Tony Anenih Writes EFCC on How He Shared N260m, Implicates Another Politician...See Details

The former Board of Trustees (BOT) chairman of the Peoples' Democratic Party, Tony Anenih who is being investigated by the EFCC alongside other suspects in the controversial $2bn Arms Deal has revealed how N260m was shared.

Former PDP BOT Chair, Tony Anenih

 

The forrmer PDP Board chair Tony Anenih has explained how he disbursed the N260 million paid into his bank account from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is of the opinion that the cash came from the allegedly misappropriated $2.1 billion arms funds.

 

Anenih wrote to the EFCC to state, among others, that he gave N63 million to a group coordinated by a former Special Assistant to former President Shehu Shagari (National Assembly Liaison), Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, for the 2015 presidential election.

 

Yakassai may be invited for interrogation over the “curious” payment, it was learnt yesterday.

 

Anenih was said to have told EFCC that he didn’t benefit from the money, but that he only shared it, following instructions.

 

The EFCC has started investigating alleged “curious” payment of N63million to a  group led by Yakassai for the 2015 elections.

 

It was learnt that the probe followed a letter to the EFCC by a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, on how he distributed the  N260million paid into his account by the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA).

 

A highly-placed source in EFCC said: “Chief Tony Anenih has written the EFCC on how he disbursed N260million from ONSA to various groups including a team being coordinated by Tanko Yakassai.

 

“Anenih specifically indicated in the letter that N63million was given to Yakassai’s group. He mentioned a few others whose identities we will not disclose until our investigation has reached an appreciable stage.

 

“We will unveil the names of all the beneficiaries of the N260million soon. But we are at a level that we need to invite Yakassai to shed more light on why his group was allocated N63million arms funds.”

 

The source also added: “Besides the letter, we will invite Anenih to make a Statement on Oath and for interrogation.”

 

One of the charges against a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki and a former Director of Finance and Administration this office, Shaibu Salisu, was the transfer of N260million to Anenih.

 

The charge said: “That you Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki whilst being National Security Adviser and Shaibu Salisu, whilst being the Director of Finance and Administration in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA)  on or about 28th November 2014  in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, and in such capacities  entrusted with dominion over certain properties to wit: the sum of N260million being part of the funds in the account of the ONSA with Skye Bank Plc committed criminal breach of trust in respect of the said property when you transferred same to the bank account of Tony Anenih with First Bank of Nigeria Plc and  you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol.4, LFN 2004.”

We Put Prophets of Doom to Shame - Former President Jonathan

The former President Goodluck Jonathan in his recent Facebook post said prophets of doom in 2015 have been put to shame.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan

 

The immediate past President Goodluck Jonatha said that Nigerians have proved wrong those who prophesied doom in the country after the 2015 general elections.

 

Jonathan stated this on his Facebook page on Tuesday, January 5 while reacting to the honour bestowed on him by the largest newspaper in America, The African Sun Times Newspaper, which named him its International Person of the Year, 2015.

 

He also reaffirmed his belief in the country, expressing optimism that Nigeria would surmount the challenges confronting it in the new year.

 

“I thank The African Sun Times for naming me as its International Person of the year, 2015. I am indeed humbled by this honour." he said.

 

“When I think about it, I understand why this medium may have thought me worthy of such an honour. However, I believe that my people, the Nigerian people, are more deserving of this honour.

 

“We, the Nigerian people, put to shame naysayers and prophets of doom and in 2015, we held a most transparent, violence-free and credible elections that transferred power from one political party to another and from an incumbent to the opposition, without rancour, bitterness or strife.

 

“In the process, we proved that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian or any national of any country for that matter. That to me, is a most worthy testimonial of the character of the Nigerian nation and the resilience of our people, which is why I dedicate this honour to them. May God continue to bless Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Finally! See What the Federal Government is Saying About Scraping NYSC Scheme

As speculations keep growing about plans of the Nigerian government to scrap the National Youth Service Scheme, the Federal Government has come out clear on the issue.

 

The Federal government of Nigeria has stated that there is no plan to scrap the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

The Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Solomon Dalong made this disclosure in Lagos on Tuesday. Dalong said the scheme had come to stay, adding that its merits outweighed its demerits.
 

The minister said this during an inspection tour of the Lagos State NYSC orientation camp in the Iyana Ipaya area of the state on Tuesday. He stressed that the scheme had not only enhanced the socio-cultural and ethnic integration in the country but had also promoted national unity.

He said, “We cannot dismiss the gains of the NYSC scheme in integrating Nigeria; I will stand firmly for the sustenance of the system, to continue in its capacity-building of Nigeria citizens because it is an indispensable aspect of diversifying our culture.”
He said such graduates would be provided with a start-up capital at the end of the training, which according to him would indirectly stimulate interest in education.

“Apart from the basic orientation programme, the NYSC scheme should also move into including professional and enterprising programmes to support and motivate those who would not want to embrace public services in the country.

“After the mandatory one-year service, the Federal Government is planning an extension, to professionally train interested corps members in skill acquisition, enterprising and professional programmes.

“Corps members with keen interest would be retained and some financial token given to them as start-up capital in furtherance of their skill. This is because due to our research, we find out that people abandon school due to uncertainty of the future. Hence, we believe this would help reduce the unemployed graduate ratio and curtail pressure on white-collar job as a means to win the war against poverty”, he further stated.

Dalong expressed satisfaction over the state of the Lagos NYSC orientation camp, and thanked the Lagos State government for its support for the scheme.

He said, “Nigeria did not plan to have the number of graduates in this present dispensation. If we had planned effectively, the concept of NYSC camping would have started with a permanent and effective structure.

“The visionaries of the scheme did not anticipate the lifespan of the scheme after the Civil War; the implementation of the scheme was a strategy to mobilise and integrate Nigerians together, hence, the huge number of graduates each year has put much pressure on the facilities, calling for constant renovation and upgrading.”

Wike: PDP will continue to win all elections in Rivers State

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has restated that if elections are conducted ten times in the state, candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will still emerge victorious because of the commitment of the party to the wellbeing of the people.

He further declared that the people are waiting for the total deployment of card readers, saying that the defeated APC in Rivers State will not win any unit because the APC and her sponsors have since betrayed the people.

Addressing a cross section of Rivers people at the state’s New Year Banquet in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday night, Governor Wike said: “If elections are conducted ten times in Rivers State, PDP will win. We are waiting for the card reader, but let me see which unit they (APC) will win”.

Governor Wike charged the people of Rivers State to always respect the judiciary irrespective of judgments, noting that the stability of the country depends on the judiciary.

According to him, his administration has respected the full separation of powers, which has led to the independence of the Judiciary and the Legislative Arms of Government.

He expressed happiness that he lived up to his promise to revive the Judiciary after immediate past governor Amaechi closed the courts for two years, pointing out that Amaechi was the first person to take advantage of the revived Judiciary by rushing to court over the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

The governor added that never again will the State House of Assembly be subjected to sitting in Government House under the guidance of the governor as was the case before he took over.

He said: “You don’t need to control any arm of government. What you need is mutual cooperation to develop the state”.

R-L: Governor Wike, Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo and Former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru

He outlined the achievements of his administration in terms of road infrastructure, schools development, empowerment programmes and health and agricultural schemes, saying that 2016 would witness more development projects in all sectors in line with the New Rivers vision.

He said that his administration was able to make landmark achievements in seven months because of the support and prayers of a vast majority of Rivers people. He declared that he will never be distracted, noting that his commitment to serve Rivers State is total, irrespective of any outcome.

The Rivers State Governor said his administration took bank loans to finance projects, not for politicking as rumoured and falsely reported in the media. “If I take a loan, I would use it to the benefit of the Rivers people. I will not use it to play politics.” Governor Wike said.

Governor Wike said his administration is interested in completing abandoned infrastructural projects, provided they impact positively on lives of the people.

He explained that though his administration had paid N 1. 5 billion for the foreign scholarships, it could not continue to fund it because the previous government of Rotimi Amaechi had incurred a debt of N3.5 billion for 2013–2014 and the 2014 -2015 sessions. He stated that the decision was taken in the overall interest of the state in view of dwindling finances.

Earlier, State Head of Service, Mr Rufus Godwins stated that the people of the state are solidly in support of Governor Wike because of his commitment to the development of Rivers State and his superlative achievements.

Former Minister of Sports, Dr Tammy Danagogo said that Governor Wike has lived up to the expectations of the people through his people focused programmes and projects.

The New Year Banquet, the first under Governor Wike’s administration, attracted former governors, state and Federal Legislators, National and State party officials and critical stakeholders of Rivers State.

We'll Soon Know the King of Cannabis - Dele Momodu Breaks Silence on Davido Baby Mama Saga

It has a been a social media tussle and baby mama drama between music star, Davido, his Baby mama, Sophie. Just as we all expected, Ovation boss, Dele Momodu has broken his silence, giving reasons why he have not replied anyone on the issue.

Davido and baby mama, Sophie Momodu

 

The internet and social media was abuzz over the weekend when the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Otunba Dele Momodu, was engaged in exchange of words with popular musician, David Adeleke a.k.a Davido on twitter and Instagram over the issue of Davido’s Baby Mama, Sophie Momodu who is the publisher’s cousin.

 

Social media posts revealed that Sophie and her family started the drama after filing a petition against Davido and his family for alleged child trafficking of Imade, the baby of Davido and Sophie. 

 

Sophie and her daughter, Imade

 

Sophie alleged that her daughter, Imade Aurora Adeleke has been with the Adelekes since July 11, 2015. Before that time, It was revealed that Sophie was invited over to the Adeleke’s house with her baby but to her utmost surprise, the baby was taken from her and she was sent out of the house by security agents. Efforts to have access to her baby was futile. 

 

As a result of this, she sent a petition addressed to the DG of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to prevent her daughter travelling to Dubai with Davido. 

 

Sophie Momodu and her uncle, Dele Momodu 

 

We reported it here yesterday when the music star, Davido to release a lengthy account of his side of the story. The'Aye' crooner lampooned Dele Momodu for the role he allegedly played. He also went further to accuse his baby mama of infecting his baby with Marijuana as a result of her addiction.

 

Just like we all expected, Dele Momodu has taken to his Twitter to react to Davido's allegation as his followers kept asking him for comments, below is his reactions.

 

 

 

The politician and media mogul also took to his Instagram and give reasons why he have not replied anyone on the issue via an official statement to address Davido's lenghthy statement and accusations. Below is what he posted, Read on and be the judge;

 

Ashley Adeleke (Davido's sister) and Baby Imade in Dubai swimming pool (Photo: Dele Momodu)

"The newspapers were awash this morning and the social media has been on fire since yesterday. My cousin SOPHIE MOMODU was comprehensively scandalised. Even a Laboratory result alleging she's a cannabis smoker was splashed everywhere. She was said to have infected her own baby with cannabis. The vicious authors expected some gullible people to believe them. Nothing could have been cruellest. 

 

Our initial reaction was to maintain the ceasefire but this latest attack against a defenceless lady who merely asked that she be allowed to enjoy the fruit of motherhood was the limit of recklessness and rascality. All sensible human beings should abhor and condemn this unwarranted fabrication of endless lies just to justify the act of forcefully detaching a baby from her biological mother. 

 

Check this picture well. That's baby Imade with her aunt Ashley Adeleke who took her to Dubai a few months ago against her mother's consent. The world has been told that the baby was so sick that she needed urgent medical attention in Dubai. Imade's mother was deprived of attending personally to her own baby. 

 

Now wait for this; just imagine you're the hapless mum of Imade; instead of receiving regular medical briefs from Ashley the Good Samaritan, you receive pictures of your own baby swimming with Ashley Coco inside the heavenly pool of Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, one of the most luxurious resorts in the world while anxiety is killing you back home. 

 

Baby Imade has been forcefully separated from her mum since July 11!, 2015, when she was barely two months old. We've pleaded for months with the Adelekes to return the baby to her real mum. Sophie was allowed to visit her daughter once a week every Sunday inside Dr Adeleke's guest quarters. We did not fight. We did not engage in social media wars. 

 

They said our family was too poor and beneath their status. We did not mind. They said Sophie was a gold-digger, we did not respond. We only kicked when Baby Imade was to be taken out again without the mum's necessary consent. No one asked them to take Sophie along. We only tried to stop the impunity and dehumanisation of a poor mother. We acted within the ambit of the law. No more."

Goodluck Jonathan Reacts to 'Person of the Year' Honour...See What the Former President Has to Say

The immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to his recent international honour bestowed upon him by prestigious magazine, the African Sun Times.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan

 

Former president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan who has been recently named the “International Person of the year” by The African Sun Times has expressed gratitude for yet another recognition.

 

He said: “I believe that my people, the Nigerian people, are more deserving of this honour.”

 

Goodluck Jonthan, in a statement published on his official Facebook page on Monday, January 4, expressed gratitude to Africa’s number one and largest newspaper in the USA and noted that he understands why this medium might have thought him worthy of such an honour.

 

“I thank The African Sun Times for naming me as its International Person of the year, 2015. I am indeed humbled by this honour. When I think about it, I understand why this medium may have thought me worthy of such an honour.

 

“However, I believe that my people, the Nigerian people, are more deserving of this honour.We, the Nigerian people put to shame naysayers and prophets of doom and in 2015, we held a most transparent, violence free and credible elections that transferred power from one political party to another and from an incumbent to the opposition, without rancour, bitterness or strife.

 

“In the process, we proved that nobody’s political ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian or any national of any country for that matter. That to me, is a most worthy testimonial of the character of the Nigerian nation and the resilience of our people which is why I dedicate this honour to them.

 

“May God continue to bless Nigeria and Nigerians. GEJ,” the statement read.

 

A few days ago, one of Nigeria’s online newspapers, The Trent also named Goodluck Jonathan the Person of the Year 2015.

 

While receiving the award, the former president said that he felt deeply touched by the kind gesture and honour coming months after he left office.

Real Madrid Sacks Rafa Benitez Just Six Months After His Appointment

Beleaguered boss, Rafa Benitez is set for axe after just six months in charge as Bernabeu chiefs hold emergency meeting today as the club legend looks ready for a big promotion.

 

The Mirror UK has exclusively reported that Rafael Benitez has been sacked as manager of Real Madrid just six months after he was appointed to coach the Spanish club.

 

The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss, has endured a tough season at the Bernabeu since taking over in June, and while he only finds his side four points off Atletico at the top of La Liga, he has had fallouts with key players and been criticised for a defensive style of football.

 

He was also denied the chance for another piece of silverware, the Copa del Rey, after an administrative gaffe saw them expelled for fielding an ineligible player against Cadiz. 

 

It leaves the Champions League as their most likely chance of glory this season, but club president, Florentino Perez has opted for a change ahead of their round-of-16 tie with Roma next month.

 

Directors of the Spanish club have been consulting throughout Monday after Madrid failed to beat Valencia on Sunday evening.

 

Club president, Florentino Perez has called a board meeting for Monday afternoon which will be followed by a press conference in which an announcement is expected later on today.

 

Zinedine Zidane - the coach of Real Madrid's second team, Castilla, is expected to take over.