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Enough of Excuses,Remove Cows from Abuja Roads, HURIWA Tells WikeThe Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA...
06/08/2026

Enough of Excuses,Remove Cows from Abuja Roads, HURIWA Tells Wike

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to move beyond public apologies and immediately enforce laws prohibiting stray cattle from roaming the streets and highways of Abuja.

In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the rights group expressed concern that despite Wike’s earlier admission that the presence of cattle on Abuja roads was unacceptable, the situation has remained unchanged weeks after his assurance to address the problem.

HURIWA said residents continue to report herds of cattle moving freely along major roads, residential areas and business districts, posing serious risks to motorists and pedestrians while tarnishing the image of Nigeria’s capital city.

The association noted that although it welcomed the minister’s willingness to accept responsibility, repeated apologies could not replace effective enforcement of environmental and public safety laws.

According to HURIWA, Abuja should not continue to witness cattle roaming public roads without consequences, stressing that the continued failure to enforce existing regulations raises concerns about government’s commitment to the rule of law.

The group questioned whether authorities were unwilling to implement the law or were reluctant to act because those engaged in cattle rearing belonged to an influential ethnic constituency.

“Nigeria is governed by the rule of law, not by ethnic or political considerations. Environmental regulations and traffic laws must be applied uniformly without fear or favour,” the statement read.

HURIWA argued that in many developed countries, livestock owners whose animals stray onto public highways are sanctioned because such negligence endangers lives, damages public infrastructure and disrupts economic activities.

The association urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to immediately implement practical measures to tackle the problem, including strict enforcement against owners of stray cattle, coordinated monitoring by relevant agencies, impounding wandering livestock and sustained public awareness campaigns on compliance with environmental regulations.

It also called on security agencies, environmental authorities and area council administrations to collaborate in ensuring that Abuja’s roads remain safe for residents and visitors.

While acknowledging the ongoing infrastructure development across the FCT, HURIWA maintained that modern roads and bridges could not achieve their intended purpose if they continued to be occupied by roaming cattle.

The group further lamented that cattle were littering highways with dung and destroying ornamental plants and vegetation established with public funds by the FCT’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

HURIWA insisted that infrastructure development must be complemented by effective enforcement of laws that guarantee public order, sanitation and safety, warning that the continued sight of cattle on Abuja highways undermines the capital city’s reputation.

The association concluded by urging the FCT Administration to demonstrate its commitment through concrete action, insisting that Nigerians deserve results rather than repeated apologies.

BADAGRY LG PRESENTS OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO COUNCILORS AS HUNPE MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICEThe Executive Chairman of Badagry L...
06/08/2026

BADAGRY LG PRESENTS OFFICIAL VEHICLES TO COUNCILORS AS HUNPE MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE

The Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, on Wednesday presented official vehicles to members of the Legislative Council to enhance effective grassroots governance and service delivery as part of activities marking his one year in office.

Hunpe, who spoke during a special interdenominational prayer session held at the council secretariat, said the vehicles were working tools to improve the mobility of Councilors, enabling them to engage their constituents more effectively, monitor projects and discharge their legislative and oversight responsibilities.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the vehicles responsibly, stressing that they were not symbols of privilege but instruments for bringing government closer to the people through accountable, accessible and dedicated representation.

Reflecting on his administration's first year, the chairman thanked God for His faithfulness and reaffirmed his commitment to transparent, inclusive and people-centred governance under the Greater Badagry Rising Agenda, noting that the administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment and security.

Hunpe also appreciated the Lagos State Government, religious and traditional leaders, political stakeholders, council staff and residents for their unwavering support, expressing confidence that with continued prayers and cooperation, Badagry Local Government would achieve greater developmental milestones in the years ahead.

HYPREP Says Ogoni Environmental Restoration Projects on Track 15 Years After UNEP ReportThe Hydrocarbon Pollution Remedi...
06/08/2026

HYPREP Says Ogoni Environmental Restoration Projects on Track 15 Years After UNEP Report

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has declared that the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recommendations for the restoration of Ogoniland remains on course, highlighting significant achievements recorded over the past 15 years.

In a statement marking the 15th anniversary of the release of the landmark UNEP Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, HYPREP said the clean-up programme has made substantial progress in environmental remediation, public health, potable water supply, livelihood restoration and economic empowerment.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, noted that the UNEP report, presented to the Federal Government on August 4, 2011, exposed the devastating impact of decades of oil pollution in Ogoniland and recommended the establishment of an initial one billion dollar clean-up fund.

He recalled that the Federal Government inaugurated the Presidential Task Team on the Ogoni Environmental Assessment in 2016, followed by the official launch of the Ogoni Clean-up Programme in Bodo by then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. HYPREP was subsequently established in February 2017 to coordinate the implementation of UNEP’s recommendations.

According to the statement, the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accelerated the clean-up programme, describing environmental restoration in Ogoniland as a national priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

HYPREP said remarkable progress has been made in the remediation of polluted sites, revealing that 30 of the 65 sites recommended by UNEP have been successfully completed, while remediation work is ongoing at 17 medium-risk complex sites. It added that the characterisation of the remaining high-risk sites is also progressing.

The agency further disclosed that it is leading what it described as the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1.5 million mangrove seedlings planted and thriving. It also stated that more than 1,000 hectares of shoreline have been cleaned, contributing to biodiversity recovery and improved fisheries.

On potable water, HYPREP said 49 Ogoni communities have so far been connected through multiple water schemes and booster stations to provide safe drinking water, including wind-powered facilities in sparsely populated communities.

The statement also highlighted improvements in healthcare, noting that the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Kpite, Tai Local Government Area, and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan, Khana Local Government Area, are nearing completion. It added that several existing hospitals have been upgraded with modern medical equipment, while ambulances have been donated to strengthen emergency response services.

In the area of human capital development, HYPREP said it has created over 8,000 direct jobs and trained thousands of Ogoni youths and women in specialised vocational and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, commercial diving, welding, aviation cabin crew, seafaring, mechatronics, data analytics and other high-demand professions.

The project also disclosed that more than 1,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students have benefited from educational grants and scholarships, while business support grants have been provided to 60 small and medium-scale enterprises. It added that 31 environmental clubs have been established in secondary schools to promote environmental awareness among young people.

HYPREP further announced that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration is now 96 per cent complete and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening research and innovation in environmental remediation.

The agency also celebrated the designation of the Ogoni Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance, saying a five-year interim management plan is already being implemented to conserve the ecosystem and promote sustainable use of the wetland’s resources.

Prof. Zabbey said the 15th anniversary provides an opportunity for governments, development partners and industry stakeholders to renew their commitment to environmental sustainability and the continued restoration of Ogoniland.

He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to fully implementing the UNEP recommendations and building a sustainable model for the restoration of oil-impacted communities across Nigeria.

Adeleke Sues EFCC Over Osun Account Freeze, Demands ₦2bnOsun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has filed a ₦2 billion suit ...
06/08/2026

Adeleke Sues EFCC Over Osun Account Freeze, Demands ₦2bn

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has filed a ₦2 billion suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the freezing of the state’s Federal Statutory Allocation Account, describing the action as unlawful and a threat to democratic governance.

The originating summons, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1762/2026 and filed on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lists Adeleke as the first plaintiff, alongside the Attorney General of Osun State and the Accountant General of the state as second and third plaintiffs.

The defendants are the EFCC, its Chairman Ola Olukoyede, and First Bank Nigeria Limited. A team of lawyers led by M. T. Adekilekun, SAN (also reported as Prof. M. T. Adekilekun, SAN), is handling the case.

The controversy erupted on August 5, 2026, when the Osun State Government received a letter from First Bank forwarding an EFCC directive.

The letter, dated August 5 and signed by ACE I Adenike S. Babalola for the Director of Investigation (Reference No. CR:3000/EFCC/ABJ/HQ/PFS/TA/OSUN/VOL.17/666), instructed the bank to place a “post-no-debit” restriction on the state’s Statutory Allocation Account (Number 2017170947). The state described this as one of its salary or operational accounts linked to federal allocations.

Governor Adeleke publicly challenged the move the same day, calling it illegal, carried out without a court order, and an assault on the constitutional rights of subnational governments.

Speaking at the Government House in Osogbo, he said: “This action was taken without any court order. We are supposed to be in a democracy, where the Rule of Law must always prevail.”

He instructed the state Attorney General, Oluwole Jimi-Bada (SAN), to challenge it in court and demanded that EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede explain the action and provide proof.

Adeleke framed the freeze coming just 10 days before the August 15 governorship election in which he is seeking re-election, as part of broader intimidation aimed at disrupting his administration.

The EFCC responded by confirming the restriction. In a statement, the commission said it had been investigating the Osun State Government since March 2026 over the alleged fraudulent handling of about ₦11 billion in Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds, and Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations. It stated that officials, including the Accountant General, had been interviewed.

The agency said the freeze was triggered by “precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds” from the accounts to “different suspicious accounts” and corporate entities starting August 2, 2026. “The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted,” the EFCC maintained, insisting the action was unconnected to the election.

Reports noted some inconsistency on whether a court order underpinned the freeze from the outset.

The state’s suit and Adeleke’s initial statements emphasized the absence of a prior or concurrent court order for the administrative directive to the bank. President Bola Tinubu’s later intervention referred to the EFCC having obtained a court order on August 5.

The plaintiffs posed several key legal questions for the court, centering on constitutional and statutory limits.

These include whether the EFCC and its chairman have authority under Sections 1, 6, 36, 44, and 162 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Section 34 of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004, and Section 7(6) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 to freeze, restrict, or place a post-no-debit order on a state statutory account without a valid court order from a competent jurisdiction.

They argue the directive constitutes “an egregious act of executive lawlessness, an unlawful resort to self-help, a flagrant abuse of statutory powers,” a threat to Osun State’s constitutional existence, and a violation of due process, the rule of law, and the financial autonomy of a federating unit.

The suit also questions whether First Bank lawfully restricted the account based solely on an administrative directive without a court order, and whether this breached the bank’s duty of care to the state government.

Reliefs sought include:

• Declarations that the defendants’ actions are unlawful, unconstitutional, ultra vires, null, and void.

• An order setting aside, vacating, and nullifying the freeze/restriction on the account.

• An order mandating First Bank to immediately unfreeze the account and restore unrestricted access.

• Perpetual injunctions restraining the EFCC and its chairman from similar interference with Osun State accounts without due process, and restraining the bank from acting on such directives except as stipulated by law.

• ₦2 billion in exemplary and aggravated damages for the unlawful interference with public funds, plus costs of litigation.

No hearing date has been fixed. The suit was filed shortly after President Tinubu’s intervention.

The Reason Behind Shettima’s Two-Week Leave RevealedVice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave follow...
06/08/2026

The Reason Behind Shettima’s Two-Week Leave Revealed

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commenced a two-week leave following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with the Presidency saying the break is intended to enable him undertake study, reflection and intellectual renewal to strengthen his capacity for national service.

The leave, which began on Thursday, August 6, 2026, is Shettima’s first since he and President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, according to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

According to the statement, the Vice President will use the period to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Presidency said the leave forms part of efforts to equip the Vice President with renewed energy and enhanced capacity to continue supporting the administration’s development agenda.

Since assuming office, Shettima has remained actively involved in the coordination and supervision of key government programmes, particularly in the areas of economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.

He has also chaired meetings of the National Economic Council (NEC), where governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other senior government officials deliberate on policies affecting the nation’s economy and the welfare of citizens.

Beyond his domestic responsibilities, the Vice President has represented President Tinubu at several regional and international engagements, promoting Nigeria’s interests on issues including economic integration, investment, climate action, peace, security and sustainable development.

The statement described Shettima as remaining deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service, noting that the leave would provide an opportunity for personal and intellectual renewal before the next phase of the administration’s programmes.

The Vice President is expected to resume official duties at the expiration of the two-week leave with what the Presidency described as renewed energy and dedication to national service.

ICPC Clears Presidency, Says Adeyemi’s Appointment Letter Was ForgedThe Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related ...
06/08/2026

ICPC Clears Presidency, Says Adeyemi’s Appointment Letter Was Forged

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has cleared the Presidency of any involvement in the appointment of Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew, declaring that the appointment letter he presented as Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) was forged.

ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Abuja after submitting an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on the 30-day investigation ordered into the activities of the purported agency.

Aliyu recalled that President Tinubu, on July 7, 2026, directed the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the PFIPC and submit its findings within 30 days.

According to him, the interim report established that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government or any authority acting on its behalf.

He further stated that investigations revealed that the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council was never established by any law, executive order or other valid instrument of government.

“The fake appointment letter of Adeniyi Adeyemi Mathew did not originate from the Presidency,” the ICPC chairman said.

Aliyu added that the commission found that the appointment letter and several other official documents used by Adeyemi to operate the organisation were completely forged.

The ICPC also alleged that the fake agency unlawfully appropriated the identity and operational structure of the defunct Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), using it to project legitimacy while engaging in widespread impersonation and other illegal activities.

According to the commission, investigations further revealed that Adeyemi created two additional fictitious government agencies—the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIFA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (FIFA-PPP).

Aliyu said forged legislative instruments presented as enabling Acts were allegedly used to facilitate the creation of the agencies and the opening of bank accounts.

The ICPC chairman, however, said the investigation found no evidence that any Federal Government funds were approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC or its operators.

He also stated that the commission found no weaknesses in the systems of the State House or the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), describing their verification and operational processes as being above board.

Nevertheless, the report identified weaknesses in verification procedures, inter-agency oversight and government processes, which it said were exploited by Adeyemi with what it described as some level of negligence and possible connivance by certain public officials.

As part of its recommendations, the commission called for the full prosecution of Adeyemi and administrative sanctions against public officers whose acts of omission or negligence allegedly enabled the illegal operations of the fake agency.

Aliyu added that the ICPC had also recommended institutional reforms to strengthen verification processes and prevent similar incidents in the future.

He disclosed that investigations into the activities, bank accounts and alleged collaborators of Adeyemi and the fake PFIPC are ongoing.

Atiku, Obi, Lawyers Fault Osun Account Freeze, Question EFCC’s IndependenceFormer Vice President and presidential candid...
06/08/2026

Atiku, Obi, Lawyers Fault Osun Account Freeze, Question EFCC’s Independence

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, senior lawyers and civil society organisations have criticised the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), raising concerns over the commission’s independence and the timing of the action ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The criticisms followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the EFCC to return to court and vacate the order freezing the state’s accounts, a move the President said was necessary to preserve public confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the President’s directive had undermined repeated claims that the EFCC operates independently of the executive.

According to Atiku, Tinubu could not insist that he does not interfere in the operations of anti-corruption agencies while simultaneously directing the EFCC to discontinue a legal action it had instituted against the Osun State Government.

He also questioned what he described as inconsistencies between the EFCC’s explanation of the account freeze and the Presidency’s statement.

The former Vice President noted that while the EFCC explained its decision to freeze the accounts, it did not mention obtaining a court order, whereas the President stated that the commission secured a court order on August 5 and had been directed to return to court to vacate it.

“If indeed there was a court order, why did the EFCC omit such a fundamental fact? If there was none, then the President has introduced into public discourse a legal process that exists nowhere in EFCC’s narrative,” Atiku said.

He further challenged Tinubu to direct the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to release former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, if, as demonstrated by the EFCC directive, the President could issue operational directives to anti-corruption agencies.

According to him, executive authority should not be exercised selectively for political convenience while institutional independence is cited in other instances.

Also reacting, Peter Obi expressed concern over the freezing of the Osun State Government’s accounts just days before the governorship election, warning that anti-corruption efforts must never be used in a manner capable of creating the impression of political interference.

Obi said while he remained committed to the fight against corruption, institutions of state must not only be impartial but also be perceived as impartial, especially during elections.

He questioned the timing of the action, asking why such a drastic measure was taken on the eve of the governorship poll if investigations had been ongoing for months.

The former Anambra State governor urged all relevant authorities to act strictly within the Constitution and ensure that nothing undermines the credibility of the Osun governorship election.

Similarly, the Coalition of Pro-Democracy Organizations described the freezing of the state’s accounts as an assault on democracy and demanded the immediate reversal of the action.

The coalition alleged that the development was capable of undermining governance and influencing the electoral environment, warning that it would mobilise nationwide peaceful protests if the restriction was not lifted within 48 hours.

It also called on the international community, including the African Union, ECOWAS, the Commonwealth and election observers, to closely monitor developments in Osun State.

Senior lawyers also weighed in on the controversy, arguing that the EFCC lacks the constitutional and statutory authority to freeze the bank accounts of a state government without first obtaining a valid court order.

Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Konyinsola Ajayi, said judicial decisions have made it clear that bank accounts can only be frozen pursuant to a court order, warning that any contrary action could undermine Nigeria’s federal structure and disrupt governance.

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, maintained that the EFCC cannot lawfully freeze any account through an administrative directive, insisting that such action must be backed by a court order.

Also, Lagos-based lawyer Isiaka Olagunju argued that anti-corruption investigations should target individuals suspected of wrongdoing rather than cripple the finances of an entire state government, noting that such actions ultimately affect innocent citizens who rely on government services.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also condemned the EFCC’s action, saying the timing of the account restriction raised serious constitutional and democratic concerns.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group warned that democracy could not thrive where institutions with coercive powers were perceived as acting in ways capable of disrupting governance or undermining confidence in the electoral process.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not issued a fresh response to the criticisms, while the Osun State Government had commenced legal action challenging the freezing of its accounts.

Tinubu Bows to Pressure, Orders EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government AccountsPresident Bola Ahmed Tinubu ...
06/08/2026

Tinubu Bows to Pressure, Orders EFCC to Vacate Court Order Freezing Osun Government Accounts

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately return to court to vacate the order freezing the bank accounts of the Osun State Government, saying the timing of the agency’s action, coming days before the state’s governorship election, could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The directive was contained in a State House statement personally signed by the President on Thursday, August 6, 2026, in which he expressed concern over the EFCC’s decision to obtain a court order on August 5 freezing the state’s accounts.

Tinubu said although he remained committed to allowing anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to operate independently without political interference, he was compelled to intervene because of the proximity of the governorship election and the need to preserve the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

The President stated that he was “deeply embarrassed” by the timing of the EFCC’s action, explaining that while he respected the commission’s statutory mandate and its right to seek judicial orders, every action taken by a federal institution was often perceived by the public as having his approval.

He noted that since assuming office, he had consistently refrained from interfering in the operational activities of the EFCC and other investigative agencies, insisting that democratic institutions must be allowed to discharge their responsibilities professionally, independently and within the confines of the law.

According to the President, he had not been fully briefed on the circumstances that led the anti-graft agency to obtain the court order freezing the Osun State Government’s accounts. However, he maintained that the timing of the action was “inauspicious” given the state’s imminent governorship election.

Tinubu stressed that no action by any federal agency should create the impression that the Federal Government was attempting to influence or interfere with the electoral process in Osun State.

“Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the Federal Government is being used to interfere with the election,” the President said.

Consequently, Tinubu directed the EFCC to immediately approach the court to vacate the freezing order and discontinue all legal actions instituted against the Osun State Government in relation to the matter.

He said the decision was taken in the overriding public interest to protect public confidence in the fairness, credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s democracy and electoral system.

The EFCC had yet to issue an official response to the President’s directive as of the time of filing this report.

‘Pay Contractors Now’ — Ogoni Liberation Initiative Accuses Environment Minister of Sabotaging Clean-upThe Ogoni Liberat...
06/08/2026

‘Pay Contractors Now’ — Ogoni Liberation Initiative Accuses Environment Minister of Sabotaging Clean-up

The Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) has accused the Honourable Minister of Environment of deliberately frustrating the implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up through the alleged delay of payments to contractors and the alleged diversion of funds meant for environmental remediation, demanding the Minister’s immediate resignation.

The allegations were contained in a press statement signed by the leader of the organization, Dr. Fabeke Douglas, who claimed that the Ministry of Environment had adopted tactics that were stalling one of Nigeria’s most significant environmental restoration programmes.

According to the group, many contractors engaged in the Ogoni Clean-up have abandoned their project sites because they have not been paid for work executed, despite what it described as the availability of funds for the programme.

The organization alleged that the delay in processing payment files in Abuja was deliberate and not caused by a lack of funds, insisting that contractors should be paid immediately to enable them return to their various remediation sites and continue the clean-up of oil-polluted communities across Ogoniland.

OLI further alleged that about 100 million dollars released about a week ago for the payment of contractors had instead been deposited as fixed deposits in five commercial banks rather than being disbursed to the contractors.

The group questioned the rationale behind the alleged decision, calling on the Minister of Environment to publicly explain why funds earmarked for environmental restoration were allegedly placed on six-month fixed deposits instead of being used for the purpose for which they were approved.

Douglas also alleged that more than ₦136 billion connected to the Ogoni Clean-up programme had been spread across various banks, alleging that there was a risk the funds could later be converted through the foreign exchange market. He urged the Minister to disclose how much of the money had allegedly been converted and the exchange rates used.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, the organization warned that the continued delay in funding remediation activities was worsening the suffering of communities affected by decades of oil pollution.

“If these funds are not withdrawn from those banks and paid to contractors, I will lead a protest in Abuja and formally write to the affected banks,” Douglas said.

He maintained that the people of Ogoni could no longer remain silent while, according to him, funds intended for environmental restoration were allegedly being mismanaged as residents continued to endure pollution, poverty and abandoned projects.

The statement further accused government officials of turning the Ogoni Clean-up into another avenue for alleged looting and warned that the matter would be taken before the international community if urgent corrective measures were not taken.

Douglas called on the Federal Government to intervene immediately, ensure that contractors are paid without further delay and restore transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Ogoni Clean-up programme.

The Ministry of Environment had not issued any official response to the allegations as of the time this report was filed.

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