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Senate reconstitutes ad hoc committee to probe economic sabotage

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4 months ago

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The Senate has reconstituted its ad hoc committee to investigate alleged economic sabotage in the Nigerian petroleum industry.

This is contrary to reports that some stakeholders were working to stop the oil probe.

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary on Thursday, made the announcement during plenary.

Barau made the announcement after the Leader of the Senate/Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele sponsored a motion on the need for the two chambers to jointly conduct the oil probe.

The upper chamber communicated the decision to reconstitute to the House of Representatives with a view to conducting a more holistic investigation that would sanitise the petroleum industry.

In his motion, Bamidele observed that the House of Representatives had debated on the same subject and also constituted its ad hoc committee to investigate it.

He stressed the need for the Ad-hoc Committees of the two chambers to work together to avoid duplication in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Bamidele called for the reconstitution of the committee to be named as “National Assembly Joint Ad hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.

After Bamidele’s presentation, the Senate recaptioned the title to “National Assembly Joint Ad hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.”

The upper chamber also resolved “to communicate its decision to the House of Representatives for the purpose of constituting the equal number of an ad-hoc committee that will working with the Senate.”

While Bamidele will still chair the National Assembly Joint Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage, its members include: Senators Ekpenyong, Yahaya Abdullahi; Mohammed Monguno and Solomon Olamilekan.

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Other members are: Senators Diket Plang, Ipalibo Banigo; Khabeeb Mustapha; Adams Oshiomhole; Williams Jonah; Adetokunbo Abiru; Osita Izunaso; Sahabi Ya’u; Abdul Ningi and Suleiman Kawu.

The Senate had on Wednesday, July 3, debated a motion on the urgent need to investigate the Importation of Hazardous Petroleum Products and Dumping of Substandard Diesel into Nigeria moved by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River).

The Senate had on Thursday, July 11, recaptioned the title of the Ad-hoc Committee to Ad-hoc Committee to Investigate Alleged Economic Sabotage in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry.

After holding meetings with key stakeholders in the petroleum sector, the Bamidele Committee put its activities on hold with conducting a joint session with the lower chamber and providing workable antidotes to a myriad of challenges in the industry.(NAN)

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National

Ramadan: Atiku tasks Nigerians on generosity

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7 hours ago

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March 1, 2025

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Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar

Former-Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians to extend their hands of charity and affection far beyond immediate families to others.

Abubakar made the call in a statement in Abuja to mark the commencement of Ramadan.

“It is important that in Ramadan, we extend our hands of charity and affection far beyond our immediate families.

“The lifestyle of noble Prophet Muhammed (SAW) should be our guide, as he taught us the immense benefits of being generous, especially during the month of Ramadan,’’ he said.

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections urged Muslims to remember Nigeria in their prayers.

He also urged governments at all levels to provide the necessary succour that would ease the pains of Nigerians during the Ramadan fasting and beyond.

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National

Tinubu says N54.99trn 2025 budget will empower Nigerians, build resilient future

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14 hours ago

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March 1, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has said the N54.99 trillion 2025 budget signed into law on Friday will empower Nigerians and build a resilient future.

The President said this after signing the budget in a brief ceremony witnessed by Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, and other leaders of the National Assembly at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“We reaffirm our commitment to securing the future, rebuilding prosperity and ensuring that every Nigerian shares in the dividends of governance.

“The past year tested our resolve but through the economic discipline and strategic reforms, we achieved what many deemed impossible.

“There is no dust in our faces and there are no tears on our cheeks. We worked together as brothers and sisters collaboratively.

“After the initial turbulence, and the take-off was very cloudy and uncertain; today, we see light at the end of the tunnel,” said the President.

He said there were signs of progress in the country, with GDP growth rebounding to 3.86 per cent and revenue increasing to N21.63 trillion.

The President said the Naira rebounded reflecting the resilience of Nigerians: “We have reduced the deficit significantly from N6.2 in 2003 to N4.217 per cent.

“The forex reform is working in the foreign exchange market. The minimum wage was raised and we are meeting all obligations.

“I want to thank the National Assembly; everyone of them whether they participated in the review or not, we are building the same country.”

Tinubu said the collaboration between the executive and legislature was making a difference, and that he was determined to move the country forward.

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“Today, I can smile that you have given the hope to our people. We can only promise to work harder,” Tinubu said. (NAN)

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Matawalle Urges Nigerians To Pray For Security As Ramadan Fast Begins

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16 hours ago

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March 1, 2025

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The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has called on citizens to offer prayers for the country’s armed forces and security agencies as they continue their fight against insecurity.

His appeal comes at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting, reflection, and devotion for millions of Nigerians.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister underscored the need for divine intervention in addressing Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.

He urged religious leaders, community heads, and all citizens to dedicate prayers for the safety and success of security personnel.

The call for prayers follows ongoing efforts by the military and other security agencies to combat insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent crime across the country. Several regions, particularly the North, have witnessed increasing attacks by armed groups, leading to concerns about national stability.

Matawalle acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces in safeguarding lives and property, stressing that their efforts deserve both moral and spiritual support from Nigerians.

“Our security forces work tirelessly to ensure our safety. As we observe this sacred month, let us remember them in our prayers,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the federal government’s commitment to enhancing security measures, including increased funding, better equipment, and improved welfare for personnel

However, he noted that beyond physical efforts, divine guidance and intervention remain crucial in overcoming the country’s security threats.

Meanwhile,religious leaders and scholars have welcomed Matawalle’s call for prayers, describing it as a timely appeal.

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Zamfara State former Governor also encouraged Nigerians to use the Ramadan period to seek peace, unity, and progress for the country.

As Ramadan progresses, the Defence State minister expressed hope that the nation will witness improvements in security and stability.

He reiterated the need for national unity and cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.

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