Home Blog Page 785

Group Applauds Tinubu  For Kyari’s Sack, Calls for Probe Into Fake Refinery Projects

By
Akinwale Kasali
-
0
Mele Kyari - NNPC GMD
Mele Kyari

By Akinwale Kasali

President Bola  Tinubu has been applauded for the  sack of  Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL.

The Energy Reforms Advocates, ERA, showered encomium on President Tinubu for taking such a bold and decisive decision.

A statement on Wednesday by Abdulkadri Isah, ERA’s President,  described the move as a courageous step toward reforming Nigeria’s oil sector and tackling entrenched corruption.

He said Kyari’s removal would allow a full investigation into alleged fraudulent refinery projects under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

“The dismissal of Mele Kyari signals a new dawn in our nation’s commitment to eradicating corruption in the oil and gas sector. We commend President Tinubu for demonstrating the political will to confront these challenges head-on,” Isah said.

He urged the newly appointed leadership of the NNPCL to prioritise an audit of past projects and ensure accountability in the sector.

“The probe into fake Refinery projects must be swift and thorough. Nigerians deserve to know how billions of dollars were allocated to non-existent or uncompleted projects while the country continued to rely on fuel imports,” he stated.

ERA called on relevant anti-corruption agencies to support the process, warning that failure to expose past mismanagement would hinder any meaningful reform.

“This investigation should not end with a change in leadership. There must be consequences for those who mismanaged funds and deceived Nigerians. The government must set a precedent that corruption will no longer be tolerated,” Isah added.

The group also expressed optimism that under a fresh leadership, the NNPCL could regain public trust and reposition itself as a driver of economic growth.

“With competent leadership, the NNPC can finally fulfill its mandate. We expect reforms that will boost local refining capacity, attract investment, and ultimately reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the statement read.

Kyari’s removal was part of a broader shake-up of NNPCL’s Board. Former Shell Executive, Bashir Bayo Ojulari was appointed the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as non-executive Chairman.

The restructuring aligns with the Government’s  vision of revitalising the oil sector and increasing Nigeria’s crude oil production and refining capacity.

Again: PDP Loses Another Lawmaker To LP In Abia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
-
0
Hon Collins Ugochukwu

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Peoples  Democratic Party PDP, on Wednesday, April 2 , 2025, expressed optimism that it will emerge stronger from the ashes of its present  tribulations.

The Party’s message of hope comes against the backdrop of the defection of yet another of its State Lawmakers, Hon Collins Ugochukwu, to the ruling Labour Party,  LP, on Wednesday .

The defection of the Legislator representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, is coming on the heels of  the cross- carpeting of Hon Lucky Nweke Johnson to same LP about a week ago.

Before then however, three others had, at once, jumped ship earlier in the year, a situation that relegated the PDP from its imposing stature, to a minority in the Legislative body.

The PDP, even after losing control of the State’s seat of power post-2023 polls, still was in the driver’s seat in the House with 13 law makers out the 24-Member House.

The ruling LP had 11, while the All Progressive Congress, APC, had, and still has one Lawmaker.

But with the spate of defections since this year, with five of its  Lawmakers joining forces with the LP, the PDP has now strangely become the minority with just eight Legislators.

Hon Ugochukwu’s defection was officially announced by the Speaker,  Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa, during plenary on Wednesday.

Just like others before him in the defection train, Hon Ugochukwu cited the sterling performance of Governor Otti and the need to give him all necessary support as major reasons for signing for the LP.

Instructively, both Ugochukwu and Johnson are  from the same Isiala Ngwa axis with the Governor who, by now, will surely be  exuding a sense of conquest with the twin defections.

But in a statement on Wednesday, the State Chairman of the PDP, Comrade Abraham Amah, while urging calm among members  described the defections as a lesson, rather than a setback.

According to t him, the latest defection did not come to the State Working Committee, SWC, as a surprise as they had  pre-knowledge of the plan.

He noted that the party is very much aware of the underlying factors of the spate of defections.

However ,he  noted that the party, having learnt its lessons, will henceforth ensure stringent screening exercises  before handing out its tickets for elections.

The PDP Chairman blamed the present ugly situation on the mistakes of handing party platform to those who were only driven by selfish political interests.

He expressed the hope that the party will see the departure of these Lawmakers and others  as an  opportunity to reinvent and reposition itself.

“We must now channel our energy towards the road ahead. The signs are clear;  there are strong indicators to a better tomorrow.

Do not be discouraged. We shall overcome these challenges and rise up stronger than ever” Amah noted.

DSP Barau Donates N16 Million To Families Of Hunters Killed In Edo, Confirms More Arrest

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin

By Ayodele Oni

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has confirmed that more arrests have been made in connection with the killing of travellers at Uromi, in Edo state.

He spoke on Wednesday when he visited Bunkure local governments area of Kano State to sympathise with the families of the 16 travellers who were killed in Uromi, Esan North East LGA of Edo State.

The Deputy President of the Senate met the families of the victims, who hailed from Bunkure, Kibiya, Rano and Garko areas, at the At-Taqwa Mosque in the Sabon Fegi area.

Barau was joined by the Minister of State of Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata, the Managing Director of the North West Development Commission (NWDC), Prof Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji, and other dignitaries.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy President of the Senate, Ismail Mudashir, revealed that Barau reassured the families of the deceased hunters that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

In addition to the 14 suspects, he said security agents had nabbed two more persons in connection with the killing of the hunters.

He announced the donation of N1m to each of the families of the 16 deceased hunters, totalling N16m.

The Deputy President assured that he would sponsor a motion on the matter when the Senate resumes later this month.

“I’m here to sympathise with you over the tragic incident that led to the death of 16 of our brothers last Thursday. May Allah grant them Jannatul Firdaus and quicken the recovery of those injured.

“I was worried when the incident happened. I had to call the state governor, security agencies and all stakeholders involved.

“They swung into action, and so far apart from the 14 people who have been arrested, two more suspects have been nabbed. The state governor, who visited my house in Abuja, has assured me that  government will support you.

“We will not take it lightly. We will ensure that the culprits are brought to book and face the wrath of the law.”

Speaking on behalf of the families, the Chief Imam of the area, Sheikh Zainul Abidina Auwal, thanked Senator Barau for his efforts in ensuring justice and described him as the leader needed for the country’s development.

Edo Killing: Senator Dickson Cautions Against Reprisal Attack

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Senator Seriake Dickson

By Ayodele Oni

The Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial district,  Seriake Dickson, has warned that killing of some Hausa travellers in Edo state should not be used to  criminalize or demonize any group of Nigerians,

He also cautioned against ethnic profiling or reprisal attacks, saying “That was why, when I was governor, even at the height of herdsmen crisis, we insisted on law and order, and made sure that Bayelsa State was safe and free for everyone subject to the laws of the state.”

The former Bayelsa state Governor in a statement, added “Those who profile Nigerians according to ethnic group, and criminalise and insult whole tribes are inviting the Rwandan experience which I always preach against.

“We must isolate and punish criminals wherever they are found and whoever they are. In Nigeria, everyone has a right to freedom of movement and should be protected. Everyone has the right to go about their business and feel safe while doing so.

“I call on all leaders to de-escalate tensions and work for unity and mutual coexistence of all Nigerians founded on justice and respect for the rights of all citizens as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution and laws.”

Dickson who also commended the Edo State governor, “my brother”, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive measures, called on the state government and security agencies to investigate the matter and prosecute those responsible, just as he recommends compensation for the families of the victims.

“I am saddened by reports of the killing of 16 northern travellers in Edo State, and I condemn it in very strong terms. It is unacceptable and condemnable for even one person to be killed, let alone sixteen, in a single occurrence.

“It is also very painful that this unfortunate incident occurred during the Holy month of Ramadan when Muslims mark the end of the fasting period with festivities, travelling across to celebrate with friends and families.

“I had earlier sent out congratulatory messages to felicitate with all Muslims following the successful completion of the Ramadan fast. In respect of this sad incident, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.

“While I commend the Edo State Governor, my brother, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his proactive measures and the steps he has taken, I call on the State Government and the Nigerian security agencies to thoroughly investigate this matter and hold those responsible to account.

“I also call for the prosecution of those responsible and urge compensation for the families of the victims.

“I must also commend my brothers, Governor Yusuf of Kano State and Senator Barau, the Emir, the Sultan of Sokoto and other Northern Leaders for their statements, calling for calm, and I join in that call, urging that those responsible for this horrible act should face severe punishment.”

Ondo Renews Ban On Night Operation By Okada Riders

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Amotekun Corps

By Ayodele Oni

Amotekun bursts syndicate which specialized in duping intending foreign travellers

As part of efforts to curtail insecurity in Ondo State, the State Government has placed a ban on Okada riders from 8pm to 5am, failure which will result to seizure of such motorcycles and prosecution of the rider.

This order comes into effect from Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025.

Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye announced this while parading  61 suspected criminals involved in kidnapping and other nefarious activities in the state on Wednesday.

“We are re-emphasizing the initial order made by the government of Ondo state that, effect from Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025, from 8pm to 5 am any Okada seeing shall be seized indefinitely.

“We say unequivocally that, anyone found guilty will surely be dealt with.”

However, government also gave seven days ultimatum to all unregistered vehicles to do the needful else such vehicle(s) will be impounded and Confiscated.

“All unregistered vehicles plying our roads are given just seven days to do so, else, such vehicle will not be spared “

Adeleye emphasized that government of the state remains head-bent in making the state a safe haven for the residents and warned all miscreants to take their pallets and vacate the state before its too late.

Sixty one suspected criminals that were arrested by operatives of the  Security Network in connection with alleged kidnapping, attempted murder, armed robbery and abroad travelling fraud were paraded.

Adeleye told newsmen that 28 syndicates out of the suspects were nabbed for allegedly kidnapping and duping some Ghanians and Nigerians who were planning to travel to foreign countries like Australia for greener pasture.

The Amotekun Commander disclosed that the victims, who were held hostage at a camp in Oda town, near Akure, were cajoled by the travelling agency syndicates that they would be helped to travel abroad but on getting to Akure for documentation, they were held hostage.

According to the Security chief, the 28 suspected human traffickers were arrested following a tip-off from one of the Ghanaian victims who escaped from the captivity.

Adeleye also warned against influx of criminal elements in the state forests disguising as hunters, saying nobody without the State Government’s permission would be allowed to enter forests in the state.

Edo Gov Election: Okpebholo Again Floors PDP, AP, AA At Tribunal

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Edo Governorship Tribunal

By Ayodele Oni

The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday dismissed the petitions filed by Accord Party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Alliance against the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as winners of the Sept. 21, 2024 governorship election.

Delivering judgment, the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member tribunal held that Accord Party and its governorship candidate, Mr Bright Enabulele made weighty allegations but failed to defend them.

The tribunal said that the petitioners failed to name a single perpetrator to substantiate their allegations of thuggery, stuffing of ballots, harassing and molesting voters.

According to the tribunal, the two petitioners were so inconsistent in their claims with allegations of non compliance with the Electoral Act 2002 and calling for nullification of the election on one hand while seeking to be declared winners on the other hand.

“On the other hand, they are seeking to be declared winners of the election they claimed to have been conducted without compliance with the Electoral Act.”

The tribunal held that there was no meaningful evidence for it to act upon to nullify the election of Okpebholo and APC and subsequently dismissed the petition in its entirety.

The tribunal thereafter affirmed the election of Okpebholo as being valid and conducted in compliance with the law.

The petition of AA was dismissed for being frivolous and lacking in merit.

The Tribunal said that the PDP petition challenging the outcome of the 2024 governorship election also failed, because of insufficient evidence to substantiate claims of electoral malpractice.

The petitioners had alleged that the failure to properly record electoral materials prior to the election had affected the results.

However, the Tribunal found that while documents were submitted, no witnesses were called to properly authenticate them, rendering the evidence inadmissible.

Of the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while their star witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy, played no direct role in the conduct of the election.

The Tribunal noted that none of these witnesses provided testimony on the alleged failure of prior recording of electoral materials, deeming them incompetent to testify on the matter.

Furthermore, the Tribunal emphasized that for allegations of over-voting to be proven, petitioners must provide oral evidence, in line with the precedent set by the Supreme Court.

It stressed that it was bound to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court’s roadmap in adjudicating election disputes.

Additionally, the tribunal observed that the witnesses called by the petitioners had no direct knowledge of events at the polling units, as they were not physically present during the election.

It held that the petitioners should have called witnesses with firsthand accounts to substantiate their claims.

Based on these findings, the Tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to meet the required burden of proof and subsequently struck out their petitions.

“Mr President, Don’t Let Wike Destroy Your Efforts” – Prof. Okaba

By
Adesina Soyooye
-
0
Professor Benjamin Okaba and Bola Tinubu and Wike

By Adesina Soyooye

A renowned Professor of Sociology, Benjamin Okaba, has sent an advice to President Bola Tinubu. “Don’t let Wike destroy your efforts at ensuring democracy in Nigeria”, he advised Mr President.

Professor Okaba, who is, also, the President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, dismissed the former Governor of Rivers State, and now, Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, as nothing outside Government.

Okaba spoke Wednesday morning in response to the recent alleged disparaging  of the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality by Wike, an allegation Wike said was twisted to suit a purpose.

The Minister had, while speaking to Journalists recently relegated the Ijaw to a minority ethnic group in Nigeria.

But speaking on Arise Television Wednesday Morning, Okaba dismissed Wike’s submission as careless and alkeged the Minister could say anything under the influence of alcohol.

Stating the facts straight as it concerns the place of the Ijaw in Nigeria and Wike’s

submission, Professor Okaba said:

“The person (Wike) you’re talking about could say anything under the influence of alcohol and later debunk it. He is a very careless speaker.

“These are basic demographics that are well-known. Ijaws are not the fourth largest; they are one of the four largest.

“Most times, we look at the land mass, the land mass in terms of space cannot exist outside a water space. So the boundaries of the Ijawland, or may be Nigeria beyond land,  it goes into the rivers. So from wherever that is a boundary of Nigeria, all that River spots belong to the Ijawland.

“The Ijaws are the most populous ethnic group in the Niger Delta region, spreading across six states.

“We are not minorities. In fact, we are the most populous and most indigenous ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta. That’s a fact that is well known.

“Ijaws are in six states.

Apart from Bayelsa State, the Ijaws are indigenous to many communities in Abia, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Rivers State.Wike’s comment was a deliberate distortion of fact.

“They are in Abia. 26 communities in Abia State are indigenous Ijaw people. So we felt that was a deliberate distortion. In Delta State, we have more than four Local Government Areas. Even in Rivers State, we have 10 and a half Local Government Areas, and Ikwerre has three. Forget about those who distorted political census figures. When the time comes for real counting, we shall know them. Ijaws are in Ondo State, they are in Edo State”.

Suspended Governor of Rivers State with whom Wike has a huge grouse is Ijaw from Opobo.

House Of Reps Applaud President Tinubu For Signing Into Law Investment And Securities Bill 2025

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
Akin Rotimi Jnr

By Ayodele Oni

The House of Representatives has lauded President Bola Tinubu, for signing the Investment and Securities Bill 2025 into law.

The house described the bill as a transformative legislation that will significantly strengthen Nigeria’s capital market, enhance investor protection, and align regulatory framework with global best practices.

Spokesman, House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi Jnr in a statement on Wednesday, stated that “This landmark Act is the product of years of extensive legislative work, consultations, and stakeholder engagements, spanning the 8th, 9th, and 10th Assemblies.

“The House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions, in collaboration with its Senate counterpart, conducted a robust public hearing on November 14, 2024, at the National Assembly Complex.

“This was followed by a technical retreat with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) from November 16 to 18, 2024, where further refinements were made to the bill.”

The Chairman of the House Committee on Capital Market and Institutions,  Solomon Bob, hailed the enactment of the Act as a significant step in fortifying Nigeria’s investment landscape.

“The signing of the Investment and Securities Act 2025 is a testament to the National Assembly’s commitment to fostering a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly capital market.

“This Act introduces critical reforms, including stricter regulation of investment schemes, enhanced oversight of securities markets, and stronger protection mechanisms for investors.

“These enhanced powers and functions ensure full conformity with the requirements of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO’s) Enhanced Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (EMMoU), enabling the SEC to retain its ‘Signatory A’ status and enhancing the overall attractiveness of the Nigerian capital market.”

The Act empowers the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as the apex regulatory authority for Nigeria’s capital market, enhances the legal framework for investments, and introduces stringent measures against Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent financial practices.

Additionally, it strengthens the Investor Protection Fund to safeguard market participants against potential losses due to revoked brokerage licenses.

Again, President Tinubu Embarks On Working Visit To France

By
Ayodele Oni
-
0
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

For the next two weeks, President Bola Tinubu is expected to administer the country from France.

The President  will depart for Paris, France, Wednesday on a short working visit.

A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President revealed that

during the visit, the President will appraise his administration’s mid-term performance and assess key milestones.

“He will also use the retreat to review the progress of ongoing reforms and engage in strategic planning ahead of his administration’s second anniversary.

“This period of reflection will inform plans to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate national development priorities in the coming year.

“Recent economic strides reinforce the President’s commitment to these efforts, as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria reporting a significant increase in net foreign exchange reserves to $23.11 billion—a testament to the administration’s fiscal reforms since 2023 when net reserves were $3.99 billion.

“While away, President Tinubu will remain fully engaged with his team and continue to oversee governance activities. He will return to Nigeria in about a fortnight.”

CBN: FG Budget Deficit Hits N13trn In 2024, Higher This Year

By
James Orji
-
0
President Bola Tinubu

The Federal Government’s Budget Deficit for the year ended December 2024 hit a whopping N12.95 trillion, according to checks from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

The apex  bank made this known in its Quarterly Economic Reports for last year, which showed that the deficit trumped the comparative year 2023 with 0.8 percent.

The CBN said in the report that the yearly expenditure for the year under review also rose by over two percent compared to the year before, with the recurrent expenditure gulping the huge chunk of the entire budget outlay while revenue rose by oer 10 percent year on year, YoY.

“At N5.6 trillion, provisional aggregate expenditure was 2.22 per cent above the level in the preceding quarter, but was 22.09 per cent short of the quarterly target of N7.19 trillion. “The rise in expenditure relative to the preceding quarter was associated with the increase in interest payments and personnel costs, which rose by 6.98 and 23.31 per cent, respectively,” the apex bank said.

“Further analysis of total expenditure showed that recurrent (75.13 percent) accounted for the largest share outlay, with the remainder split between capital (17.1 percent) and transfer payments (7.77 percent).

“FGN retained revenue rose in the review period, due to higher receipts from the federation account, non-oil excess, and FGN independent revenue. At N2.52 trillion, provisional FGN retained revenue was 10.40 per cent above the level in Q3’24, but was 48.57 per cent below the benchmark.

“The fiscal operations of the FGN resulted in a narrower deficit in Q4’24. Provisional data showed that primary deficit narrowed by 22.62 per cent, relative to the level in the preceding quarter.

“The overall deficit also reduced by 3.61 per cent to N3.08 trillion during the review quarter, reflecting the improved balance that resulted from a more than proportionate increase in revenue over expenditure.”

Meanwhile, the federal government has projected a N13.1 trillion Budget Deficit in the 2025 Budget. This is contained in the Budget signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February, even though financial experts insist that it could be more.

1...784785786...3,068Page 785 of 3,068