Yuletide: Hon. Teejay Yusuf Gives Succour To Widows.

As part of the Yuletide, member representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Hon. Teejay Yusuf yesterday has donated household materials and food items worth thousands of naira to widows in his constituency.

Honourable Teejay Yusuf who made the donation for the widows of his constituency yesterday, gave a bag of rice, Semo vita and wrapper each to widows.

Honorable Teejay the leading candidate under PDP for Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu House of Representative Election said empowering the widows and constituents has always been his major area of concentration since his first term in office. 

One of the beneficiaries said ‘’ We have always advocated this because the best way to alleviate poverty in our societies is to empower women.

“ We commend Honorable Teejay for taking this step further to the widows who are far more vulnerable,” she said

The women finally urged all well-meaning Women to appreciate the initiative by voting for the performing Honorable for another term in office.

Some of the beneficiaries also commended the initiator of the programme, praying God to continue to bless and replenish Honorable Teejay. 

Honorable Teejay reassure the beneficiaries of more empowerment and urge them all to support, canvass and vote for all PDP candidates in the coming election. 

2019 GENERAL ELECTION : Ayere, Arima, Aduge, Ogale, Ogidi Communities agog for ADC, as party flag off 90km road construction.

As the communities endorses ADC Candidates.

Respite seems to have finally come to Nigerian electorates as newest dimension is introduced to the political engagements and electioneering process, particularly in Okunland nay Nigeria. This is so as the candidates of the third force political party in Nigeria, African Democratic Congress (ADC) flag off internal road grading and rehabilitation of 90km stretch of roads across the thirty (30) wards of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency of Kogi West Senatorial district.

The flag off which began at Aiyere and conducted by the traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youths of each community in one day took place in more than eight communities in the five wards of Ijumu-Oke in Ijumu LGA of Kogi West.

Speaking at the commissioning, the traditional ruler of Aiyere community described the initiative as unprecedented, laudable and praise worthy. He said the project is gigantic and will obviously earn ADC the victory votes in the coming election. At the communities the Senatorial Candidate Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi, House of Representative Candidate and initiator of the Project, Hon SO Adeleye, two House of Assembly Candidates for Ijumu, Hon Alh Shuaib Ipinmisho and Kabba/Bunu, Hon Fred Aiyenale took turn at all communities to sell their candidature, programs and agenda to the people. Various leaders, traditional leaders, women and youth leaders in all the communities spoke glowingly of the party and promise to give their votes to ADC in all the elections

The project which is the initiative and pet project of the House of Representative Candidate, Hon SO Adeleye is expected to touch all the communities in the Federal Constituency

One factor that seems to been the concensus of the people in all the community is the fact that APC and PDP have done their bit, it is time for ADC to give what has eluded the people in years. The party considers access road network in the hinterland as the strongest factor that will instigate paid development and economic emancipation of the people. The party considers the importance of making access available for farmers to make their produce to markets and good road is critical to achieving this.

KOGI WEST 2019: ADC remain the alternative party, Omoluabi tells Okebukun Community...

As he describes Okebukun as home of peace and people of impeccable character.

The leading candidate for Kogi West Senate race and flagbearer of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi has described the people of Okebukun-Bunu in Kabba/Bunu LGA as people of impeccable character and very industrious individuals. He made the comment at separate engagements in Okebukun community during the Annual fund raising of Progressive Club of Okebukun and a meeting with another family in the community.

Omoluabi says he has interacted closely with several indegens of Okebukun and can conveniently conclude that Okebukun has raised great nationalists and intelligent people. He also described them as people of sound political consciousness  and have supported various courses that produced great politicians for all offices who have not impacted the community in terms of development and assistance to the community. He however assured them that when elected, he will turn around the infrastructural status of the community. He promised to concentrate development in the community when elected.

Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi solicited the support and votes of the people for the party, ADC and support all the party's candidates at all level. He described the party as the credible alternative, noting that APC and PDP have been tried and people have seen how far they have fared, he said when elected, ADC will change the present deplorable status the earlier parties have reduced the people to.

While commenting, the House of Representatives Candidate of ADC, Hon SO Adeleye pledged to support of the people before even being elected into office. He said he will attend to internal roads of Okebukun like he did for Okegiro road in Kiri axis of Bunu land. He immediately announced the grading and clearing of 3km stretch road network of every of the thirty (30) wards of the federal constituency.

In his response, former Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA and former House of Assembly member, Hon Nathaniel Taiwo thanked the candidates for coming and request that other politicians will emulate the kind disppsition of the ADC Candidates.

The leader of the party in Bunuland and High chief of Okebukun, Chief Sam Mesheko described ADC as the party of the people and the future of Okunland. He asked the people to support ADC and witness development of great magnitude.

Mopa-muro Agog As Elder Leke Holds Town Hall Meeting(Photos)

Mopa-muro Local Government Area went agog yesterday as the African Democratic Congress(ADC) Candidate for Yagba Federal House Representative Election holds town hall meeting with political stakeholders and several associations.

Party members and supporters trooped out in their numbers to meet with the man that has contributed so much to develop Yagba land with the party’s flags and diverse campaign inscriptions and songs.

Elder Leke Abejide met with the Mopa-Muro Traditional Council under his Royal Majesty Oba J.O Joledo(JP).

A brief introduction and remark was made by the DG, Leke Abejide Foundation, High Chief Shola Adebola Samuel Aka Gaddafi. 

He gave a brief profile of Elder Leke while also articulating the vision and mission of the party ADC. 

‘’Elder Leke has 5years plan development for yagbaland, he promised payment of WAEC fees and by special grace of God he has fulfilled the promise.

The campaign coordinator, Mopa-muro LGA further explain to the traditional fathers the good deeds of Elder Leke such as prompt payment of school fees of the school in his ward for over 6 years.

Elder Leke while speaking applaud the royal fathers for their wisdom and understanding in piloting the affairs of the people. He outlined his mission and vision.

I will not wait for the government before doing what is expected of me in term of developmental project and people’s empowerment in Yagba land. 

He said his foundation, Elder Leke Abejide foundation has secured drugs and vaccines that we cater for over 300,000 children and pregnancy women in yagbaland.

That about 100 staff employed and trained to administer the vaccines and drugs to beneficiaries.

He promised that the traditional fathers will adequately be taken care of, he then prayed for long life and sounds health for the royal fathers.

HRM. Oba j. O. Joledo(JP) thanked the campaign team and thanked Elder leke for the payments of WAEC fees for all the students in yagbaland. He prayed for success of his political project.

Speaking at the tow hall meeting, High Chief Shola Adebola Samuel aka Gaddafi said Elder Leke inherited two things from his parents. That is hardworking and trust in God. He said the ADC candidate is a man of God which can be 
trusted.

President Mopa welfare society. Elder S. B. Luke. AkA. "go home ". eulogized Elder Leke and sincerel appreciate him for the payments of WAEC fees.

Numerous Associations such NATA, NURTW, NUT, Okeoyi Unity Forum, Ireakari Social Club, Market Women Association, Tiv Community, Igbo Community, Hausa 

Community, Capentry Association, Blacksmith Association, Muslim Community, Handicapped Association and Traditional hunters association thanked Elder Leke and prayed for success in his political ambition come 2019 equally made a demand for more support from the ADC candidate.

While responding to all, Elder Leke Abejide appreciate 
members of the numerous association for  standing
 with him. He said, ‘’by the grace of God almighty I will meet up to every association’s demand and will not disappoint the good people of yagba land. He promised the women wing mostly market women a soft loan. He said the loan we be given without interest rate.

Immediately after the town hall meeting a Mopa-Muro LGA, Elder leke proceeded to ponyan community to rejoice with the stakeholders of Ponyan Progressive minded (PPM).

Kogi United Youth Forum To Inaugurate National Excos Tomorrow.

The Kogi United Youth Forum has concluded plans to inaugurate her National Executives on the Thursday 27th Dec. 2018. 

The President General, Comrade Musa Otigba made this known few days back. He said ‘’This is to inform the general public, and Kogi State citizens in particular, home and abroad, that the date for the inauguration of the first national officers of Kogi United Youths Forum (KUYF),  has been scheduled to hold on Thursday 27th December 2018 at Riverton Hotels, Lokoja by 11am prompt. 

Kogi United Youths Forum, is an amalgamation of different youth organizations in Kogi State,  coming together for a United voice and actions. This is the first time that our dear state, Kogi, a politically volatile state, will be having a United Youths Assembly, as part of efforts towards bringing the youths of different ethnic, political and religious backgrounds in the state together with one voice, to foster unity and development of the state. 

It will be recalled that the forum held it's maiden election on Sunday 18th November 2018, at Cliff Hotels, Lokoja, where the first national executive officers were elected.

The forum is hereby inviting all well-meaning Kogi citizens irrespective of our social/political/economic status, to please attend and support this great occasion.

Together, we shall make Kogi State great again. May God bless you as you come. 

Kogi United Youths Forum - "Greater Together with one voice"

Signed : Comrade Musa Ali Otigba 

President General, Kogi United Youths Forum.

2019: Leke Abejide Holds Town Hall Meeting with Yagba West Area Council Constituents(Photos)

The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2019 Yagba Federal Constituency Election, Elder Leke Abejide  on Monday went on familiarization tour and equally held a town hall meeting with political stakeholders from Yagba West Local Government Area.

Elder Leke with large numbers of supporters met with the Elegbe of Egbe, His Royal Highness Oba Ayodele Irukera and the Traditional Council to receive royal blessings after which he met with political stakeholders from the LGA at a well organized town hall meeting. 

The Royal Father thanked Elder Leke for his efforts in bringing the needed development to Yagba land. He blessed him for honoring Egbe day and for also fulfilling his pledge to the ancient Kingdom. While thanking Elder Leke for the payment of WAEC fees for Yagba Students, he also eulogized him for the successful football competition among the youths in the constituency, he said the competition will help build the needed unity and cordial relationship among the youth of Yagba land. Finally, the rosy father prayed for Elder Leke Success at the poll and wished him a successful campaigns ahead.

Speaking at the palace, Elder Leke hailed the royal father for a peaceful reign and his unprecedented leadership style, he assures the monarch and the traditional chiefs in council to help facilitate the reconstruction of Egbe Township road in no distance time.

Chief Dare mayegun finally prayed for Egbe kingdom and make an introduction of the party House of Assembly candidates to the traditional fathers and chiefs present at the palace.

Shortly after visiting the Royal Father, Elder Leke and entourage met with the stakeholders of Area Council in yagba west LGA at a town hall meeting. Mr KINSLEY Ogga, Zonal ADC Chairman thanked the good people of the area council in yagba west LGA for coming out in large numbers to attend the party town hall meeting. He appreciate the congregation and said the good people of area council will not regret voting for Elder Leke. He said the track records are there. 

Groups present at the town hall meeting include Nigeria Automobile Technician Association led by Engr. Adekule adebayo, Yagba West Carpentry Association Led by their Chairman, Hairdresser Association, Fashion Designers Association, Yagba West Igbo Community, National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), Life Music Band Association and several women associations. 

The leaders of the associations thanked Elder Leke for the numerous projects he initiated to better the lives of the people, they said, ‘’we have been positively affected by your magnanimity and generosity because we no longer have to worry over the school fees and WAEC fees of our children, it’s a big relief for us all, we thank you and we are ready to vote you this coming election. The NURTW called on Elder Leke to be more closer to the union while the women leaders demanded for more empowerment 

programs for the women fold. 

Elder Sheidu Olufemi, Coordinator Elder Leke Abejide Campaign Organization in Area Council thanked the people for their support and prayers. He said when elected, Elder Leke will not disappoint any of the groups present. Chief Asaje said knowing Elder Leke for over thirty(30) years, he knows he’s  consistent, compassionate and a trustworthy 

personality. He enjoin the people to support, canvass, pray and vote for the liberation of yagba land from poverty and Modern slavery.

Elder Leke while responding thanked the people for their support so far. He  promised more empowerment projects before  and after the election.

‘’We are going to give loan to our market women without interest rate. He beseech the good people of the area council to vote for the party assembly candidate.

Finally, the ADC candidate wish all participants at the town hall meeting a wonder Christmas celebration and call on all to be part of the campaign train that will soon hit the town and villages.

See more photos 

Elder Leke Abejide congratulates Ambassador Enikanolaiye Over New Appointment

The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2019 Yagba Federal Constituency Election, Elder Leke Abejide has sent his congratulations to the former Permanent Secreatary of Federal Ministry of Foreign Affiars, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye following his appointment by the Governing Board of the National Defence College as the National Geopolitical Affairs and adviser to commandant(DNGA), National defence college, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Media Team, Elder Leke noted that the appointment did not come to him as a surprise.

‘’I am aware that the task ahead is enormous but we also believe that the terrain is a very familiar one to our Ambassador Sola Enikaolaiye’’

‘’However, we enjoin every member of our constituency to join hands with the Ambassador to succeed in this new task.

We pray for Divine wisdom and direction in this your new National assignment.

We also ask for God’s protection upon you in the discharge of the laudable task ahead’’

Finally, I wish to say we are proud of you today in Yagba land.

God leads us to victory to continue the task of making Yagba a better place for all,” the statement said.

THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST; IPINMISHO CONGRATULATES CHRISTIAN ACROSS IJUMU, ADMONISHES THEM TO TOW THE PATH OF JESUS CHRIST

The flag bearer of African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2019 Ijumu House of Assembly,

Otunba Shauib Ipinmisho has rejoiced with christian faithfuls on the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. In a statement released and signed by his media team, Ipinmisho admonished Christian across the length and breadth of Ijumu Land to tow the path of Jesus Christ noting that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ should not only be circumscribed to eating and showing of merriment but showing of love and affection to the people especially the needy ones around us.

The renowned philanthropist and Ijumu House of Assembly Hopeful stated that Jesus Christ was sent to the world to die for our sin and sanctify the multitude of the world from every act of unholiness, unrighteousness which can prevent us from entering the kingdom of God. "This is what we should exemplify as a true christian and a believer of Jesus Christ" we should endeavor to touch lives and make impact.

Ipinmisho put it in prayer for everyone of us to see the next year in good health and in rest of mind stressing that none of us shall be found wanting in 2019.

CHRISTMAS: Elder Leke Abejide Felicitates With Constituents, Charges Them To Sue For Peace.

The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) gunning for 2019 Yagba Federal constituency, Elder Leke Abejide has congratulated the christian faithfuls across Yagba Land, in a statement made available to his media team, Elder Leke Abejide urged the people of Yagba Land and Nigeria at large to sue for peace and unite as one people noting that peace and unity can only bring about viewable development in the constituency and the country at large.

Elder Leke hinted that the commemoration of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is an avenue to live a life that will have direct impact on the people noting that as Jesus Christ died to wash away our sins we should try and live a life of sacrifice that will have a tremendous impact on the life of others.

Elder Leke urged the people of Yagba federal constituency to remain law abiding and violence free as 2019 election is fast approaching stressing that election is only meant to vote not to fight.

He thanked the people of Yagba for their unflinching support toward his aspiration praying that we shall all witness the new year regardless of our shortcomings by the special grace of God.

Yulitide felicitation to the good people of Kogi West from Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye

I wish to specially celebrate this year's Christmas with the entire constituents of Kogi West Senatorial District, thanking God for His protection over us all despite the pains and hardship presently experienced, with the hope of a better 2019 ahead of us.

Christmas and the lessons of Jesus Christ’s mission on earth have great significance for us as a people and there can be no doubt that we all, irrespective of our religious beliefs, can draw immense strength and inspiration from the Messiah’s enduring personification of selflessness, dedication to duty, and  commitment to the well-being of  others.

The virtues and ideals of peace, tolerance,  faithfulness, honesty, justice, fairness, true wisdom, knowledge and understanding which He taught and exemplified also remain very relevant to us in Kogi State and  Nigeria as we continue to grapple with the challenges of development and nation-building.

I therefore seize the opportunity of the Christmas celebrations to express my sincere appreciation, once again, to the vast majority of patriotic kogi westerners who have kept faith with us this far.

Dear Compatriots, we are also celebrating this Christmas against the background of preparations for next year’s general elections. I therefore want to reassure you all that I shall continue to do only those things that will bring progress and development to kogi west for the mandate you will place on me to continue to represent you at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly come February 2019.

We will continue to count on your support and cooperation, as well as your prayers for peace, stability and progress of our beloved nation and Kogi state in particular.
Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and a prosperous 2019.

SIGNED:
AYODELE GIDEON
S. A on Media

HON ABIODUN FALEKE : Ode to a colossus and people's servant... Omoluabi

I write with exceeding exhilaration and utmost joy to congratulate a man  of honour, humility and candour on another milestone of his birthday celebration. This is moreso because of the character, responsiveness and content of the leader and philantropist in question.

Hon James Abiodun Faleke represent many things to many people. To some, he is a helper in time of need, to some other, he is a selfless figher, to others, he is a performing lawmaker and astute administrator. To me, Ho Faleke is a colossus, pacesetter and people's leader of immense capacity and love

Ho Faleke is nothing short of an ideal leader everyone desires, he is meek, humble, listening and accomodating. It therefore gives me indescribeable exhilaration and great pleasure to say happy birthday to a great Okun son, performing lawmaker and patriotic Nigeria.

As you begin a journey of a new year, may God almighty take you to the next level of your life, grant you sound health and prosper all you do in Jesus name.

On behalf of my family and entire like minds, I say happy birthday, long life and prosperity sir


Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi (OBA)
ADC Senatorial Candidate, Kogi West

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Let us celebrate the Saviour of mankind as we meditate on the rescue of Kogi West ... Omoluabi

Urges the people to dwell in unity, love and harmony.

The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ signalled the beginning of independence of Human race and Salvation of Mankind.
This puts to proper perspective, the essence and importance of the celebration. It gives us a hope of tomorrow and evalasting salvation. It is the season of love, freedom and God's proof of his undeniable love for humanity.

As we reflect on the state of security, welfare and governance in our nation at a time like this, it definitely comes with a lot of pains, confusion and hopelessness because of the obvious economic crisis the vast majority of our people are coping with. Despite these excruciating and killing challenges, I find it needful and responsive to congratulate us all for seeing another Christmas, I congratulate you for surviving and sustaining this far. Rather than throw blames and let loose our anger, I charge us to be strong, resilient, determined and foreward-looking to a prosperous and blissful new year ahead, though remaining reflective and conscious of how we got here. The new year comes with another opportunity to make political decisions that will determine our survival for another 4 years.
While we ponder on this, I wish to reassure you that our aspiration is one that hopes to bring government to the people. It hopes to speak for the people and bring development to the people. We know where you're coming from, we perfectly understand our current challenges and immediate needs and we believe we will serve you better and deliver on the basic demands of our people.

Let's join hands together to make Kogi West great, let's make the people smile and let's redefine representation together.
This is what my aspiration and candidature represent.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New year.

Omoluabi Bode Adeyemi (OBA)
African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Senatorial Candidate,
Kogi West, Nigeria.

Yuletide: Leke Abejide’s reception in Isanlu, mark of victory in 2019.

The stakeholders of African Democratic Congress in Yagba Federal Constituency Yesterday organized a welcome reception for Elder Leke Abejide At Isanlu in Yagba East Local Government Area. 

The venue of the ceremony was overwhelmed with supporters.
Party leaders, women, youth and all members of the party in the Federal Constituency trooped our to pledged their unwavering support to Elder Leke Abejide come 2019 Election.

Chairperson of ADC In Yagba West, Elder Ayo Pastor, thanked Elder Leke for his unrelenting effort to the party’s growth in Yagba land.

Chairman ADC Mopa-muro LGA reinstate ADC commitment to delivering 100%  for Elder Leke in Mopa-muro.

Yagba East Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel said he’s confident Yagba East votes and support will be total for Elder Leke. The people of the LGA has benefited more from the candidate and we will therefore reciprocate his kind gesture with our votes, he said. 

Kogi West Zonal Chairman of ADC in person of Elder KINSLEY Ogga appreciates Elder Leke for his benevolence assistance given to the students in Yagba federation, he said it’s unprecedented in the history of Yagba land. He prayed for sound health for Elder Leke and assures him of victory at the poll. 

DG campaign for Elder Leke, Mr Bode kayode in his words described Elder Leke as a good and marketable product for ADC. He is a consistent,compassionate and philanthropist to the core. He’s the best thing that can happen to Yagba land.

Director General Leke Abejide foundation, Comrade Shola Adebola Samuel Gaddafi. Thanked Elder Leke, he said he has been tested and can be trusted. He is known as a talk and do politician. 

He announced that Elder Leke had just brought Medical facilities presently at Isanlu general hospital for children and pregnant women, the medical exercise is to commence January. 

Chief Dare Olatunde the Mayegun of Isanlu kingdom encouraged the people to remain steadfast, he also distributed clothes to all women present on behalf of Elder Leke Abejide. While distributing the clothe, he said Elder Leke who is not occupying any political office yet but can bring out over N50M to pay for WAEC fees of Yagba students will do more when elected, he said ADC has come to stay and that Elder Leke has a lot of masses oriented programs for the people when elected, he therefore enjoy party faithfuls to intensify their campaigns for ADC. 

Finally, Elder Leke thanked the people for the warm reception and support he has enjoyed since he came out to run for House of Representatives, he assures the people of his continuing commitment to Yagba project.

He called on the women to and the youth to come out in their large numbers to vote ADC and to also be watchful while casting their votes, he told everyone to study the party ADC logo of HANDSHAKE well before the election day to avoid wrong or invalid votes. Admonishing the people to vote and stand by their votes, Elder Leke said this time around rigging of election will not work, rigging can only be successful when such party or candidate  is popular among the people, he said.

He announced to the market women that a cooperative society will be put in place that will provide free access to funds to support their businesses and other financial engagements.

He told the women whose husband salaries had not been 
paid by the government the people never voted for to be calm because he will ensure their children school office from JSS3 to JSS1 will be fully paid come next year, this is in addition to the payment of WAEC fees of all Yagba Students. 

He also inform the people that in order to make the roads in Yagba federation motorable and accessible, construction equipment such as tractors, rollers are on ground for the rehabilitation of the road. That is the current commitment to people’s welfare by Elder Leke, he said.

He wished everyone Merry Christmas and also said there is delivery of free vaccine for over 300,000 infants and pregnant women and it will be dispensed by about 100 persons that will be trained for free in January 2019.

See more photos: 

It was a legitimate operation’ — Union Bank explains $2.8m confiscated at Enugu Airport

The management of Union Bank has explained that the men who were arrested at the Enugu Airport by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were on a legitimate assignment.

EFCC operatives had paraded two men on Friday as alleged fraudsters who were in possession of $2.8 million.

In tweets posted on its official Twitter page, Union Bank explained that the operation was licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“Movement of cash across states is routine for all bank. Bankers Warehouse is licensed by CBN to provide Cash-in-Transit services,” the bank said.

“We are surprised by the release of a news bulletin prior to the completion of @officialefcc investigation. This is a legitimate and routine operation consistent with banking.”

Similarly, Bankers Warehouse has reacted to the development by writing the CBN.

In a letter addressed to the CBN deputy governor, Lawrence Ijebor, Bankers Warehouse head of operations, said the EFCC insisted on detaining their employees despite the means of identification provided.

“Despite the information provided, the EFCC insisted on detaining our employees, taking possession of our goods and threatening to confiscate the currency, without making themselves available to our senior managers or other agencies familiar with our movements,” the letter read.

“We seek your intervention as our regulator, to address this issue of constant harassment of our staff, by security agencies.”

Credit: The Cable. 

THE BILL FOR A LAW TO ENACT THE KOGI STATE PUBLIC AUDIT LAW AND OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH HELD ON MONDAY 17TH DECEMBER, 2018

Auditor-General of Kogi State Alhaji  Yusuf Y. Okala to Kogi State House of Assembly  in Lokoja Monday December 17, 2018

As we all may be aware, it is the primary responsibility of Government to provide the citizens with certain basic needs of life, including but not limited to provision of social amenities such as Roads, Schools, hospitals, Water, and ultimately,security of lives and properties.


2. Government at all levels incur huge expenditure using public funds at their disposal in order to meet her constitutional obligations to the citizenry. Public Funds therefore constitute a trust held and managed by some individuals or a group of persons on behalf of the public.


3. The need for check and balances, probity and accountability by Public Officers was envisaged by the Constitution and as such Section 125 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended confers authority to carry out audit of all public Offices, specifically of the State, on the Office of the State Auditor General.Section 125 Sub Section 2 provides as follows:
“the public accounts of the State and of all offices and courts of the State shall be audited by the Auditor-General of the State who shall submit his reports to the House of Assembly of the State concerned, and for that purpose the Auditor-General or any person authorized by him in that behalf shall have access to all the books, records, returns and other documents relating to those accounts”.


4. Section 125 Sub Section 5 of the Constitution explicitly states thus “The Auditor-General for a State shall, within ninety days of receipt of the Accountant-General's financial statement and annual accounts of the State, submit his report to the House of Assembly of the State and the House shall cause the report to be considered by a committee of the House responsible for public accounts”


5. Unfortunately it has been increasingly difficult for the Office of the Auditor General across the country to deliver on the mandate imposed on it by the Constitution for obvious reasons as highlighted below
• Lack of operational independence
• Insufficient and untimely funding, and
• Inadequate legislation to bridge the gaps in the constitutional provision and current realities.


6. In the recent past therefore, the Federal Government and many States in Nigeria have taken steps to address some of the challenges by enacting legislation that empowers and reposition the Office of the Auditor General to be able to perform her constitutional duties more effectively and to provide the House of Assembly the most needed information for purpose of their oversight functions in an efficient and timely manner.

7. The Kogi State Public Audit Lawas being proposed seeks to strengthen and improve the effectiveness and operational efficiencies as well as give effect to certain level of independence desirous of the Office of State Auditor General. Key features and highlight of the provisions of this bill are as follows:
• Qualifications for appointment into the Office of the State Auditor General
• Structure of the Office of the State Auditor General
• Guidelines, Approachand Audit Techniques
• Strict timelinefor rendition to the House of Assembly by both the Accountant General and the State Auditor General.
• Sanctions on public officials found wanting with regard to hording information and Financial misconduct
• Alternative sources of funding for the Office of the State Auditor General


8. It will be of special interest to this honourable house and most especially the Public Accounts Committee, the provision of Section 16 sub section 2 and 3) which provide as follows:
“The State Accountant General shall submit the financial statements of the State Government to the Auditor General not later than the first quarter of the following year.
And
“The Auditor General shall within ninety days from the receipt of the financial statements submit his report and the audited financial statements to the State House of Assembly for legislative actions”


9. From the above provision, the law if passed, helps the Office of the Auditor General, as it set definite deadline to receive report from Accountant General, and for Auditor General to transmitreport to the State House of Assembly. Hence all issues and observed anomalies would have been attended to within a short time followingthe fiscal year under review.


10. It is instructive at this juncture to note that one of the major challenges militating against Government’s ability at all level to deliver dividend of democracy to the citizenry is that of corruption, and lack of prudence in the management of available resources. The current Administration of President MuhammaduBuhari is fighting tooth and nail and winning the war against this scourge.


11. In a similar manner, the New Direction Administration of AlhajiYahaya Bello in Kogi State has sponsored the executive bill for this Audit Law.It is consistent with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda of entrenching prudence and good governance in the management of Public Resources in Nigeria.


12. In other words, the proposal is an effort and by no means perfect, I therefore wish on behalf of His Excellency, AlhajiYahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of the State, call on the Honorable Members, all Professional Bodies and invited guests here present to provide robust input that will make the final output the best of its kind in the entire country and a reference point for others to follow.

13. I wish to sincerely appreciate the Rt. Honorable Speaker, Prince Mathew Kolawole, the entire Honorable Members of Kogi State House of Assembly, and the House Joint Committee on Public Accounts, Law and Justice, for the speed at which the bill is being treated which is unprecedented and a testimony to your commitment to the rule of law, good governance, probity, transparency and accountability, and ultimately, your desire towards making the good people of Kogi State live the best of life in the nearest future.


14. Finally, ensuring this bill is passed and signed into Law before the expiration of the current 8th Assembly in Kogi State will be an immeasurable achievement, and members as well as His Excellency AlhajiYahaya Bello and all of us gathered here today would have succeeded in writing our names on the sand of time.

Thank you and God bless you all


Alhaji Y. Y. OkalaFCA, MBA
Kogi State Auditor-General.


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