TheNewsGuru

Tag: Aides

  • Probe: Detectives comb Magu’s office, arrest top aides

    Probe: Detectives comb Magu’s office, arrest top aides

    Some detectives on Monday searched the office of the suspended acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu as part of the ongoing investigation by the Justice Ayo Salami Investigative panel.

    It was learnt that a vital computer was retrieved by the investigators.

    Also, more EFCC officials, including the acting Director of the Assets Forfeiture and Recovery Management Unit were grilled by the panel.

    Also quizzed were some of Magu’s aides.

    It was also learnt that the committee sought clarifications on 332 assets recovered by the EFCC.

    According to a report by The Nation, the detectives also screened and profiled mobile phones of Magu’s close aides.

    They were all allowed to go home last night.

    But Magu, who was present during the siting, which lasted about 12 hours, did not make any appearance before the committee, it was learnt.

    The detectives were at the The EFCC headquarters to search Magu’s office based on intelligence, it was also learnt.

    A source said privy to the development said: “The detectives frisked the office and went away with the main desktop computer suspected to have some information.

    “Two key aides of Magu were later asked to appear before the panel for some clarifications. They were there till about 9.30pm.

    “Apart from Magu’s direct aides, the EFCC’s acting Director, Directorate of Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Management, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf, interacted with the Salami panel.

    “I think Aliyu Yusuf’s summons was in respect of the 332 assets recovered from suspects by the commission. The panel is demanding comprehensive details on the assets which have attracted public interest.

    “The committee was very strict in sitting behind closed doors by ensuring that only those needed were allowed to meet with the team.”

  • COVID-19: Obasanjo locks out aides, mourners at mother-in-law’s burial

    COVID-19: Obasanjo locks out aides, mourners at mother-in-law’s burial

    Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday personally locked the entrance to the church where his mother-in-law’s burial programme took place in Isara Remo, Ogun East Senatorial District, Ogun State.

    The move was in ex-President’s strict enforcement of the Covid-19 protocols regarding safe physical distance and minimum number of persons permissible in an enclosed space.

    At the St. Peter’s Anglican Church (Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion) Diocese of Remo, Isara Remo, Ogun State venue of the Order of Service for the remains of his mother in-law, Mrs Florence Mopelola Adenekan, Obasanjo manned the church’s enhance door and ensured that the approved limit of those to be allowed in was strictly adhered to.

    The former President ordered many of the mourners who wanted to be part of the funeral service to go back and personally shut the Church doors against them as the service presided over by the Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Remo Diocese, Most Rev Dr Matthew Olusina Fape, commenced at about 10.30 am.

    Some of the elder statesman’s close aides and associates were not spared – they too were also locked outside despite having their face masks on.

    The late Mrs Adenekan was the mother of Chief (Mrs) Bola Obasanjo. She died on April 17, 2020; two days before her 90th birthday.

    The nonagenarian was interred at the church cemetery located behind the church with Obasanjo leading the family of his in-laws to perform the dust-to-dust rites.

    Mrs Obasanjo was absent at the ceremony, as she was said to have travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) and could not make it.

    The former President later paid homage to the four traditional rulers at Ode and Isara communities in company with his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, among others.

    The visited monarchs include Oba Mukaila Akanbi Olabinjo (Isara); the Iraye Remo, Oba Samuel Olatunji Kalejaiye; the Eleposo Eposo Ode Remo, Oba Albert Adebose Mayungbe and the Alaye Ode, Oba (Suvr.) Adetunji Osho.

    Oba Osho said Obasanjo had demonstrated “how true and respected Yoruba son he is by visiting their domains despite coming on personal engagement to the area.

    “We shall continue to learn from your wisdom. The entire people of Ode is proud and appreciate this visit,” the traditional ruler said.

  • Ondo Deputy Gov reappoints aides sacked by Akeredolu

    Ondo Deputy Gov reappoints aides sacked by Akeredolu

    The crisis in Ondo State took a new turn after the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi reappointed aides sacked by the Governor, Romiti Akeredolu.

    Governor Akeredolu sacked the Special Assistant on New Media to the embattled Deputy Governor, Allen Sowore, and later sacked his Chief Press Secretary, Babatope Okeowo alongside his five other aides, and his wife.

    The aides of the Deputy Governor were sacked two days after their boss dumped the ruling, All Progressives Congress, APC for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    In an interview with newsmen, the embattled Chief Press Secretary, Okeowo affirmed that the deputy governor had reappointed all the aides sacked by the State Governor.

    “ Yes, it is true that the governor announced our sack, but there is no cause for alarm, as we have been reabsorbed by the Deputy Governor”.

    Recall that on Sunday, Ajayi quit the APC, following protracted friction between him and the governor, and subsequently picked the membership card of the PDP.

  • Gunshots in Aso villa: Aisha Buhari’s ADC, security aides restored

    Gunshots in Aso villa: Aisha Buhari’s ADC, security aides restored

    Sequel to President Muhammadu Buhari’s investigative order into the confrontation between security aides and alleged firing of gunshots at the Aso Villa premises, the aide-de-camp (ADC) to First Lady, Aisha Buhari has been restored to his post.

    The ADC, Usman Shugaba, who is a police officer, was absolved of any complicity by an investigative panel which was drawn from the Security Council.

    Also, other security aides of the First Lady have been returned to the Presidential Villa.

    But a nurse on the private jet from Abuja to Lagos and Kano, which caused misunderstanding at the Villa, has tested positive according to a report by The Nation.

    Following the development, the Federal Government has directed that all staff at the private wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja for COVID-19 test.

    Recall that there had been issues in the last two weeks over a minor family misunderstanding between the First Lady and an aide to the President over compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

    The family challenge led to shooting at the Villa, the withdrawal and detention of the First Lady’s ADC and other security details.

    The President also directed that the incident be investigated.

    It was learnt that a team, comprising Security Council members, probed the case last Monday.

    As at Saturday, the panel had cleared the ADC.

    A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The First Lady has got all her staff back because the investigative panel discovered the ADC did not fire a shot in the Villa.

    “It was discovered that the ADC was not even at the scene of the incident and he was not armed on the said day.

    “The panel was also able to establish that there were no armed policemen at that moment. There were only issues about compliance with COVID-19 guidelines.

    “What really happened was that a presidential aide travelled to Lagos penultimate Monday in a private jet and when he returned last Thursday, the First Lady asked him to isolate for 14 days.

    “The whole intent of the First Lady was to protect President Muhammadu Buhari and his household from COVID-19 infection. It was not really a personal matter per se.

    “Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the First Lady has always asked those on palliative mission for her pet project, the Future Assured Programme to self-isolate for 14 days upon return from any trip

    It was however learnt that a female hostess on the shuttles to Lagos, Abuja and Kano with the private jet used by the Presidential aide tested positive.

    Another source added: “The air hostess is receiving treatment and the government has asked all the staff or workers at the private wing to go for COVID-19 test and self-isolate in line with the enabling guidelines.

  • COVID-19: Aisha Buhari cries out over detained aides, tells IGP to release them

    COVID-19: Aisha Buhari cries out over detained aides, tells IGP to release them

    The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, to immediately release her aides.

    Mrs. Buhari stated this in a series of tweets on Friday.

    The aides were reportedly detained based on the orders of the Chief Security Officer to the President, Idris Kassim.

    According to reports, a top aide to the President, Yusuf Sabiu aka Tunde, who had recently returned from another state, refused to self-isolate but forced his way to the Presidential Villa.

    Mrs. Buhari’s aides were said to have forcibly removed him from the Villa but Sabiu, who is one of the most powerful aides to the President, allegedly got the CSO to arrest Aisha’s aides including her ADC, Usman Shugaba.

    https://twitter.com/aishambuhari/status/1271505990672924675?s=20

    However, in what seems to be a desperate appeal, the President’s wife tweeted, “That Covid-19 is real and still very much around in our nation is not in doubt. Consequently, I call on all relevant government agencies to enforce the Quarantine Act signed by Mr. President and ensure no one is found violating this law and the NCDC guidelines especially on interstate travel without the necessary exemptions for movement of essentials.

    “Anyone who does that should at the very least be made to undergo a-14 day mandatory isolation no matter who the person is, no one should be above the law and the Police command will do well to remember that.

    “Finally, I call on the IGP to release my assigned Staff who are still in the custody of the police in order to avoid putting their lives in danger or exposure to Covid-19 while in their custody.”

  • Ebonyi: How we survived COVID-19 disease – Umahi’s Aides

    Two aides of Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi have explained how they survived the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, saying that they were miraculously healed by God.

    The aides, Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu, the state Commissioner for Finance and Chief Clement Nweke, Principal Secretary to the Governor, in separate statements on Monday in Abakaliki, urged the citizens to take issues concerning the disease seriously.

    Chukwu, in a statement he personally signed, said that he had been out of circulation for some time, due to the COVID-19 infection.

    “It should be mentioned that while I walked through the valley of death’s shadow, I saw no evil because the Lord God was with me.

    “A man in white apparel appeared to me on June 1 and squeezed my stomach hard, saying that this sickness would not be unto death.

    “I was on life support and my stomach rumbled for a while,” he said.

    Chukwu further said that on June 2, the governor took over with words of encouragement, urging him on during the trying moment.

    “He momentarily took over my management with the Chief Medical Director of the Alex-Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA) and other health professionals.

    “The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) ministers, led by Dr Paul Enenche, also stood in the gap and called on the God of heaven and earth.

    “God’s mercy prevailed over judgment, and I am going home with a clean bill of health, having been certified COVID-19 negative,” he said.

    The commissioner also thanked his family, relations and colleagues, among others for their prayers and support, declaring that COVID-19 was not a death sentence.

    On his own, Nweke said that he walked out out the state’s isolation centre to join his family after spending 10 days in the facility.

    “I had repeatedly tested negative for COVID-19 after being taken to the isolation centre on May 29.

    “I had taken responsibility and requested to be tested for COVID-19, following a confirmed test of acute ‘plus-three’ malaria and pneumonia.

    thanked the governor for his ‘rapid response’ to his case and for his foresight in establishing and equipping the state’s virology centre in Abakaliki.

    “One could have imagined the difficulty that infected Ebonyi people would have faced if their samples were to be taken to Irua in Edo for testing or treatment,” he said.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Daniel Umezurike, confirmed the discharge of the two top government functionaries from the isolation centre, noting that they had tested negative twice after being treated for the disease.

    “We thank God for their discharge and urge the public to continue observing all precautionary protocols outlined by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) because the disease is real,” he said.

  • Two Ikpeazu’s aide test positive, family Covid-19 result released

    The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; his wife, Nkechi Ikpeazu; their children; and all members of the Abia State first family have tested negative to COVID-19.

    This followed the release of results of their samples taken on May 30, 2020, occasioned by the death of the State’s Commissioner for the Environment and member of the state’s Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Solomon Ogunji.

    A statement to that effect, personally signed by Governor Ikpeazu, said: “Leading this battle from the front as your Governor, I and all members of the first family subjected ourselves to COVID-19 tests on Saturday, 30th May, 2020 and the results came out negative today.

    “Unfortunately, results of two of my aides who also subjected themselves to COVID-19 tests were positive while others turned in negative results. We are confident that within days, the currently asymptomatic positive patients who are now isolated will be successfully nursed back to good health, with God on our side.

    “The new phase of the fight against COVID-19 in Abia will require that the state embark on massive tests of citizens to achieve at least 10% coverage of our population at the initial stage of the exercise.

    “To this end, the state epidemiologist has been directed to work out modalities for case searches using sample population size of between 30 to 250 persons, in some densely populated LGAs of the state.

    “Meanwhile, we cannot win and save lives as long as we continue to stigmatize our patients. If any person contracts COVID-19, it will be saddening but it is neither criminal nor is it necessarily the person’s fault. Let me put it on record that statistics show that far more people recover from the virus than those who pass away from it.”

    Governor Ikpeazu has also directed all Chairmen of the 17 Local Government Areas of the State and their deputies to present themselves for COVID-19 test.

    He said: “Further to my earlier directive on the testing of members of the State Executive Council, I wish to direct that all Transition Council Chairmen of our 17 LGAs, and their Deputies, present themselves for COVID-19 tests and thereafter isolate themselves pending the release of their test results.

    “I urge all citizens and residents to eschew rumour mongering and get involved in the battle against COVID-19. Take responsibility because Abia is ready to win this battle with all hands on deck.”

  • Bloody Ebonyi councillorship primaries: Umahi sacks two aides, orders their arrest

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has sacked two of his aides allegedly involved in a murder during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) councillorship primaries on Feb.21.

    The governor also directed the police command in the state to arrest the two aides for possible prosecution.

    The directive was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr Kenneth Ugbala, in Abakaliki on Sunday.

    Ugbala said the affected aides were Uche Ibiam, the Coordinator of Ubeyi Development Centre of Afikpo North Local Government Area and Mr Ibiam Ogbonnaya, a Technical Assistant (TA) on security.

    “The governor further directs security agencies to carry out investigations and prosecute all those found guilty in the crime in accordance with extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “The governor assured Ebonyi people of their safety and his readiness to sustain the peace and tranquility reigning in the state,” he said.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Loveth Odah, who confirmed the incident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the matter had been reported to the command.

    She said that the command had already commenced investigation into the incident.

    “We can confirm the death of Mr Enyinnaya Ibiam during the primaries at Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state and the recovery of a vehicle belonging to the coordinator of Ubeyi Development Centre, abandoned at the area.

    “Information reaching us indicates that the coordinator allegedly hired and stormed the scene of the primaries with thugs who shot sporadically, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to several people.

    “When the vehicle was searched, we recovered a bag containing a locally made pistol and six live ammunition,” she said.

    She said that the coordinator had not been arrested and promised that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and the culprits brought to book.

  • A Ministry for Aides, By Udeme Nana

    A Ministry for Aides, By Udeme Nana

    By UDEME NANA

    Barely two months ago, President Muhammadu Buhari rejigged his government by creating five new Ministries.Of that number, three ; Power, Aviation and Police Affairs were not entirely new like the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs , Disaster Management and Social Development and the Federal Ministry Special Duties and International Affairs although there used to be a Federal Ministry of Special Duties in the Sani Abacha era.This means that the Ministries of Police Affairs and Aviation have only been resuscitated having existed previously.
    This writer is advocating for the establishment of a Ministry for Aides to bring all Aides in our dear country into one big canopy , a Federal Ministry.
    The numbers are ample ; Councillors in the 774 Local Government Councils in Nigeria have more than one, Supervisors at the same tier have “employed” one or two, other top functionaries at that level are not left out and the Chairmen, elected or appointed have a coterie of Aides.
    At the state level, Legislators are in competition for the number of this category of “workers” , this writer knows one who has more than 20 on his payroll , imagine the number of Legislators in the 36 states of Nigeria with these set of staff !
    Members of the state Executive Council, Special Advisers , ordinary or honorary , Senior Special Assistants , Special Assistants and Personal Assistants also have their own Aides !
    The Governors as Chief Executives have a large contingent.In the history of Akwa Ibom State , a particular Governor had not more than 9 Aides for 8 years but his successor had more than 500! Imagine the jam and confusion on the major roads to the Airport when that Leader went on a trip or returning.It used to be carnival like both on the streets and at the airport with Aides struggling to undo one another in cheers, songs, shouts – noise levels which resonated like sustained thunder clap around the capital city.And such days were many. There was even a big – ben ( bell) wielding Aide. The joke then was than it was a strategy in “empowerment” ! No office space , empty job specifications except regular sights and sounds of able bodied youths – boys and girls who danced on the streets during events or trips , in sunshine or in the rain ! In Cross River State , Governor Ayade got more than 1000 such operatives whose monthly wages ranged from twenty thousand naira .
    Still at the states’ level, Chairmen of and Members of Boards and Commissions, Extra – Ministerial Departments , Permanent Secretaries , Directors etc all have Aides.
    At the National Assembly, each Senator , each Member of the House of Representatives , each Minister , Minister of State , Head of Service , Secretary to the Federal Government etc have quadrupled the number of Aides at the State level , afterall, their pay cheques are bigger than that of others.
    Political Party officials are not to be denied this eppaulet which signifies their level of importance in the scheme of things and the higher the status , power wielded and access to funds , the more the number of Aides recruited into the service at this level.
    Men and women of ” God ” who have ” made it ” in life are not left out in the craze for Aides.They have those who see to schedules, those who carry Bibles, those who carry hymn books , those who carry handkerchiefs, those who carry bottled water , those who carry their jackets , those who stand as “guards” in front , at the back and on both sides during ministrations.
    This category of employees hit the road at day break and could be seen wasting precious time outside the gates, inside gate houses, inside Hillux vans , around other several vehicles while the more important ones stay in ante – rooms to ” monitor ” the situation .
    The job specification of this segment of service boys and girls is not clear – cut. There are a whole lot whose responsibilities add much needed value to overall service delivery , there are a whole lot who contribute to policy making and programme implementation but majority are just waste pipes wasting their youthful energy, their years and productive capacities on menial chores and self depreciating and denigrating errands including pimping or clutching cigarette lighters for those very very important persons who still smoke.
    Women Executives are not to be undone, the job specification of some of their Aides range from those who do their nails , hair, eye lashes whether fixing or scrapping, those in charge of powder, lip gloss , shoes, slippers, tissue paper , handbags, headgear and what have you !
    Recruitment into this workforce is at best confusing as the Executives who recruit do it at whim, most Aides are not certificated and the judgement by the Supreme Court in the matter of posession of certificates for qualification to occupy even the highest office in the land has further reduced the importance of the certificate as a pre requisite for consideration for employment.In the case of Aides, the basic meal ticket seems to be physical size, large biceps, a large chest , a menacing look – sheer brawn even without brain. A capacity for ameboism, blackmail, subterfuge , pitching one against the other are added advantages.Nevertheless, this group humour themselves by forming unions where their leaders assume such amusing titles as Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, Provost , Rector , Dean or Chair – Chair etc…
    In a country where the productive capacities and energy of youths are so misdirected , methinks it would amount to much if a Ministry is created for this category of employees.As at now, there is no wage structure for these hirelings.Some “big men and women” treat their Aides as slaves . Such a Ministry would have a responsibility to fix the wages, determine leave , housing , medical , lay off and retirement packages for these level of workers.
    The Ministry would , at the first instance , receive complaints concerning abuses , harrassments , non payment of wages and other fall – outs.
    The Ministry would prepare an Administrative Organogram so each Aide knows his / her appropriate status, exact roles in the scheme of things and mobilty pathway. The Ministry would streamline the cadre and set standards of discipline and minimum wage apart from determining a dress code so these group could also access wardrobe allowances, afterall, Aides have become the new role models in town. Great countries are those which mobilize and harness the potentials and creative capacity of their youth population to quicken growth through various productive sectors, but since Nigeria is one country which eats and wastes its youths, a Ministry for Aides could help.

  • Buhari appoints ex-gov Almakura’s wife, six others as aides to First Lady

    Buhari appoints ex-gov Almakura’s wife, six others as aides to First Lady

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dr. Mairo Almakura, wife of former Nasarawa governor as a special assistant to Aisha, the First Lady.

    Mairo will serve as Special Assistant on African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM).

    She was among seven persons appointed by Buhari on Wednesday to serve as aides to Aisha,

    Others are Muhammed Albishir – Special Assistant on Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Wole Aboderin – Special Assistant on Non-Governmental Organizations, Barr. Aiyu Abdullahi – Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

    Zainab Kazeem will serve as Special Assistant on Domestic and Social Events, while Funke Adesiyan will serve as Personal Assistant on Domestic and Social Events

    All the appointments take immediate effect, according to a statement by Suleiman Haruna, Director of Information to the First Lady.