Politics

Ex-gov Bello’s surrender, a shameless publicity stunt – EFCC

Published

3 weeks ago

September 27, 2024

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ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has described former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s recent visit to its office as a publicity stunt, questioning his sincerity in cooperating with the commission.

Recall that Bello’s visit occurred amidst his ongoing money laundering case, which has been adjourned to October 30, 2024, for a ruling at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The EFCC alleged that Bello was not genuinely prepared to surrender himself, contrary to his public claims.

The commission noted that Bello had another opportunity to appear before Justice Nwite on Wednesday but failed to do so, further fueling doubts about his intentions.

EFCC officials had previously visited Bello at the Kogi Governor’s lodge to request his presence, but he refused to accompany them. This, according to the EFCC, exposed his insincerity and suggested he had something to hide.

The EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed these details during an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Thursday.

Uwujaren emphasized that Bello’s actions were inconsistent with someone genuinely seeking to cooperate with the commission.

Additionally, the EFCC revealed that Bello’s media team had disseminated false information about his visit, claiming he had been detained by the commission even before his arrival.

According the Uwujaren, this misinformation was spread across various media platforms, sparking unnecessary speculation.

He said: “That is enough to convince Nigerians that his presence at the EFCC on the 18th of September was more of a stunt, not really that he wanted to abide by the rule of law.

“When EFCC officials went to the Kogi Governor’s lodge to ask him to come back, he would have followed them if he had no issue presenting himself to the commission. If he had done that, he would have complied with the decision of the Court of Appeal, which mandated him to formally present himself. That, as I am concerned, exposed his insincerity in appearing at the car park of the EFCC on the 18th of September.

“Even before he arrived at the car park of the EFCC, he had already sent out media information across all platforms that he had presented himself to the EFCC, and they were even saying he had been detained, and that was not true. That alone showed us that he had a game plan. And that game plan can only be explained by him alone.”

Politics

Kenya’s Ruto chooses interior minister as new deputy

Published

1 hour ago

October 18, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

FILE PHOTO: Kenya's Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and National Administration Kithure Kindiki speaks during a joint press conference, with British Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat during his visit, in Nairobi, Kenya May 10, 2023. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi/File Photo © Thomson Reuters

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By George Obulutsa

NAIROBI (Reuters) -Kenya’s President William Ruto has nominated interior minister Kithure Kindiki as his new deputy president, a day after the Senate voted to impeach Ruto’s previous deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

“I have received a message from … the president, regarding the nomination of Professor Kithure Kindiki to fill the vacancy which has occurred in the office,” Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said in parliament on Friday.

Gachagua, who denied all the charges against him during impeachment proceedings, backed Ruto in his 2022 election win and helped secure a large block of votes from the populous central Kenya region.

But in recent months, Gachagua has spoken of being sidelined, amid widespread reports in local media that he has fallen out with Ruto as political alliances have shifted.

Kindiki, a close ally of Ruto, has held the interior ministry post throughout Ruto’s two years as president.

He previously served as senator for Tharaka Nithi County and was a top contender to be Ruto’s running mate during the 2022 election.

Parliament will later have to vote to approve Kindiki’s appointment before he is sworn in.

(Reporting by George Obulutsa; Editing by Alexander Winning and Andrew Heavens)

Politics

The Government of Imo State has announced a road diversion at 7½ Junction Obowo due to bridge construction on the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road.

Published

2 hours ago

October 18, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

Hope UZODINMA

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Imo State Public
Enlightenment

BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION – DIVERSION

The Government of Imo State has announced a road diversion at 7½ Junction Obowo due to bridge construction on the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road. Motorists are advised to use designated alternative routes, with special instructions for trailers and tankers.

The government assures the public of a swift project completion and seeks cooperation for smooth traffic management

Politics

Elon Musk Contributes Nearly $75 Million To Boost Trump’s Presidential Campaign

Published

14 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Ekwutos Blog

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According to recent filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Billionaire Elon Musk has contributed almost $75 million to a political action committee (PAC) he established to back Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.

The donation underscores Musk’s growing involvement in Trump’s bid for the White House.

Musk, the world’s richest man, has become increasingly active in the Republican campaign.

He joined Trump on stage at a Pennsylvania rally and regularly criticizes his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, on social media.

Trump has praised Musk at campaign events and promised to appoint him to a committee to reduce government bureaucracy if re-elected.

Musk’s America PAC raised $74.95 million between July and September, focusing on grassroots efforts to boost voter turnout in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.

The PAC’s website offers volunteers $30 per hour to help increase voter participation, with performance bonuses available.

In contrast, Kamala Harris’s Harris Victory Fund PAC raised $633 million during the same period.

Harris, who entered the presidential race after President Joe Biden’s withdrawal, has energized the Democratic base with a strong campaign focused on swing states.