News

ANEEJ Director Tasks Journalists, CSOs On Budget Monitoring.

Published

5 years ago

August 14, 2020

The Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Rev. David Ugolor has appealed to journalists and members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to assist in the mobilisation of community stakeholders to make presentation to government on their needs at the level of budget preparation and during consideration by the state House of Assembly.

Rev. Ugolor gave the charge in his welcome address at the opening session of a two-day workshop organised by ANEEJ for CSOs and journalists in Benin City from 13th- 14th August, 2020, in its implementation of the Civil Society Advocacy to Anti-corruption and the Rule of Law in Nigeria (CASARN) project.

The project is part of the implementation of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) programme which is funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council.

Ugolor who noted that the CSOs, journalists and the citizens have critical roles to play during the monitoring and evaluation of the budget, appealed to participants whom he said have participated one way or the other in the budget process to sustain the process to hold government accountable to the people.

“This workshop on budget monitoring has been designed to improve stakeholders’ participation in the budget process in Edo State.

“CSOs and citizens in general have the right to participate in the different stages of the budgeting process. At the planning stage, CSOs can assist to organise community stakeholders to make presentation to government on their needs, during consideration at the State House of Assembly.

” CSOs can participate during budget defense. When the budget is being implemented and during M & E, CSOs and citizens in general have a big role to play in monitoring the budget implementation and providing feedback to government.

“We encourage all participants to take it upon themselves to keep a close watch on how government spends public funds, follow up and report on projects being executed in your areas. Where CSOs are docile, a lot of things will go wrong”, he said.

While noting that Edo State was the first state in the South South geo-political zone to join the Open Governance Partnership (OGP) in 2018, Rev. Ugolor disclosed that the State Action Plan (SAP), has been developed and awaiting the governor’s signature.

He added that government’s commitment for implementation across five thematic areas of fiscal transparency, anti-corruption, service delivery and inclusion, access to information and citizen engagement have been proposed.

While thanking the donors for the opportunity to be part of the implementation of the Anti-Corruption Rule of Law implementation programme, Ugolor said, “we appreciate the support from ROLAC team who have made it possible for ANEEJ to receive this funding. We particularly thank the European Union and British Council for funding ANEEJ work”.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

5 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

5 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.