News

Reps step down motion on Presidential Aircraft Malfunction

Published

7 months ago

May 15, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as committee chair on National Security explain why, vow to probe PAF, NSA

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives on Wednesday at plenary stepped down a motion of urgent public importance on the need to investigate the malfunctioning of the Presidential Aircraft.

The lawmakers had divergent views on the discussion of the issue of the challenges on the Presidential and Vice Presidential Aircraft, as lawmaker believed that it should not be a motion to be debated on the floor of the House at plenary but the relevant committee should be responsible enough to exercise their power and investigate the matter.

Rep Ahmed Satomi member representing Jere Federal Constituency of Borno State, who moved a motion of urgent public importance noted that in April, President Bola Tinubu was forced to fly in a chartered plane from Netherlands to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the World Economic Forum.

He further noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima had to return back one house after embarking on a journey as the aircraft developed problems while airborne.

Naijablitznews.com recalled that Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday was forced to cancel his trip to the United States where he was scheduled to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 2024 US-Africa Business Summit, due to a fault with his aircraft.

Rep. Satome who is also the chairman House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, prayed the House to carry out a comprehensive investigation on the airworthiness and technical status of all the aircrafts in the presidential Air Fleet.

He also prayed the House to invite the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Commandant of the Presidential Air Fleet and any other relevant officer(s) of government to give detailed explanations on why the Fleet is not operating at optimum capacity needed to guarantee presidential safety.

While some were of the opinion that the President should use commercial flights to travel, others said it was a national embarrassment to the country for the president to do so.

Rep. Sada Soli, lawmaker representing Jibiya Federal Constituency of Katsina state, express sadness over the recent developments with the presidential aircraft despite the huge amount allocated to the Presidential Air Fleet, he therefore said the PAF and National Security Adviser be summoned to explain to the House.

“Mr. Speaker, today is a very sad day for me to speak on this issue. Mr Speaker, if this country should find itself in this kind of situation, I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. The life and security of the president and indeed the sovereignty of this country, perhaps even he vice president, had this kind of snipe wit h his aircraft.

“We don’t know what is going on within the administration of the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF). What is really going on? We know how much money this house has budgeted to take care of these presidential fleet. What is going on? That our president should be held at ransome at the assistance of our friends outside this country to charter a private aircraft, surrendering his security and the integrity of this country. I think Mr Speaker this is a very serious issue, I think this House should summon the office of the National Security Adviser who are managing the fleet, so that we will address this issue once and for all”, he stated.

In his contribution, the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Ali Isah, member representing Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency of Gombe State, while supporting the call for investigation of the state of the presidential aircrafts, said the development should offer President Tinubu opportunity to travel by road to enable him understand the state of road infrastructure across the country.

He said, “While I join my Honourable colleagues in sympathising with the situation of our presidential aircraft, we love our president just like the Leader clearly stated, and not only our president we also love all the people in government.

“Mr Speaker, since an issue has been raised, I will advise that the president should suspend using the presidential aircraft. If there is a need, he can use either commercial or chartered aircraft and another option that will also help Nigeria. If the president can travel by road, then Nigerians will have hope that our roads will be repaired soon”.

This proposal did not sit well with Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who presided over Wednesday’s plenary.

He said: “Are you saying Mr President, the number one leader should travel around by road?,” he asked rhetorically amid support from All Progressives Congress lawmakers.

Rep. Isah position was supported by the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Rep. Kingsley Chinda who argued that in Britain, the Prime Minister flies British Airways, and there’s anything wrong with a public officer using commercial transportation.

Rep. Chinda further advocated the resuscitation of a national career as a way out of the embarrassment.

He said: “Mr Speaker, very sincerely i have not seen anything wrong with a public office holder travelling in a public flight. The prime minister of United Kingdom flies British Airways, its commercial. So, I think that we should be thinking of how to resuscitate a national carrier”.

Addressing journalists Satomi said he stepped the motion not because it lacks merit or support but because he has the power to summon the NSA and the Commandant of the Presidential Air Fleet which is the major prayer in motion.

“I didn’t step down the motion because it lacks merit or support, it is because I have the power to summon the NSA and the Commandant of the Presidential Air Fleet, which is the prayer in that motion for them to explain.

“The Vice President last week was one hour airborne when the aircraft developed a problem and had to turn back. As I speak yo you this morning, he used a commercial flight to Kebbi, and the aircraft belongs to an individual.

“That aircraft belongs to the country that is whybthe presidential jet is called the “Airforce 1”. So therefore, it is a shame!

“When Mr. President wanted to leave from Riyadh to the United Kingdom, he used a chartered plane. In 21st century? No! Not Nigeria! Let’s be serious pls.

“Our fight defines our capacity believe it, and we have appropriated enough funds to my understanding for them to maintain these aircrafts. So that’s why I say the NSA should come and I want it to be public when he arrives. What is happening? We have all what it takes as a country not only to maintain the aircraft”.

“That aircraft belongs to the country that is why the presidential jet is called the “Airforce 1”. So therefore, it is a shame! When Mr. President wants to leave from Riyadh to the United Kingdom, he used a chartered plane. In 21st century? No! Not Nigeria! Let’s be serious pls.

News

Civil Society Groups Urge FG To Halt Oil Asset Divestments in Niger Delta

Published

26 minutes ago

December 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to stop all ongoing and planned divestments of oil assets in the Niger Delta region by oil companies.

This demand was outlined in a petition titled “Urgent Call to Halt All Divestment in the Niger Delta, Including Shell’s Refused Sale of SPDC Shares”, addressed to President Tinubu on December 16, 2024, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas on December 18, 2024.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Mr. Isaac Botti, Programmes Coordinator of Social Action Nigeria, and Reverend Nnimmo Bassey, Founder of Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), highlighted the severe environmental and social impacts of oil exploration in the Niger Delta. They stated:

“We are here as representatives of Nigerian society organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens to address a grave and urgent issue that threatens not only the people of the Niger Delta but the environmental and economic interests of Nigeria and the social future of all Nigerians”, he said.

The Coalition expressed concern over the divestment process by International Oil Companies (IOCs), particularly Shell’s proposed sale of its remaining shares in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to the Renaissance consortium, as well as similar moves by companies like TotalEnergies.

They warned that these actions could undermine national interests and exacerbate environmental damage in the region.

The Coalition detailed extensive damage caused by decades of oil exploration, including:

Water Contamination: High levels of hydrocarbons in water sources have rendered them unsafe for drinking.
Soil Degradation: Continuous oil spills have destroyed farmlands, threatening food security.
Biodiversity Loss: Entire ecosystems have been decimated by oil spills.

Citing reports by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission (BSOEC), the Coalition provided alarming statistics. UNEP revealed benzene levels 900 times above safe limits in Ogoniland, while chromium levels in Bayelsa were over 1,000 times higher than World Health Organization (WHO) standards.

The BSOEC estimated it would cost at least $12 billion to remediate Bayelsa over 12 years, with a broader cleanup across the Niger Delta requiring $100 billion. Comparatively, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the U.S. saw BP pay $60 billion for damages from a single incident.

The Coalition emphasized that past divestments by Shell, ENI/AGIP, and ExxonMobil have left unresolved environmental liabilities:

Shell’s sale to Aiteo in Nembe resulted in worsening pollution without proper cleanup efforts.
ExxonMobil and ENI/AGIP similarly failed to ensure adequate environmental management post-divestment.

These cases have set a troubling precedent of IOCs avoiding accountability for environmental degradation.

The Coalition urged the federal government and the National Assembly to take immediate action by:

Halting all IOC divestments until historical environmental liabilities are addressed.
Ensuring inclusive consultations with host communities before divestments.
Mandating that Shell, TotalEnergies, and other IOCs fund cleanup and remediation efforts.
Upholding the regulatory independence of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Creating an Environmental Restoration Fund to support long-term remediation.

They also demanded profit-sharing opportunities for host communities and the inclusion of gas flaring cessation in divestment agreements.

The Coalition stressed that approving Shell’s SPDC share sale without addressing environmental and social liabilities would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and well-being.

“Approving Shell’s or TotalEnergies’ divestment in its current form without addressing the profound environmental and social costs would be a grave injustice to the people of the Niger Delta and could lead to significant unrest in the region.”, it stated.

The Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring environmental justice and called on President Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians over corporate interests.

News

NUJ-FCT Council Commiserates With Emmanuel Fateman Over the Loss of Wife

Published

31 minutes ago

December 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( FCT ) Council has commiserated with Mr. Emmanuel Fateman of the Inside Source Magazine over death of his dear wife, Mrs Temidayo Fateman.

Mrs Fateman reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday December 18th 2024 after a brief illness at Alliance Hospital, Garki, Abuja.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of Council, Comrade Jide Oyekunle and made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, he described the late Temidayo as a woman with a large heart who is passionate to the cause of humanity.

The statement reads: “ With heavy heart, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council is using this medium to express our sympathy to Mr. Emmanuel Fateman and his entire family over the demise of his wife, Mrs. Temidayo Fateman.

“Words alone cannot express the sorrow we feel for your loss. We hope you will find comfort in the love and support of those around you.

“She ran the race that God set before her. We are sad that she is no more here with us. But we will always celebrate the memory and legacy that she left behind.

“Temidayo is an embodiment of humility, dedication and love. She is a shining star and role model to the younger generation.

“To us at the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) her death was a rude shock and It is unfortunate that she also left us in a painful way when we are trying to recover from the shock arising from the sudden deaths of many of our colleagues, wives and relatives.

“We want to use this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to the immediate family she left behind”.

41 years old Temidayo hailed from Abeokuta, Ogun State and is survived by her husband and two children.

The burial arrangement will be announced by the family in due course.

News

Reps Debate 2025 Budget Estimates, Demand Better Allocation for Security, Agriculture

Published

5 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has approved the 2025 budget proposal for a second reading, calling for better funding for security and agriculture.

During Thursday’s plenary, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lawmakers debated the N49.7 trillion budget presented by President Bola Tinubu.

The debate was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by the House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere to authorize withdrawals from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Rep. Ihonvbere who called for support, emphasised that the budget addresses key national challenges, “This proposal focuses on issues affecting Nigerians. It deserves swift consideration and passage”.

The budget highlighted defence, infrastructure, and human capital development. Defence and security were allocated N4.91 trillion, infrastructure N4.06 trillion for key highways, while education and health sectors received N3.52 trillion and N2.48 trillion respectively. The budget projects N34.82 trillion in revenue, leaving a N13.39 trillion deficit to be financed through borrowing.

Key economic assumptions include reducing inflation from 34.6% to 15% and improving the naira exchange rate from N1,700/$ to N1,500/$. Oil production is targeted at 2.06 million barrels per day.

Lawmakers’ Contributions

Rep Abdussamad Dasuki, lawmaker representing Kebbe/Tambuwal federal constituency of Sokoto state, commended President Tinubu’s leadership but called for a review of budget estimates. He also criticized the allocation to the North-West Development Commission, questioning the criteria used.

“On paper, this budget looks robust, but in dollar terms, it falls short. The Finance Committee must address this,” he urged.

Rep Ismaila Dabo (Bauchi) emphasised the need for adequate funding for agriculture, citing rising food prices. He also urged the government to focus on revenue generation rather than excessive borrowing.

“Inflation on food is unbearable. Agriculture needs proper funding to ease the burden on Nigerians,” he said.

Rep Ahmad Jaha, representing Damboa/Gwoza/Chibok, Federal constituency of Borno state stressed the importance of security funding.

“Security is crucial to achieving other targets, including oil production. The N4.91 trillion allocated is inadequate,” he noted.

Rep Jeremiah Umaru from Nasarawa State, questioned the allocation to the South-West Development Commission (SWDC), even as he cited the absence of a constituted board and argued that the allocation was premature.

Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. George Ozodinobi advocated increased funding for the South-East Development Commission (SEDC).

“The allocation for the SEDC is insufficient for its take-off. More funding is needed,” he argued.

Concerns Over Projections

Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda criticized the economic targets, and said that they are unrealistic.

“Reducing inflation to 15% and improving the exchange rate to N1,500/$ are overly ambitious. These projections do not align with current realities,” he stated.

Call for Peace Initiatives

Rep Chike Okafor from Imo state, urged the Federal Government to explore non-violent solutions to security challenges, including the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“Releasing Kanu could aid peace efforts in the South-East,” he said.

The House adjourned plenary until January 14, 2025.