Buhari To Spend Abacha Loot On Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 2nd Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Expressway

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February 5, 2020

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has stated how the country would spend the US$308 million looted by the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha when it is finally returned.

He said this while signing an Asset Recovery Agreement to repatriate over US$308 million of forfeited assets to Nigeria with the Government of Jersey, Nigeria and the United States of America.

A press statement published on the website of the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria on Tuesday quoted Malami, who signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, as saying, “As you are aware, the government of Nigeria has committed that the assets will support and assist in expediting the construction of the three major infrastructure projects across Nigeria – namely Lagos – Ibadan Expressway, Abuja – Kano Expressway and the Second Niger bridge.

He called for the civil society organizations and the Nigerian public to be involved in the monitoring of the implementation of the key infrastructure projects that will greatly enhance road transportation in the country.

Nigeria Must Repay Abacha Loot If It’s Relooted – US

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ABN TV EDITOR

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February 5, 2020

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The United States has stated that the $308m Abacha loot which will soon be repatriated to Nigeria must be placed in an account and if the money is stolen from that account, Nigeria would be made to replace it.

The Spokesperson for the US State Department, Morgan Ortagus, said in a statement that this was one of the agreements that was made between the US, Nigeria and the Island of Jersey where the funds are being kept.

The statement read in part, “The funds will be used by the Nigerian Independent Sovereign Authority for three infrastructure projects in strategic economic zones across Nigeria.

“To ensure that the funds are used responsibly and for the good of the nation, the agreement includes mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of these projects as well as external oversight, and it requires Nigeria to repay any funds lost as a result of any new corruption or fraud to the account established to hold the returned assets.

“This return reflects the growing international consensus that countries must work together to ensure stolen assets are returned in a transparent and accountable manner.”

The US said the arrangement was consistent with the commitments both the US and Nigeria made under the principles agreed to at the 2017 Global Forum on Asset Recovery co-hosted by the US and the United Kingdom.

“This agreement is a symbol of the weight that the United States government places on the fight against corruption. We welcome President Buhari’s personal commitment to that fight, and we will continue to support civil society and other Nigerian efforts to combat corruption at all levels. The fight against corruption is an investment in the future of Nigeria,” the statement read.

Gen. Sani Abacha, who ruled Nigeria with an iron fist between 1993 and 1998, is believed to have diverted over $4bn from the nation’s treasury.

However, there have been rumours that the funds have not been properly managed by successive governments.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador To Nigeria Dies In His Sleep

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ABN TV EDITOR

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February 4, 2020

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The Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Adnan Bostaji is dead.

The demise of the Ambassador was announced in Abuja through a statement.

The cause of his death was however not disclosed in the two paragraph statement announcing his death.

The terse statement reads: “With the deepest sense of sadness and complete submission to the will of Allah, the Royal Embassy announces the passing away of His Excellency, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Mr. Adnan Mahmould Bostaji.

“May his blessed soul rest in peace, amen.”

It was gathered that his body was taken to Turkish hospital Abuja where he was confirmed dead by doctors.

He was pictured with the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who paid him a courtesy visit about six days ago.

He had assured Mrs. Buhari of his support for her pet project, “Future Assured Programme”.

Besides, he received a humanitarian award for his work in Africa, especially in the area of health campaign in Nasarawa and Oyo states.

Only recently he promised to expand to South East in the first quarters of 2020.

Bostaji received his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences in 1985 from King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah.

He also obtained a Higher Diploma in Diplomatic Studies in 1988 from the Diplomatic Studies Institute in Riyadh.

The Saudi Ambassador started his career by joining the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Later, he was appointed Deputy to the Ambassador at the Saudi Embassy in Tehran from 1991- 1998.

Bostaji also worked at the administration of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1998- 2000.

In 2000, he was appointed as chargé d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark till 2003.

He then worked as Head of Economic Affairs and International Organisations at the Saudi Embassy in London from 2003 until 2005.

He also joined the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah as director from 2003 until 2016.

Before his appointment as a Saudi ambassador to Nigeria, Bostaji served as Deputy to the Ambassador at the Saudi Embassy in Berlin in 2016.

Buhari Appoints Amokachi Nigeria’s Football Ambassador

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ABN TV EDITOR

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February 4, 2020

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President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed retired Nigerian professional footballer, former Super Eagles player and Assistant Coach, Daniel Amokachi, Nigeria’s Football Ambassador.

This is contained in a statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity, Garba Shehu.

Amokachi, a member of the 1994 Super Eagles Team that won the African Nations Cup in Tunisia, was also in the Nigerian Olympic Football Team to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that won the Gold Medal.

In addition to his football exploits in Europe, particularly in England where he won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, Amokachi after retirement has managed Nasarawa United and Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

As Nigeria’s Football Ambassador – a largely ceremonial role – Amokachi will assist the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to scout for talents, be part of processes to revive the country’s football development, as well as mentor youngsportsmenn and women.

Abia Assembly Passes State Orientation Agency Bill Into Law

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ABN TV EDITOR

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February 4, 2020

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The Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed into law the Bill seeking to provide for the establishment of Abia State Orientation Agency, ABN TV reports.

The Bill sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu, our correspondent gathered will help in giving Abians Orientation about their norms and values as a People.

The House also on Tuesday entertained a Motion brought by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu, on the NEED TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO QUALITY POTABLE WATER THROUGH REVIEW AND UNBUNDLING OF ABIA STATE WATER SECTOR TO ALLOW FOR ACTIVE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION .

He therefore prayed the House to mandate the House Committee on Public Utilities and Water Resources to initiate a broader stakeholders collaboration, involving relevant Government Agencies, the Organized Private Sector (OPS) and the general public, with the aim of formulating a new legislation and water policy that meet present and emerging water resource management challenges.

The House also considered the Report of the Ad-hoc Committee on the Incessant Attacks on Isu Community by the Neighbouring Communities of Utuma of Biase and Ukwa Odukpani Local Government Areas of Cross River State, in the Committee of the Whole.