News
Nigerians Must Demand Transparency From NNPC -Ribadu
Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, has asked Nigerians to rise up and insist on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation operating transparently and in the overall interest of the nation and its people.
Ribadu, who spoke at a retreat organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Sokoto State, over the weekend, decried the penchant by the corporation to conduct its operations in an opaque manner, thereby preventing Nigerians from knowing what happens in the national oil outfit.
The former police boss said that Nigeria was one of the few countries in the world where the activities of its oil company were largely transacted in secrecy and global best practices that guide such operations around the world thrown overboard.
Ribadu said it was also wrong for the Federal Government to handle the NNPC as a personal estate leaving out states and local governments from its operations.
He said: “Today, the NNPC is a producer, an importer, a marketer and a regulator paying to the Federal Government what it likes at any time and treating the states and local governments in Nigeria as if they have no stake in the establishment.
“Let me say that states are very important because of the essential roles they play in the development of the communities and the lives of Nigerians. They should therefore, be allowed to have a say in what goes on in the NNPC.”
Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako, who spoke on means of deepening democracy and good governance in Nigeria, noted that it would amount to a waste of time and energy if government did not meet the basic needs of the electorate in Nigeria.
Nyako blamed the rising wave of insecurity in the land on frustration arising from joblessness and poverty coupled with soaring impunity that had not been punished by relevant agencies over time.
The governor said: “We have to work towards engendering a sound justice system that punishes those that act with impunity and do away with the current regime where everybody gets away with crime due to the corrupt nature of the society.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
News7 hours ago2027: Tinubu’s Presidency Excites APC Stalwarts…As Group Berates NWC For Party Crisis In Bayelsa
-
Niger Delta7 hours ago
Ewhrudjakpo Tasks CS-SUNN On Effective Nutrition Awareness
-
Sports7 hours agoAkomaka Emerges South South Representative Board Member In NCF
-
Sports7 hours agoTottenham Salvage Point Against Wolves
-
Oil & Energy7 hours agoIncreased Oil and Gas: Stakeholders Urge Expansion Of PINL Scope
-
News7 hours agoFG denies claims of systematic genocide against Christians
-
News7 hours agoUN Honours Ogbakor Ikwerre President General
-
Niger Delta7 hours agoOtu Reiterates Commitment To Restor State’s Civil Service