Category: News

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has advocated for the privatization of oil refineries in Nigeria as a solution to the persistent crises plaguing the oil sector. Abbas made this recommendation during a meeting with the top management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by the Group Managing Director, Mr. Mele Kyari, in Abuja.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the refineries, Abbas emphasized the need for multi-dimensional uses of these facilities, even in the absence of crude oil. He urged the NNPCL management to explore ways to privatize the refineries, highlighting the inefficiencies that would become more apparent when faced with competition from new refineries like Dangote’s.

Abbas stated, “We have spent so much money and time deceiving ourselves that some businesses can be run by the government. In the case of the refineries, we have now realized that some sectors of NNPCL business can only be handled by the private sector.”

He urged the NNPCL to make privatization a cardinal objective, anticipating that it would enhance the competitiveness of the refineries in the future. Abbas committed the support of the House to the economic development of Nigeria through the success of the NNPCL.

Kyari, the Group Managing Director, assured that all refineries would become fully operational, making Nigeria a net exporter of petroleum products by the end of 2024. He attributed the historical inactivity of refineries to the petroleum subsidy and emphasized that private sector investments were now attracted due to the subsidy’s removal.

Kyari pledged the operationalization of the Port Harcourt refinery by the end of December 2023, followed by the Warri refinery in the first quarter of 2024, and the Kaduna refinery by the end of 2024. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would cease fuel importation by the same year, aligning with the ongoing initiatives, rehabilitation efforts, and the upcoming Dangote refinery.

Additionally, Kyari affirmed that the expected government revenue from the oil sector would reach N4.5 trillion by the end of 2023, emphasizing the NNPCL’s commitment to returning value to shareholders in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Kogi Off-Cycle Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, constituted by President of the Court of Appeal (COA), Justice Monica Bolna’an-Dongban, is set to begin sitting on Saturday, November 25, 2023.

Mr David Umar-Mike, Secretary of the tribunal, disclosed this to newsmen in Lokoja on Thursday.

The Nov. 11 election saw Alhaji Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerge as winner with 446,237 votes while his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) garnered 259,052 votes.

The tribunal secretary said: “By God’s grace, the tribunal will be sitting this Saturday, Nov. 25. We will take exparte motions.

“This is because all we have at hand right now are the exparte motions that will be taken on that Saturday.

“But the work proper may take few more days because counsels will have to go and start looking for documents at Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the rest of them before they file their various petitions, ” he stated.

He said that the constitution of the election tribunal was in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act (as amended).

According to him, the registry of the tribunal has since opened for business at the state High Court of Justice complex, Lokoja.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Government has directed the freezing of all State and Local Government Accounts with immediate effect.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Finance, Asiwaju Asiru Idris said no imprest or any form of payment should be made to anyone from Government Account henceforth.

According to the statement, all “Standing Orders and Investment Instructions are hereby Cancelled forthwith”.

” All Kogi State and Local Government Accounts are hereby FROZEN with effect from today, Thursday 23nd November 2023.”
The statement added.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, suspends Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Noble Atulegwu, along with Special Adviser/GM of Imo State Housing Corporation, Mbakwe Obi. The suspension, effective immediately, comes without specifying reasons. Atulegwu had faced community protests and legal challenges over alleged land takeover issues in Owerri. The governor’s spokesperson, Oguike Nwachuku, confirmed the development.

“… calls on opposition PDP to join hands with Gov. Sule to build Nasarawa project…”

……… congratulates Gov. Sule, APC over Appeal Court victory

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi has hailed the judgment of Appeal Court Abuja that reaffirmed Gov. Abdullahi Sule as duly elected Governor of Nasarawa State.

The Speaker, Balarabe Abdullahi stated this while reacting to Appeal Court judgement affirming Gov. Sule as the duly elected Governor of the State.

Balarabe Abdullahi congratulated Governor Abdullahi Sule and the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the party’s sound victory at the Court of Appeal.

The Nasarawa State Number Three Citizen also felicitates with the people of the State emphasizing that Governor Sule’s victory is a victory for peace, unity and sustainable development of the state and economic prosperity.

He called on all to set aside their differences and join hand with the Governor to build Nasarawa State for the benefit of all.

” On behalf of myself, family, principal officers, members and the entire staff of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, I wish to congratulate His Excellency, Gov Abdullahi Sule on his victory at the Court of Appeal today in Abuja.

” The Appeal Court victory is an affirmation of the people’s mandates freely given to His Excellency, Gov Abdullahi Sule during March Governorship election

” I also want to congratulate the APC family for Gov. Sule’s sound victory at the Court of Appeal,” he said

The Speaker also commended APC lawyers for their good presentation of evidences at the Court of Appeal which led to Gov. Sule’s victory.

“while I commend APC legal team for doing a good job, I hailed the Appeal Court for delivering a sound judgment that reflects the wishes and aspirations of the citizens of the State” He said.

He assured Gov. Sule of the 7th Assembly’s support at all times to enable him succeed.

Beside, Speaker Balarabe Abdullahi called on the opposition PDP to join hands with Gov. Sule’s administration for the overall development of the state.

On this auspicious day, as her family, well wishers, associates, and aides gather to honour the exceptional life and accomplishments of the esteemed Honourable Barrister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister (State) for Labour and Employment, we are enveloped by echoes of admiration and reverence for an indisputably woman of substance, a courageous politician, and a personality of outstanding repute. Hon. Onyejeocha’s journey through the corridors of service gleams with the virtues of hard work, sacrifice, and a devotion to public welfare.

As the sun ascends on her birthday, it illuminates the path she has trodden through selfless endeavours, enriching countless lives and shaping a brighter political future.

Her steadfast commitment to reaching out to the underprivileged and advocating for the disadvantaged, particularly among women and youth, reflects the depth of her compassion and the sincerity of her purpose. Furthermore, her contributions in human capital development and essential infrastructure stand as luminous testaments to her effective and intentional representation.

She epitomizes a true servant-leader, dedicating her life to uplifting all, regardless of religion, region, ethnicity, or political affiliation, ensuring that no voice remains unheard. Notable among these efforts are her tireless endeavors in empowering widows, providing not mere assistance but a platform for self-sufficiency, catering for the orphans, and assuming the burden of West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) registration fees for students not only within her constituency, but across Nigeria—an unequivocal testament to her commitment to educational excellence, as foundation of individual and national prosperity.

Hon. Onyejeocha’s constituents from the Isuikwuato and Umunneochi Federal Constituency affirm her life of sacrifice, witnessing firsthand her selfless and exemplary political leadership. Her actions resonate as a manifestation of total dedication to humanity and the common good, with every initiative aimed at seeking to bring a greater good to the greater community.

As the former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and a four-time member in the Green Chamber, Hon. Onyejeocha wielded her influence not merely as a position of authority but as a platform to advocate for national unity and collaboration, fostering an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and understanding. Her efforts in promoting harmony among diverse perspectives and uniting voices for a common cause have left an indelible mark on the landscape of democratic politics and governance in Nigeria.

Hon. Onyejeocha’s leadership transcends partisan lines; it embodies inclusivity, recognizing that true progress stems from collective efforts of every strata of the society, avoiding divisions and a focus on what matters. Her vision for a more united nation, where every voice is heard and valued, serves as an inspiration for aspiring leaders and citizens alike.

As the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Onyejeocha has exemplified the qualities of an astute team player and displayed a relentless pursuit of national interest. Within a short period, she has played a pivotal role in driving engagements aimed at fostering industrial harmony, strengthening social security policies and empowerment initiatives, enhancing national productivity, ensuring fair labor practices, and promoting the welfare of workers across various sectors, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

Acknowledged as ‘God’s first-class ambassador,’ Hon. Barr. Onyejeocha is an embodiment of uncommon grace, making God’s presence her abode through her remarkable lifestyle.

Today, as we join in celebrating her birthday, let us offer our heartfelt wishes for more beautiful years ahead. May each day be blessed with continued grace and the fulfillment of her noble vision and endeavours.

From the Media Office of the Honourable Minister of State, Labour and Employment