nations do this. America allows its diaspora citizens to vote. Several African countries now allow their diasporan citizens to vote. Nigeria should do the same.”
"Then Nigerians at home and Nigerians outside the country, we can share in the shaping the future of their homeland Nigeria. May Nigeria thrives and prosper in peace unity and shared prosperity," he added.
![[GIST] Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/Screenshot%202022-07-08%20at%208.00.16%20AM.png "[GIST] Junketing Nigerian President, Buhari Travels To Liberia To ‘Discuss Security, Rule Of Law’")
President Muhammadu Buhari, known for frivolous foreign trips, will on Tuesday depart Abuja for Monrovia, Liberia to, among other things, deliver a lecture
Buhari, according to a statement on Monday, will also address issues bordering on West Africa’s security, free and fair elections and respect for rule of law.
He will also join other African leaders as Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule; making it the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
The Presidency disclosed these in the statement by Garba Shehu.
Shehu noted that Buhari’s visit to Liberia, Tuesday, July 26, “signifies the importance attached to the security and wellbeing of Liberia and the rest of West Africa.”
The statement read in part, “On this day, Liberia marks a Special Independence anniversary, commemorating 175 years of self-rule, with the country being the oldest independent post-colonial African State.
“President Buhari is the Special Guest of Honour at the celebration and will deliver an address. The trip to Liberia comes at a time when political instability and the return of coups-d’état have upended two to three decades of democratic order in the sub-region.
“Liberia, Sierra-Leone along with Nigeria are going into elections in 2023 and President Buhari is expected to emphasise to them the importance of free, fair and credible elections.”
“In his address, the President is expected to stress the importance of the respect for rule of law rule throughout the sub-region. Without rule of Law and constitutional rule, there cannot be security, peace and development.”
Further justifying the President’s trip, Shehu said “Peace and security of Liberia (and Sierra-Leone) is important to Nigeria given the enormous investments in men, material and resources expended by this country to secure the two states.
“Without the leadership of Nigeria in the context of ECOWAS to secure these two, there would not have been a Liberia on the map in its present configuration today.
“Bilaterally, Nigeria and Liberia may bring to the table issues of cross-border terrorism, bolstering defence and trade ties. The warmth of the relationship and personal chemistry between President Buhari and George Weah of Liberia is no less significant and will play a key role in the events of tomorrow.”
![[GIST] Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/IMG-20220725-WA0013.jpg "[GIST] Nigerian Police Detain Media Personnel In Abuja Over Petition By Senator Bwacha")
The Nigeria Police Force has detained the Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, FCID, Abuja.
It was gathered Oloye was detained because of a petition by the lawmaker representing the Taraba South Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha.
Chief Executive Officer of Rock FM Jalingo, Ayodele Oloye
Bwacha had earlier submitted a petition to the police to investigate the journalist in Taraba State over alleged cyber-stalling, defamation of character, and frustration of ambition among others.
Daily Post reports that Ayodele had, prior to his detention, raised an alert in a text message forwarded to media colleagues on Monday morning.
He said, “I’m Ayodele Samuel, Publisher of Taraba Truth and Facts Newspaper and CEO of Rock FM Jalingo, the first private FM radio station in Taraba State.
“I’m honouring a police invitation at the FCID, Abuja over a petition (I don’t know who the petitioners are or the content of the petition) but as a law-abiding citizen, I have honoured the invitation with a lawyer provided by the Media Rights Agenda, MRA.
“I feel it’s necessary to inform you and seek your support in case things go south.”
Journalism MEDIA News AddThis : Original Author : SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements :![[GIST] Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/IMG-20220725-WA0002_0.jpg "[GIST] Persons With Disabilities Storm Benue Government House, Defy Rain To Protest Unemployment, Non-Payment Of Bursaries By Ortom-led Administration")
A group of people living with disabilities, under the platform of the National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Benue State Chapter, on Monday, stormed the Benue State Government's House to protest the lack of employment opportunities and nonpayment of bursary allowances to their members.
The members of the association were seen gathering in large numbers in front of the state government house.
SaharaReporters gathered that the protesters were at the Government House since 10am and defied the rain to demand to see Governor Samuel Ortom for failing to address their needs for over seven years now.
"We are demanding to see the governor because none of the letters we wrote to him was approved. It is high time we took this move because he is not only representing the able persons, he also represents the disabled," the group’s spokesperson told SaharaReporters.
He continued, "Among us, we have graduates, we have undergraduates. No job has been given to people with disabilities in Benue and we are finding it hard to cater to our families.
"If you can recall in 2018, 5% of jobs in Benue State were given to our members. But since then, nothing has happened again. Maybe he is not aware. So we decided to come to this gate to relate our challenges to him.
"The other one is disability commission; we want it to be domesticated in Benue. If he doesn't do it, we don't have the power to do it for ourselves. The students amongst us have not received bursary (scholarships) awarded to others since seven years back," he added.
News AddThis : Original Author : Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements :![[GIST] Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/Buhari-speaks.jpeg "[GIST] Use Of Violence By Terrorists Isn’t New—Buhari Presidency Reacts To Flogging Of Abducted Abuja-Kaduna Train Passengers In Viral Video")
The Nigerian Presidency has reacted to the flogging of abducted Kaduna-Abuja train passengers by terrorists.
The victims were abducted when bandits attacked the Kaduna-bound train on March 28.
Eight passengers were killed during the train attack, while a yet-to-be-confirmed number of persons were kidnapped.
In a viral video lasting two minutes, 50 seconds sent by the terrorists to family members of the abductees on Saturday, the male victims are seen crying as they were being flogged by the terrorists.
As the flogging stopped, female captives came into the frame. One of them cried out and rued voting for President Muhammadu Buhari.
Reacting to the video in a statement on Sunday, Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, said the use of violence by ‘terrorists” is not new.
Shehu said President Buhari has gone beyond expectations in supporting security operatives, and he expects results.
WATCH: Terrorists Beat Remaining Kidnapped Abuja-Kaduna Passengers, Vow To Destroy Nigeria pic.twitter.com/oKAe4cjFXo
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 24, 2022
![[GIST] Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer](https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/images%20-%202022-07-20T111945.202_1_0.jpeg "[GIST] Executive Secretary Of Nigerian Education Agency, TETFUND, Echono Not Involved In Contract Fraud, Procurement Racketeering, Says Lawyer")
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Sonny Echono, who is a former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, is not running down the agency through unwholesome practices as alleged, a lawyer, Felix Ayanruoh has said.
Echono was appointed in March by President Muhammadu Buhari as TETFUND boss.
Sources earlier told SaharaReporters that Echono had turned the agency into a fiefdom where contract splitting and padding was the order of the day.
"The situation in TETFUND in less than four months is worrisome; the ES has done what no other chief executive has done in terms of splitting contracts to favour his cronies and fronts. A situation where the ES brags about extensive knowledge of procurement is disgusting. I can say that the rot he perpetuated while he was Permanent Secretary in the Education Ministry is what he is repeating here,” one of the sources had said.
"The ES is in the habit of asking for advance payment in dollars before grants are released. You know he was the former PS in the Education Ministry, and he knew most of the Vice-Chancellors of the universities. So it has been business as usual with how these Vice-Chancellors respond to his monetary demands before grants are released.”
“One of the antics of the ES of TETFUND is insisting that most TETFUND projects are executed by firms he recommended. He has a list of firms under his direct control that he uses in executing TETFUND projects.
“There is a list of anointed firms that must execute projects. In some instances, these firms are not qualified and what happens is that they end up engaging firms with capacity but for a lesser fee. One of the federal universities in the Southern part of the country was a case where TETFUND released the sum of 250 million (naira) for constructing twin lecture theatres. The firm that was awarded the contract later engaged another firm for the same project at the sum of 150 million (naira),” another source had noted.
Reacting, Ayanruoh described the allegations as false.
The lawyer described Echono as a true and dedicated civil servant and an epitome of what a public administrator should be.
He said, “Mr. Echono is a testimonial of a dedicated and incorruptible public administrator that our dear nation deserves. He has not been investigated or questioned of his decades of service to our great nation.
“He inspires governance and administration of all shades of government to action. And while inspiration alone isn’t enough to get the job done, it is a necessary ingredient to begin the hard work.
“His unwillingness to cross the line into the dark side of public administration has touched a fundamental place in the hearts of many who are eager to work with him and believe that public service is not entirely cynical.
“However, it is imperative to state that Mr. Echono turned down an extension offered by the Federal Government as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, the supervisory Ministry of NECO referred to in the article.
“It is instructive to note that Sony Echono is a true and dedicated civil servant – an epitome of what a public administrator should be. He has traversed public service and propelled successes from the administration of the likes of Akinwumi Adesina the former Minister of Agriculture, Oby Ezekwesili (Madam Due Process) and former Minister of Education among others.
“Never allow the transitory evanescence demands of men to take precedence over eternal demand of the Almighty God.”