Dasuki awarded N333bn fake arms contracts – Panel

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday received the interim report of the 13-man committee set up by the Office of the National Security Adviser to audit the procurement of arms and equipment in the Armed Forces and Defence sector from 2007 to date with a directive that all indicted persons be arrested and brought to book.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the National Security Adviser during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), was among those indicted in the report. 

Among other weighty allegations by the committee, the ex-NSA awarded failed contracts totalling N482bn.

Adesina said while the committee, which was inaugurated on August 31, had yet to complete its work, its interim report unearthed several illicit and fraudulent financial transactions.

As part of the findings, the presidential spokesman said the committee analysed interventions from some organisations that provided funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Army Headquarters, Naval Headquarters and Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, in both local and foreign currencies.

He disclosed that so far, the total extra budgetary interventions verified by the committee were approximately N643.817bn.

He also put the foreign currency component at approximately $2.193bn.

These amounts, he explained, excluded grants from the state governments and funds collected by the DSS and Police.

Adesina said it was observed that in spite of this huge financial intervention, very little was expended to support defence procurement.

He said, “The committee also observed that of 513 contracts awarded at $8,356,525,184.32; N2,189,265,724,404.55 and €54,000.00; fifty-three (53) were failed contracts, amounting to $2,378,939,066.27 and N13,729,342,329.87 respectively.

“Interestingly, it was noted that the amount of foreign currency spent on failed contracts was more than double the $1bn loan that the National Assembly approved for borrowing to fight insurgency in the North-East.

“The committee also discovered that payments to the tune of three billion, eight hundred and fifty million Naira (N3,850,000,000.00) were made to a single company by the former NSA without documented evidence of contractual agreements or fulfilment of tax obligations to the FGN.

“Further findings revealed that between March 2012 and March 2015, the erstwhile NSA, Col. M.S. Dasuki (retd.), awarded fictitious and phantom contracts to the tune of N2,219,188,609.50, $1,671,742,613.58 and €9,905,477.00; totalling N333bn (at N197 to a dollar, N212.563 to a Euro).

“The contracts, which were said to be for the purchase of four Alpha Jets, 12 helicopters, bombs and ammunition were not executed and the equipment were never supplied to the Nigerian Air Force, neither are they in its inventory.

“Even more disturbing was the discovery that out of these figures, two companies were awarded contracts to the tune of N350,000,000.00; $1,661,670,469.71 and €9,905,477.00 alone.

“This was without prejudice to the consistent non-performance of the companies in the previous contracts awarded.

“Additionally, it was discovered that the former NSA directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to transfer the sum of $132,050,486.97 and €9,905,473.55 to the accounts of Societe D’equipmente Internationaux in West Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America for un-ascertained purposes, without any contract documents to explain the transactions.”

The presidential spokesman added, “The findings made so far are extremely worrying, considering that the interventions were granted within the same period that our troops, fighting insurgency in the North-East, were in desperate need of platforms, military equipment and ammunition.

“Had the funds siphoned to these non performing companies been properly used for the purpose they were meant for, thousands of needless Nigerian deaths would have been avoided. The ridicule Nigeria has faced in the international community would have been avoided.”

Adesina said it was worrisome and disappointing that those entrusted with the security of the country were busy using proxies to siphon the national treasury, while innocent lives were wasted daily.

“In the light of these findings, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that the relevant organisations arrest and bring to book, all individuals, who have been found complicit in these illegal and fraudulent acts.”

We’re ready to crush pro-Biafra revolt, says Army

The Nigerian Army, on Monday, warned pro-Biafra agitators that it was ready to suppress insurrection by any group across the country.The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, gave the warning in an address on the activities of pro-Biafra demonstrators across cities in the South-South and the South-East geopolitical zones.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Enugu, Col. Hamza Gambo, who read a statement on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, during a press conference at the division’s headquarters in Enugu, noted that the ongoing protests had led to an increased sense of insecurity in the South-East and South-South.
The army spokesman further noted that although the pro-Biafra activists, like other Nigerians, have the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, such rights should not undermine other people’s freedom and safety.
Gambo said the army would not shy away from its constitutional mandate to suppress insurrection, and aid civil authority, if called upon to do so as a result of the ongoing pro-Biafra agitation.
“The truism of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is not contestable particularly as it is guaranteed by sections 39 (1) and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“Instructively, this constitutional guarantee does not allow for abuse of other person’s freedom and safety.
“It is, however, pertinent to note that the same constitution vide section 217 (2) mandates the Armed Forces of Nigeria to suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so.”
Gambo assured that the army would act within it rules of engagement should it be required to check the activities of the pro-Biafra activists.
“To this end, if and when the Nigerian Army is called upon to play its legally mandated role, it shall do so with utmost sense of duty and responsibility to the nation.
“In such an instance, the Nigerian Army shall act within its rules of engagement accordingly. It is also important to reassure all law-abiding citizens that they have nothing to fear,” Gambo added.
According to him, “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting democratic norms while ensuring a peaceful environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.”
Gambo stressed that the ongoing agitation for Biafra was a threat to lives and property.
He said, “In the past three weeks, there has been a marked increase in the activities of pro-Biafra groups in some parts of the South-South and the South-East of Nigeria.
“These activities include protest marches, demonstrations and some reported cases of outright lawlessness and threat to lives and properties.
“These demonstrations are being orchestrated by the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, the Indigenous People of Biafra and other affiliated groups.
“These agitations and protests have led to an increased sense of insecurity across the regions.”
Renewed agitation for Biafra, which was largely triggered by the detention of the leader of IPOB, and director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, had led to massive protests in major cities of the South-East and South-South.
The protesters are demanding the recognition of Biafra as a sovereign state and Kanu’s immediate release.

New business opportunities for Nigerians

IFE ADEDAPO examines leadership and business development opportunities that Nigerians can take advantage of
Many young people in the country today have enterprising abilities but are unable to put it into good use due to lack of funds and relevant experience.
Similarly, existing businesses have been discovered to remain dormant or fail after some years because funds are unavailable for business expansion.In addition, young people who desire to work in corporate organisations have insufficient experience to do so.
As a result, Nigerian companies and international organisations, as part of their corporate social responsibility, are giving mentoring and financial support to the youths and women in the country.
Here are some of the opportunities:
Road to women business growth
This is an initiative that seeks to improve the business skills of talented, creative and dedicated women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
The empowerment programme by ExxonMobil and Cherie Blaire Foundation for Women will increase women’s access to financial services and markets and help them grow profitable and sustainable business, thus making them economically independent.
The information on its website says that the training for about 500 businesswomen will take place in Lagos, Abuja and Uyo.
Explaining the stages of the programme, it says, “500 small business owners will be trained in financial literacy and investment readiness over six weeks, including two -classroom workshops and four weeks on e-learning between January and March 2016.
“100 top performing women entrepreneurs will receive intensive business support in the form of tailored business training and services and ongoing mentoring over six months.”
Acumen Global Fellows Programme
The application for the 11th Global Fellows Programme, a 12-month fellowship for individuals dedicated to changing the way the world tackles poverty, is currently on.
The leadership programme, according to the information by Acumen, is aimed at grooming leaders who have good business skills and are dedicated to social interventions, especially poverty eradication initiatives.
The organisation says, “We are looking for potential social sector leaders who embody service above self. Leaders who take a systems change approach to the world’s biggest problems and have the moral imagination to effect long-term change. Leaders who are strong collaborators, are self-aware and adaptive. Leaders who are dedicated to addressing the problems of poverty and bring a blend of leadership capabilities and strong business skills to the table. Acumen Fellows are a different kind of leader. And one day, they’re going to change the world.”
Acumen explains that the fellowship will start with two months’ training in its New York office aimed at changing the values, beliefs and behaviours of participants as well as understanding the problems of poverty and proffering solutions.
This will be followed by nine months’ field placement with social enterprises in the areas of agriculture, education, energy, health, housing and water, where they are expected to work as key staff members, it adds.
And during the last month, the organisation says that the Fellows are expected to return to New York to share their experiences and insights with the Acumen staff and the community.
Start-upper of the year
With the aim of supporting new business ideas in Africa, the Start-upper of the year will provide mentorship, coaching and financial opportunities for budding entrepreneurs.
The initiative sponsored by Total seeks applications for business projects of less than two years in Nigeria and 33 other African countries.
Based on the information obtained from Total website, the opportunity is open to Africans who are less than 35 years and have innovative business ideas that can solve local problems.
It explains, “We are interested in all your projects, regardless of the type of business or activity, as long as they share the characteristics common to creative start-ups: innovation, competitiveness, growth boosting and job creation.
“To get their business project off the ground or develop a business less than two years old, each winner of the ‘Start-upper of the year ’ by Total will receive individual coaching. On completion of the coaching, Total will also provide financial support for their project.”
Opportunity grant of €10,000
Nigeria is one of the eligible countries that can benefit from the Opportunity grant of a maximum of €10,000 for projects that will support the implementation of the new global development agenda.
The funding opportunity provided by AmplifyChange will support groups with new ideas that will bring about positive change to the country.
According to information on AmplifyChange website, the organisation is enthusiastic about projects targeted at ending unsafe abortion, sexual health of young people, gender-based violence, stigma and discrimination as well as access for the marginalised and vulnerable.
It explains, “The opportunity grants are especially intended for smaller, community-based groups that need some support for the activities they would like to implement. More established groups that want to try a new idea are also welcome to apply, but we particularly encourage more established groups to help smaller groups apply.”
Young Professionals Programme
Specifically for the youths who are 27 years or younger, Young Professionals Programme is open to Nigerians and young people in the other 52 commonwealth countries.
It is an opportunity for young graduates to work in substantive, paid junior-level roles for two years at the Commonwealth Secretariat in divisions such as Economic Policy, Rule of Law, Human Resources and Youth, information obtained from the Commonwealth website says.
It adds that during that period they will be provided with technical and administrative support and benefit from professional development and mentoring.
According to the organisation, “To be eligible, applicants must be Commonwealth nationals, be 27 years or younger at the time of application, and possess a level of qualification and experience relevant to each role. They must also have excellent English language and interpersonal skills, and demonstrate commitment to the values of the Commonwealth.”