EFCC Investigates ‘Missing’ N3b Military Operation Cash

The MDAs were said to have funded the Nigerian Army procurement through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

A document obtained by The Nation said ONSA collected various sums from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), among others for military operations, but the Defence Headquarters and the Services denied receipt of the money.

The document said: “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on 13 May 2013 requested funds for the conduct of Operation BOYONA aimed at dislodging terrorists camps along the common borders with Cameroun, Chad and Niger.

“Consequently, the government released N1,340,000,000. 00 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which were disbursed to DHQ and the Services accordingly.

“In August 2013, ONSA requested and got approval for additional N2,000,000,000.00 for logistics requirements and sustenance of troops, which was credited to ONSA’s account.

“However, DHQ and the Services confirmed non receipt of any additional funds for Operation BOYONA.

“The Committee is of the view that the then NSA, Lt Col MS Dasuki (rtd) should be made to account for the N2,000,000,000.00.

“The  Committee  also  noted  that  between  3  September  2014  and  30 April  2015,

NIMASA funded accounts of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield with various sums totalling N8,542,586,798.58 purportedly to enhance operations of the JTF in the Niger Delta. Neither the need assessment that warranted the release of funds nor the details of the expenditure was made available to the Committee.

Read More:

EFCC investigates ‘missing’ N3b military operation cash

FG Condemns, Investigates Alleged Defamatory Article On Swiss Ambassador To Nigeria

The Federal Government has directed an investigation into an alleged defamatory article in a Nigerian newspaper against the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Nigeria, Mr Eric Mayooraz.

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

Onyeama, who expressed shock and dismay over the article, said appropriate measures would be taken against anyone found wanting in the act.

 

The statement read: “The Government has learned with shock and dismay of a defamatory article in a Nigerian newspaper against the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Nigeria.

“I wish to state categorically that the government has no knowledge whatsoever of any of the matters discussed in the article and could therefore not have authorised anyone to speak on its behalf in respect of them.

“With regard to the defamatory article, the government has ordered an investigation and appropriate measures will be taken for any wrongdoing.

“It is to be emphasised that Nigeria and Switzerland enjoy very cordial relations.’’

 

The national daily had alleged that the Federal Government had launched “an investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the coming of Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nigeria with a male spouse alleged to be his gay partner’’.

The report further alleged that the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it was aware of the issue and has commenced probe.’’

 

(NAN)

House Of Reps Investigates Malpractices By Airline Operators

The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Aviation to investigate malpractices by airline operators in Nigeria’s airspace and their treatment of passengers.

The decision was reached on Tuesday during plenary, after Honourable Rita Orji moved a motion on the need for airline operators in Nigeria to adhere to international best practices.

Some of the lawmakers, who contributed while deliberating on the motion, said airline operators in Nigeria engaged in many malpractices, ranging from cancellation of scheduled flights to outright sale of ticket by its passengers.

The leadership of the House of Representatives also met with chairmen and deputy chairmen of the standing committees in the House.

At the meeting, the Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, got a reassurance of unflinching support from the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the standing committees in the House.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the Chief Whip of the lower chamber, Honourable Ado Alhassan, said only two lawmakers rejected the position of chairman given to them by the Speaker.

Credit: ChannelsTV

FRSC Investigates Akpabio’s Car Crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps on Wednesday said it was investigating the circumstances that led to an accident involving former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Goodswill Akpabio.

The head, media relations and strategy, FRSC, Bisi Kazeem said that investigations into the crash was already ongoing.

Mr Kazeem said, “The accident and investigation team of the FRSC, was immediately deployed to the scene of the crash for investigation.”

Mr. Kazeem said the outcome of the investigation would determine the next line of action the FRSC would take on the matter.

Read More: premiumtimesng