News
FG to pardon convicts, unveils advisory committee
By Francesca Hangeior
The Federal Government is set to grant presidential pardons to convicts serving various jail terms across custodial centres in the country.
To initiate the process, the government on Wednesday inaugurated the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, with the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), as Chairman.
The committee includes representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, and the Christian Association of Nigeria, alongside other notable members such as Justice Augustine Utsaha, Prof. Alkasum Abba, Chief Akinlolu Olujinmi (CON, SAN), and Prof. (Mrs.) Nike Ijaiya.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) confers special powers of prerogative of mercy on the President.
He added that the Committee has a four-year tenure, and its membership is drawn from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, as well as representatives of religious bodies and four eminent Nigerians.
Akume said, “Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) confers special powers of prerogative of mercy on the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This power enables the resident to grant pardon to any person convicted of an offence created by an Act of the National Assembly.
“In consequence of this Constitutional power, a Presidential Advisory Committee on Prerogative of Mercy is to be constituted as an administrative body with the mandate to provide and facilitate a seamless and smooth exercise of the power by the President. The Committee has a four-year tenure, and its membership is drawn from relevant line Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as representatives of religious bodies, and four (4) eminent Nigerians.”
Speaking on behalf of the committee members, the AGF said his office had received an overwhelming number of requests for a presidential pardon.
He said, “Already, my Office has been inundated with applications for presidential pardon and clemency. We are to look into these applications and advise on their merits as appropriate. We assure Nigerians that we will carry out our assignment objectively in the public interest and the interest of justice. ”
Fagbemi noted that the committee’s assignments were not to undermine the decision of the courts but to carry out the duty the constitution mandates the president.
He said, ” We must also state that our assignment is in no way a review of the decisions of the courts but a discharge of a mandate imposed on Mr. President by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“After our assignment, the Committee would be required to present its Report and actionable recommendations for onward transmission to Mr. President for consideration and further directives.”
Fagbemi said in carrying out their assignment, the Committee members might need to visit Correctional facilities across the six geopolitical zones before making their recommendations.
He said, “The committee might be required to visit Correctional Facilities in various States of the Federation, cutting across the six Geo-political Zones of the country, beginning from where the last exercise ended, to critically appraise and identify potential cases of convicts and ex-convicts towards recommending them for Presidential Pardon or Clemency as appropriate.”
The last presidential pardon was granted under former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022, with a total of 159 convicts receiving clemency.
Among those pardoned were Joshua Dariye and Jolly Nyame, a development that generated a lot of controversy.
Dariye, who served as Plateau State governor from 1999 to 2007, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for embezzling N1.16 billion. Similarly, Nyame, the governor of Taraba State from 1999 to 2007, received a 12-year sentence for misappropriating N1.6 billion.
News
NNPCL Declares N10trn Remittance, N3.5trn Dividends for 2024
By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a total remittance of N10 trillion to the Federation Account by September 2024, alongside N3.5 trillion in dividends after taxes for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, disclosed this during a budget defense session before the Joint Finance Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives in Abuja on Wednesday.
Kyari emphasised the transparency of NNPCL, that it is the only organization in Nigeria that publishes 100 percent of its financial accounts annually, and highlighted the its role as the Nigeria’s highest taxpayer and its significant contributions through royalties and dividends.
He also called for a forensic audit to evaluate funds spent on stabilizing petrol prices from January to September 2024. He noted that, until October 1, 2024, NNPCL, as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), acted as the supplier of last resort for fuel.
“Our transactional accounts are fully transparent and published annually. NNPCL remains the highest taxpayer, royalty payer, and dividend contributor in the country,” Kyari stated.
On revenue projections for 2025, Kyari revealed that final figures would be determined after an upcoming board of directors’ meeting. He assured the committee that the company’s parameters for the 2025 budget are realistic.
He explained that NNPCL no longer makes direct payments into the Consolidated Revenue Fund due to its restructured operational framework under the PIA. Instead, its contributions now come through dividends and taxes.
Addressing production dynamics, Kyari explained that NNPCL operates within joint venture arrangements and can only account for its share of production. He reported that the company achieved over 90% of its 2024 production targets despite challenges related to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) pricing and delayed tax and royalty remittances.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) revealed a remittance of N753 billion for 2024 and projected N997 billion for 2025. However, the Joint Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Sani Musa and Hon. James Faleke, revised the NPA’s revenue projection to N1.75 trillion to optimize income from the agency’s 56 revenue streams.
This revision, the committee noted, reflects a commitment to maximizing Nigeria’s revenue-generating potential.
News
House of Representatives Mourns the Loss of Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has announced the passing of Deputy Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, who passed away earlier today, January 15, 2025, after a brief illness.
Onanuga until her death represented Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of8 Ogun State.
Born on December 2, 1965, Hon. Onanuga was a respected public servant and advocate for social development. Her political journey began in 2019 when she was first elected to the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the 9th Assembly, she served as Chairperson of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, where she spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering women and improving social welfare.
She was re-elected in 2023, and appointed Deputy Chief Whip in the 10th Assembly. Known for her firm leadership and discipline, she played a pivotal role in maintaining order and decorum during legislative proceedings.
Fondly called “Ijaya” by her colleagues and constituents, Hon. Onanuga was celebrated for her intellect, humility, and dedication to public service. Her contributions to the political landscape were marked by a deep commitment to the betterment of society and the welfare of her constituents.
In a statement, by House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi, he extended condolences to her family, friends, associates, and the people of Ogun State, particularly her Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North constituency.
“The National Assembly expressed its collective grief over the loss of a vibrant and devoted lawmaker whose impact will be remembered for generations”, statement read in part.
Funeral arrangements will be communicated by her family in due course. The House called for prayers for her soul to rest in perfect peace and for her legacy to continue inspiring future leaders.
News
Health Agencies Demand Increased Funding in 2025 Budget
By Gloria Ikibah
Key health agencies under the House Committee on Healthcare Services have appealed for more funding in the 2025 budget, citing critical needs in addressing healthcare challenges across the country.
This was their position during the 2025 budget defense session on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Executive Director of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, presented a proposed budget of ₦48.1478 billion for 2025.
He highlighted that while the agency benefits from the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Vaccine Immunisation Funds, additional funding is key for optimal performance.
Dr. Aina also expressed hope for better budget releases in 2025, and noted that the 2024 disbursement was insufficient.
Similarly, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) requested ₦7.38 billion to combat the country’s ongoing eight disease outbreaks and enhance preparedness.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, emphasised the efforts if the agency in capacity building, research, and collaboration with state governments to strengthen disease surveillance. He therefore called for a dedicated contingency fund to manage emergencies effectively.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) proposed ₦113 billion for its 2025 operations. The Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, revealed that the council received no allocation in 2024 due to its exclusion from the budgeting process, relying instead on funds from doctors’ registration fees and levies.
Dr. Kyari pledged to intensify advocacy to expand funding sources and alleviate pressure on federal medical institutions.
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is seeking ₦130 billion to increase health insurance coverage. The agency’s Director-General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed that only 19.4 million Nigerians are currently covered under NHIA, with an additional 2.5 million under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
Dr. Ohiri outlined plans to engage the private sector, telecom companies, and digital technology to boost enrollment and expand coverage.
During the session, the Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Rep. Amos Magaji, emphasised the importance of a functional healthcare system in reducing corruption and alleviating financial burdens on Nigerians.
He commended the agencies for their presentations and assured them that the Committee would review their funding requests for possible increases.
Members of the Committee also scrutinized the agencies’ 2024 expenditures and deliberated on their proposed budgets and plans for 2025.
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