EFCC query stalls Edo NUJ power project

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

The power project at Edo state Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ), has been stalled over an alleged query by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The APC-led Edo state government, had six months ago, installed a 30-KVA diesel generator in the NUJ premises but did not activate it in connection with the crisis rocking Edo NUJ.
An official of the union in the state, said Edo state government became reluctant to commission the 30 KVA diesel generator after officials of the government received a query from the EFCC.
The anti-grant agency had commenced investigation about the voucher that was used to pay the sum of N5 million (Five Million Naira).
The alleged fraud involves nine journalists with latent support and claim that the money was meant for them as friends of former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole.
Our correspondent reports that the N5 million parting gift for journalists from the former governor, became a subject of litigation, following a petition it received from Concerned Journalists of the NUJ last year.
Already, the PDP House of Representatives member representing Oredo Federal constituency Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama ha provided multi-million naira solar power project for the NUJ Press Centre in Benin City.
The solar project which is billed for inauguration on Friday, has nine photovoltaic panels with accompanying inverters mounted on aluminum poles.
The solar system, is located strategically with floodlights, and has restored night life the NUJ premises at night.
Recall that Comrade Alemma Aliu Ozioruva had told an NUJ panel which carried a botched investigation of the allegation that he did not sign any voucher but a sheet of paper, a development which runs counter to the EFCC revelations.