The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has said the Federal Government’s directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria to take over the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is illegal.

President Bola Tinubu had, on Monday, reportedly directed the CBN to assume the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the NNPCL. Consequently, NNPC is expected to submit the receipts for crude oil sales to CBN for vetting and documentation.

Reacting, Atiku in a statement, Thursday said Tinubu’s directive undermined the operational independence of the national oil company.

“Without prejudice to the possibility of any good that was intended in the decision of the Federal Government to make the Central Bank of Nigeria take over the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, it must be clearly stated that the action is not legal in its application, he stated.

The former Vice President who noted that little has been communicated to the public about explaining details of the decision, declared that “Whatever may be the merit of the new arrangement, the presidential directive is a violation of the legal status of the NNPCL.”

Atiku stated “It is an arbitrary order capable of undermining the operational independence of the NNPCL.

“By this order, Mr. President has wrested control of the finances of the NNPCL and donated the same to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“This is an unprecedented act, without any legal or ethical basis. It is also a violation of the principle of due process in public administration. State-owned enterprises are not subject to such arbitrary orders and have full control over their finances within the confines of their respective establishment laws.

“The NNPCL is a creation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which was signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 16 August 2021.

“The PIA makes extensive provisions for the formation, structure, governance, and operation of the NNPCL as an independent limited liability company in Sections 53 to 65 of the Act.

“The government must, therefore, respect the provisions of the law and allow the NNPCL to run as an independent company based on sound commercial objectives and in line with international best practices and standard principles of corporate governance.

“Only then would the new NNPCL grow into a formidable institution with track records, requisite technical and financial capacity, and readiness to operate in public space.”

The former vice president said any attempt to undermine the operational independence of the NNPCL will be a hindrance to any chances of attracting investments and attaining global relevance in the Petroleum Industry.

The statement read in part “Let it also be stated that the Central Bank Act 2007 does not confer on the Central Bank of Nigeria, any responsibility for vetting the transactions of, or formulating and maintaining the internal controls and internal audits in state-owned enterprises, public or private.

“The CBN should be allowed to perform its core functions as provided in the extant law. To enhance transparency and accountability in the operation of the NNPCL, its bank accounts for crude sales proceeds (for example at Morgan Stanley) and the entire crude sales conversion circle can be trailed by Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and CBN.”

In a passionate appeal during his 80th birthday celebrations and book presentation in Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, emphasized the crucial role of religion in fostering peace among citizens.

The cardinal’s remarks highlighted a vision of religion as a force for unity and reconciliation, countering the narrative that it often serves as a catalyst for conflict.

Cardinal Onaiyekan, renowned for his contributions to interfaith dialogue and peace-building efforts in Nigeria, expressed his contentment with the growing discourse on the necessity of peace for national progress.

“The country cannot make progress without peace in place,” he stated, underscoring the indispensable need for harmony in fostering societal and national development.

Drawing on his extensive experience in religious leadership, Cardinal Onaiyekan pointed out that religion, when presented correctly, has the potential to be a powerful tool for promoting peace.

Onaiyekan said, “They even blame religion for our situation. But my position is that true religion must be about peace.

“Whatever you do, even if you shout the name of God a thousand times, and you are hurting your neighbour and killing the innocent, that is not religion.

“If religion is presented in a way that is not peaceful, then it cannot succeed in bringing the peace we expect. Many talk religion but are talking war and conflict.”

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who spoke at the event said Onaiyekan’s unwavering commitment to justice, compassion, and unity has touched countless lives and inspired generations.

He said through the former archbishop’s unfaltering faith and dedication, he became a “beacon of hope, guiding his flock with love, compassion and unwavering integrity”.

“Cardinal Onaiyekan’s leadership and ministry have been marked by a resolute pursuit of justice and equality. In the face of injustice he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalised and the voiceless.

“It is not just his actions that inspire us; it is his words that resonate in our hearts. His Eminence possesses a rare gift of eloquence and a profound ability to unite people from all walks of life.

“His words have the power to heal; to bridge divides, and to ignite the flames of hope in even the darkest of times.

“His sermons have touched the hearts of millions, reminding us of our shared humanity and the inherent dignity that resides within each and every one of us.”

Born in Kabba, Kogi on January 29, 1944, Onaiyekan was the archbishop of Abuja from 1994 to 2019 and was ordained a cardinal on November 24, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI.

The Gombe State Police Command on Thursday busted two currency syndicates in possession of $56,300, and N265,000 counterfeited notes.

Our correspondent reports that the groups totalling16 specialised in the printing and disposing of counterfeit dollar and naira notes.

Parading the suspects, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mahid Abubakar, said 12 suspects were arrested in Bajoga, Funakaye and Dukku Local Government Areas.

Abubakar said the first syndicate, made up six suspects, was arrested in possession of 500 pieces of 100 dollar and N265, 000 were recovered as exhibits.

According to him, the arrest was made possible after one Buba Muhammadu went to buy medicines at the chemist of Muhammad Ismail in Sangaru quarters in Bajoga with a counterfeit N1,000.

He said further investigation led to the arrest of the rest of the members.

“Buba Muhammadu, 45 years, male; Jungudo Muhammadu, 53 years, male; Adamu Yusuf Mallum, 30 years; Abdulhamid Abdullahi, male 60 years; Salihu Abdulhamid, 50 years, male; Abubakar Abdullahi 35 years male,” Abubakar listed them.

He said the second syndicate, also made up of six suspects, was arrested in Malala Village, Dukku Local Government Area in possession of 63 pieces of counterfeited 100 US dollar notes.

Abubakar added, “Haruna Adamu aged 60 years male of Tanji Village Darazo LGA, Bauchi State; Garba Ibrahim aged 25 years, male of Hashidu, Dukku LGA, Gombe State; Samaila Musa aged 30 years male of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA; Sa’adu Muhammed aged 23 years male of No.10 Badarawa Quarters, Kaduna State; Yusuf Abdullahi aged 30 years male of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA; Muhammadu Umaru aged 26 years male of Gombe Abba, Dukku LGA. The suspects were arrested at Malala Village, Dukku LGA in possession of 63,000 pieces of 100 dollar notes.”

He said all the suspects had confessed to the crime and would be charged to court.

Abubakar urged the public in Gombe State to be more vigilant and report all cases to the appropriate authorities as opposed to taking the law into their own hands.

Super Falcons forward, Asisat Oshoala, bid farewell to Barcelona Femini fans in an emotional post on Instagram on Thursday as she confirmed her departure from the club to join National Women’s Soccer League club Bay FC.

Oshoala completed her move to Bay FC on Thursday after signing a two-year deal with an option of another year for a reported fee of $162,000.

“As I bid farewell to this incredible team and the city that has been my home for the past five years, I am filled with mixed emotions,” Oshoala said in a post on Instagram.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to wear the Barcelona Femini jersey and represent this prestigious club.

“Since joining the team in 2019, I have had the opportunity to be a part of some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Together, we have lifted several trophies and these achievements are a testament to hard work, dedication and I feel privileged to have been a part of this team.”

The former Liverpool and Arsenal forward joined Barcelona permanently on a three-year deal after an impressive loan spell from Chinese side Dalian Quanjian in 2019.

She went on to make 162 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 117 goals, including a record-setting season feat in 2022, when she was the joint top scorer in the league with 19 goals.

The two-time Ballon D’or nominee top the scorers chart three times in Spain, helping the club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League twice in 2021 and 2023, four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups and the Copa de la Reina three times.

She is the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League in 2021 and also score in the Champions League final in 2019.

She added, “But beyond the trophies and accolades, what I will cherish most are the relationships I have built with some of my teammates, coaches, staff and the amazing fans. You have become my family and I will forever be grateful for the love and support you have shown me.

“As I embark on a new journey, I want you to know that Barcelona Femini will always hold a special place in my heart. I will carry with me the memories, lessons and friendships that I have gained during my time here.”

Reacting to her arrival at the club, Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton, believes the Nigerian will bolster the club with her quality.

“To have the opportunity to add a player of Asisat’s quality, experience and winning pedigree to our roster is an exciting and important day for the club and the NWSL,” Rushton told the club website.

“She (Oshoala) brings a top-class mentality to the field combined with pace and technical ability that allows her to lead the line, while also giving those players around her the license to be creative and thrive in space. Asisat is a proven goal scorer at the most elite levels of World football, and she comes here to continue that with Bay FC.”

The six-time CAF Player of The Year winner will occupy an international roster spot and joins the team pending the receipt of her P-1 visa and International Transfer Certificate.

FG's directive to CBN to take over crude oil sales proceeds from NNPCL is not legal, undermines the operational independence of the national oil company

Without prejudice to the possibility of any good that was intended in the decision of the Federal Government to make the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) take over the responsibility for crude oil sales proceeds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), it must be clearly stated that the action is not legal in its application. 

Although, as usual, of the current administration, little has been communicated to the public about explaining details of the decision.

According to what is publicly available, the President has issued a directive that henceforth, the NNPCL would submit receipts for crude oil sales to CBN for vetting and documentation.

Whatever may be the merit of the new arrangement, the presidential directive is a violation of the legal status of the NNPCL. 

It is an arbitrary order capable of undermining the operational independence of the NNPCL. 

By this order, Mr. President has wrested control of the finances of the NNPCL and donated the same to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

This is an unprecedented act, without any legal or ethical basis. It is also a violation of the principle of due process in public administration.

State-owned enterprises are not subject to such arbitrary orders and have full control over their finances within the confines of their respective establishment laws.

The NNPCL is a creation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 (PIA), which was signed into law by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 16 August 2021. 

The PIA makes extensive provisions for the formation, structure, governance, and operation of the NNPCL as an independent limited liability company in Sections 53 to 65 of the Act.

The government must, therefore, respect the provisions of the law and allow the NNPCL to run as an independent company based on sound commercial objectives and in line with international best practices and standard principles of corporate governance. 

Only then would the new NNPCL grow into a formidable institution with track records, requisite technical and financial capacity, and readiness to operate in public space. 

Any attempt to undermine the operational independence of the NNPCL will be a hindrance to any chances of attracting investments and attaining global relevance in the Petroleum Industry.

Let it also be stated that the Central Bank Act 2007 does not confer on the Central Bank of Nigeria, any responsibility for vetting the transactions of, or formulating and maintaining the internal controls and internal audits in state-owned enterprises, public or private. 

The CBN should be allowed to perform its core functions as provided in the extant law.

To enhance transparency and accountability in the operation of the NNPCL, its bank accounts for crude sales proceeds (for example at Morgan Stanley) and the entire crude sales conversion circle can be trailed by Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and CBN. 

Amongst other supportive measures to enhance transparency, the NNPCL board members can be better selected and reconstituted to include, if desired, representatives of the CBN and NEITI.

Atiku Abubakar

Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007

1st February, 2024.

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the restriction of vehicular movement in 26 states, where run-off and by-elections will take place.

In a statement on Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the restriction will be from 12 a.m to 6 p.m.

The by-elections are fixed for February 3 in various constituencies across 26 states.

The by-elections are to be conducted due to the death or resignation of members of the national and state houses of assembly.

In some constituencies, the court ordered run-off elections.

The elections will fill vacancies in three senatorial districts, 17 federal and 28 state constituencies across 80 local government areas.

Individuals on essential services like officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited media personnel, and emergency responders are exempted.

The IGP also banned security aides attached to very important persons (VIPs) from going to the polling booths and state-owned security outfits from election security management.

“Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to specified authorities. Numbered to call: 08034040439 (CP Elections); 08031230631 (Toll Free); 08057000001, 08057000002 (Complaint Response Unit); you can also reach us at @ngpolice (Facebook); @PoliceNG (X); This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (e-mail),” the statement reads.

Egbetokun warned of the legal consequences of disrupting the election process.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi is calling on Nigerians to be patient with the reforms of the Bola Tinubu government.

Tinubu, who came into office in May, initiated a string of reforms including the floating of the naira and the removal of the much-debated fuel subsidies. The moves have triggered a spike in the cost of living with inflation soaring.

But Malagi believes these are bound to happen, maintaining that in the long run, these reforms would yield fruit.

“I want you to remember that the President is seven months old in office. I am not going to make excuses that seven months is just a short time,” he said on Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

“But for a long-term plan, you need a lot more time to put structures. But of course, as you trudge along, there will be shocks, turbulence, and occasional dislocations that you would find. But the vision of the President is very clear: he wants to take Nigeria to the desired prosperity. He works day and night to achieve that. Every day, all the ministers and everyone are working in that direction but the results are not seen yet. We ask Nigerians to be a little more patient.”

While admitting that the government is aware of the hardships Nigerians are facing, the minister reassured that the country’s leadership is working tirelessly to reverse the trend.

According to him, President Tinubu’s government had in the wake of the subsidy removal introduced some measures to curtail the impact of the move.

He listed some of them to include the wage awards to Federal Government workers and plans to roll out CNG buses across the country.

Nigeria’s labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – had repeatedly threatened strikes over the high cost of living.

In fact, in August, the unions downed tools with businesses, government offices, and markets closed for a day in the capital Abuja. But the strike was met with a mixed response from businesses in the economic capital Lagos.

Ahead of the primaries for the September 21 governorship election in Edo, the state chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has declared that any aspirants who cannot afford the fee for expression of interest and nomination form lacks the capacity to run for governorship election.

The party state chairman, Ogbalol Kelly, stated this on Wednesday in Benin while speaking on the N30 million fee charged by the party, among other issues.

Kelly said the N30m nomination fee is the lowest compared to the other two major political parties contesting the election charged.

He explained that the cost of elections into political offices in Nigeria is quite expensive as witnessed from the recent general elections.

“Aside being qualified to contest election, aspirants must also be ready to show capability and capacity to fund campaigns and other election requirements.

“Therefore, any aspirant who cannot afford the fee lacks the capacity to run for the governorship election,” he added.

Kelly said funding political parties is a challenge and that the sale of forms is a major source through which political parties are funded.

“Issues that may arise as a result of primaries and election itself which has to do with litigation arising from such activities as well as other logistics issues, make it imperative for the parties to charge a reasonable fee like ours, so that it can adequately discharge its responsibilities during and after the elections,” he stated.

He disclosed that two governorship aspirants had bought the party forms, a man and a woman, urging others to do same.

Kelly appealed to the governorship aspirants to make the necessary sacrifice by participating in the exercise, assuring them the party is determined to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants leading to the emergence of a credible candidate.

He said the party had reduced the fee for women by 50 per cent in order to ensure their participation in the governorship election.

Meanwhile, Kelly denied allegation that the party received a sum of N500m from the state government in order to feature a neophyte as its candidate in the election.

He noted that the guideline currently released by the leadership of the party with regard to governorship election in the state is in line with the provision of the constitution and the electoral act.

Former Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly, Dr Olayide Owolabi Adelami, was on Thursday, sworn in as the new Deputy Governor of Ondo state, following the inauguration of the former deputy governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, as the governor of the state.

Ayedatiwa was inaugurated on the 27th of December, 2023, following the death of late governor Rotimi Akeredolu, in a hospital in Germany.

The swearing ceremony held at the International Events Centre, Dome, in Akure, the state capital, was sequent to Adelami’s confirmation by the state House of Assembly after his nomination last week.

The state Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odudola, administered the Oaths of Allegiance and Office on the new deputy governor.

Ayedatiwa in his remarks, disclosed that the dissolution of the State Executive by him last week was in carried out in good faith and to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the current administration in the state.

The governor said, “The decision was borne out of genuine response to the yearnings and aspirations of the people as well as the need to rejuvenate and reinvigorate this administration for maximum delivery on our mandate.

“We also needed to minimize unnecessary distractions usually associated with Cabinet Members and other appointees in an election year like we have in Ondo State.

“This is the standard practice in sane climes. It is important for government to be less encumbered by politicking and pave the way for interested individuals to pursue their aspirations while simultaneously guaranteeing continued enjoyment of good governance to our people in the Sunshine State.

“We have a sacred duty to our people not to sacrifice good governance on the altar of individual, though legitimate, pursuit of political aspirations. We harbour neither ill wind nor animosity towards no one.”

He acknowledged the ecstasy that greeted the nomination and appointment of Adelami as testimony to his acceptance and if right choice, saying “we are bringing on board a gentleman of stellar quality, impeccable character and rich administrative acumen as Deputy Governor.

He, however, challenged the new deputy governor “to handle your portfolio in a manner to sustain this euphoria, because as it is often said, it is easier getting to the top than to remain at the top.

“It is our expectation that you will provide fresh ideas and new drive to support this administration in consolidating our legacy projects, building a sustainable socio-economic base as encapsulated in our Redeemed agenda; and pilot the politics of the state to a higher level of humility, justice and harmony as you serve the citizens.”

In his acceptance speech, the new deputy governor pledged to build on his previous performance by supporting Ayedatiwa in providing good governance to the people of Ondo State.

Adelami said “I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets.

“My wealth of experience in both public and private sectors coupled with my connections nationally and internationally are available for you to explore for the wellbeing of our people.

“I want to therefore appeal to all our people in Ondo State at home and abroad to kindly support Mr Governor and me in our sincere desire to entrench good governance in our Sunshine State.

“I will make available my wealth of experience in both public and private sectors for the transformation of our dear sunshine state.

“I equally plead with you for more cooperation with our dear governor to foster great collaboration and unalloyed unity for the development of our state to the admiration and pride of our great leader and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has been very supportive to our state.”

Some Nigerian civil servants have complained about the “inexplicable’’ delay in payment of the January salaries in spite of improved government revenue.

The civil servants spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

As at Tuesday, February 1, Nigerian government workers are yet to receive their January emolument.

According to one of the civil servants, Ibrahim Ali, it is becoming a culture for the Federal Government to delay payment of monthly salaries.

“The situation is no longer acceptable for the Federal Government to keep delaying salaries without explanation.

“We are aware that the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared N1.1 trillion amongst the three tiers of government, so why the delay’’ he said.

Also, Hauwa Sule, condemned the idea of delaying the monthly salaries of government workers.

“This is no longer acceptable. Civil servants plan based on the monthly salary, which is not even adequate.

“In the midst of this harsh economic condition occasioned by the government’s economic policies, the list the government can do is to ensure prompt payment of salaries,’’ she said.

Emmanuel Uka, a civil servant, urged the Federal Government to take the plight of ordinary Nigerians as a priority and stop the delay in workers’ monthly salaries.

The FAAC shared N1.13 trillion among the three tiers of government as revenue generated in December 2023.

FAAC disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its January meeting.

The total figure shared represented an increase of N40 billion or 3.67 per cent compared to the N1.09 trillion shared for November 2023.

The total amount includes gross statutory revenue, Value Added Tax, VAT, Companies Income Tax, CIT, Augmentations from Forex and Non-oil Mineral Revenue, and electronic money transfer levy, EMTL, among others.

However, the OAGF which did give any reason for the delay, said that civil servants would start getting their January salaries by Thursday evening.

Bawa Mokwa, the Director of Press, OAGF, gave the assurance while reacting to the complaints by government workers.