An acclaimed pastor from Ajapa community in Ese Odo LGA of Ondo State, Terry Tinate Augustus, popularly called “Black" has been apprehended by security operatives in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Augustus, who was alleged to be a kidnapper, was arrested by the Amotekun Corps in collaboration with the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security, Engr. Alore Omosuyi.

The suspect was arrested on December 8, 2024 following a tip-off from the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad.

The media team of the Office of the SA to the Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security, in a statement on Monday, December 9 said that Augustus, a key figure in a violent kidnapping syndicate, had been linked to multiple abductions, including a recent high-profile case in Lagos.

"On December 8, 2024, a joint operation between the office of the Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Pipeline Surveillance and Waterways Security, Engineer Alore Omosuyi and the Amotekun Divisional Headquarters in Ilaje Local Government Area led to the arrest of the notorious kidnapper, Terry Tinate Augustus, also known as “Black

"The arrest took place in Alape, Ilaje Local Government Area, following crucial intelligence provided by the Commissioner of Police Special Squad 1 in Lagos State.

"Terry, a key figure in a violent kidnapping syndicate, had been linked to multiple abductions, including a recent high-profile case in Lagos.

"The operation was prompted by the arrests of two members of the gang, Promise Mafimisebi and Monday Ikuesan, in Lagos.

"During questioning, Mafimisebi revealed that the gang had collected a ransom of $52,000 from the recent kidnapping of Isa Ososa in Lagos. He also disclosed that Terry Tinate Augustus, also known as Black, was a member of their group and hailed from Ajapa in Ondo State.

"The gang primarily operated in urban areas, targeting wealthy individuals for ransom. They used swift abduction tactics, often employing stolen vehicles to carry out their operations.

“Engineer Alore Omosuyi, with his strategic leadership collaborated closely with the Amotekun Corps Ilaje to orchestrate the successful operation. Their combined expertise in security surveillance ensured the swift apprehension of the suspect. ”

The Labour Party (LP) member in the House of Representatives from Plateau State, Dalyop Chollom, has decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker who represents the Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal constituency announced his defection via a letter that was read during the House session on Tuesday by the Speaker, Abbas Tajuddeen.

In his statement regarding the defection, the Speaker relayed that the lawmaker indicated he made the decision to leave the LP for the APC after considerable contemplation, citing the ongoing turmoil within the party as a significant factor.

He expressed that the political well-being of his constituents is paramount and asserted his belief that he would be able to serve them more effectively within the ruling party.

In response, the House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), raised a Point of Order, referencing Section 68 (1) (d) of the Constitution, and declared the defection to be invalid.

He subsequently requested that the House dismiss the letter of defection submitted by the lawmaker.

Chinda said, “We cannot continue to put the cart before the horse. That letter you read was not right.”

The Minority Leader emphasized that the legislator must furnish proof of his resignation from the party; however, the Speaker indicated that he had reviewed all relevant information and was content with the documentation provided by the legislator.

In response, Chinda asserted that if the Speaker is indeed satisfied, he ought to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Constitution regarding the status of a legislator who has defected from their party to join another.

He added, “If you say the letter he wrote is in order, you declare his seat vacant.”

The Speaker stated that he had reviewed the presentation made by the lawmaker and subsequently deemed the Minority Leader to be out of order.

In a similar vein, Representative George Ozodinobi from Anambra, representing the Labour Party, expressed disappointment regarding the defection, noting that the Labour Party was not experiencing any internal conflicts.

Senator Samuel Bako Lalong was present in the chambers to observe the announcement concerning the defection of the lawmaker from Plateau State.

Naija News recalls that last Thursday, five lawmakers, comprising four members of the Labour Party and one from the Peoples Democratic Party, transitioned to the All Progressives Congress.

The four Labour Party members who defected to the APC are Representative Tochukwu Chinedu Okere from Imo, Representative Donatus Matthew from Kaduna, Representative Akiba Bassey from Cross River, and Representative Esosa Iyawe from Edo.

Additionally, Representative Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, switched her allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has advised those nursing presidential ambitions in 2027 to shelve their desires.

In a post on Facebook, Igbokwe insisted that there would be no vacancy for a new president in 2027.

The APC chieftain stressed that Tinubu would remain the occupant of Aso Rock after 2027.

He wrote, “Those of you scheming and dreaming for 2027 should go and rest . There is no vacancy in Aso Rock until PBAT clears the huge and monumental Augean Stable that has accumulated for years now. Nigeria is being reworked to work again.”

This is coming amid speculations that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, Atiku Abubakar and his Labour Party counterpart, Peter Obi, are planning to form an alliance to sack Tinubu in 2027.

APC Chieftain Raises Alarm Over Gang Up Against Tinubu

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has alleged there is a gang up against President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Talks regarding the 2027 election have been gaining momentum recently, with mixed opinions from the northern parts of the country.

Igbokwe alerted Nigerians on the alleged gang up against Tinubu in a post via his Facebook page, stating that those responsible for it had been calling him on the phone.

The APC chieftain, however, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would overcome the obstacles ahead of his re-election bid.

He wrote, “There has been a funny/ crooked gang up against PBAT come 2027. They have been calling my phones.

“The callers even mentioned the names of the schemers and l laughed until tears started coming out of my eyes. They do not know about PBAT.”

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf has visited the Near East University in Cyprus over the withheld certificates of Kano scholars who graduated between 2015 and 2019.

The results were withheld over the non-payment of school fees.

Speaking via a statement on Monday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, the governor disclosed that the affected graduates were sponsored to the Cyprus varsity by the administration of ex-governor Abdullahi Ganduje but the government failed to pay their fees, making the university to withhold their certificates.

The statement said Yusuf visited Cyprus and met with the management of Near East University to address the matter.

“The discussions centred on facilitating the release of certificates for students who graduated between 2015 and 2019, particularly those in critical fields such as Medicine and Nursing.

“Many of these graduates have been unable to advance in their careers due to unpaid tuition fees under the previous administration,” the statement said.

It quoted Yusuf as remarking that: “This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations. It has also impacted the state, which urgently needs skilled professionals, especially in healthcare services.”

The governor described the failure to pay tuition fees as a major lapse in governance, adding that the current administration was committed to rectifying the issue.

“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje could neglect such an important responsibility, particularly for medical students who are essential for our healthcare system,” Yusuf stated.

Following what he termed as “fruitful discussions” with the university management, Governor Yusuf expressed optimism about resolving the liabilities and ensuring the release of the certificates.

“This effort marks a new chapter of hope for these graduates and reaffirms our administration’s dedication to education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable development,” he said.

The resolution of this issue is expected to empower the affected graduates to pursue their careers and contribute meaningfully to the development of Kano State.

The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has felicitated with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the occasion of his 62nd birthday.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya praised the Senate President’s exemplary leadership, describing him as a statesman whose commitment to the progress of the legislative arm of government has been both impactful and inspiring.

The Governor noted that the Senate President’s extensive political career, spanning decades, has been defined by an uncommon commitment to public service and a passion for uplifting the Nigerian people.

“On behalf of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, as well as the government and people of Gombe State, I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a distinguished leader and patriot. Your steadfast commitment to nation-building and good governance is admirable.

“As Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, your visionary leadership has fostered legislative harmony and significantly advanced our democracy,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya remarked.

The Governor commended Senator Akpabio’s remarkable achievements, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, where his impactful leadership and infrastructural development left an enduring legacy.

He prayed for the Senate President’s continued good health, wisdom, and strength to effectively discharge his responsibilities, urging him to sustain his commitment to Nigeria’s unity and prosperity.

“Your commitment to legislative excellence and nation-building is exemplary. I pray that Almighty God grants you more wisdom and grace to serve the country with even greater vigour,” the NSGF Chairman added.

Demands transparency in federal revenue, expenditure reporting

The Senate has threatened ministries, departments, agencies, and MDAs of the federal government with zero allocation in the 2025 fiscal year if they fail to appear before it to scrutinize records of expenditures made from 2024 appropriations.

It also took a swipe at discrepancies in Nigeria’s revenue generation and expenditure tracking and called for improved synergy between the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the legislative body.

Senators raised these and others yesterday during an investigative hearing by the Senate Committee on Finance, led by Senator Sani Musa, that focused on the remittance of internally generated revenue, fiscal accountability, and the overall state of the country’s financial management system.

Members of the committee who spoke during the session with the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein and her team, flayed the level of discrepancies observed in the records books of some of the agencies.

In his opening remarks, Senator Musa emphasized the importance of addressing financial inconsistencies across government agencies, stating that these issues undermined transparency and accountability in governance.

Specifically, he warned that any agency that failed to appear before the committee risked zero allocation for 2025 fiscal year.

“This performance index exercise on the various MDAs is preparatory to the 2025 budget. Any agency that failed to appear before this committee upon invitation risks zero allocation in the 2025 budget because records of how appropriations made for 2024 are expended must be provided with facts and figures,’’ he said.

The lawmaker, who noted the inability to readily access accurate data on the funds available to the federation, a gap that impairs effective oversight and policymaking, said: “We should be able to determine, at any point, the exact state of revenues collected, how they’ve been disposed off, and what has been allocated to various accounts. Unfortunately, that is not the case today.”.

Key areas of concern include the discrepancies in reports from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and the federation account, the dividends received from LNG operations, and other significant variances.

The committee also underscored the need for clarity on loans, grants, and other financial inflows managed by the government.

The Accountant General of the Federation had before the threat, presented a summary of internally generated revenue for the federal government up to September 2024 as she reported an N8 billion capital allocation for 2024, yet only N2.9 billion (25%) had been released for project execution.

Lawmakers noted that the unutilized funds obstructed other agencies from accessing necessary resources, further exacerbating delays across the board and policy of centralizing all payments in the Accountant General’s office was heavily criticized for creating bureaucratic bottlenecks.

They pointed out that this system often resulted in MDAs waiting months for payment after projects had been executed, causing delays in government operations and public projects.

Concerns were also raised about contractors being required to pay under-the-table fees, reportedly 5% of the contract value, to expedite their payments.

The reported figures included independent revenue of N2.7 trillion; operating surplus from government-owned enterprises, GOEs, amounting to N2.3 trillion; and ministries, departments and agencies’, MDA, internally generated revenue of N344 billion.

However, the committee noted that the submitted report focused solely on the Accountant General’s Office, with significant omissions regarding the federal government’s overall financial activities.

Following the gaps identified, the committee resolved to invite other relevant agencies, including the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, and the NNPCL, for a joint session to ensure a comprehensive review of the discrepancies.

“This is not about hearing from one side and another separately; we need all stakeholders present at the same time to provide clarity and consistency in their reports.

“The Senate hearing reflects growing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial oversight and accountability mechanisms, with a shared commitment to enhancing transparency and building a robust fiscal policy framework,” Senator Sani said.

Besides the chairman, other members of the committee expressed deep frustration over the persistent delays in the release and utilization of capital budgets, citing inefficiencies within the centralized payment system managed by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

They criticized the centralized payment policy which requires over 700 ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, to process payments through a single office.

According to the lawmakers, the policy has led to inefficiencies, delayed project completion, and diminished public trust, especially in constituencies expecting the execution of critical infrastructure projects.

Concerns were also raised about contractors being required to pay under-the-table fees, reportedly 5% of the contract value, to expedite their payments.

This practice, if verified, according to them, represented a major accountability issue, undermining the efficiency of the system.

The Accountant General revealed that stamp duty revenues from 2020 to 2024 were disappointingly low, totaling ¦ 30.3 million, compared to the ¦ 301.49 million internally generated revenue, IGR.

Lawmakers linked this to poor budget performance, as taxes are only collected when payments are made.
The accountant-general in her defence, explained that the centralized payment system was introduced to curb inefficiencies and prevent unutilized funds from being rolled over annually.

At the end of the day, the committee gave the accountant-general till tomorrow to provide all requested reports, ahead of a follow-up meeting scheduled for 2pm the same day.

Members also indicated plans to summon other agencies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, to address discrepancies in their submissions, even as they insisted that MDAs should be given greater autonomy to manage their budgets while maintaining oversight to prevent misuse.

On his part, Senator Amos Yohanna, Adamawa North, who summarized the issue, said: “Federal government revenue is suffering because budget performance is poor. Taxes remain low because payments are not made. We need a system that works.”

The committee demanded answers to the core issue, which is why funds are delayed, even for uploaded, completed projects?

The accountant-general was asked to provide a detailed explanation of the bottlenecks and propose solutions.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on whether to reform or abolish the centralized payment system, ensuring that Nigeria’s budget implementation meets the needs of its citizens and fosters development.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says the new Port Harcourt refinery is over 90 percent completed.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) operates two refineries; the old plant with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per stream day (bpsd) and a new facility with 150,000 bpsd — bringing the refinery’s combined crude processing capacity to 210,000 bpsd.

Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of NNPC, spoke on Monday when Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) labour leaders visited the facility in Rivers state.

Represented by Isiyaku Abudulai, NNPC’s executive vice-president, downstream, Kyari said the new Port Harcourt refinery is under rehabilitation and would be updated soon.

“When the rehabilitation is completed, it will be up and running and to the state of art compared to any refinery around the world. So, There will be compliance to health and safety compliance (HSC),” he said.

“All the assurances of compliance will be made. And that is why a total rehabilitation is being made. From the contractor’s view, Tecnimont SPA , and from the reports they send us, they are up to over 90 percent completed and we will deal with that as soon as possible.

“We are following up too to ensure that we get value and that we have a combined 60,000 bpsd and 150,000 bpsd to get 210,000 bpsd, so that that will support our refining processes, our products, and with the multiple effects that we have on our refining products, finished products, that we desire in this country.”

‘NEW PORT HARCOURT REFINERY WILL PROPEL EXPORTS’

Kyari said once the feat is achieved, the refinery can propel sufficiency, exports and imports, and local consumption of petroleum products, especially petrol.

Speaking further, he said the NNPC has ensured that there is an established and professional technical operations and maintenance (O&M) team that would continue to operate and maintain the facilities.

Kyari said around the world, if proper rehabilitation — including turnaround maintenance — is not carried out, there will be issues.

“And that also involves looking at the processes and the assets, replacing those aging items that need to be changed and ensuring that the refinery is up and doing,” he said.

“I think that’s the fundamental, and as I said, we are looking at the best O&M teams around the world to support that process.”

The GCEO said the company would scale up monitoring to ensure that “we comply with the best practices around the refinery across the world”.

On November 26, the old Port Harcourt refinery commenced crude oil processing after several years of being moribund.

The state-owned plant also commenced the loading of petroleum products for trucks.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima on Monday emphasized the critical role of migrants in societal and economic development while addressing the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the State House in Abuja.

This was the number two of Nigeria citizen referenced Kemi Badenoch, a United Kingdom (UK) Member of Parliament of Nigerian descent and leader of the Conservative Party, criticizing her previous remarks about Nigeria.

Shettima said, “We are proud of her in spite of her efforts at denigrating her nation of origin.

“She is entitled to her opinions, even to remove the ‘Kemi’ from her name.

“But it does not change the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is Nigeria.”

It would be recalled that Badenoch, who accused Nigerian politicians in 2022 of misusing public funds for private interests, has faced criticism for her stance on issues relating to her heritage.

Despite her rise as UK Conservative Party leader in November 2024, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) revealed that attempts to engage with her were met with no response.

However, Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding migrants’ rights and recognizing their contributions to national progress.

In his address, the Vice President stated Nigeria’s global significance, noting, “One out of every three or four black men is a Nigerian.

“By 2050, Nigeria will join the United States as the third most populous nation on earth.”

The Vice President’s remarks at the event showed the importance of celebrating the legacy and achievements of migrants while urging them to embrace their heritage.

Media aide to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Paul Ibe, has stated that his principal and the Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi, have learnt their lessons in the last general election.

Recalls that Atiku and Peter Obi scored over six million votes each in the 2023 presidential election won by the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, who got over eight million votes.

Some political analysts have asserted that the PDP ruined its chance to wrest power from the APC by dividing its votes with Peter Obi, who dumped the party for LP.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, Paul Ibe said Atiku and Peter Obi would unite to overthrow the APC’s incompetent and clueless administration.

Atiku’s aide also commented on the recent public visits between his principal and Peter Obi, saying synergy is the new name of politics.

He said, “The truth of the matter is that Atiku Abubakar has promoted opposition parties to work together, to come together; that is the only way they can kick out this incompetent and clueless government. And I believe that discussions have been going on.

“Lessons have been learnt from 2023 by all parties including Atiku Abubakar and I believe that it is on the basis of the lessons that have been learnt that they are moving forward and having discussions.

“They have learnt that lesson and want to be united and go forward.”

Ibe added that “all options are on the table” for Atiku but declined comment on whether his principal would step down for Peter Obi in the 2027 election.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Nigeria’s growing debt profile as a significant burden for both present and future generations.

Speaking during a Zoom interactive programme tagged “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday, Obasanjo expressed concern over the nation’s rising debt profile.

The PUNCH reported Nigeria’s debt had surged by N12.6tn in three months, reaching N134.3tn ($91.3bn) by the end of the second quarter of 2024.

This marks a 10.35% increase from the N121.7tn recorded in the first quarter of the year.

Reflecting on his tenure, Obasanjo said, “Yes, I was able to secure debt forgiveness for the nation before I left office, but our present debt profile is a problem for both this and the next generation.”

Despite these concerns, the former President maintained optimism about Nigeria’s future, calling for transformative leadership and a robust fight against corruption to improve the nation’s trajectory.

Obasanjo cited South Korea and Singapore as examples of nations whose progress was rooted in merit-based and integrity-driven leadership.

He noted that South Korea’s focus on appointing leaders based on merit and Singapore’s emphasis on integrity under former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew are models Nigeria can emulate.

“The best way to fight corruption is from the top. In South Korea, their leaders make appointments based on merit, and that has become the country’s legacy.

“When I took students from the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute to meet Lee Kuan Yew, he spoke to them about leadership grounded in trust and integrity. Leadership must be about service, not self-enrichment,” Obasanjo said.

He also criticised those who view leadership as a means to personal gain, adding that corruption in government could only be eradicated by creating a critical mass of individuals committed to refusing illicit gains.

“The fight against corruption must be consistent. It’s not a one-regime affair. It must be a daily commitment. If one administration lets its guard down, corruption spreads like a hydra-headed monster,” he warned.

Obasanjo further emphasised the need for constitutional amendments to address Nigeria’s systemic challenges, stating that sustainable development and national integrity hinge on transparency, accountability, and divine purpose.

 “National progress is only achievable through consistency in action, leadership built on accountability, and the collective effort of leaders and citizens committed to a shared vision for the nation,” he said.