Nigeria Times

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has dismissed reports circulating on social media about the arrest of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige. According to ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare, Ngige was invited for questioning concerning certain activities from his tenure as minister, not arrested.

Bakare clarified that after the questioning, Ngige was allowed to leave but is required to return for further inquiries on a specified date. He urged the public to disregard false reports and called on journalists to verify information before publication.

Ngige’s questioning relates to ongoing investigations into contracts awarded under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and follows a previous inquiry into a ₦47 million gratuity payment to a former NSITF Managing Director. Additionally, a committee led by Simon Lalong, Ngige’s successor, is investigating alleged irregularities involving contracts worth ₦1.8 billion within NSITF.

Former British diplomat David Roberts and U.S. Mayor Mike Arnold have expressed their support for the Nigerian government’s decision to prosecute British national Andrew Wynne and 12 Nigerians on charges of treason. The group is accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government, according to the Nigeria Police.

The accused individuals, including Wynne, are charged with attempting to destabilize the country and cause destruction at the National Communication Commission (NCC) Centre in Kano between July and August 2024.

Roberts, a former British Council director, condemned Wynne’s alleged involvement, stating that foreign interference in Nigeria’s affairs, especially from a British national, is unacceptable. Arnold echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while free speech is important, it should not be used to incite violence or insurrection. Both officials highlighted the use of Russian flags during recent protests as a sign of potential subversion, standing by Nigeria’s efforts to maintain peace and stability.

Zamfara State Refutes Claims of Payments to Bandits

The Zamfara State Government has strongly denied allegations that it paid large sums of money to bandits as part of a dialogue process. At a press briefing in Gusau, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Nakwada, dismissed circulating documents that claim the government released funds to prominent bandit leaders.

Nakwada described the documents as “fake, misleading, malicious, and completely false,” asserting that his and other officials’ signatures were forged. He reassured the public that security agencies are actively investigating the origin of these claims on social media.

Rejection of Claims About Payments to Media Figures

Nakwada also rejected claims suggesting that payments had been made to media figures under the pretense of “reconciliation efforts” through the state’s Security Trust Fund. He emphasized that the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal remains focused on restoring security across the state.

“This issue is being addressed with transparency and urgency due to its sensitive nature,” Nakwada said. “Though we have previously ignored fabricated lies aimed at distracting the government, the sensitivity of the security situation compels us to clarify.”

Firm Stance Against Negotiating with Bandits

The SSG reiterated that the Zamfara State Government maintains a strict policy of not negotiating with bandits or terrorists. He emphasized that the alleged memo, supposedly originating from his office and directed to Governor Lawal, was entirely fabricated.

“Our administration has been clear and firm in our approach to security challenges, and we have consistently refused to negotiate with terrorists,” Nakwada said.

He concluded by stating that the false documents were not only distractions but also attempts to undermine public trust in the state government’s efforts to restore peace.

“The fabricated document is an attempt to erode the trust and confidence that the people of Zamfara have in Gov. Lawal’s administration,” Nakwada added.