NNPCL Dismisses Rumors of Impending Fuel Price Increase
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has quashed rumors circulating on social media regarding an alleged plan to increase petrol prices to N1,200 per litre. Responding to the speculations, the NNPC clarified that there are no imminent plans to hike fuel prices despite widespread discussions on various platforms. The NNPC’s Group Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, issued a rejoinder today, affirming that the company has not engaged in any conflicts related to this matter. The statement emphasized the inaccuracy of a headline from The Punch, terming it “unfortunate.” Additionally, NNPC addressed inquiries about subsidy reductions, clarifying that the subsidy has indeed been completely eliminated. “NNPC Ltd emphasises it has not clashed with any party. The Punch headline is deemed unfortunate. The publication sought confirmation on the alleged subsidy reduction, to which NNPC responded that the subsidy has been entirely removed.” This response comes amidst heightened concerns and mixed reactions among the public due to the challenging economic conditions prevalent in the country.
Fagbemi will bring desired reforms to Justice sector
The Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari has expressed confidence in the ability of the current Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to bring desired reforms to the justice sector. In a statement by Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the AGF on Communication and Publicity, the former Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal expressed the optimism while Prince Fagbemi paid a courtesy visit in his palace on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State. Dr Gambari, who described the AGF as the pride of Kwara, hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, insisted that he is capable of rejuvenating the justice sector. The monarch said he had known Fagbemi for over 30 years since his days on the bench and was confident that he would uphold the tenets of justice and the fight against corruption. He also described Fagbemi as a philanthropist and legal icon who had contributed greatly to legal jurisprudence. The Emir called on stakeholders in the justice sector to work as a team with the AGF to bring the desired development to the justice sector in the overall interest of the nation.
EFCC arrests ex-NSIPA CEO, Halima Shehu – hours after suspension
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Hajia Halima Shehu, the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, NSIPA, for alleged financial malpractices, hours after her suspension from office. Recall that Shehu was suspended from office by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday. Shehu was said to have been interrogated for hours by operatives of the EFCC in her office located at Maitama, Abuja before her arrest on Tuesday. But, as of the time of filing this report, the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation have yet to make any official statement about the alleged suspension of the NSIPA National Coordinator. Shehu was expected to handover starter packs to victims of the kidney harvest at Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Tuesday. The event was suspended following an alleged directive to that effect through a letter purportedly signed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. Men of the anti-graft agency later stormed her office at Taraba Crescent in Maitama, to engage her in certain interrogations. According to reports, the secret meeting between Shehu and the EFCC operatives, which began at 9 a.m.,ended around 4:30 p.m. with the former accompanying the EFCC officials to an unknown location. Recall that before her recent confirmation by the Senate, Hajia Shehu was the National Programme Coordinator of the National Conditional Cash Transfer Office (NCTO) under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
2024 Hajj Payment Deadline Extended
The National Hajj Commission has announced an extension of the payment deadline for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, now set for January 31, 2024, instead of the earlier stipulated December 31, 2023. In response to concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, State Governors, and other stakeholders regarding a low turnout, the commission reconsidered its stance. Assistant Director on Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, emphasized that the extension aims to provide additional opportunities for a broader range of faithful individuals seeking to participate in this sacred journey. Despite initially intending to proceed with the pilgrims who made payments by the initial deadline, NAHCON acknowledged the inevitability of the extension due to overwhelming requests and the significance of accessibility for all interested individuals. Usara highlighted that this extension period not only offers a chance for new registrations but also allows those needing to balance payments to do so within the extended timeframe. Moreover, she stressed the urgency of finalizing all Hajj deposits into designated accounts by the end of February, aligning with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s contractual deadlines. Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Chairman of NAHCON, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort among religious leaders, state boards, and governors in advocating for the pilgrims’ interests. He underscored the commitment to ensuring a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience and urged all stakeholders to utilize this extended opportunity effectively for the success of the 2024 Hajj operations.
Tinubu Appoints New NSIPA CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Dr. Akindele Egbuwalo as the new CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). He was previously serving as the National N-Power Programme manager. This decision follows the suspension of Halima Shehu, the former NSIPA boss, due to allegations of corruption and financial irregularities. Egbuwalo will serve in an acting capacity until the investigation into Shehu’s tenure concludes. Shehu, appointed by President Tinubu in October 2023 and confirmed by the Senate on October 18, 2023, previously played a pivotal role as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme. Her tenure was marked by efforts to digitize the program, leveraging her extensive banking and career background. Before her NSIPA appointment, Shehu held roles at the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2017 to 2022.
APC Council Launches George Akume Foundation
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Council has launched a foundation for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. The foundation which was established in commemoration of Akume’s 70th birthday anniversary was dedicated to upholding his enduring principles. Seyi Bamigbade, the Director-General, revealed this initiative in Lagos, emphasizing its commitment to championing causes close to the former Benue State governor’s heart. According to Bamigbade, the newly formed foundation aims to uphold Akume’s legacy by focusing on philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors. It intends to empower youth with business grants, extend support to widows and the less privileged, provide scholarships, and distribute educational resources to communities in Benue and the broader North Central region. Bamigbade disclosed the appointment of Prince Ademola Adetokunbo Ade-John as the inaugural chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees (BoT). Furthermore, Bamigbade appealed to both philanthropic individuals and donor agencies, urging them to collaborate with the council to improve the well-being of Nigerians in their communities.
Kidnappers Demand N50 Million Ransom for Release of Nasarawa LG Chairman
Kidnappers have demanded a whooping N50 million for the safe release of the chairman of Akwanga Local Government Council in Nasarawa, Alhaji Safiyanu Isah Andaha. Isah was abducted alongside his associate, Adamu Umar Tanko on Monday night. Confirmation of the abduction came from Haruna Kassimu, the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to the Nasarawa State Governor, who acknowledged the distressing situation. According to a family source, negotiations between the family and the abductors are underway, shrouded in anonymity for safety concerns, as the state police command are intensifying efforts to secure their release. The Nasarawa State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Umar Nadada, has swiftly mobilized personnel for a potential rescue operation. DSP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer, stressed the collaborative efforts between the police and other security agencies in tracking down the kidnappers. Nansel implored the public, particularly residents of surrounding villages, to provide credible information that could aid in the safe recovery of the victims and the swift arrest of the perpetrators.
FG suspends accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic, Togo
Sequel to a report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic in under two months, the Federal Government has suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from the Country and Togo. “This report lends credence to suspicions that some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified,” the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education Augustina Obilor-Duru said in a Tuesday statement. “The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).” The ministry is also calling on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences. “FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets,” the statement added. “Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”
President Tinubu Suspends Halima Shehu, CEO of National Social Investment Programme Agency
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended Halima Shehu from her roles as the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The suspension was ordered with immediate effect, replacing Shehu from her prominent position overseeing the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. The Senate ratified Shehu’s nomination back on October 18, 2023, following her appointment by President Tinubu earlier that month. Shehu, recognized for her banking expertise and professional development background, played a pivotal role in digitalizing the Conditional Cash Transfer Program. With roots in Katsina State, Shehu’s educational journey included earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University and later obtaining a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same institution. She honed her financial expertise during a decade-long banking career spanning several banks. Her venture into politics began in 2010, marked by key appointments in Katsina State governance and service as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde under the Economic Community of West African Countries in 2016.
Ex President Buhari Under Attack Over Joke On Fuel Price Hike
Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has come under fire over the joke he made regarding the increase in fuel price. Ever since fuel subsidy was removed by his successor, Bola Tinubu, there has been a surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which has led to subsequent economic hardship. During an event on Sunday evening in Duara, Buhari’s hometown, the ex Nigeria leader said he is glad that Tinubu increased the price of fuel. “I’m glad Tinubu increased the price of fuel, because it reduced the number of people who visit me at home”, he joked. Reacting to the joke, popular social-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, slammed Buhari for being insensitive, saying he lacks empathy and emotional intelligence. “If selfish and self centered were people they would both be Buhari,” she wrote on X. “Zero empathy. Zero emotional intelligence. “There were people laughing at this cruelty to the people. “If they can afford what about those who can’t and their lives are in difficulties?”