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A former vice president Atiku Abubakar has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s newest request for a loan, describing it as “bone-crushing”.
The Senate has approved the ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2b) loan request of President Tinubu after a voice vote in favour of the request.
But Atiku has slammed the move and believes the loans do not favour Nigerians.
“These @officialABAT’s loans are bone-crushing to Nigerians and bringing insufferable pressure on the economy, especially when they are not properly negotiated and utilized,” Atiku wrote on his X handle on Thursday.
“It is concerning that the voracious appetite for these humongous loans is powered by corruption and not for infrastructure and development needs. A report by Budgit, a budget watchdog, has disclosed that the 2024 Budget is a mess because of the level of pork associated with it.”
He accused the National Assembly of being “an accomplice once more”.
“Nigeria is sinking further into debt, and the National Assembly has become an accomplice once more. In July this year, Tinubu boasted that the @FIRSNigeria and @CustomsNG under his watch had collected all-time high revenues to finance the Budget,” the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election said.
“Why are they still borrowing? There is something that they are not telling Nigerians, even as they are being crushed by a combination of their failed trial-and-error policies and loan rackets.”
“I feel a sense of personal agony seeing that just a few years after the administration of President Obasanjo took our country out of foreign indebtedness, we are today back at the top spot in the same conundrum,” the former vice president added. “It is time to apply more caution and arithmetic to the loan frenzy.”
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The recent report released by the World Bank, showing Nigeria as the third most indebted country to the International Development Association (IDA), is very concerning.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 21, 2024
This report is coming just when the government has already sent a proposal to the National Assembly signalling…
- IPOB disowns Biafra agitator
The Federal Government will likely apply for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Eastern Security Network, the paramilitary organization of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, who gave the indication on Thursday, said Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, should be extradited to Nigeria to face criminal charges.
Also, many Nigerians online demanded his repatriation to Nigeria to face terrorism charges.
However, the IPOB dissociated itself from the embattled Biafran separatist, asserting it had no relationship with him.
Ekpa is one of the 97 individuals declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in March 2024.
The Finland-based Biafran agitator is a close ally of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and inciting violence through his Radio Biafra, amongst others.
He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since 2021 when he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria.
A presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, said President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, have yet to be briefed on the arrest of Ekpa.
“The procedure is that the (Nigerian) Embassy in Finland has to have the information and it would brief the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the minister might brief the NSA or the President,’’ he explained.
Ekpa and four others were arrested in Finland on charges related to terrorism, Finland’s Central Criminal Police said in a statement on Thursday.
A report said the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Speaking on the development in a statement on Thursday, Gusau said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, was pleased with the trial of the ESN leader.
Gusau wrote, “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.
He was arrested in February 2023 for his inciting comments and sit-at-home orders to the people of the South-East.
Before his arrest, thousands of Nigerians worldwide signed a petition appealing to the Finnish and Nigerian governments and the European Union to arrest Ekpa.
He had asked the people to boycott the 2023 general poll, insisting there would be no election in the region.
Worried by his activities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, over his threats to stop the 2023 general election in the South-East.
The ministry sought the Finnish government’s cooperation to arrest Ekpa over threats to disrupt the exercise.
The Finnish police confirmed on Thursday that Ekpa and his accomplices were arrested earlier this week as part of an international investigation.
Ekpa, who describes himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is alleged to have used social media platforms to promote violent activities in the South-East, including attacks on civilians and authorities.
The police said the main suspect was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.”
The police added: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21. The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
“The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria” the statement read in part.
Speaking on the case, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen stated, “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels,” suggesting that his online actions have fueled violence in Nigeria.
“Four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects in the crime were arrested at the beginning of the week.
“International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added.
The four other suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, are believed to have financed these alleged activities.
The Central Criminal Police revealed that the case involved extensive international collaboration.
The Finnish authorities emphasised their commitment to investigating the case thoroughly as part of their broader effort to combat terrorism.
Expressing delight over Ekpa’s arrest and ongoing trial, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen Edward Buba, said the military was pleased with the news.
The Chief of Defence Staff had severally called for Ekpa’s arrest, accusing him of sponsoring terrorism in the South-East.
Buba noted that the military was glad that the international community was supporting the country in its fight against terrorism.
He stated, “The CDS has always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following his deep involvement in fuelling terrorism in SE Nigeria. We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism.”
The ESN has been implicated in numerous violent activities in the South-East since its creation in December 2020.
While the ESN was initially formed to counter the activities of armed herdsmen and protect local communities, their operations have reportedly led to significant unrest in the region.
The group has been accused of ambushing and killing troops of the Nigerian Army, police, and other security personnel.
Police stations and military checkpoints in the South-East have been frequent targets, leading to loss of lives and property.
Also, the ESN has been linked to arson attacks on public facilities such as police stations, electoral offices, and government buildings, disrupting governance and public services in the region.
There have been allegations of extrajudicial killings by the ESN, including attacks on individuals accused of opposing IPOB’s secessionist agenda or cooperating with the government.
Some communities have reported being harassed or forced to comply with the group’s directives, including its Monday sit-at-home orders, especially during days commemorating Biafra or protesting the detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Defiance of these orders had led to attacks on businesses, vehicles, and individuals, paralyzing economic activities in the South-East.
Conflicts between the ESN and local vigilante groups, including state-backed security outfits like Ebube Agu, have resulted in casualties and instability, escalating insecurity in the South-East.
The situation had led to heightened military operations in the region, sometimes resulting in collateral damage and further alienation of local communities.
The Federal Government labelled the ESN a terrorist organisation and launched several military operations to dismantle it.
On Monday, Anambra Central Senatorial Zone descended into chaos as gunmen enforcing the sit-at-home order attacked Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo communities, leaving five people dead and several others injured.
At Abatete, three vigilantes attached to the town’s president-general were fatally shot. The victim sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Also, vehicles were set ablaze by the attackers who repeatedly warned the people to respect the sit-at-home order.
Witnesses reported further violence in Abagana and Ukpo. At the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area, a vigilante member and a motorcyclist were reportedly gunned down.
Meanwhile, IPOB denied any relationship with Ekpa, saying it had publicly asked the people and relevant authorities to stop linking it with the embattled Biafran agitator.
Reacting to the arrest of Ekpa by the Finnish authorities, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, maintained that his organisation had nothing to do with Ekpa and his group, Autopilot.
He said, “We are not interested in his arrest. All we want is for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not committed any offence and who has been freed by the law courts. That is our concern.
“We have reiterated on several occasions that the Ekpa had no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he had nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.
“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like autopilot in IPOB. More so, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. The authorities should stop linking IPOB with Ekpa and his group and IPOB is not interested in his arrest or whatever.”
“All we want is for the Nigerian government to release our leader who has been detained for no known crime other than fighting for the liberation of his people.”
Spokesman of IPOB’s Political Wing, Nwachukwu Emereonye, called for the immediate extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria to face the consequences of his actions.
While speaking to journalists on the development, Emereonye noted that Ekpa’s actions led to the death of scores of innocent people and destruction of businesses in the South-East.
He said, “We in IPOB Political Wing welcome the arrest of Simon Ekpa. His actions are unbecoming. Scores of people have been killed and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.
“He should be handed over the Nigerian government for immediate prosecution.”
Also, a chieftain of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Dubem Silas, said the apex Igbo socio-cultural group was still studying the details behind Ekpa’s arrest.
Silas said if found guilty, according to the laws of Finland, Ekpa should be made to face the music.
He said, “We heard of the news of his arrest online and we are still studying the details. Ohanaeze, as a body is not in support of anything that is against the law.
“However, what is upper most for us and a top priority is for the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who did not commit any crime, who did not carry gun or arm, but he’s been detained unlawfully despite the fact that the courts of the land have freed him.”
The arrest of the ESN leader has generated various reactions online with many Nigerians demanding his extradition to Nigeria.
A former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, applauded the development on his X handle.
He said, “The arrest and detention of one Simon Ekpa by the Finnish authorities for terrorism-related charges and inciting terrorism in Nigeria is good news.
‘’Not only is this misguided young man a feral psychopath, a hate-filled sociopath, a notorious coward and a man of blood but he is also a religious bigot, an unrepentant racist, an ethnic supremacist and an enemy of humanity.
“He derived pleasure from killing and torturing our people and he waged war on our nation from the safety of Finland. Many innocent Nigerians were killed on his orders and as a consequence of his foul and divisive rhetoric.
“I hope this serves as a lesson to others in our nation who believe that division, violence & terror are the only way forward and who have no respect for the sanctity of human life.”
Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, proposed that Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria after serving his jail term in Finland.
Ahmad said Ekpa should be made to face justice for the treasonable offences he perpetrated in the South-East.
He insisted that Ekpa should be punished for his role in the sit-at-home enforcement in the region.
Posting on X, Ahmad wrote: “After serving his jail term in Finland, Simon Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his numerous treasonable offences, particularly his role in enforcing the unlawful and condemned sit-at-home orders on our brothers and sisters.”
An X user, Nwafresh @nwafresh wrote, “Extradite this son of a thousand fathers called Simon Ekpa back to Nigeria and I’ll use my last kobo to watch his tears in every court session until his last day on earth… A murderer and coward.. Tueh.”
Another X user, Ogechukwu Chime @ogechumwuchime stated, “Hurray!!!! Let me see if Tuesday will be declared as sit-at-home in the east for Simon Ekperima.”
Another X user, Ijaya @samuel10540458 knocked Ekpa stating, “Kirirkiri. The Finland version is good for him.”
Arizona @iam_arizona said, “Brigadier general go turn bricklayer for prison.”
Fubara Vs Wike: Appeal Court Nullifies Federal High Court Judgment Against Rivers State LG Election
AFOLABI
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned a Federal High Court ruling that prevented theIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voters’ register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) for the conduct of local government elections, which have since taken place.
In delivering its judgment on Thursday, a special panel led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi declared that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over the matter.
The appellate court clarified that Section 28 of the Electoral Act applies solely to federal elections, governorship elections, and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, not state-conducted elections.
The Court of Appeal further criticized the lower court’s directive, which barred security agencies from performing their constitutional duties during the election process.
Previously, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had ruled against RSIEC for scheduling the local government elections for October 5 without complying with legal provisions.
He stated that RSIEC violated the local government election law by failing to provide the mandatory 90-day notice before setting the election date.
Justice Lifu also held that the voters’ register must be updated and revised before any valid election date could be determined.
As a result, Justice Lifu had directed INEC not to release the Certified Voters’ Register to RSIEC until all legal requirements were fulfilled.
The appeal heard by Justice Otisi’s special panel was among several appeals challenging the Federal High Court’s decisions on political cases in Rivers State.
The panel had previously reserved judgment on consolidated appeals contesting Justice Lifu’s ruling.
Naija News reports that the rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, had escalated tensions before, during and after the LG Election.
• ‘Work begins on Green Rail Line next year’ — Sanwo-Olu says, as Governor presents budget proposal
• 30 newly completed road projects, bridges scheduled for commissioning December
Tourism and creative sector is about to take a huge leap forward in Lagos. The sector, with other key economic areas, will gulp a chunk in the State’s expenditures in 2025 fiscal year.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu laid bare what would be priorities of Lagos Government in the coming year, as he presented the State’s 2025 budget to the House of Assembly, on Thursday.
The Governor proposed a total of N3.005 trillion budget estimates, earmarking a huge capital investment of N908.7 billion to Economic Affairs sector — a cluster of key MDAs, comprising Tourism and Creative Arts, Agriculture, Transportation, Works and Infrastructure, Industry and Investments, Wealth Creation and Employment, Energy and Mineral Resources, Waterfront Infrastructure, and Commerce.
The 2025 Appropriation Bill, christened “Budget of Sustainability”, represents a 32.5 per cent increase over the current year budget, totaling N2.3 trillion.
The increment, Sanwo-Olu said, reflected the growing citizens’ demands for sustainable interventions in programmes and projects that would further raise productivity and energise economic growth in the State.
In response to citizens’ demands, he said the proposed budget was structured to ensure stability, stewardship and social equity around five key pillars, including infrastructure sustainability, economic diversification, social inclusion and human capital development, environmental sustainability, governance and institutional reforms.
The Governor noted that sustaining investment in infrastructure in key areas of priority would enable the State build up momentum for more growth, stressing that his administration’s infrastructural drive would further get a boost in the coming fiscal year.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the Government had completed 30 roads projects, including bridges, across the State, which had all been scheduled for commissioning from beginning of next month.
The Governor also announced that Lagos had sealed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government’s Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to kickstart exploratory work on the development of the 68-km Green Line, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone — a fast-growing industrial corridor in Lagos.
He said: “This 2025 budget is not just a fiscal document but a blueprint for continuity, resilience and shared prosperity for every Lagosian. As a key economic hub, Lagos stands at a crossroads: a nexus of challenges that test our resolve and opportunities that call for bold action. In crafting this budget, we have listened to our citizens’ voices, studied the global and local economic realities, and reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that Lagos continues to thrive sustainably for generations to come.
“Next year, we are making significant progress in revitalising cultural, religious and recreational infrastructure across the state. These
initiatives are aimed not only towards preserving the rich cultural heritage of Lagos, but also to unlock tourism economy by creating spaces for recreation and artistic expression.
“I am also pleased to note that we have recently signed MoU with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to kickstart exploratory work on the development of the 68-km Green Line, which will connect Marina to the Lekki Free Trade Zone. In road construction and repairs, we have completed 36 road projects, including bridges, link bridges and pedestrian
infrastructure, all of which are scheduled for commissioning from December.”
The 2025 budget proposal is made up of recurrent expenditure of N1.239 trillion, representing 41 per cent of the total budget, and a capital expenditure of N1.766 trillion, which represents 59 per cent of the budget.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the State would be financing the budget through a combination of projected revenue inflow of N2.597 trillion, and a deficit financing of N408.9 billion. The revenue sources, he said, include Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) projected to be N1.971 trillion, and federal transfers of N626.1 billion.
The Governor said the budget’s deficit would be financed through external and internal loans, and issuance of bonds, which, he said, would be within the State’s fiscal sustainability parameters.
Highlighting the sectoral allocation in the 2025 budget, Lagos Government will be spending N233.176 billion in Environment, N204.005 billion in Health, N208.376 billion in Education, N124.073 billion in Security, Safety and Public Order, while Social Protection will gulp N47.077 billion.
Sanwo-Olu described the performance of the current year’s budget as “excellent”, noting that the 2024 budget had been implemented to the tune of N1.423 trillion, representing 84 per cent performance as at the end of third quarter.
While presenting the 2025 budget, the Governor urged the lawmakers to play their part in ensuring thorough scrutiny of the proposal, just as he called for its speedy passage.
Sanwo-Olu said: “Let me assure the House that this budget is not just a statement of intentions but a practical, actionable framework designed to impact lives. From students and entrepreneurs in Yaba to the farmers and fishermen in Epe and Badagry, from the business executives and market women on Lagos Island to the factory workers in Ikorodu, this budget is all about the people of Lagos alone.
“I also assure our residents of my commitment towards ensuring that this proposed budget is able to effectively recalibrate the State’s economy, stimulate economic growth and strengthen the positive trajectory. The development of any megacity like ours is the responsibility of both the public and private sectors. To this end, we will continue to explore public-private-partnership strategies in the provision of infrastructure, social services, and the conversion of challenges to opportunities within the context of scarce resources.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday presented a budget proposal of over ₦3 trillion to the Lagos State House of Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Governor presented a budget of ₦3,005,935,198,401 to the State House of Assembly presided over by the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa.
Governor Sanwo-Olu themed the budget a ‘Budget of Sustainability’ for continuity, resilience and prosperity for Lagosians.
The budget is structured around five key pillars, including Infrastructure, Sustainability, Economic, Diversification, and Institutional Reforms.
The Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat, among other dignitaries, were in attendance during the budget presentation.
The budget comprises a total revenue of ₦2,597,034,000,000 and deficit financing of ₦408,902,000,000.
Governor Sanwo-Olu explained that a total of ₦1.239trn (41%) of the 2025 budget is for recurrent expenditure, comprising total overhead, total personnel cost and recurrent debt service, while a sum of ₦1.766trn (59%) was proposed for capital expenditure.
A further breakdown by the Governor based on sectoral allocation shows economic affairs had a sum of ₦908.699bn for it; environment, ₦233.176bn; health, ₦204.005bn; education, ₦208.376bn; security, safety and public order, ₦124.073bn and social protection – ₦47.077bn.
In the words of the Governor during the presentation, he said: “Mr. Speaker, it is now my pleasure to present to you today the Y2025 Budget proposal, tagged ‘Budget of Sustainability.’
“The Year 2025 Budget as proposed has a total budget size of N3,005,935,198,401, comprising a total revenue of N2,597,034,000,000 and deficit financing of N408,902,000,000.
“Total Revenue comprises our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N1,970,897,000,000, and total federal transfers of N626,137,000,000).
“We equally propose a recurrent expenditure of N1,239,818,000,000 comprising total overhead, total personnel cost and recurrent debt service, as follows:
“Total Overhead Cost: N722.586 billion, as follows: Overhead: N432.580 billion, Subventions: N139.728 billion, Dedicated Funds: N150.278 billion, Total Personnel Cost: N392.000 billion, Recurrent Debt Charges: N125.232 billion
“For Capital Expenditure, we propose a total figure of N1.766,117 trillion, as follows: Capital expenditure: N1.452 trillion naira, Repayments: N313.515 Billion Naira.
“Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of this esteemed House, I hereby present highlights of sectoral allocation in the budget: Economic Affairs – 908.699 billion naira
Environment – 233.176 billion naira, Health – 204.005 billion naira, Education – 208.376 billion naira, Security, Safety and Public Order – 124.073 billion naira, Social Protection – 47.077 billion naira
“Mr. Speaker, as you will notice, the budget size is made up of recurrent expenditure of N1.239 Trillion (41%) and capital expenditure of N1.766 Trillion (59%). The deficit financing, which is within our fiscal sustainability parameters, shall consist of external and internal loans and bonds.”
Acclaimed leader of Eastern Security Network (ESN), alleged armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, has been reportedly arrested in Finland.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Pidgin Service, Simon Ekpa was remanded in detention by Finland authority for alleged terrorist activities.
BBC reported that the District Court of Päijät-Häme, in Finland, sent Ekpa, who is a Lahti-Nigerian municipal politician, ‘to prison on probable cause and on suspicion of publicly inciting people to commit crime with terrorist intent“.
The court reportedly said Simon Ekpa allegedly spread separatist propaganda on social media.
It reported that Ekpa allegedly committed the reported crime on 23 August 2021, in Lahti.
In addition to Ekpa, BBC reported Finnish National Bureau of Investigation also arrested four other men on suspicion of terrorist offences.
Recall that Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, had called on the federal government to expedite action for the repatriation of Ekpa.
Governor Mbah accused Ekpa, who claimed to replace IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, of disrupting the security of the South East region through his Monday sit-at-home order.
On his social media handle, Ekpa consistently described Nigeria as a ‘zoo’. According to him, he wants a separate country for the people of South East.
However, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, in press statements, condemned Ekpa’s sit-at-home order. Emma Power also emphasized that Ekpa was not a replacement for Nnamdi Kanu.
The Senate on Thursday approved President Bola Tinubu’s loan request of $2.2 billion to partially finance the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year.
The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Aliyu Wamakko, during plenary.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the committee for its swift action and thorough examination of the loan request.
In a letter read during the Senate and House of Representatives plenaries on Tuesday, Tinubu had explained that the loan was integral to his administration’s fiscal strategy for the coming year.
“The Presidential request for $2.2 billion, equivalent to ₦1.77 trillion, is already enshrined in the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated while reading the letter.
He further directed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to expedite its review of the request and present a report within 24 hours.
“The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans should, therefore, give the request expeditious consideration and report back within 24 hours,” Akpabio emphasised.
Although the deadline elapsed on Wednesday, the committee submitted its findings during Thursday’s plenary, leading to the loan’s approval.
Details later…
[Punch]
![[PRESS STATEMENT] Setting the Record Straight: The Truth About Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed](/media/k2/items/cache/59a02a91fcfa5e2db168a201f55ed2c5_S.jpg)
Dear Obidients and Members of the Public,
We are writing to address a pressing matter that has caught our attention. A malicious posting has been circulating on social media, spreading like wildfire and causing unwarranted harm to the reputation of Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed.
Let us set the record straight:
1. Senator Datti Baba Ahmed does not have any social media account, and therefore, any posts attributed to him are completely fabricated.
2. The Senator has unequivocally dissociated himself from these false posts during a recent press conference, making his stance crystal clear.
3. We are aware that this is a deliberate smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the Senator's image and credibility.
In light of this, we urge you all to be vigilant and proactive. Whenever and wherever you encounter this fake post, we implore you to
-Ignore it
-Counter it
-Report it
Your cooperation in quashing these malicious rumors is invaluable. Together, we can put an end to this vicious cycle of misinformation.
Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yunusa Tanko
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has recommenced the purchase of crude oil from the United States in its ongoing efforts to ramp up oil production and enhance its refining capacity.
The new purchase comes after a three-month hiatus in purchasing crude from foreign countries, focusing instead on domestic supply.
A report by Bloomberg on Wednesday said the cargo conveying two million barrels of WTI Midland crude from Chevron Corp is due to be delivered to the refinery next month.
The latest development may be an indication that the naira-for-crude initiative by the Federal Government may have stalled or that the refinery is not getting enough crude supply from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
“Dangote refinery purchased its first shipment of US oil after a hiatus of three months as the site continues to ramp up production.
“The plant purchased about two million barrels of WTI Midland crude from Chevron Corp,” the report said.
Chevron booked the supertanker Azure Nova to load crude from the US Gulf around December 5 to Dangote, according to tanker fixtures seen by Bloomberg.
Earlier this year, Dangote was typically receiving one or two supertankers of US crude every month alongside domestic supplies.
However, these imports were reduced around August following an agreement with the federal government that the NNPCL would supply crude oil to the refinery in naira rather than dollars.
The agreement stated that the refinery would take up to 400,000 barrels a day of Nigerian crude paid for in local currency.
Dangote is taking a growing role in US and European oil markets, after gradually raising purchases of crude from Nigeria and the US.
The plant’s pull on those barrels increases the competition for the oil faced by traditional buyers in Europe.
The report added that reasons for the return to US imports remain unclear, though a report from Sparta Commodities earlier this week suggests lower shipping costs may have made US oil more affordable in Europe recently.
On Monday, The PUNCH reported the refinery was seeking to raise billions of dollars to import crude oil and increase production.
The report said the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, was in concrete talks with commercial lenders, development banks, oil traders, and other industry participants to raise funds for crude supplies to turn into refined products.
According to the report, the refinery would need a minimum supply of 300,000 b/d to secure more crude to reach its refinery’s capacity.
On Tuesday, the plant began refined petroleum product shipping to West African countries, a sign to traders that the mega-refinery’s operations could soon potentially shake up regional fuel markets.
IOCs couldn’t build refineries
In another development on Wednesday, the Dangote Group said it had done what international oil companies could not do by building a refinery in Nigeria.
The Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, stated this while receiving members of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment at the refinery complex in Lekki, Lagos State.
During the visit led by the Chairman of the committee, Sadiq Umar, Edwin told the senators that the Dangote Group did what Shell, Chevron, or ExxonMobil has never done in any part of the world.
According to him, a Nigerian company took up the challenge to build the largest single-train refinery in the world.
He said about six companies in the world could do the same.
“Here, a Nigerian company took up the challenge which nobody like Shell or Chevron or ExxonMobil has ever done in any part of the world. So, the Nigerian company—Dangote Projects Limited—took up the challenge and built the refinery on time. And this is the world’s largest single-train refinery,” he said.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade and Investment, Umar, assured the refinery of the National Assembly’s support.
According to him, the $20bn project is a national asset that must be protected.
“For us as legislators, you can rest assured that we know what you have done here, we know what it means to the country. We will do anything within our power to see how we support you to succeed so that Nigeria can succeed.
“This investment we have seen here is an investment for the country and for the world, not necessarily for Dangote himself. It is our responsibility to see what we need to do to encourage him.
“I am sure you can see a lot of actions in what the president has done to support him so that the country will be better for it,” the senator said.
Located within the Lekki Free Zone in Lagos, the 650,000-capacity began production in January this year, releasing diesel and aviation fuel into the local market while exporting to other countries.
In September, the facility started producing premium motor spirits. This is after weeks-long controversies with IOCs over crude supply.
The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, repeatedly accused the IOCs of refusing to sell crude to him, saying it was an attempt to sabotage the refinery.
After presidential interventions, the refinery started getting crude in naira to boost the local supply of petrol in naira.
It was learned that the refinery might export petrol to other West African countries soon.
Consular officers deployed to embassies in Spain, Malaysia, Brazil, others, concerns raised over state of country’s missions abroad
The Federal Government has begun deploying consular officers to diplomatic missions worldwide before the anticipated release of the ambassadorial list.
This move comes 14 months after 83 ambassadors were recalled in September 2023. Following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, a reassessment of foreign policy led to the recall of the 83 ambassadors; both career and non-career from their posts in September 2023, but the subsequent appointment of replacements has yet to take place.
The envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, marking a shift in diplomatic strategy and suggesting that the government was looking to realign its foreign engagements to better serve national interests.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, had said the ambassadors served at the President’s behest in their host nations and that it was the President’s “prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”
Tuggar added that it was part of a strategy to realign Nigeria’s foreign engagements.
The recall was done but it left a diplomatic void as no replacements have been announced ever since.
However, the delay in appointing successors has raised concerns.
In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries, but these interim measures fell short of filling the leadership vacuum in key missions.
Consuls-general and chargés d’affaires can handle routine administrative duties and oversee the day-to-day operations of an embassy, but they do not possess the authority or diplomatic weight to engage at the highest levels, such as with heads of state or critical international negotiations.
On May 28, the foreign affairs minister acknowledged the situation, citing a lack of funds as the primary reason for the delay in appointing new ambassadors.
A few days later, former Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Ode, said any new ambassadorial appointments would depend on budget allocations.
“I guess the funds may be included in the supplementary budget, but for now, there is no clear way forward without funds,” Abu-Ode stated.
The prolonged absence of ambassadors echoes similar delays during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, where ambassadorial appointments took up to 20 months.
Some diplomats fear Nigeria’s international partners may interpret this prolonged inaction as a sign of instability or disinterest in global affairs.
This perception, according to them, can be damaging, particularly for a country that relies on foreign investments and international partnerships to fuel its economic growth.
A senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the issue, voiced concerns over the lack of communication and direction from the government.
“There is silence on the issue. Nobody knows what’s going on,” the official stated.
Diplomats and foreign policy experts also warned that Nigeria’s absence from the international stage could have long-term consequences for its reputation.
However, speaking to The PUNCH on Wednesday, a senior government official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ongoing deployment of consular officers to missions abroad.
“They are deploying them to our various missions and embassies abroad. Some are going to Malaysia and Spain while others will go to Brazil where the President participated in the G20 Summit,” the official said.
According to another source, some officers have already reported to their new posts, while others are scheduled to assume their roles later this month.
“Yes, some of us left last week. Others even left the last two weeks. But I’m going later this month. They have brought new hands from the Ministry (of Foreign Affairs) to replace us here [at the State House] because we are being posted out of the country,” the official revealed.
Another source from the Presidency said, “I was posted because I was due for posting.”
Many within Nigeria’s diplomatic community are calling for immediate reforms to address the country’s diplomatic challenges.
A retired Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, had voiced his concerns over the prolonged absence of ambassadors.
“That diplomatic missions are without substantive heads for a short period is widely acceptable. But their absence over a year leaves so much to be desired, especially against the backdrop of the Ministry’s funding challenges,” he said.
Similarly, a retired Consul to Cameroon and Delegate to the World Expo and Economic Development Centre in Paris, Amb. Rasheed Akinkuolie, echoed the need for reform.
“It is not the best option not to have resident ambassadors at a post. Chargés d’affaires may not be able to relate with host governments at the highest level, which includes heads of state. A chargé d’affaires can generally only relate with foreign ministries and other officials,” Akinkuolie explained.
He also expressed concern that host governments might question why Nigeria has not replaced its recalled ambassadors, potentially seeing the prolonged absence as a sign of instability.
Akinkuolie noted that diplomatic missions should be funded from dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure steady financial support for operations abroad.
He also stressed the need for a more streamlined process in deploying ambassadors, urging the government to prioritise ambassadorial appointments and ensure that the foreign missions are properly funded and staffed.
“Diplomatic missions should be funded from a dollar account, dedicated for the purpose at the CBN while running the ministry at home should be in the local currency,” the retired diplomat noted.
The People’s Democratic Party said the failure of President Tinubu to appoint ambassadors 13 months after the former envoys were recalled shows ‘’the ineptitude and indifference of the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.’’
In an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described the situation as unfortunate and stressed that it should be a concern for all Nigerians.
He stated “Well, every time one has to comment on Tinubu’s performance as President or as Chief Administrator of this country, one is forced to do so with a melancholic feeling of despair.
‘’It is not about Tinubu anymore or about me criticizing him; it’s about the system that his ineffectiveness has created for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“The truth is, a man who cannot even appoint a single spokesperson and needs three spokespersons—no one needs to tell you that the man is clueless and has nothing to offer Nigerians. That’s why he needs more than one, two, or three people to explain to Nigerians what he’s doing or what he’s about to do.
“That he cannot even appoint ambassadors speaks volumes. The current situation regarding the ambassadorial appointments tells you the level of ineptitude and indifference he has brought into government in this 21st century.
“It is critical, given the role that these ambassadors play in their respective countries, their importance to the lives of Nigerians abroad, and the diplomatic status of Nigeria globally.”
Osadolor alleged that those surrounding the President may have isolated him from reality.
The opposition party youth leader stated, “It is unfortunate, and it’s something that all Nigerians should be concerned about. This President has shown time and again that his trust is complicated, and he is not addressing the issues around him.
“I can tell you for free, the President may not even be aware that ambassadors have not yet been appointed to these embassies and foreign missions. I can tell you for free—he may not even know because he is clueless about what’s happening around him.
“The people around him have boxed him into a cocoon. The man lives in a world of his own, isolated from what’s happening around him. If his life were connected to the realities around him, I’m sure he would have made efforts to address it.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, lamented that the current administration came into power without a clear vision of its foreign policy.
Ifoh said this explained why the government has been unable to appoint envoys from the numerous qualified Nigerians.
He said, “The implication is that a consul or consul-general cannot meet with foreign ministers of any nation. It takes an ambassador to present the position of a country to his country of residence.
“To even think this government touts itself as one going around seeking foreign investments. In as much as we have not seen any, this is a big low for Nigeria.
“Now the question we want to ask is this: Is there a paucity of personalities, career diplomats or even politicians that this government can send to foreign nations?”
He added, “Everything about this government is politics. Nobody is even saying you should appoint a Labour Party member. Just go ahead and appoint your party members to man these foreign missions. We think that the President should wake up to his responsibilities.”
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stated it is unaware of any plans by the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to visit its Abuja headquarters.
Yahaya Bello is currently facing charges of laundering N80 billion, with an additional 16 counts of money laundering offenses amounting to over N110 billion filed against him by the EFCC.
Reports had surfaced that Bello, who has been on the run since April when EFCC operatives attempted to arrest him at his Abuja residence, was planning to surrender to the agency.
However, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, when contacted, denied any knowledge of such plans.
“I am not aware of that information,” Oyewale told The Whistler on Wednesday.
Despite multiple court orders and arraignment notices, Bello has failed to appear in court. In response, Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, ordered the service of a hearing notice to him. The Federal High Court, meanwhile, has adjourned the matter until January 21, 2025, to rule on a prosecution request to proceed with the trial in Bello’s absence.
During a hearing on October 30, EFCC counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to allow the trial to proceed without Bello’s presence, citing Section 276 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Pinheiro argued that entering a plea on Bello’s behalf would not prejudice the defendant and would enable the prosecution to present its case. He criticized the delays caused by Bello’s refusal to cooperate and warned against setting a precedent that could undermine the justice system.
“This is someone who refused to write a statement when asked by the EFCC and failed to honor court summons on six occasions,” Pinheiro lamented. “The court cannot succumb to tactics designed to derail the trial, intimidate witnesses, or allow evidence to deteriorate over time.”
However, Bello’s counsel, Michael Adoyi, opposed the application, arguing that it contravened court rules requiring the defendant’s physical presence for arraignment. Adoyi maintained that the prosecution’s request was “a dangerous invitation” and urged the court to reject it.
Justice Emeka Nwite, after hearing arguments from both sides, adjourned the case to January 21, 2025, for a ruling on the application or arraignment.
A total of ₦1.411 trillion, representing the October 2024 Federation Accounts Revenue, has been shared between the Federal Government, States, and Local Government Councils (LGAs).
In a statement released by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation on Wednesday, it was revealed that the funds were allocated during the November 2024 meeting of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in Bauchi State, chaired by the Accountant General, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein.
The meeting followed the 2024 National Council on Finance and Economic Development (NACOFED), hosted by the Bauchi State Government.
The total distributable revenue of ₦1.411 trillion included ₦206.319 billion in distributable statutory revenue, ₦622.312 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), ₦17.111 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), and ₦566.000 billion from Exchange Difference revenue.
According to a communiqué issued by FAAC, the gross revenue for October 2024 stood at ₦2.668 trillion, with deductions for collection costs amounting to ₦97.517 billion and transfers, interventions, and refunds totaling ₦1.159 trillion.
The communiqué also highlighted that the gross statutory revenue for October 2024 amounted to ₦1.336 trillion, which represents an increase of ₦293.009 billion from the ₦1.043 trillion recorded in September 2024.
For VAT, ₦668.291 billion was available in October 2024, marking an increase of ₦84.616 billion from the previous month’s ₦583.675 billion.
Of the ₦1.411 trillion distributable revenue, the Federal Government received ₦433.021 billion, while State Governments were allocated ₦490.696 billion.
Local Government Councils received ₦355.621 billion, and ₦132.404 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was distributed to benefiting states as derivation revenue.
From the ₦206.319 billion in statutory revenue, the Federal Government received ₦77.562 billion, the States got ₦39.341 billion, and the LGAs received ₦30.330 billion. Additionally, ₦59.086 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared among benefiting states.
The ₦622.312 billion VAT revenue was divided with the Federal Government receiving ₦93.347 billion, States getting ₦311.156 billion, and Local Government Councils receiving ₦217.809 billion.
From the ₦17.111 billion EMTL, the Federal Government received ₦2.567 billion, States received ₦8.555 billion, and LGAs were allocated ₦5.989 billion.
Regarding the ₦566.000 billion in Exchange Difference revenue, the Federal Government received ₦259.545 billion, States received ₦131.644 billion, and Local Government Councils received ₦101.493 billion. Derivation revenue for benefiting states amounted to ₦73.318 billion (13% of mineral revenue).
In October 2024, key revenue sources such as Oil and Gas Royalty, Excise Duty, VAT, Import Duty, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), and Companies Income Tax (CIT) saw significant increases, while EMTL and CET Levies experienced notable decreases.
A court in the British Virgin Islands has authorized Chinese investors, Zhongshan, to seize £20 million ($25 million) from Nigeria’s foreign-denominated assets due to a failed Ogun trade zone agreement dating back to the early 2000s, during the tenure of then-Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
On November 8, Justice Paul Webster of the British Virgin Islands High Court ruled that Nigeria could not claim immunity from the enforcement of an arbitral award in favor of Zhongshan.
The decision was based on the bilateral investment treaty between China and Nigeria, which included a clause stipulating that both nations must enforce arbitration awards.
According to Peoples Gazette, the judge interpreted this clause as Nigeria’s written consent to enforcement under the treaty, thus enabling Zhongshan to pursue judgment debt collection.
Justice Webster cited Section 13(3) of the State Immunity Act 1978, mandating the British Virgin Islands to permit Zhongshan to recover the debt from Nigeria’s assets in the UK.
This judgment is part of a growing list of legal setbacks Nigeria has faced internationally. Courts in France, Belgium, Canada, the United States, and other jurisdictions have also dismissed Nigeria’s sovereign immunity arguments, consistently ruling in favor of Zhongshan.
Zhongshan’s legal team, led by King’s Counsel Timothy Otty and Lauren Peaty of Withers British Virgin Islands, claimed the Ogun trade zone deal was unilaterally terminated by Amosun’s administration.
They alleged that their representatives were detained and tortured under the former governor’s orders, prompting them to seek justice in foreign courts.
In a bid to enforce a $70 million arbitral award, Zhongshan targeted Nigeria’s dollar-denominated crude earnings held in JP Morgan accounts in the United States.
While U.S. courts rejected Nigeria’s sovereign immunity claims, the matter is now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, following Nigeria’s November 7 filing for a writ of certiorari. Until the Supreme Court makes a decision, Zhongshan’s access to these funds remains delayed.
Meanwhile, the Chinese investors have begun seizing Nigeria’s overseas assets, including two guest houses in Liverpool and aircraft in France and Canada, to recover the debt.
Mr. Amosun, who signed the controversial contract, has faced public criticism for his role in the debacle.
In August, he admitted to failing to verify Zhongshan’s claims before entering the agreement, describing their assertions as false.
The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of the Governing Councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions, including Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
In the same vein, the governor has also approved the disengagement of the management staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City, with immediate effect.
Both approvals were conveyed in a government special announcement dated November 20, 2024, and signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua.
The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of the governing councils of all state-owned tertiary Institutions in Edo State with immediate effect.
“Accordingly, all affected members of the governing councils of all State-owned tertiary Institutions are to hand over all government properties in their possession to their respective heads of the institutions.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that Governor Okpebholo has approved the disengagement of the management Staff of Edo Specialist Hospital and Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Benin City, with immediate effect.
“In view of the above, the management staff of the aforementioned hospitals are to hand over all government properties in their possession to the most senior officer in their various Institutions.”