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Panel storms Ortom’s automobile workshop, impounds vehicles

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The asset recovery committee set up by Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday, stormed the automobile workshop owned by former governor Samuel Ortom with towing vehicles and removed some vehicles.

Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, recently disclosed that government vehicles, numbering 29, were allegedly looted by the past governor.

Tersoo had said in a statement that “the case of the Goverment House is particularly pitiable with vandalised furniture, window blinds, electronics and other household appliances.

“This is besides the carting away of all vehicles, including an ambulance and A press crew bus, attached to the office of the governor.

“At the last count, 29 vehicles, attached to the governor’s office,  are still no where to be found.”

A source told our correspondent on Tuesday that the asset recovery committee stormed Ortom’s automobile workshop on Tuesday afternoon but were resisted by the workers there.

When contacted, the Publicity Secretary of the  Peoples Democratic Party, Bemgba Iortyom,  confirmed that indeed state agents went to Ortom’s automobile workshop.

Iortyom said, “Governor Alia has now sent towing trucks to ex-Governor Ortom’s automobile workshop to cart away vehicles, after attempts to drive them away failed.”

It will be recalled that Ortom and his deputy, Benson Abounu, secured a court order restraining the asset recovery committee from coming after them.

In the suit, marked MHC/199/2023, filed through their lawyer, Douglas Pepe (SAN), Ortom and Abounu asked the court to determine “whether property legitimately allocated to them as entitlements and remuneration can be considered as state government assets.”

They are seeking “a determination of court whether or not by the combined effect of sections 5(2), 44, 318(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the executive actions and decisions of the Governor and Government of Benue State taken by Ortom and Abounu and the State Executive Council, in good faith before May 29th, 2023, were valid.”

The ex-governor and his deputy also want the court to determine “whether or not the Governor of Benue State is not bound by the constitutional approvals made by his predecessor.”

They are contending that the asset recovery committee set up by Alia has no power to interfere with their rights to own property “vested in them by the Benue State Government at all material times or without following due process.”

 

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Moment Of Praise Ends 2024 with Renewed Hope and New Beginnings

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The founder of Moment of Praise, an online weekly praise and worship session, Ranti Netufo, has said despite the challenges and difficulties experienced in the year 2024, there are many reasons to praise God for divine provisions in various ways.

He stated this while commenting on the special session of the programme slated for the last Sunday of the year titled “Renewed Hope and New Beginnings.”

The online praise and worship programme is holding from 6-8pm on Sunday December 29.

“The year 2024 has been filled with challenges. Despite the economic difficulties it has been amazing, with Moment of Praise, the Lord has kept us safe from the beginning of January until now. We all have a reason to praise God for His protection and mercy over us and our loved ones.

“Moment of Praise, an online weekly praise and worship programme, has provided avenue for us to praise and worship the Almighty God with top and popular gospel musicians.

“The programme climaxed for the year today with the programme themed “Renewed Hope and New Beginnings”, reference from Isaiah 43:19. 2024 has been an amazing year despite its own challenges, the Lord has given us moment to praise Him and celebrate.

‘’Today being the last Sunday of the year, we will be celebrating as we make a joyful noise unto the Lord with Moment of Praise team and Victor Praise. The programme will be streamed live on Facebook from 6-8pm,” he said.

Many gospel music stars have ministered to audience of the programme in the past, such as Tobe Alabi, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Evangelist Chigozie, Toluwanisings, Apekeola, Lekan Remilekun, Princess Ifemide, Paterson Okopi,Tope Flourish, Dare Justified, Bidemi Olaoba, Lady Evangelist Asonja Grace Awoete (Arole Eledumare), among several others.

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More Troubles For Ex-Delta Gov. Okowa As EFCC Arrests Accountant General Over N1.3Trn Fraud

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified investigations into the activities of former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, over an alleged N1.3 trillion fraud with the arrest of the Accountant General of Delta State, Mrs Joy Enwa.

The arrest of Enwa by the anti graft commission we gathered is part of investigations into the alleged misappropriation of N1.3 trillion linked to Okowa.

Other officials being questioned by the anti-graft agency, including a former Director of Finance and Administration.

EFCC sources hinted that the contentious funds include portions of the 13 percent derivation allocation meant for oil-producing states from the monthly Federation Account revenue.

It was widely reported that former Governor Okowa was detained at the EFCC’s Port Harcourt office in November over allegations of using his office to divert state funds for personal gain.

Among the assets allegedly tied to the fraud include shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Company and investments in the oil sector.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Dele Oyewale, who confirmed the arrest, said; “Mrs Enwa was detained for questioning over the ongoing investigation into the mismanagement of state funds under the former administration. Some other government officials have also been interrogated.”

Mrs. Enwa, who served as Deputy Accountant General during the administration of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, was appointed Accountant General by Okowa in 2020.

When contacted to comment on her engagement with the anti-graft agency, Mrs. Enwa declined to provide details, stating; “I am not the right source to confirm this story. Please contact the EFCC for clarification.”

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Alleged Debts: NCC Approves Disconnection Of Exchange Telecoms From MTN Company Network

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The disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications LTD from MTN Nigeria Network has been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

MTN company was accused of failing to settle interconnect charges.

Exchange Telecommunications is a local and international interconnect carrier.

The NCC, a regulatory commission made this known in a public notice signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr Reuben Muoka at the NCC office on Friday.

It was noted that the disconnection would subsist until otherwise determined by the commission.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the NCC said.

It was also stated that the Exchange was notified of the application and was given the opportunity to comment and state its case.

The NCC, however, said having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, it determined that the Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

NCC said the disconnection of the Exchange Telecommunications to MTN was in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN would discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers.

 

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