Business

Kano Govt Slams 8 Criminal Charges Against Ganduje

Emefiele And His Wife Were Not Beneficiaries Of Money Paid Into 3 Companies Mentioned Before The Court -EFCC Witness

Published

6 months ago

April 6, 2024

CelebrityPlus

According to court documents, Mr Ganduje arranged for the dollar equivalent of the N700 million of state funds to be paid into his son’s account.

Abdullahi Ganduje

Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration has filed at least eight criminal charges against his predecessor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, chair of the ruling All Progressives Congress, for allegedly stealing N5.6 billion from Kano’s coffers and taking bribes from public works contractors totalling almost half a million dollars, according to documents obtained by Peoples Gazette.

Stripped of immunity following the expiration of his governorship tenure in May 2023, Mr Ganduje is left vulnerable to answer the corruption charges preferred against him, which already has 15 witnesses willing to testify against him at the Kano High Court.

In 2018, a video surfaced which showed Mr Ganduje flashing a broad smile as he stashed wads of American dollars in his babanriga, a long, flowing, traditional embroidered robe commonly worn by men in the northern region. The outfit is known to have deep, large pockets.

The video, posted by Daily Nigerian in 2018 but with a 2017 timestamp, went viral and sparked an uproar across the nation as it cemented claims that state governors often took large commissions from the contracts awarded to companies vying for government projects.

Mr Ganduje denied being in the video, claiming it was “cloned.”

Per the constitutional immunity he enjoyed as a sitting governor until his tenure was up last May, he could neither be investigated nor prosecuted. The federal government that handles the prosecution of corruption cases has been reluctant to bring charges because it has been under the control of Mr Ganduje’s party.

However, his successor, Mr Yusuf, a candidate of the rival New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), seems determined to bring Mr Ganduje to book as the Kano government is now exploring legal channels to prosecute the former governor and all persons listed as his conspirators including his wife Hafsat and son, Umar Abdullahi.

The three companies that allegedly benefited from the stolen funds and linked to his family members were also listed as sixth to eighth defendants in the suit dated April 3.

The Kano government, represented by a team of four lawyers led by Y.A. Adamu, was listed as the only complainant in the suit.

According to the Kano government, Mr Ganduje received $200,000 in January 2016 and another $213,000 in February 2017 in kickbacks from contractors selected for “the remodelling of Kantin Kwari textile market.”

Between September 2020 and March 2021, Mr Ganduje diverted N1.4 billion meant to purchase face masks “and other hospital equipment for the health sector” for his personal use in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Yusuf’s government alleged.

Sometime around March 2021, Mr Ganduje was accused of forcefully acquiring 501 “high density plots” from “peasant farmers” which he sold for N700 million and deposited the proceeds into the account of BDC operator Vision Steel Link Limited.

According to court documents, the APC chair arranged for the dollar equivalent of the N700 million to be paid into his son’s account.

Another charge instituted against the former governor was that he deliberately sold the Kano cotton ginnery valued at N750 million at a discounted rate of N320 million through a proxy managed by his immediate family, thereby shortchanging the state government and the people.

Further complicating the ginnery sale was that the proceeds were not remitted to the state account, as stated in the document detailing Mr Ganduje’s charges.

Witnesses, including bank employees privy to the fraudulent transactions, a forensic expert who analysed the bribery footage, and contractors who said they gave Mr Ganduje percentages of Kano contract awards, have affirmed their willingness to submit oral and written testimonies against the ex-governor in court.

The case marks the beginning of turbulent waters for Mr Ganduje, who seems to be settling into his role as APC chair after being passed over for a ministerial position due to his bribery-tainted persona.

Business

Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2024

CelebrityPlus

Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.

The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves—physically, mentally, and competitively.

The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.

This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.

In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.

Key Event Highlights:

• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024

• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan

• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax

• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War

• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances

• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts

• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories

Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.

He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.

Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.

it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.

Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.

For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335

Business

Primate Ayodele’s Prophecy Fulfilled As South Sudan Postpones Election Till 2026

Published

5 days ago

September 15, 2024

CelebrityPlus

South Sudan’s parties to the 2018 peace agreement have extended the current transitional period by another two years.

The decision was reached during a meeting President Salva Kiir held with his deputies, cabinet members and advisors in the capital, Juba on Friday.

The extension implies the country’s first post-independence election initially scheduled for December 22, 2024 will not take place.

The Cabinet Affairs minister, Martin Elia Lomuro said the transition period extension is an opportunity to implement the remaining key provisions in the peace agreement.

“The extension is in response to the recommendations from the electoral institutions and the security sector. It is an opportunity to implement the pending issues in the peace deal’” he said.

This development has fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Elijah Ayodele of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church which he shared at different times regarding the presidential election.

The prophet in September 2023 stated in a video that the date for the election will be changed due to insecurity in the country. He made it known that the election will not see the light of the day and will be destabilized.

These were his words:

‘’South Sudan election: the date for the election will be changed, the election isn’t realistic, mark my words because of insecurity in the country. If you go ahead, the election will not see the light of the day and it will be destabilized. The moment you have a shift in the election, the international community will begin to put pressure on South Sudan and if you go ahead with the election, rebels are ready to cause imminent danger, the date isn’t realistic.’’

@primateayodele

#africantiktok #africatiktok #African #Africa #iescworldwide #primateayodele #southsudan #southsudantiktokers🇸🇸 #south #English #elections #southsudantiktokers🇸🇸

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

In another video published in February 2024, Primate Ayodele made it known that there will be confusion in the country regarding the presidential election.

WATCH VIDEO BELOW:

@primateayodele

#southsudan #southsudantiktokers🇸🇸 #salvakiir #salvakiirmayardit #prophecy #southsudanese #warningsignals #africa #africantiktok #primateayodele #iescworldwide

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele