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1000 Lawyers Declare Showdown, Accuse NASS Clerk, Lottery Boss Of Corrupt Practices
… demand EFCC investigation, prosecution
…Give 7-day deadline
About 1000 lawyers under the auspices of Nigerian Concerned Lawyers are set for showdown with the Clerk of National Assembly, Mr Magaji Tambuwal and the Executive Secretary of the National Lottery Trust Fund, Mr Bello Maigari over alleged corruption against them and called for their immediate resignation.
The lawyers in a letter addressed to them separately and made available to journalists, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct an investigation to expose their potential violation of anti-corruption laws and if found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted.
Giving seven days deadline to Mr Tambuwal and Maigari to resign, and if they failed, the lawyers said they will mobilise their members to stage peaceful protests across cities of the nation to call for their immediate removal, arrest and prosecution.
The letter reads thus: “We, the undersigned 1000 Nigerian lawyers, are writing this petition to express our deep concerns regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds and financial irregularities within the National Lottery Trust Fund under your leadership. We have gathered sufficient evidence to support our claims, and we firmly believe that it is our duty as legal professionals to defend the interests and well being of our fellow citizens.
“According to recent revelations during the interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, it has come to our attention that the entire internally generated revenue (IGR) of the National Lottery Trust Fund, amounting to N2.5 billion in 2023, has been allegedly expended on various projects without proper accountability and transparency. Such misappropriation of funds is deeply saddening and is a gross violation of the trust placed in you as the Executive Secretary.
“As Nigerian lawyers, we firmly believe in upholding justice, accountability, and the rule of law. We cannot stand idly by while public resources meant for the advancement, upliftment, and promotion of important causes such as sports development, education, social services, public welfare, relief, and management of natural disasters are being misused and diverted.
“Therefore, we hereby petition for your immediate resignation from your position as the Executive Secretary/CEO of National Lottery Trust Fund. We give a deadline of 7 days from the date of this petition for your resignation. Failure to comply within this demand will result in peaceful protests organised by Nigerian lawyers across various cities in the county to express our dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.”
While the letter against the Clerk of the National Assembly, Magaji Tambuwal reads, “We, the undersigned 1000 Nigerian lawyers, write this petition to express our grave concern regarding the recent revelations of your ownership and management of a private company, YASMA Special Services Limited, which is in direct violation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws and ethical standards for public officials.
“According to the Nigerian Constitution and the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, it is explicitly stated that public officials, including yourself as the Clerk of the National Assembly, are prohibited from engaging in the management of private businesses, except for farming purposes. This law has been put in place to prevent conflicts of interest and abuse of office among government officials, ensuring transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of public resources.
“However, the company records obtained from the Corporate Affairs Commission during the investigation conducted by an online Media house indicates that YASMA Special Services Limited, owned by you, is engaged in trading, general contracting, import and export, logistics services, supplies, and transportation, among other activities. These activities clearly demonstrate a direct conflict of interest as you oversee procurement and contracting at the federal parliament, creating a fertile ground for potential corruption and abuse of office.
“Furthermore, during our investigation, some National Assembly staffs who were trying to put a defence for you had claimed that you had resigned from the company, asserting that YASMA Special Services Limited was initially intended for farming, and its registration was facilitated by your family. However, contrary to these claims, our physical check at the Corporate Affairs Commission confirmed that you are still listed as a director in the company.
“The shareholding structure of the company is also a matter of concern. It is revealed that you own 50% of the company’s three million shares, with the remaining shares held by three directors who have close family ties with you. This raises suspicions of nepotism and potential diversion of public resources for personal gain.
“In the light of these infractions, we, the undersigned Nigerian lawyers, hereby call for the following actions; “Your immediate resignation from the position of the Clerk of the National Assembly within seven (7) days of receiving this petition.
“We give a deadline of seven days from the date of this petition (Wednesday 22nd of November, 2023 – Wednesday 29th November, 2023) for your resignation. Failure to comply with this demand will result peaceful protests organised by Nigerian lawyers across various cities in the country on Thursday 30th of November, 2023 to express our dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
“An investigation to be conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) into your ownership and management of YASMA Special Services Limited and any potential violations of anti-corruption laws.”
They also added that they will embark on protest upon expiration of the 7-day ultimatum.
“We remain committed to monitoring this situation closely and advocating for transparency and accountability in the operations of National Lottery Trust Fund while assuring Nigerians that if you do not resign after 7 days, not only are we going to embark on the peaceful protests, we shall institute legal actions seeking for your prosecution as well as removal.”
“The lawyers also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to take up the claims and accusations for proper investigation and prosecution of the two public officials over alleged corrupt practices.
“If found guilty of corruption or abuse of office, we demand your arrest and prosecution by the EFCC, ensuring that justice is served”, they added.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
