*Silence on ₦2.1 Billion SUBEB Refund Raises Questions on Selective Justice
By Morgan Adikwu
Governor Hyacinth Alia’s demand for over ₦2.45 billion refund from Lobi Stars’ former vice chairmen, particularly Dominic Iorfa, reeks of political vendetta rather than justice. The recent White Paper on the club’s finances might appear to address accountability, but many political observers have decried it as a weaponized move against perceived opponents.
BENUE SOUTH LEGISLATORS: FALLEN GUARDIANS OF A ONCE-GREAT LEGACY
By Morgan Adikwu
In the golden era of Nigeria’s First Republic, Benue South stood tall, its capital Otukpo—popularly known as “Texas”—a hub of progress and pride. The founding fathers of the Idoma Nation, such as J.C. Obande, Abutu Obekpa, Col. Anthony Ochefu, Amb. Edward Ogbuyanga, Andrew Obeya, Vincent Ukwu, Justice A.P Anyebe, Dr. Edwin Idoko, Ogwiji Ikongbe, Ebije Ikwue, Amb. Ogah Okwoche, Ekah Onoja, Adeyi Ameh, Augustine Alechenu, Odeh Attah, Sen Godwin Okpe, etc., laid a foundation for collective growth and national relevance. Their vision extended far beyond infrastructure; it encompassed education, healthcare, and a legacy of integrity and service that elevated the Idoma people onto the world stage.
All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamawa State Chapter’s Refutation Of The Smear Article by Sahara Reporters
Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and baseless article published by Sahara Reporters, which alleges that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) paid a total of N325 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, with claims of monthly payments of N25 million. Additionally, we are aware of a write-up circulating on social media by one Patricia Yakubu. While ordinarily, we would refrain from engaging with such fabricated and provocative claims, we are compelled to set the record straight in the interest of truth and fairness.
As a political party, the APC in Adamawa State has always operated transparently and in accordance with the law. It is, therefore, important to clarify the following points:
The claims published by Sahara Reporters, which falsely allege that TETFund paid a total of N325 million and continues to pay N25 million monthly to the APC in Adamawa State, are utterly erroneous, malicious, and a complete fabrication. No such transactions have ever occurred, and the report is nothing but a smear campaign aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing the reputation of our party and TETFund.
Additionally, the publication goes further to make vague and unsubstantiated financial claims. All the transactions mentioned in Sahara Reporters’ article are false and cannot be substantiated by any evidence. This pattern of raising false alarms is typical of the medium, which has repeatedly shown a disregard for professional journalistic standards.
We strongly condemn Sahara Reporters for failing to confirm the authenticity of the purported letter it relies upon. As a professional media platform, it is expected to verify its sources and present factual, evidence-based reports. Unfortunately, the article demonstrates a clear lack of professionalism and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public by linking the APC to TETFund without any shred of evidence.
In addition to the smear article, our attention has also been drawn to a write-up circulating on social media by Patricia Yakubu. While party matters are not typically managed on social media, we find it necessary to address the misinformation for record purposes.
First, it is important to note that the APC has a constituted hierarchy headed by the National Chairman, to whom any genuine petition should have been addressed. At the state level, there is a disciplinary committee actively working to address such issues. Patricia’s write-up is a deviation from due process and appears to be an attempt to distract from her own misconduct.
Second, the entire publication attributed to Patricia is malicious, provocative, and entirely false. Patricia Yakubu has been like a mother to us all, and the baseless accusations of sexual harassment are unfounded. The APC has consistently been a staunch advocate against violence of any form, particularly against women. It is unimaginable that such blackmail could be weaponized against the party.
To provide context, the trigger for these fabrications was a petition submitted to the State Executive Committee by LGA Women Leaders, alleging that Patricia Yakubu misappropriated N8 million belonging to them. In response, the State Working Committee set up a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter. Rather than appearing before the committee to defend herself, Patricia resorted to fabricating false stories in an attempt to divert attention from the allegations against her.
We also categorically state that all financial claims raised in Sahara Reporters’ article and Patricia’s write-up are vague and false. It is left to Patricia and Sahara Reporters to substantiate their claims with credible evidence, which we are confident they cannot provide. As a party, we operate transparently and will always uphold the principles of accountability and due process.
ItThe APC Adamawa State reiterates that there is absolutely no financial connection between the party and TETFund. As a political entity, we rely solely on contributions from our members and supporters. Any attempt to link the APC to TETFund is a deliberate falsehood aimed at deceiving the gullible public.
It is worth emphasizing that party leadership is not established through social media campaigns or blackmail but through duly organized congresses. No level of intimidation or fabricated stories will alter this process or distract the APC from its commitment to serving the people of Adamawa State.
As a party, we welcome any genuine effort to set an agenda for accountability. However, we reject smear campaigns and calumny aimed at tarnishing reputations for selfish and parochial interests. The APC remains committed to promoting transparency and good governance while defending its members against baseless attacks.
In conclusion, the APC Adamawa State strongly condemns the publication by Sahara Reporters as a smear campaign orchestrated to mislead the public. The claims of a purported N325 million payment and N25 million monthly transactions between TETFund and the APC are baseless, false, and without evidence. We urge the public to disregard these falsehoods and remain focused on the party’s vision of delivering development and good governance to the people of Adamawa State.
We also call on Sahara Reporters to uphold professional ethics by verifying their sources and prioritizing truth over sensationalism.
Signed:
Barr. Idris Shuaibu
State Chairman
Dr. Raymond Chidama
State Secretary
