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Arewa Assembly petitions Police, DSS over alleged blackmail of NNPCL management

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Arewa Assembly petitions Police, DSS over alleged blackmail of NNPCL management

*Arewa Assembly petitions Police, DSS over alleged blackmail of NNPCL management*

 

 

 

The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) has petitioned the Acting Inspector General of Police and the Department of State Security over what the group termed coordinated attacks against the top management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) especially its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari, and Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya amongst others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the petition titled; “Petition Against the Ceaseless Blackmail on NNPCL Management by Some So-called Civil Society Organisations: The Need to Bring the Menace to an End,” the AYA warned that the politically orchestrated attacks against mainly top management personnel of the oil giant must stop.

 

Arewa Assembly petitions Police, DSS over alleged blackmail of NNPCL management

 

 

 

Mohammed Salihu Danlami, Speaker, of the Arewa Youth Assembly, said, “It is most disturbing that these elements, in their recent advocacy, decided to single out the management of the NNPCL mainly of Northern extraction for attack namely; Mele Kolo Kyari, GCEO NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited), Umar Ajiya, Chief Financial Officer, NNPCL, Danladi A. Inuwa, Executive Vice President, Business Services, and Ahmed Dikko, MD Port Harcourt Refinery.”

 

 

 

 

Danlami singled out those he alleged to being used in the cyber bullying and blackmail to include the Northern Youth Council, Sardauna Platinum Leadership, “and so-called civil society organizations” of “taking advantage of the current political climate in our country to exert undue pressure on our new government and force a change in the leadership of NNPCL.

“The relentless harassment and manipulation tactics employed by these groups not only weaken the stability and progress of our nation but also pose a significant threat to the hardworking and dedicated management of NNPCL.”

The youth speaker claimed that the media attacks were designed to incite the common people in the north against the administration of President Bola Tinubu and derail the government.

The statement reads in part: “We strongly believe that these unpatriotic elements are trying to cash in on the complaints in Northern streets and communities about the appointments of Mr. President, which we believe hasn’t violated any constitutional provision and incites people of our region against the government, thereby derailing the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We have strong evidence in custody which showed that such characters have been sending text messages to the Management Staff of the Corporation, threatening them with protest and whatnot.

“These satanically inspired threat, we believe, is capable of reducing their productivity, which in the final analysis, will affect our economy as it is oil-dependent.

“Therefore, we wish to call all relevant Security agencies to take swift and appropriate action to address this issue and put an end to the ceaseless blackmail and protests against NNPCL management. We implore them to investigate these organizations thoroughly, as their actions warrant serious scrutiny and pose a threat to National Security and cohesion. They should equally check whether they are legal entities or not.”

A spokesperson of the oil company who preferred not to be named said the NNPCL too had forwarded all such messages bordering on threats and blackmails have been forwarded to relevant security agencies.

“The GCEO has directed that no management or staff of the NNPCL should engage these elements any longer who hide under the guise of FoI or civil society to threaten or blackmail the company. Our books have been made public severally, therefore, there is nothing to fear for.

“Very soon these mushroom groups and those behind them will have busy time with the security agencies,” the official hinted.

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

 

Lagos, Nigeria – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions.

 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

 

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.
Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”
The Zero Processing Charge campaign aligns with GTBank’s ongoing efforts to empower businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

 

For more information, merchants are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to the Digital Banking Support Team at [email protected].
About GTBank

 

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions that empower businesses and individuals. With a strong focus on technology and customer satisfaction, GTBank continues to redefine the banking experience across Africa and beyond.

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

 

The Federal Government and former diplomats have condemned Canada’s decision to deny visas to top Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other senior officers. The controversy arose after Gen. Musa revealed that several high-ranking officials were barred from attending a Canadian event honoring war veterans, leaving some delegation members stranded.

 

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed outrage at the development during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday. Ribadu described the visa denial as “disrespectful” and declared, “Canada can go to hell.” He applauded Musa for addressing the issue publicly and emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its internal capacity.

 

“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work,” Ribadu stated.

 

Gen. Musa called the incident a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to stand firm against being taken for granted by foreign nations. “This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he urged.

An official from the Canadian High Commission, speaking anonymously, indicated that an official response would be provided on Friday.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, criticized the visa denial as inconceivable and proposed a reciprocal delay in processing Canadian visa applications. He also recommended summoning the Canadian High Commissioner for an explanation.

“High officials of the rank of the CDS, COAS, and Service Chiefs should normally hold diplomatic passports. Application for visas of such top officials should be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and forwarded with a Note Verbale,” Akinkuolie explained. “If such a denial occurs, the Nigerian mission in Canada should delay all diplomatic, official, and private applications of Canadians visiting Nigeria as a reciprocal measure.”

Ambassador Akinkuolie also emphasized the importance of limiting delegations to official personnel to avoid unnecessary complications.

Similarly, retired Ambassador to Algeria, Amb. Mohammed Mabdul, described the visa denial as “highly undiplomatic” and urged the Canadian High Commission to reconsider. “The issue of security should not be taken for granted,” Mabdul warned, stressing that diplomatic relations should not be jeopardized by such actions.

However, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, criticized Ribadu’s language, calling it undiplomatic.

“I don’t think the NSA handled the matter in the best possible way, and the language used cannot be considered diplomatic,” Farounbi said. He suggested that the issue should have been referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Every sovereign nation has the right to grant or deny visas to any applicant. Considering the bilateral relationship, the matter could have been addressed through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the best agency for handling such matters, and they would have used appropriate language,” he added.

Farounbi further warned against ministries and agencies taking on roles that fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“There are instances where top officials visit foreign countries without informing the Nigerian Embassy in those countries. This is not how such matters should be handled,” he said.

As diplomatic tensions rise, all eyes are on Canada’s official response and any potential actions Nigeria may take to address the issue.

 

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Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

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Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

Elon Musk’s Team Accuses FEMA of Misusing $59 Million to House Illegal Migrants in Luxury Hotels

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has made serious allegations against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), claiming that the agency misused $59 million to accommodate illegal migrants in luxurious hotels.

 

The billionaire entrepreneur revealed this in a tweet on Monday morning, stating that the discovery was made last week. According to Musk, the funds were intended for American disaster relief but were instead diverted in violation of national regulations.

 

He wrote: “The @DOGE team just discovered that FEMA sent $59M LAST WEEK to luxury hotels in New York City to house illegal migrants. Sending this money violated the law and is in gross insubordination to the President’s executive order. That money is meant for American disaster relief and instead is being spent on high-end hotels for illegals! A clawback demand will be made today to recoup those funds.”

 

The revelation has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that FEMA’s allocation of funds should prioritize American citizens affected by disasters. The allegations have also intensified scrutiny on FEMA, which has faced previous accusations of financial mismanagement.

 

An inspector general audit recently revealed that FEMA mishandled nearly $10 billion in COVID-19 relief funds. The audit stated that $8.1 billion in costs remained questionable, while $1.5 billion was allocated prematurely and could have been better utilized for other emergencies.

 

As scrutiny mounts, former President Donald Trump has reportedly considered abolishing FEMA, describing the agency as “a disaster.” To address these concerns, Trump has established a council, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to review FEMA’s operations and propose necessary reforms by late June.

 

The allegations against FEMA have triggered a broader debate on the proper allocation of taxpayer funds and the government’s role in disaster management. More updates are expected as the situation develops.

 

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