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Oil Subsidy: Senate Approves N161.6bn Request

Published

13 years ago

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The Senate yesterday, passed the
supplementary appropriation bill of N161.6 billion, as payment for fuel subsidy
to oil marketers for 2012.

President Goodluck Jonathan had on Tuesday
sent a request to the National Assembly to approve the sum of N161.6 billion to
ensure steady supply of petroleum products during the festive season.

Senate President, Senator David Mark,
however, decried the high level of corruption being perpetrated under the fuel
subsidy scheme.

He urged the Federal Government to stop the
fuel subsidy if it was unable to stop the high level of corruption being
perpetrated under the scheme.

“It is not a secret anymore that there is so
much corruption in the fuel subsidy industry in whatever system they are
adopting. “The nation must make a decision now, whether to continue this or to
stop it. “The nation must make that decision sooner than later because we
cannot carry on this way. “If they can’t eliminate and stop the corruption in
the system, then, the other alternative will be to stop the whole exercise of
the fuel subsidy. “We must take the one that is easier and the one that will
bring less pain to Nigerians,” he said.

Mark commended the lawmakers for supporting
the quick passage of the supplementary appropriation, in the interest of the
masses.

He said the proposal should have been
forwarded in good time to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

“They should have anticipated that there was
going to be a shortfall when they first made this presentation at the beginning
of the year.

“That did not happen. We are now shouldered
with the responsibility of this additional approval.

“We have done so in the best interest of this
country,” Mark added.

The approval followed a motion by the Senate
Deputy Leader, Senator Abdul Ningi that the supplementary budget be given
accelerated passage “in view of the emergency nature of the bill”.

All the Senators expressed support for the
passage of the bill saying that it would alleviate the suffering of Nigerians,
ensure peace and stability of the nation.

Senator Smart Adeyemi faulted the national
economic team for the delay in the presentation of its request for additional
funds.

He, however, said: “As representatives of the
people, we have to support this request because it would improve the wellbeing
of the masses.”

In his contribution, Senator Ayogu Eze
(PDP-Enugu), hailed the Federal Government for acknowledging that there was
large scale corruption in the subsidy scheme.

He urged Nigerians to support the
government’s effort to address the graft in the oil subsidy regime, adding,
“It’s a challenge for Nigerians to decide whether to allow few individuals to
continue to feed fat on our commonwealth or to stop this process that
encourages corruption.”

Senator Ahmed Lawan (ANPP- Yobe), urged the
Senate to henceforth scrutinise government expenditure before the considering
requests for supplementary appropriation.

“We need to be very thorough and insist on
getting relevant information in good time before we do supplementary budgets.
“They talk about forensic audit but we have not seen the report. There is no
evidence to show that we require N161.6 billion. “I support the passage of this
bill for the sake of my people,” he said.

Senator Gbenga Ashafa (ACN- Lagos), appealed
to the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), to conclude investigation
into the management of the fuel subsidy.

“While I support this passage, I want this
Senate to ensure that investigation into the fuel subsidy is completed because
Nigerians need to know,” Ashafa stressed.

Senator Nkechi Nwaogu (PDP-Abia), blamed the
opposition political parties for protesting against government’s move to
totally remove the oil subsidy.

According to her, the corruption being
witnessed in the subsidy would have been nipped in the bud if the people have
supported the attempt to scrap the subsidy.

“It’s not the fault of the President, or is
it the fault of PDP but it’s the fault of the opposition parties which would
not allow the total removal of fuel subsidy.”

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COAS Tasks Troops To Dominate Battlespace, Intensify Offensive In N/Central

Published

15 hours ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.

Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.

Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.

He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.

The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.

Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.

Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.

 

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Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West

Published

16 hours ago

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May 29, 2026

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A former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Nathaniel Uwaji, has expressed excitement over the emergence of Bro Felix Obuah as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Rivers West Senatorial District following the party’s just concluded primaries.
Hon. Uwaji, who formerly represented Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency I, described Obuah’s emergence as a reflection of the wishes and aspirations of the people of Rivers West.
Speaking shortly after voting at Ward Five, Obrikom, Uwaji commended party members and supporters for turning out en masse to participate in the exercise and vote for what he described as “the right candidate.”
According to him, Bro Felix Obuah’s reputation as a bridge builder and grassroots politician makes him well suited to represent Rivers West in the Senate.
“Bro Obuah’s antecedents speak volumes across the length and breadth of Rivers State. The people are pleased to have him represent them at the National Assembly because he has paid his dues,” Uwaji stated.
The former lawmaker further noted that Obuah has remained unwavering in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, whom he described as key political leaders with strong followership in the state.
“There is no doubt that Bro Obuah has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support to both President Tinubu and Chief Wike. He remains one of the strongest allies of the FCT Minister,” he said.
Uwaji maintained that Obuah’s popularity and political track record have endeared him to the people, stressing that his victory at the primaries was widely expected.
“The name Bro Obuah is already a household name in Rivers State politics because of his track records. This victory has once again demonstrated his popularity and acceptance among the people,” he added.
He also thanked the people of Ward Five, Obrikom, and other stakeholders for their overwhelming support during the primaries, expressing confidence that the APC candidate would record another victory during the 2027 general elections.
“As you can see from the results, the people voted overwhelmingly for him, and they will repeat the same feat during the main election in 2027. Ward Five, Obrikom, will be among the first to deliver results for Bro Obuah and Mr. President,” Uwaji declared.
The former lawmaker also commended security agencies and electoral officials for ensuring a peaceful, free, fair, and credible primary election process.
He assured constituents that Bro Felix Obuah would not disappoint the people if elected into the Senate.
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Navy Upgrades Training, Infrastructure To Tackle Security Threats

Published

17 hours ago

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May 29, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.

The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.

Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.

“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”

According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.

Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.

Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.

Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.

“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.

“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’

He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.

The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.

“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.

In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.

Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.

Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.

“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.

He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.

Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.

He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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