NEWS
Alpha Beta reacts to allegations against Tinubu, says it’s ready for litigation
Modupe ASUDO
LAGOS-THE management of Alpha Beta Limited has reacted to allegations by its former managing director Mr. Dapo Apara against the company and former Lagos Governor, Mr. Bola Tinubu bordering undue control by the ex-governor and siphoning of over N20 billion using several private accounts.
The official statement signed by the company’s current Managing Director, Mr. Akin Doherty states “We have seen the allegations circulating on social media as well as the online reports of the court summons of which we are yet unaware.
The fact is that Dapo Apara began making his untrue allegations in the aftermath of his removal as Managing Director of Alpha Beta for fraud and unethical practices. While he was MD, Apara used his position to siphon huge sums of money from the company including but not limited to fraudulently converting $5 million; money allegedly used to pay for cloud based services that were eventually discovered to be worth less than $300,000.
Mr. Apara, who was a signatory to all the bank accounts of Alpha Beta from inception until his removal, received all his payments and entitlements until June 2018 when he was removed after his fraudulent misconduct was discovered. In July 2018 further evidence of his fraudulent and unethical practices was uncovered, including the revelation that he converted approximately N6 billion belonging to Alpha Beta to his personal use. This fraud was reported to the authorities and Mr. Apara was subsequently invited to return to Nigeria from his hiding place in Dubai to render account. To date, he has refused to do so. Instead, Mr. Apara chose to embark on an aggressive smear campaign seemingly in an effort to blackmail us into ending the investigations into his misconduct.
Specifically in response to the court summons now circulating on social media, we would like to state as follows:
1. Contrary to the sensational headlines, designed to embarrass and blackmail, the case presented by Mr. Apara does not disclose even a single piece of evidence of fraud or criminal activity on the part of any of the alleged defendants. The case brought by Mr. Apara is, simply put, an extension of his campaign of calumny; launched to avoid the consequences of his fraudulent conduct over the years.
2. This court action by Dapo Apara is the continuation of Mr. Apara’s blackmail tactics and an attempt to distract from the huge funds he misappropriated from Alpha Beta while he was in charge of its affairs.
3. Since 2018, he has filed many suits in Lagos and Abuja on the same matter, engaged in Arbitration, the Police, EFCC and ICPC. However, in all that time, he has steadfastly refused to honour all invitations by the authorities to return to Nigeria and account for the huge funds he misappropriated.
4. The uncorroborated allegations against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu by Dapo Apara, in particular, show that he is bent only on creating sensational headlines to deflect attention from his on criminal activities.
5. Although, we have not been served with the court summons, we look forward to the opportunity the case provides to publicly present the full picture of Mr. Apara’s misconduct, deceit and fraud and to have the matter resolved by the court once and for all”. he enthused.
The House of Representatives has taken decisive action in response to the widespread shortage of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, by summoning the Minister of Petroleum Resources.
This move follows a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Shehu Ajilo, the representative for Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary session.
While President Bola Tinubu currently holds the position of Minister of Petroleum Resources, and Heineken Lokpobiri serves as Minister of State (Petroleum Resources), the specific minister summoned was not disclosed by the lawmakers.
Lawmakers anticipate receiving a briefing from the Minister regarding the fuel crisis, along with proposed measures to tackle the issue effectively.
Details later.. . .. . .
A tumultuous scene unfolded during the Senate’s return to plenary on Tuesday, marked by a heated altercation among senators over seating arrangements in the recently refurbished chamber.
Commencing around 11 am, the plenary commenced with the customary procession, followed by Senate President GodsWill Akpabio’s announcements, including recognition of lawmakers whose birthdays occurred during the recess.
Tensions escalated when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) engaged in a vocal exchange with Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), with finger-pointing gestures exchanged between the two.
Subsequently, Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) joined Yau in confronting Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) regarding the seating arrangements.
Reports indicate that the dispute stemmed from discontent among senior senators regarding their seating positions, particularly those allocated seats in the front row on the far right side of the aisle.
In an attempt to restore order, the Senate President called for senators to address their grievances individually, yet Yau refused to comply, prolonging the tumultuous session for approximately 20 minutes.
Following the Senate President’s address, the Senate leader proposed a resolution to convene a closed-door session, which was subsequently approved.
At approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate transitioned into an executive session.
The Senate had adjourned plenary on March 20 until April 16, with resumption postponed twice to accommodate the completion of renovations on the chamber, which had been ongoing since 2022.
The resumption of Senate proceedings on Tuesday was marked by a heated confrontation as senators engaged in a row over seating arrangements.
The session, which began at 11 am, saw Senate President GodsWill Akpabio kick off with routine announcements, including recognition of birthdays celebrated by lawmakers during the break.
However, the atmosphere turned tense when Senator Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North) raised his voice at Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), sparking a fiery exchange.
Joining Yau, Senator Danjuma Goje (APC, Gombe Central) directed shouts at Bamidele and Senate Services chairman Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who was overseeing seating arrangements.
Ranking Senators reportedly expressed frustration over their seating assignments in the front row on the last right side of the aisle.
Despite Senate President’s suggestion for them to approach the chair individually, Senator Yau declined.
The tumultuous session continued for approximately 20 minutes as senators exchanged heated remarks.
Following the Senate President’s welcome-back address, the Senate leader proposed transitioning to a closed-door session.
Subsequently, at approximately 12:05 pm, the Senate convened for an executive session.
Plenary, which was initially adjourned on March 20 until April 16, was postponed twice to accommodate the ongoing renovations of the chamber since 2022.
I Am Nigeria’s Youngest Billionaire – BBNaija Winner Ilebaye
JUST IN: Reps Summon Petroleum Minister Amid Fuel Crisis
Kizz Daniel, Tekno Lock Horns Over ‘Buga’
BREAKING: Senators Fight Over Seats In Newly Renovated Chamber
Wizkid Faces Backlash From Nigerian Celebrities For Social Media Shade
Senators Clash Over Seat In Renovated Chamber
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
Adeosun: We are investing in infrastructure to grow the private sector
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Shell launches Nigeria campaign on energy efficiency
