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EFCC Denies Withdrawing Case Against Senator Goje

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A Spokesman for the Economic And Financial Crime Commission ( EFCC) on Saturday said he was not aware the anti-graft agency has withdrawn its case against Senator Danjuma Goje.

Recall that the former governor of Gombe State, senator Goje was until Thursday a contender for the post of the president of the Nigerian Senate.

He withdrew from the race after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and immediately endorsed his rival Ahmed Lawan.

Goje is facing a 21-count charge of misappropriation of N25 billion when he was the governor of Gombe in northeast Nigeria.

Less than 24 hours after his meeting with Buhari, EFCC lawyers told the court on Friday that the Commission was transferring Goje’s case to the office of the Attorney-General of the country.

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When the eight-year-old case came up for an emergency hearing before Justice Babatunde Quadiri of Jos Federal High Court II on Friday instead of the original schedule of June 20, the lead counsel for EFCC in the case Wahab Shittu said the Commission was no longer prosecuting the case.

“We as EFCC counsels are withdrawing from the matter and handing it over to the office of the Attorney-General for continuation with the prosecution,” Shittu told the court.

“As you can, in Court today is a State Counsel from the AGF’s office to formally take over this case from us.“

EFCC Spokesman Tony Orilade said on Saturday  that he was not aware the case has been transferred to the Office of the Attorney-General.

Orilade categorically denied that the EFCC withdrew from the case. He, however, claimed that the Office of the Attorney-General has the right to take over such cases.

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“We did not withdraw from any case,” Orilade said. “It is constitutional for the AGF to take over any criminal case at any level.”

Critics said the EFCC withdrawal from the case and subsequent takeover by government’s lawyers may be part of the deal reached by the former governor for him to step down for Ahmed Lawan.

They said the takeover of the case by government’s lawyers will stall or kill the case totally.

But Goje said on Friday that he had no deal with President Buhari and that he stepped for Lawan because of the respect he had for the party and the president.

He also denied being threatened by the Presidency to support his rival.

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“To say that I have been threatened to support somebody, no,” Goje said.

“I am supporting Lawan based on my own conviction that I am doing the right thing for our country, for our president.”

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FG declares wed, Thur, Jan 1, 2025 as public holidays

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Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday December 26, 2024, and Wednesday January 1, 2025 as public holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.

In a statement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to
foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

The minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo, said.

He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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Basketmouth slams filmmakers for failing to showcase Nigeria’s culture in movies

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Basketmouth

Popular comedian and filmmaker, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has accused some of his colleagues of not showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture in their movies.

The movie star alleged that most of the epic movies released recently do not promote the country’s culture.

In an interview with Hip TV, Basketmouth claimed that the filmmakers wasted opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s culture positively.

He said, “I believe that we still have the opportunity to get it right. But we had a great opportunity to showcase our culture and most of the filmmakers blew it up. They just ruined that great chance because I see epic movies and they look like stage plays.

“When I was seeing most of the epic movies, I was disappointed.

“You guys blew up a great opportunity but let’s hope we still have another chance to strike at it.

“I’m sorry, only very few movies have impressed me so far. I believe that we can do more.”

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Gov Abiodun commiserates with Makinde, Soludo, Wike over stampede victims

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Abiodun

The chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, SGF, and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has sympathised with the governments and people of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the tragic loss of lives resulting from recent stampedes at food palliative distribution venues in the affected areas.

The stampedes reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 65 Nigerians, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.

Abiodun expressed his sorrow in sympathy notes to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory, saying that the deaths of the victims were especially tragic because they were pursuing necessities for survival.

The SGF Chairman noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with other levels of government, is still working to improve the living standards of the populace, despite the current economic difficulties they confront.

To prevent further tragedy, Abiodun urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and follow security procedures when attending palliative distribution events.

He said: “Deaths such as these diminish us as a people. These disasters occurred at a time when families around the world are in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic.

“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State, commiserate with my brother governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the families of the victims, and all Nigerians on these unfortunate incidents.

“May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”

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