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Lagos Speaker Debunks Allegations Before Panels

Published

5 years ago

June 6, 2020

Easter: Let God's unending love reign supreme - Obasa Urges Nigerians

Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudaahiru Obasa, told the panel of enquiry raised by the Assembly on Saturday that the corruption allegations against him by Sahara Reporters were the handiwork of his enemies.

Speaker Obasa said this when he appeared before the 9-man Fact Finding Panel of the House chaired by Hon. Victor Akande (Ojo Constituency 1).

The Speaker explained that all the allegations made by Sahara Reporters in its series of reports were unfounded.

Obasa stressed that the vehicles bought for the members of the House and other expenses made by the House were done with the approval of the House and that of the Fund Management Committee (FMU) of the House headed by him.

“We bought Land Cruisers for Principal Officers of the House. The cars we buy for Principal Officers are always higher than those of other members and we followed the due process in the purchase.

“We went through the Public Procurement Agency (PPA) and others and the vehicles were distributed appropriately.

“It was agreed at the parliamentary meetings on about four occasions and the Clerk of the House is the Secretary.

“Also, it is not true that my wife collects N10 Million monthly from the House. Anyone who says she does should come with proofs and evidences.

“My approval limit as the Speaker of the House is N100 million. Anything above that would have to be approved by the Fund Management Committee. On Prado Jeep that we bought for the members, we followed the due process like we did in that of the Principal Officers,” he explained.

Obasa also debunked an allegation that N258 million was spent for the printing of invitation cards for the inauguration of the 9th Assembly adding that the whole event cost N61 million while N1.1 million was spent to print the invitation cards.

“It is not possible to spend N258 Million to print invitation cards. We are not involved in such a frivolous expenditure,” he added.

Concerning the alleged N80 million expended as estacode for the training of women in Dubai, the Speaker said that wives of 20 lawmakers attended the event and that he was there to declare the event open.

“We gave N4 million to each of the participants for air ticket, hotels, feedings and local travel. Air ticket to Dubai alone is about N2 million. Some of these allegations were raised for a crusade to get the Speaker out of office.

“The House of Assembly is above common standard of excellence and we have to train people, and this comes with a cost. Learning is not cheap and I have never collected N80 Million for estacode at a go before,” he said.

The Speaker defended the purchase of eight Hiace buses for committee works in the Assembly as he explained that it was discovered that the House was spending a lot of money to repair vehicles, which he said was why the House decided to buy the buses and that the buses were there for everybody to see with documents to defend the purchases.

He denied the allegation that he spent N53 million for a trip to the United States of America with his mistress.

“We were invited by the Consular General for a programme in the United States. Later, the programme was postponed, but I had gone ahead. I had to return home and I told others not to bother to come until the postponed dates,” he said.

The Speaker told the committee that it was not possible for him to spend N17 million for cleaning of his guest house as against the allegation made by Sahara Reporters .

“They only remove documents and fly them around to please themselves. All our payments go through certain procedures.

“The expenditure had been there before I became the Speaker. There was no way I could have spent N17 million on cleaning my guest house.

“On the issue of awarding contracts to companies belonging to me, they should come and show evidence of where I awarded contracts to myself,” he said.

Concerning the report that he tricked former governor Akinwunmi Ambode of the state to spend N350 million for hosting a meeting of Conference of Speakers, Obasa said told the committee that this was not possible.

He maintained that such was not possible since Ambode is an accountant, who rose to be the Chief Accountant of the State.

“There was no way I could have tricked Ambode to release such money anyhow. We had a meeting of the Conference of Speakers, who came with three members each and we had subcommittees who were given N2 million each.

“We paid for the tickets of each Speaker, we pay for their hotel accommodation, feeding and souvenirs.

“We also provided local transportation for them. All these allegations are deliberate actions of my enemies to achieve their aims that they could not achieve in the House to remove me as the Speaker of the House, which was why they came up with such reports.

“On N60 Million spent for social influencers, I did not sign such money. I don’t even know the companies they are talking about. The BVN they are flying about is not correct.

“Whatever I have done as a Speaker, all the approvals I gave as Speaker were given based on collective approval of the members of the House,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni, who also appeared before the panel denied attending meeting in Dubai as against the report of SaharaReporters.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Tunde Braimoh, said that while a media parley was held by the House, he didn’t know how much was spent on the event since different people handled different aspects of the event.

“We provided hospitality for the few the people that came. The event involved other things, there were catering and others that were given to other people to handle.

“It is most uncharitable to say we spent N47.5 Million for social media influencers. We spend money on publicity and public relations.

“We have programmes that we pay for on TVC and LTV 8. We have a magazine that we produce and we print 40,000 copies quarterly and distribute to schools and other places and we pay for the content, design and production,” he said.

The Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni also defended the estacode for the trip to the United States of America, saying that it followed the standard procedure, and that the programme was budgeted for under conferences and seminars.

“We did not buy 11 buses, we bought eight Hiace buses for committee assignments.

“The cost exceeded N100 million and it was approved by the Management Committee of the House. It was also approved by the Public Procurement Agency and the Ministerial Tenders Board and we got a Certificate of Compliance for the purchase.

“The buses are in place at the car park. We have budgetary provision for the vehicles.

“The women trip to Dubai was also approved for in the budget. The Speaker was there, the wife of the Deputy Speaker was there and wives of 17 other lawmakers. Each participant got money for air fare, local transportation and others,” he said.

Sanni also cleared the air on N258 million for printing of invitation card, saying that the money for the whole event was N61 Million and that only N1.1 million was spent for the printing of the programme for the event.

He confirmed that 80 cars were bought in 11 months for the 8th and 9th assemblies.

“We bought 40 Corolla Cars back-up vehicles for the 8th Assembly.

“The purchase was approved by the Management Committee led by the Speaker with Hon. Olumuyiwa Jimoh, Saka Fafunmi, Hon. David Setonji and others as members.

“In the 9th Assembly, we bought Toyota Prado for members and this was approved by the Funds Management Committee headed by the Speaker.

“The issue of the vehicle was discussed at the various parliamentary meetings and it was unanimously agreed by the members.

“We bought 36 Prado Jeeps for members and it went through the PPA and we have Compliance Certificate for the purchase.

“We also bought six Land Cruisers for the Principal Officers approved by the FMC and PPA with Certificate of Compliance.

“On women empowerment programmes. We raised a submission for the programme and it was recognised by the Assembly budget. It was not paid into the account of the wife of the Speaker. The facility manager has no relationship with the Speaker of the House,” he said.

The Clerk of the House, however said that some documents might have been released to SaharaReporters “through some disgruntled staffers of the House.

“We have been taking steps on that and we have transferred some staff.

“The files go through many tables and there is no doubt that some devilish staffers take pictures of some of these documents and send to these people.

“The staff have taken oaths and this attracts dismissal. Unofficial disclosure of information attracts dismissal in the civil service,” he stated.

Two officials of Zenith Bank; Mr. John Olorundare, Chief Compliance Officer, Mr. John Olorundare, Zonal Head of Alausa, Mr. Sanni Idowu Awe also appeared before the panel.

The bank officials stated that an individual could only have one BVN.

They confirmed that different account names could not be used for one BVN and that Speaker Obasa had only six accounts with Zenith Bank.

According to them, only two of the accounts are operational; one savings and current, while the rest are dormant.

Present at the meeting were other members of the committee including Hon. Yinka Ogundimu (Agege 2), Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti Osa 2), Hon. Lukmon Olumoh (Ajeromi Ifelodun 1) and Hon. Ajani Owolabi (Lagos Mainland 1).

Others are Hon. Mojisola Alli-Macaulay (Amuwo Odofin 1), Hon. Rotimi Olowo (Shomolu 1) and Hon. Akeem Shokunle (Oshodi/Isolo 1).

Related Topics:Featured Lagos speaker Obasa politics

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Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Celebrating The Women Behind The Music : The Members Of Elite Women Musicians Club Of Lagos

In the pulsating heart of Lagos, the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos

stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment for female artists. This dynamic association, renowned for its diversity in musical genres, prides itself on bringing together talented women from all walks of musical life. Today, we celebrate its esteemed members, who number twenty-nine strong, each contributing uniquely to the vibrant tapestry of the Club.

Leading The Charge :

At the forefront of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos Club is Alhaja Queen Isimot Abake Abiola PQ1st (Omo Opeki), the President. Her leadership is a source of inspiration for many, guiding the Club with a vision of inclusivity and excellence. Supporting her is Alhaja Queen Halimot Ayinla Omowura, the Vice President, whose dedication ensures the smooth operation and growth of the association.

Alhaja Badirat Adunni Olaniyan (Just Like That) serves as the Treasurer, managing the financial health of the Club with precision. The Social Secretary, Alhaja Aminat Babalola Balogun (Omotayebi, Iya Kekere Eko), brings vibrancy and connectivity, fostering a sense of community among the members. Asiwaju Yeye Tosin Eniba (Fuji Queen), the Secretary, ensures that the administrative duties are handled efficiently, supporting the organizational backbone of the Club.

Valued Members :

The Club’s strength lies in its diverse membership, each woman a luminary in her own right. The following are the distinguished members of the Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos :

– Afonja Gbajoba

– Bisi Ewa Ogo Jesu

– Alhaja Jelilat Dupytie

– Ejire Akewi Oba

– Alhaja Aminat Itojuobi

– Alh. Fatimo Oseni Salawa Onigbongbo

– Alh. Tawakalitu Alagbada Tokotaya to nko Fuji

– Aishat Irepo Obi

– Olaleye Rahemot Arike (Akomolesin Agbaye)

– Alh. Dasola Abeke

– Ewebiyi Iya Oriki

– Ameerat Oninure

– Alh. Azeezat Otibiya

– Alh. Rukayat Bashirimi

– Alh. Mujidat Damilola

– Alh. Fatima Aljafaria, an Elder whose wisdom and experience enrich the Club.

– Alh. Taibat Omo Tayenfe

– Queen Muheenat Ijaodola

– Sakirat Yeye Oge

– Alh. Mariam Akiki Akanbi

– Queen Abebi Ayala

– Aweni Adepeju (Aweni Fuji)

– Fatimo Ajoke Cinderella

– Alh. Hafsat Sideeq, another Elder whose guidance is deeply valued.

A Legacy of Excellence :

The Elite Women Musicians Club of Lagos is more than just an association; it is a legacy of excellence, a network of powerful voices that harmonize to uplift and inspire. Each member, from the executives to the distinguished members, plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and musical landscape of Lagos and beyond. Their combined efforts create a symphony of collaboration and mutual support, ensuring that the future of female musicians in Nigeria remains bright and promising.

As we celebrate these remarkable women, we also look forward to the new heights the Club will achieve under their leadership and unity. Their commitment to their craft and each other stands as a testament to the incredible power of music and the unwavering strength of women.

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Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Sustain Tempo of High Revenue With Compliance, CGC Tells Comptroller Olomu
… As Apapa Command Honours Outstanding Stakeholders

By Ifeoma Ikem

Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR has commended the Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, fsi for the command’s outstanding revenue collection of over N2.2tr and urged him to sustain the tempo.

CGC said this in Apapa on Friday at the command’s end of the year party and award ceremony also harped on the need for compliance and synergies as necessary strategies to greater productivity at the port. According to him, compliance is a competitive advantage.

He was represented by Deputy Comptroller General Caroline Niagwan, DCG Tariff and Trade, Adeniyi congratulated the Customs Area Controller and all the officers and men of Apapa Area Command for the milestone achieved in revenue collection to the tune of N2.2tr and still counting which has earned the command multiple accolades

“It is with immense pleasure that I stand before you today to celebrate a shared commitment to compliance and excellence in trade. This award ceremony is a testament to your dedication to ethical business practices, adherence to regulations, and unwavering support for the principles that drive Nigeria’s economic growth.

“Compliance is not merely a requirement; it is a competitive advantage. It fosters transparency, reduces operational risks, and strengthens the trust between businesses and regulatory authorities. It also positions compliant stakeholders to enjoy streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and access to the numerous benefits that come with being recognized as trusted trade partners.

“As a Service, we understand that sustaining compliance can sometimes require capacity building, especially as global trade evolves.

To this end, the Service is committed to providing the necessary training, technical assistance, and partnerships that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to maintain this high standard.

“Our goal is to ensure that every stakeholder remains competitive,vinnovative, and aligned with global best practices.
By working together, we can unlock even greater opportunities for growth. Compliant stakeholders not only contribute to national revenue but also drive economic development, attract foreign investments, and enhance Nigeria’s position in international trade” Adeniyi said

In his welcome speech, Comptroller Olomu expressed appreciation to the CGC and the customs management team for always providing the direction and inspiration to the command in it’s drive to meet government’s expectations .

He described the end of year party as many things rolled up in one as it strengthens the stakeholders bond as a community of government and private sector collaborators working together for the betterment of Nigeria;

it’s also to celebrate together as the year 2024 ends and honour those whose outstanding performances contributed in shaping the command’s achievements in 2024.

Comptroller Olomu said despite the challenges of low trade volume, the command is able to achieve it’s target which is a reflection of officers commitment and dedication to duty

He added that in line with the policy thrust of the CGC, the command utilised it’s relationship with stakeholders to achieve it’s goal this year.

According to him improving on stakeholder engagement has become an operational template the Comptroller General of Customs has impressed on the officers and expressed joy to announce that it has proven to be a masterstroke towards enhanced compliance.

Comptroller Olomu said “Compliance is no doubt the bedrock of all customs achievements in areas of revenue collection, anti smuggling and legitimate trade facilitation. Our approach to regurlarly engage our sister government agencies has raised our degree of intelligence sharing towards a common national interest.

“Let me use this period to thank the NPA, DSS, NDLEA, NAQS,Port Health, Police, Immigration and other sister government agencies for their consistent collaboration in 2024. They are indeed an integral part of the command’s success story in 2024. I urge them to stay on board let’s do it again in 2025.

“With our port users, we maintained regularly enlightenment meetings, faster trade dispute resolution mechanism and consistent appraisal of feedbacks to keep improving on our responsibilities.

“There have been positive fallouts of our regular interface with our stakeholders. This is evident in our collection of N2..2tr revenue and still counting, zeroing in on the minority that attempt smuggling by curbing their activities with seizures. We are fostering inclusivity and this will continue in 2025

“We have ensured no container , import or export consignment goes through our control without due diligence of proper examination. This has been the foundation of our impeccable enforcement drive.

“We are honouring some of our officers and stakeholders for their outstanding performances in the year 2024 . I want to urge the awardees to see this as a call for more commitment to surpass their best outputs. There is no end to improvement

“This should also be a challenge to those who didn’t make the award list this time, I urge them to keep improving with a promise that their inputs shall not go unnoticed for due recognition” he concluded

Among those recognised with various awards are APM Terminals, Sifax Group, ENL Consortium, Dangote, Talod Ocean Airfreight and Princess Chi Ezeh the CEO of Munah Sylva Nigeria Limited

The command also recognised serving and retired officers for their contributions to it’s overall successes in 2024.

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Bullion Records; GyC Release Debut EP Album, A Billion Things

Published

1 week ago

December 12, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Bullion Records; GyC Release Debut EP Album, A Billion Things

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Bullion Records, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing record labels, has officially released its highly anticipated debut EP album, A Billion Things, sung by its sensational artist, GyC. Born Fortune Kingsley, GyC is making waves in the Nigerian music industry, and this five-track EP marks a significant milestone in his career and the label’s history.

The EP, which dropped today, Wednesday, December 12, 2024, features an eclectic mix of tracks, including Mailo, Shayo, Woman, Kpang Kpang, and Kokan Aye. The standout track, Kokan Aye, features collaborations with Nigerian music icons 9ice and Eedris Abdul Kareem, further solidifying GyC’s place in the music scene.

Speaking about the project, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chairman and CEO of Bullion Records, described the album as a blend of inspiration and artistry. “Every track in this album is not only a masterpiece but also delivers profound messages. From love to resilience, and from societal consciousness to celebration, A Billion Things resonates with listeners on different levels,” he said.

The production team behind the album includes some of Nigeria’s most talented producers. YoungSmith worked on the hits Shayo, Woman, and Mailo, while Philkeyz produced the electrifying Kpang Kpang. Shockerbeat added his signature touch to Kokan Aye, ensuring the album delivers a diverse yet cohesive sound.

Mr. Elegbede Ajibola, the entertainment director at Bullion Records, emphasized the label’s strategic timing for the album’s release. “We deliberately chose December to launch this EP because it’s a season when people connect through music. We want fans and good music lovers worldwide to vibe to these amazing tracks during the festive period,” Elegbede noted.

GyC, the star of the moment, expressed his gratitude to the team behind the album’s success. “This project is the result of collective effort and dedication. I want to thank the executive members of Bullion Records for their unwavering support. Special appreciation also goes to the incredible music producers who brought my vision to life,” he said.

The release of A Billion Things marks a bold statement from Bullion Records as it cements its position in the Nigerian music industry. With a lineup of motivational, soulful, and dance-worthy tracks, the EP is expected to become a favorite among music lovers globally.

Fans can now stream or purchase the album on all major music platforms.