News
NNPCL: Coalition accuse Rep Osawaru, others of collecting kickbacks, threaten recall for supporting Kyari, others
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Some Members of the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Billy Osawaru, have been threatened with recalls, over their support for the alleged corruption regime in the country’s oil and gas sector.
The Save Nigeria Proactive Coalition, SNPC, which made this known in a press statement on Friday, also accused Osawaru and others of receiving kickbacks to support the nation’s oil regulatory agencies.
This comes after the House of Representatives called for the investigation of the international Oil Companies, IOCs in Nigeria, for allegedly conspiring to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.
The House had also demanded the sack of Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA boss, Farouk Ahmed, with Mele Kyari of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL coming under serious pressure.
In a statement co-signed by its National President and Secretary General, respectively, Arome James Otairu and Bilikus Adamu, the Save Nigeria Proactive Coalition described Osawaru and his colleagues as “dishonourable members of the National Assembly who are masquerading as agents of the people, but their actions betray their true allegiance to corruption and mismanagement.”
The group, therefore, dared Osawaru’s other “faceless” lawmakers to publish their full identities and constituencies within the next 24 hours and see if their constituents would not recall them.
Additionally, the Coalition said it would not hesitate to mobilise Nigerians against Osawaru and his cohorts in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna, to force them to resign after Kyari and Ahmed might have been shown the way out.
“We are outraged and disappointed by the actions of some so-called 50 lawmakers who rallied support for Mele Kyari and Farouk Ahmed, despite their glaring failures and incompetence in managing the oil industry,” the statement said.
“These dishonourable members of the National Assembly are masquerading as agents of people, but their actions betray their true allegiance to corruption and mismanagement.
“Their attempt to shield Kyari and Farouq from accountability is a clear indication of their complicity in the massive failure, corruption, and mismanagement that has characterised the oil industry under their watch.
“It is unacceptable that they would prioritize the interests of these failed appointees over the welfare of Nigerians who are suffering from the consequences of their incompetence.
“We warn these lawmakers that their actions will not go unchallenged. Their constituents will not forget their betrayal, and they will be held accountable for their actions.
“We call on Nigerians to begin the process of recalling these lawmakers who have clearly demonstrated that they are not representing the interests of their constituents.
“Their threat to the investigative committee to be impartial is a clear indication of their desperation to cover up the truth.
“We demand that the committee ignores their threats and continues to uncover the truth behind the failures in the oil industry. Nigerians deserve to know the truth, and those responsible must be held accountable.
“Furthermore, we challenge these lawmakers to disclose the source of the $10 million received to run their scheme, with only 12 lawmakers invited by Hon. Billy Osawaru, who is notorious for raising nebulous groups within the new members’ caucus to attract favour from the House leadership. This is a clear case of corruption and abuse of office.
“We demand that Kyari and Farouq resign and go home, or face the wrath of Nigerians who will not hesitate to call for their removal. Their continued presence in office is an insult to the intelligence and patience of Nigerians.
“We also call on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the crisis in the oil industry. The removal of Kyari and Farouq is a necessary step towards restoring sanity and accountability in the industry.
“Furthermore, we demand that these dishonourable lawmakers publish their full identities and constituencies within the next 24 hours. We dare them to make this information public and see if Nigerians will not recall them within 21 days.
“Their constituents have the right to know their true representatives and hold them accountable. We are confident that once their identities are revealed, Nigerians will take swift action to recall them.
“Finally, we warn these lawmakers that their actions will have consequences. They will be forced to face the wrath of Nigerians who will not tolerate their antics forever.
“We will organise mass protests and rallies to demand their resignation and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions. We will not rest until they are removed from office and replaced with true representatives of the people”, the Coalition added.
All efforts to get Hon. Osawaru’s response to this allegation proved abbortive, as his cellphone was switched off Friday morning.
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.
In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.
He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.
Watch video below:
The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.
The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.
He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.
He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.
“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”
The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.
The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.
A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.
The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).
According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.
Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.
According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:
“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:
“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.
The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.
Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.
Video: Watch moment Senator Manu tasks NAFDAC officials on poor budget presentation
Why I returned N100m excess fund to Kano Govt Commissioner
Funke Akindele express shock after fan ask about sex life
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Sports24 hours agoSAD: Footballer slumps, dies during match in Osun
-
News16 hours agoHow my 34-Yr-Old graduate son took his own life after NYSC Service Year – Mother
-
News23 hours agoHoR minority caucus sad over demise of principal officer, Onanuga, says lawmaker was quintessential, pragmatic in her duties
-
News23 hours agoMAPOLY may expel 49 final year students over fake results
-
News19 hours agoJust In: TikTok to be yanked off in the US from Sunday, Supreme Court rules
-
News21 hours agoPolice bust illegal weapons factory, arrest cultist, two murder suspects
-
News19 hours agoJust in: AIG’s wife kidnapped in Ogun
-
News24 hours agoOtti promises support for NDLEA in fight against drug abuse