NEWS
Northern Patriots Hails Bichi’s Emergence As Best Nigerian Legislator
The Northern Patriots has congratulated Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi on being named the Best Nigerian Legislator at the Democratic Heroes Award Africa 2024. This prestigious award recognizes Bichi’s exceptional leadership, commitment to his constituents’ welfare, and dedication to Nigeria’s development.In a statement signed by Mallam Adamu Mohammed and Dr. Innocent Audu, the group said Bichi’s plp leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of his people’s needs. As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, the group said he has demonstrated exemplary leadership, ensuring his constituents’ needs are reflected in the national budget.The group said his leadership extends beyond his constituency, inspiring a new generation of leaders to emulate his values and principles. The Northern Patriots praised his dedication to the democratic process has been unwavering, and his contributions to Nigeria’s development are undeniable. Through his leadership, they said Bichi has shown that effective representation is not just about legislation, but about positively impacting lives.“We are thrilled to congratulate Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi on his well-deserved emergence as the Best Nigerian Legislator at the Democratic Heroes Award Africa 2024. This prestigious recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his constituents,” the statement said. “Hon. Bichi’s leadership style is characterized by inclusivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the needs of his people. He has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of purpose, guiding his constituents toward a brighter future. His ability to bridge gaps and foster cooperation has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, he has displayed exemplary leadership, ensuring that the needs of his constituents are reflected in the national budget.“Hon. Bichi’s leadership extends beyond the confines of his constituency, inspiring a new generation of leaders to emulate his values and principles. His dedication to the democratic process has been unwavering, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria are undeniable. Through his leadership, Hon. Bichi has shown that effective representation is not just about legislation, but about positively impacting lives.“Hon. Bichi has initiated numerous programs aimed at uplifting the youth, providing education and economic opportunities in Bichi Federal Constituency. His efforts have positively impacted many lives, earning him the appreciation and gratitude of his constituents. Infrastructure projects, improved healthcare services, and economic development are just a few examples of his dedication to his constituents’ welfare.“The impact of his initiatives has resonated throughout the region, inspiring hope and optimism for a brighter future. His constituents’ welfare is evident in every aspect of his work.“As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Bichi has played a pivotal role in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 appropriation bill. His leadership has been instrumental in reflecting the needs of his constituents in the national budget. Hon. Bichi’s expertise and experience have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the appropriation process.“”His ability to balance competing interests has earned him the respect of his colleagues. Under his chairmanship, the Committee on Appropriations has demonstrated transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.“Bichi has initiated numerous programs aimed at uplifting the youth, providing education and economic opportunities in Bichi Federal Constituency. His efforts have positively impacted many lives, earning appreciation and gratitude from his constituents. Infrastructure projects, improved healthcare services, and economic development are just a few examples of his dedication to his constituents’ welfare.“As Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Bichi played a pivotal role in ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 appropriation bill. His leadership has been instrumental in reflecting the needs of his constituents in the national budget. Bichi’s expertise and experience have been invaluable in navigating the complexities of the appropriation process.“His ability to balance competing interests has earned him the respect of his colleagues. Under his chairmanship, the Committee on Appropriations has demonstrated transparency, accountability, and a commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.”The Northern Patriots urged Bichi to remain focused on his vision for a better Nigeria, continuing to inspire and uplift his constituents. They pledged support for his future endeavors and congratulated him once again on this well-deserved recognition.The statement added: “Bichi’s colleagues can learn valuable lessons from his leadership style, particularly his ability to connect with his constituents and understand their needs. His commitment to inclusivity and empathy is a shining example of effective representation”.
The family of Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, revered nationalist, elder statesman, and leader of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has formally announced the funeral arrangements following his passing on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96.A series of events have been planned to honour the life, legacy, and values of the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo — a man widely respected for his lifelong dedication to democracy, Yoruba unity, and national development.In a statement by the chairman of the burial planning committee, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, on behalf of the family, they expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers received since his passing and welcomed well-wishers to participate in celebrating the life of their beloved patriarch.The funeral arrangements are as follows:Day of Tributes/Service of Songs Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 || 2 p.m. Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, LagosColour: Shades of GreenWake Friday, May 2nd, 2025 || 4 p.m. Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s Country Home,, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun StateColour: Alari of GoldChurch Service/Funeral Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 || 10.a.m. St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun StateColour: Powder Blue Gele/Cap on Ankara or Royal Blue LaceThanksgiving Sunday, May 4th, 2025 || 10.a.m. St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun StateThe family invites friends, colleagues, political associates, and the general public to join them in paying final respects to a man whose courage, integrity, and unwavering belief in justice left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, widely known as Chief Ayo Adebanjo or Pa Ayo Adebanjo, was born on the 10th of April, 1928, in Ogun State, in the south-western region of Nigeria. He was born into the family of Joel Adebanjo Adedairo and Salamotu Odubanke. Chief Adebanjo began his public journey as a journalist before proceeding to the United Kingdom to study law. He was called to the English Bar in 1961.His political journey began in 1943 as a member of the Zikist Movement, before joining the youth wing of the Action Group in 1951, where he became a political disciple of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Throughout his life, Chief Adebanjo remained a fearless advocate for democratic governance, true federalism, and Yoruba interests within the Nigerian federation.He will be remembered as a titan of Nigeria’s nationalist struggle and a principled voice in the country’s post-independence political evolution.SIGNED:Mrs. Ayotunde Atteh (nee Ayo-Adebanjo)Mrs. Adeola Azeez (nee Ayo-Adebanjo)Mr. Obafemi Ayo-AdebanjoFor The FamilyApril 24, 2025
Governor Umar Bago of Niger State has declared zero tolerance for rascality even as he has directed security agencies to arrest individuals wearing dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital.
The directive was issued during Tuesday’s high-level stakeholders’ security meeting at the Government House.
Governor Bago instructed security agencies to not only arrest those with dreadlocks but also forcibly shave their hair and impose fines on them.
“We will have zero tolerance for rascality. Anybody that you find with dreadlocks, arrest, barb the hair, and fine him,” Bago declared.
“Nobody should carry any kind of haircut inside Minna. I have given marching orders to security agencies.”
The meeting, attended by security operatives and traditional rulers, focused on clamping down on what the governor described as rising criminality and disorder in the state.
“Parents should warn their children. From this moment, it’s 100% fire-for-fire,” he said. “Also, any house found harbouring criminals should be demolished. Niger State is not for useless people.”
Among other measures announced were restrictions on commercial motorcycles and tricycles, which are now banned from operating between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for emergency medical purposes.
The governor also directed traditional and community leaders, including district, village and ward heads, to ensure accurate documentation of all residents in their areas.
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc led by Yetunde Oni, is currently grappling with a massive N9.3 billion fraud following a significant operational system breach, THE WITNESS reports.
The development comes exactly one year and three months after the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sacked the bank’s board and entire management, citing governance failures. A new management team was subsequently appointed to lead the financial institution.
Union Bank is battling to recover the sum of N9,329,322,870.00 (nine billion, three hundred and twenty-nine million, three hundred and twenty-two thousand, eight hundred and seventy naira), withdrawn from customers’ accounts without authorization.
In a suit marked FHC/L/CS/629/2025, filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, seen by THE WITNESS, Union Bank sought a preservative order compelling the financial institutions involved to place Post No Debit restrictions on the accounts of all beneficiaries and to return the stolen funds traced to their institutions.
According to the bank, the fraud followed an operational failure and fraud in its core banking system on March 23, 2025, which led to unauthorized transfers from customers’ accounts.
An affidavit deposed to by Oluwasegun Falola, head of the E-Fraud Investigations Department at Union Bank, stated that the funds were fraudulently and erroneously transferred from the bank to various accounts across 53 financial institutions.
Falola explained that on March 23, 2025, the bank observed that N9.3 billion had been debited from customer accounts and dispersed into various accounts maintained by the respondent banks. He added that Union Bank immediately contacted the banks involved in a bid to halt further dissipation of the funds.
“The Fraud Desk Department of the bank, in the course of its investigations, discovered that the monies were transferred in trickles into several accounts domiciled with the 1st to 54th Respondents,” the affidavit stated.
Union Bank attributed the unauthorized debits to a system glitch and exploitation, which it says enabled the illicit transfers.
“The funds were erroneously and fraudulently transferred from customers’ accounts.
“Upon further investigation, it was found that the funds were subsequently moved from these primary beneficiary accounts to other accounts also held by the respondents.”
The bank disclosed that it had submitted the list of recipient accounts to the respective financial institutions as a preliminary measure to recover any remaining funds
To support its recovery efforts, the bank said its internal audit and legal departments compiled detailed reports tracing the flow of funds and identifying all beneficiary accounts.
When the case was mentioned on April 2, 2025, Union Bank’s counsel, A. Adedoyin-Adeniyi, informed the court that the stolen funds were still being moved.
“₦9.3 billion has been moved from the account, and they are still moving funds. We now have more people involved in moving the funds,” the lawyer told the court.
To support its recovery efforts, the bank said its internal audit and legal departments compiled detailed reports tracing the flow of funds and identifying all beneficiary accounts.
When the case was mentioned on April 2, 2025, Union Bank’s counsel, A. Adedoyin-Adeniyi, informed the court that the stolen funds were still being moved.
“₦9.3 billion has been moved from the account, and they are still moving funds. We now have more people involved in moving the funds,” the lawyer told the court.
In his ruling, Justice Deinde Dipeolu agreed with the submissions and thereafter granted a motion ex parte filed by the bank concerning the unauthorized fund transfers.
“Having reviewed the motion ex parte, the application is hereby granted,” the judge ruled.
The incident has raised broader concerns about the security of Nigeria’s banking infrastructure, especially as interbank transactions continue to increase. Financial analysts suggest that outdated systems and inadequate oversight may be exacerbating vulnerabilities, heightening the risk of fraud and transactional errors.
Union Bank did not respond to THE WITNESS’ inquiries as at press time.
(S) Witnessngr
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