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Finally, NAFDAC Bans Sachet Alcohol Drink

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Sachet Alcoholic Drinks

By Akinwale Kasali

After several months of back and forth, the National Agency of Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has ordered the Ban on the Production and Sale of Alchoholic Beverages packaged in sachets and small bottles below 200ml.

At a Press Briefing, NAFDAC Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye gave the directive during in Abuja.

The ban takes effect from December 2025, the agency said.

She said, “The proliferation of high-alcohol-content beverages in sachets and small containers has made such products easily accessible, affordable, and concealable, leading to widespread misuse and addiction among minors and commercial drivers,” Adeyeye said.

“This public health menace has been linked to increased incidences of domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and social vices across communities.”

According to her, the directive follows a resolution by the Senate highlighting concerns over cheap alcohol drinks packaged in sachets being easily accessed by minors and contributing to social problems.

Adeyeye noted that the agency had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with industry stakeholders to a phased ban with previous deadlines pushed from 2023 and now December 2025 .

She, noted that no further extension will be granted following Senate resolution, urging retailers and manufacturers to comply with the directive.

Adeyeye reiterated that the ban is not punitive but protective to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.

She also explained that the agency will be collaborating with security agencies to ensure the full enforcement of the ban, effective  January 2026.

“This ban is not punitive; it is protective. It is aimed at safeguarding the health and future of our children and youth. The decision is rooted in scientific evidence and public health considerations.

“We cannot continue to sacrifice the well-being of Nigerians for short-term economic gain. The health of a nation is its true wealth,” she added.

LASUSTECH VC Quizzed By EFCC Over Alleged N2bn Embezzlement

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Olumuyiwa Odusanya - LASUTECH VC

By Akinwale Kasali

Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH, has been Quizzed by anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following the petition against him by Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, Executive Director of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA Global Resource Initiative), a Non-gGovernmental Organisation, NGO.

The petitioner claimed that the VC, a Professor of Public and Community Health, colluded with a procurement officer and an auditor of the school to mismanage the funds released by the Lagos government in 2021.

He claimed that Odusanya bypassed due process in awarding inflated contracts to his cronies for the purpose of receiving kickbacks.

“It is on the above strength that we are involving the office of the EFCC to investigate the allegation of a mammoth fraud allegedly perpetrated by the extant Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya in connivance with the Procurement Officer and the Auditor of the University in the embezzlement of the sum of N2 billion being awarded by the Lagos State Government for the accreditation of some of the institution’s department without following the Lagos State Public Procurement Law 2021″.

According to petitioner, “Prior to the release of the sum of N2b by the Lagos State Government for the accreditation of some of the Institution’s department in September 2024, the Vice Chancellor was expected to liaise with the Procurement Department of the University in a bid to ensure that the accreditation process complies with the Public Procurement Agency in the award of contracts.

“However, the Vice Chancellor in a clandestine arrangement and in collusion with the Procurement Officer and Auditor shelved all the laid down procedure in the award of contracts as provided by the Lagos State Public Procurement Law 2021 and hurriedly resorted to the use of Direct Award of Contract to Contractors who were personally nominated by himself (Professor Olumuyiwa Odusanya) to carry out phantom contracts.

“For instance, a contract that was originally slated to be awarded at the rate of N20m in value was later prodigiously increased to the sum of N50m with the connivance of other officers of the University for their personal and corrupt enrichment. This act of criminal brigandage had led to the looting of the sum of N800m from the coffers of the University”, the petition reads.

HURMA had in April, petitioned the EFCC, accusing the VC and his management team of misappropriating an estimated N2 billion meant for course accreditation and infrastructure.

A source who learnt of the VC’s detention informed FIJ of the development on Tuesday, texting: “Though I don’t have the details, it appears the VC of LASUSTECH is in EFCC custody. You might check it out.”

You Are A Political Orphan, Lacks The Capacity To Mobilize Against President Tinubu, APC Fires Back At Amaechi

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Amaechi

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The All Progressive Congress, APC, has described the former Governor of Rivers State,  Rotimi Chibuike Amachi as not just an expired political force, but one suffering from irredeemable hallucinations.

The party on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 insisted that Amaechi, who served as Transportation Minister, under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, no longer have the political pedigree to lead a national revolt against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The APC’s position is coming against the backdrop of the call on Monday,  November 11, by Amaechi, a chieftain of the nascent opposition Coalition platform, the African Democratic Congresss, ADC, for Nigerians to collectively rise and do away with the Tinubu’s administration come 2027.

According to him, the present state of voter-apathy among majority of Nigerians could facilitate a second term for the Tinubu’s administration, a development that could potentially elongate the present economic suffocation of the people.

The former Rivers state Governor who spoke in reaction to widespread complaints of voter-apathy during the just concluded Anambra’ state off-circle gubernatorial polls, however called on Nigerians to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise CVR, adequately mobilize and vote  President Tinubu out  in 2027.

Amaechi who spoke at the fifth anniversary lecture of First Daily Newspaper in Abuja, noted that the fate of President Tinubu will be determined by Nigerians, majority of whom are currently facing excruciating economic situation owing to the harsh policies of  the APC led Government at the centre.

“The first solution to electoral reforms is not the Government. The people are the problem. The more you say “they have written the results” the more you have voter apathy .Voter apathy will make President Bola return to the Villa in 2027.

” Tell the people that the power is in their hands. Let them come out. If President Tinubu is that invincible, how was he defeated in Lagos ,” Amaechi queried.

However, the Lagos state APC in a statement from its spokesperson Mogaji Seye Oladejo on Wednesday, insisted that a politician who has been effectively dislodged at home , and banished into the Political wilderness cannot be  talking about mobilizing  against the President whose reforms are positively impacting the people.

According to the APC, Amaechi having been rejected in Rivers state by his people, does not have the political and moral high grounds to lead a national mobilization.

The party maintained that the ADC chieftain, is only hallucinating, which he is free to.

” Amaechi is free to dream, but he must stop mistaking his nightmares for national reality .

” Let us start with the obvious  Amaechi is a political orphan –disowned in Rivers state, irrelevant nationally ,and steadily sinking into total political oblivion.

” In Rivers state today , mentioning Amaechi’s name is political discussions is viewed as a provocative joke .

” A man who has lost his structure ,lost his followers ,and lost his voice has suddenly found the courage to lecture Nigerians on how to ” mobilize” .

” Mobilize who? The few loyalists left in his WhatsApp Group , politicians who abandoned him the moment he lost the presidential primaries ? The same Rivers electorate that no longer take him seriously.

” You cannot lead a national movement when your own backyard has padlocked the gate against you ” the APC noted

The Source further reports that Amaechi, a leading figure in the nurturing of the ADC coalition, has been relentless in his criticisms of the President Tinubu’s administration in the last one year.

Gov. Adeleke Presents Osun 2026 Budget Of N705.794 Billion To House Of Assembly

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ademola Adeleke presents 2025 Budget

By Ayodele Oni

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has tabled before the House of Assembly a budget estimates  of N705.794 Billion, christened Budget of Economic Transformation for 2026.

The budget is made up of recurrent expenditure, N317.41bn which is 45 percent of the total budget, while Capital Expenditure which is N388.37bn stands at 55 percent of the estimates.

Speaking during the presentation on Wednesday, the governor expressed commitment in building a robust and diversified economy capable of navigating contemporary challenges, noting that by leveraging Osun’s diverse economic potential, “we are creating a dynamic system that adapts, evolves and withstands emerging shock.

“This budget is our commitment to fostering sustainable growth, promoting equity, and strengthening resilience through pragmatic and inclusive policies,” the governor added.

According to Adeleke, it has been the determination of his administration from inception to take Osun to an enviable height through infrastructural and human capital development.

“In our resolve at the very beginning to lay a solid foundation to achieve these laudable goals, was derived from the Osun State Development Plans, 2023 – 2050.

“It is important to state that our major focus is to complete all on-going projects across the State, and embark on new ones where critically essential,” he declared.

Addressing the lawmakers on the proposed budget, Adeleke said, “The total Revenue consists of Recurrent Revenue, where government Share of FAAC is  ₦221.68 billion While, other Receipts is ₦268.348 billion.

“Recurrent Expenditure is divided into Personnel Cost of ₦135,005,722,430.00 and Overhead Cost of ₦182,408,630,920.00 made up of Salaries and Allowances as well as Pensions and Gratuities.

The Capital Expenditure has the total sum of

₦ 388,379,695,320.00, which is 55 percent of the total budget.

“It is my pleasure and honour to present to this Honourable House, the Osun State 2026 Appropriation Bill of ₦705.794 Billion christened Budget of Economic Transformation for consideration and approval.”

Speaking on the 2025 budget, the governor said his government has delivered over 75 percent of the road infrastructure embarked upon by this administration, assuring not to leave any project uncompleted.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, commended the governor’s prudence in financial management, “especially under the constraints arising from the withholding of Local Government allocations by the Federal Government since March 2025.”

Despite these challenges, Egbedun told Adeleke that his administration has consistently met its obligations, maintained developmental projects, and safeguarded workers’ welfare – a testament to visionary and responsible leadership.

He assured the governor that the House will conduct careful legislative scrutiny to ensure that the budget reflects the hopes and aspirations of the people of Osun State.

Other lawmakers who spoke at the plenary, took their time to praise Governor Adeleke’s performance since assumption of office.

Ondo: Akure Monarch Moves To Stop Forceful Retirement Of Top Anglican Communion Officer, Petitions Primate

By
Ayodele Oni
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Deji of Akure - Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo

By Ayodele Oni

The traditional ruler of Akure in Ondo state, Oba Ogunlade Aladelusi has waded into crisis rocking the Anglican Communion in the state capital over forceful retirement of top official of the Diocese.

The monarch, in a letter to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Ndukuba appealed to him to step into the issue, “which is threatening to tear apart the Church in the Diocese of Akure and set it on fire if not properly handled with tact and wisdom.

In the letter, Oba Aladelusi, accused the Bishop of the Diocese, S.O. Borokini of sending the diocesan Dean, Ope Kujero on compulsory leave preceding his retirement from active service on the 27th of December, 2025.

“In the last couple of years , I have been inundated with extremely saddening reports of the misconduct and misdemeanors of the Bishop of Akure and his wife who has been acting as if she was the one consecrated by Your Grace to be Bishop of Akure .

Of course, we have consistently tried to manage the situation to the best of our knowledge with God given wisdom so that the Church will not thereby be affected and because he is related to Akure .

“The Church had started planning his retirement and members of the Church had set up committees to use his retirement from service to show our appreciation to him for his services to God and humanity.

“Church members and the various societies had decided to levy  themselves to make the day noteworthy.

“Suddenly and most shockingly, a letter was said to have been issued by the Bishop, instructing the Dean to proceed on a terminal leave from the 1st of September 2025.

“From all accounts, and from my interaction with the members of the Standing Committee of the Church and other leaders, a lot of reasons have been adduced for this most regrettable action of the Bishop.

“These rang from the Dean’s inability to carry out illegal financial instructions to the Dean’s alleged refusal to set aside the punishment meted out to a female member of the Choir, who is alleged to be very close to the Bishop and even to envy and jealousy of the relationship of the Dean with members of the Cathedral.

“Your Grace, you will agree with me that for someone who has served in God’s vineyard for upwards of 40 years, and who has only about four to five months to stay at his supposedly last posting, to be suddenly asked to proceed on a terminal leave, for no justifiable reason other than ‘the Bishop has the power of life and death’ over his clergy, definitely leaves a sour taste in the mouth of every right thinking person, who has the fear of God and also leaves much to be desired.

“Upon become aware of this instruction, Your Grace, members of the Standing Committee met with me and appealed to me to speak to the Bishop and use my good offices to appeal to him to kindly be humane and reverse the posting in the interest of humanity and togetherness and in the overall interest of peace not just within the Cathedral but also within the entire Diocese.

“I am also aware that some members met with the aging and most respected Rt.Revd (Dr)- Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi rtd, to get in touch with the Bishop in order to appeal to him too.

“Your Grace, as I write to you, the Bishop of Akure and Archbishop of Ondo ecclesiastical province has neither taken our calls nor returned them since three weeks ago when this matter blew into the open.

“He has refused all entreaties and has refused to show that he is indeed the father of the Church in Akure .

I must say, Your Grace, that this action of the Bishop/Archbishop is most unexpected, unreasonable and  shocking to say the least.

Permit me, Your Grace, to mention to you my experience with the Late Kabiyesi Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who once called me on phone to ask me why Akures were victimizing the Ijebus who are clergy men in Akure.

“What the Kabiyesi was referring to was the case of Very Revd O.O Osotayo who was the Provost of this our Cathedral before the present one until suddenly Archbishop/Bishop S.O Borokini against all the entreaties of everyone in the Cathedral and in the Diocese, demoted him and removed him as Provost of the Cathedral.

“It took his Diocese(Ijebu) to withdraw him back home and made him Provost of their own Cathedral at Ijebu Igbo. The present Dean is another Ijebu man.

“Why would we seek to destroy the age long beautiful and beneficial relationship between the Akures and the Ijebus who will naturally view this as another case of Akures punishing the Ijebus for no justifiable cause .

“I am aware that Akure has sons who are  clergy in Ijebuband other Dioceses in Nigeria and would not want our own children to be so treated.

“Finally Your Grace, it will interest you to note that despite being an Anglican, the Royal stool of Akure Kingdom has never  interfered with, discussed the issue of routine posting of any  clergy with the Bishop of Akure or any other person.

“However in the instant case, the Royal stool of Akure views this particular instruction as a deliberate punishment of the Dean and therefore sees and views it as inhuman and wicked and one which if not properly handled, will lead to a crisis in the Diocese and not just the Cathedral.”

Kano NNPP Loses Another Reps Member To APC

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Hon Sagir Koki

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The gale of high profile defections rocking the ranks of the Kano state chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP on Wednesday November 12, 2025 continued unabated with Hon Sagir Koki, representing Dala Federal Constituency Kano, quitting the party.

His resignation is coming on the heels of that of the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon Jibrin Abdulmumin last weekend.

Hon Koki’s resignation is contained in a letter dated November 11, 2025 and addressed to the NNPP chairman in his Zaitawa Ward Koki, in Dala Local Council of Kano state.

Citing the alleged leadership and general crises within the party, particularly at the national level, Hon Koki informed that, his resignation from the party became effective on Tuesday November 11, 2025.

According to him, the festering crisis in the party has tended to frustrate his duties both at the National Assembly and in his Constituency.

This is as he appreciated the NNPP for availing him the needed support and opportunity to realize his political ambition, and serve his people.

He however, did not indicate his next political destination.

The Source  reports that, Hon Koki’s exit, brings to about five, the number of serving Kano state Federal Legislators who have  parted  ways with the NNPP and the Kwankansia movement.

Senator,Kawu Suleiman Sumaila, representing Kano South, Hon Abdullahi Rogo ( Rogo/Karaye Federal Constituency), Hon Kabiru Alhassan Rirum (Rano/Bukunre Federal Constituency) and Hon Abdulmumin had before now defected to the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Nasarawa Govt Administers Oath Of Secrecy On Civil Servants

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa

By Ayodele Oni

Civil servants posted to the office of the secretary to Nasarawa state government and that of the Head of Service have been administered with oath of secrecy which bans them from official leakage of information.

Coming despite the Freedom of Information Bill, which gives access to information seekers, the Nasarawa state government warned civil servants to desist from unauthorised disclosure of government information or risk being sanctioned.

Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Labaran Magaji gave this warning during the administration of the oath of secrecy to civil servants serving in his office and that of the Head of Civil Service of the state in Lafia.

Magaji decried the manner in which confidential information of the state government was being made public through unauthorised individuals to achieve personal gains.

He noted that such an act of unauthorised disclosure of confidential information of the government by such individuals is  capable of ridiculing efforts of the government they presume to serve before the eyes of the public.

He, therefore, warned civil servants, who were privileged to work in the office, where they have access to confidential information of the government, to safeguard and protect the sanctity of the office, rather than abusing the privilege.

“This event may look ordinary, but it is not, if you have done it before is a revalidation of what you have done in the past. And for those of us who have not done it before that underscores the beginning of our commitment to the service of our state.

“We are here by virtue of several privileges, a lot of information will pass through us that the people in the street may not have the opportunity, it is a privilege that we should not abuse, because if we abuse this privilege we have no business being here.

“There are certain things that are not even confidential, but you are not the authorised person to release them, once you do that you are betraying this oath you have taken,” he said.

Magaji while commending Governor Abdullahi Sule’s leadership which fosters unity and development, urged the civil servants to exhibit a high sense of integrity, trustworthiness, and reputation rather than be an instrument to destroy the state

Also speaking, Head of Civil Service of Nasarawa State, Abigail Ways, harped on diligence, dedication, and unity to move the Nasarawa civil service to greater heights.

The Head of Civil Service used the meeting to inform the civil servants of the revised public service rules in Nasarawa state to be launched in the coming weeks.

Aftermath Of Wike, Naval Officer’s Confrontation: FCT Minister, Outlaws Use Of Mobile Phones By Staff Of AGIS, Lands Department

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister

By Ayodele Oni

There are indications that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has descended on some of the staff of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and the Department of Lands for making viral altercations between him and a Naval officer.

The minister has ordered a sweeping ban on the use of mobile phones by staff of the Abuja AGIS and the Department of Land Administration,

According to report by SaharaReporters,

the directive, contained in an internal memo targets all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below, forbidding them from entering office premises with their mobile phones beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The memo, issued by AGIS Management, reads in part: “There shall be a ban on the use of mobile phones within the office premises for all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below… affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”

It was issued by the Head of AGIS, Chijioke Nwankwoeze.

Sources within AGIS revealed that the directive came barely 24 hours after videos of Wike’s heated confrontation with a Naval officer at a disputed property site in Abuja went viral on WhatsApp groups reportedly shared by AGIS staff.

“The minister was furious that the videos circulated among staff. He saw it as an act of sabotage. This phone ban is his way of showing anger,” said one source who asked not to be named.

The policy has sparked outrage among workers and civil rights advocates, who condemned it as primitive, draconian, and anti-labour.

Critics say it reflects Wike’s growing intolerance for criticism and his penchant for authoritarian control.

“It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video,” one labour activist fumed. “This is not leadership—it’s paranoia in power.”

As of press time, the FCT Administration had yet to issue any official clarification regarding the controversial directive.

Officers On Lawful Duty Will Always Be Protected – Minister Of Defence, Badaru

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mohammed Abubakar Badaru - Minister of Defence

By Ayodele Oni

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has revealed that altercations between the FCT minister, Nyesome Wike  and a Naval officer are being looked into, assuring that the government and indeed the Military high command will protect every soldier on lawful duty.

Mr. Badaru gave this assurance while fielding questions from journalists during a ministerial press conference on the Armed Forces 2026 Remembrance day Celebration on Wednesday in Abuja.

This statement came against the backdrop of Tuesday’s altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyeson Wike, and a Navy Lieutenant, over the development of a land in Abuja, which allegedly belongs to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo.

Mr Badaru said: “Well, at the Ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty.

“So we are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly.

“So we will not allow anything to happen to him so far he is doing his job, and he is doing his job greatly well,” he said

N210trn Probe: Senate Dismisses NNPCL Defence Over Missing Funds

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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NNPCL Ojulari

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has slammed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL for failing to attend the hearing to explain discrepancies in its financial statements for the period 2017–2023.

The Committee Chairman Aliyu Wadada, while speaking on Tuesday described the NNPCL action as unwarranted because they were aware of the scheduled probe.

 The government -controlled oil company only responded to the 19 queries raised by the Committee, which the upper chamber said is not enough, saying NNPCL Group Managing Director,  GMD Bayo Ojulari and his management should have been present considering the seriousness of the probe.

Wadada, who spoke on the panel’s findings, said the responses were not only unsatisfactory, but were also contradictory.

He said: “NNPC claimed N103 trillion as accrued expenses and N107 trillion as receivables, amounting to N210 trillion. On question eight, NNPC’s explanation on the N107 trillion receivables -equivalent to about $117 billion -contradicts available facts and evidence provided by NNPC itself. The committee is duty-bound to reject this.

“Cash Call arrangements were abolished in 2016 under the  late President Muhammadu Buhari administration. How can NNPC claim to have paid N103 trillion in one year, when it only generated N24 trillion in revenue over five years? Where did NNPC get that money?

“As far as this committee is concerned, that figure is unjustifiable and unacceptable. The N103 trillion must be returned to the treasury. This will be concluded when the NNPCL appears before us.”

On the N107 trillion, the assets of the firm captured as “receivables,” the committee again rejected the explanations given by the firm.

“NNPC claimed N107 trillion as receivables, part of which they said was held in defunct banks. However, no bank or amount was named. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. By the time you combine both figures -N103 trillion and N107 trillion, NNPC must account for N210 trillion.”

The committee also flagged “illegal subsidies,” it said the firm charged on crude oil and refined petroleum products during the period under review in violation of existing laws.

“Between 2017 and 2021, NAPIMS (National Petroleum Investment Management Services) charged subsidies on crude oil, which is illegal. There is nowhere in our laws where subsidy is allowed on crude. At the same time, NNPCL charged subsidies on refined petroleum products such as kerosene, diesel and fuel.

“These charges appear on specific pages of their audited financial statements: pages 41.8, 38.9, and 39.9 for NAPIMS; and note 8.1 on pages 56 to 59 for NNPCL. This practice is both illegal and unacceptable,” Wadada told the session.

The committee said it would have been better for the current management of NNPCL to admit that it encountered challenges in explaining what happened to the funds than giving contradictory answers to the questions.

Wadada noted: “If the present management of NNPCL is finding it difficult to provide acceptable answers, it is better they say so. The committee will not hesitate to subpoena former officials of NNPCL and NAPIMS.

“NAPIMS, by law, is a department under NNPCL and cannot maintain an independent account. Yet, NAPIMS has been operating as if it were a separate entity.

“At any point, this committee invites NNPCL, the Chief Executive must appear in person. Being out of the country will no longer be accepted as an excuse. The next invitation will require the GCEO’s physical presence.”

The probe started in July this year.

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