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The Presidency has rejected claims by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, that President Bola Tinubu is an accidental leader, insisting that the president was well-prepared for the position.
Reacting to Bishop Kukah’s remarks, the Presidency described Tinubu as a reformer whose leadership is already impacting various sectors of the country.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in his reaction, said, “He (Tinubu) is not an accidental leader, he is doing his best to ensure that we have a turn around in this country.
“Does he look like one at all? What I am saying is that, the man is not an accidental leader, he was prepared for this office. He even said it himself that he prepared for it and that he is doing his best to ensure that this country is lifted higher than he met it, he is doing his best.
“Because he prepared himself for the office, he is doing a lot of reform, he is touching every area and he is trying to make sure that this country is being turn-around.
“For those who said that the President is an accidental leader, that is the reason he is struggling.
“Tinubu has shown that he is a reformer and reforms are not done in quick fixes, it takes time for you to turn things around and he is doing it.
“He is doing reforms and he is the first to acknowledge that people will be affected and he is doing everything possible to ensure that those who are affected are also helped so that they will not be left behind.
“He is reforming a lot of things in Nigeria, you are talking about taxation, you are talking about the oil sector, so many reforms the man is carrying out.”
A former Chief of Staff to Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, has advocated for further decentralization of power between the federal and state governments.
The diplomat argued that the concentration of power with the federal government is too much, adding that the current situation is a result of prolonged years of military rule.
According to him, with the democratic dispensation in full swing, there is a need to consider matters that are on the exclusive and concurrent lists so state governments can assume greater responsibilities and local governments can also be strengthened.
Naija News reports he made the submission while speaking as a guest on the Sunday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, on Channels Television.
The elder statesman said, “We have to decentralise power. The power of the central government is become so much. We have to find a way of decentralisation; it’s not necessarily by creating 50 more states or 200 more local governments but those things that could be done competently like education, agriculture, and others, let the state take charge.
“It’s not by accident that power has become so concentrated at the centre; it is the prolonged military rule. They (heads of state) nominate governors and so on. But now, we are in a democracy, and I sincerely believe that we have to take a second look at that so that matters that don’t need to be on the exclusive or concurrent lists are not there.
“We must strengthen local government authorities. The local government autonomy is a good step but it is not just about money because if you don’t strengthen the capacities of the local governments and also the process as to which people become chairmen of local governments, you can throw money there, and it goes down the drain.”
The diplomat said the progress and development of Africa relies on Nigeria, and the country must, therefore, pull its weight accordingly.
“The future of Africa depends on Nigeria. Because according to the United Nations, Nigeria will become the most populous country in the world by 2050, we are already the not populous in Africa.
“It’s not late. The country, by God’s grace, is going to survive because I believe that the Almighty has a purpose for putting that much number of people in this place, and to an extent, we cannot be ignored in the world,” he said.
The Senate has stated that President Bola Tinubu will likely president the 2025 budget this week.
According to the Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu ( APC, Ekiti South), the Finance Committee will meet with the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies on Monday.
He said, “The President would likely present the 2025 budget this week or in earnest.
“The Senate Committee on Finance is already working on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and would be meeting with the MDAs tomorrow (Monday).
“The MDAs are expected to defend their 2024 expenditure and also project their 2025 budget.”
Tinubu submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025–2027 to both the Senate and the House of Representatives last Tuesday.
Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs to consider the MTEF/FSP documents and report within one week.
Key parameters in the MTEF/FSP include a $75 oil price benchmark per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, an exchange rate of N1,400 to $1, and a targeted GDP growth rate of 6.4%.
These figures form the basis for consideration and approval of the proposed N47.9tn 2025 budget.
Our correspondent also observed that there is work ongoing in the chamber to fix some minor issues ahead of the President’s visit.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has reduced the price of its Premium Motor Spirit from N990 per litre to N970/litre.
The PUNCH reports that this is the amount marketers would buy the product from the refinery.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said the reduction was to appreciate Nigerians as the year ends.
“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true. In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Chiejina said the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products while assuring Nigerians of the best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
Our correspondent recalls that the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria said on Friday that the landing cost of imported petrol is now N971/litre.
Recently, both independent and major marketers confirmed that the pump prices of petrol have started reducing in many parts of Nigeria due to the competition that the deregulation of the downstream sector has caused.
The spokesman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the agreement between IPMAN and Dangote is gradually pushing down the price of PMS.
“By just the announcement that IPMAN and Dangote have met and are ready to transact business, the prices of products have crashed. You would have noticed the drop in prices by N10, N15, or so, and this is due to competition.
“Independent marketers are no longer buying from middlemen. We are going to be buying directly from the producer. So, the competition is setting in. I also want to tell you that before the end of this year, the price will not be as high as what you see now.
“You can see how our meeting with Dangote has significantly removed about N10 from the prices of refined petroleum products. It is a good development. We have not even started. Remember I once told you that prices would drop once IPMAN started lifting from Dangote,” Ukadike stated.
Also confirming the drop in prices, a major oil marketer stated that this was due to the deregulation of the downstream oil sector.
“People are not noticing that prices are going down, primarily because there are no big announcements. Deregulation is in full swing and competition is the order of the day,” the major oil marketer, who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.
When told that the cost of petrol was still above N1,000/litre and was N1,070/litre in filling stations operated by his company, the dealer replied, “Last week it was N1,080 (in some filling stations) if you were observant.
“You may not see N900; that is below cost. Just stop expecting a permanent fixed price. It can come down and it can go up.”
More price reduction
Reacting to the price reduction, marketers described the gesture as a welcome development.
According to IPMAN, the decision by Dangote may be connected with the drop of fuel prices at the international market.
“It is a welcome development. This is the beauty of deregulation. What Nigeria has to do now is to ensure that all refineries are working to ensure total competition, so that fuel prices would be determined by market forces of demand and supply.
“Marketers will also tune down price. Since last week, prices have been coming down to N1,100, N1,040. As the prices are going down from the producers, Independent marketers will just add a little margin to sell to customers. That’s the most important thing,“ IPMAN spokesman, Ukadike, told The PUNCH.
Recall that a few weeks ago, the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and petroleum marketers went up in arms after the former accused them of not patronising his refinery.
The businessman said he had over 500 million litres of petrol but the marketers were not coming to buy it due to their penchant for importing substandard petroleum products.
Reacting, the marketers recalled how many times they made attempts to lift petrol from the refinery without any positive response.
Both IPMAN and PETROAN stated that it was cheaper to import than to buy from Dangote refinery.
PETROAN categorically told our correspondent that it had reached an agreement with international traders to import petrol and sell at prices lower than that of Dangote and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
However, the marketers made a U-turn and jettisoned the plan to import fuel into the country having agreed with the 650,000-capacity refinery.
28m litres supply
The Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited may have sealed a deal with the Dangote refinery for the supply of 28 million litres of the product to the local market daily.
According to a statement by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, this was based on resolutions reached by operators.
The PUNCH learned that the agreement was finalised with stakeholders in the downstream sector on November 13.
With the resolution, it was learned that the NNPC, marketers, and other traders like depot owners will patronise the Dangote refinery by lifting the 28 million litres of petrol that it reportedly agreed to supply to the Nigerian market.
If implemented, experts said this means the $20bn refinery would prioritise the Nigerian market before exporting its product out of the country. It also means that marketers would consider the Dangote refinery before any form of fuel importation.
In the statement on Sunday, the leadership of the PETROAN disclosed that a resolution was held by stakeholders in the downstream sector, including the NNPC, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the President of Dangote Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and marketers.
According to PETROAN, it was agreed that marketers can now lift all of Dangote’s petroleum products.
“PETROAN praises the management of the NMDPRA under the leadership of Engr Farouk Ahmed; the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari; the President of the Dangote Refinery Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the leadership of MEMAN and DAPPMAN, PETROAN as well as IPMAN for reaching a resolution for oil marketing companies to buy all Dangote refinery products.
“The resolution includes Dangote refinery guaranteeing to sell an average of 28,000,000 litres of PMS daily for the next six months to oil marketers for domestic consumption in the Nigerian market,” the statement signed by the PETROAN spokesman, Joseph Obele, said.
According to Obele, the National President of PETROAN, Billy Harry, while speaking about the meeting, expressed optimism that the resolutions would bring succour to the downstream sector and improve the Nigerian economy.
The PETROAN national president had said the new deal was part of a resolution reached by stakeholders on the absorption of domestic petroleum product production by Nigerian oil marketing companies, including the NNPC.
Harry was quoted as stating that “the resolution will attract so many benefits which includes stability of petroleum products, control of price fluctuations, maintaining transparent communication, addressing conflicts proactively, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders players.
On his part, Obele said those who signed the resolution include NMDPRA, NNPCL, Edo Refinery, Dangote Refinery, Waltersmith Refinery, Aradel Refinery, IPMAN, and PETROAN.
“The document indicates the availability of Aviation Turbine Kerosene and diesel from all domestic refineries would be provided to the NMDPRA for the same period of six months and must be subject to consideration for import as may be required,” Obele stated.
He said the meeting resolved that the NMDPRA must establish the basis for allocating import volumes to oil marketing companies on the assumptions of the aggregate of domestic refinery capacity with the understanding to cover shortfalls for respective marketers.
Obele stressed that according to the resolution, domestic refineries would provide fixed quantities and delivery windows, which must be a period of two months preceding the month of delivery to the customer and NMDPRA.
He added that individual oil marketing companies are to enter direct commercial agreements with domestic refineries on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis.
A document sighted by our correspondent and titled, ‘Resolution on the absorption of Domestic Petroleum product production by Nigerian Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including NNPC Limited’, said:
“Further to the engagement between NNPCL, MEMAN and DAPPMAN of 13th November 2024 and subsequent revisions with the NMDPRA and other stakeholders, the following framework shall be executed:
“Dangote Refinery is to guarantee an average of 28,000,000 litres of PMS daily for the next six months subject to review as necessary. Availability of ATK and AGO from all domestic refineries shall be provided to the NMDPRA for the same period and be subject to consideration for import as may be required.
“NMDPRA to establish the basis for allocating import volumes to OMCS on the assumptions of the aggregate of domestic refinery capacity with understanding to cover shortfalls for respective marketers based on validated needs by the company and current national depots evacuation.”
The resolution added, “The domestic refineries are to provide fixed quantities and delivery windows two months preceding the month of delivery (M-2) to the customer and NMDPRA.
“Individual OMCs enter direct commercial agreements with domestic refineries on a willing buyer willing seller basis. AII NMDPRA fees (including MDGIF) to be included in every sales invoice issued by domestic refineries.”
NNPC denies deal
However, the NNPC has denied the resolution as presented by PETROAN.
In a chat with our correspondent on Sunday, the NNPC Chief Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, described the resolution as untrue
When asked if it was true that stakeholders met and agreed that Dangote should supply 28 million litres of petrol daily in the next six months, Soneye replied, “Not true”.
Similarly, the spokesperson of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, denied knowledge of the 28 million litres per day resolution.
“I don’t know. The PETROAN guy should do his job and stop chasing the media for publicity,” Chiejina replied.
Nevertheless, the PETROAN spokesman insisted that his claims were factual.
“Did they deny the document? It is real and factual,“ he stressed.
The South South's apex socio-political body Pan Niger delta Forum (PANDEF) has commended the President Bola Ahmed led federal governmen for not withholding statutory allocation due to Rivers state. In a media chat with news men at Uyo airport on Saturday, 23rd November, 2024, the new National Chairman of the body, AMBASSADOR GODKNOWS IGALI expressed delight that Mr PRESIDENT took such a statemanly decision which is a relief not only to the people of Rivers State but all of Nigeria.
He stated further that this decision will ensure that the ensure that the innocent citizens of RIVERS State will not suffer vicariously from the family feud between some of the political leaders of the state. He further expressed the hope that this decision will also aid 6 efforts by Obong Victor Attah led High level Peace and Reconciliation Committee recently constituted by PANDEF. The PANDEF leader again called on all political actors and leaders in Rivers State as well as youth and women groups to sheath the sword and follow the step taken by the federal government in de-escalating tension while the reconciliation effort by the elders of the region is ongoing.
There are indications that the National Disciplinary Committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party may not sanction erring members before the next convention of the party.
This was as the PDP Governors’ Forum gave a February 2025 deadline to the party to convene the National Executive Council meeting.
Sunday PUNCH gathered that the disciplinary committee, as advised by some leaders of the PDP, had resolved to toe the part of reconciliation and allow the next convention to ease out members perceived to have disobeyed extant rules of the party.
The main opposition party is expected to hold its convention where a new leadership will emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to some notable leaders of the PDP, both the reconciliation and disciplinary committees are working together and cautious to avoid any action that will further divide the party.
But a senior member of the PDP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, argued that the committee, headed by a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, was designed to fail by some members of the National Working Committee of the party.
The source revealed that the formation of the committee was contrary to the PDP constitution.
He added that concerns earlier raised by some party leaders on the legality of the committee were ignored by the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and some other members of the NWC.
“The committee was intentionally formed this way to ensure its failure in disciplining certain members,” the chieftain said.
The PDP started grappling with internal strife before and after the 2023 presidential election.
Supporters of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had called for the suspension of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, ex-governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and a few others in their camp for perceived anti-party activities.
Meanwhile, Wike’s supporters also demanded disciplinary action against the former vice president and his allies, including former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), among others.
In response, the PDP NWC set up a disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, to allow members to file petitions from both the petitioners and the accused, and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee.
However, Sunday PUNCH learnt that apart from Ikimi’s October 5 statement assuring fair handling of complaints, there had been no further communication from the disciplinary panel, and the activities of the 26-member committee had remained unknown for over three months.
Speaking further, the senior PDP member stated that the National Disciplinary Committee, as recognised by the amended 2017 constitution of the party, was composed of seven members, not 26.
He explained that any sanction imposed by the Damagum-constituted NDC would be invalid, arguing that the committee was not recognised by the party’s constitution.
“You can’t build something on a flawed foundation. Since the composition of Ikimi’s committee does not follow these requirements, they can’t bark or bite. Any sanction they propose can be legally challenged and will be deemed null and void,” he added.
The source said majority of members of the NDC were loyalists of a particular leader of the party.
“Look at the membership—it is deliberately stacked with individuals loyal to a particular party leader who has taken control of the party structure. He has repeatedly said no one can suspend him, even daring the party to try. So, in addition to ignoring the PDP Constitution, they purposely filled the committee with his loyalists to ensure no harm came to their supporters.
“Lastly, since its inauguration three months ago, have you heard anything from this committee? A disciplinary committee that should be open, fair, and transparent is now operating in secrecy. I know many allegations have been made against several members, but has the committee invited anyone? Has any member of the party appeared before it? Given these constitutional issues and other factors, it’s clear that this committee is bound to fail,” the source added.
In a slight contradiction, two chieftains of the party told Sunday PUNCH in separate interviews that it was likely that the committee was ‘being cautious’ of the consequence of its action.
“Our party is already fragile; any attempt to sanction anybody will bring down the party. That is the consideration of the disciplinary committee. Even if the committee submits its report, the NWC will not act on it because of the need to avoid further crisis,” said one of the chieftains of the party.
The party leader insisted that the disciplinary committee prioritised the unity and progress of the party above the call to suspend or expel some erring members of the party.
The other chieftain, a former deputy spokesperson for the party, said the reconciliation committee, headed by a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was relating with every other committee, including the disciplinary panel, to ensure that their actions did not frustrate his efforts.
He said, “What we believe is that our convention is next year. Everything should be put on hold till that time. Naturally, the convention will ease out some members, including those known and unknown enemies of the party.
“Every agitation has been suspended till the convention. Those who want to remove Damagum have also stopped their move because of the convention. If the party sanctions anybody now, it will cause another crisis. Why not wait till the convention where everything will be sorted out? The committee is not likely to do anything before the convention; that is the understanding I have.”
Several attempts by our correspondent to reach the Chairman of the Committee, Ikimi, and the Secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), for responses were unsuccessful, as they neither answered calls nor replied to text messages.
NEC member sues for calm
Reacting, a member of the PDP NEC and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated that it would be insulting for anyone to believe that nothing good would come out of the committee given the calibre of individuals involved.
Osadolor, in an interview with our correspondent, urged party members to remain patient and avoid unnecessary speculation that could undermine the committee’s work.
He stated, “I think it would be insulting to a person like Chief Tom Ikimi, not only as a chief but also to his personal life and his official role as a public servant in this country.
“It is belittling to his status for anyone to think that nothing good will come out of the committee. It is also presumptuous to start assuming that a committee of elder statesmen will achieve nothing at the end of the day.
“We don’t want to encourage unnecessary speculation. The committee has its modus operandi that it is operating with. I may not be part of the committee, but I believe they are doing their job.
“That they have not declined their appointment to the committee and have not said anything about not fulfilling their role means they are doing something. So, to me, all party members should be patient and wait for the committee’s report.”
C’ttee working hard – Spokesman
Speaking on the matter, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said it was inconceivable for anyone to believe that the committee was destined to fail.
Ologunagba, who noted that the PDP prioritised reconciliation over discipline, added that the NWC expanded the NDC’s membership to involve more people in the process.
He stated “This party is one of constitution and law. To answer you directly, it is inconceivable to think that the NWC, which holds the overall mandate to manage the party’s affairs, would deliberately set up a committee to fail.
“However, democracy is about the people and the constitution is meant to guide the affairs of the various organs of the party in managing it. In the wisdom of the NWC, it was determined that there is a need for more involvement in disciplinary procedures.
“Also, don’t forget that the goal of the PDP is not just about discipline. We focus more on reconciliation because a political party is about people. With people coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and interests, the capacity to reconcile these differences is what makes it a political party.
“As a party, we place more emphasis on reconciling people rather than on discipline. However, any party that lacks discipline is bound to fail, which is why these committees were set up.”
The publicity secretary stated that the committees were actively working and would submit their reports to the NWC once they were ready.
Convene NEC February – Govs
In another development, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has called on the PDP’s National Working Committee to organise a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee by the first week of February.
The forum, chaired by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in a communique issued after its meeting in Jos on Saturday, stated that the period from November to February would be dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing the party.
Since Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal, he has faced significant criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis.
Many voices within the party are now calling for his resignation.
During the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders approved the formation of reconciliation and disciplinary committees, as well as the conduct of ward and state congresses.
They also tasked the North-Central caucus of the party with consulting on the issue of replacing the acting national chairman with a permanent one.
The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15 was postponed to October 24, 2024, and then rescheduled for November 28, 2024, before it was postponed indefinitely.
In response, the forum emphasised its commitment to maintaining the unity and cohesion of the party, adding that Nigerians regard it as the best platform for democratic governance.
The communique stated in part, “The forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC by the first week of February 2025 to allow for elaborate consultations with critical stakeholders of the party. The period between November and February is to address the existential problems confronting the party, with a deliberate timeline of activities within the period under review to address issues of leadership and litigations confronting the party.”
The forum expressed sympathy for Nigerians suffering from the severe economic hardship allegedly imposed by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government.
It also urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to improve the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.
‘We’ll stabilise party’
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, while hosting the PDP Governors’ Forum in Jos, said the reputation of the party would be restored as the party of choice for Nigerians.
“Even though this is primarily a meeting of governors, it is gratifying to see party leaders and stakeholders from various states filling this room to support the governors, as we strategise to ensure not only the stability of our party but also its ability to continue providing hope to Nigerians,” Mutfwang stated.
The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, commended the party’s stakeholders for their support.
The Oyo State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Seyi Makinde, also reassured PDP supporters of the governors’ determination to reform the party and restore its leadership role in Nigeria.
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The committee, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at Government House in Benin City, will be chaired by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe. Anslem Ojezua will serve as deputy chairman, while Frank Edebor will act as secretary.
Other members of the committee include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, and Rasaq Bello-Osagie. Additional members are Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, explained the purpose of the committee.
He said, “In furtherance of the governor’s initiative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, the establishment of a State Assets Verification Committee has become imperative.
“Despite repeated calls for a comprehensive database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government provided only scanty and limited information.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in governance, a committee comprising respected sons and daughters of Edo State has been constituted.”
The statement further noted that the committee would be inaugurated at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at 1:00 pm prompt.
Background on the probe
A PUNCH report on 20 November indicated that the Edo State government might launch a probe into the previous administration after receiving reports from the permanent secretaries of various ministries in the state.
A government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the governor was still being briefed by the permanent secretaries to assess the performance of the Obaseki-led administration.
The official said, “The governor is reviewing reports from the permanent secretaries of various ministries to evaluate the immediate past government. These findings will determine whether to initiate a probe and, if so, the scope of the investigation.
“However, under this administration, the people and their interests will always come first,” the official added.
[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Writes National Assembly, Seeks Confirmation Of Lt. General Oluyede As Chief Of Army Staff
Admin![[STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE] President Tinubu Writes National Assembly, Seeks Confirmation Of Lt. General Oluyede As Chief Of Army Staff](/media/k2/items/cache/8bde47ca4e2e82935b2d3d86294bd4d6_S.jpg)
President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede's appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
President Tinubu also despatched a similar letter to the House of Representatives.
In the letters addressed today to both the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
President Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
General Lagbaja, however, died on 5 November.
President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.
Before he was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, like his predecessor, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.
Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
For his meritorious service in various fields of operations, he has earned many honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.
Others are the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal.
Oluyede also received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
He is married and has three children.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
The federal government has disclosed that the monthly funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) would no longer be paid to the Rivers State government.
This was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa.
Mokwa said the decision is in compliance with a court order on the political situation in Rivers State.
Though the spokesperson of the AGF’s office confirmed that no state of the federation had been paid the FAAC revenue for the month of October, the government would respect the court order as it pertains to Rivers State.
“What I got is that the October 2024 FAAC has not been distributed yet. However, the Federal Government will obey the court order on the matter of Rivers State allocation,” Daily Post quoted him to have said.
The development is coming amidst the faceoff between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor who is now the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Naija News recalls that a court had ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the federal government to stop the payment of FAAC revenue to Rivers State until Governor Fubara represents the state’s budget to the House of Assembly recognized by the law.
The ruling by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Abuja Federal High Court also prohibited the CBN, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Zenith Bank, and Access Bank from granting Fubara access to funds from the Consolidated Revenue and Federation Account.
The supreme court has nullified the enforcement of provisions of the National Lottery Act 2005 in the 36 states of the federation.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, the seven-member panel held that the national assembly lacks the powers to legislate on issues pertaining to lottery and gaming.
In March 2005, former President Olusegun Obasanjo signed the national lottery bill into law.
The legislation provides the framework for the operation of the national lottery and the establishment of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission.
The commission is charged with regulating the business of lottery in Nigeria as well as establishing the national lottery trust fund.
In 2008, the Lagos state government filed a suit against the federal government on whether the control and regulation of gaming and lottery businesses in each state is under the exclusive list.
In October 2020, the Ekiti government joined Lagos as co-plaintiff in the suit.
In November 2022, the supreme court joined 33 state governments as co-defendants in the suit.
In the judgment, the apex court ruled that only state assemblies have the powers to legislate on lottery and gaming businesses.
The supreme court ruled that legislation cannot be enforced in all states, except the federal capital territory (FCT), since the national assembly is empowered to make laws for the country’s capital.
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![[PRESS RELEASE] Federal University Gusau Debunks Claims of Dr. Odoh's Professorship](/media/k2/items/cache/f923fa38e086dd70ab29c11e4f197c8b_XS.jpg)
“DR.ODOH BERNARD IFEANYI IS NOT AND HAS NEVER BEEN A STAFF OF THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GUSAU” – BEING TEXT OF A PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE VICE CHANCHELLOR, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GUSAU, PROFESSOR MU’AZU ABUBAKAR GUSAU ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Gentlemen of the Press
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this press Conference.
Introduction
In the last two weeks, both the mainstream and new media in Nigeria have been awash with screaming headlines about the controversy surrounding the appointment of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi as the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State by the Governing Council of the University. Part of the issues that has generated serious attention is the misleading and unfounded claim by Dr. Odoh that he was offered a tenure appointment and confirmed as a Professor by the Federal University, Gusau.
Arising from the spurious claim, the Federal University Gusau, has been inundated with enquiries about the true status of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi regarding: (a) his appointment as a tenured Professor in the Department of Geology; (b) grant of leave of absence and, (c) confirmation of appointment as a substantive professor by the Governing Council of the University.
In response to the public enquiry, the University management, after a thorough internal scrutiny, issued a disclaimer to the effect that Dr. Odoh was neither employed by the University nor appointed as a professor. However, despite the disclaimer, Dr. Odoh has been unrelenting, parading documents purportedly issued by the University as proof of his non-existent employment by the institution.
The widely circulated misinformation by Dr. Odoh has no doubt, raised serious concerns about the credibility and reputation of the Federal University, Gusau. Consequently, the University Management has decided to go public, to tell its own side of the story to stem further misinformation on the issue.
The University Management, therefore, wishes to clarify as follows:
(a) That appointment of staff, both academic and non-teaching, by the Federal University Gusau, is done based on laid down guidelines duly approved by the University’s Governing Council;
(b) That part of the guidelines is that when an individual applies for employment, after vacancies are declared, the University’s registry scrutinizes such application upon which, if found to have met employment requirements, such an applicant, alongside others, is shortlisted and invited for interview;
(c) That upon successful interview, such an applicant is issued an appointment letter, containing the terms and conditions of his appointment. One of such conditions is a written acceptance of the offer of appointment. Thereafter, the applicant proceeds to document his engagement, upon which he is posted to the relevant unit of the University to assume duty as a staff;
(d) In the case of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi, the University notes as follows:
(i) That he did not submit any letter of acceptance of offer of appointment,
(ii) That he did not undergo the statutory documentation,
(iii) That even though Dr. Odoh was engaged as a Visiting linkage staff in the Department of Geology of the University, and dubiously enrolled into the institution’s payroll from July 2014 to August 2015, he neither assumed duty nor taught any course since the inception of the Department in the 2014/2015 academic session. The collection of salary for job not done, amounts to an illegality and a breach of extant rules;
(iv) That he was not at any point in time, appointed as the pioneer Head of Department of Geology of the University, contrary to such unfounded claim, and,
(v) That there is no personal file related to the appointment of Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi in the custody of the University.
(e) Meanwhile, the so-called letters of offer of tenure of appointment as Professor and confirmation of promotion to the post of Professor, dated 30th April 2015 and 12th November 2015, being paraded by Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi and purported to be certified true copies hurriedly endorsed by Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, former Registrar of the Federal University, dated November 8, 2024, six solid years after the latter left the services of the Federal University Gusau, are products of administrative fraud orchestrated by Dr. Odoh, working in cahoots with the former Vice Chancellor of the University and the Registrar.
(f) For the sake of emphasis, assessment of candidates for professorial appointment, just as it is the case with all academic staff promotions, is procedural and begins from the Departmental Appointments and Promotions Committee (DA&PC) through the Faculty Appointments and Promotions Committee (FA&PC) to the Senior Staff Establishments Committee (SSEC). It is only after successfully going through these stages that a candidate’s paper are packaged and sent out to three external assessors. In the case of Dr. Odoh, no such procedure was followed as there is no record to that effect in the University.
Even if for the sake of argument, we concede that Dr. Odoh’s papers were sent out, it is almost near impossible for the three assessors to turn in their reports between April 30th 2015 and November 12th 2015, when he procured the questionable promotion to the rank of professor. As a matter of fact, we have it on good authority that the first Governing Council rejected the former Vice Chancellor’s request for the ratification of Dr. Odoh’s dubious promotion.
Furthermore, shortly after being allegedly offered appointment, Dr. Odoh proceeded on leave of absence, a privilege that can only be extended to a confirmed staff of the University after the statutory probation period.
(g) What is apparent from the foregoing, is that everything about Dr. Odoh’s purported offer of appointment as tenure staff and confirmation of promotion as professor is shady, fraudulent, utterly devoid of due process and smacks of illegality as there is no evidence of official documentation with regards to his controversial employment as a staff of the Federal University Gusau.
The whole charade was packaged and executed by the former Vice Chancellor and the former Registrar, without recourse to extant rules and due process for reasons not known to law and commonsense.
Further proof of the desperation to perpetuate such illegality is the impersonation and usurpation of the duties of the current Registrar of the University by the former Registrar, Ibrahim Bawa Kaura, who procured a fake stamp to certify Dr. Odoh’s equally fake documents as true copies on November 8, 2024, six years after his disengagement from the University.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Management of the Federal University Gusau, wishes to state in unequivocal terms that from available records, Dr. Odoh Bernard Ifeanyi is not and has never been a tenure staff of the University, let alone being confirmed as a Professor by the institution. Whatever claim to the contrary by Dr. Odoh is nothing but the antics of a drowning man who is hell-bent on using the good name of the Federal University Gusau, to give vent to his desperate ambition to become the Vice Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, through subterfuge.
Thank you.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has resolved to reinforce the implementation of the National Electrification Strategy in a bid to end the collapse of the nation’s power grid.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, chairman of NEC, told members of the Council that access to energy is a fundamental right and not a privilege because electricity is the oxygen of economic growth.
The Council has constituted a committee on National Electrification to help address the challenges in the power sector.
The committee’s formation was among decisions NEC took at the end of its 146th meeting on Thursday chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The committee headed by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, is to work towards deepening states’ engagements within the Electricity Reform Act 2023 and the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.
Following a presentation by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), NEC observed that Nigeria needs a reformed and diversified electricity system, noting that by empowering states, accessibility and affordability of electricity can be enabled, ensuring that all regions effectively meet their specific energy needs.
Members of the committee include Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.
Others are Ministers of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change; Special Adviser to the President on Power; Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
Shettima outlined issues before the Council that require urgent attention including energy infrastructure, human capital development, creative industries, fiscal strategy, industrial innovation, and long-term development planning, describing them as foundational to the transformation Nigeria needs.
He explained that it is for this that experts and stakeholders from some of the critical sectors have been invited to share their insights and contributions.
“The past few months of collapses in our national power grid compel us to reinforce the pace with which we are adopting and implementing the National Electrification Strategy. Energy access is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is the oxygen of economic growth.
“Our blueprints must, therefore, strive to expand access, empower rural communities, and drive productivity, especially for MSMEs. I hope that our discussions today will inspire solutions to light up homes, power businesses, and fuel Nigeria’s industrial future.
“Whatever path we agree upon, it is clear that a private-sector-led distributed renewable energy generation approach is essential to increasing electricity access for households and small enterprises alike,” he said.
The Vice President also urged the Council to take Nigeria’s creative industry seriously, saying it presents an avenue to redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.
According to him, “new technologies have not only amplified the global appeal of our arts, crafts, and culture but also opened up revenue streams and job opportunities for Nigerians.
“Our music, films, art, and cultural heritage are not just global symbols of Nigeria’s soft power but also vital engines of economic growth. We cannot afford to relegate the promise of turning creativity into wealth, empowering our youth, and positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation and cultural excellence,” he added.
Meanwhile, the position of states on state police will be ready by the next NEC meeting.
Deliberating on the updated submission on the establishment of state police, Council mandated states that were yet to make their submissions on the subject matter should comply within the next one week to enable NEC to come up with a unanimous position on state police at the next meeting.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended its chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, over what it described as ‘unauthorised statement’.
The ACF in a statement by Alhaji Bashir Muhammad Dalhatu and Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, Chairman, ACF Board of Trustees and Secretary General respectively said, “Mr Osuman was quoted as saying the North will back a northern candidate for the presidency, come 2027.”
They said the statements were made by the NEC chairman without consulting with other leaders and members of the ACF and thus, reflected Mr Osuman’s personal opinion only.
According the statement, “The attention of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has been drawn to widely reported statements credited to Mr Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, Chairman, ACF National Executive Committee (NEC), which were made during the meeting of the NEC, held on Wednesday, November, 2024, at ACF Headquarters, Kaduna. In particular, Mr Osuman was quoted as saying that the North will back a northern candidate for the presidency, come 2027.
“The statements were made by the NEC chairman without consulting with other leaders and members of the ACF and thus, reflected Mr Osuman’s personal opinion only.
“ACF rejects Mr Mamman Mike Osuman’s statements in their entirety. For this reason, the leadership of the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and that of its NEC has decided to place Mr Mamman Mike Osuman on suspension with immediate effect. A committee has been constituted for further investigations.”
[DailyTrust]
A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Bode George, has advised former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to end his 31-year-long bid to be President.
Noting that Atiku’s bid to be President dated back to the year 1993, George said it was high time the former Vice President retired from such a contest, especially in the 2027 election.
Addressing a press conference at his Ikoyi, Lagos office, on Thursday, George urged Atiku to assume the position of an elder in the nation and leave his bid to posterity.
“To Atiku, my advice is this, you will be 81 years old in 2027, and you have been contesting for the presidency since 1993. This is the time for you to calm down and act like an elder. I appeal to you in the name of the Almighty Allah, that you serve, to take it easy and leave everything for posterity,” George said.
George decried that the PDP was on the verge of crumbling because people uplifted their personal interest and individual ambition above national interest.
He criticised the “divisive, arrogant, haughty” members of the party romancing the ruling All Progressives Congress yet failed to defect from the PDP, describing them as cowards.
“We are where we are today because of a self-inflicted crisis; we should bury our individual ambitions now and not allow the PDP to crumble, please. Elders of the party should tell some of these funny characters to cool off and think of our national interest instead of their personal interest.
“Nigerians are angry and hungry. Instead of telling the APC the truth, some divisive, arrogant and haughty members are busy romancing the ruling party and they are quick to refer to themselves as elder statesmen. Instead of instigating a crisis in our party, why are they not bold enough to defect to the APC? Do they really fear God at all? No member is big enough to hold the party to ransom,” George added.
Particularly pointing to the crisis between Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, George urged Wike to immediately “cool off” from wanting to “bring down” Fubara.
George said it was worrisome that some party members rather than bringing the two parties to mediation further fuelled the Fubara/Wike crisis for their selfish interests.
“My advice to Wike is very simple. You are my political son. I am therefore appealing to him to cool off immediately. I know he was injured by friends during the last PDP presidential contest but I am advising him as a father to please take it easy. Nobody is bigger than any party. Forget what happened in the past and let us work together in the interest of this party.
“I want to ask the elders at the helm of affairs of our party today, ‘What exactly is the offence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State?’ What exactly is the offence of this gentleman that some elders of our party are trying to throw him under the bus because of political expediency? What exactly is going on that some party members don’t feel bothered about the happenings in Rivers State? Governor Fubara was helped by Governor Wike to become the number one citizen of the oil-bearing state. The governor himself acknowledged this on several occasions.
“Must the governor now behave like a slave to his predecessor and other characters because of this concept of godfatherism which is a misnomer in our politics? Why are some party members encouraging his predecessor to bring him down? He is in Abuja; he wants to control what goes on in Rivers State.
“Did the governors before him behave this way? Why are the party leaders not eager to mediate and bring both groups to normalcy? The PDP cannot continue like this. Why can’t we learn from our past mistakes? Is our party jinxed? Why can’t we tell all these troublemakers to go and sit down if they don’t want this party to move forward?”
N’Assembly approves life jail for drug traffickers
Tope Omogbolagun, Abuja
The National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, prescribing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers.
This decision followed the adoption of the harmonised report by the Senate and House of Representatives on the NDLEA Act amendment.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, Senator Tahir Monguno, explained that the amendment sought to impose stricter penalties to deter illegal drug activities.
The amendment specifically stated: “Any person who unlawfully engages in the storage, custody, movement, carriage, or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and, while doing so, is armed with an offensive weapon or disguised in any manner, commits an offence under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment.”
The Senate approved the recommendation through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.
In addition to the NDLEA amendment, the Senate also passed a bill to empower the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission.
The proposed legislation, known as the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, of 2024, sought to replace the existing RMAFC Act of 2004.
The updated law revises the commission’s composition and operational framework to ensure federal, state, and local governments receive constitutionally mandated resources to address governance and developmental challenges.
Presenting the bill, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, Yahaya Abdullahi, highlighted the urgency of reforming the commission in light of Nigeria’s dwindling revenues and growing population.
Abdullahi explained that the bill aims to strengthen RMAFC’s mandate as the constitutionally recognised body responsible for monitoring revenue generation and ensuring its equitable distribution among the three tiers of government.
“The Act, last revised over 20 years ago, no longer reflects Nigeria’s evolving economic realities. This bill proposes additional funding and a restructured operational framework for the commission to improve its efficiency,” he said.
He further emphasised that adequate funding from the Federation Account was critical for RMAFC to perform its constitutional responsibilities effectively, noting that funding challenges had previously hindered its performance.
The Senate endorsed the bill following deliberations and a majority vote.
It now awaits President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to become law.
[Punch]