The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Tinubu appoints Tunji Bello as New CEO FC CPC

    Tinubu appoints Tunji Bello as New CEO FC CPC

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Tunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) subject to Senate confirmation.

    A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said Bello, a seasoned lawyer, administrator, and journalist, brings a wealth of experience to the role. 

    The statement further said Bello previously served as Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Commissioner for Environment and various editorial positions at Concord Newspapers and THISDAY Newspapers.

    It said the President expects Bello to ensure the Commission’s mandate is fully realized, protecting Nigerian consumers’ interests, promoting their welfare, and guaranteeing the safety and quality of goods and services.

    “President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Olatunji Bello as the new Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice-Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), pending confirmation by the Senate.

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    “Mr. Bello is a lawyer, administrator, and renowned journalist.

    “He is the former secretary to the Lagos State Government and holds a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He studied Law at the same university and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.

    “Mr. Bello began his career in journalism at the Concord Newspapers in 1985 and held the positions of Group Political Editor; Sunday Concord Editor, and Editor, National Concord. 

    “He is a winner of the US Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship and was appointed the Chairman, Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspapers in 2001.

    “He also served as Commissioner for Environment under various administrations in Lagos State.

    “The President expects that the new Chief Executive Officer of this important agency will ensure the holistic realization of the Commission’s mandate of protecting and promoting the interest and welfare of Nigerian consumers and ensuring the adoption of measures to guarantee the safety and quality of goods and services,” the statement reads.

  • FAAN deploys 120 special security personnel to airports

    FAAN deploys 120 special security personnel to airports

    The MD/CEO of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, has commissioned 120 officers of the Aviation  Security  ( AVSEC) Special Force to international airports across the country.

    The Special Force has been trained to bear arms as part of the mission to beef up security at the nation’s gateways.

    Kuku, who spoke at the commissioning of 30 of the personnel at the international wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos, said it was a remarkable moment for the agency as it takes constructive steps to get Nigeria aviation security team kitted in line with the global standards.

    According to the FAAN MD:  “This is for them to help us in terms of securing our assets, in terms of helping to secure lives, as well as the people within the aviation environment specifically at the airports. So again, as I mentioned, it’s remarkable for us, we’re happy that we spent a significant amount of time in terms of training them, in terms of identifying the sorts of individuals that are part of this squad.

    “They’re quite professional, as you can see, and they will continue to engage as well as work closely with other security agencies.”

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    Kuku allayed fears of the security team deploying their arms for use as excessive force in the course of their duty, cautioning passengers and airport users to go about their businesses in an orderly manner.

    She stressed: “The arms they carry  today show that they are now an elite squad that will complement the aviation security staff that we have.”

    Speaking on the facilities where the personnel will be deployed, the FAAN Chief Executive said: “We are starting with the five international airports. That’s Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu. There is a similar exercise going on. We do have about 120 people who have been trained. It is a recurring training program. In Lagos, I believe we have about 30 of them.

    “As mentioned, the special squad role will be to critically work with all of the other security agencies. This is very important. And I say it’s a significant milestone. You can see them,they’re gallant, they’re kitted, they’re ready to protect, and they’re ready to serve.”

    She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu, the  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and the National Security Adviser, for their support in achieving this noble objective.

  • N30tr Ways, Means probe not ‘dead’, says Senate panel

    N30tr Ways, Means probe not ‘dead’, says Senate panel

    The Senate Ad-hoc Committee probing the  N30trillion Ways and Means Advances facility granted the former President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration by the Central Bank of Nigeria on Monday denied that the exercise has been abandoned.

    Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin (APC  – Kogi East), made this assertion in a statement in Abuja while reacting to an online report which alleged that  the investigation is in limbo.

    The Ad-hoc Committee Chairman in the rebuttal, attached a letter of reminder it wrote the Accountant General for the Federation requesting for further vital information to assist the panel’s investigative activities.

    Senator Jibrin, who doubles as Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs and Excise Duties, explained though the Ad-hoc Committee was given six weeks to carry out the exercise and report back to the Senate during its inauguration in March but  the need for carry out a thorough exercise  had made the committee to exceed the time.

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    “The essence of an investigation is to come up with factual findings and not just roll in report within specified time frame.

    “Investigation on the N30trillion Ways and Means, is on course and not in anyway, in limbo,

    as insinuated by an online platform today.

    “Some of the required findings have been made and still being made as clearly shown by a letter of reminder  recently written to the office of Accountant General of the Federation,” he said.

    The letter dated 19th June, 2024 by Senator Isah Jibrin and titled: “Request for Submission of Additional Information” reads: “You may recall our earlier letter on the above subject dated 27th May, 2024, requesting for the following additional information on Ways and Means, which you are yet to respond to.

    “The required information are: Details of disbursements under Ways and Means, Names of the beneficiaries, Amount/date of disbursements, purpose of the disbursements, terms of the disbursement (where applicable), repayment schedule (where applicable) and adherence to the repayment schedule.”

    Ways and Means is a loan facility through which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), finances the Federal Government’s budget shortfalls.

    This type of loans usually result in macroeconomic instability, leading to inflation and high exchange rates because of the excess liquidity injected into the economy.

    The CBN Act limits advances under ways and means to five per cent of the previous year’s revenue, but this has been mostly breached over the years.

    As a way of remedying the situation, the CBN Governor,  Yemi Cardoso, declared in February the apex bank would no longer grant Ways and Means Advances to the Federal Government “until all outstanding debts are refunded.”

  • We are not leaving Nigeria, ExxonMobil assures

    We are not leaving Nigeria, ExxonMobil assures

    ExxonMobil has assured the Federal Government it is not exiting Nigeria.

    Its MD/CEO, Mr. Shane Harris made this known when he led his team to meet the  Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri in Abuja.

    The ExxonMobil boss said: “We are excited about the prospects these new investments bring. 

     “Our partnership with the Nigerian government is crucial for sustainable growth, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration as we have no plan to leave.” 

    The Minister reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing production and fostering a conducive environment for investors in the energy sector. 

    This was contained in a statement byLokpobiri’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor issued yesterday.

    The Minister highlighted the ministry’s strategic focus on creating robust collaborations and sharing innovative ideas with International Oil Companies (IOCs).

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     “We are dedicated to ramping up production and ensuring a supportive 

    environment for all investors by doing everything possible to maintain investor confidence in our country,” he said. 

     Harris hinted at significant new investments that ExxonMobil is injecting into Nigeria’s energy sector. He expressed confidence in the renewed relationship between ExxonMobil and the Nigerian Government, assuring that the oil giant is not planning to leave Nigeria. 

     Lokpobiri commended ExxonMobil 

    for its commitment, noting that it aligns perfectly with the nation’s objectives. “ExxonMobil’s planned investments are commendable and greatly appreciated. This renewed relationship is a testament to the mutual goals we share for the future of our energy sector,’ he said. 

    The discussions also hinted at the Ministry’s support for the international and independent oil operators. 

    Lokpobiri assured Harris of the Government’s support, emphasizing the importance of creating a thriving environment for all stakeholders.

     “We fully support ExxonMobil and other lOCs, just as we do with independent operators. Our collaborative efforts are key to the sustainable growth of our energy sector,’ he added. 

    He stressed the importance of continued dialogue and partnership between the Government and IOCs to drive innovation and growth in the sector. 

  • One dies, houses razed as masquerade festival turns communal clash in Osun

    One dies, houses razed as masquerade festival turns communal clash in Osun

    One person has been reportedly killed after Egungun masquerade festival caused a communal clash between two communities; Ikoyi and Apomu in Isokan local government area of Osun State. 

    The Nation gathered the Egungun festival started last Thursday in the two neighbouring communities on a very good note till Sunday when things went awry and led to brawl. 

    A resident of the Apomu community Hammed Abidoye explained to our correspondent that altercation ensued between a masquerade of Apomu belonging to a faction of Odua Peoples Congress and that of Ikoyi, who is of another faction of Akerele on Sunday. 

    “Those Egungun and their adherents clashed yesterday (Sunday) around 6:30 PM. I don’t know what caused the fight. One person was killed and the situation is tensed both in Apomu and Ikoyi. Civil Defense people are trying to calm the situation but the situation is serious right now,” he stated. 

    Aminat, a resident of Isokan, stated they burnt houses, shops and other property during the clash. 

    When contacted, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC), Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke, confirmed the incident. 

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    She noted: “We learnt that one person was killed truly but we haven’t confirmed that.

    “The Command has deployed tactical teams to forestall break down of law and order. The team had been briefed to ensure adequate protection of lives and National Assets and infrastructure.

    “The tactical team is equipped with the necessary resources and expertise to effectively address the situation on ground and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

    “We urge all citizens to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.”

    Efforts to reach the Osun Police Command were abortive. The spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, did not respond to calls and text messages. 

  • We did not abolish patrol points in Southeast, says FRSC

    We did not abolish patrol points in Southeast, says FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said that it hasn’t abolished patrol points in the southeast.

    It said contrary to reports in some sections of the media, its personnel will engage in patrols to ensure total compliance to road traffic laws.

    The spokesperson of FRSC, Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide, said this in a statement on Sunday, June 23.

    Ogungbemide said the Zonal Commanding Officer of Zone 9 Headquarters Enugu, Assistant Corps Marshal Uche Chukwurah, who visited the Abia State Sector Command, Umuahia, was misquoted to have said the patrol points were abolished.

    The statement said: “Even though the statement by the Zonal Commanding Officer was meant to reaffirm the stand of the National Headquarters of the FRSC on the new operational strategy that will de-emphasize static patrol which comes in the form of roadblock, it was unfortunately misconstrued to mean abolition of patrol points in the zonal command based on security threats.

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    “Nothing can be further from the truth as the statement was not only misleading but capable of giving wrong information to unsuspecting members of the public on the intention of the FRSC Management on the ongoing operational rejigging not targeted at the Southeastern states of the country but the nation at large. 

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the policy of rejigging the operational strategy of the Corps as conceived by the present Management under Corps Marshal Shehu is aimed at improving the capacity of the personnel to respond promptly to distress calls through provision of functional operational vehicles, ambulances and motorbikes; retraining of personnel for efficient rescue services and increasing the mileage coverage of daily patrol activities for increased presence on parts of the road network.

    “Consequently, any meaning read to the original statement attributed to the Zonal Commanding Officer of Zone 9 Headquarters to create the impression that the FRSC is abolishing or intends to abolish patrol in the Southeast is distorted, misleading and should be disregarded. 

    “What the FRSC as the lead agency in road traffic management and safety administration in Nigeria and one of the security agencies charged with the responsibility of creating safer road environment is doing is to work harder to improve on its quality service delivery and support to other security agencies through credible processing of database on drivers and vehicles which has nothing to do with the abolition of patrol points in the Southeast as alleged.”c

  • JUST IN: Seven villagers feared killed in fresh terrorist attack in Kastina

    JUST IN: Seven villagers feared killed in fresh terrorist attack in Kastina

    No fewer than seven villagers were feared killed in a fresh terrorist attack in Maidabino village in Danmusa local government areas of Katsina state.

    The attack, according to an eyewitness, witnessed the abduction of unspecified number of persons mostly women and children and taken to a nearby forest.

    Investigation by The Nation on the incident last Sunday revealed that the hoodlums operated for about three hours after invading the village at about 10:00 pm, shooting sporadically to scare the residents.

    Our findings further revealed that those killed by the hoodlums were set ablaze.

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    The hoodlums were armed with sophisticated weapons and were  said to have also burnt down several houses, shops including motor vehicles worth millions of Naira belonging to the residents during the operation.

    The Police Spokesman in the state, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Sunday in a text message he sent in response to an inquiry on the issue.

    According to ASP Sadiq, investigation is currently ongoing, as further developments will be communicated in due course.

    He said: ”Yesterday, June 22, 2024, at about 2000 hrs, armed bandits in their numbers, armed with dangerous weapons, shooting sporadically, attacked Maidabino village, Danmusa LGA, where they shot and killed about 7 persons. Hi

    “Investigation is currently ongoing as further developments will be communicated in due course.”

  • Army destroys 14 boats used for oil bunkering in Abia

    Army destroys 14 boats used for oil bunkering in Abia

    …says hard times await economic saboteurs

    Operatives of the Nigerian Army involved in Operation UDOKA in the southeast have recovered 14 boats and several drums of crude oil recovered from oil bunkerers at Isimini Waterside, Ukwa West local government area of Abia state.

    General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu, Major Gen. Hassan Dada, who personally led the operation near an oil flo station in the Ukwa West LGA, told our correspondent that troops acting on intelligence, laid siege on the bunkerers for five days before eventually catching up with them.

    According to Dada, six suspects were apprehended and handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for further interrogations and prosecution.

    The GOC who was flanked by the Brigade Commander in charge of 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig. Gen. Olusola Diya, while addressing newsmen at the creek, said eight of the seized boats were large Cotonu boats while others were small boats.

    He said that the bunkerers use their equipment to rupture oil pipeline  in the area, steal crude, some of which they refine, and some they take to the high sea and sell at ridiculous prices to the enemies of the country.

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    The GOC who said that the leader of the cartel had been identified but on the run, vowed that no economic saboteur would be given a breeding space within the operational areas of Operation UDOKA.

    According to him,  the bunkerers use the proceeds of the stolen crude to finance terrorism.

    Maj. Gen. Dada warned all those involved in the illicit act to turn a new leaf or brace up for the wrath of the military.

    “This is just the beginning of the operation and we will make sure no stone is left unturned. Anybody found culpable will be dealt with. 

    “It’s high time they left this our joint operation area because we won’t spare them. Nobody should be involved in any form of economic sabotage within Operation UDOKA joint Operation area.

    “We are here to ensure that no form of economic sabotage occurs in our joint operational area. We have been here conducting operations against economic saboteurs trying to take crude oil which is the mainstay of our economy.

    “Based on intelligence, we waited for them here for five days until yesterday (Thursday) when they came to get crude oil from the pipeline, then we moved in and recovered 14 boats, some with crude oil.

    “They sank some of the boats and that is why, if you look very well, you will see oil floating there on the water. But any moment from now, we are going to destroy the boats in line with the standing operational procedure.

    “We are going to get to the root of the matter. We know the person in charge of this location and he is on the run but definitely, we will get him. 

    “The Nigerian Army will not in any way tolerate any form of sabotage to the economy of this country. They are more of a cartel, and a lot of scrupulous people are actually involved.

    “They take the stolen oil to the high sea and sell to the enemies of the country at ridiculous prices; some they refine into products which are substandard and cause damages to vehicles.”

  • Drama as Enugu community dedicates new hospital to deity for security

    Drama as Enugu community dedicates new hospital to deity for security

    The people of Ogurute Uno community, the headquarters of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, have handed over a newly built general hospital to a deity for security and protection.

    The decision by the community, our correspondent learned, followed series of vandalisation that had greeted the new hospital by hoodlums.

    It was further gathered that in the process, multi-million naira hospital equipment, such as a brand new ambulance, children’s beds, solar panel and poles, TV sets, among other valuables were carted away from the hospital.

    In a viral video seen by our correspondent, a community leader, who spoke on behalf of the community, lamented that they were being frustrated by unknown persons stealing the equipment.

    He said: “The people here today are people of Ogurute Uno community.

    “This is Ogurute Ulo General Hospital built for us by the government.

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    “The government brought for us equipment for taking care of the sick in our villages. They also equipped this hospital to enable it function to the benefits of our people.

    “But, thieves have stolen the equipment such as Air-conditioners, solar battery, solar panels, an ambulance bus, TV sets, wheelchairs, stretchers, ceiling fans children’s beds.

    “And to think that these things were provided not too long ago, is more worrisome.

    “This is the main reason we have come together and agreed to hand over this General Hospital to the deities here. Yes, it may look as if we’re going too far. But, we have suffered from the wickedness of man. And we want to put a stop to it.

    “Any man or woman who said he or she is not happy about this hospital and has a hand in the missing items, let the deities take care of them”, he said.

    The community, however, said that they would forgive the perpetrators if they returned back the stolen items as soon as possible.

  • Ondo 2024: Why I dumped PDP to emerge SDP candidate, by ex-guber aspirant

    Ondo 2024: Why I dumped PDP to emerge SDP candidate, by ex-guber aspirant

    A former governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo state, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye, has said that he dumped the party to emerge candidate of the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to achieve his dreams of creating wealth for the citizens of the state.

    Otunba Akingboye lost at the primary of the PDP which was won by Agboola Ajayi.

    Akingboye said he has been contesting at the primary of the PDP for 21 years and was never given a chance to emerge as the party’s candidate.

    The Certified Fraud Examiner, who spoke to our reporter in Akure, said he would win the November 16 governorship election because the people would vote for personality and not political party.

    He said his interaction with voters across the state indicated that the people needed somebody like him to move the state forward.

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    His words, “I have been an entrepreneur for many years. I know how to create wealth and put people to work. The suffering is too much.

    “The people need someone who does not belong to any of those group. I have been contesting for 21 years using my personal resources. This is the time to put youth to work. The educational standard of the state will be restored under my watch.”