NEWS
Senate panel exposes $679.4 million Unremitted from Ports Concession since 2015 by BPE annually
*””NPA has been receiving rent since 2008 says BPE
Senate panel on public accounts has uncovered how Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) failed to remit $679.4 million realized from the concession of various ports granted to 23 companies under Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) for ten years.
The Committee chaired by Senator Matthew Urhoghide hinged the Investigation on Auditor General’s report which had been transferred to the Committee for consideration.
According to the query by AuGF, 23 companies were granted concessional rent at various Port under Nigerian Ports Authority for ten years and above associated yearly rent of $679.4 million payable to NPA as at 31st December.
But, There was no evidence to show that $679 million was collected as at when due and remitted to Consolidated Revenue Fund.
However, Bureau of Public Enterprise in its written response to the Senate’s Committee explained that the concession transactions were done in 2005 and the concession agreement executed clearly show that BPE was only a confirming party while the primary parties to the concessions are the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).
BPE explained that the responsibility for such collection, is that of NPA and not that of our agency.
BPE added, “Having midwife the concession transactions. The BPE collected some of the remittance to the NPA.
“The NPA has since acknowledged the transfer made regarding the rentals received on its behalf by the Bureau.
“Revenue accruing on the Ports concession have, beyond 2008, been paid directly to “Landlord”, NPA and not the BPE as the OAuGF report appears to allege.
“We are therefore unaware of the $679.4 million.”
The AuGF query reads, “Twenty-three (23) companies were granted concessional rent of various Ports under Nigerian Ports Authority for ten years and above with associated yearly rent of $679,403,172.00 (Six hundred and seventy-nine million, four hundred and three thousand one hundred and seventy-two dollars) payable to NPA as at 31st December, 2016.
“There is no evidence to show that the sum of $679,403,172.00 was collected as at when due and remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“This has been communicated to the Bureau vide letter with reference No. OAuGF/RESAD/05/2016/07 dated 19th April, 2018.No response has been received from the Bureau.
“Unremitted funds may be misapplied by the bureau. Also, it may lead to diversion of funds to other uses.
“The Director-General is required to show evidence that the sum of $679,403,172.00 was collected and remitted to the appropriate authority.”
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has appointed Prof. Ibibia Worika as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment, which takes effect immediately, follows a comprehensive selection process in which Worika’s vast expertise, academic qualifications, and policy knowledge stood out.
In a related development, Iyingi Brown has been named the Permanent Secretary for Welfare in the Office of the Head of Service.
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She will also serve as the Acting Head of Service until a permanent appointment is made.
Her appointment comes after the resignation of the former Head of Service, George Nwaeke.
The Rivers State government expressed gratitude for Nwaeke’s service and wished him success in his future endeavors.
Congratulating Brown on her new position, Vice Admiral Ibas reiterated his commitment to fostering stability and progress in the state.
A statement from the government emphasized that Prof. Worika’s background in academia, legal practice, and policy advisory roles makes him a key asset in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s goals for Rivers State.
“Professor Worika’s wealth of experience in legal scholarship, public policy, and governance will be instrumental in driving the administration’s agenda. His appointment underscores our dedication to excellence in public service,” the statement read.
The Sole Administrator also reaffirmed his commitment to leveraging the state’s human capital to enhance security, peace, and sustainable development.
Meet Prof. Ibibia Worika
Prof. Ibibia Worika, a native of Okrika in Rivers State, is a renowned legal scholar and administrator specializing in environmental and petroleum law.
He earned a Ph.D. in International Environmental and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy from the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom.
He currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Law Research at Rivers State University and was formerly the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
Beyond the academic sphere, Prof. Worika has significantly contributed to shaping legal and policy frameworks on both national and international levels.
As a Senior Legal Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, he provided expert guidance on energy policies, regulatory frameworks, and governance.
His role as General Legal Counsel for the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna further solidified his reputation as a leading expert in international law, energy diplomacy, and resource management.
He has also worked as a consultant for various governments, including those of Namibia, Malawi, and Guyana, assisting in drafting legal frameworks and policies for sustainable development.
His contributions to public administration have earned him numerous accolades, including the OPEC Secretariat Award for Distinguished Service and an honorary title from the Ogu Council of Chiefs in Rivers State.
Han Jong-hee, co-CEO of Samsung Electronics and a driving force behind the company’s dominance in the global television market, has died of a heart attack at the age of 63, the company confirmed on Tuesday.
“He died from cardiac arrest today,” a Samsung spokesperson stated, adding that Han is survived by his wife and three children.
Having joined the company in 1988, Han played a significant role in shaping Samsung’s television business.
READ MORE: Samsung Reports Worst Quarterly Profits In 14 Years
His leadership was instrumental in the launch and success of the company’s high-end LED TVs, which helped establish Samsung as a global leader in the industry.
“Han was central in the unveiling of Samsung’s world-class LED TVs,” the company noted in a biography published earlier this month. “His numerous other innovations enabled the company to continually demonstrate its technology leadership.”
His efforts ensured that Samsung maintained its position as a dominant force in the global television market.
Han’s death comes at a time when Samsung Electronics is grappling with challenges in the AI chip sector.
The company has been facing difficulties in meeting Nvidia’s standards, while its South Korean competitor, SK Hynix, has emerged as the leading supplier of high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for Nvidia’s AI processors.
Chairman Lee Jae-yong recently underscored the urgency of the situation, urging Samsung to adopt a “do-or-die” approach to overcome the growing challenges in the AI industry.
Last October, the company acknowledged it was facing a “crisis,” citing concerns over its “fundamental technological competitiveness and the future of the company.”
NEWS
Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced people of Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun.
This was contained in a government house statement in Osogbo on Tuesday by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Olawale Rasheed.
According to Rasheed, the governor has also issued a directive to the Commissioner of Police and the Director of State Service to summon the traditional rulers, chiefs and identified ring leaders in each town for grilling and signing of peace undertakings.
Additionally, the state chief executive directed the search and arrest of perpetrators of the violence, insisting that those arrested should be charged to court without further delay.
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The Governor issued these directives after inspecting the three towns, lamenting the extensive damages in the conflict zones, vowing to permanently resolve the matter.
“This is really sad. I thank the security services for restoring peace. The 24 hours curfew imposed is working. We need to put a permanent end to this needless destruction of lives and properties.
“I have ordered distribution of food and relief materials to the displaced. The foods are going to the three palaces for distribution to the victims. We will ensure accountability. Those behind the mayhem will be brought to book.
“We are also taking stern measures to stop this ugly incident from reoccurring. The monarchs, chiefs and chieftains of each town will be grilled and be made to sign peace undertaking”, the Governor posited.
The governor was accompanied by top security and government personnel.
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Ifon/Ilobun/Erin Osun Crisis: Adeleke Inspects Conflict Zones, Orders Distribution Of Relief Items
