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Senators Block Ex-Finance Minister From Investigation
Senators have decided to exempt the former Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, from an investigation into the controversial Make up Gas (Mug) Reprocessing Deal.
The deal involved a monthly payment of $10 million and has raised questions about transparency and the utilization of public funds.
At plenary session, Senator Aniekan Bassey from Akwa Ibom Northeast sponsored a motion calling for an investigation into the Make up Gas (Mug) Reprocessing Deal.
This deal has come under scrutiny due to a monthly payment of $10 million, which has sparked concerns about the proper utilization of public funds.
The deal involved the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Calabar Generation Company Limited, and ACUGAS Ltd.
However, the immediate past Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, has been exempted from the investigation by the senators.
The NDPHC, a company jointly owned by the Federal, State, and Local Governments in Nigeria, is responsible for managing Nigeria’s Independent Power Projects.
In 2017, the NDPHC entered into a Gas Supply Agreement (CSA) with Acugas Limited, which aimed to supply gas to the subsidiary company Calabar Generation Company Ltd (Calabar Genco).
Under the Gas Supply Agreement, the Federal Government of Nigeria committed to paying over $10 million each month to Acugas Limited. This payment was secured with a “take or pay” clause, meaning that the government had to fulfill the monthly obligation regardless of whether Calabar Genco received or utilized the gas.
This arrangement has become a significant concern for Nigerians as it puts a substantial burden on the public treasury, with large sums of money being paid to Acugas even when gas is not utilized.
To address this issue and find a solution for the gas that Nigeria has paid for but not utilized, the former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. (Mrs) Zainab Ahmed, initiated a Make-up Gas (MUG) Reprocessing deal involving Calabar Genco and Acugas Ltd. However, this deal has been criticized for lacking transparency.
Allegations suggest that substantial amounts of money were paid as fees to transaction advisers, even when discussions about extending the utilization period of the MUG were ongoing between Acugas Ltd and Calabar Genco, without the involvement of paid consultants or transaction advisers.
The Call For Investigation
Recognizing the potential implications of the Gas Supply Agreement and the Make-up Gas Reprocessing arrangement, Senator Bassey urged the Senate to mandate the Committee on Power, once constituted, to investigate the circumstances surrounding these agreements.
The proposed investigation aims to delve into the execution of the Gas Supply Agreement, the Make-up Gas Reprocessing arrangement, the parties involved, the payments made to date, and the current status of implementation.
All stakeholders, including the former Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), and Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) and Sani Musa (Niger East), would be invited to provide insights.
Defence Of Zainab Ahmed
However, Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno and Sani Musa came to the defense of Zainab Ahmed, stating that her involvement in the deal was due to her position as a minister at the time. They argued that she should be exempted from the investigation now that she is no longer serving as the Minister of Finance.
Ensuring Due Diligence
In addition to the investigation, Senator Bassey called upon the Federal Government, particularly the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, to exercise due diligence in preparing and executing transaction agreements with companies and investors. This cautionary measure aims to prevent the recurrence of similar scenarios under the Gas Supply Agreement with Acugas Limited and other entities.
To further support the motion, Senator Monguno proposed that Zainab Ahmed’s name be removed from the investigation. He emphasized that since she is no longer the Minister of Finance, her involvement in the deal was solely due to her ministerial role at the time. Senator Sani Musa seconded this motion, stating that Zainab Ahmed’s name should indeed be removed from the investigation.
The senators’ decision to exempt Zainab Ahmed from the investigation has sparked discussions and debates among the public. While some argue that her role as the former Minister of Finance warrants scrutiny, others maintain that her involvement was a result of her official capacity and, therefore, should not be subject to investigation now that she is no longer serving as a minister.
It is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in government transactions, especially when significant sums of public funds are involved. The Senate’s decision not to include Zainab Ahmed in the investigation raises questions about the extent of accountability and the potential impact on future government dealings.
The controversial Make up Gas Reprocessing Deal, entailing a monthly payment of $10 million, has caught the attention of senators and the public alike. The motion to investigate the deal, sponsored by Senator Bassey, seeks to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the Gas Supply Agreement and the Make-up Gas Reprocessing arrangement.
However, senators have decided to exempt Zainab Ahmed, the former Minister of Finance, from the investigation. This decision has generated varying opinions regarding accountability and the need for transparency in government transactions.
As discussions continue, it remains crucial to uphold the principles of good governance and ensure the judicious use of public funds in Nigeria.
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
News
Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.