Connect with us

News

‘Mischievous narrative’ — Yahaya Bello’s media office reacts to ‘American school refunding $760k’ claim

Published

on

The media office of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi state, has described claims that the American International School Abuja (AISA) intends to refund $760,000 of school fees paid in advance as a “mischievous narrative”.

On April 26, documents in which AISA asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of Bello, made the rounds online.

In a letter addressed to the Lagos zonal commander of the EFCC, the school said the sum of $845,852 has been paid in tuition “since the 7th of September 2021 to date”.

AISA said the sum to be refunded is $760,910, because it had deducted educational services already rendered.

On April 23, Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chair, had said Bello paid $720,000 in advance as fees for five of his children from the coffers of the Kogi state government.

However, in a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, the ex-governor’s media office said “Yahaya Bello’s children have attended the American International School, Abuja, since before he became Governor, and he has paid their fees as due without fail”.

The statement added that Bello did not use Kogi state funds to pay the fees.

“He did not pay USD720,000 or USD840,000 as alleged. The payment commenced in 2021, not when he was leaving office,” the statement reads.

“He did not use Kogi State Government funds to pay the fees.

“The EFCC’s attempt to recover funds from the school was unsuccessful, and the court mandated the school to continue providing services.

“The documents published online are public documents filed in court and show that Yahaya Bello has nothing to hide.

“The payment is the subject of an ongoing court case, and we await the EFCC’s proof in court.”

Michael added that Bello will not be intimidated by blackmail.

“We will not engage in prejudicial statements while the matter is sub judice,” the statement reads.

“We thank Nigerians who recognize the EFCC’s desperation as personal vendetta.

“We implore others not to be misled by mischievous narratives but to follow the case until justice is served.

“Yahaya Bello will not be intimidated by blackmail and will continue to follow due process.”

News

Oluremi Tinubu asks market women not to hike food prices during festive season

Published

on

By

Oluremi Tinubu, the first lady, has appealed to market women not to hike the prices of food items during the festive period.

In a statement, Busola Kukoyi, the senior special assistant on media to the first lady, said Oluremi spoke on Saturday in Abakakili, the capital of Ebonyi, while addressing women for their 2024 Women’s Day celebration.

Oluremi inaugurated the 3.1 kilometres runway at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport in Ebonyi.

The first lady commended Francis Nwifuru, the governor of Ebonyi, for completing the project, noting that the airport will usher in more socio-economic development for the state.

“His deputy governor is a woman; same for the secretary to the state government and many down the line.

“Now I want to announce that he has decided to empower 130 people with businesses with N1 million each as business recapitalisation grants.

“As RHI, we did not come empty-handed. We are donating a sum of N50 million, 20,000 wrappers, shoes, and bags to support businesses of women in that line, in this state.”

On his part, the governor thanked the first lady for the visit and the support received by the state through the renewed hope initiative.

He commended the women of the state for their contributions to the development of Ebonyi.

Continue Reading

News

Accountability: IGP Declares Public Relations Officers Conference Open In Asaba

Published

on

By

Harps on Robust Human Relations

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, will, on Monday 18th November 2024, officially declare open a 4-day Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) Conference in Asaba, Delta State.

The Conference is organized in partnership with the Delta State Government and in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and International Alert.

The event is part of the ongoing efforts to advance police reforms in Nigeria. The conference, which will run from November 18 to 22, 2024, is themed *”Strengthening Nigeria Police Force Oversight and Accountability,”.

The gathering will bring together over 150 participants. These include Command Public Relations Officers from the 36 states and the FCT, Zonal Public Relations Officers, Liaison Officers from various Police departments and formations, Staff Officers from the Force Public Relations Department at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and strategic communication experts.

The Conference focuses on enhancing communication strategies within the law enforcement sector to bridge gaps between the Nigeria Police Force and the public. It also seeks to equip PPROs with advanced skills necessary for fostering positive relationships with the public.

Reaffirming the NPF’s commitment to capacity building, the IGP emphasized the importance of continuous training and retraining of officers to ensure they are equipped with the essential skills for effective service delivery. He also encourages the public to support the police in fulfilling their mandate of maintaining law and order.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

17TH NOVEMBER 2024.

Continue Reading

News

Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence

Published

on

By

The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to recent reports circulating in the media concerning one Mr. Nnamdi Emeh, who is currently facing trial for alleged criminal offenses.

The NPF wishes to clarify that Mr. Emeh was lawfully apprehended following credible allegations against him, which were thoroughly investigated and presented before a competent court of law.

The charges preferred against him were duly filed, and he was arraigned before the Federal High Court, Awka, in line with due process.

It is important to emphasize that the judiciary operates independently, and the court retains the exclusive prerogative to evaluate the evidence presented, determine bail conditions, and take any further necessary actions as guided by the law.

Mr. Emeh was granted bail on terms established by the court. It therefore behoves on the suspect to take steps to meet such conditions and not resort to unecessary media rampage.

The NPF reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law, ensuring justice, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

The Force is also mindful of its duty to investigate allegations against all persons, including its officers, and to subject any suspect to the established legal process.

While the case against Mr. Emeh continues in court, we appeal to the public to allow the judicial process to take its full course without undue speculation or interference.

We urge all stakeholders, including members of the media, to present information responsibly and to allow the legal process to determine the outcome of the matter in the interest of justice.

The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its resolve to enforce the law impartially and to safeguard the rights of every individual as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.
16TH NOVEMBER, 2024

Continue Reading

Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

Most Read...