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BETTAGATE: NEFGAD Threatens Legal Action Against Tunji-Ojo, Insists on His Apology and Resignation

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BETTAGATE: NEFGAD Threatens Legal Action Against Tunji-Ojo, Insists on His Apology and Resignation

By: Michael Mike

Network for Growth and actualization of Viable Development (NEFGAD), a public procurement advocacy group has threatened to take legal action against the embattled Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s over his involvement in the controversial N3 billion contract awarded by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, insisting that his defense his faulty and unsatisfactory.

The Minister had denied personally benefitting through his company, New Planet Project Limited from the sum of 438.1 million from the alleged controversial N3 billion social register contracts by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

NEFGAD in a statement signed by its acting Head of Legal, Dolapo Obafunmi and released to the media at the weekend in Abuja stated that Mr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who is a shareholder in the New Planet Project Limited contravened section 16 subsection 6(f) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 by failing to accompany documents used in bidding for the contract with an affidavit disclosing whether or not Dr. Betta Edu who is a member of the procuring entity has any pecuniary interest in New Planet Project Limited – the company where Mr. Tunji-Ojo, a cabinet colleague, is a shareholder.

Obafunmi also said that Mr. Tunji-Ojo’s company bid ought to have been disqualified for violating section 16 subsection 8(g) of the same PPA by failing to submit a statement regarding its dominating or subsidiary relationships with respect to Dr. Beta Edu who is acting on behalf of the procuring entity participating in same proceeding.

Obafunmi noted that New planet Project Limited, with registration number 804833 was reportedly registered on March 3, 2009, although the Minister said he has resigned as director of the company since 2019 but he is still a shareholder in the company.

Obafunmi said that the public procurement Act in its bid to promote competition forbids a bidder and or any member of procuring entity from conferring undue advantage to themselves during any procurement proceeding by virtue of their relationships.

He averred that one of the core objectives and spirit of the public procurement Law is to ensure that nation’s wealth is fairly distributed, maintaining that it is a sheer act of undue interference, greed and avarice to have a serving cabinet member interfering in affairs of sister Ministry to an extent of influencing its procurement decision in his favour.

He further maintained that beyond participating in the day to day running of a company, being a shareholder means Mr Tunji-Ojo is a person of control and benefit in the company and by virtue of his shareholding status, he ought to have simply complied with the relevant sections of the public procurement law by declaring his interest in the company simply via a court affidavit.

Obafunmi said ‘’with these blatant breaches, it shows clearly that fundamental principles of public procurement were not followed in the award of the contract, everything about the contract is defective, making it impossible to achieve fitness of purpose or value for money.

He said: “Mr. Tunji Ojo should also know that his cabinet membership is ordinarily influential enough to sway cabinet colleague’s procurement decision in his favour hence calling the Minister to honorably apologise to Nigerians and resign immediately or face legal action.

BETTAGATE: NEFGAD Threatens Legal Action Against Tunji-Ojo, Insists on His Apology and Resignation

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NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support

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NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.

According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.

The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.

NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.

The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.

It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.

NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.

NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support

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Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander

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Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander

By: Zagazola Makama

The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.

Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.

According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.

He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.

Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.

He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.

“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.

The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.

He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.

Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.

According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.

The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.

He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.

Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander

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Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War

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Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War

By: Zagazola Makama

The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.

Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.

He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.

According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.

The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.

He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.

The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.

Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.

He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.

On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.

He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.

According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.

Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.

He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.

The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.

Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War

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