Nigeria Times

The presidency has called on heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritize invitations from the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for cooperation between the executive and legislative branches. This appeal comes after the Senate Committee on Ethics warned of issuing arrest warrants for officials who ignore its requests.

Senator Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, highlighted that such collaboration is key to achieving the goals of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on efficient governance and delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians.

Lado acknowledged that scheduling conflicts may arise but stressed the importance of MDAs demonstrating accountability by engaging with Senate committees. He reaffirmed his office’s commitment to facilitating cooperation for responsible governance.

President Bola Tinubu has warmly welcomed the Super Eagles back to Nigeria following their difficult experience in Libya. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the unsportsmanlike and inhumane treatment the team endured at a Libyan airport.

The President praised the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the team’s safe return. He also urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against those responsible.

Tinubu lauded the resilience of the players and called for united efforts in preventing similar occurrences in the future.

The Progressives Action for Justice, Unity, and Democracy (PAJUD) has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its alleged harassment and persecution of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

The group stated its displeasure on how In a shocking display of brazen power and vindictiveness, the EFCC has resorted to using arbitrary court injunctions and Gestapo-style tactics to hound and persecute the former governor.

In a statement to newsmen on Monday, PAJUD Convener, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, described the EFCC’s actions as unethical and scandalous, citing the agency’s blatant disregard for due process and the rule of law. It noted that despite Bello’s willingness to cooperate with the EFCC, the agency has continued to employ desperate tactics to discredit and harm him.

The group claims that EFCC Chairman, Olukayode Olanipekun, has a personal vendetta against Bello, stemming from the former governor’s refusal to secretly visit him through a special entrance gate. This perceived slight they say, has allegedly led to the EFCC’s sustained victimization of Bello, with the agency determined to secure a guilty verdict by any means necessary.

PAJUD criticized the EFCC’s handling of the case, stating that it undermines the principles of justice, fairness, and due process.
The group expressed concern over the EFCC’s direction under Olukayode’s leadership, highlighting the agency’s past successes and its former reputation as a role model for anti-corruption activists.

The statement also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, citing Bello’s contributions to his 2023 presidential election victory. PAJUD emphasized that the EFCC’s actions are not only a disservice to Bello but also an embarrassment to the Tinubu administration.
Furthermore, PAJUD questioned the EFCC’s motives, suggesting that the agency is pursuing a politically motivated agenda. The group demanded that Olukayode recuse himself from the case, citing his apparent bias and lack of impartiality.

The group however called on the EFCC to allow Bello his day in court, rather than resorting to portfolio injunctions and other underhanded tactics. The group emphasized that Bello, as a bonafide citizen of Nigeria and a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, deserves the same rights and protections afforded to all citizens.

“The EFCC’s actions against Bello are a blowback to the anti-graft campaign and an embarrassment to the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. We will not allow further breaches of Bello’s rights. The EFCC must redeem and restore its lost glory as a role model for anti-corruption activists.”

In conclusion, PAJUD reiterated its commitment to justice, unity, and democracy, and vowed to continue monitoring the EFCC’s actions in the Bello case. The group urged Nigerians to demand accountability and transparency from the EFCC, ensuring that the agency upholds the principles of fairness and due process in all its dealings.