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Group wants EFCC to fast track probe of ex-petroleum minister, Sylva
The Centre for Human Rights and Socio-Economic Justice has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to speed up investigations of its petition, requesting probe of Mr Timiore Sylva, immediate past minister of state for petroleum.
Recall that the group in a petition to the commission on July 10, demanded that Sylva be probed for alleged corruption while in office.
Addressing newsmen on Friday in Lagos, Convener of the group, Mr Declan Ihekaire disclosed that the petition which contained several reports of allegations of corruption, including contract inflation, abuse of office among others, against Sylva, while in the office.
Ihekaire said recent revelations and credible reports had raised serious concerns about Sylva’s conduct and decisions during his tenure.
He recalled how the 10th Senate uncovered that the ministry under the supervision of Sylva, allegedly spent N14 million for Biros and N46 million for letterhead papers, in an inexplicable manner.
The convener said their findings revealed, that the petroleum ministry allegedly spent N14.5 million for the supply of Schneider Biros, N46 million for the ministry’s letterhead, and N56 million for supply of toner.
The convener said it was demanding a comprehensive and independent investigation into the allegations against the immediate past minister of state for petroleum from the commission.
“We wish to inform Nigerians, that there are allegations of misappropriation of funds, kickbacks, and preferential treatment of certain companies within the petroleum industry.
“These include allegation of illegal takeover and reallocation of oil block. These allegations strike at the heart of our nation’s economic progress and erode the public’s trust in our institutions.
“Today, we, as patriotic Nigerians, demand from the EFCC, a comprehensive and independent investigation into these allegations.
“Our nation’s commitment to transparency and accountability requires that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or influence.
“It is on the above premise, that we have decided to inform you all, that we have petitioned the EFCC,” he said.
Ihekaire said Sylva held a position of immense responsibility, overseeing a crucial sector that directly impacted negatively on the economic well-being of the nation and the livelihoods of millions.
He said transparency was the cornerstone of a functioning democracy and it believed that the truth must be uncovered, and justice must be served.
According to him, the reputation of our nation is at stake, and only a thorough probe can restore public faith in our governance.
Ihekaire, therefore urged the EFCC, to as a matter national importance, give due attention to its petition, and ensure that the investigation was conducted with the highest level of impartiality and diligence.
He said: “It is also important that the investigation process should be free from any undue influence or political bias.
“In conclusion, the allegations surrounding the tenure of Sylva, are deeply concerning and demand our collective attention.
“We, the concerned citizens of this nation, stand united in our demand for a thorough and transparent investigation into these allegations.”
Ihekaire said the country’s democracy, its economy, and the future depended on their collective responsibility.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has confirmed the death of a woman in an accident at Okpoko Market on the Asaba-Onitsha Road.
The Sector Commander, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, who confirmed the accident to journalists in Awka on Thursday, said that the woman was hit while she was crossing the road.
He said that the accident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved a commercial tow truck with registration number XA550BMA.
“Eyewitness report reaching us indicates that the truck was towing a vehicle in an uncontrollable speed along the axis.
“The vehicle that was being towed got detached from the tow truck.
“It hit and killed a female adult, who was said to be crossing the road, while the tow truck continued its movement.
“FRSC rescue team came to the scene and took the woman to Toronto Hospital, Onitsha, where she was confirmed dead and her body deposited at the hospital’s mortuary,” he said.
While sympathising with the family of the dead, the sector commander urged motorists, especially tow truck drivers, to exercise a high level of professionalism.
He also urged the drivers to always use standard equipment and avoid speeding.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Lagos State Chapter, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, said the state government’s maize palliative to members of the association made a positive impact on the sector.
Iyiola said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
“We received about 150,000 tons of maize in February from the Lagos State government as palliative to cushion the effect of high feed prices.
“The major benefit of the palliative is that it actually cushioned the cost of production for most poultry farmers in the state.
“The palliative was beneficial as it made the cost of some poultry produce, especially eggs to drop,” Iyiola said.
He noted that prior to the palliative, a crate of egg was sold between N3,500 and N3,700 at the farm gate, but after the palliative, it now sells between N3,200 and N3,400.
According to the PAN chair, retailers and middlemen who sell from N3,800 to N4,200 do that for their personal gain.
“We have urged our members to sell their eggs at reasonable prices following the receipt of the palliative from the government.
“We appreciate the Lagos State government for the palliative but we also urge the federal government to do likewise, to further reduce the cost of production in the sector.
“This will consequently lead to drop in the prices of all poultry produce across board,” he said.
He said the palliative was shared among financial members of the association at no extra cost.
“As an association we shared the grains equally across PAN’s eight zones in the state equally. We also mandated each zone not the sell even a grain of the maize.
“We, however, considered new poultry farmers who wanted to the join the association as beneficiaries of the palliative,” said Iyiola.
He noted that through the palliative, more poultry farmers were recruited into the association.
“The maize was shared only to poultry farmers and not feed millers, it is the major component of poultry feed formulation,” he said.
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