Destkelamedia

In a significant development, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has presented himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amidst ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure. This move comes shortly after a landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming the EFCC’s constitutional authority to prosecute corruption cases, further bolstering the agency's mandate. On Tuesday morning, Bello arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja accompanied by his legal team. Displaying a composed demeanor, he drove himself to the premises in a black Hilux vehicle. His appearance follows speculation regarding his impending engagement with the anti-graft agency. Despite last week’s reports hinting at his visit, his media team refrained from commenting on the matter. Bello’s recent visit aligns with a scheduled court hearing on November 27, where the EFCC is set to present fresh charges against him. These charges stem from allegations of financ...

After years of anticipation and multiple postponements, the Port Harcourt refinery operations have officially commenced, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy sector. This long-awaited breakthrough was confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on Tuesday, with the announcement that truck loading of refined products would begin the same day. The refinery, located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, has started with an initial capacity of 60,000 barrels per day. It is now producing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, and other petroleum products for the Nigerian market. According to the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, this development signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s quest to reduce dependency on imported refined fuel. In an official statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the NNPC declared: “NNPC Ltd delivers Port Harcourt Refinery as the plant begins truck-out of products today, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 1:45...

The National Assembly on Monday raised concerns over President Bola Tinubu's loan request, questioning its necessity as key federal revenue-generating agencies reported surpassing their 2024 targets. During a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Finance, Budget, and National Planning, the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, disclosed that the agency had exceeded expectations, generating N1.5 trillion in education tax revenue against a target of N70 billion. He further noted that the agency collected N5.7 trillion in company income tax, surpassing its N4 trillion goal. Adedeji emphasized that total revenue collection as of September 2024 stood at N18.5 trillion out of the projected N19.4 trillion for the year, positioning the FIRS to exceed its annual target well before December. He added that these results were achieved despite economic challenges. Similarly, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian N...

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a prominent member of Nigeria’s National Assembly, has debunked claims that a proposal to purchase a new presidential jet was ever presented to the legislative body for approval. His remarks come amidst growing public discourse on government spending and transparency. Addressing the allegations, Abaribe emphasized that any expenditure of such magnitude requires due legislative process. "There has been no formal request brought to the National Assembly National Assembly members were not spared in the criticisms regarding the jet purchase, as many labelled them as rubber stamp easy approval of the Presidency’s request to purchase a new jet. However, Senator Abaribe, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today, yesterday, said such a request was never brought to the National Assembly. He said: “I am in the National Assembly, but I can tell you for a fact that nobody, quote me, nobody brought anything to the National Assembly to say plea...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has come under scrutiny following its request for an additional subsidy refund of N1.19 trillion. This amount, linked to exchange rate differentials on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) importation and joint venture taxes, has sparked significant concerns among state governments and stakeholders. The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Postmortem Sub-Committee’s report for September 2024 revealed that exchange rate differentials stood at N4.56 trillion as of June 2024 but rose to N5.31 trillion by July. The NNPCL attributed this increase to currency fluctuations and unresolved subsidy payments from previous months. However, the FAAC Sub-Committee flagged inconsistencies in the NNPCL’s accounting practices, particularly regarding the inclusion of N1.19 trillion as a balance brought forward without prior acknowledgment in earlier FAAC reports. Concerns Over Accounting Practices The Sub-Committee’s report highlighted that the N1....

Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, has reaffirmed his strong stance on upholding democracy in England, responding to recent political unrest with firm statements about the country’s legal framework and its democratic principles. His remarks come amid growing controversy surrounding a petition that has gained significant attention in political circles. Starmer, addressing the media, made it clear that while England prides itself on its democratic values, there are limits to how far these freedoms can be exercised, particularly when actions threaten the stability of the nation. He emphasized that the rule of law would prevail and all individuals involved in signing the petition, which is seen as undermining the nation’s political system, would face legal consequences. The petition in question has stirred debate, with critics arguing it challenges fundamental democratic principles, while others believe it represents a legitimate expression of public opinion. St...

The Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, has initiated a legislative move to repeal the Commission of Inquiry Law, 1999. This law, originally part of the old Rivers State legal framework, is being reconsidered in light of the ongoing political unrest and the need for a more modernized legal system. The push for the repeal comes just weeks after the state government established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. This commission was tasked with investigating the widespread violence and destruction of local government secretariats during the riots following the recent local government elections. High-profile figures, such as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, and Chief Tony Okocha, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, were summoned to testify but declined to attend. On November 22, 2024, the legislative body introduced the Commission of Inquiry Bill, 2024, marki...

Prominent social media commentator, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has leveled accusations against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. Otse alleged that Wike has undue influence over Nigeria’s judiciary, claiming the minister has “judges in his pocket.” The allegations surfaced following the demolition of a property reportedly located near Wike’s residence in the Asokoro district of Abuja. The affected property owner alleged that officials demolished the building, which had been under development for over a decade, to claim the land for personal use. Taking to Instagram, Otse expressed outrage over the incident and highlighted the public’s diminishing trust in the judiciary. “This property is said to be opposite Wike’s house, which raises serious questions. May God protect us from such injustice. It’s disturbing that people would rather seek justice through social media than the courts,” he stated. Otse went further to allege tha...

The Lagos State House of Assembly has raised concerns over Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's proposal to borrow ₦408 billion as part of the 2025 budget, which totals ₦3.005 trillion. During Monday’s plenary session, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa committed the budget proposal to a joint committee on appropriation and finance, directing them to review it and report back within a month. Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning, presented an overview of the proposed budget, highlighting the ₦408 billion deficit financing plan. While acknowledging the benefits of loans when utilized effectively, Olumoh emphasized the need for sustainable financing strategies.  “We must adopt a pragmatic approach to funding the budget to avoid excessive reliance on loans,” Olumoh advised. He urged consideration of alternative funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, to ensure fiscal responsibility.  Olumoh also called for a thorough scrutin...

A fresh wave of criticism has emerged from the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, targeting Daniel Bwala over his redesignation as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu. Phrank Shaibu, Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, openly questioned the significance of Bwala’s new role, suggesting it lacked substance. Shaibu, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), labeled Bwala’s appointment as symbolic of a government with no clear policies to communicate. “Speed without control leads to ruin," Shaibu wrote. "In a government that names someone an S.A. on Policy Communication, one must ask: what policies are there to talk about?” The remark insinuated that the current administration under President Tinubu lacks well-defined or actionable policies for the appointee to explain to Nigerians. Shaibu further described Bwala’s redesignation as equivalent to being a "Special Adviser on Nothing," r...

Dele Momodu, renowned publisher of Ovation Magazine and a prominent member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has alleged that during the party’s 2022 presidential primary, one aspirant distributed $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates. Momodu shared this during his appearance on the "Key to Keys" podcast, where he lamented the overwhelming role money played in the primaries. Momodu revealed that he spent nearly N50 million to purchase the PDP presidential nomination form, a decision he now deeply regrets. "The process was completely monetized," he said, describing the experience as disheartening. "Not even a single vote was cast for me because everything revolved around financial inducement." Monetization of Nigerian Politics Highlighting the stark realities of Nigeria’s political landscape, Momodu noted that the use of money to secure votes has reached alarming levels. "One candidate went as far as offering $30,000 per delegate,...

Ambassador Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has formally requested the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct immediate bye-elections for 27 vacated seats in the Rivers State House of Assembly. The lawmakers in question reportedly defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), prompting the call for fresh elections. In a letter dated November 13, 2024, and titled *“Demand For Immediate Conduct of Fresh Elections in 27 State Constituencies of Rivers State Which Have Become Vacant Pursuant To Section 109 (1)(g) Of The Constitution,”* Damagum emphasized the unconstitutionality of the defections. He argued that under Section 109 (1)(g) of the Nigerian Constitution, such actions render the lawmakers’ seats vacant unless justified by a division or merger within the originating party, conditions that were not present in this case. Damagum stated: “The Leadership of our great party, the Peoples De...

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has expressed confidence that Nigeria would be in a better position today had Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, emerged victorious in the 2023 presidential election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, the Senator representing Abia South highlighted what he described as the shortcomings of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu. According to Abaribe, the nation’s governance under Tinubu has been plagued by nepotism, a challenge he believes Obi’s presidency would have avoided. “If Peter Obi had won, you probably would have seen a better Nigeria than what we are seeing today,” Abaribe stated. “He would not be as nepotistic as this government. That is just who he is; he empathizes with others and considers everyone equally.” Abaribe criticized Tinubu’s appointment of four ministers from Ogun State, describing it as a clear example of nepotism. He argued that such actions foster division...

The People's Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria's main opposition force, is grappling with escalating internal discord as repeated postponements of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings unsettle stakeholders and exacerbate a leadership crisis. Efforts to replace the party's acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, have been repeatedly stalled, leaving the PDP in a state of uncertainty. Originally scheduled for August 15, the NEC meeting was first pushed to October 24, then November 28, and now faces an indefinite delay. These disruptions, officially attributed to logistical concerns, have provoked sharp criticism from within the party's ranks. Behind the Delays The PDP leadership justified the latest postponement, citing the need to attend the funeral of the late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno. Yet, many party members suspect ulterior motives, accusing the Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC) of using delays to prolong his t...

Daniel Bwala, a recently appointed presidential spokesperson, has voiced concerns about what he describes as a deliberate campaign to undermine him. Sharing his thoughts on social media, Bwala called out certain media personalities and platforms, accusing them of orchestrating an agenda against him. In a message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Bwala wrote, “When faced with an overwhelming conspiracy by some television guests and anchors pushing an agenda against you, prayer becomes your only weapon. Trust God to reveal their true motives—it’s already happening.” The statement came on the heels of growing criticism following his appointment. Jesutega Onokpasa, a notable figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), recently voiced his dissatisfaction with some of President Bola Tinubu’s choices in government appointments, singling out Bwala as an example. Onokpasa, speaking during a televised interview, described Bwala’s appointment as “absurd,” citi...

“Behind the facts of economics are the facts of psychology… The emotions of fear and confidence, the judgments of doubt and certainty constitute a very important medium through which we see economic values,” remarked Arthur S. Dewing in the Harvard Business Review in 1923. These words remain profoundly relevant as Nigeria grapples with recurring budgetary failures, where promises rarely translate into tangible outcomes. Why Nigerian Budgets Often Fail Ivan Turgenev once stated, “Whatever a man prays for, he prays for a miracle; every prayer reduces itself to this.” This sentiment mirrors the state of Nigerian federal and state budgets since 1999, which often resemble wishful prayers rather than actionable blueprints. These budgets, approved by legislative bodies, are rarely monitored for execution and frequently result in the abandonment of numerous projects. Over 70,000 abandoned projects litter the nation, symbolizing the failure of governance to prioritize accountability...

-  With increased local refining capacity, Nigeria’s reliance on fuel imports is set to decline  - NNPC Highlights Dangote Refinery's Role in Fueling Nigeria’s Future The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has directed fuel marketers to cease the importation of petrol, citing the massive refining capacity of the Dangote Refinery. This directive is a strategic step toward achieving fuel self-sufficiency in Nigeria, leveraging the operations of Africa’s largest refinery to meet domestic demand. The Dangote Refinery, which has a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products. This development aligns with the government’s vision of minimizing foreign exchange outflows and fostering economic stability. “Marketers are advised to adjust their supply chains and prioritize domestic refining,” an NNPC spokesperson stated. “With the Dangote Refinery at full capacity, Nig...

-  As international laws tighten, some nations signal readiness to enforce ICC rulings against controversial leaders. - Exploring Netanyahu's Legal Risks Under ICC Jurisdiction Recent developments in international law have brought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under scrutiny, with discussions about potential legal risks he faces if traveling abroad. With the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating alleged war crimes in Gaza, Netanyahu could be subject to arrest warrants in countries bound by ICC jurisdiction. The ICC, established under the Rome Statute, has 124 member states, all of which are legally obligated to execute arrest warrants issued by the court. If charges are confirmed, Netanyahu’s global mobility may face significant restrictions. However, major players like the U.S., Russia, and Israel are not ICC members, complicating enforcement dynamics. Some countries, including close allies of Israel like Germany and the UK, have signaled t...

Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa, the National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has alleged that a top-ranking government official is actively supporting Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, in a bid to take over the union's operations. Speaking to reporters, Baruwa claimed that the interference by this unnamed government official is fueling division within the union and undermining its independence. He emphasized that such actions are detrimental to the unity and stability of the NURTW, which serves as a vital component of Nigeria’s transportation sector. Background on the Conflict The crisis within the NURTW intensified following the suspension of the Lagos State chapter, previously led by MC Oluomo, due to allegations of misconduct. Despite his suspension, MC Oluomo continues to wield significant influence, particularly in Lagos, where his loyalists maintain a stronghold over the union's activities. Baruwa accused certain government offici...

The Federal Government has confirmed that Rivers State will continue to receive its federal allocations, despite a pending legal dispute challenging the disbursement of funds. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), clarified on Friday that a notice of appeal filed by the Rivers State government has effectively suspended the earlier judgment barring the release of allocations. “Since there is a notice of appeal, it has overridden the earlier court judgment. As a matter of law, Rivers State will be paid while the appeal is ongoing,” Mokwa stated. Legal Background On October 30, 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a ruling barring the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers State. The judgment followed a suit filed by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided ov...

Nigeria's Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has attributed the nation's current economic hardship to delayed reforms that were long overdue. Speaking at an event in Abuja on Friday, Edun explained that successive governments' failure to implement necessary changes left President Bola Tinubu’s administration to make bold but painful decisions. Edun, attending the launch of four transformative civil service policies, emphasized that Nigerians are grappling with economic challenges because the previous administrations lacked the courage to enact reforms now being implemented by Tinubu’s government. The Controversial Fuel Subsidy Removal President Tinubu's decision to remove the fuel subsidy during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, significantly increased fuel prices from N195 to over N1100 per litre. Edun defended this move, describing it as critical to freeing up funds for vital sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, a...

  The Acts of Apostle Parish of the Celestial Church of Christ in Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, has been embroiled in a crisis over a N5 million donation made by the church authority. Tensions boiled over during a recent Sunday service when Muyiwa Oluponna, an alleged son of the church’s founder, disrupted proceedings and sought to install himself as the parish shepherd. Eyewitnesses report that Oluponna interrupted the sermon led by acting shepherd Adetayo Adetola, seizing the microphone and asserting his right to deliver sermons on the second Sunday of every month. This act escalated into a heated exchange captured in a viral video circulating on social media, which shows Oluponna arguing with church members. Claim Over N5m Donation The crux of the controversy centers on the N5 million donated by the church’s headquarters for renovations and the construction of a clergy house. Oluponna claimed the funds rightfully belonged to his family as the founders of the church. Accordin...

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has expressed optimism about the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria. This comes after Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland on charges linked to alleged acts of terrorism and violence in Nigeria’s South-East region. In a statement issued through the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa hailed the arrest as a critical development. “The CDS is pleased with Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland and hopes it will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” the statement read. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, added that General Musa had consistently pushed for Ekpa’s apprehension, accusing him of actively promoting terrorism in South-East Nigeria. Allegations Against Ekpa Simon Ekpa is accused of orchestrating violent activities in the South-East region of Nigeria while operat...

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has suspended its chairman, Mamman Osuman, following backlash over comments critical of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The northern group had expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s economic policies, claiming they have exacerbated poverty in the region. In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kaduna, the ACF called for a reassessment of the government’s economic strategies. However, Osuman’s remarks suggesting that the North would support a northern candidate in the 2027 presidential election drew sharp criticism, leading to his suspension. ACF’s Stance and the Fallout The ACF, through its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, criticized the current administration’s policies, describing them as detrimental to the North. Osuman added that many northern politicians were already strategizing for 2027, hinting at a regional preference for the presidency. However, the ACF swiftly ...

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified a Federal High Court ruling that prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with the voters' register required for conducting local government elections. Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court had earlier ruled against INEC's involvement, citing alleged non-compliance with electoral laws. However, the Rivers State High Court had previously mandated RSIEC to proceed with the elections using the 2023 voters' register, ensuring adherence to the expiration of prior local government officials' tenure in June. Context of the Rulings Justice I. Igwe of the Rivers State High Court directed RSIEC to conduct the local polls promptly, referencing constitutional and legal obligations under Section 7(1) of the Nigerian Constitution and the RSIEC Law of 2018. The court also highlighted a recent Federal Government directive urging states to ens...

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ruled that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) must pay N30 million in damages to Gloria Okolie, a young woman detained in 2021 under allegations of being a spy for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The court condemned her prolonged detention and inhumane treatment as violations of her fundamental rights. Court Findings on Okolie’s Detention Presiding over the case in Abuja, Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves determined that Okolie's 248-day detention by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigerian police far exceeded the 60-day maximum permissible under Nigerian law for a capital offense. During this period, Okolie, then 21 years old, was forced into servitude, performing tasks such as washing clothes and cooking for officers. The ruling emphasized that the police's actions were not only illegal but also violated international human rights treaties to which Niger...

The United States and Israel have strongly opposed the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The warrant, tied to alleged war crimes, has also named former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leader Mohammed Deif. ICC’s Allegations and Warrants The ICC alleges that Netanyahu and Gallant bear responsibility for actions during the recent Israel-Gaza conflict that may constitute war crimes, including civilian casualties and the targeting of non-military infrastructure. Additionally, Mohammed Deif, the military leader of Hamas, is accused of crimes linked to the October 7 attacks and other incidents involving civilian harm. Global Reactions to ICC Warrant While the United States and Israel have rejected the ICC’s authority in this matter, several countries have signaled their willingness to comply with the arrest warrants. Notably, the United Kingdom is expected to abide by the ICC’s request should Net...

The Spanish government has announced a groundbreaking plan to legalize up to 300,000 undocumented migrants each year. This initiative, aimed at addressing labor shortages and promoting social integration, is part of a broader immigration reform effort. Addressing Labor Shortages Spain's labor market has faced persistent challenges, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work. The legalization process will enable undocumented migrants to gain formal employment, filling critical gaps in the workforce. Under the new policy, undocumented migrants who can demonstrate continuous residence in Spain and a history of informal work will be eligible to apply for legal status. This approach seeks to formalize the contributions of migrants who are already integral to the Spanish economy. Streamlining the Process The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration is tasked with implementing this policy. The process will involve: ...