Group berates EFCC over poor handling of petition against FCC chairman, Dankaka

GROUP BERATES EFCC OVER POOR HANDLING OF PETITION AGAINST FCC CHAIRMAN, DANKAKA

A human rights group, LYGEL Youths and Leadership Initiative has berated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over its failure to interrogate the Chairman, Federal Character Commission (FCC), *Dr Muheeba Farida Dankaka* who was alleged to have falsified her name and some of her academic credentials.

Specifically, the group condemned the anti-corruption war of the current EFCC chairman, Mr Abulrasheed Bawa, saying the failure of Bawa to question Dankaka was a blow on the EFCC.

Dankaka who was alleged to have falsified her name and other academic documents was said to have been invited by the EFCC twice but failed to appear before the anti graft agency.

Acting on a petition filed before it by a human rights group, LYGEL Youths and Leadership Initiative, the EFCC had last year invited Dr Dankaka to appear for interrogation before it twice but turned down the invitation on the two occasions for reasons not known.

It was learnt that further steps were not taken by the EFCC to compel the embattled FCC chairman to appear before it despite the weight of the allegations and their implications for the nation.

The rights group in a statement made available to newsmen by its Director of Legal and Compliance, Mr Olalekan Oladapo claimed that Its petition was duly submitted to appropriate department of the EFCC and necessary documentation was done but expressed disappointment on why the FCC chairman failed to honour the invitation, and the complacency of the EFCC to compel her.

The group had in its petition dated 11th March, 2021, signed by its Director of Legal and Compliance, Mr Olalekan Oladapo and addressed to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Bawa alleged that Mrs Dankaka has no justification to hold the position of FCC chairman which she currently holds, having allegedly falsified most of her credentials.

He said “subsequent upon the submission of the petition, the rights group was invited to defend her petition against the embattled FCC chairman and which was done in writing about almost a year ago. EFCC’s invitations on her came about a year after the petition. However, she shuned the invitation.”

“Worried by the development, the rights group also wrote a reminder and same was received at the EFCC headquarters on the 11th of January, 2022 but no noticeable step was taken by the EFCC, save for the visit of the Chairman of the commission to the FCC headquarters and subsequent processing of waivers not to advertise for employment by the EFCC.

The rights group had in a petition forwarded to EFCC alleged that “we have every reason to believe that Mrs Dankaka’s credentials were falsified and or grossly inconsistent with the name presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the senate for confirmation.”

Oladapo said, having gone through the Curriculum Vitae of Mrs Dankaka and her credentials, he discovered that “her Curriculum Vitae and credentials are suspicious of foul play and portends security risk”

The petition reads in part “the alleged observed inconsistencies, misrepresentation and imposition of Dr Muheeba Farida Dankaka as contained in the Certified True Copies of her Curriculum Vitae and certificates which she submitted to the senate for screening including the claim that she had honourary degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Pacific Western University, Denver Colorado, USA in 2007.

“The National University Commission (NUC) had declared the Pacific Western University, Denver Colorado, USA, Owerri study centre where Mrs Dankaka got her acclaimed honourary doctorate degree illegal and consequently shut it down. The school was neither registered nor had the capacity to issue such certificate. Mrs Dankaka upon the award criminally pretend to be a Ph.D awardee and affixed the title to her name.

“Mrs Dankaka’s name on her Master’s degree certificate obtained from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria is Muiba Nike Salau which is not consistent with the name presented to the senate by President Muhammadu Buhari. The name presented to the senate was Dr. Muheeba Farida Dankaka. While Dankaka May be excused as name adopted at marriage, Farida and Muheeba are without any reference and are so being used dubiously.

“Mrs Dankaka’s name that appears on the first degree certificate she obtained from Bayero University, Kano was Muibat Adenike Salawu. The name is also at variant with the name officially presented to the senate for screening and confirmation by President Buhari.

“Mrs Dankaka’s name on the West African Examination School Certificate obtained in 1978 is Salawu Muibat Adenike, which is also not consistent with other documents she claimed to have had.

“She also claimed to have obtained her first school leaving certificate in 1972. Gleaning from her Curriculum Vitae that she submitted to the senate for her screening, she was born on January 2nd, 1964, by school admission age during this period (5 or 6 years old), this record shows she spent only 2-3 years for her primary school education.

“In summary, her Curriculum Vitae and all her attached certificates are grossly contradictory, inconsistent and it was on that basis, that her appointment was based,” the group added.

Besides, the group alleged that Mrs Dankaka had recently removed the initial F. (Farida) from all her official portraits at FCC and all official documents she recently append her signature.

The group enjoined the EFCC to do the needful in relation to all the allegations leveled against Mrs Dankaka, as the agency had done with other suspects for fairness and in the interest of the nation, stressing that her actions constitute economic sabotage and portends serious dangers to the security of the nation, just as it expressed concern over her decision to shun the EFCC invitation.

Also, the group prayed EFCC to bring Dankaka to book if she’s found guilty of all the allegations leveled against her as there should be no sacred cow on the issue of crime as represented by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

World Radio Day: Samo canvasses for trustworthiness among Journalists

WORLD RADIO DAY: SAMO CANVASSES FOR TRUSTWORTHINESS AMONG JOURNALISTS

Vice-President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), South West Zone, Comrade Ronke Samo has urged Journalists and media practissioners to ensure that trustworthiness becomes the hallmark of the profession in every facet they find themselves, against all odds.

Comrade Samo said trust, though is a fragile cord, such that once it is broken, either by error of commission or ommission or a deliberate act, is difficult to mend, Journalists must, however, ensure that it is one of their most cherished values, as only in doing this can they defend the truth which is the profession’s duty.

Samo in a release personally signed, heralding the World Radio Day, made available to Nigerian Platform on Sunday, said it is only through trust that fulfillment, success and progress can be achieved in the noble profession of journalism.

This year’s edition of the World Radio Day celebration which holds annually on February 13, has been tagged : Radio and Trust, according to a release from the the United Nations’ UNESCO organisation. It is the 11th edition of the celebration.

Samo’s statement reads in part:
On this glorious day of the World Radio Day celebration, I urge my colleagues in this noble profession to ensure that trust is a virtue they hold dearly and uphold as journalists and media practitioners. Trust itself is a virtue and it is very rare to find a trustworthy fellow. But with the nature of our job, trust is central, especially given the fact that the public trusts us as Reporters.

“We must therefore ensure that we do not disappoint the public who repose such absolute confidence in us. We must therefore, also stay clear of fake news. And we should ensure that we represent the truth in whatever information we disseminate.

“This year’s theme for the World Radio Day, according to Susan Asthworth is Radio and Trust. It is a further testimony that the public trusts radio and by extension, the radio broadcasters and journalists.

“Radio is regarded as the most accessible medium of mass communication to the public because of its cheap and very wide accessibility to the grassroots and this elicits the trust the public has in this medium of mass communication.

“By extension, as we celebrate the trustworthiness of Radio today, we should also emulate this virtue by being trustworthy in our dealings as Reporters. While l join millions of radio users, listeners and broadcasters world-wide to celebrate this unique day, l urge my colleagues to remain trustworthy so that we can meaningfully contribute our quota to nation building. Thank you and happy celebration”, she said.

Osun APC “Igbimo Agba” describes Alh. Sule Alao’s death as rude shock

OSUN APC “IGBIMO AGBA” DESCRIBES ALH. SULE ALAO’S DEATH AS RUDE SHOCK

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

The Osun All Progressives Congress, APC apex body, Igbimo Agba has described the sudden death of one of them and chieftain of the party in the state, late Alhaji Suleiman Alao as a rude shock and inevitable loss for the progressive family in the state.

This was contained in a condolence message issued and signed by its chairman , Engr. Sola Akinwumi, copies of which made available with newsmen in Osogbo on Thursday.

According to the release, the apex body of the APC in the state has lost a rare and reliable politician whose impact would be greatly missed.

The statement reads, “The above body under its Chairman registers her shock and devastating position of heart on the untimely passage of one of us– Chief Alh Sule Aderibigbe Alao after a brief illness”.

” I pray to Allah to grant his immediate family, IGBIMO AGBA, the Governor–H/E Alh Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and State of Osun the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”

The statement further stressed that, the remains of the deceased would be committed to the mother earth by 4pm today, Thursday, 11th February, 2022 according to ISLAMIC RITES.

The chairman also urged all the members of Igbimo Agba to attend the burial to give the departed soul final farewell.

Obokun East LCDA Chairman, Bamidele welcomes Oyetola to Obokun Local Government

OBOKUN EAST LCDA CHAIRMAN, BAMIDELE WELCOMES OYETOLA TO OBOKUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The caretaker chairman, Obokun East Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Ilare Ijesha, Hon. Saliu Bamidele Bello, has e expressed the readiness of his administration to host the state governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, as the state’s helmsman visits Obokun local government, in continuation of his consultation visit, ahead of 2022 guber election.

This is contained in a release personally signed by the chairman, on behalf of other members of the caretaker management committee in the local government.

Hon. Bamidele Bello described the tour by the governor as neccesity to let citizen know that he is running an all-inclusive government in the state of Osun.

Hon. Bello who attributed Oyetola’s achievements to his openness and accountability in the day to day running of his administration; expressed optimism that more would be achieved, if Mr. Oyetola is given another term in office.

He however urged the people of Obokun LCDA, to troop out enmass in welcoming the performing governor to the local government, on Wednesday, 9th February, 2022, at Ajayi memorial hall, in Ibokun.

Eburu welcomes Gov. Oyetola to Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-otin Federal Constituency

EBURU WELCOMES GOV. OYETOLA TO IFELODUN/BORIPE/ODO-OTIN FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

The Eburu of Iba, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Adeogun Okunoye Oyedeji 11 has on behalf of the people of Iba, welcome Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola to Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-otin Federal constituency in continuation of his familiarization tour of the state.

The monarch in a statement released on Monday said the visit of Governor Oyetola to the federal constituency was remarkable and historical, and thereby urged the people to troop out in enmas to receive the Governor.

He said the people of the federal constituency have enjoyed real dividends of democracy through the administration of Governor Oyetola, stressing that the Governor’s welfare programmes have reached all the nooks and crannies of the state.

The monarch said the visit of the Governor would also serve as opportunity for the Governor to see things by himself.

Governor Oyetola will be visiting the Federal constituency in continuation of his familiarization tour of the state ahead of the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scheduled for next month.

Oba Okunoye said the Governor has done his best for the state through rural integration, agricultural development, health care services and prompt payment of workers salaries.

He said “Governor Oyetola has been performing well in all indices to measure good governance as set by United nations.

“There is no one in Osun that can claim that Governor Oyetola has not touched his or her life in one way or the other as Governor of Osun State.

“The Governor has discharged his responsibilities excellently in a non partisan manner. The governor has honestly managed our commonwealth entrusted in his hand with effectively,” he added.

While welcoming Governor Oyetola to the federal constituency, the Eburu said “we wish our amiable Governor success in all his endeavors.”

Inauguration : Oluwatobi Divine Congratulates Osun APC Chairman, Famoodun

INAUGURATION: OLUWATOBI DIVINE CONGRATULATES OSUN APC CHAIRMAN, FAMOODUN

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

A Chieftain of All Progressives Congress,APC in Osun state, Hon.Oluwatobi Divine has joined other party faithful in congratulating the newly sworn in party chairman in the state, Prince Adegboyega Famoodun, describing him as a progressive chairman.

Divine stated this in a congratulatory message issued and personally signed copies of which made available with newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday.

According to him, Prince Famoodun could be best described as a political astute, whose his integrity and hard-working has enhanced tremendous victory to the party since he has been the chairman of the party, adding that, been sworn in for the second term in office will further entrenched victory for the party especially now that the state is preparing for gubernatorial election.

He added that, the inauguration of Prince Gboyega Famoodun as the authentic chairman of the Progressives party in Osun State symbolized the beginning of new era in the Progressives family in the state.

” Having Prince Gboyega Famoodun returned as our party chairman in the state would enhance more political development to our dear party most especially now that we are preparing for our governorship election”.

Hon. Divine also used the medium to welcome the governor of the state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola and his entourage to Odo-Otin local government this week Tuesday for continuation of his consultation visit, saying the people of the local government could not wait to receive him and his entourage.

He however seek for continual support of the people in the state for the government of governor Adegboyega Oyetola, most essentially for his second term ambition, saying, it’s through continuity can much development could be achieved.

Inauguration : Osun West Senatorial District rejoices with Famoodun

INAUGURATION : OSUN WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT REJOICES WITH FAMOODUN

As the swearing in ceremony of all the elected state chairmen of All Progressives Congress, APC hold today, the leaders and all the political office holders in Osun West Senatorial District have rejoiced with the party chairman in Osun state, Prince Gboyega Famoodun.

The senatorial district in a congratulatory message issued and signed by the district chairman elect, Hon. Omolaoye Akintola and made available with the newsmen in Osogbo on Thursday expressed their joy over the successful Congress that produced Prince Famoodun.

Hon. Omolaoye stated that, the newly sworn in state party chairman has demonstrated his passion for good governance in the Progressives party when he was in office for the first 3 years, adding that, he will do same in his new course.

“The entire APC members including Apex leaders, all Political Office holders–elected and appointed, Osun West Senatorial District are rejoicing with the newly sworn -in State Party Chairman ,Osun State — Prince FAMODUN, Adegboyega Philips”

“We expressly share in the inestimable joy the ceremony showered upon our great Party, His Excellency– Alh Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and the Deputy Governor’

“We sincerely pray for God’s continued protection and guidance he needs to lead our Party to electoral victory in the upcoming Guber election slated for 16th day of July 2022.”

Osun 2022: Oyetola’s achievement in three years qualifies him for second term, says Kolawole

OSUN 2022: OYETOLA’S ACHIEVEMENT IN THREE YEARS QUALIFIES HIM FOR SECOND TERM – KOLAWOLE

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Former member of House of Representatives in Osun state, Hon. Ismaila Kolawole has said that the work done by the incumbent governor of Osun state, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola in the last three years of his administration has qualified him to do second term saying, the governor has stabilised the economy of the state by prompt payment of workers salaries and pension arrears.

The erstwhile member of National Assembly representing Boluwaduro/Ila/Ifedayo federal constituency noted that, governor Oyetola has impacted positively into the economy of the state through regular and full payment of workers salaries, which to a large extent, cushion the economy hardship in the state and also bring about security stability in the state.

Hon. Kolawole while speaking with newsmen in Ila Orangun during the consultation visit of governor Oyetola to the federal constituency maintained that, aside from the regular payment of salaries and pension arrears, the governor has changed the face of the state in the area of infrastructural development, which cut across all the nooks and crannies of the state.

“Without mincing words, governor Adegboyega Oyetola has changed the face of the state in the area of road construction, there is no community in the state that has not enjoyed from the gesture of the present administration in the area of road construction and rehabilitation”.

“In the area of health, the present administration under the leadership of governor Adegboyega Oyetola has done tremendously well by providing quantitative primary health cares to all remote areas in the state, it’s not out of place if one describes governor Adegboyega Oyetola as Messiah sent to the people of Osun state”. He added

Kolawole also said, the governor has been piloting the affairs of the state with uttermost fear of God saying, that is why he is able to achieve this far.

He however urged the people of the state to continue supporting this man of the people till 2026, saying giving him second term in office will earn the state tremendous success and development.

Ere-Ijesa set to be agog for Adeleke Olaniyi Agbola SAN

ERE-IJESA TO HOLD GRAND RECEPTION FOR ADELEKE OLANIYI AGBOLA (SAN)

All roads to Ere-Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, will on 5th February, 2022 welcome prominent Nigerians to the town as an illustrious son of the town, Prince Adeleke Olaniyi Agbola, who has just been elevated to the status of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) will be honoured.

The Convener, Chams CEO; Sir Demola Aladekomo in conjunction with Elere of Ere-Ijesa, Oba Augustine Adenipekun Alowolodu and some prominent indiges of the town, have concluded plans to hold a Grand Reception in honour of the new SAN, Prince Adeleke Olaniyi Agbola on his recent attainments.

The reception for Agbola (SAN), would not only being held in recognition of his elevation to the prestigious status of the SAN, but also for his installation as the Chancellor of Diocese of Ijesa North (Anglican Communion),.
Agbola is the second of its kind in the town.

The event, which is being accompanied with a Thanksgiving Service slated for 11.am same day at St’ Stephen Church, Ere-Ijesa will be followed by a reception at John Aladekomo Town Hall by 1.pm.

As part of the activities for day, some other prominent sons and daughters of the town will be honoured with various awards, while a lecture titled: “The Laws of God and the Laws of Man at the Intersection of Justice,” will be delivered at the reception by Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, SAN; the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU).

Among the personalities expected at the event are His Excellency, Gboyega Oyetola, Osun State Governor and Members of his cabinet.

Others include Rt Honourable Timothy Owoeye, Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Members of the State House of Assembly, Mr Akande Oluwafemi, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and other prominent members of the state judiciary.

The programme is packaged by notable personalities which includes, Mr Oluwatise Adenipekun, a former Head of WAEC in Nigeria, Prof. Oluwabukola Oyawoye, former Commissioner for Environment in Osun State, Dr Gbenga Akingbehin, a lecturer of Law at UNILAG, Dr Foluke Dada, a University Don, Dr Oyewole Stephen Adekanye, CMD, Baptist Hospital, Saki and Dr Adebisi Alo, a lecturer at Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State.

Osun APC apex body, Igbimo Agba rejoices with Chief Bisi Akande at 83

OSUN APC APEX BODY, IGBIMO AGBA REJOICES WITH CHIEF BISI AKANDE AT 83

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

The apex body of Osun state chapter of All Progressives Congress,APC, Igbimo Agba has rejoiced with the former Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Adebisi Akande as he clock 83 years on earth.

This was contained in a congratulatory message issued and signed by its chairman,Engr./Chief Sola Akinwumi copies of which made available with the newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday.

According to him, the apex body of the party in the state glorified God in the life of Chief Bisi Akande who happened to be the pioneer progressive governor in the state, especially on the land mark he laid for other Progressives governor’s.

“HEARTY CHEERS TO OUR GREAT ICON AT 83.
APC, IGBIMO AGBA OSUN under its leadership -Chief Engr Sola Akinwumi herein rejoices with with our great Leader– H/E Chief Adebisi Akande on his 83rd birthday”

“Your inestimable positive roles in many fields especially in the political clime cannot be underestimated across Nigeria as regards our growing democracy”

“I pray to God to give Your Excellency more grace and sound health to navigate all spheres of life as you journey on in your callings..
I pledge this body’s continued prayers and supports in your endeavors.”