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N23billion Scandal Rocks Presidency’s SDG Office

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In the last couple of weeks there has been controversy over the discovery of N23 billion in accounts linked to a level 12 officer of the Presidency’ Sustainable Development Goals Office, according to an exclusive report by Economic Confidential.

The affected officer and three others linked with the fraud were said to be on secondment from the OAGF, headed by Ahmed Idris, to the Office of the SDGs, under the Presidency

But following the uncovering of the scandal, the Level 12 officer and others have been secretly redeployed to the OAGF by the SDGs.

There were indications that some security and anti-graft agencies were probing the illicit money laundering.

Also, some documents relating to the fraud have been forwarded to the relevant committees in the National Assembly.

The account of the officer was allegedly used for slush purposes by the management of the Office of the SDGs.

The suspect indicted for the slush fund is from a state in North West and the beneficiaries of the illicit cash are rallying around him to sweep the scandal under the carpet.

On the discovered N23 billion, Economic Confidential gathered that the account where the “diverted” fund was domiciled was detected by the BVN used to open several companies accounts where payments were made to them.

“The personal BVN of the said officer was tied to the slush account of one of the companies being used,” a highly-placed source said.

Some security, anti-graft agencies and anti-fraud units have since launched investigation, seeking to confirm the purpose of the fund accruing to the account and beneficiaries of the account.

The Level 12 officer has admitted to one of the agencies that he retained over N1.8 billion out of the money for personal use.

Meanwhile, a top official at the SDGs Office, who was contacted on the issue, told Economic Confidential that the said officer was sent back to the Office of Accountant General of the Federation after the discovery of the scandal.

An insider in the Office of the SDGs confided in Economic Confidential: “All those involved have been trying to bury the scandal so that President Muhammadu Buhari will not hear about it.

“It is unfortunate that such a huge sum will be laundered in a country where many people cannot feed.

“We want the Presidency to get to the root of this scandal”

This story is coming on the heels of the alleged spat between the SDG Office headed by Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and the National Assembly Committees over its 2020 budget.

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Tinubu Mourns Demise of Former President Buhari, Summons Emergency FEC Meeting

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President Bola Tinubu has received with profound sorrow and a heavy heart, news of the passing of his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after an undisclosed illness.

In a tribute message he personally signed, President Tinubu said Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.

“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.

“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu’s statement read in part.

As a mark of respect to the former Nigerian leader, Tinubu directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today.

He said that he has also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) session on Tuesday, dedicated to Buhari’s honour.

Tinubu added that the Federal government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

“And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” the statement added.

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari is Dead

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President Muhammdu Buhari is dead.

His former aide, Bashir Ahmad announced the passing of the former president on X.

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Akpabio Relieves Natasha of Committee Chairmanship Position, Appoints Akwa Ibom Senator As Replacement

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Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has replaced suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora/Non-Governmental Organisations.

In her place, Akpabio named Senator Bassey Aniekun Etim (Akwa Ibom -East).

The Senate President, who made the announcement on the floor in Abuja on Thursday, did not give any reasons.

The committee position had remained vacant since March when the Senate suspended the Kogi-Central Senatorial District lawmaker for six months for flouting the Senate’s rule on the seating arrangement and seat allocation.

The suspended lawmaker, at a point, chaired the Senate Committee on Local Content before Akpabio reassigned her to the Committee on Diaspora/NGO, shortly before she ran into trouble with the Senate over her conduct on seat allocation.

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