News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the Russian Federation have underscored the crucial role of oil and energy market stability in driving economic growth.

This emphasis was made during the Ninth High-level Meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue, held in Moscow, Russia, on November 22, 2024. 

Co-chaired by HE Alexander Novak, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, and HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, the meeting highlighted the significance of cooperation between OPEC and the Russian Federation. 

“Russia will continue to be a key player in the oil market, maintaining its status as a reliable supplier,” said Alexander Novak.

“The OPEC+ member countries are in constant contact, monitor the market situation and are ready to flexibly and promptly respond to any changes in market conditions.” 

Haitham Al Ghais praised the partnership between the Russian Federation and OPEC, commending the Russian Federation’s leadership role in the ‘Declaration of Cooperation’ framework.

The Secretary General also noted the importance of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue as a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing. 

The meeting discussed developments in global oil and energy markets, climate change negotiations at COP29, and issues related to energy security, underinvestment, and market stability.

The next high-level meeting of the OPEC-Russia Energy Dialogue is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, in 2025.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Ogun Area 1 Command of the Nigerian Customs Service has made a significant seizure of illicit drugs, including cannabis sativa and Tramaking tablets valued at N117,587,405. 

Comptroller James Ojo, Controller of the Ogun Area 1 Command, revealed the seizure during a media briefing on Friday while handing over the contraband to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). 

Ojo expressed concern about the alarming rise in drug smuggling, describing it as “worrisome and a significant threat to national security.”

He noted that the seizures, made across various strategic locations in Ogun State, highlight the severity of drug trafficking within Nigeria’s borders. 

The seized items include 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 7,217.7 kg, and 362 packs of Tramaking tablets (225mg each).

These were intercepted at hotspots such as the Agbawo/Iganokoto area in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas. 

Ojo commended his officers for their vigilance and bravery and issued a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking and smuggling, urging them to desist or face the full force of the law. 

The Commander of the NDLEA Idiroko Special Command, Olusegun Adeyeye, praised the Customs Command for its relentless efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.

“This seizure is a testament to the synergy between the NDLEA and Customs in combating the menace of drug abuse and smuggling,” Adeyeye stated.

By Anas Abbas

President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Katsina State following the death of Alhaji Ahmadu Kurfi, the Maradin Katsina and district head of Kurfi. 

Alhaji Kurfi, a distinguished elder statesman, was renowned for his significant contributions to public service throughout his career. Notably, he served as the executive secretary of the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO), playing a crucial role in overseeing Nigeria’s transition to democratic rule in 1979.

President Tinubu praised Kurfi’s exemplary dedication to the nation and humanity, urging current public servants to reflect on the legacy he has left behind.

The President also offered prayers for the eternal peace of the late elder statesman and extended his deepest sympathies to Kurfi’s family during this difficult time.

The passing of Alhaji Kurfi marks a significant loss for Katsina State and the nation as a whole.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the judgment of the Federal High Court concerning the Rivers State local government elections.

The Appeal Court ruled that the Federal High Court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC), which was the first respondent in the case.

Consequently, all orders and decisions made by the Federal High Court regarding the matter have been set aside.

This decision reaffirms the validity of the Rivers State local government election and overturns the earlier ruling that sought to challenge it.

By Anwar Usman

The military junta in mali has appointed a military officer Major General Abdoulaye Maiga on Thursday as the new prime minister, a day after sacking civilian premier Choguel Kokalla Maiga following his criticism of the military leadership.

Abdoulaye Maiga previously served as spokesperson yo the government.

The West African nation, plagued by jihadist and separatist violence, has been under military rule since successive coups in 2020 and 2021.

“Major General Abdoulaye Maiga is appointed prime minister,” read a decree issued by junta leader General Assimi Goïta and announced by the presidency’s secretary-general on the state television station ORTM.

Although Abdoulaye Maiga was not part of the initial group of colonels who overthrew the civilian president in August 2020, he quickly related himself with them and has since been promoted to general.

His appointment to replace the civilian prime minister appears to strengthen the military’s grip on power.On Saturday, Choguel Kokalla Maiga publicly criticised the lack of transparency regarding the transition to civilian rule.

In June 2022, the junta pledged to hold elections and transfer power to a civilian government by the end of March 2024.

However, elections have since been postponed indefinitely.

By Anwar Usman

Prof. Bernard Odoh, the sacked Vice-Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday, expressed concern over the method through which he was removed as the university’s VC, stating that it didn’t follow the due process.

Odoh’s concerns follow his sack and that of the university’s governing council over his purported “illegal” appointment.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, he stated that the Federal Government needed to wade in to address brewing tensions.

“The removal of the governing council and officials followed reports that the council illegally appointed an unqualified vice-chancellor without following due process.

“After the controversial appointment, the Federal Government stepped in to address tensions between the university’s Senate and the Governing Council of the 33-year-old institution.

“The government lamented over the council’s apparent disregard for the university’s governing laws in its selection process,” read the statement.

However, the removed VC, in an interview on Arise TV, maintained that he won’t accept his removal through a press release but rather after the recommendations of an investigating council.

He further stated that, “I’m not disobeying the President, but it is the governing council that will recommend my removal after investigating me,” adding that “Mr President could have been wrongly advised.”

“You can’t sack somebody you didn’t employ. The Visitor (Tinubu) appointed the council and the council followed due process to engage and give me a letter. He can’t remove me through a press release.

“There was no panel of inquiry. I was not appointed through a press release but rather by a constituted authority which followed a straightforward procedure,” he added.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had accused the Governing Council of the institution of failing to follow due process in Odoh’s appointment and had demanded that the ministry dissolve the council over acts of illegality.

By Abdullahi Muhammad

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist and leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been sentenced to prison in Finland following his arrest for inciting violence and promoting terrorism. 

The Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty of using his social media platforms to encourage terrorist activities, particularly in southeastern Nigeria, a region plagued by unrest.

Finnish authorities stated that Ekpa’s online rhetoric, including support for sit-at-home orders and calls for election boycotts in Nigeria, fueled violence that has disrupted communities in the region. 

Ekpa, who claims leadership of IPOB in exile, has been a controversial figure, previously linked to threats that led to his initial arrest in February 2023. Finnish police also detained four others for alleged involvement in financing terrorist activities.

Nigerian officials have long criticised Ekpa’s activities, accusing him of exacerbating instability. The Nigerian government has been in discussions with Finnish authorities regarding Ekpa’s influence, though legal hurdles and human rights concerns have complicated potential extradition efforts.

The case highlights increasing international cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism and raises questions about balancing free speech with accountability for incitement to violence.

By Anwar Usman 

The Senate has approved President Bola Tinubu’s loan request of $2.2 billion to partially finance the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year. 

The approval followed the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Aliyu Wamakko, during plenary session. 

While leading the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended the committee for its swift action and thorough examination of the loan request. 

In a letter presented during the Senate and House of Representatives plenaries on Tuesday, Tinubu explained that the loan was integral to his administration’s fiscal strategy for the coming year. 

“The Presidential request for $2.2 billion, equivalent to ₦1.77 trillion, is already stated in the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio stated while reading the letter. 

He further instructed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to expedite its review of the request and present a report within 24 hours. 

“The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans should, therefore, give the request expeditious consideration and report back within 24 hours,” Akpabio said.

Although the deadline was passed on Wednesday, the committee submitted its findings during Thursday’s plenary, leading to the loan’s approval. 

Details later…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command has collected N2.014 trillion in revenue as of November 19, 2024.

This feat was announced by Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, during a routine parade at the command headquarters in Apapa. 

Comptroller Olomu praised officers for their dedication. He stated, “To meet this revenue target, despite economic challenges, reflects the sacrifice and commitment of our officers, men, and stakeholders.”

He stated the command’s aim to reach N2.2 trillion by year-end, citing the Comptroller-General of Customs’ (CGC) potential 10% target increase. 

The command’s revenue contribution represents 40% of the NCS’s total collection of N5.07 trillion. Olomu attributed the success to the CGC’s leadership in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and enforcement. 

Comptroller Olomu urged officers to maintain positive revenue and enforcement records, ensuring seizures are accompanied by arrests for effective anti-smuggling efforts.

The command will host an end-of-year gathering and award night to honour contributors to its 2024 success.

By Uzair Adam

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere in Gombe State, Prof. Umaru Pate, has lost his mother, Hajia Zainab Pate.

According to family sources, Hajia Zainab, aged 80, passed away in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, on Wednesday following a brief illness.

The Daily Reality gathered that she is survived by three children: Prof. Umar Pate, Amina, and Hamza.

The funeral prayer was said to have taken place this evening in Yola.