The National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Oginni Olaposi Sunday, has told the party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso that the court order he procured is too weak to protect him from EFCC’s invitation, arrest and prosecution.
Oginni, who made this statement while addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State, said the magnitude of unprecedented corruption by successive governments and politicians in Nigeria has made nonsense of the nation’s democracy.
“The continuous resistance of former governors to EFCC’s investigations is becoming worrisome.
“It is on record that the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, through its National Secretary, Comrade Oginni Olaposi Sunday has requested that the EFCC investigates Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other party officers on the money collected by the party from the sales of nomination forms and campaign funds donations for the 2023 general elections, which was allegedly stolen by Senator Kwankwaso and his cohorts.
“In a dramatic reaction to the imminent EFCC’s investigation, Senator Kwankwaso rushed to the Kano State High Court to ‘procure’ an order to stop the anti-graft agency from inviting him and other alleged corrupt officers for investigation, the same manner in which Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State is trying to use Court to frustrate EFCC’s prosecution.
“Nigerians cannot forget in hurry that Yahaya Bello also used Kogi State High Court to ‘procure’ a frivolous order similar to what Senator Kwankwaso also ‘procured’ from Kano State High Court to frustrate EFCC’s investigation and arrest,” he said.
The NNPP scribe said as a law-abiding political party, the NNPP has approached the relevant government agency with the responsibility to deal with corruption in Nigeria.
“We cannot teach the EFCC how to discharge its job. I am very sure that the anti-graft agency is up to the task,” he added.
NNPP: Court order you procured too weak to protect you – Oginni blasts Kwankwaso
NNPP: Court order you procured too weak to protect you – Oginni blasts Kwankwaso
Customs impound N19m worth of smuggled petrol in Ogun, Lagos

The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Kehinde Ejibunu, on Thursday, announced the seizure of 26,950 litres of petroleum products being smuggled out of the country into the Republic of Benin.
The seizure is said to be worth N19m.
Ejibunu said that the petroleum products which consist of 978 kegs of 25 litres totalling 26,950 litres were impounded in Zone A of the NCS consisting of Lagos and Ogun states under two weeks.
He said that the special squad was set up two weeks ago by the Comptroller-General of the NCS, Bashir Adeniyi to add bite to efforts aimed at cracking down on the criminals smuggling petroleum products outside the country.
Ejibunu disclosed this on Thursday at a press briefing held at the Ogun State Command office of NCS, Abeokuta, the state capital.
The customs officer said that the activities of smugglers usually aid the artificial scarcity of petroleum products in the country forcing the prices to go up for as much as N900 per litre.
“In just about two weeks of operation, the Operation Whirlwind team, Zone A axis intercepted 26,950 litres of premium motor spirit worth N19m,” he said.
“121 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 3025 litres was intercepted at Oyinkansola Global Concept along Badagry/Seme road in Lagos State on 31st of May 2024. Means of conveyance were two cars.
“77 drums of PMS (616 kegs of 25 litres) equivalent to 15, 400 litres was seized on Friday, June 7, 2024 at Seayab Petroleum along Imeko/Obada road in Ogun State. The means of conveyance is a truck with the registration number 95D4244D,” Ejibunu said.
He stated that another 100 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 2500 litres was impounded on Saturday June 8 along Owode/Atan road, Ogun State while an equivalent of 6,025 litres consisting of 141 kegs of 25 litres was seized at Julankoly Oil and Gas along Owode/Ilaro road.
Ejibunu said that the petroleum stations involved in these criminal activities have been sealed up while their owners shall be prosecuted.
He said that the product seized would be auctioned very soon given its inflammable nature.
Ejibunu urged all those who are into criminal acts of sabotaging the country’s economy to either have a change of heart or get dealt with according to the extant laws.
𝘼 𝙔𝙀𝘼𝙍 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝙀𝙍𝙑𝙄𝘾𝙀: 𝙂𝙍𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙏𝙐𝘿𝙀 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙍𝙀𝘿𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 – Philip Agbese
My esteemed constituents,
Today marks a significant milestone in my journey as a member of the House of Representatives. It’s been one year since I took the oath of office, and I’m honoured to reflect on our progress and renew my commitment to serving our people. We have made significant strides in legislation, oversight, and constituency development. We have passed bills, moved motions, and engaged in debates aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians.
We sponsored a record nine bills with three passing second reading, including the critical bill for an Act for the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Agila which received the overwhelming support of my colleagues and stakeholders during a recent public hearing. We have also moved four groundbreaking motions which were unanimously adopted by the House. Particularly, I am thrilled that one of the motions on the need to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue accrued from the oil and gas sector in Nigeria was named among the best in 2023.
In our little way, we have paid attention to human capital development, and youth empowerment while facilitating educational support to students through scholarships and mentorship, engaging with stakeholders to promote community development and attracting Federal Government grants and palliatives. I have been fortunate to be named into 13 committees and to be selected as the Deputy Spokesman/ Vice-Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs.
I have also been honoured to be nominated as a member of the Pan-African Parliament, subsequently elected Rapporteur, Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs. Due to our early strides and trailblazing performance, we were nominated to chair the Nigeria-Finland Parliamentary Friendship Group to enhance Nigeria’s legislative relationship with Finland in line with the 10th National Assembly Legislative Agenda. These assignments have enabled us to drive progress in critical areas, fostering innovation and empowering Nigerians.
I want to express my gratitude to my constituents and leaders particularly my predecessors Hon. Francis Agbo, Hon. Hassan Saleh, Hon. David Idoko, and Hon. Bernard Ochepa just to mention a few. My wonderful father, Chief Barr. John A. A. Ochoga, the Akpa Olofu of Agila and my Uncle, Chief Mike Okibe Onoja CON, the Akanaba Agila have never left me from the time of the campaign until this hour. I must also commend Chief Dan Agbese, His Excellency, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Chief Simon Shango and Senator Tilley Gyado. Their support, feedback, and encouragement have fueled my passion for service.
To my colleagues and staff, I appreciate your dedication, expertise, and camaraderie. Together, we’ve built a strong team that puts Enone first. My elder brother, Rep. Akin Rotimi Akin Jnr has shown me and my family tremendous love. Special appreciation goes to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, for his leadership and guidance. His wisdom and vision have created an enabling environment for us to thrive.
I respectfully stand on the shoulders of a giant, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. His guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have been instrumental in my journey thus far. For us in Benue, Saint George is our ‘Archangel’, Sir George is our ‘Patron Saint’ and Jugu Dajoh Akume is the ‘Grand Oracle’ of our political decimal point; the beginning and the end of all political animals in Benue since 1999. His loving wife, Hon. (Mrs) Regina Akume has carried me on her back like a son in the parliament. I am forever grateful, mummy.
I must appreciate the Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Dr Sam Ode for his crucial role in my life’s journey. Comrade Austin Agada, our capacity state chairman has always been there for me. To my entire family, particularly Mr Best and Mrs Susan; friends and associates, your contributions have made a significant impact on my work and the lives of my constituents. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared goals.
Our second year has already begun with sky-high expectations. We are aware of the monumental tasks ahead. Therefore, I assure you that I will continue to listen to your concerns, amplify your voices, and work tirelessly to address the challenges facing our constituency. Our focus will be on the three 3Ps that make up our policy commitment: Parliament, People and Projects.
We will work tirelessly towards attracting meaningful projects that will improve the lives of our people. I am committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders, government agencies, and private sector partners to bring in investments that will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and enhance our infrastructure. Our focus will be on projects that address the specific needs of our constituency in agriculture, health, infrastructure, sports and youth development.
In all we do, humanity comes first. Therefore, we will continue to empower our great people. From youth empowerment, support for women and the vulnerable, secret bank alerts for the elderly to palliatives and stomach infrastructure, ours is to create a better life for all constituents, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. I will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that our community receives the support it needs to thrive.
I am reminded that my primary responsibility is to serve the people through effective legislation. I pledge to continue on this core assignment of making laws that benefit our great nation and constituents. I will propose more bills that address the pressing needs of our people, engage in robust debates and committee work to ensure the passage of meaningful legislation and collaborate with fellow lawmakers to build consensus and advance our legislative agenda. We will make sure that our landmark bills go beyond the legislature to receive presidential assent.
As we look ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities and challenges. We’ll work assiduously to ensure that our potential is realised for the benefit of all citizens. We will also continue to engage with stakeholders, facilitate town hall meetings, and ensure that your voices are heard in the decision-making process. Thank you again for your trust and support. Let’s continue working together to build a brighter future for our people.
Long Live Enone! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Your Servant
Hon. Philip Agbese
13th June 2024
Benue secures €25m EIB loan to construct roads

The Benue State Government has secured €25m from the European Investment Bank to construct 500-kilometre roads across the state.
This was disclosed by the State Coordinator, Benue Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Stephen Numbeve, in Makurdi on Thursday.
According to Numbeve, all the paperwork has been completed, maintaining that the agency would commence work as soon as the fund is disbursed.
According to the RAAMP coordinator, the road designs for 300 kilometres of roads have been completed, while works for the remaining 200 kilometres are ongoing.
Numbeve further said that the roads are expected to cut across 53 road networks in the state.
He said, ‘As soon as I resumed here (the agency) I immediately went into action and I’ve been able to secure funds from the European Investment Bank, along six other states, including Edo, Anambra, Cross River, Taraba and Borno states.
‘The total amount secured by the six states was 150 million euros, meaning 25 million euros for each state, though disbursement is yet to be done, all the relevant signings and agreements have been done.
‘The Minister of Finance has signed with the European Investment Bank on our behalf and we are hoping that most likely and God’s willing, this June, disbursements will be done.
He added, ‘As a prelude to commencing work as soon as we get the funds is that we have embarked on engineering road designs; this is important to the building of any road, be it rural or township roads.
‘We have been able to successfully work on the designs for 300-kilometer roads and today we signed another contract for 200-kilometer roads and the contractor will be mobilized to the site today.
‘So within the shortest possible time work on the other 200 kilometer roads will commence, adding to the 300 kilometres roads, to make it 500 kilometer roads. This will cut across 53 roads in Benue. So we are expected to build 53 roads as soon as we get the disbursements.”
Tinubu gets bill proposing return to regional govt Friday

President Bola Tinubu will, on Friday, receive a draft bill seeking a return to a regional system of government for Nigeria.
The proposed legislation authored by a chieftain of the Yoruba socio-cultural association, Afenifere, Akin Fapohunda, and titled, “A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, seeks among others, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.”
The According reported last week that the said bill was disowned by the House of Representatives whose spokesman, Akin Rotimi, and the Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business said had not been listed for deliberation in the ongoing moves to review the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
However, Fapohunda told our correspondent on Thursday that the bill would be transmitted to the President on Friday.
“I’m submitting my letter (draft bill) today but I will wait for seven days before releasing it to the public,” he told our correspondent.
Meanwhile, Fapohunda who also represents the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities told The According that the organisation is proposing the division of the country into eight geo-political regions with approximate interim boundaries.
The proposed regions. according to Fapohunda. include the southern region to be made up of Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, and Cross Rivers States and “Optional inclusions of the Annang, Effik, Ekoi, Ibibio, Oro Ohaji/Egbema in Southern Imo, the Adonia, Efemia, Ijaw, Ogoni, Bini, Ishan, Isoko, Urhobo and the Ijaw-speaking people in Northern Ondo State with land contiguity.”
He continued, “The South Eastern region consists of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. The Western region comprises Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Ekiti States, incorporating the Yoruba-speaking people in Kogi and the Igbomina people in Kwara State. Additional options would be the Itsekiri people of Delta State and Akoko-Edo people of Edo State to make their respective choices.”
Others include the Mid-Western Region “Made up of Edo and Delta States, possibly incorporating the Anioma people and the Eastern Middle Belt Region comprising Northern Cross River, Southern Kaduna, Southern Borno, Adamawa, Benue, Kogi, Plateau, Nasarawa and Taraba States.”
The Western Middle Belt Region comprises Southern Kebbi, parts of Kwara and Niger States while the North Eastern Region will be made up of parts of Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa, and Yobe States.
The North Western Region, according to the Afenifere chieftain, comprises Kaduna, parts of Kebbi, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara States.
Fapohunda said the coalition envisaged a two-tier government, federal and regions, adding that the latter would be at liberty to manage her affairs, “Including the creation of sub-entities, based on the stipulations that are agreed upon and embedded in their respective constitutions.”
In its proposed governance stipulations, CIEN stated that “In the quest for re-configuration and downsizing, an option to consider might be to retain the present boundaries of the 36 States, as would have been adjusted, but to creatively downgrade the paraphernalia of political administration as follows:
“To introduce a new regional government framework with executive and legislative functions and bodies with the headship title of Premier.
“In the new dispensation, the present States (for example the six in the Western region) would be converted to provinces. Governance at this level shall be by Provincial Councils that integrate executive and legislative functions, with Chairman and Support Specialist Administrative Officers. The regions shall be at liberty to create provinces, subject to viability and self-sustainability.
“The present Local Government Areas are to be transformed into divisions, with divisional managers and specialist administrative officers; to operate as socio-economic development institutions. The new provinces shall also be at liberty to create divisions, subject to viability and self-sustainability.”
The coalition also proposed a new constitution to embody novelties including freedom of the regions to “Create, merge and or re-configure their sub-political units and may adopt provinces, divisions or districts as may suit their circumstances without interference from any other authority.
“Regions and sub-regional entities are to be reconfigured such as would reduce the cost of public and civil service administration to less than 20 to 30 per cent of generated revenue.
“In drafting their Constitutions, the peoples of the respective regional territories will take a cue and also dismantle any arrangement or configuration that will favour the politicians and the political class; with a focus on freeing resources for true development.
“A uni-camera federal legislature comprising members that are elected at the discretion of the regions for which they would be representatives at Abuja.
“Decentralization of federal power in favour of not more than 10 regions on which there is a general national consensus, rather than the presently unwieldy number of 36 States. These old States are inconsequential indeed in being a viable unit of a truly federal system of government.”
In all, the coalition proposes that the Federal Government “Shall comprise not more than nine Ministries and Ministers,” adding that “The very big United States has just 15 Cabinet Ministers, while Nigeria is not even up to just a State of Texas or New York.”
The group is also advocating a return to the parliamentary mode system of government “Built-in statutory rotation of headship among the regions.”
Troops kill notorious terrorists, others along Kaduna-Katsina border
Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed an infamous terrorist Buharin Yadi, one of the alleged deadliest bandit leaders terrorizing Northern Nigeria in the last decade.
Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, said on Thursday that the troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, terminating their spell of terror.
“Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops (under the coordination of their Commander, also the General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso) which took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State,” he said.
Aruwan said the troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka, Saulawa area of Katsina State. Adding that on advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.
“A ferocious battle quickly followed, as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri. The troops then fought bravely through an ambush, to attain their objective. Initial assessments indicate that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement.
“Buharin Yadi was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading and drug trafficking. He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighbouring states,” he added.
According to him, the merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the Northeast and Northwest.
Troops kill notorious terrorists, others along Kaduna-Katsina border
NSCDC denies kidnapping man over land dispute with kinsman in Ebonyi
The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has denied the news making the rounds that its operative abducted a native of Amaedim Ngwogwo community in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that some national dailies (NOT TVN) had reported that the NSCDC operatives abducted Mr Innocent Orji, following a land dispute in the community.
However, Mr Elijah Willie, State Commandant of the Corps, said in Abakaliki, on Thursday that the command only effected the arrest of Orji.
Willie explained that the operatives arrested him following a petition written against him by Mr Innocent Igwe alleging threat to life.
He also said that Orji was alleged to be involved in championing intra and inter-communal crises, trespassing, vandalism and other conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.
The Commandant said he received the petition against the said Orji and his cohorts from Odiegwu Ibekwe Chambers, demanding to bring the culprits to justice.
“This is a land dispute and disagreement between Mr Innocent Igwe, the complainant and Orji, the suspect. It started on how to share the land between them but Orji faulted the terms of resolution.
“Yes, it was on these bases that the suspect was arrested because he refused to follow the government’s directive on the resolution of the land matters.
“A resolution was reached by the committee but the suspect was obstructing the peace process, which led to his arrest.
“I wonder how an organization like NSCDC, empowered by law to arrest, detain, investigate and prosecute, will abduct someone”, he said.
The commandant said he would not fold his arms and watch the community go into turmoil.
“The arrest was done for justice to stand and the publication was a distraction for me not to carry out my official duty.
“The suspect, Innocent Oji also known as Ogbonna was arrested and detained.
“On this note, I want to inform the public, who read from the false publication, that we did not abduct Orji but only arrested him,” Willie added.
NSCDC denies kidnapping man over land dispute with kinsman in Ebonyi
Army destroys IPOB camp in Abia, clears bandits hideouts in Ondo
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a training camp belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, in Abia State.
The NA disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Thursday.
The statement revealed that, in collaboration with Task Force Tactical Patrol Squad, the Army raided the camp located in Ihechiowa community, Arochukwu Local Government Area, during the early hours of Wednesday.
The statement partly read, “During the operation, troops successfully infiltrated and dismantled the camp, destroying all training apparatus and facilities found on-site.
“The raid marks a critical move in the ongoing efforts to curb acts of terrorism by IPOB and ESN, which have been linked to various security challenges and violence unleashed on innocent citizens as well as security operatives in the state.”

The raid was also said to have targeted buildings used as hideouts for key ESN commanders.
It added, “The raid operation was a sequel to heightening terrorists’ activities of IPOB/ESN, targeting law-abiding citizens and government agencies in Abia State and other parts of Southeastern Nigeria.”
In a separate operation, troops alongside other security forces were also reported to have cleared hideouts used by bandits and criminals in Ondo State.
The operation reportedly took place around Irele, Igbobini, and Segbemi Kiribo in the general area of Ese-Odo forest, Irele Local Government Area.
“During the clearance operations, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 rifle magazine, five locally fabricated single-barrel guns, and one locally made pistol. Other items recovered from the bandits include 18 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and 24 live cartridges,” the statement added.
According Online reported on Sunday that troops of the Nigerian Army on Operation UDO KA conducted a raid on an IPOB camp located in Igboro Forest in Abia State on Saturday to arrest the killers of five soldiers at Obikabia junction in Aba.
During the operation, the troops reportedly subdued the IPOB group in a firefight, killing six members of the group.