News
Plots To Use EFCC To Block Ambode’s Ministerial Appointment, In Full Swing
Emerging report indicates that party men loyal to the National Leader of the ruling party, Bola Tinubu, have begun moves to scuttle plan to appoint the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode as a Minister.
Top party chiefs in Mande goup alleged that the immediate past governor of Lagos State frustrated many party members in Lagos State during his tenure and there was therefore the need “to teach him a lesson.”
Consequently, the aggrieved party men were said to be making moves to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over Ambode’s alleged financial misappropriation and corruption.
Ambode, who has been out of the country since he left office in May, returned from France a few days ago. He was said to be favoured by Buhari’s kitchen cabinet.
Sources within the Lagos APC confirmed that Ambode was not a loyal party man as he offended some party members and any move to reward him will be opposed vehemently by the party.
One of the sources said: “Ambode tried to destroy the party in his first term. Apart from not being accessible, he revoked contracts belonging to party members and brought in his own companies. He tried to destroy our chances by trying to undermine Sanwo-Olu at every turn.
“He did not campaign for us. Rather, he was following Buhari all over the place. He should not expect to represent Lagos in any capacity. We will not allow him have any appointment.”
Another source alleged that Ambode was not an indigene of Lagos State.
The source said: “Ambode is from Ondo State and he cannot deny it. Yes, he was Governor in Lagos State but the constitution allows that. However, the constitution states clearly that only an indigene of a State can represent that State as far as Ministerial appointments are concerned.
“We will ensure that the three Senators from Lagos State block his nomination in the event that he is nominated by the President. There must be party discipline.”
The source said a probe of Ambode’s administration will soon commence where the cases of alleged fraud and abuse of office would be exposed.
A source close to Ambode, however, said the former Governor was prepared for the battle ahead.
He said Ambode’s gentle mien should not be mistaken for weakness.
The former Aide disclosed: “Ambode is already prepared for the worst since they have already humiliated him. Buhari even appealed to them to let Ambode return as Governor but they refused. They then tried to impeach him but they failed.
“They should remember that Ambode was a Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of the State before becoming a Governor.
“He knows the secrets of all those making threats. Anybody who is on a mission of revenge could be digging his own grave in the process. I won’t say more than that.”
Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has described the planned increase in electricity and telecom tariffs as unconscionable.
The statement comes after the telecoms regulator last week approved the increase in mobile tariffs.
The federal government also recently said that plans were ongoing to increase electricity tariffs “over the next few months.”
However, Sani, who said the government’s plan is unreasonable, insisted that it should be halted.
The ex-lawmaker also expressed his support for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the scheduled protest against the government’s proposal, calling it a welcome development.
“The planned increase in electricity tariffs in the midst of poor power supply and the proposal to increase telecom tariffs is unconscionable and should be halted. The scheduled labour union protest is a welcome development,” he posted on X.
The United States President, Donald Trump, has revealed his decision to cut off all future funding to South Africa, citing poor treatment of “certain classes of people.”
Trump made this known on Sunday in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.
According to Trump, South Africa was seizing land and mistreating some citizens without concern for the violations of their rights.
“South Africa is confiscating land and treating certain classes of people VERY BADLY.
“I will be cutting off all future funding to South Africa until a full investigation of this situation has been completed!” Trump wrote.
Reports suggest that the American leader may be defending White South Africans, some of whom have alleged that the South African policy is unfair to them.
There are indications that the federal government will on Monday meet with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to stop the planned Tuesday nationwide protest against the 50 percent telecommunications tariff hike.
A reliable source familiar with the matter, who preferred anonymity, disclosed this on Monday morning, noting that the meeting between the NLC leadership and the federal government is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday.
The source said the meeting was a “dialogue on matters of national interest as it affects Nigerian workers.”
According to the source, it will be an inter-ministerial meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), purposely to resolve issues raised by the NLC concerning the federal government’s approved upward adjustment to telecommunications tariffs, which the NLC, its allies, and others are vehemently opposing.
This comes as the NLC is already mobilizing workers for a mass protest tomorrow (February 4) against the 50 percent tariff hike approval.
On Thursday last week, in a letter to affiliate unions and state councils, NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja urged them to mobilize other Nigerians to send a serious message to the government.
The planned protest follows the 50 percent telecom tariff approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025.
The approval had sparked widespread rejection among telecom subscribers.
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