Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has slammed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over its recent invitation to tour the Port Harcourt Refinery and verify its current operational status.

Recall the invitation comes in response to Obasanjo’s recent interview with Channels Television, where he referenced advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) indicating that the refinery might not function efficiently. SPDC, which was approached for equity participation in the refinery, reportedly raised concerns about corruption affecting its operations.

The former president also accused NNPCL of allegedly misleading Nigerians about the refinery’s performance.

Obasanjo said the oilt company had not sent any formal invitation to him as of Thursday, January 2, 2024.

He said, “Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president.

“Ask the NNPCL that as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”

The newly installed Ajeniju of Hallelujah in Egbedore local government area of Osun State, Oba Jelili Olaiya for installing tell me say how far an Imam in the area reportedly beaten by some angry youths in the area.

The crisis erupted in the Hallelujah community on Friday while attempting to conduct jumat service in the area.

The Ajeniju, who was installed by the Timi of Ede a few months ago, against the will of the Ido-Osun community, was hospitalised after being beaten to a pulp by angry youths.

Reports confirmed that the monarch was beaten and rushed to the hospital in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

It was gathered that the monarch had last week turbaned one Ahmad Tijjani as Chief Imam of the Hallelujah community, but while gathering some people at his palace to observe jumat prayer, some youth allegedly from Ido-Osun invaded the palace and disrupted the exercise, saying he had no right to install a chief Imam in the community.

During the incident, the mob vandalised the Ajeniju of Aleluya’s palace before security operatives could intervene in the situation.

A security source who pleaded anonymity disclosed that it took the intervention of security operatives to rescue the monarch from the scene.

“The situation escalated, resulting in the vandalization of the palace and a physical attack on Ajenifuja of Hallelujah, who sustained serious injuries. He has since been taken to the State CID for further investigation and safety”, said the source.

However, another source in the community disclosed that the monarch has been taken to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo for treatment.

While confirming the incident, the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Security, Hon. Samuel Ojo said he will not comment on the incident pending the outcome of an investigation on the matter.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hardship in Nigeria, a state assembly has voted N31.5million on just two air conditioners.

According to the budget document, the provision of intercom system for the House of Assembly is also expected to gulp N26.2 million. The House of Assembly also plans to spend N31.5 million on buying a printing machine.

A review of the 2025 budget proposal of Cross River State by SaharaReporters has shown that the sum of N31.5 million is proposed to be spent on two air conditioners, four fans and two water dispensers in 2025.

This money is planned to be spent by the state House of Assembly, according to the details of the proposed 2025 budget.

According to the budget document, the provision of intercom system for the House of Assembly is also expected to gulp N26.2 million. The House of Assembly also plans to spend N31.5 million on buying a printing machine.

The provision of three conference tables, 30 swivel chairs for the Budget/PRS Data Centre is expected to gulp N15.7 million, while the purchase of three 60KVA inverter/solar panel for the Budget/PRS department is expected to cost N31.5 million.

Also, plumbing, renovation and replacement of fittings and pipes in the House of Assembly are expected to gulp N196.1 million, while the construction of symbol of authority (Mace) is expected to gulp N15 million.

The provision of street lighting for the Assembly Complex is expected to gulp N2.1 million.

CROSS RIVER

Concerns have been raised about how states prioritise their spending, particularly given the limited economic resources available.

Many states rely heavily on loans, in addition to revenue distributed by the federal government. For instance, as of June 2024, Cross River State had a domestic debt of N155.4 billion and an external debt of $210 million.

This reliance on loans often results in high debt servicing costs, which are partly blamed for the poor development in various states.

In fact, the latest data from the Debt Management Office shows that external debt for states and the Federal Capital Territory increased by 6.14% between December 2023 and June 2024, with some states like Rivers and Edo witnessing significant jumps in their foreign debt.