News

NEC Meets, Demands Excess Crude Account Details

Published

12 years ago

March 28, 2014

Six months after the last one was held, a meeting of the National Economic Council consisting of the 36 state governors and some ministers was held yesterday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Surprisingly however, no mention was made of the money due to the Federation Account which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation allegedly failed to account for during the meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo.
The missing fund has remained one of the reasons why the meeting which holds monthly had not been convened for the past six months because of the report that members of the Governor Rotimi Amaechi-led faction of the Nigeria Governors Forum were planning to confront Sambo on the matter and other economic issues.
A source at the meeting told our correspondent that the issue of the missing fund was not included on the meeting’s agenda.
“That item was not on the agenda and nobody raised the issue when the agenda was read for amendment in case members have additions to make. You also know that the acting CBN governor was not at the meeting because they are all appearing before the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. Minister of Finance briefed the meeting but no mention was made of the missing fund,” the source said.
Briefing State House correspondents of the meeting’s outcome, Governor Godswill Akpabio, quoted the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd.), as saying that 17 states have been identified as flashpoint of current clashes between herdsmen and farmers which have left many people dead.
Akpabio further quoted the NSA as saying that his office was working round the clock to stem the tide of the violence.
He said, “Council also discussed the issues pertaining to the current conflicts between the farmers and the pastoralists across the entire country. We received presentations from the NSA on the incessant conflicts being experienced across Nigeria, especially the one of sacking so many villages by criminals in Benue State and other adjoining states in the North.
“According to the NSA presentation, 17 states have been identified as flash points. Of course such states include Benue, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kaduna and Oyo. We also reported issues bordering on the conflicts in southern parts of the country like Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross Rivers, particularly in the Ogoja area.
“The NSA reported to Council the efforts being made by his office to involve international agencies on the issues, one of which is that it will invite all stakeholders to an international conference to deliberate, adding that the agency based in Geneva, Switzerland is working out the modalities to involve communities in the affected states to find means of settling the conflicts in Plateau and that will now be used as a pilot programme across the entire country.”
He said the council also resolved that Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue State should join Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State as co-chair of a committee on grazing reserves earlier set up.
The governor added that the council further resolved that a technical committee be set up to come up with recommendations that can resolve the conflict between the farmers and the pastoralists.
The committee, he said, was directed to meet with all stakeholders within two weeks.
However, the National Economic Council (NEC) in Abuja yesterday requested the Federal Government to give the details of the spending on Excess Crude Account (ECA) to the states.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio made this known after the NEC meeting presided over by the Vice President Namadi Sambo at the State House.
NEC is the highest economic decision making body statutorily presided over by the vice president with all state governors, FCT Minister, Attorney-General of the Federation and some ministers as members.
Akpabio said the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, told council that the fund in the ECA had risen to about $3.5 billion after payments of fuel subsidy and SURE-P.
“The NEC meeting holds today, the first in 2014. During the meeting the Minister of Finance, our lady Okonjo-Iweala reported to council the progress in the ECA.
“She informed council that as at today, the ECA has risen to about $3.5 billion after payment for fuel subsidy and SURE-P.
“The council deliberated on it and resolved that there was need for expeditious action to be taken to resolve all the legalities surrounding the issues of ECA, particularly the issue of expedition action on the cases pending in court.
“It was also further suggested that at least two separate accounts should be maintained, one for excess crude and the other for SURE-P,’’ he said.
The ECA is an account maintained by the Federal Government to save oil revenues above a base amount derived from a defined benchmark price.
The ECA was established in 2004 and its objective is primarily to protect planned budgets against shortfalls due to volatile crude oil prices.
It will be recalled that in 2010, the NEC approved the plan to replace the ECA with a National Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Following controversies over the sharing formula and spending procedure of the ECA, the 36 state governors under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, had dragged the Federal Government to the Supreme Court.
Specifically, the governors are seeking the judicial interpretation of the management of the ECA.

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

5 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor