N458m Bribe Scandal:Full report by IMHA special ad-hoc committee
1. BACKGROUND
Sequel to a report by the Hon Member, representing Orsu State Constituency and Chairman Joint State/Local Governments Projects in the plenary sitting of the House on Wednesday, 20th February 2013 on the progress or otherwise, made so far on the execution of road contracts awarded to some contractors in the state.
He reported on the slow pace of work by both Messrs JPROS International Nig Ltd and Timik construction Coy in Owerri and Orlu Municipalities respectively. In his view the underlisted roads can be deemed as being abandoned by the contractors after collecting over 100% payment.
(a) Ware-house Orlu Road junction
(b) Odunze Aba Road
(c) Amaigbo Street to old Nekede Road
(d) Dualization of Orlu Main Town
Consequent upon this, the Rt. Hon. Speaker constituted a six-man special Ad-hoc Committee comprising the following Hon. Members to investigate the matter and report back on Tuesday 24th February, 2013.
1. MEMBERSHIP
(1) Hon, Simeon Iwunze - Chairman
(2) Hon, Ikenna Emeh - Member
(3) Hon. Greg Okemili - Member
(4) Hon. Innocent Ekeh - Member
(5) Hon. Kingsley Dimaku - Member
(6) Hon. Samuel Anyanwu - Member
2. TERMS OF REFERENCE
To obtain the following
a. Award letters/approval
b. Certificate of work done
c. The total contract sum
d. The amount paid so far, and who made approvals for the payments.e. The extent of the physical job done with pictures/evaluations
f. The possibility of the contractor fulfilling his contractual agreement or otherwise.
3. IN COMMITTEE
The committee immediately got inaugurated and set modalities for the investigation, it invited the following persons/ representatives of companies in these road projects to appear before it on Friday 22nd February, 2013 with the necessary documents relation to the contracts.
The persons invited were:
(a) His Excellency, the deputy Governor of the State/Former Commissioner for works and Transport.
(b) The Principal secretary to the Governor
(c) The current Commissioner for Works
(d) The Commissioner for Finance
(e) The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Transport and his Directors/line officers
(f) The Accountant-General of the State
(g) The representative of JPROS International Nig Ltd.
(h) The representative of Timik construction Coy. Ltd.
All those invited to appear before the Committee did so on several invitations and were interrogated except the representative of Timik Construction Coy. Ltd. Who claimed on phone that he was deadly sick and receiving treatment in an hospital in Lagos with a promise to meet the Committee once he recovered.
The permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Transport, Mr. Alex Nlebedum in his evidence before the Committee turned mountain of document relating to the award and execution of the contracts under investigation but most relevant to this Committee are:
(a) A letter captioned award of contract for the construction of 3 No. Roads – Warehouse Orlu Road Junction –Odunze Street and Amaigbo Street Old Nekede Road. Ref: MOW/COMM/18/S.1/V1/57 dated 1st February, 2012 addressed to His Excellency. The Executive Governor of Imo State. Signed by Alex Nlebedum Permanent Secretary.
The letter reads the above road contracts being handled by JPROS International Nig. Ltd have been re-negotiated downwards from N1,312,106,874.00 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twelve Million, One Hundred and Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Four Naira only to N1,150,000,000.00 (One Billion, One Hundred and Fifty, One Hundred and Six Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy four Naira) but the contract was re-negotiated downwards after Two Hundred Million Naira first advance payment had been made owing to the fact that some aspects of the job were removed, this brought the total sum of the contract to One Billion One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N1,150,000,000), the first advance payment of two hundred million inclusive of this total sum.
Your Excellency may wish to consider the above and direct further please.
(b) A copy of the contract agreement between Ministry of Works and Transport, for State Government on one hand and JPROS International Nig Ltd. On the other hand.
(c) A letter captioned, award of contract for the construction of 3 No. Road – Warehouse Orlu Road Junction – Odunze Street and Amaigbo street Old Nekede Road. Dated 3rd February, 2012 signed by Dr. Pascal C. Obi (Ksm) Principal Secretary to the Governor addressed to the Hon. Commissioner Ministry of Finance Imo State.
The letter reads:
I am directed to refer to your letter Ref: MOW/COMM/18/S.1/V1/57 dated 1st February, 2012 on the above mentioned subject matter (copy attached) and to convey His Excellency, the Governor’s approval for the release of the sum of N1,150,000,000.00 (One Billion, One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only to the Ministry of Works for the execution of the aforementioned projects.
2. Copies of this letter are being endorsed to His Excellency, the Deputy Governor/Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Works and the Account-General, Imo State for their information and necessary action.
3. Take necessary steps to implement His Excellency, the Governor’s directive.
d. A cope of the evaluated works of JPROS International Nig Ltd so far amounting to N195,276,870, signed by the Director of Planning Research and Statistics Ministry of Works and Transport Mr. Ike Maduabuchi was presented to the Committee.
NB: The oral interviews arguments and interrogations, that ensured between the Committee and its invitees does not worth the acre of this report.
The Committee in the cause of its investigation found out that JPROS International Nig Ltd had earlier expressed interest for this job at the sum of N1,312,106,874,00 (One Billion three Hundred and twelve million ……….
The contractor accepted it in writing.
When the permanent Secretary Ministry of Works and Transport was asked whether the reply to his letter of Governor seeking approval for the contract to be executed at a total sum of One Billion One Hundred and fifty Million only, was what he got in a letter dated 3rd February addressed to the Commissioner Ministry of Finance?
He said no, that he expected an approval only and not release of fund.
Mr. Nick Oparadudu current Commissioner for Works in his own interview with the Committee said that he was yet to take over from the former Commissioner for Works, His Excellency the Deputy Governor therefore was not in a position to interview Committee on the subject matter.
Deacon Chike Okafor the Commissioner for Finance in his interview with the Committee was asked why he paid JPROS International Nig Ltd sum of One Billion One Hundred and Fifty Million only when the letter addressed to him dated 3rd February, 2012 signed by Dr. Pascal Obi (Ksm) expressly stated that the money be paid to Ministry of Works and Transport.
He replied that because of issues arising from the management of funds, close to One Billion Naira by the Ministry of Works and Transport for the resurfacing of Owerri Municipal roads on the advent of this administration, His Excellency, directed orally in an exco meeting that payment for road contracts be made direct to contractors by the Ministry of finance.
George Eche the Accountant-General; in his interview with the Committee was asked why he released the sum of One Billion One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only directly to JPROS International Nig Ltd contrary to the directive on the letter endorsed to him, dated 3rd February, 2012 signed by Dr. Pascal Obi (Ksm) expressly stating that the money be released to Ministry of Works and Transport.
In his reply he said that the office of Accountant-General is one and also the only office authorized by law to make payments on behalf of the State Government and that the purpose of mentioning the Ministry in the letter was to charge the expenditure to the budgetary provision of the concerned Ministry.
He was equally asked by the Committee why he paid JPROS International Nig Ltd. Without certificate as they are conditions precedent for raising of payment vouchers by MDA’S before the apply for the approval of payment and release of money the contract from the Governor’s office. He submitted that the Accountant-General duty arises only after Governor’s approval. In the instant case he received Governor’s approval through the office of Principal Secretary to the Governor’s dated 3rd February, 2012. It is the duty of the concerned MDA’S vouchers for purposes applying for Governor’s approval and release of Money to the Contractor.
Dr. Pascal Obi (Ksm), the Principal Secretary to the Governor, in his interview with the Committee, was asked why he conveyed the authority for release of fund to Commissioner Ministry of Finance while the letter he was replying only asked for approval of the Governor for the Ministry of Works and Transport to contract the job at the new re-negotiated sum of One Billion One Hundred and Fifty Million only.
In his reply, he said that the Governor’s approval also means the release of the complete money earmarked for the project, to avoid abandonment of projects in line with the Rescue Mission Agenda.
Joseph Dina of JPROS International Nig Ltd, in his first interview with the Committee was asked to tell his story.
He informed the committed that he did not apply for the payment but he was nevertheless, not surprised because the Governor has always assured him to continue work that he will pay him 100%. When confronted as to why he will stated that compared to work he has was not overpaid. He promised to show the committee, at the committee’s readiness such works. As to why he abandoned the contract in question, he stated that he did not abandoned the job but agreed that work is slow due to the fact that he is sure of funds. The committee was embarrassed at this juncture considering the amount of money he admitted being paid by the state.
Mr. Joseph shocked the committee by telling the committee that after paying his suppliers he was owing before the payment and paying a total sum of N458.000.000.00 between February and June 2012 at the request and directive of Deputy Governor Sir Jude Agbaso he had no money left to continue the work at the expected pace.
As to the reason behind the payment to Sir Jude Agbaso, he replied that it was in consideration of Sir Jude Agbaso promise to award more contracts of 15 kilometer of Sir Jude Agbaso promise to award more contracts of 15 kilometer roads in two local Government Areas in Imo State. However, Sir Jude Agbaso was for reasons unknown to him unable to award him the promised 15kilometer roads in 2 Local Governments. This led his company into financial crises and inability to deliver the contract in question.
He asserted that he is willing and ready to deliver on the contract if he can get the N458.000.000.00 he gave to His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso since he could not award the 15 kilometers roads in the two Local Government which was the reason for giving him the money. But till now he has refused to return the N458.000.000.00.
Mr. Joseph Dina went on to provide the committee with his bank statement from Diamond Bank indicating the transfer of both the first and second money. The photocopies of the cheques he issued to Diamond Bank Plc in order to make the e-payment to the accounts sent to him through short message service (SMS) from His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso’s phone No. 0803xxxx421 and a copy of a hand written statement detailing how he used the money to the committee.
The committee further asked him how much he gave to any of these people
1. His Excellency the Governor
2. Her Excellency the wife of the Governor
3. The Speaker Imo House of Assembly
4. Deacon Chike Okafor
5. Mr. George Eche
6. Mr. Paschal C. Obi (KSM)
7. The Chairman House Committee on Works
He said he did not give any of them any money. The committee also asked him how much he gave to Permanent Secretary Mr. Alex Nlebedum, Mr. Joseph Dina murmured and finally said nothing was given to him.
His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso in his submission before the committeeinformed the committee that the contractor was appraised and appointed by the Ministry though did not emerge through tender. However that the contractor was selected because he showed capacity by mobilizing equipment to the state at short notice which were publicly displaced at the premises of old Imo Hotel and ready to commence work without mobilization which was in tandem with the style of the Rescue Mission Administration at inception.
On the payment in question relating to the road His Excellency averred that the payment was made by the Office of the Commissioner of Finance and Accountant –General who refused to send the money to the Ministry of Works as contained in the approval as conveyed by Dr. Paschal Obi Principal Secretary to the Governor for reasons known to the two officers.
He contended that, had the money been sent to the Ministry of Works and Transport, the over payment and unearned sum would have been noticed and avoided. Besides, there would have been need to observe compliance with due process by ensuring that payments are based on milestones achieved by the contractor.
On what steps he took when he got approval for release of money to his Ministry when looking at the ordinary meaning of the Permanent Secretary’s request, which was only requesting for Governor’s authorization to contact with Mr. JPROS at the re-negotiated rate of one billion one hundred and fifty million naira, His Excellency the Deputy Governor submitted that he only minuted to his Permanent Secretary “to deal accordingly” and he was not surprised, as the Permanent Secretary’s letter also meant request for release of money.
The committee disagreed with him and put it to him that in believing as he did that the letter dated 3rd February, 2012 meant approval and release of money for the contractor and knowing that the contractor have not earned the requisite certificates, did he not believe that he failed in his duty by not taking steps to stop the payment by advising the Accountant-General’s office as earlier payment including the N200.000.000 (Two Hundred Million Naira) only already paid to the contractor was paid directly by the Accountant-General to the contractor.
His Excellency informed the committee that from January to June he had no dealings with the contractor until June when he learnt that the contractor had been paid. He started calling him but the contractor refused to pick his calls.
His Excellency in answer to the Committee Chairman’s question as to whether he has not been in telephone communication from 1st February to 28th 2012, denied speaking with Mr. Joseph Dina in any form in the month of February 2012 and only remembered occasional former calls in the early days of the award and execution of the contract and visiting the contractors on site. He informed the committee that the contractor has not been to his house before.
However, on Sunday 3rd March 2013, the Rt. Hon. Speaker called the Committee Chairman, Hon Barr. Simeon Iwunze that the Governor wants to see the committee members in the Government House, the committee members were ushered into the governor’s dining area where we met with the elders/advisers of this administration and His Excellency the Deputy Governor with the Governor presiding.
The Governor, informed the audience that he was embarrassed by the Deputy Governor when the Deputy Governor informed him that the House will impeach him on Tuesday being 5th of March. And that the rumour making the rounds is that he collected N450.000.000.00 (Four Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only from JPROS International Nig Ltd and His Excellency the Governor is travelling so that the Deputy Governor will be impeached in his absence. The governor said that this information jolted him that he had to cancel his proposed medical trip abroad and headed back to Owerri from Abuja. The governor informed the committee members and the elders/advisers that the essence of the gathering was for him to confirm what the problem was between the House of Assembly and the Deputy Governor.
His Excellency the Deputy Governor said that what the governor said was true as to his information to the governor and that he hereby restate that the House of Assembly wants to impeach him and that it was also rumoured that His Excellency the Governor was aware of the plot.
At this juncture, the Committee Chairman who spoke on behalf of the committee informed the audience that the committee is oblivious of any attempt to impeach the Deputy Governor and felt scandalized by the Deputy Governor’s allegation of payment to members by the Governor or any person to impeach the Deputy Governor but informed the audience that the committee is a special committee of the House set up to investigate the remote causes of abandonment of construction of some signature roads of the administration in Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe municipalities.
However, the chairman sought permission of the governor to cross examine the Deputy Governor on the issue of money he personally raised suo moto as the committee was about inviting him the next day being Monday 4th March to answer to some questions relating to exchange of money between the Deputy governor and Mr. Joseph Dina of JPROS international Nig ltd which Mr. Joseph Dina raised when he appeared before the committee. The Governor granted the chairman’s request and it was agreed that if the Deputy Governor elected to answer that the cross-examination, it shall be deemed as an evidence before the committee.
TRANSCRIPT
Chairman: Your Excellency now that you have raised the issue of money, Mr. Joseph Dine told the committee that you sent SMS to him containing two account numbers into which he paid.
1. N325,000,000.00 (Three hundred and twenty five million naira) only in February, shortly after he got the alert of payment.
2. Another N133,000,000.00 (One hundred and thirty three million naira) only in June.
3. So, Your Excellency, did you get the money as you directed Mr. Joseph Dina directly?
Deputy Governor: Meeee eeh? I did not give him any text message. I did not demand for any money from him or receive any money directly or indirectly from Joseph Chairman Your Excellency Sir, Mr. Joseph Dina equally told the committee that he was in your House at MCC road in February 2012
Deputy Governor: He has never been to my house at MCC road whether in February or any other day.
At this juncture the Governor interjected and asked the Deputy Governor “You are my son tell me the truth …. “Did you receive anything so that we can end this matter.
Deputy Governor: Your Excellency I did not receive anything any money from the contractor.
Governor Okorocha: Ok gentlemen…now that this contractor wants to put shit on the face of the executive the State is interested in the matter.
At this juncture His Excellency the Governor set up a committee of all Elders/Advisers of the administration led by Prof Dike SAN to assist the Executive and resolve any face off between the Deputy Governor and the House of assembly if any, but the committee should continue with their assignment and if any body is found guilty he should pay for it including me, the Governor.
The committee reminded the Deputy Governor of his appointment with the committee the following day being Monday at 10am and graciously agreed to oblige the committee.
On Monday 5th of March 2012 at about 10am, His Excellency the Deputy Governor appeared before the committee facing Mr. Joseph Dina of JPROS International Nig. Ltd in the interface with the committee and the following dialogue ensued:
Committee: Mr. Joseph Dina, do you know the person sitting opposite you?
Joseph Dina: Yes I know. He is the Deputy Governor. He is commissioner of works
Committee: What is his name?
Joseph Dina: Sir, Jude Agbaso
Committee: your Excellency, do you know the man sitting opposite you?
Deputy Governor: Yes I know him. He is JPROS
Committee: He said you gave him account numbers via your telephone number 0803xxxx421 directing him to pay a total sum of N458,000,000.00 (four hundred and fifty eight million naira) to those accounts? And that he actually paid in February, 2012 on the receipt of the N1.035,000,000.00 (one billion, thirty five million naira) only the sum of N325,000,000.00 (three and twenty five million naira) in favour of Three Brothers concept Ltd account no, 0045630151 with GT Bank Plc Lagos. Sort code 058266511 drawn on cheque no 30794812 of Diamond bank, account no, 0015810435 belonging to JPROS INT. NIG. LTD and another N133.000.000.00 (one hundred and thirty three million) paid in June to IHSAN BDC LTD account No, 10,5334698. Sort code 033153351 UBA PLC 27 wharf road Apapa Lagos drawn via Diamond Bank Plc cheque no; 42613519 account no 0015810435 belonging to JPROS INT NIG. LTD. Do you have any thing to say?
Deputy Governor: I say before this committee that I did not text JPROS to transfer any money to any A/C and this is the truth. JPROS is telling lies against me. Never did I at any point in time requested JPROS either oral or written to do do. He went on to say,…. “the God that guides Imo State the land of Owerri will punish you and those using you”. The creator of human being knows that you are not saying the truth”.
Committee: Mr. Joseph Dina can you tell the committee the phone number of the Deputy Governor which he used in sending to you the account numbers
Mr. Joseph Dina: Yes I have the number in my phone. (He searches his phone). The number is 0803xxxx421.
Committee: Your Excellency is this your number?
Deputy Governor: Yes it is my number
Committee: Mr. Joseph are these documents the same documents you gave the committee? (Bank documents including his bank statements shown to Mr. Joseph Dina)
Joseph Dina: Yes, Sir, they are.
Committee: Your Excellency Sir, you can you please go through these documents.
Deputy Governor: (after glancing through the documents) well I have no need for these documents. They are his and have nothing to do with me.
Committee: Did His Excellency confirm these monies you said you paid into those accounts you said he tested to you?
Mr. Joseph Dina: Yes , he confirmed them.
Committee: How?
Mr. Joseph: During phone conversations
Committee: Have you been to His Excellency’s house before?
Mr. Joseph: Yes, I have been to his MCC road private House
Deputy Governor: (Interjects) No He has not been to my house
Committee: Mr. Joseph can you describe the type of House where you met him at his MCC road House?
Joseph Dina: Is bungalow. He told me is a factory for garments before.
Deputy Governor: Noo o! Not true
Mr. Joseph: You don’t remember? You told your security to wait for me outside and give me direction because I did not know the place before.
Deputy Governor: Okaaay.. Yes I now recollect
Committee: Your Excellency Sir, are you now retracting your earlier statement that Mr. Joseph Dina have never been to your House at MCC Road?
Deputy Governor: I said I recollect now. So I withdraw my earlier statement.
Committee: Mr. Joseph What side of the house did you sit with His Excellency, the parlour, the bedroom?
Mr. Joseph: His parlour
Committee: can you tell us the sitting arrangement
Joseph Dina: I can’t remember is long time.
Committee: What happened when you got to His Excellency’s House at MCC road did he offer you anything?
Mr. Joseph Dina: No, he did not offer me anything, rather I gave him a bottle of Blue Label (Porsche design) from Mr. Joseph Dina?
Deputy Governor: Yes, I can remember receiving a bottle of Blue Label (Porsche design). You know he came back from abroad and brought me a drink.
Committee: when did this happen, Your Excellency?
Deputy Governor: it was in February 2012.
Committee: that was the same February that the said one billion one hundred and fifty million naira were wired into JPROS International Nig. Ltd account?
Deputy Governor: Y e e e s s!!
Committee: Your Excellency Sir, are you saying in the natural course of events a contractor who was awarded a contract and was suddenly paid without application by him by the state will come back from abroad and did not show ordinary courtesy of informing you. The commissioner that gave him the job in our Nigerian planet, that he has been paid and say thank you?
Deputy Governor: He never told me he had been paid
Joseph Dina: (Interjects) I told you. You said you give me text message
Deputy Governor: You are evil. You are evil. Is this the kind of creature you are?
Committee: Your Excellency Sir, if you are right this contractor must be the worst specie of ingrates
Committee: Mr. Joseph Dina do you have any other thing to tell this committee?
Joseph Dina: Yes, I equally met him once at his elder brother’s country home in his village. He was in company of the manager of Diamond bank plc Douglas Road branch Owerri – a woman.
Deputy Governor: This man is something else. You have never met me in my village.
Joseph Dina: You don’t remember. We walked outside towards the golf course area. Oh Your Excellency you don’t remember. You know Engr. Tim?
Deputy Governor: Yes I know Engr. Tim. Is my Chief of staff.
Joseph Dina: you remember you sent him to me to negotiate 10%for the job at the beginning of the job.
Deputy Governor: Is not true
Joseph Dina: You don’t remember? In your office. You showed me big files Ohakim files. You tell me help bring expert go through Ohakim files. You give jobs when I tell you that I gave Ohakim money he did not give contract. You said now is my turn to punish him back. I bring expert to help you look Ohakim files and you give me jobs and I give you 10% you remember?
Deputy Governor: Well I have told you this man is evil. He is from Hell.
Joseph Dina: Ok, you say I lie tell MTN give you call log. No no give you date data to show text message. I apply my own we compare.
Findings:
1. A total sum of N1,235,000,000 (one billion two hundred and fifty billion naira paid to JPROS International Nig. Ltd
2. Not withstanding that the permanent secretary ministry of works and transport only applied for His Excellency’s approval to enter into a contract for the construction of 3 non of roads namely warehouse –Orlu road junction Odunze street –Aba road Amaigbo street to old Nekede road a re-negotiated price of N1.150,000,000.00 (one billion, one hundred and fifty million naira) the principal secretary to the Governor conveyed approval and release of funds at the same time to the ministry of Finance and endorsed same to His Excellency the deputy governor/commissioner for works and transport and Accountant-General for their information and necessary action for the contract which is the pattern of this administration to ensure consistent flow of funds earmarked for the execution of the project as a guarantee against abandonment of projects.
3. The Accountant-General made the payment directly to the contractor JPROS International Nig. Ltd without first sending the money to the ministry of works and Transport in line with approval of His Excellency because as that time, consistent with exco memo to that effect, payment of contracts were being affected directly from the office of the accountant-General on behalf of the concerned MDA’S that have projects covered under State of Emergency declared in area of Infrastructure especially roads, at the inception of the administration.
4. The committee found laxity and lack of sense of duty in the hierarchy of the ministry of works and transport in taking appropriate steps as directed by the Governor to achieve objectives of the Rescue mission administration with regard to the contract in question. The committee frowned at the fact that it took ministry of works four months in their own words (February –June when approval was endorsed to them and when the overpayment was discovered) preparing contract papers.
5. The committee holds the view that the evidence before it consistent with facts that Mr. Joseph Dina of JPROS International Nig. Ltd transfer the total sum of N458,000,000.00 (four hundred and fifty eight million naira only) in two installments to accounts nominated by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Sir Jude Agbaso.
6. The committee holds the view that the payment N458,000,000.00 (four hundred and fifty eight million by JPROS INTER NIG LTD out of the N1,035,000.000.00 (One Billion. Thirty Five Million Naira) only received by the contractor was the sole cause of abandonment of work on the project in question.
7. The Committee holds that the defenses put forward by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Sir Jude Agbaos were totally inconsistent with the facts and documentary evidence brought before the committee. He lied over matters within his personal knowledge and thereby put his credibility in doubt in the eye of the committee.
8. The Committee was of the view that the Deputy Governor His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso for personal/proprietary interests (vide admitted receipt of Blue Label Porsche Design) decided to turn a blind eye to loss of public funds by the state and tried to hide under the cover of not making the payment directly whereas corruptly enriching himself there from and thereby abused his office as Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Works and Transport.
9. It is the opinion of the committee that his denial that he only knew that JPROS was paid N1,035,000.000.00 (One Billion Thirty Five Million Naira) only 4 months after the payment, was pre-mediated, and was intended to cover any behind the scene transaction with the contractor arising out of the payment to the contractor.
10. The committee also observed that the contractor was willing to continue with the job.
Recommendation:
The committee having weighed the evidence before it hereby recommends:
1. That a vote of no confidence be passed on the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Sir Jude Agbaso for acts unbecoming of his person and office.
2. The Head of Service should immediately commence disciplinary action in accordance with Civil Service rules against the Permanent Secretary Mr. Alex Nlebedum, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics and Resident Engineer attached to the contract for criminal negligence in the performance of their duties and report to the House of Assembly within fourteen days.
3. The State and Local Governments of Imo should blacklist Messrs JPROS International Nig Ltd from doing business with them in future after completion of the existing contracts.
4. That the Attorney-General/ Commissioner for Justice should take measures to ensure immediate recovery of the sum of N200,000.000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) being over payment to Messrs JPROS International Nig Ltd on the said contract.
5. The Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice and Commissioner for Works do take immediate steps to ensure completion of the contract or recover the amount presently unearned as per certified work done by the contractor under the contract. In event of inability of the contractor to complete the contract under terms of Contract Agreement.
Conclusion
The Committee is grateful to the Rt. Hon Speaker and the House for the opportunity to be of service
Hon. Barr Simeon Iwunze - Chairman
Hon. Innocent Ekeh - Member
Hon. Barr Greg Okemili - Member
Hon Kingsley Dimaku - Member
Hon. Samuel Anyanwu - Member
Hon. Barr. Ikenna Emeh
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Shettima at UNGA: Africa Demands a Seat at the Global Table
Nigeria has taken its campaign for a bigger African voice in global affairs to the heart of the United Nations, with Vice President Kashim Shettima demanding sweeping reform of the UN Security Council and permanent representation for Africa.
Delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address at the **81st United Nations General Assembly** in New York on Thursday, Shettima said the international system created after World War II could no longer adequately reflect the realities of the modern world.
Nigeria called for **at least two permanent seats for Africa**, with the full rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including veto rights for as long as the veto remains part of the Security Council, alongside **five non-permanent African seats**.
The demand puts Africa's long-standing campaign for greater representation at the centre of Nigeria's message to world leaders.
1945 cannot define 2026’
The Nigerian delegation argued that the distribution of power established in 1945 has left Africa under-represented in the institution responsible for some of the world's most consequential decisions on peace and security.
For Abuja, the issue is not simply about seats at the UN. It is about giving African countries a greater role in decisions that directly affect the continent.
Nigeria anchored its position on the **Ezulwini Consensus**, the African Union's common position on Security Council reform.
CONFLICTS: NIGERIA CALLS FOR DIPLOMACY
Shettima's address also turned to the conflicts confronting the international community.
Nigeria called for stronger diplomacy, respect for international law and protection of civilians, while urging greater international efforts to resolve conflicts, including the crisis in Sudan.
The Nigerian position was that lasting peace cannot be secured solely through military action and that diplomacy, dialogue and negotiated settlements remain essential tools for resolving conflicts.
TERRORISM: ‘NO COUNTRY CAN FIGHT ALONE’
With Nigeria continuing to confront terrorism and other forms of transnational crime, the address placed international security cooperation high on the agenda.
Nigeria called for stronger intelligence-sharing, action against terrorist financing and greater cooperation to prevent illicit weapons from crossing borders.
But Abuja also linked security to development, pointing to education, economic opportunity, accountable governance and protection of citizens** as important elements of long-term stability.
AFRICA’S WEALTH: FROM RAW MATERIALS TO INDUSTRIAL POWER
The Nigerian message went beyond politics and security.Tinubu's address, delivered by Shettima, called for Africa to transform its vast natural resources into industrial and economic opportunities by expanding **local processing, manufacturing, technology and value-added production**.
Nigeria also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area as an opportunity to expand intra-African trade and build stronger regional supply chains.
The message was clear: Africa's resources should generate greater value, jobs and investment within the continent rather than being exported largely in raw form.
CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT
Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to climate action, including its 2060 net-zero target, while stressing the need for financing, technology transfer and international support for developing countries.
Abuja argued that climate action and economic development should be pursued together, particularly in countries still struggling to provide reliable energy and economic opportunities for rapidly growing populations.
THE NIGERIAN MESSAGE
From the UN podium in New York, Shettima delivered a message that combined Nigeria's foreign-policy priorities with its wider vision for Africa: **greater representation, stronger security cooperation, economic transformation and a more inclusive international system.**
For Nigeria, the Security Council reform campaign remains a central part of that agenda.
The demand from Abuja is straightforward: **Africa should have a permanent voice in the room when decisions affecting international peace, security and global governance are made. And Nigeria says it intends to keep making that case.
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CBN Slashes Interest Rate to 23% in Major Policy Adjustment
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced its benchmark interest rate from 26.5 per cent to 23 per cent, marking a significant shift in its monetary policy direction.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced the decision on Tuesday following the conclusion of the Monetary Policy Committee’s (MPC) 307th meeting in Abuja.
According to Cardoso, the committee reviewed developments in both the global and domestic economies, assessed emerging risks and considered their potential implications for monetary policy before reaching its decision.
“The Committee decided as follows: reset the monetary policy rate at 23 per cent,” the governor said.
The latest move represents a 350-basis-point reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR). It follows two consecutive MPC meetings at which the rate was left unchanged, after the committee lowered it by 50 basis points in February 2026.
In addition to cutting the MPR, the committee adjusted the standing facility corridor to +50 and -300 basis points around the new benchmark rate.
However, the CBN retained existing Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) levels at 45 per cent for deposit money banks, 16 per cent for merchant banks and 75 per cent for non-TSA public-sector deposits.
Cardoso explained that the changes were designed to improve the effectiveness of monetary policy by strengthening the transmission of policy decisions through the financial system.
He said the adjustment was also part of efforts to restore the MPR as the primary signal of the CBN’s monetary policy and improve the operation of the monetary policy framework.
According to the governor, the MPC viewed the recalibration as an operational adjustment rather than a fundamental shift in the bank’s monetary policy stance.
“The Committee emphasized that the duration of the corridor does not constitute a change in the current monetary policy stance, but rather an operational reset to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy and support the transition to an inflation targeting framework,” he said.
The committee also noted ongoing efforts by the CBN to strengthen its monetary policy implementation framework. Cardoso said transaction-based operational benchmarks had improved the transparency of money-market operations.
The MPC consequently concluded that resetting the MPR and adjusting the policy corridor would bring the monetary policy framework more closely in line with prevailing market conditions.
The committee said the changes are expected to improve policy transmission and reinforce the MPR’s role as the central benchmark for monetary policy.
Members further maintained that the latest adjustments should be viewed primarily as an operational realignment of the framework and not, in themselves, as a change in the underlying monetary policy stance.
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In The Spotlight
Editorial:Trump @ UNGA: Power Is Not a Substitute for Strategy
President Donald Trump came before the United Nations this week with a message that has defined much of his second presidency: The United States is powerful, it intends to use that power, and it will not permit international institutions to place limits on American sovereignty.
There was little ambiguity in the message. Trump celebrated military strength, demanded greater control over America’s borders, challenged international institutions and portrayed American technological leadership as a strategic necessity. On Iran, Gaza, immigration, the International Criminal Court and artificial intelligence, the president returned repeatedly to the same principle: Nations must defend their own interests, and the United States must remain free to act.
That is a coherent philosophy. But coherence is not the same as effectiveness.
The question raised by this speech is not whether America should be strong. No serious foreign policy can begin from the premise that American power is irrelevant. The question is what that power is for — and whether it is being used in ways that make the United States more secure over the long term.
Trump's remarks on Iran illustrated the dilemma.
He reaffirmed that Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon and paired the possibility of diplomacy with warnings of devastating military consequences.
Deterrence has always depended partly on credibility. But credibility is not measured only by the willingness to threaten force. It is also measured by the ability to achieve a political outcome once force has been used.
Wars can begin with clear objectives and end with consequences no government anticipated. The history of American foreign policy offers ample evidence that military superiority does not automatically translate into political control.
That is why diplomacy cannot simply be regarded as the alternative to strength. At its best, diplomacy is one of the instruments through which strength is converted into durable agreements.
The same distinction matters in Trump's approach to the United Nations.
The president has argued that international institutions have become too costly, too bureaucratic and too willing to intrude upon national sovereignty. His administration has pursued reductions in America's financial and institutional commitments to the United Nations.
There is nothing inherently wrong with demanding accountability from an international organization. The United Nations deserves scrutiny. Its bureaucracy can be inefficient, its member states often disagree and its institutions can fail to prevent the very conflicts they were created to address.
But the choice is not simply between an ineffective United Nations and an unconstrained America.
International institutions exist in part because some problems cannot be solved effectively by individual nations acting alone. Nuclear proliferation is one. Global pandemics are another. Artificial intelligence increasingly belongs on that list.
Trump's comments about AI therefore deserve particular attention. He emphasized American technological leadership and warned against international regulation that could restrain innovation.
The United States has obvious reasons to remain at the forefront of AI development. But technological leadership and international coordination are not necessarily opposing objectives. The challenge is to develop rules that protect security without freezing innovation.
That requires American leadership, not American isolation.
The president's immigration argument followed the same pattern. He presented control of the border as an essential expression of national sovereignty and rejected the notion that international norms should prevent governments from determining who may enter their territory.
A sovereign nation plainly has an interest in controlling its borders. But sovereignty also carries responsibilities. The United States, like other countries, must reconcile border enforcement with its legal and humanitarian obligations.
The difficult work of governing begins where slogans end.
That is ultimately what was missing from the most sweeping parts of Trump's speech: not conviction, but attention to the institutional machinery required to turn conviction into lasting results.
America can impose costs on adversaries. It can withdraw from agreements. It can reduce contributions to international organizations. It can threaten overwhelming force. It can use its enormous economic and technological advantages.
But power has a second dimension that is easier to overlook: the ability to persuade allies, maintain coalitions, preserve diplomatic channels and build institutions capable of surviving changes in leadership.
The United States did not become the world's leading power merely because it possessed the world's strongest military. It built alliances. It established institutions. It cultivated economic relationships. It persuaded other countries that American leadership could serve interests beyond America's own.
Trump's speech represents a different emphasis.
It places sovereignty before institutions, pressure before accommodation and national interest before international consensus.
There is a legitimate debate to be had over whether the postwar international system has become too cumbersome, too expensive or insufficiently accountable. But reforming that system and weakening it are not the same thing.
The distinction will matter greatly in the years ahead.
A stronger America is not necessarily an America that stands alone. Nor is international cooperation synonymous with surrendering sovereignty.
The enduring challenge of American foreign policy is to combine power with restraint, independence with alliances and national interest with the recognition that American security is inseparable from the wider world.
Trump's speech made clear which side of that debate he occupies.The more consequential question is what happens next.
History will not ultimately judge the speech by its applause lines, its threats or its declarations of American strength. It will judge the policy that follows — and whether that policy produces a world in which the United States is not merely more powerful, but more secure.
Power matters. But power, by itself, is not a strategy.
In The Spotlight
Who Is in Charge? Tinubu Is in Paris, Shettima Is in New York
By now, Nigerians deserve more than explanations. They deserve clarity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is in Paris. Vice President Kashim Shettima is in New York.
And Nigeria is in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri and everywhere else Nigerians are dealing with the daily business of surviving, working and waiting for government to deliver. So, a simple question is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid:Who is in charge?
Before anyone dismisses that question as opposition politics, let us establish the facts. Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for what the Presidency described as a working vacation. He subsequently moved from London to Paris and, on September 21, the Presidency announced that he had extended his stay by a few days and would return at the weekend.
Shettima left Nigeria on September 20 for New York, where he is representing the President and leading Nigeria's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The government says there is no vacuum. It says Tinubu remains in contact with officials at home and continues to direct the affairs of government. It also says Shettima has been given the President's mandate to represent Nigeria at the UN.
Fine. But that does not make the question disappear.It makes the question more important.
A country cannot run on “trust us”
Government is not supposed to operate on whispers, assumptions or political reassurance.It operates through institutions.
It operates through constitutional authority. It operates through clearly defined responsibilities. And when the President is abroad for an extended period while the Vice President is also outside the country, Nigerians have every right to ask where executive authority is located and who is exercising it.
This is particularly relevant because Nigeria's Constitution provides a specific mechanism for a President who is proceeding on vacation or otherwise unable to discharge the functions of office.
That mechanism exists for a reason.It is designed to prevent uncertainty.It is designed to prevent a vacuum.It is designed toensure that, at every moment, Nigerians know who is constitutionally responsible for the presidency.
So why should Nigerians have to debate the issue?
The Presidency says everything is fine
The government insists that there is no disruption to governance.The Presidency says Tinubu has remained engaged from abroad. It points to decisions taken by the President while away and says the Vice President's trip to New York is an official assignment.
There is nothing inherently unusual about a Nigerian president travelling abroad.There is nothing unusual about a vice president representing the country at the United Nations.
The problem is the combination.The President is away. The Vice President is away. And the country is being told that everything is perfectly normal.
Perhaps it is.But if it is, then proving it should be easy.Tell Nigerians clearly who is exercising presidential authority.
Tell Nigerians whether the constitutional procedure has been followed.Tell Nigerians who is accountable for presidential decisions while both men are outside the country.This should not be difficult.
Leadership is also about presence
There is a difference between saying government is functioning and demonstrating that leadership is present.Nigeria is not short of challenges.
The cost of living remains a major concern. Security remains a national issue. Unemployment and economic hardship continue to affect households. Nigerians are demanding better public services and greater accountability.
At such a moment, leadership cannot be reduced to whether instructions can be transmitted from one continent to another.
Leadership is also about visibility. It is about being present when the country needs reassurance. It is about being accessible when difficult questions arise. It is about giving citizens confidence that somebody is firmly in control. A president does not have to sit permanently in Aso Rock to govern Nigeria. But Nigerians should never be left wondering whether anyone is sitting firmly at the controls.
Paris is not Abuja
There is another uncomfortable truth.Nigeria's political class has become remarkably comfortable governing from airports, hotel suites, foreign capitals and conference rooms.The rest of the country does not have that luxury.
The Nigerian worker cannot take a working vacation from inflation.The small business owner cannot take annual leave from electricity costs.The parent struggling with school fees cannot postpone the bills until the President returns. The young graduate without a job cannot simply wait for the government to reconnect with reality.
For ordinary Nigerians, the country does not go on vacation.That is why the optics matter.While the President is in Paris and the Vice President is in New York, millions of Nigerians remain at home confronting the consequences of government policy every day.
This is bigger than Tinubu
The danger is that this debate becomes another partisan shouting match. Supporters will say the President is working.
Opponents will say the government has abandoned its responsibilities. Both sides can shout themselves hoarse.
But the Constitution does not work by volume. The question is not whether Tinubu's supporters are satisfied.The question is not whether his opponents are outraged.The question is whether the constitutional chain of executive authority is clear. That is an institutional question, not a party question. And the National Assembly has a role to play in ensuring that Nigerians are not left guessing.
Nigeria deserves an answer
There is something deeply unhealthy about a democracy in which citizens have to ask social media, political parties and television commentators who is exercising presidential power.
The answer should be official.It should be constitutional.It should be unambiguous.If Tinubu is fully exercising the powers of President from Paris, say so.If Shettima is exercising presidential functions under the constitutional provisions governing presidential absence, say so.If there is no constitutional problem, explain precisely why.
But please, stop treating a legitimate question as an attack on the government.A government confident in its constitutional position should welcome clarity.
Who is in charge?
This is ultimately not about Paris.It is not about New York.It is not even primarily about Tinubu or Shettima. It is about the Nigerian presidency. A republic of more than 200 million people should not have an invisible question mark hanging over its executive authority.
Tinubu can travel.Shettima can travel.Government can continue. But constitutional responsibility must remain visible.
Because when both the President and Vice President are outside the country, Nigerians should not have to look at a map to figure out where their government is.
They should be able to look at the Constitution.And the answer should be unmistakable.Who is in charge? Nigeria deserves to know.
By Emmanuel Emeke Asiwe, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief