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Saraki Continued To Earn Salary As Governor 4 Years After Leaving Office – Witness

Published

9 years ago

April 7, 2016

Senate President Bukola Saraki continued to earn salary monthly as governor of Kwara state for four years after he left office, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Michael Wetkas, told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday.

In a continuation of the Senate President’s trial at the CCT, Wetkas said in the course of the EFCC investigation, “we wrote to Access Bank for them to give us details of the salary account of the defendant. The salary that was coming into the account was N254, 212 as of 1 August 2007.

“As of June 3, 2011, the salary was N291, 124. On July 4, there was another payment with the narration Kwara State Government (KSG) June 2011 salary. The amount was N572, 286. On August 29, 2011, there was another payment in the sum of N744, 002 from the Kwara state government.

“On September 29, 2011 there was another payment of N743, 942 with the narration salary payment from KSG. On October 27, 2011, there was another payment of N1, 165, 468 for salary.

“In November 2011, there was payment of the same amount. The narration was December pension. On February 1, 2012, there was payment of the same amount with the narration for pension.

“The salary payments stopped in this account on August 31, 2015. The defendant left office on May 29, 2011, he became senator in the same.”.The witness also alleged that Saraki made cash deposits of $10,000 18 times in one day.

“On March 23, 2005, there was a cash deposit of N8.2 million into the defendant account at the GRA Ilorin branch. On March 29, 2005, there was a N200 million bank draft made in favour of an implementation committee on sale of government property.

“On October 16, 2006, the defendant obtained a loan of N380 million from GTB. On that same day, there was a bank draft in favour of the same implementation committee.

“The draft was N286.3 million. On the same day, there was another draft of N12.8 million in favour of the committee on the landed properties. The loans were meant for purchase of properties by the defendant.

“On that same day there was a loan disbursement of N380 million. On February 7, 2007, there was a transfer of N3 million by Abdul Adama (Saraki’s personal assistant). On April 3, 2007, there was an electronic transfer of N130. 6 million on the instruction of Saraki from the implementation committee to his account. On that same day, there were cash lodgments five times a day.

“The sums were N11m, N20m, N20 million, N20 million, and N6 million. The total amount on that day was N77 million. Before these lodgments, there was a debit balance of N81, 960, 289. On November 22, 2007, there were cash lodgments into the account (Saraki’s naira account) by Abdul Adama, in 50 different transactions.

“Before those lodgments, the account was in a debit balance of N80, 210, 976. On November 29, there were cash lodgments by Ubi. Over 20 transactions in bits of N20 million.

“On March 20, 2008, there were more cash lodgments. Before then the account had a debit balance of N96m. On September 23, 2008, there were different cash lodgments by different individuals.

“On April 30, 2009, there was a bank draft of in favour of PGL Asset Management Limited in the sum of N400m. On October 26, 2009, cash lodgments were made by different individuals to Zenith bank account of the defendant 87 times in a single day.

“On May 19, 2009, he made a cash lodgment of $10, 000 18 times in one day in his dollar account. On 23 August, 2009, $99, 975 was transferred into his account.”

Kwara Denies Paying Saraki After Leaving Office

However, the Kwara State government has denied paying former governor of the state, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, salary after he left office in May 2011.

Saraki was governor in the state between 2003 and 2011.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, in a reaction to claims that the former governor was drawing salary from the State after he left office, explained that Saraki’s last salary was N291,474.00 for the month of May 2011.

The SSG explained that from June 2011, Saraki started receiving his pension which was N578,188.00 as other past governors in the country.

He explained further in his statement that after the review of pensions of former political office holders by the State Pension Board, the former governor’s pension increased to N1,239,493.94 monthly from October 2014 to date.

“Kwara State Government, therefore, dismissed as false and misleading the allegation that former Governor Saraki was receiving salaries after the expiration of his two-term tenure as governor of the state.”

Alhaji Gold advised interested stakeholders to seek clarification from appropriate authority to avoid misleading the public.

Saraki Spent Pension On Charity, Says Aide

As the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Wednesday heard of how Senate President Bukola Saraki earned salary monthly even four years after he left office as Governor of Kwara State, his Director General for the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Constituency Office, Mr Abdulwahab Isa, late Wednesday explained that Saraki spent his pension since 2011 on humanitarian activities.

He also said the special account into which the money was paid was not managed by Saraki but by a group of trustees and used for education endowment for students across the state.

According to Isa, Saraki does not have access to the account, adding that the group of trustees which he (Isa) leads, was mandated to use the money in paying scholarship grants and funds for Joint Admission and Matriculation Board ((JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.

He said: “We have also used the money to pay for coaching of students who were preparing for JAMB examinations.

“For example, the most recent beneficiaries from the funds were two University of Ilorin Faculty of Law students who were the best in their set and needed money for their enrolment into the Nigerian Law School.”

Saraki’s Transferred transfer of $3.4 million to his USA bank account.

Michael Wetkas, an Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC) witness continued with startling revelations of how Senate President Bukola Saraki engaged in financial infractions as governor of Kwara state on Wednesday.

Wetkas told the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) that Bukola Saraki, arraigned on a 13-count charge of under-declaration of assets, authorised the transfer of $3.4 million to his USA bank account.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), Wetkas said Saraki authorised the GTBank to transfer the funds to America Express Services, Europe Limited.

This done, Saraki ensured that the money was forwarded to his bank account 730580 at America Express Bank in New York on August 25, 2008 adding that on November 5, 2005, $20,000 was lodged into Saraki’s GTB account at GRA Ilorin Branch by one Bayo Dare and Abdul Adama.

Paul Usoro (SAN), who is standing as Saraki’s counsel said he would reserve his arguments till later date as he was not ready to object to the admissibility of the evidence.

celebrity radar - gossips

Adeniyi Johnson Urges Leniency for Naomi Silekunola After Tragic Stampede Incident

Published

7 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Adeniyi Johnson Urges Leniency for Naomi Silekunola After Tragic Stampede Incident

Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson has called on authorities to show compassion and leniency in the case involving Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, following a tragic incident that claimed the lives of over 30 children. Naomi, who had organized an event aimed at giving back to the community, found herself at the center of a devastating stampede, which led to her detention by the police along with several others involved in the event’s planning.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Adeniyi expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, offering prayers for strength and comfort in their time of loss. He also spoke out in defense of Naomi, acknowledging her noble intentions and her well-known charitable nature.

“My heart goes out to the families of the lost ones; no family deserves such pain at any time,” he wrote. “I pray the good Lord grants you the strength to bear this unimaginable loss. Amen.”

Adeniyi went on to emphasize that Naomi’s actions were driven by kindness, noting her good intentions in organizing the event. “My heart and prayers go to @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi, whose intentions were never to harm but to give and provide for others,” he continued. “This time shall pass, and the God of your good deeds will speak for you, restore you, and bring you back stronger.”

The actor also highlighted the generous spirit of the people of Ondo State, from where Naomi hails, stating that the tragic incident was a reflection of her community’s compassionate values. “We, the people of Ondo State, are known for our kindness and generosity, which clearly motivated Naomi to put the program together,” Adeniyi added. “I pray God sees you through this challenging time and restores you to even greater strength.”

Concluding his post, Adeniyi called for the authorities to consider the tragic circumstances surrounding the event while upholding justice. “I know that the law must be upheld, but we beseech the authorities to temper justice with mercy and look beyond the incident to the goodwill behind it,” he wrote. “GOD BLESS NIGERIA.”

Naomi’s supporters have rallied around her, hoping for a fair and compassionate resolution to the matter as investigations continue into the tragic stampede.

celebrity radar - gossips

May Edochie Celebrates Major Milestone with Range Rover Unveiling

Published

8 hours ago

December 26, 2024

Sahara Weekly

May Edochie Celebrates Major Milestone with Range Rover Unveiling

In a heartwarming display of hard work and resilience, Nigerian entrepreneur and influencer, May Edochie, marked a significant achievement in her life as she unveiled her newly acquired Range Rover SUV. The estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie shared this proud moment with her followers on Instagram, inviting them into her world as she took her first drive in the luxury vehicle.

In the video, May can be seen beaming with joy as she cruises through the quiet streets of Lagos. The city’s usual hustle and bustle seemed to fade into the background as she reflected on the journey that brought her here. Her success was not just the result of luck but a reflection of tireless dedication, sleepless nights, and a determination to achieve her dreams.

With gratitude in her heart, May wrote in her post, “I finally decided to take this baby out for a memorable first drive and connection. Woke up today convinced that I should be proud of myself at least and enjoy this new blessing from the Almighty, which came with a great deal of working relentlessly, sleepless nights, dedication, and focus. Every penny… my hard-earned sweat.”

Her words resonated deeply with her fans, who flooded her comment section with praise and admiration. Many were inspired by her resilience, seeing her as a beacon of strength and motivation, particularly during the holiday season.

May also took the opportunity to wish her followers a Merry Christmas, affectionately calling out to her “May Nation Community” and sharing a humorous note about the quieter streets of Lagos as many people headed east for the holidays. “The streets of Lagos are looking different today,” she laughed in the video, “everyone’s heading out for the holidays. I’m here, enjoying my drive and reflecting on how far I’ve come.”

In closing, she shared a prayer and a message of hope: “May the Lord bless us all accordingly. 🙏”

Fans rallied around her, sending congratulations, holiday wishes, and encouragement as they celebrated her accomplishment. For May, this new milestone was not just about the car; it was a testament to her unwavering commitment to her success and the blessings she has received along the way.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by May Yul-Edochie (@mayyuledochie)

celebrity radar - gossips

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

Published

1 day ago

December 25, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen has made headlines once again, capping off an impressive year with the acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a luxurious high-performance SUV. This latest addition to his collection reflects Osimhen’s penchant for the finer things in life, solidifying his status as one of football’s most flamboyant stars.

A Taste for Luxury

The announcement of Osimhen’s new car was made by Polanaco Exotic Cars, a prominent automobile company, through its official Instagram account. The post featured a sleek video showcasing the vehicle’s modernized and opulent exterior, highlighting its cutting-edge features and eye-catching design. The accompanying caption read: “Sold, congratulations Victor Osimhen 9.”

The Lamborghini Urus, renowned for its blend of luxury and performance, boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a staggering 641 horsepower. With a top speed of 190 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, the Urus is one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

Private Jet Rumors

This news comes amid reports that Osimhen has also recently acquired a private jet, further cementing his image as a football star who spares no expense in enjoying the rewards of his hard work. While details about the private jet remain unconfirmed, the buzz around these acquisitions has captivated fans and followers alike.

Rising Star and Role Model

Victor Osimhen has had a stellar year both on and off the pitch. The Napoli striker’s exceptional performances have earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top forwards, with numerous accolades and record-breaking achievements to his name. Off the field, his lifestyle choices and philanthropic efforts have made him a role model for many young football enthusiasts.

Social Media Frenzy

Fans and admirers have taken to social media to celebrate Osimhen’s success, praising his achievements and sharing their excitement over his latest purchase. The Instagram post by Polanaco Exotic Cars quickly went viral, with thousands of likes and comments congratulating the football star.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus is a testament to his hard work, talent, and success. As he continues to shine on the football stage, his growing collection of luxury assets reflects a life well-lived and a career on the rise. Football fans around the world eagerly await what the new year holds for this extraordinary athlete.