News

Senate Probes Accountant General Over N978bn Service Wide Vote

Published

3 years ago

December 20, 2022

The Senate has commenced investigation into the N978 billion received by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation from the Service Wide Votes, SWV between 2017 and 2021.

The investigation is coming less than one week after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said it has collected about N30 billion from the former Accountant General of Federation, Idris Ahmed who is currently being tried for alleged N110 billion fraud.

But the N978billion from the SWV is said to be capital and recurrent expenditures which were disbursed to the ministries, department and agencies of the federal government within the period.

Speaking at the opening of the investigative hearing, the chairman, Senate Public Accounts Committee, SPAC, Senator Mathew Urhoghide (PDP Edo South), observed that there are some releases from the Votes without Authority to Incure Expenditure, AIE and this elicited suspicious by the panel.

Senator Urhoghide disclosed that the Office of the Accountant General only provided memos to back the releases, which he declared was acceptable to the committee.

The chairman, who also expressed dissatisfaction with the submission of the Office of the Accountant General, called for “explanation on bit-by-bit of the expenditures for proper understanding because the figures are enormous and response to the committee is not satisfactory.”

“From what I have seen, we may need time so that we can analyse the expenditure one by one. These figures are enormous and the response is not satisfactory,” he added.

However, the Office of Accountant General of the Federation, represented by the Director of Funds, Sabo Mohammed requested for more time to respond to the issues raised by the lawmakers.

He said: “It will take some time (for the Office to respond), we should do it systematically to save our time and your time, this is a matter of going back and doing them one after the other.

“We have responded to some, we will still go back and separate our own from that of the MDAs.

“We have found out that many of the figures may not be correct.”

The panel chairman, therefore, asked the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation to go back and put the documents together and appear on Thursday.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

7 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

7 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

8 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.