Author: Gabby

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a one-week deadline to three government agencies — the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) — to present themselves and address unanswered audit queries. This action follows their absence from a scheduled hearing held on Tuesday in Abuja.

During the session, the committee’s secretary informed the chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, that a letter had been received from the Bank of Agriculture, signed by its legal adviser. In the letter, the bank argued that it had already appeared before the committee multiple times between February 2023 and November 2024, and that all previous concerns had been settled with both the committee and relevant government bodies. It requested details of any outstanding issues and asked for at least two weeks to gather necessary documents.

Senator Dankwambo rejected the letter, pointing out that it was not signed by the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer. He emphasized that all official communications regarding committee invitations must bear the personal signature of the agency’s head. He also criticized the bank for failing to send its Managing Director to the hearing despite being summoned to explain unresolved audit matters.

The committee dismissed the request for a two-week extension, insisting that agencies cannot dictate timelines for legislative oversight. Members unanimously resolved that the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture must appear in person within seven days. They asserted that the bank’s claims of resolved issues were inaccurate, as previous audit concerns remain outstanding.

Furthermore, the committee warned that any future correspondence signed by lower-ranking officials rather than chief executives would be disregarded. The absence of NSPMC and REA was also deemed unacceptable, and both agencies were given a final seven-day window to comply.

Several lawmakers expressed concern over a perceived trend of disregard for legislative summons by government bodies. They stressed that audit queries are serious accountability matters that demand prompt responses and should not be ignored. The committee reiterated that its actions are based on reports submitted through constitutional processes and fall within its statutory mandate. Agencies that fail to honor the final notice will face sanctions as provided by law.

Chairman Dankwambo announced that strong letters would be dispatched immediately to the defaulting agencies, detailing the unresolved issues. He warned that failure to appear within one week could result in penalties for obstructing legislative oversight.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a war of words following a spate of violent incidents and shootings in the region. Both parties have called for security interventions and thorough investigations into the matter.

The discord stems from reports of attacks and gunfire in Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife, with the state government, the APC, and the Accord Party presenting differing accounts and pointing fingers at one another.

During a hastily convened press conference in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke decried what he termed as orchestrated assaults by political thugs linked to the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO. According to a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the attackers moved through neighborhoods such as Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, and Okefia, leaving several people injured and casualties reported. Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and ensure that security agencies hold those responsible accountable.

“At the time of this briefing, multiple residents are feared wounded, and at least one or two fatalities have occurred,” Adeleke stated, emphasizing the need for swift justice. He also expressed growing concern over politically motivated violence in the state and appealed for calm while investigations proceed. Following the briefing, the governor visited injured victims at the Osun State Teaching Hospital and the Cottage Hospital in Ede, pledging government support and reiterating his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.

In response, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed the governor’s allegations and instead accused supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party of instigating attacks on APC members and their campaign materials. A statement from the council’s media head, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, claimed that APC campaign buses were vandalized in the Owode-Ede area, leaving many supporters hurt. The council called on Adeleke to rein in what they described as his party’s political thugs, warning that failure to do so could plunge the state into deeper insecurity. They also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security bodies to probe the attacks on their supporters and property.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party, through its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, alleged that armed thugs affiliated with the APC campaign opened fire in parts of Osogbo and Owode-Ede, resulting in deaths and injuries. The party demanded a comprehensive investigation by security agencies to identify and prosecute all perpetrators of the violence.

The Nigerian Presidency has emphasized that the security partnership with the United States is fundamental to the fight against terrorism and banditry within the country. This assertion was made by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, during an X Space session held on Tuesday.

Dare highlighted that intelligence sharing, collaborative security efforts, and joint counterterrorism operations between the two nations are essential for dismantling insurgent groups and criminal networks operating across the region. He reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to restoring peace, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity from both internal and external threats.

The growing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States reflects a mutual commitment to addressing security challenges through coordinated actions, capacity building, and intelligence-driven operations. Dare also voiced concerns about the rising prevalence of misinformation and fake news on digital platforms, warning that such false narratives could undermine national security and public trust. He cautioned that unverified information has the potential to fuel social tensions, incite unrest, and cause unnecessary panic among citizens.

“The deliberate spread of false information can create unnecessary panic, provoke disorder, and threaten national cohesion. Nigerians must remain vigilant and avoid becoming tools in the dissemination of content capable of destabilizing the country,” Dare stated.

Senator Abba Moro, who serves as the Senate Minority Leader and represents Benue South, has voiced profound grief following the brutal killing of several individuals in Apa Local Government Area. Among the victims was Ojama Emie, a health worker, who was reportedly beheaded by armed assailants along the Ikobi-Olegogba road.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro described the incident as deeply distressing. He decried the relentless assaults on communities within Benue South, noting that the region continues to endure threats from armed attackers.

Moro expressed dismay that such killings persist despite the presence of security forces. He called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to quell the violence.

The lawmaker affirmed his solidarity with the people of Ikobi and the entire Apa Local Government Area during this difficult time. He urged all levels of government to make the protection of lives and property a top priority.

Senator Moro emphasized that residents deserve to live without fear, sleep peacefully in their homes, and go about their daily activities without the constant threat of attack. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Ojama Emie and all others who lost loved ones, praying for the eternal repose of their souls.