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$2m Bribery: EFCC Challenges Metawalle To Bring Evidence

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The last has not been heard of the mudslinging between the outgoing Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, who took to the BBC Hausa Service to fire salvo of bribery accusation against Abdulrasheed Bawa, who chairs Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after ducking questions from Biztellers, has taken to its verified Tweeter handle, @officialEFCC to debunk the allegation.

 

In a series of tweets, the anti-graft agency stated that it would not bandy words with a suspect under its investigation. It went ahead to warn that many politically exposed persons were busy with plans to escape Nigeria before the May 29 handover date, in the bid to escape the law.

 

According to the agency, “If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.”

 

The EFCC tweeted, “Matawalle $2m Bribe Hoax: EFCC Will Not Bandy Words with Suspect

 

“The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa.

 

“But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the Commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.

 

“If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond sabre-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.

 

“Again, the Commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29.

 

“The Commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans, and bring those involved to justice.”

 

Recall that Biztellers reported that Matawalle said, ““Let him vacate office, I am telling you within 10 seconds probably more than 200 people will bring evidences of bribe he collected from them. He knows what he requested from me but I declined.

 

“He requested a bribe of $2 million from me and I have evidence of this. He knows the house we met, he invited me and told me the conditions. He told me governors were going to his office but I did not. If I don’t have evidence, I won’t say this.”

 

It is left to be seen, if Matawalle will take the challenge and adduce concrete evidence against Bawa.

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Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede

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A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, has ordered the remand of Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, along with Oriyomi Hamzat, the CEO of Agidigbo FM, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the Principal of Islamic High School, at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

The trio was arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the recent tragic stampede that occurred during a Christmas funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan.

The incident, which claimed the lives of 35 children and injured six others, has drawn widespread public and legal attention.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi issued the remand order following charges brought against the defendants. The police prosecutor stated that their alleged offences contravened Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

READ MORE: States Tighten Measures To Prevent Stampedes At Events

The prosecution accused the defendants of being involved in the organization of the event, which turned disastrous, leading to the stampede. Pending legal advice from the Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions, the court directed their detention at the correctional facility.

The court session, held amidst heavy security, attracted significant public interest. Law enforcement officers were seen providing tight security as the suspects were escorted to and from the courtroom.

Further updates on the legal proceedings are expected as investigations continue.

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Labour Kicks Against N935/Litre Petrol, Wants More

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A cry has gone out for further reduction of the pump prices of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria to reflect local domestic production of refined products.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has urged further reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol, insisting that the recent drop in price to N935/litre was begging the situation.

Recall that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in partnership with MRS recently announced a reduction in petrol price to N935/litre.

Before the announcement, the commodity sold for over N1,030/litre in Lagos and environs, while it cost more than N1,060/litre in Abuja and Northern states.

ALSO READ: CSOs Urge Further Reduction Of Pump Prices Of Petrol

In a swift reaction, on Sunday, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) said its members would be selling petrol at N935/litre from Monday based on the latest arrangement with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

IPMAN’s National President, Maigandi Garima,, according The Punch, said the reduction in Dangote refinery’s ex-depot price for petrol and the uniform arrangement being put in place, would enable marketers to sell at N935 in their outlets nationwide.

They had set aside N36/litre as cost of logistics.

However, the announcement did not excite the NLC, which insisted on Monday that the cost of petrol should drop further.

A senior official of the NLC, Chris Onyeka, unequivocally rejected any commendation for the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) over the recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.

He argued that the current pricing mechanism does not reflect the true cost of the commodity, according to The Punch.

“Do you want us to clap for them? How can we be okay with a price of N935/litre of PMS? This is not the right price for PMS. You cannot base the price on imported products when we have refining capacity in Nigeria,” he said.

He argued that the costs embedded in the current pricing framework — including foreign labour, freight charges, insurance, logistics, and profits accrued abroad — unfairly burden Nigerians.

“Products are refined in Nigeria, yet the price you give Nigerians is based on imported products. Why should we applaud that? It is akin to someone stealing your money and returning only part of it, then expecting you to clap. We cannot applaud this,” he stated.

Onyeka stressed that the only way to ascertain the correct price of PMS is by determining the actual cost of refining it domestically.

“We need to know how much it costs the NNPC to refine a litre of PMS in our local refineries, such as the Port Harcourt refinery. That is the price Nigerians should be paying,” he emphasised.

He called on the government to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians by ensuring that fuel pricing aligns with local realities.

“This country belongs to all Nigerians. Let the government do the right thing that allows Nigerians to breathe. Let the poor breathe.

“The NLC’s position underscores growing discontent among Nigerians over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices being a major contributor to inflation and economic hardship,” he stated.

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No Regrets On Subsidy Removal, Tax Reforms To Continue – Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu, during his first Presidential Media Chat aired on the Nigerian Television Authority on Monday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the ongoing tax reforms and subsidy removal, maintaining that the measures are essential to securing Nigeria’s economic future.

The tax reforms, designed to eliminate colonial-era practices and widen the tax net, have faced significant resistance from some quarters, particularly from northern lawmakers and governors. Despite this, Tinubu declared, “Tax reform is here to stay. We cannot just continue to do what we were doing yesteryears in today’s economy.”

The reforms, encapsulated in four bills transmitted to the National Assembly, aim to streamline taxation and revenue generation.

However, critics, including Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, have argued for caution. “The Petroleum Industry Bill took almost 20 years before it was finally passed. This tax reform bill is being transmitted and receiving legislative attention within a week. It should be treated carefully and with caution,” Zulum said in an interview with BBC.

Despite calls for broader consultations and delays, Tinubu emphasized the pro-poor nature of the reforms, noting that the vulnerable would not be taxed. “The essence of the tax reform is to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in our tax environment,” he stated.

READ MORE: President Tinubu Set For First Nationwide Media Chat Tonight

No Regrets Over Subsidy Removal

Addressing the economic hardship resulting from the removal of the petrol subsidy, Tinubu defended his decision as necessary to prevent Nigeria from “spending its future.” He dismissed the notion of a phased removal, stating, “Phased removal is part of unnecessary fear. No matter how you cut it, you still have to meet the bills.”

The President highlighted the benefits of subsidy removal, pointing out that the policy had curtailed smuggling and freed up resources for more productive uses. “There is no way that you give out fuel and allow all the neighbouring countries as Father Christmas. I don’t have any regret whatsoever in removing the subsidy,” he said.

Tackling Inflation and Corruption

Tinubu also discussed his administration’s strategies to reduce inflation, emphasizing local production and import reduction. “If one produces more for consumption locally, stop imports, give a reasonable level of funding and assistance… we have what it takes,” he explained.

On corruption, the President cited increased earnings for workers and stricter oversight by anti-corruption agencies as key measures. He pointed to the recent seizure of hundreds of properties reportedly owned by a former Central Bank Governor as evidence of his administration’s efforts. “Part of the anti-corruption is removal of subsidy. It is very difficult to eliminate but you reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu stated.

Food Stampedes and Governance

The President expressed condolences over recent tragic stampedes during food distribution events, attributing the incidents to poor organization by event planners. “If you don’t have enough to give, don’t attempt to give or publicize it,” he warned.

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming his commitment to efficient governance and economic reforms, stating, “The hallmark of a good leader is the ability to do what you have to do at the time it has to be done.”

The reforms continue to spark nationwide debates, with stakeholders divided over their potential long-term impacts.

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