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Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, Numerous Assets On N2.8bn Budget: Reps Demands Funding Overhaul For ICPC

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Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, Numerous Assets On N2.8bn Budget: Reps Demands Funding Overhaul For ICPC

Recovered N33.16bn,$1.8m, numerous assets on N2.8bn budget: Reps demands funding overhaul for ICPC. The House of Representatives has declared that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is deserving of significantly increased funding and official commendation from the Federal Government.

This endorsement follows the Commission’s impressive performance, which has been sustained despite severe financial constraints.

Lawmakers made this assertion on Friday during the ICPC’s defense of its 2026 budget proposal before the House Committee on Anti-Corruption. Committee members lauded the Commission for its substantial financial recoveries on behalf the Federal Government, especially given what they termed “inadequate funding” for its operations.

They questioned the logic of underfunding an agency with a statutory mandate to combat corruption, warning that such neglect could compromise the safety and integrity of personnel handling sensitive cases nationwide.

During the session, Rt . Hon Kayode Akiolu, opened the box of praises for the ICPC and its Chairman by stating that the ICPC is an Anti- Corruption agency in Nigeria whose methods are wholesome and meet international best practices.

He commended the Chairman for being firm in sustaining solid foundations and examples for purposeful law enforcement. Also speaking, Hon. Abdulmaleek Abdulraheem, representing the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency of Kogi State, highlighted the Commission’s remarkable return on investment.

“You only got N2.8 billion last year, yet you were able to recover N33.16 billion and 1.8 million dollars, alongside numerous convictions,” Hon. Abdulraheem stated.

“There are agencies that are heavily funded but return nothing to the coffers of the Federal Government. As a committee, we must do something for the ICPC.

They deserve commendation, and we must also scrutinize their appropriation. Whatever was deducted from their 2026 budget should be refunded. If they cannot be given more than what was approved in 2025, they should not go below that figure.”

He further cautioned that persistent underfunding could expose the Commission to undue pressure and compromise, as resource scarcity can create vulnerabilities within critical anti-corruption institutions.

Echoing these concerns, other committee members requested amendment that would allow the Commission to retain a percentage of its recovered funds to directly support its operational and administrative activities.

According to Dr. Aliyu Mustapha Abdullahi, representing the Ikara/Kubau Federal Constituency, “We, as a committee, must push for an arrangement that allows the Commission to retain a certain percentage of its recoveries, just as the Nigeria Customs Service, NNPC, and other agencies do, in order to enhance efficiency and reduce reliance on unpredictable budgetary allocations.”

Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of the ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, appealed to the National Assembly to facilitate improved funding, enabling the Commission to effectively discharge its statutory mandate.

Dr. Aliyu lamented that inadequate funding, compounded by the poor release of approved allocations, significantly hampered the Commission’s operations in 2025. He disclosed that out of the N7.82 billion approved for overhead costs, a mere N2.1 billion (approximately 28%) was released. This shortfall had tangible consequences.

“Our lawyers and investigators often had to deploy personal funds to attend court proceedings and conduct investigations due to limited operational vehicles,” Dr. Aliyu explained. “Several investigations were stalled, and we experienced difficulties in paying service providers, particularly for our rented state offices.”

The situation was even more dire for capital projects. Although N7.3 billion was approved for capital expenditure, only N400.49 million (about 5%) was released.

Furthermore, these funds were released late, on November 28, 2025. “With such a late release, we could not fully execute projects as planned or award contracts in strict compliance with standard procurement practices,” he added.

Despite these daunting challenges, the ICPC Chairman reported notable achievements within the review period. These included the recovery of N33.1 billion in cash and $1.8 million, in addition to other intervention recoveries and seized assets. The Commission also filed 72 cases, secured 36 convictions, and is currently prosecuting approximately 400 cases across various courts nationwide.

In the realm of prevention and public engagement, Dr. Aliyu stated that the Commission received 1,107 petitions, assigned 700 for investigation, and successfully concluded 150 inquiries.

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ICPC

Furthermore, Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecards were deployed across 344 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and 131 Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) were inaugurated nationwide.

Dr. Aliyu expressed deep concern over the proposed 2026 budget, noting a reduction from the Commission’s N25.8 billion proposal. The adjustments include a cut of N4.7 billion from overhead costs and N2.2 billion from capital expenditure. He warned that without urgent intervention, these cuts would adversely affect the Commission’s operations.

The ICPC Chairman reassured the Committee of the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fiscal discipline and the prudent management of resources, should funding be improved.

It would be recalled that the ICPC management team had previously appeared before the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption to defend its 2026 budget proposal.

During that session, assurances were given that efforts would be made to engage the Senate Committee on Appropriation to consider enhancing the Commission’s funding.

J. Okor Odey
Spokesperson/Head, Media & Public Communications

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2027: NDC Picks Kashima As Bauchi Governorship Candidate

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Enugu Assembly Member Harrison Ogara Dumps ADC For NDC

2027: NDC Picks Kashima As Bauchi Governorship Candidate

National Democratic Congress (NDC)
The former secretary to the Bauchi State government, Ibrahim Kashim, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general elections through a consensus arrangement.

The chairman of the electoral committee for the Bauchi State governorship primary election, Paul Daniel, announced Mr Kashim’s emergence on Friday in Bauchi.

Eereporter.com
He said the decision followed consultations among party stakeholders and other aspirants.

Mr Daniel explained that the consensus process reflected the unity and maturity within the party, adding that members demonstrated understanding and cooperation throughout the exercise.

“With this development, Ibrahim Kashim has officially become the NDC governorship candidate for Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections,” he said.

Also speaking, the state chairman of the party, Abdullahi Maigari, said the NDC was steadily gaining acceptance across Bauchi State and the country at large.

He described the party as one of the few political platforms in the state without internal litigation, attributing the stability to responsible leadership at both the national and state levels.

Mr Maigari expressed confidence in Mr Kashim’s capacity to provide solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing the state, describing him as a committed and experienced politician.

He assured supporters that party members would work tirelessly to ensure victory for the NDC during the 2027 general elections.

In his acceptance speech, Mr Kashim thanked party leaders, delegates and supporters for the confidence reposed in him, describing his nomination as a collective mandate for the people of Bauchi State.

He pledged to pursue policies focused on education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, infrastructure and transparent governance if elected governor.

Enugu Assembly Member Harrison Ogara Dumps ADC For NDC

NDC

According to him, Bauchi State possesses enormous human and natural resources but requires visionary leadership and inclusive governance to unlock its full potential.

Mr Kashim called on party members and residents of the state to unite behind the NDC’s vision of development.

He promised to build a prosperous and inclusive Bauchi where no community would be left behind.

The candidate also urged the electorate to support the party’s message of hope, competence and people-oriented leadership ahead of the 2027 polls. Eereporter.com

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Police: Six Nabbed Over Disruption Of Sallah In Katsina

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Police

Police: Six Nabbed Over Disruption Of Sallah In Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with a violent attack on residents of Keku Village in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest followed a swift response by operatives after a group of men allegedly stormed the community on Wednesday at about 2:00pm and attacked villagers with sticks and machetes, leaving several people injured.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Katsina by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Sadiq.

According to the police, the suspects invaded the village in a coordinated attack that disrupted peace in the area during the Sallah celebration period.

Those arrested include Dayyabu Salisu (25), Usama Mansur (23), Yunusa Nura (27), Abdulmumini Alka (23), Buhari Suleiman (27) and Abubakar Safiyanu (27).

The Command said sticks, machetes and motorcycles were recovered as exhibits from the suspects.

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“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects criminally conspired to disrupt the peaceful Sallah celebration and breach the relative peace being enjoyed in the area. The prompt response of VCRU personnel saved the situation from escalating further. The injured victims were rushed to the nearest hospital and are currently responding to treatment. The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command, CP Ali Umar Fage, condemned the attack and assured residents of sustained efforts to maintain law and order across the state.

He urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines: 0815 697 7777, 0707 272 2539, and 0902 220 9690.

Police

Police

The Command reiterated its zero tolerance for thuggery, mob action and other activities capable of disrupting public peace.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Delta State Police Command had earlier arrested two suspected armed robbers with a pump-action gun, live cartridges and other incriminating exhibits.
Eereporter.com

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Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Demands Stronger Protection For Children, Schools

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Sanwo-Olu

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Demands Stronger Protection For Children, Schools

The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State.

Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, on Friday, urged urgent national commitment to protecting Nigerian children and schools against worsening insecurity nationwide.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the call during the grand finale of the 2026 Children’s Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in Ikeja.

The governor lamented the recent abduction and killing of teachers in Oyo State, describing the tragedy as painful evidence of growing insecurity threatening education nationwide.

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“This Children’s Day arrives during painful national grief. We cannot genuinely celebrate while innocent children, teachers, and families continue suffering devastating consequences from violent attacks,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged security agencies and the federal government to intensify rescue operations and strengthen measures to safeguard schools and learning environments across the country.

He insisted that every remaining captive must return safely, while governments at all levels establish stronger frameworks to protect schools from criminal attacks and violence.

Speaking on the celebration’s theme, the governor stressed that children’s rights to education, safety, dignity, and life must remain protected through deliberate national policies.

“The right to education, safety, and life are obligations owed children today. Every government must guarantee schools remain secure places where learning flourishes daily without fear,” he added.

Mr Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, who delivered the governor’s address.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the celebration’s theme highlighted the importance of protecting children’s rights and opportunities.

The theme, ‘Listen to the Future, Stand Up for Children’s Rights,’ focused on safeguarding children’s access to education, safety, expression, and equal opportunities nationwide.

Mr Alli-Balogun noted that activities organised throughout the week were designed to inspire students, strengthen confidence, and encourage inclusive learning environments across Lagos State.

According to him, the activities included youth forums, career talks, debates, cultural displays, Jumat prayers, thanksgiving services and a children’s parade rally.

“Listen to the future, stand up for children’s rights by protecting education, safety, expression, and opportunities while ensuring every child’s voice is heard and respected,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu

The commissioner stated that students demonstrated creativity, confidence, and awareness through debates and cultural performances presented during the week-long celebration activities.

He said the presentations reflected the importance of identity, cultural heritage, and active youth participation in national growth and development.

“We remain committed to safe schools, inclusive learning, and policies that empower children to dream boldly, speak freely, and grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

Mr Alli-Balogun reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safe schools, noting that the celebration reflected efforts to consistently invest in children’s future and wellbeing.

Lagos State traditionally uses Children’s Day celebrations to promote enrollment into public primary schools across the state.

The state government also publicises registration drives for primary one admissions during the annual Children’s Day activities as part of its educational development campaign. Eereporter.com

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