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Tinubu’s List: Experts to Help Nigeria Recover Stolen Assets

Published

12 months ago

May 8, 2023

In a bid to revamp the economy and bring cash on board, the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly penciled down some notable Nigerians to serve in different capacities after his inauguration on May 29, 2023. These experts were chosen based on their pedigree and qualifications, not political affiliations. While some of them were tested before in revamping the economy, others are equally new to most Nigerians but are think tanks.

It is expected that these professionals will assist the new President and his team in driving an economically robust administration that will meet the yearnings and expectations of Nigerians within the first year in office. Tinubu’s list includes Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Abayomi A. Adebayo, Nuhu Ribadu, Bismarck Rewane, Kingsley Moghalu, Ali Pate, Nasiru El Rufai, Stephen Oronsaye, Obi Ezekwesili, Abdulrasheed Maina, Abike Dabiri Erewa, Shamsudeen Usman, Tony Elumelu, Rtd Major Hamza Almustapha, Pat Utomi, Ikechukwu Dozie, Natasha Akopti, Ummu Ahmed Jalingo, Rislanudeen Mohammed, Mohammed Kyari Dikwa, Wale Edun, and Dele Alake.

As a hands-on member of Tinubu’s team, Dr. Usman is expected to bring his wealth of experience in economic policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring to bear in driving economic growth and development in Nigeria. He will work with other members of the team, especially those with expertise in finance, investment, and economic development, to develop and implement policies and programs aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attracting foreign investment, and creating jobs for Nigerians.

Furthermore, Tinubu’s list comprises several other experts in various fields who can help Nigeria grow its economy and critical infrastructure. For instance, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is expected to serve as a Strategist even while retaining his Traditional duties. Sanusi is renowned for his expertise in financial management and is expected to help the new administration manage the country’s finances better. Abayomi A. Adebayo, a professor of Economics, is expected to work hands-on to drive the new administration’s economic policies.

One of the notable personalities on Tinubu’s list is Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, who is said to be Tinubu’s boy, is expected to help Nigeria recover trillions of Naira and Huge Dollars, either moved and hidden in vaults across the globe or in international Banks and other financial institutions. He is said to have the have the technical expertise to find stolen assets from home and abroad. Dr. Maina is an expert in that field, having served as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform from 2010 to 2013. During his tenure, he recovered over N1.6tr naira from looters, pension and employee payroll fraudsters. In 2017, He worked tirelessly, and in three months, recovered over N1.3Tr and was promised 5% but that money was never paid to him, an issue that made those in the power block slam him with cooked up accusations and put him in jail to avoid being exposed. one of such accusations was the N2bn allocated to the Office Of the Head of Service of the Federation to conduct the worldwide biometric enrollment of Pensioners. Regarded as one of the most successful and yet budget trimmed exercise. The then Head of Service (Stephen Oronsaye) exonerated Maina and claimed that the Funds were released to his office and not the pension reform task team. Maina escaped five different assassination attempts on his life and that of his family. The last of which was when his vehicle was sprayed with 57 bullets from persons in military and DSS uniforms.

Dr. Maina’s expertise in asset recovery and his proven track record of recovering stolen funds makes him an important and valuable addition to Tinubu’s team. The fact is that Nigeria faces significant economic challenges, so, it is essential to have someone to be given the free hand devoid of sentiment and the usual media trial, or persecution as is the case with Maina now, to produce results. We are sure the new president will provide the essential state backing to get results and stop the retinue if borrowing from china etc.

The recovery of stolen assets can significantly boost the country’s economy, and Dr. Maina’s appointment can help achieve this goal. Bismarck Rewane, a renowned economist and financial analyst, is expected to provide insights into the country’s economic policies. Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, is also expected to provide valuable insights into the country’s economic and infrastructural policies.

Nuhu Ribadu (DIG RTD) a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is another notable personality on Tinubu’s list. Ribadu’s expertise in fighting corruption head on, is expected to be of immense value to the new administration.

Other notable personalities on Tinubu’s list include Dr. Shamsudeen Usman is a seasoned economist who has served in several high-profile positions in the Nigerian public sector, including Minister of National Planning, Minister of Finance, and Managing Director of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company. He holds a Ph.D. in economics from McGill University in Canada and has taught at several universities in Nigeria and Canada.

The appointment of Dr. Abdulrasheed Maina, along with other distinguished Nigerians, is an indication that the incoming administration is poised to tackle the critical challenges facing the country, especially in the areas of security, economy, and critical infrastructure. The team is expected to hit the ground running immediately after the inauguration and work tirelessly to ensure that the government delivers on its promises to Nigerians.

In conclusion, the selection of these notable Nigerians by Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve in different capacities after his inauguration on May 29th, 2023, shows a commitment to building a strong and prosperous Nigeria. Each of them brings their expertise and experience to the table, and together, they can work towards revamping the economy and critical infrastructure of the country. While there may be concerns about some of the appointees, the hope is that they all have shown capacity in their various areas of specialisation, and will live up to the expectations placed on them and work towards making a positive impact in their respective roles. Only time will tell if this new administration will succeed in bringing about the change that Nigerians so desperately need.

Aliyu Abubakar (Senior Analyst) wrote from FHA Lugbe, Abuja.

Email: [email protected], Phone: 09076778747

News

Shettima departs for 2024 US-Africa Business Summit in Dallas

Published

4 hours ago

May 5, 2024

NewsDirect

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is expected to depart Abuja for Dallas, United States of America, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit.

The summit is organised by the Corporate Council on Africa.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice-President, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Nkwocha said Shettima would join other political and business leaders across Africa, the USA and beyond for the summit.

According to him, the summit will feature high-level dialogues, networking business sessions and the plenary, all scheduled for the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

He said that the African leaders expected at the summit include, the President, Republic of Liberia; Joseph Boakai, President, Republic of Malawi; Lazarus Chakwera and the President, Republic of Angola, Joao Lourenço.

Nkwocha said other African leaders that would grace the summit are the President, Republic of Botswana, Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, President, Republic of Cabo Verde, José Maria Neves, and the Deputy Prime Minister, Kingdom of Lesotho, Nthomeng Majara.

He said besides the summit’s plenary, Shettima would speak at the Roundtable on African Infrastructure Investment with a focus on impact and returns.

” He (Shettima) is also scheduled to speak on a high-level panel on agribusiness, focusing on transiting “from food insecurity to thriving agribusinesses.

” Additionally, the Vice-President will speak at a plenary session on Navigating Africa’s Energy Future as well as chair a session dedicated to promoting the ‘invest in Nigeria’ initiative.

” He is also expected to attend other meetings and engagements on the sideline of the summit.”

Nkwocha said that Vice-President Shettima is expected back in the country at the end of his engagements in the US.

News

Israeli to close Al Jazeera’s operations in the country – PM Netanyahu

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

NewsDirect

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his Cabinet has unanimously voted to close broadcaster Al Jazeera’s operations in Israel.

The move came after Israeli lawmakers recently approved a new media law widely referred to as the “Al Jazeera law” that gives the government powers to ban foreign broadcasters if they are deemed a risk to state security.

Netanyahu announced the Cabinet decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in which he called Al Jazeera “the hate channel.”

Israeli Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi said on Sunday that he had signed the closure order and that it would be implemented immediately.

According to Israeli reports, this means that offices in Israel could be closed, broadcasting equipment confiscated, the station removed from cable and satellite television channels and its website blocked.

The Israeli government had accused Al Jazeera, which is based in the Gulf emirate of Qatar and has a wide reach in the Arab world, of biased reporting on the ongoing war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

Al Jazeera has reported extensively on the catastrophic situation in the Palestinian territory and shown images of death and destruction that are rarely seen on Israeli television stations.

The channel also regularly shows videos of attacks on Israeli soldiers by Hamas’ military arm, the Qassam Brigades.

The channel has rejected allegations of bias and, in the past, accused Netanyahu of spreading “new lies and inflammatory slanders” against the network.

Al Jazeera has also accused the Israeli military of deliberately targeting journalists on several occasions.

Netanyahu has accused Al Jazeera of “damaging Israel’s security, actively participating in the massacre on October 7 and inciting against Israeli soldiers.”

Al-Jazeera was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Doha. It was one of the first Arab TV stations to publish critical reports on the region and quickly gained popularity.

The Israeli government’s efforts to ban Al Jazeera have drawn criticism from some of the country’s most prominent allies, including the United States and Germany.

The U.S. State Department expressed irritation of the decision and reiterated support for the free press all over the world.

A German Foreign Office spokesman also criticised the so-called Al Jazeera law last month: “A free and diverse press landscape is the cornerstone of a liberal democracy.”

News

OTC 2024: PETAN leads stakeholders on sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future

Published

5 hours ago

May 5, 2024

NewsDirect

The Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) has led delegates to the 2024 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas U.S. to discuss sustainable energy solutions for Africa’s future.

Mr Kevin Nwanze, Executive Secretary, PETAN, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

Nwanze said that PETAN’s Nigerian pavilion at OTC 2024 would be hosted under the theme, “Sustainable Energy Solutions for Africa’s Future”.

He said that the conference would have more than 200 hours of multidisciplinary discussions and networking events, including a wide range of topics, suited for every participant.

PETAN scribe, however, called for stakeholders’ participation at the 2024 OTC, holding between May 6 and May 9 at the NRG Park, Houston, Texas, US.

According to him, PETAN has been responsible for hosting stakeholders at the OTC for many years.

“The association is calling on government agencies, stakeholders, oil and gas companies, and Nigerian investors to participate at the Nigerian pavilion at the prestigious event in Houston, U.S.

“Participation in the Nigerian pavilion shall deliver a unique opportunity for exhibitors and delegates to interact with global professionals

“As they share their insights on technological advances, energy transition, safety, environmentally focused solutions, and economic and regulatory impacts of the offshore energy sector,” he aded.

Nwanze said: “It allows organisations to engage with world leaders, CEOs, and government officials from around the world, with the chance to create and develop business relationships.

“And also tap into emerging regions vital to offshore development and obtaining recognition necessary for growth and visibility to thousands across the globe.

“Showcase your company’s capabilities to over 1,000 delegates and over 250 companies in the industry.

“Promote products and services to operators and contractors in the local region.

“Gain access to the latest industry news and access to networking opportunities with professional contacts from across the world.

“Network with the upstream, midstream, and downstream organisations and high-profile government officials and key decision-makers in the industry.

“Build and establish new leads as well as entrench a global presence in the industry.

“Get familiar with competitors’ capabilities to stay ahead in the industry,” the statement read.

The OTC 2024 expects over 31,000 energy professionals as attendees, 45 technical sessions, 450 presentations and over 1,300 exhibitors drawn from different countries, including Nigeria.