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The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has begun verification of political office holders and top government officials’ assets as part of renewed anti corruption crusade in the country.

The acting Chairman of the Bureau, Mr Murtala Aliyu-Kankia, stated this while monitoring the ongoing verification exercise on Monday in Katsina.

He said the exercise would cover senior public officers and civil servants including permanent secretaries, director-generals, directors and other top officials of government’s establishments.

“I briefed the governor on why we are in Katsina. He is also keen in fighting corruption,” he said.

According to him, the exercise is aimed at finding out the genuineness of assets declared by political office holders and other senior civil servants on assumption of office.

This, he said, would add value to the fight against corruption by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that after the exercise its personnel would go to the field to authenticate the assets declared by the officers.

“You know, some people have a tendency of under-declaration, anticipatory declaration and even non declaration of their assets.

“To detect these three aspects, we go to the field to find out where someone under-declared, or in anticipation of getting something declared he has a property.

“All these are offences. The person found wanting would be referred to the CCB tribunal for prosecution accordingly.

“The punishment is either for him to forfeit the property, banned from holding public office for 10 years or be asked to vacate the office he is occupying.

“We are on course, we are doing it for the good of the country and the people,” he said. (NAN)

Electricity consumers in Gombe and some parts of Yola and Bauchi states will experience power outage on Thursday and Friday as a result of scheduled maintenance of power facilities by the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

The TCN announced that its “maintenance crew will carry out scheduled preventive maintenance on the bay of its T1A 150MVA, 330/132/33kV transformer bay” on Thursday and Friday, January 18 and 19, 2024.

According to a statement by the TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the maintenance will last eight hours, running from 9 am to 5 pm on each day.

Mbah disclosed that to commence the maintenance exercise, “TCN would transfer the load from T1A 150MVA transformer to its T2A 150MVA transformer in the same substation”.

She added that consequently, there would be “an interruption of bulk power supply to Jos and Yola DisCos through the T1A transformer”.

She clarified that the interruption would only affect bulk supply during the transfer period only, and not for the entire eight-hour period it would take to complete the maintenance exercise on both days.

“The short outage during the transfer period would affect supply to Gombe and some parts of Yola and Bauchi states only, during transfer time on both days.

“TCN will, however, restore bulk power supply through the transformer immediately after the maintenance exercise,” Mbah explained.

The transmission company regretted “any inconvenience this may cause electricity consumers within the affected areas”.

The TCN maintenance crew had on Saturday carried out scheduled preventive maintenance on the Jos-Lafia 330kV transmission lines, which it said had been redundant for some time.

Ace singer, Tiwa Savage, has been robbed in the United Kingdom, where she is currently.

The singer revealed this in a post via her Instagram story, on Thursday.

Although the Somebody’s Son crooner didn’t give much information regarding the robbery, she expressed pain over the incident.

“Damn London, una show me pepper o. Got robbed yesterday,” she wrote in a combination of pidgin and English..

Daily Trust reports that this comes days after she filed a petition to the police against her colleague and music star, Davido.

It all started after the duo unfollowed each other on Instagram at the weekend, leaving many to believe that Davido unfollowed Tiwa because of the latter’s friendship with his baby mama, Sophia Momodu, with whom he is currently not on talking terms.

Things turned for the worse when Tiwa Savage’s ex-husband Tee Billz threatened to teach Davido a lesson for “disrespecting his family.”

Narrating the cause of the incident in her petition, Tiwa recounted an Instagram story post on December 23 featuring herself and Sophia Momodu.

Tiwa Savage, in the petition addressed to the Lagos Commissioner of Police and dated January 9, alleged that Davido made a “direct threat to my rights to life, privacy and dignity of my person”.

Coincidentally, Davido has also been a victim of robbery abroad. He was once attacked in South Africa where he lost millions and expensive jewelery.

The Federal Government has assured workers that it will clear the arrears of the N35,000 wage award just as it also said the government had resumed the payment of the wage award.

The government also reiterated its commitment to addressing issues in the National Minimum Wage agreement reached with the Organised Labour in 2023.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, disclosed the government’s commitment towards implementing agreements with trade unions during separate meetings with the leaderships of the Trade Union Congress and Congress of University Academics, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Onyejeocha underscored the significance of her interactions with key trade unions, emphasising the intention to uphold open lines of communication, strengthen labour relations to mitigate the likelihood of future strikes, and actively contribute to cultivating a harmonious and friendly work environment for all employees.

Onyejeocha stated that the government appreciated the plight of the trade unions, noting that her visit was not only to reiterate the government’s readiness for partnership but to keep the channels of communication open.

“I am here specifically to reassure you that we have not forgotten about the agreements between the government and trade unions. Thank God that you have confirmed that the federal government has started paying the N35,000 wage award and I can assure you that the payment is on course and the outstanding will be paid within a short period,” she said.

Onyejeocha said, “I know that the President is focused on making sure that the issue of a new national minimum wage is addressed. The government will ensure that the committee starts working in earnest.

“I do not want to wait for any stakeholder to start agitating, that is why I have come to remind you that I am aware of those agreements, and we are working round the clock to make sure they are fulfilled. If there is any that we cannot fulfil now, including the past ones, we will continue our engagements on them.”

She commended the leadership of TUC for having faith in the government and assured the union of the government’s continued readiness to listen to them, as well as partner with them for the greater good of the people.

Previously, it was reported by The PUNCH that Joe Ajaero, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, put forth a suggestion for a wage adjustment to be granted to the Federal Government as a measure to alleviate the impacts of the fuel subsidy removal.

The Labour Unions and the Federal Government under President Bola Tunubu’s led administration had agreed to the payment of an N35,000 wage award for lower cadre workers for the next six months to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy.

Speaking, the President of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo, commended the government for some of the major steps taken so far, specifically for fulfilling up to 80 per cent of the agreement with the management of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, and urged the government the fulfil the remaining 20 per cent of that agreement.

“We are not a union that waits for the government to fail to hold it to ransom. That is why we keep engaging,” Osifo said.

Nigeria is one of the four countries listed for a visit by the US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, this month.
Blinken’s African tour is scheduled to take place between January 21 and 26, 2024.

The visit is a part of the US’s high-level engagement with Africa, with the Secretary of State planning to travel to Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Angola during this diplomatic mission.

A statement by the US embassy in Abuja stated that discussion on security partnership will be part of the items to be brought to the table.

The statement reads in part: “Throughout the trip, the Secretary will highlight how the United States has accelerated the U.S.-Africa partnership since the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, including in areas such as climate, food, and health security.

“He will also emphasize our future-focused economic partnership, and how the United States is investing in infrastructure in Africa to boost two-way trade, create jobs at home and on the continent, and help Africa compete in the global marketplace.

“Additionally, the Secretary will advance security partnerships based on shared values such as respect for human rights, promotion of democracy, and expansion of the rule of law.

“He will reaffirm U.S. commitment to our coastal West African partners through the Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability, U.S. partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address regional challenges, and U.S. efforts to support African leadership in de-escalating tensions and adopting diplomatic solutions to the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Some social media accounts may have started organising a coordinated social media campaign to burnish the image of Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and get her back in government.

President Bola Tinubu approved the suspension of Edu on January 8 following a leaked memo showing that she approved the transfer of over N585 million into the personal account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

Her suspension has opened up a trail of controversial transactions since her appointment in August 2023. The president’s decision delighted many Nigerians who had lost confidence in the implementation of social intervention programmes by the ministry.

In a surprising turn of events, however, some of the tweeps who once welcomed Edu’s suspension have started backtracking and carrying out what looks like a coordinated social media influence operation on behalf of the minister.

FIJ has identified some of them and their reactions to Edu’s suspension, as well as their self-styled promotion of the minister. The motivation for influencers is usually money, jobs or the promise of appointments. While FIJ could not establish the motive behind the Edu campaign, our analysis shows a pattern of coordination.

REACTIONS TO EDU’S SUSPENSION

Sodiq Tade, an account suspected to be favourably disposed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed their happiness at the news of the Cross Rivers State-born minister’s suspension on January 8.

“I’m happy to read that Tinubu has suspended Betta Edu. It is good for accountability. I must say that I’m actually surprised tbh. Corruption has always been a requirement in making it big in APC, but it seems this particular corruption shocked Tinubu. Must be the time range,” Sodiq Tade stated.

The same account had posted in October 2023 about their lack of confidence in Tinubu’s government: “If you think Tinubu administration is going to achieve anything with the likes of Betta Edu, then you are not serious.”

Kawu Garba also posted on January 8 calling for the minister’s suspension the same way some other government officials were recently suspended in order to allow for an investigation. “The former CBN governor was suspended before he was investigated; the same with EFCC and others,” he said. Who are those shielding Betta Edu? Why does Tinubu want to suspend her?”

This post was accompanied by hashtags #BettaEduIsTheRealCulprit and #BettaEdumustbeprobed. In some posts on January 7, the account posted: “Tinubu is biased for suspending Halima Shehu and keeping Betta Edu while the investigation is going on.

“Tinubu should suspend Betta Edu first before directing the investigation. In the same way former minister Sadiya Farouk was detained by EFCC today, Betta Edu should also be detained with her make-up. Nobody should give her water to clean it up.

Abba SZN wrote: “Now the PBAT suspended the corrupt Betta Edu, EFCC should arrest her and make her pay for the Npower backlogs she hijacked. Now we believe that PBAT is serious about his fight against corruption.”

Other posts by Abba SZN were: “Betta Edu will soon overtake Diezeni as the most corrupted Minister under the PBAT renewed hope administration. PBAT should also suspend her if at all he’s serious about fighting corruption in Nigeria,” “Dear PBAT, with these developments regarding Betta Edu, we shall see whether your government has tolerance for corruption or not. Halima Shehu got suspended for what she didn’t do, why is Betta Edu still in charge?” and “Betta Edu is still in charge even after the serious allegations labeled against her. PBAT was swift in suspending Halima Shehu while Edu Betta, who has suspicious academic records still has a job. @officialEFCC should invite her for interrogation Asap.”


COORDINATED CAMPAIGN

These identified accounts appeared to be spearheading the campaign with their moderately large followings. Sodiq Tade has more than 74.6 thousand followers, Kawu Garba has over 22.4 thousand followers and Abba SZN boasts of over 16.1 thousand followers.

On Tuesday, these accounts started posting messages suspected to be an influence operation to shape their followers’ perception of the minister and the allegation against her.

Different from their posts in support of Edu’s suspension, Sodiq Tade posted on Tuesday: “I sincerely think Betta Edu should be returned as Minister. The suspension is pointless now that we know that she got approval from Gbajabiamila and, in extension, presidency. It will be unfair to her to take fall for something that the presidency is actively involved.”

In their recent posts, Kawu Garba claimed the minister did nothing wrong: “With the evidence showing Betta Edu got the approval of the N3 billion for national register verification, her suspension is unjust and should be reversed. She didn’t do anything wrong by doing what she got approval from the presidency for.”

The third account, Abba SZN, also posted a message to launder the minister’s image in an attempt to pin the responsibility for the attempted money diversion on the president: “With the new documents in circulation, I must say that Betta Edu was wrongly accused of something the President had full knowledge about. The N3B they were talking about was approved by PBAT, this shows that she followed all legal process of getting the funds.”

For clarity, the new document the posts quoted was a letter that surfaced on social media in the past week showing that Tinubu approved N3 billion for the verification of the national social register.

SIGNS OF COORDINATION

In the wake of the memo leak, the reactions by these influence campaigners pushing for the minister’s sack or suspension appeared strongly inorganic.

All their posts showed clear signs of systematic coordination. For instance, ‘Betta Edu’ appeared in most of their posts in bold fonts. This looks like an arrangement that had already taken place somewhere before making its way to social media.

In their latest posts, FIJ detected that these posts appeared with two major hashtags: #BettaEduIsTheRealCulprit and #BettaEdumustbeprobed. An in-depth look at these posts strongly indicated a one-way line of thought. These words also stood out in their posts: approval, new and presidency.

In each post, they consistently mentioned ‘Betta Edu’. In cyber influence operations, the conceptual goal is to influence people’s minds, and this is achieved by consistently creating a single keyword and compromising the social media algorithm in order to place the word on the trends table.

Aside from this, they all posted not too long after one another. @Abba_SZN and @KawuGarba posted a few minutes apart, between 4:39 pm and 5:01 pm, while @SodiqTade posted his message a few hours earlier at 12:17 pm. With this in mind and a variation in the way the posts were crafted, FIJ’s analysis showed a coordinated behaviour identified with inorganic operations and social media amplifications.

They also frequently referenced the word ‘approval’ as if it were a new discovery, but it is not. In the leaked memo, Edu herself said that she got approval from the president. However, the approval was not in contention, but she was requesting that the approved funds be sent into a civil servant’s bank account.

Based on the analysis of the posts, FIJ understands that the latest campaigns to launder the suspended minister’s image may be coordinated.

The Federal Government has warned against public crowdfunding to pay ransoms for kidnapped victims, saying it will only worsen the spate of abductions.

Minister of Defense, Abubakar Badaru, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The warning comes amidst reports that Nigerians have raised over N50 million through crowdfunding to pay the ransom for the release of the remaining five daughters of Mansoor Al-Kadriya.

LEADERSHIP reports that six siblings were abducted from their father’s house in Bwari Council, Abuja, on December 26, 2023, alongside their father.

Although their father was later released to go and raise the ransom, the kidnappers killed one of his daughters, Nabeeha, last Friday for failing to raise the said ransom, leaving five alive.

However, Badaru said, while the government is deeply concerned about the kidnappings, paying ransoms through public donations will exacerbate the problem.

“We all know there’s an existing law against the payment of ransom. So, it is very sad for people to go over the internet, radio asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only worsen the situation; it will not help,” Badaru said.

Badaru urged Nigerians to refrain from responding to ransom demands publicly, noting that the government’s position is to starve kidnappers of the profits that drive abductions.

“If we stop, over time the kidnapping will not be profitable, and they will stop. It is not easy, though, but that is the law,” he said.

According to the minister, the recent kidnappings in the suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are being perpetrated by bandits fleeing military operations in the North West and North Central zones.

He assured that security agencies are working round the clock to track down the bandits and prevent further abductions.

He said, “As you are aware, people are saying FCT, FCT, these kidnappings happen around the suburb, around now and locations that are bothering Kaduna and Niger.

“And this is as a result of the current operations going on in the northwest and some parts of the North Central.

“The bandits are fleeing and they are getting shelters around these areas, and the security agencies are working very hard to push them out, block the movement, and finish this thing once and for all.

“The president has given us the marching order and all the support that we need and what the security agencies need to end this thing.”

The minister also said investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.

Badaru said while the state governor had indicated preliminary findings show the blast may have been caused by explosives owned by illegal miners in the area, the defence ministry is not ruling out other possibilities such as a gas explosion.

“Our team is there trying to find out what is the cause. We have seen that report but the council to be proactive has already set up a committee to look into how the control of explosive law is broken, if indeed there are explosives around the area where this incident happened,” the minister said.

He disclosed that the committee was constituted to scrutinise the existing laws regulating the movement, storage, and handling of explosives across the country.

This, he said, will help identify any loopholes and strengthen enforcement.

Badaru reiterated that Nigeria has strict regulations for explosives that are closely monitored.

“You all know that there’s strict law on the movement, storage, and ownership of explosives, and that is being monitored and if there’s any breakdown, we will find out and deal with it,” he affirmed.

ABUJA— INDICATIONS emerged on Wednesday that President Bola Tinubu is not happy over the delay in constituting the new Minimum wage committee.

The current minimum wage of N30,000 is expiring by March and it is expected that a new living wage would be in place first week of April.

Although President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero had recently told Vanguard that the labour has already constituted its committee to interface with the federal government team, the government is yet to constitute its team for the minimum wage review.

It was gathered that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, is saddled with the responsibility of setting up the committee.

A presidency source told Vanguard that President Tinubu was not happy during the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting that the committee to review the minimum wage was not yet constituted

According to the source, “The President was fuming that up till now the new Minimum Wage Committee is not constituted. But I am sure within one week the committee will be in place.”

Asked on the possibility that the committee will meet up with the April take off date of a new Minimum wage, the source said within one week the committee will be empanelled.

“The government will meet up with the April date. Government is making every effort that there is a cordial relationship between the government and labour.”

Reminded that labour has accused the government of not keeping to its promises with labour, The source said that there will be a new cooperation and wth the labour and all the relevant stakeholders to ensure that all the parties are on the same page to make sure that they work for the general interest of the working class.

President Bola Tinubu has said the illegal miners who caused the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State, must be brought to book.

Daily Trust reports that after the incident, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo blamed it on illegal miners who stored explosive devices in one of the buildings in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, quoted his principal as saying: “It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished.”

Tinubu, while expressing sadness over the devastating explosion, commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State.

The president called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.

President Tinubu directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.

A survivor of the explosion that rocked Ibadan, Oyo State capital, yesterday, has said it was foreigners, who engaged in illegal mining activities, that caused the explosion. He added that they ran out just before the blast.

The survivor, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, lived next to the epicentre (ground zero) of the explosion.

Though the official announcement of the casualty figure is yet to be made, Vanguard gathered that three people died in the explosion.


UK returnee dead

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that one of the deceased is a United Kingdom, UK, returnee.

A viral video credits one Honourable Ayode Jajaye as stating that the UK returnee is the son of one of the landlords in the Ibadan estate where the explosion occurred.

He said: “Look at the guy that just died. He just came from the UK about a week ago. He’s a son to a landlord in this estate.

“My conclusion is that the government should investigate this situation. The casualties are too much. Look at damages. We can’t just look away.

“There are so many collateral damages that have happened.”

At the scene of the explosion yesterday, a body was brought out of the rubble and put in a body bag.

Earlier, the Oyo State Government had announced that two people died in the unfortunate incident. Also, a survivor who was seriously injured was wheeled into a waiting ambulance.


How I survived — Mohammed

Speaking with Vanguard at the scene, Mohammed said he was rushed to the hospital and discharged this morning.

He said he escaped death by the whiskers because he offered to help his neighbor put out the fire that preceded the explosion.

Recall that his claim that foreign illegal miners caused the explosion was earlier voiced by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Narrating the events that preceded the explosion, Mohammed said: “Around 7 p.m. last night (Tuesday), I was going to pray.

“As I was standing to start the prayer, I noticed some fire burning in the next house. So, I stopped the prayer and quickly picked my fire extinguisher.

“I told my boys that the neighbor’s house is on fire, let’s go and help.

“I then came downstairs. One guy saw me and said the fire was beyond what an extinguisher can put out. I then picked my phone to call the fire brigade men.

“However, the next thing I heard was that blast. It threw me off the ground and landed me on the stairs. Part of the house had cracked. My boys advised that I should jump.

“Fire started just a metre away from that house and as of the time we came downstairs, there was no one on the premises.”


The foreigners

Also, speaking on the occupants of the house, he said: “The house where the fire started is occupied by a Senagalese or Namibian and they engage in mining activities.

“Definitely, they had explosives inside the building. The explosion was as a result of the explosives kept in the building.

“The foreigners have been living in here since 2013. They go in the morning and come back in the evening. I wouldn’t know if their immediate neighbour knows they are into mining.”

“The foreigners ran out before the explosion.”

Furthermore, he clarified that immediately after the foreigners saw the raging fire, they knew the implications because of what they kept inside.

Mohammed said: “They, including their children, ran out of the house and they didn’t alert us so that we could run away too.

“They knew the implications when they saw the fire. So they ran out without alerting us. Thank God I came down trying to help put out the fire. I would have been dead by now.

“The whole house would have collapsed on me. I wanted to save the house of my neighbor from being burnt. That’s what saved me. If anyone had been in the house, the person would have gone.”

Asked if he knew his neighbors were illegal miners he said: “We have them all over. They are also at Orogun. That’s their trade and that’s what they came to Nigeria to do. And explosives are part of the things they use in blasting. Definitely, they had kept them in the house.”


Explosion caused by illegal miners — Governor Makinde

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also attributed the explosion to explosive devices stored by illegal miners.

He added that two persons died in the explosion, which occurred at about 7:44 p.m. on January 16. He added that about 77 persons were injured.

Recall that at about 7.44 pm, Tuesday, January 16, a loud explosion was heard in different parts of the state capital leading to panic and confusion.

In a press release shared on his verified X page on Wednesday morning, Makinde explained that the preliminary investigations revealed that illegal miners stored explosive devices in one of the houses in Bodija.

He said: “We visited the scene of the explosion in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties.

“We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident.


Welfare

“The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and two fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time. They should remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident.”


… sets up emergency situation room

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr Suleiman Olanrewaju, he noted that “the State Government has set up an Emergency Situation Room for the Bodija incident led by Professor Temitope Alonge.

“Search and rescue efforts at the site of the incident continued overnight. Updates from the Emergency Situation Room will be publicised through official government accounts and media channels.

“The contact numbers for the Situation Room are 07049948057 and 08147672009.

“Residents are advised to stay away from the site of the incident and call 615 free of charge for emergencies in Oyo State.”


Bola Ige’s residence affected

Meanwhile, the residence of the late Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Chief Bola Ige, was also affected by the Ibadan explosion.

His son, Architect Muyiwa Bola Ige spoke with Vanguard.

He said: “We thank God for life and for those who survived the unfortunate incident. The effect is that lives were lost.

“It affected my house we are just a few metres away from the epicenter and the gravity led to the damages we have here. We thank no life is lost here. The blast shattered the windows and roofs.

“Structurally, the building is intact. I have gone around to do the analysis.

“Yes, we are hearing that the explosion was caused by some illegal miners. That would be grossly unfortunate that someone could keep such dangerous things in the residential area. I have spoken to the leadership of this residents’ association to find out who the persons are.

“Do they have the inclination of what their activities are? We should not jump the gun. But it is evident because there is a crater at the epicenter. It’s unacceptable.

“Glasses were blown out, roof surfaces caved in. If they knew what they had and they kept it in a residential area, then they are suicidal.

“We must identify who they are. If they are still alive. And some people have died based on the consequences of what they had done, they should be brought to book.”

He said he had to rush back home when a friend told him about the explosion. He noted that he came to rescue the grandchildren of someone close to him.

Meanwhile, there were fears that some unexploded bombs could still be at the place. Security officers were warning thousands of people at the scene to move away as staying there could be risky.


Schools shut down

Two private schools in the area were shut. Barakat and the Educational Advancement Centre were locked. Their students came to resume only to be sent back home by their teachers.

When Vanguard got to the scene, there was gridlock as a result of the large crowds trooping to the scene of the explosion.

Also, security agents had a hectic time controlling the crowd that was bent on having a glimpse of the scene.

At the spot, rescue teams were working seriously in search victims under the rubble.

Meanwhile, Vanguard was reliably informed that several children of a popular school that is located at Idi Ishin were injured and taken to the hospital. They used the building opposite the epicenter as hostels.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Bayo Lawa, and Senator Sarafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South senatorial districts were early callers at the scene.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebola Hamzat; soldiers; Red Cross; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC; Department of State Services, DSS; fire brigade men, bomb detectors, National Emergency Agency, NEMA, were all on ground.

happney65:
Have you confirmed it's Gas?

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has apologised for the tough decisions taken during his tenure while affirming his unwavering belief in the nation’s future.

The apology was contained in his address at the unveiling of books chronicling his presidency, one which was written by his former media aide, Femi Adesina.

The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday, witnessed the launch of two significant publications: “Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, 2015 – 2023” and “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015 – 2023).”

Buhari, speaking at his first public appearance since leaving office on May 29, 2023, expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him during his presidency, including current President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

In a reflection of his time in office, Buhari highlighted the challenges and the tough choices faced by his administration.

Buhari acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Nigerian populace.

He extended an apology to those who felt the weight of the decisions, emphasising that they were never intended to cause pain or anguish.

He said, “with the cumulative achievements of government after government, I believe we will get there in no distant time.

“In our journey to the desired destination, there will be hard decisions taken, and the people would bear some costs. We can only seek their understanding, and state that there was no intention to deliberately inflict pain and anguish on anyone.

“This is why I apologized to such people at the end of our time in office. Sacrifices are still being made now, and will continue to be part of our national life and development.

“Governments will continually seek the understanding and support of the people they lead, for our ultimate good and goal.”

Buhari emphasised the importance of the publications in preserving the history of his administration.

“These books exemplify the sanctity of records, documenting the facts and figures, achievements and milestones of our nation,” he said.

In a conversation with Femi Adesina, his former Media Adviser and the author of one of the books, Buhari noted the significance of such documentation in providing a comprehensive account of their stewardship to the country.

He expressed similar sentiments about the contributions of Dr. Udu Yakubu and his colleagues.

“Without documentation, revisionism wins,” Buhari stated, emphasizing the importance of recorded history in countering attempts to distort or obliterate it.

He noted that his administration operated with transparency and accountability, always mindful of the judgment of posterity.

Reflecting on the nature of governance, Buhari described it as a continuum, akin to a relay race.

“You run your course, and hand over the baton to the next person,” he explained.

He expressed his support and confidence in President Tinubu’s administration and their shared vision for Nigeria.

The former president concluded his address by thanking General Yakubu Gowon, General I.B.M. Haruna, and Alhaji Muhammed Indimi for their support.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed his faith in the strength, unity, and future of Nigeria.

Vice-President Kashima Shettima is currently in Davos, a town in Switzerland, for this year’s edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) with a small company.

TheCable understands that the number two citizen travelled with only five aides – his security detail and director of protocol – to Davos.

Previously — before President Bola Tinubu announced the downsizing of entourgage — the figure would have been double.

A week ago, Tinubu cut down the size of his entourage, the vice-president, the first lady, and ministers.

The president directed that his own entourage be cut down to 20 people for international and local trips, while the vice-president is limited to five people for trips abroad and 15 within the country.


OUTRAGE OVER NIGERIA’S COP28 DELEGATION

The decision to cut down the entourage for public officers holders came about a month after there was outrage over Nigeria’s delegation to COP28 climate change conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Nigeria had the largest delegation in Africa after having a record number of 1,411. Nigeria and China with the same figure, had the third largest number of delegates after UAE and Brazil.

Gilbert Chagoury, a Lebanese-Nigerian businessman, was among the delegation and was listed as Tinubu’s “confidante”.

However, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says only 422 people out of the record 1,411-member delegation from Nigeria were sponsored by the federal government.


CONFLICTS, CLIMATE CHANGE, AI TO TOP WORLD DISCOURSE AT WEF

This year’s WEF meeting will focus on conflicts, climate change, artificial intelligence (AI) among other issues.

Over 70 heads of state and government will be holding public and private speaking events at Davos.

Stanley Nkwocha, media aide to the vice-president, announced that his principal will be at the launch of the Private Sector Action Plan for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).

Nwocha said Shettima would also chair a roundtable dialogue on Nigeria’s economic path and attend a special session dedicated to building trust in the global energy transition programme.

The curtains on this year’s WEF will close on Friday.

Following announcement that the Dangote refinery had commenced production, investors have rushed to Nigerian Exchange to purchase stocks by Dangote Group which saw an appreciation of N514 billion.

Subsequently, three subsidiaries of Dangote Group listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) saw their combined market capitalisation rise by N513.69 billion on Monday, following production announcement by the Dangote refinery.

Recall that last Friday, a video surfaced on social media showing the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery coming to life with subsequent announcement on Saturday that the refinery had commenced production

Speaking on the development, Aliko Dangote, president/chief executive of Dangote Group, described it as “a game changer” and “an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects”.

The statement answered the curiosity by Nigerians on when it will be in the market, adding that it will be in Nigeria’s oil market before the end of January once it receives regulatory approval.

It said the refinery had so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two single point moorings located 25 kilometres from the shore. The first crude delivery was done on December 12, 2023, and the sixth cargo was delivered on January 8, 2024, it added.

“The refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries, and the products will conform to Euro V specifications. The refinery design complies with the World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and the country’s oil regulator’s emission/effluent norms, employing state-of-the-art technology,” the statement further explained.

Checks by the Nigerian Tribune has revealed that no single Nigerian shipping company participated in the six crude oil delivery process that took place at the $19.5bn Dangote Petro-chemicals Refinery located in Lagos. This is even as further findings revealed that Nigeria lost out due to the very large sizes of ships used in the delivery of crude oil products to the Dangote Refinery.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune in an exclusive interview at the weekend, the President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mallam Aminu Umar explained that six different ships loaded crude products to the Dangote Refinery, with none owned or operating from Nigeria.

According to Mallam Aminu Umar, “There were two deliveries at the Dangote Refinery; the first was the test-running stage where Gas oil was brought in to flush and power the system; while the second stage was the Crude oil delivery stage where Crude oil products were brought in.

“My shipping company was one of the two companies that delivered the Gas oil that was used to flush and power the system at the Dangote Refinery. The Gas oil that we supplied was used in test-running and flushing the system at the Dangote Refinery. Our company was the only local shipping firm that participated in this process while the second company was an internationally owned shipping company.

“After the system was flushed, the refinery took delivery of six Crude oil products, but no Nigerian company participated in that stage. This is because currently, Nigeria does not have the kind of ships that were used to bring in Crude oil products to the Dangote Refinery.

“Six shipping companies brought in Crude oil products to the Dangote Refinery, and only one of them was from an African country; Angola to be precise. The other five were foreign shipping companies from outside Africa. No Nigerian currently has the size of vessels that were used to move Crude oil products to the Dangote Refinery. I am talking of vessels called Suez Max.

“A Suez Max is a type of vessel that can load a million barrel of Crude oil products which is equivalent to 150,000 deadweight vessels. As at today, there is no Nigerian that has a 150,000-deadweight vessel trading in crude oil.

“We were the only indigenous shipping company that participated in the first stage while there was no Nigerian company that participated in the second stage.”

On expectations of indigenous participation in the evacuation of Crude oil products out of the Dangote Refinery, the NCS President expressed optimism that more local players should get involved when the Diesel and Aviation products being produced needs to be shipped out.

“Now that the refinery has started processing Crude oil products and Diesel alongside Aviation Fuel, products are expected to be ready anytime soon. We at the Chamber of Shipping expects more indigenous ship-owners and investors to get involved in the evacuation of these products out of the Dangote Refinery.

“We are very excited that this is happening at this time in Nigeria. We congratulate Alhaji Aliko Dangote for making this a reality. On the next stage of operations which will include the logistic chain of how crude oil products will be shipped out of the refinery, we expect local investors to be more involved.

“Nigerian ship owners should be very excited because this will open-up a lot of opportunities for local investors to invest and participate in. indigenous ship-owners should look forward to participating in the evacuation of finished products from the refinery.” The Chamber of Shipping President told the Nigerian Tribune exclusively in Lagos.

Recall that the $19.5bn Dangote Refinery took delivery of its sixth batch of one million Agbami barrels of crude oil products supplied by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) last Monday, to complete the scheduled six million barrels consignment delivered to the Lekki based refinery needed to commence operations.

Nigeria is making headway in finding customers for its January cargoes, with 10 to 12 cargoes left, out of an estimated 20 earlier in the week, a trader has told Reuters.
This is coming as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said that Nigeria is poised to receive substantial support in its endeavour to mitigate methane emissions originating from the oil and gas sector.

However, at this stage of the trading cycle, this is still a considerable overhang, given the fact that there are February-loading cargoes also still on offer, while the country’s March programme is expected in the coming weeks, the report said.

Premiums for Nigerian crude oil have begun to fall, as competition from Saudi Arabia heats up.
Offers for the grade Qua Iboe are in the range of dated Brent plus $1.5 a barrel for January loading, while the same grade is being offered at dated Brent plus $1 a barrel for February loading, another trader added.

Also, the report added that only about 10 cargoes of Angola’s February-loading cargoes are left, out of the 32 scheduled for loading, a trader said earlier this week. Angola’s March programme is expected to emerge next week.

Also, a new report by Deloitte has projected that energy trends estimate global oil prices will be stuck at low levels for the next couple of years.

The analysis predicts an average West Texas Intermediate (WTI) price — typically regarded as the benchmark for crude oil — of $72 US per barrel this year.

That depression in price is because of cuts from major producers, record production in the United States and slowing growth in demand, according to the report.
Oil prices are at their lowest in two years, with prices hovering around 2021 levels.

“We do have a lot of production out there, and money spent by energy companies in 2023 is bringing lots of volumes out there, and maybe we’re a little bit more resource and supply-heavy than we were last year,” said a partner at Deloitte, Andrew Botterill, who leads the energy and chemicals file.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recently decided to cut 2.2 million barrels a day in the first quarter of 2024.

Demand is forecast to increase by about 1 million barrels per day in 2024, compared with 1.6 million last year, per analysis by the US Energy Information Administration.

“It’s the pendulum of this energy industry. When prices are high, money is spent. And then, of course, when those volumes come on, things will soften a little bit. So I think this is a little to be expected from where we were,” he stressed.

Deloitte forecasts the average WTI price will remain low through 2026 before rebounding slightly in the years leading up to 2030 — however, prices still aren’t expected to climb over $80 a barrel.

While lower oil prices may leave the province readjusting its budget, Botterill said consumers can do a version of the same exercise.

Meanwhile, the NUPRC has said that Nigeria is poised to receive substantial support in its endeavour to mitigate methane emissions originating from the oil and gas sector.

Stressing that this will be partly achieved through a collaboration between the country and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, it stated that the partnership signifies a significant step towards addressing environmental challenges associated with the energy industry.

The industry regulator added that methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has been a growing concern globally, and the partnership was tailored to bolster Nigeria’s initiatives in curbing its impact on climate change.

“As a prime regulator in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the NUPRC is set to leverage the expertise and resources of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition.

“This collaboration that encompasses a multifaceted approach, including knowledge sharing, technological support, and joint research efforts, is aimed at devising effective methane mitigation strategies.

“The Climate and Clean Air Coalition, renowned for its dedication to air quality and climate-related initiatives, is bringing its wealth of experience to the partnership,” the NUPRC stated in a note.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it is working towards the implementation of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai committee’s report on true federalism.

APC’s deputy national organising secretary, Nze Chidi Duru, disclosed this during an interactive session with newsmen at the weekend in Abuja.

Recall that the APC had set up a 23-man committee on true federalism, headed by Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which submitted its report on January 14, 2018.

The committee recommended that power be devolved to states on issues, such as policing and resource control, among many others. But the report was not implemented by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Following this, a former national vice chairman (North West), Salihu Mohammed Lukman, had in a statement titled, ‘Rebuilding the APC to Reform Nigerian Politics: Task Before President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’, attributed the failure to implement the report to the “existence of weak structures of the party.”

He argued that the failure to implement the report had affected the party negatively.
But Duru disclosed that there were internal moves by the Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led NWC to ensure the implementation of the report.

Duru, a member of the NWC from Anambra State, said, “It has become an article in the APC and for APC; in the ideology and philosophy of the party on the basis of which the current administration campaigned. The issue of devolution of power and restructuring is clearly embedded in that report.

“As much as we are making the efforts internally to throw up that report to hold the government to account and to implement five points on the basis of which we campaigned to Nigerians, I will charge the fourth estate of the realm to throw it as a Bible and article of faith on the face of our leaders to ensure that, that part of the report is implemented.

“It is good for Nigeria, it will work for Nigerians and it will be best for Nigeria because what that would have achieved is that the overhead cost in governance will be substantially removed, a level-playing field both in business and politics will be enhanced and Nigerians in their area of influence will have sense of belonging.”

The Federal Government has said it would launch an investigation into private universities to show if they have in place prescribed facilities, adequate management structure, and adequate funding of programmes, among others.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mammam took the decision in response to the recent media report by an undercover journalist who reportedly acquired a university degree certificate from Cotonou-based university in six weeks, and was also mobilised for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
LEADERSHIP however, observed that about 107 private Universities would be affected given that such institutions were established after 2009 and therefore, fall into the category in question.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), on its website indicated that Nigeria currently has a total of 147 private universities and 107 of them were established in the last 15 years.
However, in a twist of fate, only 40 private universities find themselves in the spotlight as they skillfully dodge the bullet of investigation.

The Universities are; African University of Science and Technology (2007), Achievers University, Owo (2007), Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (2009), Ajayi Crowther University, Ibadan (2005), Al-Hikma University (2005), Al-Qalam University, Katsina (2005), American University of Nigeria , Yola (2003), Babcock University, Illisan-Remo (1999), Bells University of Technology, Otta (2005), Benson Idahosa University, Benin City (2002), Bingham University, New Karu (2005).
Others are; Bowen University, Iwo (2001), Caleb University, Lagos (2007), Carnitas University Enugu (2005), Covenant University, Ota (2002), Crawford University, Igbesa (2005), Crescent University (2005), Fountain University, Osogbo (2007), Godfrey Okoye University (2009), Igbinedion University, Okada (1999), Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeyi (2006), Kwararafa Univery, Wukari (2005), Lead City University, Enugu (2005), Madonna University, Abuja (1999).

That’s notwithstanding, we have; Nile University, Abuja (2009), Novena University, Ogume (2005), Obong University, Obong Ntak (2007), Oduduwa University, Osun (2009), Pan-Athlantic University, Lagos (2002), Redeemer’s University, Ede (2005), Renaissance University, Enugu (2005), Rhema University, Akwa Ibom (2009), Paul University, Anambra (2009), Salem, Lokoja (2007), Tansian University, Umunya (2007), University of Mkar, Mkar (2005), Veritas, Abuja (2007), Wellspring University, Edo (2009), Wesley University, Ondo (2009) and Western Delta University (2007).

LEADERSHIP earlier reported how Mammam said the inter-ministerial committee set up to look into the activities of illegal universities would also examine “the veracity of the allegations of degree certificate racketeering within both foreign and local private universities in Nigeria.”
The ducation minister said the panel will also examine the procedures and processes for periodic accreditation of programmes in the universities by the NUC and examine their effectiveness in quality assurance of the programmes.

The panel will also, as part of its Terms of Reference, “review the role of any MDA or its officials (including identifying such officials) in the facilitation of the recognition and procurement of the fake certificate in question and examine the rules, procedures and processes for recognition and accreditation of foreign universities and programmes by the Federal Ministry of Education.”
Other terms of reference include to: “Establish if unapproved foreign institutions (degree mills) exist or not in Nigeria in whatever form with their identities and locations if any.
“Make other recommendations that will strengthen the system of recognitions, accreditations and quality assurance of degrees in Nigeria

“Examine the extant rules, procedures and processes for granting of provisional licences to new universities by the National Universities Commission.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said wherever he goes, every Nigerian wants to take a picture with him.

In an event recently aired by Channels Television, Wike stated that he went to Lagos for an event hosted by the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, and immediately he entered the venue, “Every Nigerian wanted to snap with me. If I was collecting money every time this happened, do you know how much I will make?”

He stated that even his friend had to ask what was going on.

The FCT Minister added that this also happens in places like London where Nigerians always offer to help with his luggage.

“All of this tells me something, you must make impact on peoples lives. Whatever position you find yourself, just make impact.” he said.

The United Bank for Africa crossed the N1 trillion mark in market capitalisation at the close of trading on the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Monday.

UBA’s market cap stood at N1.022tn from N990bn on Friday, signalling a N32bn gain in one day, thus emerging the third most-capitalised bank in Nigeria, behind Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc.

The shares of the financial institution were named as the highest-performing stock in the banking sector in 2023, which underscores the bank’s growth trajectory.

Between January 2023 and Monday, the price of UBA shares has appreciated by over 250 per cent from N7.60 per share to N29.90 per unit.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Chairman, UBA Group, Tony Elumelu, said that the bank’s remarkable journey in 2023 highlighted the bank’s strategic prowess and reflects its commitment to delivering unparalleled value to shareholders and stakeholders alike.

He said, “As UBA celebrates these significant milestones, we would like all our stakeholders to know that we remain steadfast in our mission to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and create value for its diverse clientele across Africa. We are witnessing the impact of the business transformation drive UBA embarked on years ago and executed well.

“Naturally, the market has taken note of and is duly rewarding our efforts. To our stakeholders, we promise that we will continue to work harder, deliver on what we know how to do well and create impacts across geographies where we currently operate.”

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, expressing delight at the bank’s performance in the past few months said, “Market participants have begun to appreciate the latent capacity in UBA’s business model as the bank unlocks enormous potentials in its pan African and international operations. Its unique competitive advantage lies in people, processes, and technology.

“With operations and offices in 24 countries and on four continents, UBA is the only African bank with deposit-taking license in the USA. The Bank’s fundamentals remain strong with impressive financial results that have continued to deliver sustainable value for its shareholders. At its current price, UBA trades at price-to-earning and price-to-book multiples of 2.27 and 0.59 which are a reflection of the market’s expectations of the Bank’s future growth potentials.”

In 2023, UBA’s Shareholders’ Fund grew from N992bn as of December 2022 to N1.8trn as of September 2023. UBA was also appointed as the Local Arranger and Local Depository Bank for the $3.3bn FX Liquidity support facility for Nigeria in partnership with the African Export and Import Bank.

By Deborah Tolu-Kolawole


Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, on Sunday, urged the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Betta Edu, to stop insulting Nigerians following her claims that the allegations of a N585 million fraud were baseless.

The embattled minister came under heavy criticism on Friday after a memo surfaced where she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry claimed currently serves as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

The instructions for the payment are contained in a leaked memo dated December 20, 2023.

The PUNCH reports that the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation said on Friday that the N585.18 million grant for vulnerable groups in four states was approved and followed the stipulated due process of government.

Speaking on the matter, which has since gone viral, the minister noted that the allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors, who seek to frustrate her efforts in her fight against corruption and uplifting the needy.

But Falana in a statement on Sunday said that while the Minister has not denied that she approved the “payment of the over half a billion Naira to a private account in contravention of, the extant Public Service Rules as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Act and the Penal Code applicable in the Federal Capital Territory,” she refused to, “apologise to the Federal Government and people of Nigeria and calling it quits for betraying the confidence reposed in her, the Minister has arrogantly said that the N585.18 million fraud allegation is a mere fabrication by her detractors and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to undermine her ministry’s effort in fighting corruption and uplifting the needy.”

Speaking further, Falana noted that though the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, has successfully frustrated the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million from the public treasury, it is crystal clear from the leaked memorandum of the Minister that the offence of an attempt to commit a felony has already been completed.

“There can be no legal justification for the criminal diversion of the said sum of N585.18 million for disbursement to vulnerable people in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States since the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has collated the individual bank accounts of all the vulnerable people

“Having regard to the facts and circumstances of this extremely embarrassing drama, we commend the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the recovery of the sum of N37 billion meant for vulnerable people in Nigeria.

“We also call on the Commission to speed up the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a view to charging all indicted persons before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory as soon as possible,” the Falana said.

BY SAMUEL AKPAN


Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for the ministry’s staff to Kogi — a state with no airport.

The approval is contained in a leaked internal memo dated November 6, 2023, and seen by TheCable.

The memo issued by the national programme manager, requesting the total sum of N72,374,500, was titled: ‘The Disbursement Under the 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups Programmes in Kogi State, 2023’, and was approved by the minister.

In the memo, the sum is appropriated for the minister’s “advanced team” to travel by air for an “event” in Kogi.

Each of the minister’s “advanced team” members, including aides, received the sum of N200,000 for flight tickets, N20,000 for airport taxi, and local running expenses and DTA depending on grade level — all amounting to N72,374,500.

The sum of N300,000 was earmarked for the minister’s air ticket.

However, Kogi has no airport to its name.

In November 2020, Yahaya Bello, Kogi governor, met with then-President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock, seeking the establishment of an airport in the state.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Bello said he asked Buhari to ensure that Kogi got funds for the airport.

“I paid a visit to the president to brief him about the confluence state, the development and challenges we are facing and also to convey a message form the people of Kogi state that the social bond between the government and the governed is still very strong,” he said.


A WEEK OF CONTROVERSIES

The development is the latest in a series of controversies that have dogged the minister.

Edu has been under fire after a memo surfaced wherein she asked Oluwatoyin Madein, accountant-general of the federation, to transfer the sum of N585 million to a private account.

The instruction for the payment is contained in a leaked letter dated December 20, 2023.

In the letter signed by the minister and titled: “Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States Respectively”, Edu instructed the accountant-general to transfer the aforementioned sum to the UBA account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

Some social media users have called for the probe of the minister and her ministry.

On Saturday, the Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), asked President Bola Tinubu to commence disciplinary proceedings against Edu, saying the minister’s action is a “serious procurement and fiscal malfeasance that attracts serious penalties”.

Amid the public outrage, Edu denied any wrongdoing.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has said it will not hesitate to sanction Egypt Air and NG Eagle Airline if they do not address the flight disruption, short- landed baggage experienced in the month of December, 2023.

In a terse meeting with the Egypt Air team led by the station manager, Dr. Nabil Fawzy in Abuja on Thursday, the director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu warned that the Authority would not sit down and watch Nigerians suffer after paying so much to enjoy their flights.

Speaking on behalf of the acting director-general of the NCAA, Achimugu also insisted that all compensation for short-landed baggage which is $170 dollars must be paid to the passengers.

In a similar meeting with the management of NG Eagle Airline on the 3rd of January, 2024, the director said the NCAA would not hesitate to activate its regulatory action on the airline if it continues to treat its passengers with contempt.

He said it is unacceptable that the airline makes itself incommunicado when it experiences flight disruptions.

According to him, “The minister and the director general are not happy. I was at the airport for another business, I encountered a lot of aggrieved passengers. One thing I feel offended about is the fact that we know flight disruptions happen but when your airline experiences disruptions for whatever reason, your officers disappear. The passengers cannot even meet them for clarifications or support and even the Authority’s Consumer Protection Officers (CPOs) can’t reach your staff. Our CPOs are supposed to get the right briefing from you to be able to advise the passengers’ when they come to our office to complain.”

“For over one week, you had too many cases. This is unacceptable. You have left so much unattended to and we are not happy about it” he said.

He also told them not to further sell tickets until all the technical issues with the airline have been resolved, adding that the airline should have suspended ticket sales immediately if they had technical issues that would take time to resolve.

“If this continues, the hammer has to go down. Regulatory action will have to be taken,” he warned.

He also mandated airlines to always issue public statements on major disruptions of flight operations.

Responding, the accountable manager/managing director, NG Eagle, Capt. Kiddie Dare apologised for the lack of communication by the airline with the passengers and the NCAA.

He explained that they had some technical issues they were trying to resolve hence the several cancelled flights in one week.

Federal Civil Servants on Thursday night confirmed the receipt of their October 2023 wage awards months after a temporary suspension of payment.

Recall that the payment of N35,000 wage award was an agreement reached between the Federal Government and the Organized Labour as part of the moves to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit popularly known as petrol.

President Bola Tinubu had declared during his Independence Day speech that “low-grade workers” in the Federal Civil Service would be awarded a wage of N25,000.

The amount was then increased to N35,000 following discussions with the organised labour unions.

The government, in a memo signed by the Chairman, National Salaries Wages and Income Commission, Ekpo Nta, stated that the payment of the wage award would begin to take effect from September 1, 2023.

However, findings by our correspondent indicated that the government only paid the wage award for September.

Civil servants in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies had said they only received the wage awards for September 2023.

The unfortunate development came amidst reports that the government had slashed the wage award allocation by the sum of N100bn in the 2023 supplementary budget.

The Nigeria Labour Congress had described the government’s action as dishonorable, while the Trade Union Congress also urged the government to pay civil servants the wage awards or risk industrial action.

A senior civil servant who confided in Saturday PUNCH, however, said some civil servants had started receiving the wage award for October 2023.

“In my agency, we received the arrears for October 2023 and nothing else was paid again. The wage award for November and December was not paid; it (the one paid) is only for October 2023. Remember they owed us the sum of N105,000.”

The spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General, Bawa Mokwa, however said all civil servants would receive their wage awards as soon as possible.

The private account belongs to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, identified as a project manager by the minister.

Dr Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation asked the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to send public funds to a private account, according to a letter obtained by SaharaReporters.


https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/styles/focal_point_650x390/public/2024-01/20240105_154531.jpg?h=8f74817f&itok=_8iLWL4cThe Minister and Letter sent for transfer


The private account belongs to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, identified as a project manager by the minister.

A letter from the minister with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/OHM/S.208 to the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs Madein dated December 20, 2023, asked that over N585 million should be sent to a private account.

The letter signed by the minister, Dr Edu, is titled ‘Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States Respectively’.

It reads, “I hereby approve the payment of the cumulative sum of five hundred and eighty-five million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand, five hundred naira (N585,189,500.00). These are payments for programmes and activities of the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups.”

The details show that N219,429,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom State; N73,828,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Cross River State; N219,462,250.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Lagos State while N72,468,750.00 was for 2023 Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Ogun State.

The letter said the payment of N585,189,500.00 –the total sum – should be made to a UBA account: 2003682151 belonging to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

“This payment should be made from the National Social Investment Officer account with account number: 0020208461037 to the Project Accountant’s details listed above,” it added.

Sources told SaharaReporters that a system that allows the Accountant General of the Federation to send public funds into private accounts based on requests by ministers encourages corruption.

“If a minister can ask the Accountant General of the Federation to move public funds into a private account and the AGF will do it, then it is no wonder the last AGF stole plenty of money,” a source said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris and Geoffrey Akindele alongside Mohammed Usman and Gezawa Commodity Market & Exchange Limited on charges of fraudulent diversion of public funds to the tune of N109.5 million.

Idris and Akindele were accused of committing criminal breach of trust while being entrusted with certain property, to wit N84,390,000,000 between February and November 2021 by “dishonestly receiving the said amount from the Federal Government through Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, trading under the name and style of Olusegun Akindele & Co”.

As a public servant, Idris was also accused of collecting an equivalent of N15.1 million from Akindele between February and December 2021 to accelerate the payment of 13 per cent derivation to nine oil-rich states in the country through the Office of the AGF.

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that it exclusively obtained documents showing how the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) moved N226,188,500 million to Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states on November 11, 2023.

In the election characterised by irregularities including vote-buying thuggery and pre-recorded results, APC candidates were declared victorious in Imo and Kogi states while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and incumbent Governor of Bayelsa State secured re-election.

However, documents SaharaReporters obtained on Thursday show that the funds were moved to the states on November 4 and 6 respectively in the name of providing palliatives for indigent and underprivileged people.

But government sources told SaharaReporters that the funds were mobilised to the states days before the elections to buy votes under the cover providing funds for vulnerable people in the states.

“It was all a ruse to buy votes for APC and their candidates in the elections using the programme for vulnerable people as cover; that was why the events were done a few days before the governorship elections in the three states,” one of the sources said.

A breakdown of the disbursement of the funds shows that N72,374,500 was moved to Kogi State on November 6, 2023, through the Director of Finance Account, National Social Investment Agency, just five days before the governorship election.

Also on November 6, the ministry approved and moved N72,423,250 million to Bayelsa State under the ministry's 2023 grant for vulnerable groups programmes.

On November 3, 2023, a total of N81,390,750 million was moved to Imo State under the same guise of providing grants to vulnerable groups, just seven days before the governorship election.

According to the documents, the Minster of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Edu personally approved the moving of the funds to the three states.

On October 31, 2023, the Nigerian House of Representatives summoned Edu to brief the chamber on the status of the federal government’s conditional cash transfer programme to 15 million households.

In a motion of urgent public importance, the House expressed concern over the handling of the programme, citing a lack of transparency and alleged fraudulent practices.

The lawmakers asked the minister to provide details on the collation of data and the distribution of funds.

President Bola Tinubu launched the conditional cash transfer programme in October as part of his efforts to address poverty and vulnerability in the country. The programme aims to provide monthly cash transfers of N25,000 to each of the 15 million beneficiary households for three months.

The invitation of the minister by the House comes amid reports of irregularities in the program’s implementation, including allegations that some beneficiaries had been excluded while others had been paid multiple times.

The lawmakers asked the minister to provide details on the collation of data and the distribution of funds.

However, efforts to reach the minister failed as she did not answer calls from SaharaReporters. She also did not reply to text messages sent to her mobile line.

A 17-year-old girl, Special Ajiri, who went missing on Wednesday has been found after hours of search. The girl was said to have gone missing at about 3:00 p.m., after leaving home to see a friend.

Her mother, Ebegbare Ajiri, during the search had turned to social media for help. She wrote: “Please, my baby is missing. She left home in Ijanikin, at about 3:00 p.m. to see a friend at Agbara but never got to her destination. She’s just 17. If you live around Iya Oba to the Agbara axis and you have seen her, please, let me know, or report to the nearest police station.”

Although information concerning her discovery was sketchy, yesterday, her mother, who gave an update, wrote: “She’s been found and is currently hospitalised. Thank you all for your prayers and best wishes.”

She added: “They boarded Korope bus. I think they used chloroform to make her unconscious. She found herself in Oko Afor and was rescued by a vigilante group.”

Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the case was not reported.

MEANWHILE, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, yesterday, issued a 10-point strategic roadmap for officers of the command.The CP said the command is committed to rejuvenating the attitude of officers towards ensuring quality and optimum service delivery, building trust, and improving the relationship between residents and the police.

He promised to increase police visibility and accessibility and be open and responsive to the citizens. Fayaode also promised to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and collaboration at all levels, to enhance safety and security and improve the quality of justice administration.

This is besides conducting periodic and unannounced spot checks at holding cells, police stations, as well as inspection of weapons and ammunition carried by personnel to ensure compliance with official regulations.

He said: “We are committed to ensuring officers adhere strictly to the code of conduct and ethics of our noble profession and maintain the highest standards of integrity both on and off duty, and partnering with the media and organised community groups to promote better police service delivery;

“Partnering with the health sector to ensure the continuous wellbeing of officers for healthy and quality service delivery is also part of our agendas.

“We will establish an accessible mechanism of receipt of complaints made by members of the public for swift and impartial investigation to complement the efforts of the Command Complaint Response Unit.”

A 58-year-old man identified as Osuedi Sunday Christian has been abandoned by his family at the University Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State.

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SaharaReporters gathered that Osuedi who hails from Orogun, Ighoyobi Compound in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State was taken to the hospital by his wife on June 23, 2023, and reportedly abandoned there.

SaharaReporters learnt that she had not shown up since then.

And when the hospital contacted her, she said she had moved out of the apartment where the couple used to stay in Lagos.

The Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mrs. Queen Aigbodion told SaharaReporters that UBTH had been feeding and taking care of Osuedi for over six months.

“As of yesterday (Thursday) when I spoke to the wife on the phone, she insisted that she was no longer in the house,” Aigbodion said.

She said, "The wife brought him to the hospital on the 23rd of June 2023 and that was the last time we saw her. The man is very sick but can talk.

"We made an attempt by taking him to his home town, but nobody seemed to know him there and we brought him back to the hospital because we cannot just abandon him there since he cannot help himself.

"UBTH has been feeding him and taking care of him, while the nurses are also supporting him with their personal money.

"The patient is an Urhobo by tribe and has two underaged children with his wife who is from Calabar, Cross River State. His parents are deceased.

"He has lost contact with his siblings since he claimed to have left his home town for Lagos State over 40 years ago.

"We therefore use this medium to call on members of the public to help reach/contact his family members to come for him.”

Nigeria will pay an interest of 11.85 percent per annum on the $3.3 billion “pre-export finance facility” (PxF) facilitated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd and arranged by Afrexim Bank, TheCable can report.

Until now, the fine details of the transaction, which has a five-year tenor, had been withheld by all parties involved.

A similar cocoa-backed $800 million facility arranged for Ghana by its cocoa marketing board attracts an interest of 8 percent per annum.

Bilateral lenders, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), would typically charge 1-3 percent with a longer tenor.

In the details seen by TheCable, Nigeria pledged a total of 164.25 million barrels of crude oil — at 90,000 barrels per day — starting from 2024 to repay the loan through Project Gazelle Funding Ltd, an “orphan” special purpose vehicle (SPV) incorporated in Bahamas for the PxF.

Effectively, the NNPC has pledged 38.58 percent of five years’ worth of tax and royalty oil to secure the loan.

Nigeria pledges over $12 billion worth of oil
At the beginning of 2024, a barrel of Nigerian oil was sold at the international market at $77.93 per barrel, according to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) data.

At $77.93 per barrel, the 164.25 million barrels of oil pledged by Nigeria equals $12.8 billion — about three times more than the facility taken.

Pre-2014, the national oil company used to remit an average of $3 billion from oil sales every month.

Officially, Project Gazelle Funding Ltd (PGFL) is the borrower while the NNPC is the “sponsor” and will pay with oil to the SPV to liquidate the loan.

To make the repayment, the NNPC will forward-sell 90,000 barrels per day of Nigeria’s share of offshore crude oil under the production sharing contract (PSCs) with the oil companies.

Under PSCs, the companies usually pay royalties and taxes by giving the oil equivalent to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) respectively.

The NNPC in turn exports the oil on behalf of NUPRC and FIRS and remits the proceeds to the agencies.

This is part of the revenues paid into the federation account and shared by the three tiers of government.

But under the PxF, the revenue from 90,000 barrels per day will be used to service the loan in the next five years.

The loan arrangers will get a commission of $66 million or 2% of the facility, TheCable further learnt.

Nigeria will pay 2 percent penalty per annum in the event of a default.


‘DOLLAR LIQUIDITY TO STABILISE THE NAIRA’

The national oil company announced in August 2023 that the PxF was to support the federal government “in its ongoing fiscal and monetary policy reforms aimed at stabilizing the exchange rate market”, describing it as “a relief for the naira”.

It called the facility “crude oil repayment” with an upfront cash loan “against proceeds from a limited amount of future crude oil production”.

At the time, the dollar exchanged for an average of N775 in the official market and N885 on the streets.

The rates have now moved to N1,035/$ (official) and N1,230/$ (parallel).

Nigeria’s outstanding forex liabilities are currently thought to be over $7 billion.

In an explainer after announcing the PxF last year, the NNPC said its exposure is very limited, “covering just a fraction” of their entitlements and that “there are no sovereign guarantees tied to it”.

It said it “will also equip the Federal Government with the necessary dollar liquidity to stabilize the Naira, with limited risk”.

A strengthened naira as a result of the initiative, it said, “will lead to a reduction in fuel costs. This means that if the Naira appreciates in value, the cost of fuel will drop and further increases will be halted”.

It also ruled out subsidies, maintaining that a stronger naira “will result in lower prices from the current level, making subsidies unnecessary. The deregulation policy remains unchanged”.

Critics questioned NNPC’s involvement in getting loans to boost forex reserves when it should be concentrating its efforts on bringing in more oil revenues.

There were also questions over the decision to pledge the tax and royalty oil belonging to the entire federation to secure the loan.

Analysts also queried why the details of the deal were never made public.

Samuel Oamen


South African business mogul, Johann Rupert, has dethroned Nigerian Aliko Dangote to emerge as Africa’s wealthiest man, according to a list released by Forbes Magazine.

Here is a list of Africa’s richest men (Rank, Name and Net worth)

1. Johann Rupert & Family $10.3 billion

2. Aliko Dangote $9.5 billion

3. Nicky Oppenheimer & Family $8.3 billion

4. Nassef Sawiris $7.4 billion

5. Abdulsamad Rabiu $5.9 billion

6. Nathan Kirsh $5.8 billion

7. Issad Rebrab & Family $4.6 billion

8. Mohamed Mansour $3.6 billion

9. Naguib Sawiris $3.3 billion

10. Mike Adenuga $3.1 billion

Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, has said that security operatives will go after holders of certificates from degree mills.

The minister was commenting on the Federal Government’s recent directive on degrees from Benin Republic and Togo during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today.

Following an investigative report by Daily Nigerian indicting a university in Benin Republic where a first degree was obtained within weeks, the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education on Tuesday suspended accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo.

But when asked during the interview about his position on holders of such certificates who have been in the system, the minister said, “If along the line, we are able to trace people who are in the system they would be punished. For instance if a particular institution or an operator has been operating in the last 10 years we can check.

“If we can get records of Nigerians who attended those institutions and once we do that they are criminals. There is no time frame for criminality. We will trace them and if we are able to lay our hands on them, certainly security operatives will go after them.”

Mamman added that the minister is widening its investigation on degree mills to other institutions in some African countries.