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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.
News
Rising Political Tension: Wife Of Rivers State Head Of Service, George Nwaeke Pleads For Her husband’s Safety
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The escalating political crisis in Rivers State took a dramatic turn on Friday as Florence Nwaeke, wife of former state Head of Service George Nwaeke, voiced deep concerns over her husband’s whereabouts.
Fighting back tears, she appealed to the public, revealing she had lost contact with him and feared for his life.
According to Mrs Nwaeke, her husband had travelled to Abuja and confirmed his arrival via a phone call. However, subsequent events took a baffling turn when reports surfaced of an unexpected interview attributed to him. The news left her in shock, as she insisted the statements made were uncharacteristic of her husband.
“I was confused when I heard he had given an interview. I asked myself, ‘An interview about what?’ That was not my husband speaking,” she said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Fearing for his safety, Mrs Nwaeke attempted to reach her husband multiple times but received no response.
“I sent him messages asking if he was under duress, if he had been kidnapped, but there was no reply,” she recounted. “His phone is off, and I do not know where he is. Nigerians, please help me!”
Her plea for help emerged just hours after Mr Nwaeke’s interview, in which he accused Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara of secretly backing Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed for the 2027 presidential election. He also claimed Fubara had encouraged militants to stage attacks, allegations that sent shockwaves through the political landscape.
In a subsequent video, Mrs Nwaeke made a direct appeal to Governor Fubara, imploring him to intervene and ensure her husband’s safety.
“Governor Fubara, please help me. My husband is in trouble,” she cried. “He has been forced to say things he knows nothing about. He resigned just to protect himself.”
Her statement suggested that Mr Nwaeke may have been pressured into making claims against the governor, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political crisis.
Governor Fubara quickly dismissed the allegations, insinuating that Mr Nwaeke had been either bribed or coerced into making false statements.
“The truth is that Dr Nwaeke has been compromised,” Fubara asserted in a statement. “He is only making these claims to fulfil promises to those who have either paid him or forced him into this.”
To support his counterclaim, the governor released purported screenshots of conversations between Mr Nwaeke and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.
These messages suggested that Mr Nwaeke had previously sought financial assistance and political backing, allegedly citing a monthly income of N500,000 as inadequate.
Meanwhile, the public awaits further developments, hoping for Mr Nwaeke’s safe return and a resolution to the escalating crisis.
Petrol tanker explosions in Nigeria have become a pressing concern, with alarming statistics revealing that no fewer than 555 people lost their lives between January 2020 and January 2025. Data from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has highlighted the severity of these incidents, prompting urgent discussions on safety measures and regulations.
According to Joyce Alexander, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Anambra State, these fatal accidents have caused extensive loss of life and destruction of property.
Speaking at a town hall meeting on “Tanker and Trailer Safety Challenges in Nigeria” in Awka, she outlined the staggering figures:
2020: 18 tanker explosions, 161 deaths.
2021: 19 tanker explosions, 55 fatalities.
2022: 14 tanker explosions, 76 deaths.
2023: 13 tanker explosions, 118 fatalities.
2024: 13 tanker explosions, 85 casualties.
January 2025: 7 recorded tanker explosions.
Recognising the severity of the situation, the FRSC has proposed several strategies to curb tanker-related accidents:
Strict Enforcement of Speed Limits: Ensuring that haulage vehicles are equipped with speed-limiting devices.
Regular Training for Drivers: Educating tanker operators on road safety measures and responsible driving habits.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance: Mandating periodic checks to identify and fix mechanical faults before tankers hit the road.
Legislative Action: Introducing harsher penalties for tanker owners who fail to comply with safety standards.
Establishing Rest Areas: Providing designated stops to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Uche Noah, a Chief Superintendent of Police and the Divisional Police Officer of ‘B’ Division, Awka, urged drivers to avoid alcohol and illicit substances while on duty, which significantly contribute to road accidents.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
The Catholic Archbishop of Kaduna, Most Rev Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, has commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for fostering an inclusive government and uniting the people of the state.
Speaking at the 2025 Kaduna North Annual Deanery Cathedraticum, Archbishop Ndagoso praised Governor Sani’s leadership, contrasting it with the divisive policies of the previous administration under Nasir el-Rufai.
“The past administration divided the people; many did not feel a sense of belonging across the senatorial districts,” Ndagoso said.
“The past government acknowledged only a selected few, but in the last two years, Governor Uba Sani has bridged the gap created by his predecessor.”
The Archbishop urged the Catholic community to focus on their faith rather than the shortcomings of individual priests.
“Nobody is perfect, and no one should judge another. We should learn to adjust our ways and look at Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for mankind,” he said.
Ndagoso also commended the lay faithful for their unwavering support of the archdiocese and called on Kaduna residents and Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Similarly, Lt. Col. G.O.I, Parish Priest of the Chaplaincy of St Peter’s Ribadu Cantonment, expressed gratitude to the Archbishop for selecting his parish to host this year’s Cathedraticum.