News

By Uzair Adam Imam

Bello El-Rufai, the House of Representatives member for Kaduna North Federal Constituency, asserted that he was not involved in awarding contracts during his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor.

In an interview with Yaya Abba on “With Shuraim,” Bello clarified his non-involvement, highlighting his father’s efforts to keep him away from political influence.

He stated that his father’s integrity and leadership, noting his own exile to avoid conflicts of interest.

Bello also recounted his work experience at Huawei, which helped him understand organizational structure.

This comes amid allegations of significant debts left by Nasir El-Rufai for his successor, Uba Sani.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, his brother, Ahmad Sirika, and their company, Enginos Nigeria Limited, with fraud totaling N19.4 billion. 

According to the EFCC, the fraud involves several contracts awarded by the former minister to Enginos Nigeria Limited, which is owned by his younger brother, Abubakar.

The contracts include the construction of a terminal building at Katsina Airport, the establishment of a Fire Truck Maintenance and Refurbishment Centre at Katsina Airport, and the procurement and installation of lift and air conditioners and power generators for the Aviation House in Abuja. 

The EFCC alleges that Sirika used his position to confer unfair advantages on his brother’s company, in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. 

Sirika and his co-defendants are scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Belgore of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Garki, Abuja, today (Tuesday). 

This is the second criminal charge filed against the former minister, who was previously arraigned for N2.7 billion fraud last Thursday.

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Nigerian government to discontinue its “hidden subsidies” on fuel and electricity, citing the significant burden it places on the country’s economy. 

According to a recent report by the IMF, subsidies are expected to consume 3% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024, a notable increase from 1% in the previous year.

The report praised the Federal Government for its decision to gradually eliminate expensive and inequitable energy subsidies, which the IMF believes is crucial for freeing up financial resources for development initiatives, enhancing social safety nets, and ensuring sustainable debt levels. 

The IMF stated, “Once the safety net has been scaled up and inflation subsides, the government should tackle implicit fuel and electricity subsidies.”

The report noted that “with pump prices and tariffs below cost-recovery, implicit subsidy costs could increase to 3% of GDP in 2024 from 1% in 2023. These subsidies are costly and poorly targeted, with higher-income groups benefiting more than the vulnerable.” 

The body recommended that “as inflation subsides and support for the vulnerable is ramped up, costly and untargeted fuel and electricity subsidies should be removed, while, e.g., retaining a lifeline tariff.” 

The advice from the IMF comes as the Nigerian government continues to grapple with economic challenges, including a significant budget deficit and rising inflation.

The elimination of subsidies is expected to free up resources for more targeted and effective social welfare programmes, but it may also lead to increased energy costs for consumers.

By Uzair Adam Imam and Aisar Fagge

Senator Rufa’i Hanga, representing Kano Central, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to introducing developmental programmes that will positively impact the lives of the less privileged in his constituency.

Senator Hanga made this declaration during a press conference held on Sunday at his constituency office in Kano State, expressing his strong dedication to serving humanity despite facing health challenges.

He stated that his empowerment initiatives for over two thousand women and scholarships for Bayero University, Kano (BUK) and Kano State Polytechnic are just the tip of the iceberg. He emphasized his determination to undertake more impactful programmes through his 2024 constituency projects.

Despite battling illness since his appointment, Senator Hanga managed to achieve many programmes such as providing medical check-ups and free medication to the needy in their homes, sallah clothes for 2050 orphans, donating books to schools, securing jobs for some youths, thanks to his dedicated team.

Furthermore, Senator Hanga pledged to introduce a motion aimed at restoring the gradually eroded powers of traditional rulers and emirs in the state, as per the request of the Kano State Emirate Council.

According to Senator Hanga, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has urged him to present a motion in the senate to restore the authority of traditional rulers in the state.

“I firmly believe in their significance. Therefore, they should be endowed with constitutional rights to carry out their traditional responsibilities, which have been integral to the system for years,” Senator Hanga stated.

He emphasized that traditional rulers often utilize their influence to maintain peace and address security challenges, not only at the state level but also nationwide.

Senator Hanga also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Kano state, particularly his supporters, who stood by him with prayers during his challenging times.

He remarked that he is thankful to God for his ongoing recovery.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed optimism that the recently launched Pilot Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme in Nigeria will contribute to the broader objectives of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in promoting border security and fostering sustainable economic development globally. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the 6th WCO Global Authorised Economic Operators Conference in Shenzhen, China, CGC Adeniyi said, “We started implementing a pilot AEO program a month ago, and we have been inspired by the policy and vision of the new Nigerian government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enhance economic competitiveness and diversification.” 

The CGC noted the importance of AEO in reducing the time and cost of doing business. He was quoted as saying, “The indices that they used in compiling the ease of doing business is trading across borders, and AEO allows us to engage with our stakeholders and reduce the time and cost of doing business.” 

CGC Adeniyi also acknowledged the challenges faced by the Service in optimizing stakeholders’ engagement and sought support from the WCO and other stakeholders to address these challenges. 

The conference, which held from May 8 to 10, 2024, brought together Customs officials, trade experts, and stakeholders from around the world to share best practices and explore ways to enhance trade facilitation and security through the AEO program. 

By Uzair Adam Imam

Friday night turned tragic as a tanker carrying 33,000 liters of petrol erupted in flames, claiming two lives.

The devastating incident unfolded at the Ijesha end of the Cele Link Bridge in Surulere, Lagos.

According to eyewitness Mr. Jide Alabi, the catastrophe occurred around 11:12 p.m. when the tanker driver lost control while maneuvering the roundabout to ascend the bridge.

The spilled fuel ignited swiftly, creating a massive fireball that engulfed the vicinity.

Ojueko Sharon, a staff member of the Lagos Ministry of Transport, confirmed the tanker’s overturning.

Reports show that prompt responses from the Isolo and Bolade Fire Stations of the Lagos State Rescue and Service contained the situation.

Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, stated that their timely intervention doused the flames.

Tragically, two individuals, unidentifiable due to severe burns, lost their lives. Their bodies were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for necessary procedures.

Efforts are ongoing to clear the wreckage, ensuring smooth traffic flow and facilitating thorough investigations into the incident.

By Uzair Adam Imam

After enduring 17 years of chronic groin inflammation, a 72-year-old man in Switzerland finally found relief.

Doctors at University Hospital Basel identified the cause as a parasitic infection contracted through mosquito bites decades earlier.

The man, who remained anonymous, suffered significant swelling in his penis, scrotum, and left leg.

Doctors noted severe inflammation upon examination, with bloodwork showing double the normal levels.

Further investigation revealed microscopic worms responsible for lymphatic filariasis.

An antibody test confirmed the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti, transmitted through mosquito bites.

These worms hatch in the bloodstream, travel through the lymph system, and cause swelling.

Treatment with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole proved effective, with the man’s symptoms completely resolving within two months.

This case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent and unusual symptoms, regardless of embarrassment.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, recounts his harrowing near-death experience at a hospital in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Dalung reveals that he fell ill on Wednesday and was rushed to the hospital, where he lost consciousness shortly after undergoing doctor’s interviews.

In a post shared via X on Friday, Dalung recounted being admitted to the emergency ward but left unattended for over four hours due to non-payment of admission deposits.

He shared how he regained partial consciousness and managed to make the necessary deposit before receiving medical attention.

“I took ill on Wednesday, arrived at the hospital, and shortly became unconscious after doctor’s interviews.

“I was ferried into the emergency ward but abandoned for over four hrs due to non-payment of admission deposits.

“Regained partial consciousness and later did the transfer of deposit,” he revealed.

“After that,” he continued, “I fell into unconsciousness again for about seven hours.

“To God be the glory, I have been discharged after three days and recovering. Were it not for partial consciousness to pay the deposits, I would have been Mr. late.

“Many Nigerians have gone this way. Where is our humanity?” Dalung added, highlighting the urgency for better healthcare accessibility and compassion towards patients in need,” he said.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Amidst the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to embassies, instructing them not to demand foreign currency for goods and services within the country.

In a memo addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the illegality of collecting any currency other than the Naira in Nigeria.

The memo, dated May 5, 2024, highlighted the violation of Nigerian laws and financial regulations by embassies invoicing consular services in United States Dollars.

Olukoyede underscored the significance of adhering to Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which designates currencies issued by the apex bank as the sole legal tender in the country.

The EFCC boss condemned the refusal of some embassies to accept the Naira for consular services, describing it as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and undermining its monetary policy and economic development objectives.

Expressing zero tolerance for this trend, Olukoyede urged the Minister to convey the Commission’s displeasure to all embassies in Nigeria, reiterating Nigeria’s expectation for their operations to comply with existing laws and regulations.

This move by the EFCC comes as embassies in Nigeria persist in demanding and collecting Dollars for goods and services, a practice detrimental to the local currency.

By Sabi’u Abdullahi

Shaykh Isah Ali Pantami, an academic and author, has challenged the critics of his book “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” to a debate at a location of their choice.
 
This challenge comes after some academics took to social media to criticise the book without reading it, according to a Facebook post by Yakubu Sani Wudil, a close associate of Prof. Pantami.
 
In the post, Wudil wrote: “Some indirectly criticise without reading the book and, ironically, also go ahead and make recommendations the same with the advocacy of the book.”
 
He added that Prof. Pantami is ready for an intellectual debate on any campus in Nigeria, saying: “The author will be available for the intellectual debate as early as tomorrow in sha Allah, if the venue is not too far from Abuja.”
 
Wudil invited critics to nominate three representatives for the debate, which will be coordinated by a team of academics including himself, Adeolu Akande, El-Bonga, Dr. Adamu Tilde, and Realoilsheikh.
 
He stated that the venue, date, and time will be chosen by the critics, as he was quoted as saying, “The floor is yours to choose the venue, the best among the critics to be adopted by the consensus of all of them, just specify the date & time.”
 
Prof. Pantami’s book “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees” is currently being translated into other international languages.
 
According to Wudil, “Praises and thanks are due to the Almighty. Among the 5 books authored by @ProfIsaPantami in the last 2 years, #SkillsRatherThanJustDegrees has been the most popular and impactful by far.”
 
The debate challenge has sparked excitement in academic circles, with many eagerly awaiting the intellectual showdown.