News

Disregard false information about our Chairman, Vice, PTD urges Nigerians

Published

10 months ago

February 29, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, has urged the general public as well as Nigerians to disregard false information making the rounds about its legitimate Chairman of PTD, Comrade Lucky Osesua and its Vice Chairman, Comrade Dayyabu Garga and other executives of the union.

The PTD in a statement, said some disgruntled members have gathered to lay false claims of its administrative officers, hence, urging the general public to once again disregard the claims.

They said, “The public is hereby implored to disregard false information about the legitimate Chairman of PTD, Comrade Lucky Osighe Osesua, Vice Chairman, Comrade Dayyabu Garga and other executives of our union.

“It has come to our hearing that some members of the PTD who constituted themselves to be nuisance, are laying false claims to the offices of the administrative officers of PTD and going about, spoiling their names, misinforming the security agencies, state actors, the general public and other executives of the union.

“The truth of the matter is the validly elected officers and their supporters are currently in court questioning their legality and authenticity of court being elected as administrative officers of the union.

“The validly elected officers and their supporters who are currently in court using all Legal means to stop their illegal and unlawful act are being harassed and intimidated using the officers and men of the police force to invite and detain the lawful members.

“There are various activities being carried out by this group, such as: interfering into zonal and units elections, installing Caretaker executives in the zones, forcefully removing any loyal member to Lucky Osighe and his group.

“This action is deliberate to cause breakdown of law and order and also breach of public peace. The security agencies are to play neutral roles in this matter and not to intimidate any group as the matter is before the court of law.

“The threat to the members is to cause breach of peace and security and try to hold them responsible.”

In a letter dated 23rd February 2024, the PTD through its lawyer, Enenche Ekoja Esq. Had written to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), PHRC Live Camp, Alesa, Eleme, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on a “Notice of a Likely Breach of Peace and Security by Self-Acclaimed New Executives of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Planning an Illegal Election Within the Jurisdiction of the Above Address.”

The letter read in part: “We therefore bring to your notice that our clients who are the lawful executives and validly elected to the offices of executives of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers have nothing to do with plans of the above mentioned persons and therefore should not be held responsible for their act in any form.

“Our clients include: Com. Lucky Osighe Osesua (JP), Com. Humble Obinna Power, Com. Dayyabu Garga, Com. Akinolu Olabisi, Com. Tiamiy Sikiru, Com. Abdulmumin Shaibu, Com. John Amajuoyi, Com. Zaira Aregbo, Com. Patrick Erhuwor.

“Others are: Com. Stephen Oruma Ogheneruemu, Com. Gift Oyibo Ukponku, Com. Sunday Ezeocha, Com. Sylvanus Idanwkhai, Com. Solomon Obebeduo, Com. Odoemdam Newman, Com. Daniel Akpoboro, Com. Henry Effiom, Com. Adamu Ibrahim and Com. Francis Onumiwu.

“We therefore call on your office to accord our clients all necessary protection and assistance to avoid them being intimidated by the self- acclaimed executives as our clients go about their lawful business.

“We wish to inform your office too that the issue of the operation of the above persons posing as Executives of Petroleum Tanker Drivers is already before the court and they ought not to carry out any activity on behalf of the union pending the determination of the court and therefore should not be allowed to conduct any election within your domain.”

News

Nigeria Congratulates Qatar on National Day

Published

36 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the State of Qatar on the occasion of its National Day, celebrated on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, conveyed fraternal greetings to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The statement highlighted Qatar’s commitment to promoting global peace and its significant contributions to humanitarian services worldwide.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria commends the commitment and strategic efforts made by the State of Qatar in the promotion of global peace; and more so, the excellent contributions to humanitarian services in different parts of the world,” it read.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasised the strong and growing relations between Nigeria and Qatar, expressing satisfaction with the collaborative efforts to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of their citizens.

He wished Qatar peace, prosperity, and progress, reaffirming Nigeria’s enduring friendship and support.

This underscores Nigeria’s recognition of its diplomatic relationship with Qatar and its shared commitment to global cooperation and development.

News

Reps Recommends Delisting NECO, UI, Labour Ministry, 21 Others From 2025 Budget

Published

44 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called for the removal of the National Examination Council (NECO), University of Ibadan (UI), Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and 21 other federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from the 2025 budget.

This recommendation follows their repeated failure to account for previous allocations and internally generated revenue.

During an extraordinary session on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the Committee resolved that these MDAs should be excluded from the budget until they comply with its directives.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, stressed: “The Financial Regulation empowers the National Assembly to exclude any Ministry, Department, or Agency (MDA) that fails to account for their previous appropriations. As such, the listed MDAs should be excluded from the 2025 budget until they appear before this constitutional committee.”

The decision was prompted by the consistent non-compliance of these MDAs despite multiple summons issued by the Committee to scrutinize their financial operations.

Prominent institutions among those recommended for delisting include hospitals, universities, and federal development agencies. Some of the affected MDAs are:

Federal Medical Centre, Bida
Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria
Nigeria Police Force: Department of Information and Communication Technology
Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Federal College of Education, Yola
Federal Polytechnic Ekowe, Bayelsa State
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi
Federal University of Technology, Minna
Cross River Basin Development Authority
Nigeria Office for Trade Negotiation
National Examination Council (NECO)
Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil
Presidential Amnesty Programme
Galaxy Backbone
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals

Others include the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Space Research and Development Agency, Federal Cooperative College (Ibadan), Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, and Federal School of Survey, Oyo State.

The Committee unanimously recommended that the MDAs in question be delisted from the 2025 budget until they comply with the request for documentation and provide necessary financial clarifications.

News

Reps Call for Revival of NAPAC to Boost Transparency, Accountability

Published

54 minutes ago

December 18, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has called for the revitalization and strengthening of the National Association of Public Accounts Committees (NAPAC) to enhance transparency, accountability, and good governance across Nigeria.

Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts (PAC), Rep. Bamidele Salam, stated this at the joint sitting of Public Accounts Committees of Senate and House and inauguration of an Adhoc Committee for the reconvening of NAPAC at the National Assembly on Tuesday, emphasised the importance of collaboration among Public Accounts Committees at both federal and state levels.

Formed in 2014, NAPAC comprises 38 chapters nationwide, including the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate, House of Representatives, and all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rep. Salam noted that the Association has been dormant in recent years, necessitating urgent action to restore its relevance.

He stated, “This Association is a pivotal platform for promoting transparency and accountability in governance. However, in recent times, the Association’s activities have been dormant, necessitating the need for a quick revitalization.

“It is in this context that we are inaugurating this Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with the vital responsibility of reconvening the meeting of NAPAC.”

Salam outlined committee’s objectives, including reviving NAPAC’s activities, adopting innovative strategies to combat corruption, and collaborating with anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and the media.

He also stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with continental and regional associations such as AFROPAC, WAPAC, and SADCOPAC for capacity building and knowledge sharing.

“The task ahead is daunting, but with collective effort, unwavering commitment, and an unshakeable faith in our nation’s potential, I am confident that we shall succeed,” he added.

In an interaction with journalists, thr Committee chairman, stressed plans to engage with the Auditor General of the Federation and Accountant General of the Federation to address delays in submitting reports on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

“Of course, Nigerians should expect that we’re going to have more productivity, especially in consideration of the report of the Auditor General,” he said.

He noted that only the 2021 Auditor General’s report is currently before the National Assembly, a situation he described as inconsistent with constitutional provisions. Salam expressed the committee’s determination to ensure Nigeria catches up with the 2022 and 2023 reports by next year.

He added, “We’ll also be able to bring more of these agencies of government in line to ensure that all monies appropriated by the National Assembly are spent judiciously, efficiently, and in a lawful manner.”