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Lawyers Storm Finance Ministry, Demand Probe into Mele Kyari’s $4B Refineries Spending, Others

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A group of lawyers submitted a petition to the Minister of Finance today, demanding a judicial commission of inquiry into the tenure of Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The lawyers under the aegis of the Guardian of Democracy And Rule Of Law alleged that Kyari’s leadership was marked by monumental corruption, tax evasion, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds, particularly in the spending of over $4 billion on refineries repairs.

Led by Barrister Benjamin Theophilus, they claimed that the amount spent on refineries repairs was inflated, citing a proposal by a consortium of private sector firms to repair the three refineries for about $1 billion.

The petition highlighted several areas of concern, including fraudulent allocation of crude oil proceeds, misappropriation of funds in the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, fuel subsidy fraud, and value review for NNPCL’s crude-backed loans.

“Mele Kyari is alleged to have collaborated with certain consultants and contractors involved in the refineries rehabilitation projects to conceal the actual cost of the contracts and evade taxes due to the Federal Government,” the petition stated.

“Seven years ago, there was a proposal by a consortium of private sector firms to repair the 3 refineries, with a total capacity of 445 kbpd (thousand barrels per day) for about $1 billion.

“NNPCL under Mele Kyari has expended $1.5 billion on the Port Harcourt Refinery, $1.5 billion on the Warri Refinery and $1 billion on the Kaduna Refinery bringing the total of what Kyari spent on the refineries to more than $4 billion as opposed to the $1 billion that the consortium has requested for all the refineries.

“Even after expending these inflated sums, the refineries are unable to produce gasoline without using large quantities of chemicals from Indorama. This is a monumental project cost inflation as about $500 million is sufficient to build a brand new simple 600 kbpd refinery that will operate at a better efficiency.

“There is credible information that crude oil allocations were diverted, and financial transactions were carried out under the guise of ‘pipeline security’ at a suspicious rate of 80,000 barrels per day, with no transparent process or accountability mechanism.

“The AKK Pipeline Project, initially valued at $5 billion has been riddled with irregularities in the award and execution of contracts. Despite several budgetary provisions and foreign financing arrangements, there is little physical progress or transparency in fund utilization.

“There have been repeated allegations of fraud tied to the payment of fuel subsidy. It is instructive to note that while the rest of the world witnessed a decline in fuel consumption in 2020 due to COVID, NNPCL increased its imports of petroleum products during the same period.

“Under Mele Kyari, NNPCL took various crude-backed loans which hit $21.565 billion since 2019. Aside from mortgaging future production, the structure of these loans disadvantage Nigeria as upside from trading Nigeria’s crude in the international market was ceded to traders. “

The lawyers demanded a thorough investigation into Kyari’s tenure and the recovery of public funds if found to have been misappropriated.

They also called for collaboration with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to probe suspected tax evasion and fraudulent declarations.

The lawyers emphasized that the demand for a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the NNPCL in the last five years is non-negotiable, and expected the Commission to be populated by Nigerians of impeccable character led by former justices of the Supreme Court.

The petition was submitted after a protest by the group of lawyers, who are demanding justice and transparency in the management of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

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Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano

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The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.

The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.

Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.

Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.

He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.

He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service. 

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Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87

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President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes  to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.

Tinubu said this in a special tribute  on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.

He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.

The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.

Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.

He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.

Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun  from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.

As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.

The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.

He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.

Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.

He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.

The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday. 

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Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation

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Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.

This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.

The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.

 According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship,  graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.

“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.

“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.

“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.

“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.

While presenting the certificates to the  graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.

Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.

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