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NNPCL/Dangote rift over adulterated fuel: South East Governor Fingered In Dissolution Of Adhoc Committee

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as group threatens showdown, vows to expose Abbas-led House leadership

 

 

The Reformed National Coalition For Democracy (RNCD) has alleged a governor from the southeast on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the mastermind of the dissolution of the Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere led adhoc committee.

 

 

The group has therefore threatened a showdown with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, even as it vowed to expose shady deals under him unless he rescinded the decision of the House leadership to dissolving the ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee to sanitize the sector.

 

 

“We are aware of the pivotal role played by a particular APC Governor in the Southeast who has been the mastermind of the crisis in the House of Representatives, as this same Governor is enabling insecurity in his state and the Southeast in general while continuing to expend efforts in sustaining the crisis in the House to suppress voices calling for sanity”, RNCD said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

 

 

The RNCD, a civil society organization, said the work the committee was carrying out was too important to be stopped midway.

The group, in a statement widely circulated to journalists on Monday, and signed by its National Coordinator, Francis Ujah accused the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of conniving with some powerful people to sweep the shocking discoveries of the Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere-led committee under the carpet.

Una said the Speaker’s decision to dissolve the committee was unhealthy for democracy and the country’s economic development.

While noting that Ugochinyere’s courageous efforts must be saluted, the group threatened to expose all the shady deals under Abbas’ leadership as Speaker of the House.

According to the statement, Ugochinyere had acted boldly and brilliantly by indicting the Group Chief Executive Officers of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, without fear or favour.

The statement reads:”Ugochinyere has done well by investigating the allegations of the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and broader threats to Nigeria’s energy security.

“He acted like a true patriot with bravery and integrity by calling for the suspension of the NNPC GMD. His dedication to national assignments and the courage with which he delivered is remarkable.

“However, it is disgraceful to see the House leadership led by the Speaker dissolving a committee that has done well to protect our common interest. It is a shame that the integrity of the House has been compromised.

“Nigerians should take note that the House leadership visited Dangote refinery lately and commended him, but the probe recommended by the Ugochinyere committee is part of the process to sanitize the system and allow Dangote a level playing field.

“Unfortunately, the Speaker has dissolved the committee and stopped the good work it was doing.
We are calling on all Nigerians to hold the House leadership responsible if NNPC goes ahead with the planned crude-for-loan deal. We are also putting it on record that delaying the suspension of the NNPCL and NMDPRA CEOs is dangerous, despite the thorough job done by the joint committee.

“If the dissolution of the committee is not reversed, we will be forced to expose the dealings that took place when the House leadership visited Dangote Refinery.

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

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OTUNBA WASIU JAIYEOLA BAGS TASUED’S DOCTORATE DEGREE

 

In recognition of his impactful contributions to clothing and textile industry in Ogun state in particular and Nigeria in general, the Governing Council of Tai Solarin University of Education, ijagun is set to honour the Founder of Wessy Creations, Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, with the Doctor of Science, D.sc Ed (Honoris causa) in Textile and Clothing.

The letter of conferment of the award dated September 30, 2024 with reference number TASUED/REG.122/VOL.1/006 and signed by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, indicated that: “The Award is in recognition of your passion for education, and numerous contributions to the advancement of human race in general.”

The letter reads further: “The University takes special recognition of your numerous professional achievements and community services, including your exemplary leadership roles in our Nation as an elder statesman whose modest achievements and accomplishments represent the idea of integrity and selflessness, which our University stand for.
“The University joins well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating your humble, worthy, and outstanding legacies in the service of humanity.
“We also congratulate you and your family on your many notable achievements in life”.

The conferment ceremony is slated for Thursday, 28th November, 2024 at the School Auditorium in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

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Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

Family Pleads With FG to save brother in South African prison

 

The family of a Nigerian businessman, Olatunji Abdul, imprisoned in South Africa, has called on the Nigerian government and the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to intervene and save his life urgently.

The family, at a press conference on Thursday at Ikeja, alleged that Olatunji, a businessman and humanitarian, who has been held in a South African prison since 2019, is a victim of false charges allegedly orchestrated by state agents and xenophobic business rivals and that he is facing imminent danger.

PUNCH Metro gathered that through a petition submitted by the founder of Zarephath Aid, Ben Abraham, an international criminal justice organisation, the family narrated the ordeal of the Osun State-born entrepreneur.

 

Abdul, who relocated to South Africa in 2009, established himself as a prominent figure in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

According to the family, as the founder and CEO of Hydro Club, a leading hospitality consultancy in Johannesburg, he provided employment opportunities for Nigerians and supported businesses, students, and tourists in the diaspora.

However, his family believes his success made him a target for xenophobic competitors and corrupt officials.

 

Olatunji’s brother, Sesan, revealed that in 2019, these forces allegedly initiated a scheme, called “#DestroyAbdul,” aimed at destroying his reputation and business ventures.

Sesan claimed that this led to his wrongful arrest, denial of bail, and coercion into providing false confessions.

“In 2020, Olatunji was convicted on charges of theft and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence his supporters insist was based on fabricated evidence.’

“Despite being granted leave to appeal his sentence in November 2024, Abdul is said to be facing further challenges as his efforts to secure legal representation for his appeal have been thwarted.

 

“Several lawyers have reportedly withdrawn from his case due to threats and intimidation, leaving him to represent himself in court,” he said.

His family further stated that his situation is worsening, with fears of poisoning in prison and the confiscation of his laptop, which he needed for legal preparation.

The family, along with Zarephath Aid, appealed to the FG to act swiftly to prevent Olatunji’s death.

 

“If nothing is done, we risk losing a man who has brought pride to Nigeria and significantly contributed to the Nigerian diaspora.”

The petition reads. “Abdul is not a criminal; he is a victim of a malicious plot to destroy him.”

Olatunji’s physical and emotional health has reportedly deteriorated.

His family added that without intervention, his life remains in grave danger.

“This is not just about Abdul,” said Ben Abraham of Zarephath Aid. “It is about protecting Nigerians abroad who face unjust persecution despite their positive contributions.

 

“Abdul is an example of what Nigerians can achieve, and he deserves the protection of his country,” he said.

“Abdul is not just a businessman; he is a father, a son, and a role model for Nigerians in the diaspora. Nigeria must act now to bring him home,” the family stated.

 

 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

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How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death 

How Visiting US-based Nigerian bought nine drugs before death

 

The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday said it found nine different drugs and medications in the hotel room of the visiting US-based 51-year-old Sunday Abidoye whose lifeless body was discovered at the Creestar Hotel room, GRA, Sagamu, on Wednesday.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday to confirm Abidoye’s death.

Odutola explained that the Chief Security Officer of the hotel, one Mr Oluwole, reported the incident regarding the discovery of the deceased customer to the police, five days after his arrival from the United States of America.

She said on receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and on arrival, found the body of the deceased already placed inside a car outside the hotel, being prepared to be taken to the morgue by his family.

 

Odutola said that the deceased’s brother, Jimoh Godday, residing in Imota, Lagos State, informed the police team that his brother had arrived in Nigeria from the USA on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

 

She explained further that Godday said he had called at the hotel on Monday and knocked on Room 109, where his brother was staying, but got no response after which he requested a spare key from the manager to enter the room, where they discovered his brother’s lifeless body.

Odutola said, “Photos were taken, and various drugs and traditional medicines were recovered from the room.

 

“The centre of the bed was soaked with a liquid-like substance. A friend of the deceased, Ogunmonti Ogunwole, confirmed that he accompanied his friend, Sunday, to purchase nine different types of medication the previous day due to his complaints of illness.

“The body has since been evacuated to OOUTH morgue in Sagamu for an autopsy.

“No known cause of death yet, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.”

 

 

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