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Reps Committee Theatens To Arrest Management Of Dangote Cement

Published

2 years ago

July 10, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

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By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on the Arbitrary Increase in the Price of Cement has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing.

Naijablitznews.com reports that the management of Dangote Cement has refused to honour the Committee’s invitation to address the problem of cement increase in the country.

The officials claim that there’s a suit restraining Dangote from appearing before the committee, instead they sent the Head od National Assembly Desk Dangote to represent them.

But the chairman of the Joint Committee, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi said: “We have written four letters, 3 to Dangote and Dangote has vehemently refused to honour the invitation of the House claiming that there is a substantiative suit against another committee, not this committee Challenging their right to appear before the parliament which is their parliament. We did not stop here, we equally sought legal counsel from the national assembly and other independent legal bodies who have expressly said that the position here by Dangote and other members of cement association is foul of the law.

“We ask, was there a substantiative court order restraining the House from inviting you? No! None of such an order was produced to the House. Are you saying that the House that created you because you are a creation of the corporate affairs commission which is the law created by the House and further more the elected representatives that was voted by you cannot equally invite you.

“You say the case is before the court. Which case? The case against the joint committee or is it a case against a separate committee, where there is no ruling that you should not appear before the national assembly. Considering the fact that this country was built on separation of powers where you have the executive, legislative and judiciary”.

The special panel while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices and the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians.

“Dangote you have in one stroke implicated yourself because it is not for you to choose what you will come for or what you will not come for. This is the House of the people, you are obligated, it is not by choice when you are invited by this House you are obligated and it is mandatory that you cause appearance.

“It is unfortunate and I find it rather insensitive on the part of Dangote that in my opinion has been forenutured by the Nigerian people. I am very aware of tax incentives, tax breaks, tax holiday you enjoy even.under the pioneer status, oil pioneer status is supposed to on product, you enjoy pioneer status on line on project not product as against the intent of pioneer status.

“You have enjoyed Nigeria but at such a time when Nigerians are groaning under such hardship, you show a high level of insensitivity and you are sending this kind of document. What do we want to achieve by this, let Nigerians hear the true position. When you are in a debate and the debate is open, Nigerians are watching, but you have chosen fir whatever reasons or whatever intent to want to avoid coming to the House.

“The Federal competition and consumer protection commission invitation you are talking about was held after we had invited you after we invited consumer protection here, and we queried them that in our opinion they have slept on their responsibility. That’s when they woke up and invited you, and you thought it wise to attend their own invitation, attend the invitation of Public Accounts attend invitation from oil industries but you will not attend to a critical matter that goes to the nerves and the pain of the average Nigerian”, the committee chairman asserted.

The committee directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to cause appearances before the committee in the next two weeks, to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefits of the people.

“They want to over profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government.

“On Dangote my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date.

“Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly, no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” Jonathan said.

News

CBN raises alarm over fraudulent messages, cyber security hack attempts

Published

1 minute ago

April 22, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has alerted members of the public to the
circulation of fraudulent messages, emails, and online communications purporting to originate from or be associated with the Apex Bank.

CBN in a statement issued and signed by Hakama Sidi-Ali (Mrs.) Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, noted that such communications and messages are intended to misinform members of the public.

“These fraudulent messages, which prompt recipients to click links, peddle false
information about the Bank’s leadership, licensing, and policy issues, are intended to hack personal accounts”.

The Bank cautioned that the official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria remains www.cbn.gov.ng. and warned Members of the public to strongly: Refrain from clicking links or sharing personal information on suspicious
websites, should Verify the authenticity of all CBN communications through the official website and recognised media outlets and: Report any suspected fraudulent site, email, or message to law enforcement authorities.

The CBN stated that it remained fully committed to safeguarding the Nigerian financial system and continues to strengthen its cybersecurity frameworks in collaboration with relevant agencies
to protect the public against digital fraud.

News

Adelabu ready to quit as Power Minister after meeting with Tinubu

Published

10 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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The minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, is set to resign from his position in the coming days following a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Tunji Bolaji, after the closed-door meeting held on Tuesday.

“President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector,” the statement read.

It added that the president granted Adelabu his “consent and blessing” to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State ahead of the 2027 elections.

“In view of this development, Chief Adebayo Adelabu is expected to resign his position as Minister of Power in the coming days,” the statement added.

At the meeting on Tuesday, Adelabu presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.
He outlined key milestones recorded during his tenure, including efforts to stabilise electricity generation, strengthen transmission infrastructure, and implement reforms aimed at improving efficiency across the power sector value chain.

A major highlight of the engagement was the presentation of the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP), alongside its Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), as well as the Medium- to Long-Term Integrated Resource Plan for the power sector.

The Oyo-born minister explained that the NIEP provides a long-term roadmap for achieving energy security, expanding electricity access, integrating renewable energy, and building a more resilient electricity system.

The SIP, on the other hand, serves as the operational framework detailing specific actions, timelines, and institutional responsibilities required to translate policy objectives into measurable outcomes.

The minister noted that the timing of his anticipated resignation reflects his commitment to addressing critical challenges in the sector and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms before exiting office.

These include efforts to stabilise electricity supply amid recent declines in generation caused by gas supply constraints, pipeline repairs, and outstanding obligations to gas suppliers.

Adelabu also expressed appreciation to the president for his support, reaffirming his commitment to the advancement of Nigeria’s power sector and national development.

His planned exit follows weeks of speculation surrounding his political future and compliance with a presidential directive requiring cabinet members with political ambitions for the 2027 elections to resign.
Rumours of his resignation first gained traction around late March 2026, when a purported resignation letter circulated widely on social media.

At the time, his media aide dismissed the document as false, insisting that the minister remained focused on addressing challenges in the power sector.
Following the March 31 deadline reportedly set for political appointees, speculation intensified that Adelabu had shelved his governorship ambition, as he remained in office while some other ministers with political interests stepped down.
However, Tuesday’s meeting with the president marked a turning point, confirming that his ambition had not been abandoned but temporarily delayed to allow him to conclude key policy frameworks, particularly the NIEP.

Adelabu is expected to join the Oyo State governorship race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), where he will face strong competition from other aspirants within the party.

His entry comes amid a politically charged environment in the state, following his previous governorship bids in 2019 and 2023.
He ran in 2019 as the candidate for the APC. Despite strong backing, he lost to Seyi Makinde. In 2023, after losing the APC primary to Teslim Folarin, he defected to the Accord Party to run as their flagbearer. He finished third in the general election.

His resignation is also seen as part of an administrative transition within the Federal Executive Council, as the government moves to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines and prepare for upcoming party primaries.

Despite highlighting achievements such as policy reforms and investment drives within the sector, his tenure has faced criticism over power supply challenges, rising tariffs, and recurring grid instability.

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NANS leadership visits Marwa, backs drug war, President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda

Published

45 minutes ago

April 22, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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. NDLEA boss explains why govt introduced drug integrity test for students

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has expressed full support for ongoing efforts by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to rid Nigeria of the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

The students’ union leaders led by their National President, Comrade Sola Oladoja, made the commitment on Tuesday 21st April 2026 when they paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja where they equally reaffirmed their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election in 2027.
During the visit, Oladoja commended Marwa for his dynamic leadership and the Agency’s relentless successes against drug cartels. He specifically lauded his commitment to safeguarding the lives of Nigerian students through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy initiative, which has been instrumental in raising awareness across tertiary institutions.
Reaffirming the association’s support for the NDLEA and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, Oladoja stated that the students’ backing of the current administration is rooted in tangible pro-youth achievements. These, he noted, include the successful implementation of student loans, the resolution of industrial strikes in tertiary institutions, and various youth empowerment schemes.

In his response, Marwa expressed his long-standing pride in the Nigerian student body, noting that his relationship with them has remained strong due to their consistent support across his various national assignments.
According to him, “As a critical sector of the Nigerian polity, what you said about your appreciation of the gains of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and your commitment to support his re-election in 2027 gladdens my heart.”
Addressing the specific challenge of drug prevalence in schools, the NDLEA boss emphasized the need for a collaborative front to sanitize the academic environment. “We need to work with you on our efforts to rid our campuses of drug abuse because of the consequences to students’ health, their aspirations, and even their families, as well as the society at large,” Marwa added.
Speaking on the recently introduced Federal Government Drug Integrity Test Policy for students, Marwa explained that the measure is strictly protective rather than punitive. He stated that the policy is designed in the best interest of the youth, as early detection of drug use makes treatment and rehabilitation far more effective.

The visit ended with a mutual commitment to deepen the partnership between NDLEA and NANS in the ongoing crusade against substance abuse on Nigerian campuses.