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ICPC probes ex-Delta lawmaker, Ndudi Elumelu, for alleged ‘fraud’, seals property

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, is said to be investigating Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the immediate-past lawmaker representing Aniocha and Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, for alleged diversion of government property, The Witness reports.

It is reliably gathered that the anti-graft agency is probing the former minority leader of the Green Chamber for allegedly diverting constituency projects and converting the same to personal use while he was in the House.

As part of its investigation, the ICPC has sealed Elumelu’s multi-million-naira office building in Asaba, Delta State.

A source told our correspondent that the massive edifice was a project the former lawmaker allegedly facilitated to the constituency but converted for personal use. The project was tagged: Asaba Massacre Monument Center.

When contacted, ICPC Spokesman, Demola Bakare, told The Witness via a text message that “A project facilitated by Hon. Ndidi Elumelu, former HoR member, and which was executed by the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, Enugu State was tracked under the phase 7 CEPTI exercise.

“The project is the construction and furnishings of Asaba Massacre Monument. ICPC Delta tracking team discovered that the project has not been handed over to the government after completion, which would thus necessitate commencement of further investigation. Further investigation will commence any moment after the collation of all tracking reports from all tracking teams,” he said.

Elumelu did not respond to inquiries as at press time.

Recall, ICPC had said it intercepted and recovered the sum of N30 billion meant for constituency projects in one year.

The anti-graft agency said it made the recoveries from items listed in the budget which were reportedly diverted by some lawmakers. The ICPC added that they were uncovered under the Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Initiative (CEPTI) phase 7, 2024 which was carried out between December 2023 and December 2024.

Ndudi Elumelu was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2007 and was re-elected in 2011. During his first two terms, he was chairman of the House Committee on Power from 2007 to 2010 and chairman of the House Committee on Health from 2011 to 2015. In 2014, he contested for the governorship primaries of Delta State which he lost, thereby losing his seat at the house to Joan Onyemaechi Mrakpor.

In 2019, he returned to the House of Representatives for a third term.

In February 2023, he lost the house of representatives election to the Labour Party candidate, Ngozi Okolie.

Source: The Witness

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How Mojisola Meranda Allegedly withdrew N5bn from LSHA account days after becoming speaker

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Mudashiru Obasa, the speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is embroiled in a fresh dispute with his deputy, Mojisola Meranda, for allegedly authorising the withdrawal of N5 billion from the assembly’s account just days after taking office.

The move came in the wake of her brief stint as speaker following a short-lived impeachment in January.

According to sources familiar with the unfolding drama, the fresh conflict between Obasa and Meranda centers around her approval to disburse the N5 billion for the purchase of 40 units of 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, one for each of the 40 lawmakers.

This newspaper gathered that the purchase was made just days after Meranda was sworn in as Lagos State’s first female speaker on January 13.

“Another serious crisis is brewing in the Lagos Assembly,” a source revealed.

“Mr. Obasa is furious that Meranda didn’t even wait for weeks before withdrawing N5 billion to buy 40 Land Cruisers for lawmakers after replacing him as speaker.”

Obasa, who had plans for the same vehicle purchase before his impeachment, was re-elected as speaker on March 3 following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Upon his return, Obasa immediately began pressuring Meranda to return the N5 billion, claiming that she had no authority to make such a large disbursement from the assembly’s account.

Meranda’s tenure as speaker lasted just 49 days before she was forced to resign, following intense pressure from President Tinubu and the Lagos APC leadership to restore Obasa to his position.

Sources revealed that before his removal, Obasa had already planned to disburse N7 billion to purchase 45 units of Toyota Fortuner SUVs, intending to give one to each of the 40 members of the Lagos House of Assembly, one for the House clerk, and the remaining vehicles for himself. However, Meranda’s approval of the N5 billion purchase has now disrupted these plans.

“As soon as Obasa was reinstated as speaker, he began putting pressure on Meranda to return the N5 billion used to purchase the Land Cruisers,” one source explained.

“Obasa was about to finalize plans to disburse N7 billion for 45 Toyota Fortuner SUVs, but Meranda’s actions have thrown those plans into disarray.”

In response, Obasa has demanded that Meranda return the 40 vehicles already purchased, a request that has sparked resistance from lawmakers.

Many of the lawmakers, who had opposed Obasa’s return to power, are refusing to hand back the new Land Cruisers in exchange for the older Toyota Fortuner models.

“Obasa is not backing down,” a source said. “He’s insisting that Meranda and the other lawmakers immediately return the Land Cruisers, but they are refusing. They don’t want to give up the latest model of Land Cruisers for the older 2020 Fortuner vehicles, and this is creating more tension in the assembly.”

The dispute continues to escalate, as the standoff between Obasa and Meranda threatens to deepen divisions within the Lagos State House of Assembly.

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Tingo AI: The First AI-Driven Innovation Hub in Africa

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Campus Comprehensive College, Lagos Students Dive into the World of AI and Robotics at Tingo AI’s Educational Tour

 

 

Tingo AI, Africa’s leading artificial intelligence research and innovation center, hosted an interactive and inspiring educational tour for students from [SCHOOL NAME]. The visit was designed to introduce students to the real-world applications of AI, robotics, and automation, providing them with an early glimpse into the future of technology.

 

The students participated in hands-on activities and discussions that explored AI’s impact on education, business, entertainment, and public services. The engaging session included:

 

✅ AI for Everyday Life: Students saw live demonstrations of how AI enhances industries like healthcare, finance, and creative arts.

✅ Robotics Challenge: Teams designed and programmed robots to complete problem-solving tasks, sparking their creativity.

✅ AI Ethics & Innovation Discussion: Experts engaged students in thought-provoking conversations about the future of AI and ethical technology use.

✅ Career Pathway Insights: Students learned about exciting AI-related career opportunities and the skills required for success in the digital economy.

 

Tingo AI’s visionary founder, Dozy Mmobuosi, also shared his enthusiasm about empowering young minds with AI knowledge, stating:

“Exposing students to AI early is critical for Africa’s technological future. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s innovators, and experiences like this help shape a new generation of tech leaders.”

 

The visit reinforced Tingo AI’s commitment to bridging the gap between AI education and practical application, ensuring that students across Nigeria have access to cutting-edge knowledge and inspiration.

 

Stay connected with us @tingoai_ for more groundbreaking innovations and educational experiences.

 

#TingoAI #AIinAfrica #FutureLeaders #ArtificialIntelligence #TechRevolution #DozyMmobuosi #NextGenTech #InnovateAfrica #AIForEducation

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Senate advises Natasha to obey rules as she refuses to stand up for Akpabio’s entrance

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The Senate on Thursday advised Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to respect and obey the rules and orders of the legislative institution.

Rising on Order 55(1), the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Monguno pointed out that “it is the Rules and Order of the Senate that when the Senate President is being ushered into the chamber by the Sergeant-at-arms, all senators must stand up”.

The chief whip regretted that Natasha disrespected the Rules and Order of the Senate on Wednesday and Thursday by refusing to stand up like other senators, as required, when Akpabio entered the chamber.

He called on the female lawmaker to abide by the rules, irrespective of any circumstances, noting that the institution must be protected at all costs.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio sustained the order and urged all senators to be guided.

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