News
How NEMA DG, Maihaja Awarded Contracts To Non-Existing Companies
The director general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engineer Mustapha Yunusa Maihaja, has been breaching Public Procurement Act by awarding contracts to companies that do not meet legal requirements and non existing companies, the House of Representatives has discovered.
This disclosure was made at the resumed investigative public hearing organised by the committee on the violation of public trust in National Emergency Management Agency.
The lawmakers noted that documents before the committee which were made available to the director general in the hearing, clearly showed that majority of the companies approved by the agency to undergo contracts were in breach of the Procurement Act to the extent that one of the companies, Three Brothers, is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
They also discovered from documents presented to the committee by the National Pension Commission that most of the companies were defaulters in remittance of pension, defaulters in tax payment as submitted by the Federal Inland Revenue Service to the committee, and do not operate ITF.
Furthermore, the committee observed that the DG of NEMA had been exceeding his approval limit for contracts without due approval by the presidency.
Speaking in his defense, NEMA DG presented a Certificate of No Objection obtained from the Bureau Of Public Procurement (BPP) as proof that all due process procedures were followed before the contracts were awarded.
This, however, was rejected by members of the Committee who explained that there are documents that clearly show the breaches in question whose authenticity have not been contested, and therefore, the BPP must have cleared the contracts in error.
The lawmakers also expressed reservation over the exemption of the director general in the suspension of personnel of the agency over allegations of corruption.
They said it was puzzling that the director general, who was also listed among the list of people allegedly involved in corrupt activities and defrauding Nigerians, has been allowed to continue superintending over the affairs of the agency.
The committee noted that due to the absence of the suspended personnel, especially the director of Finance and accounts, certain information required by the House will not be available, and therefore, the DG must appear with them for tomorrow’s hearing.
Going further, they questioned the speed with which the affected staff were suspended based on a report purportedly emanating from the governing council of NEMA is questionable because the council was inaugurated on the 3rd of April, considered the report of the EFCC on corruption allegations on the same day and recommended the suspension of the director of Finance and Accounts; acting director, Special Duties; deputy director, Welfare; director, Disaster Risk; head of Special Air Operation Unit and the chief maintenance officer.
Out of all the suspended staff, the Finance and Accounts director was immediately replaced by the DG who requested the BPP to send a replacement. The replacement resumed the next day after the suspension.
Other areas which the committee made disclosures include the failure of the agency to respond swiftly to emergencies across the country even after receiving funds for relief materials for affected persons, the House of Representatives has discovered. It took a range of 6 months to one year for people and communities who were in emergency situations to get relief from NEMA, even in many cases where funds were readily available.
This followed the inability of Engineer Maihaja to explain why after receiving N1.6 billion from the federal government for emergency relief in July 2017 for flood victims, the agency failed to provide relief materials to affected people and areas until December, 2017, six months after the incidents took place in 16 states across the country, when it started distribution.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has strongly condemned the brutal killing of 16 travellers in Edo State, describing the act as senseless, barbaric, and unacceptable.
Akpabio, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for swift justice to assuage the pain of the victims’ families.
“I am deeply saddened and disturbed by the gruesome murder of 16 travellers in Edo State. This senseless act of violence is unacceptable and has no place in our society,” he said.
The Senate President urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.
“I condemn in very strong terms this heinous crime and urge the relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Justice must be served to prevent further occurrences and reassure Nigerians of their safety.”
Akpabio further emphasised the need for unity in the face of violence, calling on Nigerians to resist divisions that could arise from such tragic events.
“As a people, we must work together to promote peace, unity, and understanding. We cannot afford to let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our collective efforts to build a better Nigeria.”
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Edo State, praying for divine comfort in their time of grief.
“My heartfelt condolences go to the families of the victims, the government, and the people of Edo State. May God grant the departed peaceful rest and give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has urged the Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues of Ramadan in their daily lives.
According to a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of the month-long fasting and encouraged them to reflect on the values of sacrifice, self-discipline, and devotion to God, which Ramadan represents.
He emphasised that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about fostering compassion, patience, and love for one another—values he described as crucial for national unity and development.
“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr, I encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to continue embodying the noble virtues of Ramadan. Let the spirit of sacrifice, empathy, and community service guide our actions beyond this season,” the statement read.
Oseni, who chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), also underscored the importance of national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work together to promote peace and stability. He called on leaders at all levels of government to implement policies that address economic challenges, security concerns, and infrastructural development.
He further reassured his constituents in Ibarapa East/Ido of his commitment to quality representation, pledging to continue advocating for policies that prioritise their welfare and development.
Oseni also appealed to religious leaders to use their platforms to preach unity and patriotism, stating that Nigeria’s progress depends on the collective efforts of its citizens in fostering tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“Eid is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude. Let us celebrate responsibly while remembering to extend kindness to the less privileged. May Almighty Allah accept our prayers and grant our nation lasting peace and prosperity,” he added.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former House of Assembly candidate for Ibadan South-West Constituency I, Hon. Oladiran Alabi, has congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, urging Nigerians to embrace unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement on Sunday, Alabi commended the Muslim faithful for their devotion and sacrifices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing the need to uphold the values of love, tolerance, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
He said, “The end of Ramadan is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the principles of Islam. I felicitate with my Muslim brothers and sisters and pray that Almighty Allah accepts their supplications and rewards them abundantly.”
Alabi also emphasised the importance of unity in addressing Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges, urging leaders and citizens alike to foster harmony irrespective of religious and ethnic differences.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our unity. It is imperative that we work together to promote peace and development. I call on all Nigerians to prioritise national interest above personal or sectional gains,” he added.
He further urged political leaders to implement policies that would improve the welfare of the people, enhance economic growth, and strengthen security across the country.
The APC stalwart prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria, wishing the Muslim community a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid celebration.
-
News5 days agoAlleged KGB Infiltration: Police in Dilemma as Senator Natasha Abandons Petition, Snubs Summons
-
News4 days ago
Rep. Oseni Condoles Late Gov. Ajimobi, Kola-Daisi Families Over Bisola’s Passing
-
News1 week ago
Trump’s Foreign Aid Cuts Push 80,000 Nigerian Children to Brink of Starvation – UNICEF
-
News1 week ago
Trump Ends Legal Status for Over 500,000 Immigrants, Orders Mass Expulsions
