NEWS
APC Chieftain Calls For Sack Of NIMASA, NPA Chiefs
The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has been urged to give the boots to the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Mohammed Bello Koko and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh.
An APC chieftain, Dr Garus Gololo, while making the call at a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja said his stance was based on alleged financial and administrative misconducts levelled against the duo.
He alleged that the two helmsmen were guilty of flaunting extant public service rules for which a lot had and were still going wrong at the NPA and NIMASA.
Dr. Gololo said, “It worries me that when Adisa Bala Usman was sacked from Nigeria Ports Authority, Mohammed Koko took over in acting capacity and four years down the line we are still seeing the same person who began in acting capacity as the Managing Director of the NPA.
“My plea to the presidency, is that Koko, should be sacked and not only to be sacked, his office should be exposed to a forensic auditing to ensure that nothing is hidden. We should be able to know what his leadership, met on ground and what he is leaving behind. A country like Nigeria, should be wary of adverse effects of corruption.”
He called to mind that Bala-Usman, was sacked due to corruption related offences. But it appeared that the matter had been swept under the carpet, “as you can see, there was no investigation, no prosecution only for us to see her again back at the corridor of power under the present administration”.
The anti-corruption campaigner opined that Nigeria could be described as a place where those who steal public funds rule those who make the money, stressing that such act also happened in Bauchi State, where a former FCT Minister after being released from Kuje prison for misappropriation of public funds eventually became the Governor of the state.
“You see this is getting out of hand. My opinion, is that before anyone takes a fresh appointment, he or she must be carefully investigated, thoroughly with the involvement of all the anti graft agencies. And if found worthy, why not the person can be reappointed.
“But if we fail to get it right this time, we are headed to nowhere.
“And I am no longer satisfied with what the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are doing in terms of investigation of government appointees; always given them clean bill of health,” he stated.
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine
“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.