News

Do not allow enemies of Nigeria end good works of Kyari, 92 CSOs tell Tinubu

Published

4 months ago

August 7, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

A coalition of 92 Civil Society Organizations, CSOs on Wednesday asked President Bola Tinubu not to allow enemies of Nigeria truncate the good works of NNPCL Group Managing Director, GMD, Mele Kyari.

“The coalition under the umbrella of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption and led by its Director General, Dr Gabriel Nwambu explained in vivid details the sterling qualities of the GMD who rose through the rank to the pinnacle.

“We gather here today as representatives of various Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria under the aegis of Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption to address some critical issues pertaining to corruption within the Nigerian economy and the ongoing deliberations surrounding the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari.

“As a coalition, we have conducted an independent verification and fact-finding exercise on Mallam Mele Kyari, and the results have brought to light some remarkable revelations about his leadership and contributions to NNPC Limited and the Nigerian economy as a whole.

“Mallam Mele Kyari’s journey with NNPC began in 1991, and he has risen through the ranks to his current position as Group Chief Executive Officer. Under his guidance, NNPC Limited has undergone a significant transformation, with a relentless focus on operational efficiency and productivity that has resulted in increased crude oil production and reserve growth.

“These achievements have greatly contributed to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.

“Furthermore, Mallam Kyari has strengthened strategic partnerships with both local and international stakeholders. This collaborative approach has fostered growth and innovation, positioning NNPC Limited as a premier energy company in Africa and earning widespread respect within the global oil and gas industry.

“Recognizing the need for sustainable energy solutions, Mallam Kyari has demonstrated foresight and adaptability by expanding NNPC Limited’s portfolio and investments in renewable energy and gas development. These initiatives are crucial for diversifying Nigeria’s energy sector and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

“Additionally, Mallam Kyari has placed great emphasis on transparency and accountability, implementing robust corporate governance practices that promote integrity and foster trust among stakeholders.

” His commitment to eradicating corruption within NNPC Limited is unwavering, creating an organization that maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corrupt practices.

“Now, let us address the allegations being made against Mallam Mele Kyari. It is crucial to reiterate that in our justice system, every individual is assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.

“We firmly believe in upholding the principles of due process, and any allegations should be diligently investigated and proven beyond all reasonable doubt. It is neither our place nor the media’s to pass judgment based on unproven allegations.

“It is important to note that Mallam Mele Kyari’s achievements and contributions to NNPC Limited and the Nigerian economy far outweigh the allegations made against him.

“Dismissing him would not only be counterproductive but would also hinder the remarkable progress made under his leadership. Such a decision would disrupt the sustainable economic reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

It is crucial to emphasize that Nigeria’s economy heavily relies on oil and gas, categorizing it as a mono-economy. Removing an exceptional expert like Mallam Mele Kyari during these challenging times would be detrimental to the nation’s progress. His extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment to the oil and gas sector have been consistently demonstrated throughout his tenure.

“We, therefore, call upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the greater good of Nigeria and make an informed decision regarding the leadership of NNPC Limited. By retaining Mallam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer, we can ensure stability, growth, and sustainability within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“In conclusion, we stand united in confidence and support for Mallam Mele Kyari, recognizing his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to NNPC Limited. We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the achievements and progress made under his guidance. Retaining Mallam Kyari is crucial for the continued growth and development of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

News

Bishop TD Jakes suffers health emergency during Sunday sermon

Published

6 minutes ago

November 25, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Bishop T.D. Jakes, the renowned pastor, author, and founder of The Potter’s House megachurch, experienced a health emergency shortly after delivering a powerful sermon on Sunday.

The incident occurred following an extended sermon at the Dallas-based non-denominational church.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, church officials confirmed that Bishop Jakes received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition under the care of healthcare professionals.

The statement reads, “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message.

“Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.”

Founded in 1996, The Potter’s House is one of the largest multicultural megachurches in the United States, boasting over 30,000 members.

The church, which is well known for its global influence, has consistently been ranked among the most impactful religious institutions in the country.

News

Reps Quiz Federal Polytechnics Damaturu, Mubi, Monguno Over Infractions

Published

6 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has queried the Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Borno State and Federal Polytechnic Damaturu, Yobe State over series of administrative and financial infractions.

This was as Rectors and some management staff of the three institutions appeared before the house Committee on Polytechnics and other Higher Technical Education, as part of oversight function to render accounts of their budget performances.

But the Committee found various infractions in the documents presented by the three institutions which ranged from abuse of Federal Character in employment, Extra-Budgetary spendings and recurring abandoned, uncompleted projects in one of the institutions.

During presentation by the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Dr. Abdulrahman Ishaku, the Committee discovered that projects that were to be completed in two to three years were not finished despite adequate release of funds in budget.

Specifically, the Committee was provoked by the non-completion of a staff quarters and an administrative block project by the institution for years.

Speaking, Rep. Emil Inyang who stood in for the Committee Chairman, Rep. Fuad Kayode Laguda at the meeting on Thursday, lamented that, the projects have not been completed and have been recurring in the budgets.

He said, “Physical Planning, can you show me where you rolled over the project to 2023? It’s not here. Is it in 2024? Why do you come here to lie? Where is it? That admin block, is it in use? Has it been completed? So, you have abandoned it.

“Gentlemen, I don’t know what to say to these kinds of people. Construction of staff quarters, Item number Nine under 2022 capital projects. Have you seen it Rector? What is the state of that building? Is it completed? It is completed, that’s what is shown here, and you are saying it is still remaining fittings. Is fittings not part of completion?

“You people are just disgracing yourselves. We are just killing this country from various directions. From our various positions we are just killing this country. Let me ask a question on this staff quarters. In 2022, the amount appropriated was N57.9 million, N28.9 was utilized was released, so remaining N28.9 that’s half.

“But, by 2023, appropriation was 88 and the entire amount has been released. So, is it the same project?If it is the same project, when this appropriation was done, does it mean that, the other 28 that was not done, not utilised that time, is it kept somewhere?”

The Rector however informed the Committee that, the fund was later mopped up.

In his ruling after the submission, the Chairman stated, “What I will tell you now is that, instead of going through this your document that does not satisfy anything, please, you will.list all the abandoned, all the structures you have not completed. When it started, How much was appropriated, How much you have put in till date, the state of those projects one after the other in the entire school.

“Not just in. your regime. From inception till date.So that, we will include them in your 2025 budget. You will not do any new thing as capital. You must complete these abandoned. You have turned some of these projects to conduits of putting money into them and not completing them. Even the ones you have written as completed here. You used your own mouth to tell us here that, you have not installed fittings. That is what you said.

“So, this is why it is necessary for us to go there and see things for ourselves.Because what you are doing here, you are just wasting governments’ resources. These abandoned projects or the state of the jobs especially constructions, let’s have it in one week time. How much you have put in there, at what stage are they, how much you will need to complete”.

Similarly, the Committee criticized the Federal Polytechnic Damaturu over using Insecurity as an excuse for financial malfeasance and other infractions as well the abuse of Federal Character in employment.

Chairman of the Committee noted that, the institution has carelessly spent its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) according to the records presented to the Committee.

In his presentation, the Acting Rector, Dr Ibrahim Babale Gashua said, the institution is faced with the challenge of low IGR as a result of the insecurity being faced in the state, which according to him, has reduced students intake and other activities.

He said, “We that are residing in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, we have three different high institutions. We have to lower our tuition fee because not everybody will come from outside the state. Even those in the state, it is only the course that is not available in their places that they come for in Damaturu because of the insurgency”.

The Committee however discovered that, despite the insurgency claim that reduced the institutions IGR, there was no commensurate reduction in its spending which the Committee said cannot be justified.

Another member of the Committee while commenting on the matter said, “Everybody comes to claim insurgency. Students don’t want to come to the schools. But it doesn’t stop them from spending the whole money.IGR, you blow it, Overhead, and yet, there is insurgency. So, it’s funny. You see, if I have a house and I am supposed to have 10 people occupying it. If 10 people are not occupying it, it means that my NEPA.payment, my PHCN money will reduce, because consumption of power supply will reduce. My water consumption will reduce. My number of cleaners will reduce because I don’t have full occupation. You understand what I am saying? My security personnel will reduce in terms of numbers.

“So, these are the issues.Most of the Polytechnics in the North come here brandishing this insecurity issue as the major reason for non performance. You are not performing on students admission, but you are performing on your expenditure profile”.

Speaking, Chairman of the Committee said, “Ok, this insurgency is a big excuse. Once you mention it, you will all close our mouths.Look at your Nominal Role, a federal Institution. Open to page 47 and 48, you will see how you have obeyed the law of the land, the Federal Character. Have you seen it Acting Rector? That’s the best you can do? You think from all those Zero-Zero states, if you offer them employment they wouldn’t come?”.

The Rector however reacted saying, “Some of them don’t come. Even those that we have left. I am telling you Sir”.

But a member of the Committee, Rep. Adebayo Adepoju faulted the Rector’s claim and said, it was not justifiable.

He said, “You cannot defend it, because if you are trying to defend it, saying that you’ve done everything in your powers and Nigerians have refused to come to your school, at that point, you say you have done the most you can do.

“But, when you did not even given Nigerians the opportunity to apply. We know what goes on in Federal Character. We know. I am telling you, if you go there and you want to apply, everybody has an interest, they give you. And before you know, they give you Certificate of Compliance.

“That Certificate of Compliance, we have shredded it so many times. Give yourself the opportunity to be fair to Nigerians.People want jobs in this country. We have so many jobless people and you will agree with me, there are many that will say, I won’t mind to go to Borno to teach.Please let’s give them an opportunity”.

The Rector and Management of the Polytechnic were directed to remedy the anomalies in their employment and henceforth advertise all vacancies in national dailies in order to give all Nigerians equal opportunity.

Similarly, after a presentation by the Rector, Federal Polytechnic Monguno, Prof. Garba Mohd, the Committee directed the institution to also be diligent in its observance of Federal Character and other issues as the Committee discovered a skewed empolyment in the institution in favour of a particular section of the country.

It reminded the Rector and members of his management that, as a federal institution, it is required by law to treat all parts of the country in terms of employment and other considerations.

News

Obasanjo narrates how he escaped becoming drug addict

Published

9 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Naijablitznews

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he almost became a drug addict.

He spoke in Abeokuta over the weekend at the second edition of ‘Fly Above The High’ anti-drug campaign conference organised by the Recovery Advocacy Network.

Obasanjo stated that smoking during his youthful age led to chronic coughing and almost became an addiction.

The former President, while lamenting the increase in drug abuse among Nigerians and other West Africans, urged Nigerian students and young people to refrain from abusing psychoactive drugs, saying that they ruin life rather than enhance it.

“If I had persisted, I could have become addicted. Once you get involved, it is difficult to get out.

“There’s nothing drug can do for you except destruction.

“We found out that West Africa has equally been a centre for drug consumption in a very bad way. That was more than 10 years ago, so the situation has since gone worse. And whatever applies to West Africa applies to all other parts of Africa,” Obasanjo said.

He cautioned against stigmatization and urged individuals who are already addicted to psychoactive drugs to get help.