From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Bola Tinubu Grassroot Organisation (BTGO) has parried corruption allegations against the Managing Director of North East Development Commission (NEDC), Mohammad Alkali.
In a statement yesterday, its National Coordinator, Gbenga Fatai, stated that Alkali as Managing Director of NEDC had made a remarkable impact, saying allegations of corruption should not be taken seriously by faceless groups.
Fatai said, “Rising from our 24 National Executive Committee meeting, we the members of the Bola Tinubu Grassroot Organisation have gathered her in Lagos to express their unwavering support for the Managing Director of North East Development Commission (NEDC), amidst recent criticism and accusations of corruption.
“We are here today to shed light on the commendable work done by the Managing Director and refute these baseless allegations.
Noting that since the establishment of NEDC, it has made significant strides in providing relief, support, and a pathway to sustainable development for the people of the North East.
“It is disheartening to witness baseless allegations and attempts to tarnish the image of the Managing Director, who has tirelessly dedicated his efforts towards the uplifting of the region.
“The accusations of corruption lack any substantial evidence and are evidently politically motivated, aiming to undermine the strides made by the NEDC under his leadership,” he said.
Fatai added: “We, the Bola Tinubu Grassroot Organisation, stand steadfastly in solidarity with the Managing Director and urge the public to examine the impeccable track record he has established.
“The NEDC under his guidance has implemented numerous projects that have positively impacted the lives of the people living in the North East region.
“The NEDC’s initiatives, such as the provision of essential infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational support, have brought about a noticeable change in the lives of the people affected by years of conflict.
“The Managing Director’s commitment and dedication to the cause can never be questioned, as he has consistently worked towards fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
“While we acknowledge the importance of accountability and transparency, it is essential to separate baseless accusations from genuine concerns.
“We strongly urge the relevant authorities to conduct a fair and unbiased investigation into the allegations, ensuring that due process is followed and justice is upheld.
“In conclusion, we affirm our unwavering support for the Managing Director of the North East Development Commission in the face of baseless accusations.
“We call upon the public and the concerned authorities to recognize his outstanding contributions towards the development and upliftment of the North East region.
“Let us not allow unsubstantiated allegations to derail the essential work being done in the region.”
[12/11, 12:09 PM] Sunnewsonline: Dec 15 : IPOB raises alarm,says southern politicians plotting against Kanu’s release
From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
Barely few days to the supreme court ruling on the matter of extra rendition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ,Nnamdi Kanu,his members have raised the alarm over alleged plot by Southern politicians in the country to jeopardise chances of his freedom.
Spokesperson of the group,Emma Powerful in a statement he released to newsmen on Monday disclosed that IPOB intelligence team uncovered the secret plot.
He said “The IPOB intelligence team uncovered the secret plot by some Southeastern politicians and businessmen with some cabals in government to lobby and pressure the Supreme Court Justices of Nigeria to remand our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody or Kuje prison after December 15, 2023 judgment.
“The idea to keep our leader Mazi Nnamdi in detention was brought forward by some criminals in our land who claim to be millionaires and politicians.
According to Powerful, the politicians are preventing his release to further the insecurity challenge in the Southeast.
“These men are political jobbers who are sponsoring the insecurity in the southeast for their own political gains. They understand that the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will restore peace in the southeast. They are agents of darkness and enemies of the Biafra movement.
“President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s Government and the Supreme Court Justices of Nigeria must not oblige those pressuring them not to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally on the 15th of December via the Apex Court’s judgment.
“The Federal Government and the Supreme Court of Nigeria can not ignore the rule of law and consent to the wishes of selfish individuals working for their pockets and who are also against the Nigeria State.
” This group of men is not only acting wickedly against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu but is also sabotaging the image of the Nigerian state. These political profiteers are enemies of Nigerians and enemies of peace”.
Powerful therefore urged the Supreme Court of Nigeria, never to succumb to blackmail and intimidation from thhe politicians he has described as “greedy people”, and fail to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who had been illegally incarcerated for over 30 months.
“The Nigeria Appeal Court Justices have already acquitted and discharged Mazi Nnamdi Kanu last year, but the Federal Government of Nigeria refused to obey the judgment and refused to obey their own court order.
“We are patiently waiting to see if the Supreme Court Justices will be courageous enough to dispense justice. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has not committed any crime known to law”. Powerful stated.