Connect with us

News

N1.1bn Fuel Subsidy Fraud: We’re Guilty –PPPRA

Published

on

The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) yesterday admitted that it verified the documents used by Abdullahi Alao and two others to obtain the subsidy payments from the Federal Government.

Alao, son of Ibadan-based business mogul, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola-Alao; Opeyemi Ajuyah and Olarenwaju Olalusi are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos High Court in Ikeja.

The three oil marketers and their companies— Majope Investment Ltd. and Axenergy Ltd. were charged with N1.1 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

At the proceeding, EFCC counsel, Mr Francis Usani, called two officials of the agency to testify against the defendants.

The witnesses are: Head, Lagos Zonal Office, Mr Victor Chidok,  and Mrs Omolara King, a senior field officer of the PPPRA.

Chidok, in his testimony, confirmed that the set of 37 documents used by the defendants to obtain the subsidy payments from the Federal Government were verified by the PPPRA.

He said the documents were also verified by other agencies including the Department of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian Navy and the customs before they were signed by the agency.

Also testifying, King said she was informed that the defendant’s vessel, MT Brig had berthed at Lister Jetty in Apapa on January 21, 2011.

The witness said she participated alongside other agencies in inspection of the vessel which was aimed at knowing the quantity and quality of the product brought in.

King said: “The haulage quantity was about 15,000 metric tonnes.

“The hoses were then connected to the vessel for discharge to the shore tank.

“After that I left because it is not humanly possible for me to be there throughout the duration of the discharge because it can take days”.

The witness said she did not participate in the dip to determine the quantity of the products discharged into the shore tank.

“For this particular transaction, we did not dip the tank but we signed the shore tank certificate on January 25, 2011.

“The shore tank certificate is very important because it determines the amount that will be paid to the marketer as subsidy”, she added.

Under cross-examination by Ajuyah’s counsel, Mr Oludare Falana, the senior field officer admitted that she did not know whether the 15,000 metric tonnes were all discharged.

King further admitted that the former head of Lagos zonal office of the agency, Mr Tope Ogundola, approved the transaction after checking the relevant documents.

The matter was adjourned till March 27 for continuation of trial.

Continue Reading

News

Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

News

Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

News

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

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending