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Jonathan Orders NNPC To Refund $1.48bn …Visits Troops In Adamawa

Published

11 years ago

February 27, 2015

President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the Nigerian National Petrolium Corporation (NNPC) to pay the controversial $1.485billion into the account of Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for disbursment.
This was disclosed at the monthly FAAC meeting held yesterday in Abuja.
Meanwhile, the sum of N500.130 billion was shared among the three tiers of government for the month of January.
In a statement issued by the technical sub-committee of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), at the meeting, the amount shared represents a short fall of N80.248 billion from N580.378 billion shared in the previous month.
According to the committee, the reduction was due to drop. In crude oil prices from $77.53 million in November to $52.34 million in December, 2014.
Also, the drop was attributed to a 33 per cent decrease in export volume between November and December, 2014, which translated to a loss of $159.88 million.
Of the amount shared, state governments received the lion share of N30.689 billion, representing 50 per cent, while Federal Government and local government councils received 15 and 35 per cent, respectively.
It was stated that additional N4.419 billion payment was made by NNPC with N6.330billion refund to Federal Government purse.
Additionally, the sum of N776 million was also added to the shared money as residual balance, while N63.935 billion was added from Value Added Tax (VAT).
However, the Minister of State for Finance, Ambr. Bashir Yuguda debunked the rumour making rounds that Nigeria is broke, insisting that the economy is resilient and strong as evidenced in all the economic indices.
According to him, the domestic account of the country stands at $19 million, while the excess crude account is $2.60 million.
Bashir, who blamed the current economic challenges on devaluation of naira as occasioned by hostility in the oil market, assured that the situation will soon better as government has decided to cut down travel and expenses.
However, the House of Representatives has for the second time on Wednesday asked the Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to submit the full version of the forensic audit report on the alleged missing Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation $20billion to it.
The House gave the first directive on Thursday last week, following a motion moved by its Minority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.
On Wednesday (yesterday), the House again asked the minister for the report after Gbajabiamila complained that almost one week following the first resolution, Okonjo-Iweala had not responded.
He said, “Mr. Speaker (Emeka Ihedioha, presiding), we request the Clerk of the House to formally write the Minister to produce that report to every member of this House.
“She has not produced the report, irrespective of the standing resolution of this House. We want to have the full report, not the snippets that they have been flying about.”
The House endorsed his submission and directed the minister a second time to comply.
An auditing firm, PriceWaterHouse Coopers, had carried out the forensic investigation on behalf of the Federal Government.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Mr. Solomon Olamilekan, told reporters shortly after the House rose that the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation only presented a “highly-condensed version” of the report to the public.
He recalled that in the condensed version, the NNPC was directed to remit a “minimum of $1.4billion into the Federation Account.”
The lawmaker said that, as the committee overseeing public accounts, PAC was duty-bound to ensure that the minister produced the report.
He ordered Okonjo-Iweala to submit the report not later than one week from Wednesday.
Olamilekan added, “The PAC, cognisant of the provisions of the Constitution (1999), and empowered by the resolution, hereby requests that the full report on the forensic audit by PWC, which must include the initial raft report, the executive summary, management /internal control letters, should be forwarded to the National Assembly not later than one week from today(Wednesday).”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has, in spite of the drop in its oil revenue and dwindling allocations to the three tiers of government, insisted that Nigeria is not broke.
“The country is not broke, we have been meeting our obligations despite the challenges we have had with oil revenue streams but we have been doing the best that we can to improve our revenue from the non-oil sector,” the Minister of State for Finance, Bashir Yuguda, said.
Yuguda spoke with journalists after this month’s Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meeting in Abuja on Tuesday night.
The minister who, put the excess crude account at about $2billion, also spoke briefly on the forensic audit report and the amount to be refunded by the NNPC to the federation account.
“I have engaged the minister of petroleum and we have discussed the time frame on the refund of that amount,” he said.
However, the All Progressives Congress Vice-Presidential candidate, Yemi Osinbajo, has said that the biggest problem facing Nigeria is corruption and not dwindling oil prices.
Osinbajo stated this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Wednesday during the presentation of APC’s 2015 manifesto on Securing Nigeria’s Future.
He said, “Nigeria problem, as you know, is not lack of resources. The government of today has tried to give the impression that the problem of the country is that of falling oil prices, which is now below $50 per barrel.
“That is not true, that is not the problem. The problem is the corruption or the theft of resources.”
The former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, added that the Federal Government itself had confirmed that over 400,000 barrels of oil are stolen every day from Nigeria.
He put the value of the stolen oil at N3.1trillion a year.

Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Sam Woka (middle) explaining a point during an inspection of the state monorail project at UTC station, last Wednesday. With him are General Manager, RSNC, Mr Celestine Ogolo (2nd left),a Director in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim (left), and other dignitaries.

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.

By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.

News

Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition

Published

4 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.

By: Jessica Sambol