The Department of State Service (DSS) has commenced the interrogation of seven Polish nationals arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano State.
The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, disclosed at a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and members of the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were also at the meeting.
He said the Polish citizens were arrested for displaying foreign flags during the protests in some states in the North-West.
Afunanya, however, added that the foreign nationals were not targeted by the secret police.
Several people have been arrested by security agents in many states in the North for displaying Russian flags during the protests organized by a group of Nigerians to express their frustration over the current hardship and other socio-economic problems in the country.
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DSS quizzes seven Polish nationals in #EndBadGovernance protests
Tinubu appoints governing councils for federal colleges of education
President Bola Tinubu has made appointments of governing councils to head selected federal colleges of education in the country as follows:
Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri, Kebbi State:
Ismaila Gadaka (Chairman), Abdulhakeem Adegoke, Pam Ishaya, Abubakar Sadique Fakai and
Zara Duamlong Usman.
Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu, Ebonyi State:
Mohammed Sani Takori (Chairman),
Dauda Onipede, Victor Mela Dan Zaria, Solomon Ayuba and Mario Eno Owumi.
Federal College of Education, Odugbo, Benue State:
Baba Alphonsus Homsuk (Chairman), Kayode Ajiboye, Rex Ogbonna, Jude Ngaji and John Yada Viko.
Federal College of Education , Jama’are, Bauchi State:
Aisha Yelwa Ibrahim Tahir (Chairman), Dorren Ikedi Udechukwu, Barr Brass Yaji, Mustapha Shehu and Joshua Oludare Adewale.
Federal College of Education, Gidan Mado, Sokoto: Abdullahi Adam (Chairman), Olatunji Akinbiyi, Mohammed Adamu Malala, Saleh Musa Audu and Lami Ehi Oguogho.
Federal College of Education (Technical), Benin City, Edo State:
Tukur Jikamshi (Chairman), Abdullahi Adamu Loko, Asimiyu Alarape, Abubakar Abubakar Bello and
Christopher Okaeben.
A statement by Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity on Wednesday, noted that the President anticipates that the new members of the boards of these institutions will serve with dedication and commitment to improving the standards of learning in the nation’s federal colleges of education.
Tinubu appoints governing councils for federal colleges of education
Senate queries $1.5bn approved for P’Harcourt refinery’s maintenance
The Senate has raised questions over the $1.5bn approved in 2021 for the Turn-Around Maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery with little or no result.
The upper chamber lamented that it is “unfair and wrong to treat government businesses or public companies as an orphan while private businesses were flourishing and thriving.”
The Senate Leader and Chairman, Senate ad-hoc Committee to investigate the alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry, Opeyemi Bamidele, raised the questions at a session with stakeholders in the industry at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja on Wednesday.
The session was attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari; Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr. Gbenga Komolafe and the Chief Executive Office, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, among others.
The Federal Executive Council had approved the plan by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to rehabilitate and turn around the Port Harcourt Refinery with $1.5bn under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Despite the huge investment, the government-owned refinery is yet to function effectively, a situation that compelled the country to depend almost entirely on the importation of petroleum products.
At the session with stakeholders on Wednesday, Bamidele expressed concerns over the dysfunctionality of the government-owned refineries despite investments to carry out turn-around maintenance.
Bamidele observed that the country “is undergoing a truly challenging period,” pointing out that the distribution and supply of refined petroleum products “has been irregular and problematic in the recent history of our fatherland.
“The long queues at filling stations are obviously a testament to this challenge. A situation, whereby we now depend almost entirely on the importation of these products, even when we daily supply the global oil market. No fewer than two per cent of its crude oil requirements are, to say the least, highly worrisome.
“We also have at hand a grievous issue of national concern that directly borders on the importation of hazardous petroleum products and dumping of substandard diesel into the country.”
Under different administrations since 1999, Bamidele observed that the Federal Government “has invested billions of dollars to maintain and turn around the state-owned refineries in Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri. But the refineries are not functioning.
“In 2021, specifically, the Federal Executive Council approved $1.5bn for the turn-around maintenance of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Yet, this investment has not yielded significant returns.
“For us, in the Senate, we believe it is unfair and unpatriotic to treat government businesses or public corporations as an orphan while private businesses are flourishing and thriving.”
To permanently nip these challenges in the bud, Bamidele disclosed the Senate’s plan to jointly investigate diverse allegations of economic sabotage in the petroleum industry along with the House of Representatives.
He noted that there would be no room for grandstanding during the investigative hearing, promising that the committee would carry out its mandate fairly and impartially.
While insisting that nobody will be untouchable, Bamidele said the task of ridding the petroleum industry of malfeasance “is urgent and must be carried out in the spirit of nationalism and patriotism. We are ready to carry it out with all senses of honour and responsibility.
“We are also taking it seriously to address fundamental issues that pose grave threats to our economic prosperity, fiscal stability and public health as a Federation. In line with our mandate, we will definitely unravel factors and forces aiding sabotage in our petroleum industry.
“From our findings, we will craft a legislative framework that will entrench global best practices in the industry, open it up for more investments, especially in the midstream and downstream sectors and end vicious regimes of subterfuge in the petroleum industry.”
Nigerians will soon see positive results from Tinubu’s reforms
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has assured Nigerians that the dividends of President Bola Tinubu’s nail-biting reforms will soon come to fruition.
The former Kano governor gave the assurance when he received a five-man delegation of the United States chapter of the APC at the party secretariat in Abuja.
His appeal for patience and support to the president is coming amidst the ongoing hunger protest tagged ##EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, which officially entered Day Seven on Wednesday.
Nigeria has been plagued with hyperinflation and hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and other economic policies implemented by the Tinubu administration.
The economic challenges have made it tough for the masses to keep up with the skyrocketing cost of foodstuffs and the cost of living.
But Ganduje insisted that the hardship being experienced by the people was a temporary teething problem, which is expected of every positive reform.
He said, “There is no doubt also that even in the so-called developed countries, they have their turbulence (protests) in one way or the other. So, it is not surprising that Nigeria has its own share of the problem. This is not the first time. You will recall that whenever there is a reform agenda, obstacles must be on the way.
“As a result, people must suffer in one way or the other. In the long run, everything will go according to the plan. We are aware that our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came in with the intention to introduce reforms. Our institutions are weak, and unless you have strong institutions, you will find it difficult to implement whatever good policies you have.
“So, Mr President is doing all that is needed to be done. In a matter of time, we will come out of this because he is working very hard on the economy. Very soon, we will see positive results.”
Continuing, the APC national chairman praised the US delegation, saying they are quite proud of the massive support the current administration has been getting from them.
“I welcome members of our great Party from America. Today, history is made. It’s a day we cannot forget. They came from one of the farthest places in the world, from the USA to show commitment and love.
“From history, since the time of military politics where we have political parties involved during the AD, AC, ACN, and down to the APC of today, some of you have been in such associations that led to the merger of political parties. So, there’s no doubt that you are committed party men and women, and we appreciate your coming.”
Earlier in his speech, the leader of the five-man delegation of the APC-USA, Prof Adesegun Labinjo, told newsmen they were in the country to show solidarity with the president and the party leadership following the hunger protest that rocked the country.
“We are glad to pay you this courtesy visit in support of the great way you have been leading this party. We cherish you and admire your leadership style. We acknowledge your role as our leader.
“In support of you and our great President, we said since this country is facing turbulence at this time, we’re going there to show our support for our president, for the national leadership of our party, and our great country.
“Despite the discouragement, we insisted on coming. In the face of all the turmoil that they projected will happen or is happening, we are here to support our president, the APC national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and our country,” he said.
NCAA to unveil portal for real-time airline complaint resolution
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has commenced training its consumer protection officers and the airlines’ staff representative on using the soon-be-launched consumer protection portal to solve real-time passenger complaints against airlines.
Najomo made this known in a statement sent to journalists on Wednesday.
The two-day training began on Wednesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja and was opened by acting Director General Captain Chris Najomo, represented by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
He added that the portal will also ensure the on-time performance of all the airlines operating in Nigeria.
“There has never been a consumer protection portal in the NCAA. This is the first. This is historic. When you check the time frame it took us to get to this point, you will see the determination to make it work” he said adding that the building of the portal started when he was the Director Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
He also noted that the portal has made the job easier for the 260 CPOs across all the airports in Nigeria.
Najomo said the portal building is a fulfillment of one of his action points for 2024 because it speaks to the ease of doing business environment the Authority is consciously creating.
The portal makes the processes of complaints and complaints resolution very easier.
“This postal is also for data collation. You will agree that data is a major issue in Nigeria. In the aviation industry, you can’t make a proper plan and get things right without data. This portal makes it easier for everyone including stakeholders.
“The portal will ensure transparency as we are onboarding all the airlines where people get to see all the number of complaints that have been sent to each airline. You can track the resolution process. We don’t need to name and shame because it is a self-reporting system. You are already naming and shaming yourself if you don’t perform well” he emphasized.
The Acting DGCA stressed the need for thorough training for NCAA officers and airline staff to effectively use the new portal before its launch.
Assistant General Manager, Consumer Protection, Ifueko Abdulmalik, said the portal is in line with NCAA’s automation of its processes amid reforms.
The portal represents the DG’s aim to automate NCAA processes to meet international standards. “In the past, we did it manually, which was inefficient. With automation, everything is simplified, and we will achieve better results in resolving consumer complaints,” she assured.
“We are onboarding the staff of the airlines so that they are also seeing the complaints in real-time. This makes the processes smoother, and faster and the consumers happier because that’s the ultimate goal” she noted.
“Regarding monitoring, she mentioned that both the minister and the DGCA will have access to the portal to continuously track complaint resolutions.
“Additionally, airlines can use the portal to log delayed flights, allowing the NCAA to oversee regulatory compliance, she added.
Protests: DSS quizzes seven Polish nationals for displaying foreign flags
The Department of State Service (DSS) has commenced the interrogation of seven Polish nationals arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano State.
The DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, disclosed at a meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and members of the Diplomatic Corps on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, were also at the meeting.
He said the Polish citizens were arrested for displaying foreign flags during the protests in some states in the North-West.
Afunanya, however, added that the foreign nationals were not targeted by the secret police.
Several people have been arrested by security agents in many states in the North for displaying Russian flags during the protests organized by a group of Nigerians to express their frustration over the current hardship and other socio-economic problems in the country.
The post Protests: DSS quizzes seven Polish nationals for displaying foreign flags appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
24-hour curfew stands – Kaduna govt warns residents
The Kaduna State Government said the Security Council has not reviewed the 24-hour curfew.
TVN recalls that Governor Uba Sani alongside heads of security agencies on Tuesday, went round the state to see the level of damages caused by criminals during the protests in the state.
However, after the inspection tour, Governor Uba Sani urged residents to continue to adhere to the 24 hours curfew imposed in the state.
On Wednesday, The Overseeing COMMISSIONER for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, further warned some aggrieved residents who tried to defy the curfew that the 24 hours curfew has not been reviewed
Aruwan wrote on his verified Facebook page: “The Kaduna State Security Council has not reviewed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs.
“The 24-hour curfew remains in place and is being actively enforced by security agencies, contrary to insinuations that it has been reviewed.
“Citizens are enjoined to observe the curfew strictly, and to shun rumours or unverified reports.
“Reliable and accurate updates will be duly communicated to the public through official channels.”
24-hour curfew stands – Kaduna govt warns residents
Tinubu appoints governing councils for aviation, maritime colleges
President Bola Tinubu has appointed 10 persons to serve on the governing councils of two federal tertiary institutions: the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State.
The Presidency announced the appointments on Wednesday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints governing councils of two federal tertiary institutions.’
At the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Tinubu appointed the following:
Kehinde Akinola — Chairman
Shehu Maigari Doguwa — Member
Samuel Isichei — Member
Faisal Lawal Halidu — Member
At the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, Kaduna State, he appointed:
Anthony Manzo — Chairman
Ngozi Okuoma — Member
Durungunwa Abdulmalik — Member
Biodun Taiwo — Member
Florence Toyin Olorunfemi — Member
The President expects members of the governing boards of these institutions to “serve with integrity and devotion to the enhancement of their structural, academic, and all-around standards,” the statement added.
With three years of experience, Stephen, The According correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons
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Reps deny rift between Speaker Abbas, Deputy Kalu
The Nigerian House of Representatives has dismissed claims of a rift between Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
The House also refuted allegations that members bribed their way into key committee positions.
In a statement issued by House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi Jnr on Wednesday, the House clarified that the recent dissolution of the Joint Ad Hoc Committee on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum adhered to the 1999 Constitution and the House’s standing rules.
Rotimi stated that the House’s internal mechanisms are supported by Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants it the authority to regulate its own procedures.
He said: “The leadership of the House reserves the right to disband or dissolve an ad hoc committee as needed.”
The statement also addressed rumors of bribery, asserting: “At no point did the House leadership or any individual receive inducements for committee appointments. The Selection Committee, which included members from all states of the federation, diligently executed these appointments between June and July 2023.”
Rotimi refuted the notion of discord between the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, affirming: “There is no rift between the two. They maintain a strong, respectful relationship and are committed to their duties without internal conflicts.”
The House urged journalists to verify information before publication and to avoid spreading misinformation.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and openness with the public and media.
Reps deny rift between Speaker Abbas, Deputy Kalu
Court tells Ecobank to pay N1bn to ex-Oceanic Bank workers
The National Industrial Court Lagos division has ordered Ecobank Nigeria Limited to pay the sum of N1,086,611,589.11 being judgment debt into the account of the Chief Registrar of the National Industrial Court, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal filed by Ecobank Bank against the judgment of the Court.
Justice R. H. Gwandu made the order on July 16, 2024, while ruling on an appeal filed by Ecobank against the previous judgment that directed the bank to pay 1,742 former Oceanic Bank staff for unpaid gratuities and staff savings.
The bank applied for a stay of execution but was denied. However, the court granted the ex-employees application for an Order Nisi to attach all monies owed to Ecobank with the Central Bank of Nigeria and other commercial banks, pending the determination of the appeal.
“The court refuses the application to stay the execution of the judgment and grants the Order Nisi as prayed.
“It is imperative to protect the integrity of this court’s judgment and ensure the judgment sum is secured pending the outcome of the appeal,” Justice Gwandu held.
It would be recalled that following the suit filed by 1,742 ex-Oceanic Bank employees against Ecobank who were denied their legitimate entitlements by the bank, the National Industrial Court, Lagos Division in a judgment had ordered Ecobank Nigeria Limited to pay the sum of N1, 086,611,589.11 to the ex-workers.
Dissatisfied with the Court, Ecobank filed an appeal against the judgment of the court and an application for a stay of the execution of the judgment.
Justice Gwandu in his ruling on the application for stay, and the application for order nisi held: “Order nisi is granted as prayed, stay of execution is denied.”
In the bench ruling, the court also held, “It, therefore, behoves this court to take steps to protect the integrity of its judgment and see that the Res is protected even when the appeal may or may not be pending.
“I hereby order the judgment debtor to pay the judgment sum into the account of the Chief Registrar of National Industrial Court of Nigeria pending the outcome of the appeal filed by the applicants.”
The claimants Babajide Bayode, Yemisi Adesote, Adeboyejo Oladimeji, Seun Aina, Yusuf Kadiri, Segun Alasan, Adetayo Familugba, and Lolade Olaribigbe, had through their counsel Mr Nwabu Okoye, filed the suit against Ecobank.
They sued for themselves and as representatives of 1,733 other ex-employees of Oceanic Bank now Ecobank Nigeria Limited.