The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Breaking: Flying Eagles XI vs Ukraine

    Coach Paul Aigbogun has released his starting line-up for the make-or-mar match by the Flying Eagles with Ukrainian U-20 team tonight.

    The game, which begins by 7:30pm, will determine whether or not the Flying Eagles proceed to the second round.

    The team has three points out of two games with a 2-0 loss to the USA making it close to elimination from the competition in Poland.

    Read Also: Flying Eagles target another win over the USA

    These are the boys that will fly Nigerian colours in the must-win match:

    · Oremade

    · R. Mohammed

    · I. Ogbu

    · I. Utin

    · A. Salawudeen

    · N. Oforboh

    · M. Effiom

    · T. Mohammed

    · K. Michael

    · S. Makanjuola

  • Subsidy claims gulp N11tr in six years – Senate

    The Senate Thursday said that the country spent over N11 trillion as payment for outstanding fuel subsidy claims in the last six years.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream, Senator Kabiru Marafa, stated this while presenting the report of the committee on downstream petroleum sector.

    The Zamfara Central senator did not however give details of how the N11 trillion was spent on subsidy claims.

    The report was specifically on “Promissory note programme and a bond issuance to settle inherited local debts and contractual obligations to petroleum marketers.”

    The disclosure came as the upper chamber approved the payment of N129 billion as subsidy claims arrears to 67 oil marketers.

    The approval followed the adoption of the report by the upper chamber.

    Marafa told the Senate that the approval brought to closure the issue of subsidy claims arrears by oil marketers.

    Some of the oil marketers included: AA Rano, Ascon, Aiteo, Total, MRS Oil & Gas Limited, Sahara Energy, Oando PLC, A-Z Petroleum, Masters Energy, Northwest Petroleum, Fresh Enery, Forte Oil, Integrated Oil among others.

    The Senate had on Tuesday approved the sum of N69 billion as oil subsidy claim for Premium Motor Spirit for 19 oil marketers.

    Marafa observed that there were differences in submissions made by the Federal Ministry of Finance, Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and oil marketers.

    The report pointed out that all the subsidy arrears claims were based on three inter-related elements: subsidy, forex differentials and bank interests on unpaid claims.

    “That the recent request computation is based on one of the already identified elements (forex differential).

    “That due to scarcity of Forex within the period, Oil Marketing Companies were allowed to source Forex outside CBN rate to enable them meet the country’s petroleum products demand.

    “That NNPC Retail get their petroleum product allocation directly from PPPMC at already subsidized rate and so does not require forex to transact its business,” the report seen by read.

    Some of the oil marketers and the amount approved for them include: Total Nigeria PLC N13.7 billion, Northwest Petroleum N11.4 billion, Masters Energy N10 billion, MRS Oil PLC N8.8 billion and Sahara Energy N8.4 billion.

    Others are: MRS Oil & Gas Limited N6.3 billion, Nipco PLC N4.2 billion, Forte Oil N3.9 billion, DEEJONES Petroleum & Gas N4.1 billion, Emadeb N4 billion among others.

    Senators who contributed before the report was adopted lamented that the country was bleeding paying outstanding subsidy claims.

    For them, the continuous payment of subsidy claims would hurt the economy.

    The lawmakers urged the Federal Government to build new refineries to put an end to fuel subsidy payment.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Senator Matthew Urhoghide expressed concern that more subsidy claims would come up in the Ninth Assembly because “the computations were not properly done”.

    Read Also: Senate kicks against planned downgrading of Enugu Airport

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, said that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) charge subsidy claims on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, a development he described as unconstitutional.

    Ekweremadu said, “I am also happy to note that we are coming to a closure on the issue of this outstanding payment on subsidy claims. We should begin to think of the best way to deal with the subsidy issues.

    “The frightening aspect of it is that the NNPC now charge subsidy on the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. What they do is that the issue of subsidy is now in the first-line charge on our oil revenue, which is extremely dangerous because that is completely unknown to our constitution.

    “But the implication therefore is that those expenditures are never appropriated. So it is a possible area of conflict between the Executive and the Parliament.

    “I do hope that the next Assembly will be able to sit down with the Executive in other to address this issue without creating unnecessary tension.

    “NNPC needs to also caution itself in that respect so that they don’t encroach on the appropriation responsibilities of the National Assembly”.

  • C/River SUBEB uncovers N1.3bn fraud plot

    The Cross River Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has uncovered an alleged attempt by a fraudster to defraud it of N1.3 billion from UBE Matching Grant.

    The Executive Chairman of the board, Dr Stephen Odey, disclosed this on Thursday in a statement to newsmen in Calabar.

    He said the suspect (name withheld) forged the signature of the Executive Chairman and used the old letter head of the board in an attempt to make withdrawals in one of the board’s bank accounts.

    According to him, the bank alerted the board when it suspected a foul play in the transaction.

    The chairman said that the bank further reported the case to the Department of State Services (DSS) and the suspect was tracked down in Edo.

    “On April 30, I was contacted by Ecobank to confirm my authorisation for the transfer of the sum of N1.3 billion to an account number belonging to WRTS Nigeria Limited through a letter purported to have been sent by me to their Lagos branch.

    “I was further informed that a certain Prof. Ofeimun had made several calls to the bank asking that the said amount of money be transferred to his account as the owner of the company.

    “This is in spite of the fact that SUBEB does not even have such an amount in its matching grant account.

    “The ill-fated letter purported to have been signed and written by me was sent to my e-mail by the bank,’’ he said.

    Odey stated that “Prof. Ofeimun is unknown to me and has no contractual relationship with my office and the said letter was forged.

    “I quickly reported the matter to the Chief Security Officer to the Governor, Mr Mark Anyogo.

    “And I wrote a petition to the DSS to intervene and track down the Prof. Ofeimun with his phone number sent to me from the bank.’’

    He added that, upon his assumption of office, he had adopted the use of a new letter head with security features as a pre-emptive measure to stop fraud in SUBEB.

    Read Also: Wealthy Nigerians buy judgments, says Lawan

    He condemned the act, describing it as barbaric, saying that it was a calculated attempt to cause problems for the Board.

    Odey warned fraudsters to steer clear of SUBEB accounts or be subjected to dire consequences.

    He commended the DSS for its timely intervention on the situation and for tracking down the suspect thereby vindicating the board.

    According to him, the suspect is still in the custody of DSS for further investigation.

    “The suspect will be transferred to the EFCC for prosecution upon conclusion of the investigation,’’ he said.

    The SUBEB chairman said that this was the third attempt to defraud the board and all had been successfully forestalled. (NAN)

  • Abia complies with IPOB’s sit-at-home order

    Major markets, banks, schools, private and public institutions in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State and its environs on Thursday closed for businesses in adherence to the sit-at-home order called by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Our reporter, who monitored compliance of Abians to the IPOB sit-at-home order in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital reports that while Umuahia residents observed the orders of the IPOB partially, but it was a total compliance in Aba.

    While gates of major entrances to Ariaria International Market, Aba was open for customers and shop owners, they ignored assurances from Abia State security agencies of their safety to stay away from the market.

    Further checks however show that gates of other markets including Cemetery, Ahia Ohuru, Shopping Centre and among other markets at the time of filing this report were locked.

    Operatives of various security agencies were spotted at various strategic locations, including Azikiwe road by Asa, Bata junction, Umuele by Faulks road in the two cities to apparently forestall any breach of security by any person or group of individual who may wish to cash into the situation to cause breakdown of law and order.

    Some eateries, financial institutions, including public and private institutions along major roads such as Aba-Owerri road, Ikot Ekpene Expressway, Okigwe road and among others were carrying out skeletal services.

    Roads known for their bustling and hustling were devoid of both human and vehicular activities.

    Read Also: Biafra: Negotiations, not crushing solution to IPOB agitation – Cleric

    A student of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba who simply gave his name as Godwin told our reporter that the institution had to shift their exams which they were supposed to start on Thursday to a future date.

    A member of IPOB, who gave his name as Bright, said that the compliance to the sit-at-home by Aba residents is a clear indication the people of the commercial city were behind the struggle towards the emancipation of the people of the Old Eastern Region.

    “The realisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra is a struggle that only God can stop.

    “No amount of propaganda by the federal government or its agents would dissuade our struggles for the emancipation of our people.”

  • Wealthy Nigerians buy judgments, says Lawan

    Senate Leader, Senator Ahmad Lawan, Thursday, accused wealthy Nigerians of buying court judgments.

    Lawan made the allegation during the confirmation of Justice Abaze Abubakar Sadiq as the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    He said the Judiciary should always be firm and ensure that justice is delivered without fear or favour in the interest of the people.

    Sadiq was confirmed as President, Customary Court of Appeal, FCT following a motion by Lawan.

    The Senate Leader moved that the Senate should suspend its rules to confirm the nominee.

    It was described as the fasted confirmation hearing ever held by the Eight Senate.

    Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, read President Muhammadu Buhari’s letter nominating Sadiq for the position yesterday.

    The Senate suspended its relevant rules to conduct the confirmation due to lack of time.

    Read Also: … Judgment a setback but we shall triumph – Lawan

    Lawan said: “This is a very clear demonstration of how the three tiers of government can work cordially and productively. We have by this action suspended our rules in the interest of the people of this country and the judiciary. So I believe that there is sense in trying at all the times ensure that we work in a cordial manner. We have given the judiciary something in the interest of the country.

    “The judiciary you are expected by Nigerians to be firm, to be fair, to be committed to those ideals that the founding fathers of this country worked and died for; that is to make life better for every Nigerian.

    “Ours is a society where people who have so much money buy judgements. I think that is not the type of society that we want. We want a society where those at the lowest line, the vulnerable, the disadvantaged, can go to court and get judgement because they deserve to get those judgements regardless of their socio economic status.

    “So I want to pray for you and for all us that this nomination that we are going to confirm by the grace of God will be a blessing and an additional advantage to the judiciary and the people of this great country.”

    Sadiq was not asked any question by senators.

    The Senate adjourned plenary to June 6th, 2019 to hold its valedictory session.

    The chamber was almost deserted as there were less than 20 senators in the chamber of 109 senators.

  • Reps seek probe of Ogoni Killings by Nigerian Army

    The House of Representatives Thursday said there is the need to investigate the summary execution of two Ibo men in Ogoniland by the Nigerian Army.

    This was sequel to the consideration of the Report of the House Committee on Army headed by Hon. Rimande Shawulu Kwevum on the investigation of the crisis in Ogonlamd, Rivers State.

    The 6-clause report was considered and adopted by the lawmakers at the Committee of the Whole yesterday.

    The report states: “the summary execution of two Ibo men, namely, Linus Nwafor and Kelechi Nwafor, who were not part of the Ogoni factions and were executed far away from the scene of the conflict, should be further investigated and the officers and men responsible should be prosecuted.”

    It further states: “adequate compensation be paid by the federal government to the families of the deceased and to those who lost their properties after a proper assessment of the losses and deaths.

    Read Also: ‘Why Buhari declined assent to Maritime University bill’

    “There is an urgent need to start withdrawing soldiers from the streets across the country and replace them with internal security operators.

    “The federal government should encourage the Rivers Government to embark on reconciliation and peace building measures in Ogoniland; and

    ” Urge the Federal Government and the Rivers State government to grant amnesty to Chief Solomon Nigbara and related persons. In line with international best practice, with an undertaking to maintain peace.”

    The House also condemned the action of the Nigerian Army.

  • Court dismisses Emmanuel’s objection to money laundering charge

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday dismissed a notice of preliminary objection by Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel challenging a money laundering charge in which he was named as an accomplice.

    Justice Rilwan Aikawa held that the application lacked merit.

    Emmanuel prayed the court to hold that he ought not to be named in the charge against Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president Paul Usoro (SAN).

    The governor, through his lawyer Dr. Charles Mekwunye, said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was wrong to name him in the charge since he enjoys immunity as enshrined in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Finance Nsikan Nkan, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Uwemedimo Nwoko, Accountant-General Mfon Udomah and an account officer Margaret Thompson Ukpe are also named in the charge.

    EFCC, which accused them of laundering N1.4billion state funds through Usoro, said they were “at large”.

    Emmanuel urged the court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the charge because EFCC had no locus standi to file it.

    He argued that only the state House of Assembly could bring such complaints against him, adding that the charge was outside EFCC’s jurisdictional purview.

    According to the governor, the funds said to have been laundered do not belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but to Akwa Ibom State.

    Read Also: Emmanuel re-appoints Ekuwem as A’Ibom SSG

    “It is unconstitutional for the complainant to supervise Akwa Ibom State’s use of funds,” his lawyer argued.

    Opposing the motion, EFCC’s lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo said the court’s power to hear and determine money laundering related offences against all persons was not in doubt.

    He insisted that Governor Emmanuel was not a defendant in the charge despite being named in it.

    Ruling on Thursday, Justice Aikawa said it was not in doubt that the governor enjoyed immunity.

    He, however, held that Emmanuel was not facing a charge named in one.

    “In every criminal trial, the necessary parties are the complainant and the named defendant, in this case Mr Paul Usoro.
    Continue on page 2

  • I didn’t order demolition of any monument, says Ihedioha

    Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has denied ordering the ongoing demolition of one of the Akachi towers, one of the monuments erected by his predecessor.

    The demolition is coming barely 24 hours after Ihedioha assumed office.

    Scores of Imo indigenes have condemned the action, stating the monument was constructed with public funds and should not be pulled down to spite the former administration.

    Ihedioha was sworn-in as the sixth Executive governor of the state on Wednesday.

    The Akachi tower, one of the many tourist attractions built by the former governor is being demolished as at the time of filling this report.

    Read Also:  Ihedioha begins demolition of monuments built by Okorocha

    It was built on a reclaimed dumpsite that was abandoned by previous administrations.

    The demolition exercise was supervised by soldiers who barred journalists from covering the exercise.

    The Akachi monument was one of the structures commissioned by the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo barely one week ago.

    The monument, a massive tower with the symbol of a hand on the Zenith, representing the hand of God, sits on an expansive plot of land, reserved for religious purposes.

    There are fears Ihedioha will also demolish other monuments in Owerri, the state capital, especially the famous statues.

    But the governor denied ordering the demolition.

    His Special Adviser, Steve Osuji, said the governor is not aware of the demolition of any structure and never gave such directive.

    According to him the new governor is in the Government House trying to settle down in his office.

  • IPOB’s Sit-at-home turns bloody in Anambra

    · IPOB members wound NDLEA operatives

     

    Some members of Catholic Church including a Priest in Nnewi, Anambra State were on Thursday attacked by some people suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    Those involved in the alleged attack by pro Biafran group were Rev Fr Festus Eziamaka of St Judes parish in Nnewi and a Sales’ executive with the SUN newspapers in the Commercial city.

    Also, other victims were passengers of a commercial bus said to have been attacked by the agitators.

    The parishioners were said to be going for early mass while others were said to be returning from prayer vigil when they were attacked and wounded at different points by the groups.

    It was further gathered the pro-Biafra groups, numbering over 2,000 had stormed the industrial city as early as 4:30am to ensure total compliance to the sit-at-home order.

    When contacted on the mayhem unleashed by IPOB on defenceless individuals, the state police public relations officer, PPRO, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said he was not aware of any casualties.

    Rather, he tagged the IPOB directive as a total failure in Anambra state, declaring security agencies were at their best.

    But, Rev Celestine Okonkwo, Secretary to the Bishop, confirmed to reporters his colleague, who is in charge of St Judes Parish, was attacked and wounded by the miscreants.

    He said he was attacked by the Pro Biafra agitators on his way to the first Mass of Ascension for his parish

    However, he said the priest was rushed to the hospital and was responding to treatment.

    Read Also; Imo residents defy IPOB’s sit-at-home order

    The pro-Biafran group had declared May 30 sit-at-home in honour of Biafra heroes and heroines, who died in the civil war and others that died in the course of Biafra agitation.

    The agitators comprising of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and others armed with machetes, sticks and other dangerous weapons were reportedly sighted at Ibeto junction around 5am.

    Our reporters further learnt the Sun’s Sales Executive at Nnewi Out-station, Mr. Eze Chukwu, escaped from the agitators by whiskers in the morning.

    However, the Catholic priest was not lucky as they swooped on him and unleashed mayhem, destroying his vehicle and injuring him.

    According to the sales rep: “I told them I work with The Sun Newspaper but they didn’t believe me and some of them raised their clubs to hit me.

    “I begged them to follow me to where parcels of our newspapers were packed for them to be convinced that I work with The Sun and they followed me and saw the parcel before they now asked me to run away.”

    The rampaging pro-Biafra groups also attacked a vehicle with registration number: CL 163 BEN, Toyota saloon car at Nnewi roundabout.

    They smashed the front and rear windscreens of the vehicle, while the occupants whose travelling bags were abandoned inside the car were said to have been seriously wounded.

    At NITEL junction, a patrol van belonging to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives with registration number: AWK 750 BF was grounded.

    Four of the occupants were attacked and said said to have been seriously wounded and hospitalised.
    Continue on Page 2

  • Breaking: Sanwo-Olu appoints Folashade Jaji as SSG

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed Mrs. Folashade Jaji as the new Secretary to the State Government(SSG).

    Jaji was former Head of Service(HoS) in the state.

    A statement by the Head of Service Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said the appointment takes immediate effect.

    Details shortly…