NEWS
N5bn Yacht Controversy: Senate Probe Looms
The last has not been heard on the controversial N5 billion presidential yacht which the House of Representatives yanked off the 2023 supplementary budget.
It was gathered that the Senate would be probing the purchase and the circumstances surrounding same, for which it has set a timeframe of one week.
Chairman Senate Committee on Navy, Sen Gbenga Daniel (Ogun East, APC) made this known in a statement released on Wednesday by his media aide, Steve Oliyide.
Biztellers reports that public uproar had greeted the intent and purpose of expending as much as N5bn of taxpayers’ money on such an expensive item at a period when the vast majority were being threatened by hunger and starvation.
However, Sen Daniel has made it clear that the committee would thoroughly investigate the circumstances and issues surrounding the controversial yacht.
He said, “The uproar over the potential acquisition of the yacht has gained substantial attention since it was first disclosed in the media.
“Many Nigerians have voiced their concerns and criticism, with a significant number expressing displeasure about how such a luxury item can find its way into the Supplementary Budget.
“Given the conflicting and contradictory reports circulating in the media regarding the yacht’s acquisition, we have identified the need for a thorough investigation.”
The former governor of Ogun State added, “The primary objective is to uncover the facts, dispel uncertainties, and provide the public with an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the situation.
“Many Nigerians believe that the position of the Senate committee in this regard signifies a significant step towards transparency and accountability within the government by the Senate.”
According to Sen Daniel, the controversy surrounding the yacht has prompted a thorough oversight function on the Nigerian Navy, which would involve a tour of naval facilities across Nigeria.
In his words, “the committee also resolved to visit all naval facilities across the country with a view to prioritising training and welfare of naval personnel and veterans, while emphasising the need for improved funding for the Nigerian Navy to perform their critical roles in the nation’s economic and security sector.
“The committee further resolved to promote the modernisation of the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, enhance its operational capabilities and push for naval research and development agencies.”
NEWS
FG Continues Probe Into Civil Servants Receiving Salaries Abroad
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investigating civil servants who continue to receive salaries after relocating abroad, according to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoS), Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack.
Speaking during an event in Abuja marking her first 100 days in office, Walson-Jack debunked claims that the investigation had been abandoned, emphasizing the government’s resolve to address the issue. The event also served as an opportunity to review her tenure in the civil service.
The investigation, launched five months ago by President Bola Tinubu, aims to ensure that civil servants who have relocated for better opportunities no longer benefit from Nigeria’s payroll system. Supervisors and department heads who facilitate such fraudulent activities are also being held accountable.
Walson-Jack revealed that the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) is being employed to scrutinize workers’ movements.
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“You are asking about civil servants who may have ‘Japa’. We know that the issue was raised, and some verifications were carried out. Since then, some returned quickly, while others retired honourably,” she said.
“Right now, we are continuing the process, scrutinising the IPPIS payroll to identify those who are still in the country and those who are not. This will be an ongoing process to ensure that people cannot receive salaries while living abroad,” she added.
Acknowledging progress, Walson-Jack assured that the government would monitor the situation until it is fully resolved.
Reflecting on her tenure, she expressed gratitude to her team, highlighting the support of the ‘Super Permanent Secretaries’ as instrumental to her success.
“The first 100 days in office is a significant milestone. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements made, assess progress, and set goals for the future,” she noted.
Walson-Jack also addressed job racketeering, pledging to work with the Federal Civil Service Commission to eliminate fraudulent recruitment practices.
“Where someone has obtained a job through fraudulent means, we will work with the commission to ensure that the person is sanctioned,” she stated.
This ongoing investigation underscores the government’s effort to restore integrity within the civil service system and ensure accountability at all levels.
NEWS
Driver Escapes Death As 40-Foot Container Crashes Onto Car In Lagos
A potentially tragic accident was narrowly averted on Monday morning when a 40-foot container toppled onto a Toyota Camry with registration number LSR 293 HJ.
The incident occurred around 8 a.m. along the busy route to the Apapa Ports, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. Miraculously, the driver of the car, whose identity is yet to be disclosed, survived the ordeal and was swiftly rescued by emergency responders.
Eyewitnesses commended the quick intervention of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency agencies, who ensured the driver was extracted from the mangled vehicle and rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.
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Officers from the Kirikiri Police Division secured the accident scene, allowing emergency teams to work without interference. Meanwhile, efforts to remove the container and clear the road were still ongoing as of 9:30 a.m.
Speaking on the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, decried the improper securing of containers, which he identified as a recurring cause of such accidents.
“This incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring that containers are properly fastened before being transported. LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways,” Bakare-Oki said.
The crushed Toyota Camry has since been removed from under the container. LASTMA officials continued operations at the scene to restore normal traffic flow in the area.
This latest incident highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding container-laden trucks in Lagos, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of road safety measures.
NEWS
NAF Launches Devastating Strike On Terrorist Logistics Hub In Lake Chad
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully carried out a decisive strike against a terrorist enclave in the Lake Chad Basin, delivering a significant blow to militant operations.
Recall that on November 23, 2024, fighter jets from the NAF’s Operation Hadin Kai targeted the notorious Jubillaram area, a known stronghold of terrorist elements in the Tumbuns region.
In a statement issued on Monday, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, confirmed that the operation was a direct response to recent intelligence.
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“This strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts, served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters,” Akinboyewa said.
The airstrike, which followed a string of successful intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, was linked to several recent terrorist attacks, including an assault on Nigerian troops in Kareto on November 16, 2024.
“Intelligence had previously linked terrorists in this location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto,” Akinboyewa added.
During the operation, NAF fighter jets launched a precise air interdiction mission, destroying key infrastructure used by the terrorists, including food storage facilities.
This strike disrupted the militants’ logistical operations and significantly weakened their capacity for future attacks.
“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations,” Akinboyewa noted.
Following the airstrike, mop-up operations were conducted using cannons to neutralize any remaining hostile elements.
“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements,” Akinboyewa stated, emphasizing that the operation was a comprehensive success.
The NAF reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations in the fight against terrorism.
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“This mission demonstrates the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations,” Akinboyewa said.
“The NAF will sustain these robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.”