Following a runway excursion incident suffered by Nigerian carrier, Dana Air, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, yesterday, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, to suspend the airline until comprehensive audits on its fleet are conducted.

A letter signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole to the NCAA, on Wednesday, said recent incidents involving Dana Air have raised concerns about the safety and financial viability of the airline’s operations.

Meribole, who stated that the audit must include safety protocols, maintenance procedures and financial health, stressed that the move to suspend the airline was aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians.

The statement reads: “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving Dana Airline have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations.

“In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travelers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted. This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations.

“The recent incidents have underscored the urgency of this matter, and it is imperative that swift and decisive action be taken to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders involved. I trust in your expertise and diligence in carrying out this audit thoroughly and expeditiously. Please keep me informed of the progress and any significant findings throughout this process.”

Former Anambra Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party at the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has revealed that he is more concerned about the well-being of poor Nigerians than he is interested in politics.

Naija News reports that the former governor, who made this comment while speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, lamented that Nigerians were allowing themselves to be carried away by issues that do not concern people.

Obi said, “What we are doing in this country is not fair to the people of the country because we bother ourselves with elections, transactions, and all sorts of things that do not concern the people; it is about the people. I have never gone where I am drilling boreholes or paying for people to eat and everything and mention the party; I will even tell them I am not here on the campaign; you can vote whoever you want to when the campaign comes. However, I am here to ensure that I support your well-being. And the well-being of the poor people is my concern 24 hours .”

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has written to the state’s Ministry of Finance, requesting details of financial transactions under former governor of the state, Nasir El-rufai.

El-Rufai was governor between 2015 and 2023.

The request is to enable the State Assembly to obtain relevant documents to probe all finances, loans and contract projects awarded under the El-Rufai administration.

The State Assembly instituted a probe panel a week ago following Governor Uba Sani’s revelation that the state inherited far too much debt that it could handle.

Sani, who spoke during a town hall meeting in Kaduna, has said, “Despite the huge debt burden of N587m, N85bn, and N115bn contractual liabilities sadly inherited from the previous administration, we remain resolute in steering Kaduna State towards progress and sustainable development.

“We have conducted a thorough assessment of our situation and are sharpening our focus accordingly.”

After weeks of accusation and counter accusation, the State House of Assembly resolved to probe the administration, which led to the establishment of a fact-finding committee.

The letter with reference number LEG/S. 382/VOL. II/615, from the office of the Clerk of the Assembly, to the Finance Commissioner, requested the submission of memorandum and documents related to financial transactions between the years 2015 and May 2023.

In the letter signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Idris on Wednesday, the House directed the ministry to forward all the transaction details to the fact-finding committee set to probe all finances, loans and contract projects awarded under El-Rufai’s administration.

It read, “I am directed to request you to forward to the Ad-Hoc Committee Memorandum to be accompanied with the underlisted documents and all other documents you consider relevant to the assignment of the Committee: –”total Loans from May, 2015 to May, 2023 with the approvals of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, the Accounts into which the loans were lodged and drawn as recorded by Project Finance Management Unit (PFMU) & Debt Management Office (DMO).

“Relevant State Executive Council Minutes of meetings, Council’s Extracts and Resolutions with regards to the LOANS. (c) Payments and Outstanding Liabilities to Contractors from May, 2015-May, 2023.

“Reports of Salaries paid to Staff from 2016-2022. (e) Dloyd Reports on KADRIS from 2015 to 2023. (ii) Terms, Purpose and Conditions on those LOANS. (iii) Appropriation items related to the LOANS. (iv) All Records of payments made to all Contractors engaged by the State Government and relevant documents from May, 2015 to May, 2023 including Bank Statements.

“(v)Modalities for payments of contracts. (vi) Documents of all payments made to the contractors. (vii) Sales of Government Houses/Properties and Accounts the proceeds were lodged and how the money was expended.

“Thirty (30) copies of the Memo/documents should reach the office of the Clerk to the Legislature on or before Thursday, 25th April, 2024 by 10:00 am, please. 4. Accept the highest regards of my office, please.*

— As FG plans to make skill acquisition compulsory for primary, secondary schools

AS the Tripartite Committee of the National Minimum Wage prepares to release the harmonised recommendation for the new minimum wage expected to take effect from May, the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, on Wednesday, proposed N350,000 as the new living wage.

NAAT based its recommendation on the present economic situation in the country occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, high inflationary rate and the attendant hardship. 

This is as the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has hinted that the federal government will soon introduce the policy that will make skill acquisition compulsory for primary and secondary schools.

The Minister said that NAAT is very important the present education curriculum, pointing out that the present world is driven by technology which is used to solve problems.

The Minister dropped the hint while declaring open the NAAT’s National Delegate Conference in Abuja.

Prof. Mamman, who described NAAT as being pivotal and at the centre of the nation’s development, disclosed that, “The Federal Government is planning to bring skills education in primary and secondary schools.”

In his welcome address at the 5th National Delegate Conference, NDC, in University of Abuja, the President of NAAT, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, said what workers need should be a living wage that should take care of the immediate needs.

The theme of the conference is, “Technology, a recipe for national development and socioeconomic growth in the 21st century: the Nigeria quest for a better tomorrow.”

While differentiating between minimum wage and living wage, Comrade Nwokoma said, “Nigeria must transcend the concept of a mere minimum wage to embrace the notion of a living wage, commensurate with the rising cost of living.

“Comparatively, other African countries have made strides in this regard, recognizing the fundamental right of workers to earn wages that afford them dignity and a standard of living.

“According to the Wisevoter report, Seychelles boasts the highest estimated gross monthly wage in Africa, standing at $465.4, while the South Africa’s monthly wage stands at $240. The naira equivalent of the wages of these countries would clearly depict the sorry state of the Nigerian worker.

“On this note, I proposed a minimum of Three Hundred of Fifty Thousand Naira (N350, 000) for the Nigeria worker as monthly wage.”

Nwokoma, who chronicled the achievements of leadership in the past four years, said that he encountered persistent challenges despite notable achievements. 

He mentioned the issue of CONTISS 14 and 15 circular delays as one of the challenges his leadership had encountered.

He said, “Despite concerted efforts, the release of circulars for CONTISS 14 and 15 remained elusive, hampering the career progression of our members. To address this, we will intensify advocacy efforts, engaging relevant stakeholders and leveraging all available channels to expedite the release of these crucial circulars in the next dispensation of our leadership. It is a task that must be achieved.”

On the lingering FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement, Comrade Nwokoma said, “The lingering non-completion of the FGN/NAAT 2009 Agreement posed a significant hurdle. Despite collaborative efforts with sister unions, unresolved issues persisted, hindering the full realization of the agreement’s provisions. current leadership pledges to redouble efforts, fostering stronger alliances with sister unions and employing strategic negotiation tactics to drive progress towards a satisfactory resolution.”

Speaking on the backlog salary payments, NAAT said, “The non-payment of backlog salaries remained a pressing concern, impacting the financial stability of our members and causing disaffection and low morale.

“To address this challenge, the leadership in the next dispensation will pursue proactive measures, including dialogue with relevant authorities, recourse to necessary action within the ambit of the law, and sustained advocacy to ensure the prompt and fair resolution of outstanding salary arrears, prioriazing welfare of members.

Poor State of Roads:

“The dilapidated state of roads nationwide remains a glaring reflection of our infrastructure deficit. Inadequate road networks not only impede economic activities but also pose significant risks to safety and livelihoods. Urgent interventions are imperative to address this pressing infrastructure challenge.

“In light of these realities, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) pledges unwavering commitment to advocacy, dialogue, and appropriate action towards addressing these multifaceted challenges.

“Together, let us strive for a Nigeria where education in technology thrives, security prevails, the economy flourishes, and infrastructure serves as a catalyst for development and prosperity.”

He said as the country embarked on the journey towards harnessing technology for national development and socioeconomic growth, the citizens should remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and progress.

“Together, we possess the power to shape al brighter future for Nigeria, leveraging technology as a catalyst for transformation. I therefore urge each delegate to actively engage in robust discussions, share insights, and forge pathways towards a better tomorrow as reflected in the theme of the conference.”

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that endemic corruption in the Nigerian public sector is systemic.

He also noted that saints would be contaminated if brought into the Nigerian public sector.

Olukoyede made the development known on Tuesday while fielding questions from journalists at the EFCC headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

He commented on the alleged money laundering cases involving former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, among others.

Olukoyede said, “There are things that we cannot give out to the public. Some of the things were given yesterday, you must have discovered that, and you are still going to find out. You will also agree with me that as media people, there is what we call informatics; some of us do not even read.

“Some of us just pick what these people write about us on social media and run with it. It is not about Hadi Sirika, like I told you, there is nothing personal. It is about the system, the process, it’s about national interest.

“So don’t make it look like EFCC is running after Hadi Sirika, no it’s a system. If you ask me that are we investigating issues that have to do with the issue of aviation, l will tell you yes we are investigating it. When the time comes for you to know the details of our report, I’ll tell you. But for now, it is premature for me to tell you.

On Edu, the EFCC chairman said the commission had released a comprehensive statement.

He continued, “I don’t know why you people have singled out only Betta Edu. As I am talking to you now, we have established so much in that place, not only Betta Edu. What I am doing is not about Betta Edu, it’s not about any man, I have told you before that it’s about the system that will allow someone to access the agency’s account and roll out 7 billion under one hour without assigning it to any specific project.

“I told you before that the people we suspended, if we replace them by now, even if we brought saints, within 24 hours, the saints will be contaminated. It is not about any man. It is about the system. It is the system I am investigating.

“So let us understand how these things work and have that mindset. If we had gone after Betta Edu and hundreds of people were stealing money, do you think it started during Betta Edu?”

He added “Every single money that was allocated in that ministry is what we are investigating. I told you before that we are investigating over 50 accounts. You must understand some of these processes.

“For each account, we write letters to banks and these banks take two to three weeks to respond, we interview, it takes time. There are agencies you write letters to and they won’t respond until you go there and threaten to arrest. Do you know what it means to sit down and investigate 50 accounts one after the other and diligently?

“There are still people who are innocent victims. I will now begin to mention their names not because I want to impress Nigerians. You must also respect the lives of these people. I didn’t come out to say I have indicted persons but what I’ve come out to say is that I’ve recovered amount.

“So give us time. We are just five months into this investigation. There are some correspondences we are expecting from abroad. Some money was traced to some accounts that if we did not do diligent work, by the time they rushed you to court, they would say ‘EFCC your head is not correct’.

“If this investigation on Nigeria is going to take me one or two years to do, I will do it. My sister spoke about one lawyer, who went to court and said EFCC is an illegal body. This thing that corruption does to our conscience in this country,” he added.

Ihedioha resigns from PDP: Former Imo State governor, Emeka Ihedioha, has tendered his resignation to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a misalignment between his personal beliefs and the current trajectory of the party.

In a resignation letter addressed to the chairman of his constituency, Mbutu Ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Ihedioha expressed his dedication to the advancement of democracy and good governance in Nigeria despite his decision to step away from the party.

Having been a member of the PDP since its inception in 1998, Ihedioha highlighted his contributions to the growth and evolution of the party, noting its historical commitment to internal reforms and providing credible leadership both in and out of power.

However, Ihedioha lamented recent developments within the party, stating that it has deviated from its core principles. He voiced concerns over the party’s inability to enact internal reforms, uphold its own regulations, and effectively oppose the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The letter reads, “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefiting from the party at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly, no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress.’

“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. While the decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one. Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has again announced a further reduction in the prices of both diesel and aviation fuel to N940, N980 per litre respectively.  

This is coming at the wake of its widely celebrated price reduction to N1,000 barely two weeks ago. 

The price change of N940 is applicable to customers buying five million litres and above from the refinery, while the price of N970 is for customers buying one million litres and above. 

Speaking on the new development, the Head of Communication, Mr Anthony Chiejina, explained that the new price is in consonance with the company’s commitment to cushion the effect of economic hardship in Nigeria. 

Chiejina said, “I can confirm to you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery has entered a strategic partnership with MRS Oil and Gas stations, to ensure that consumers get to buy fuel at affordable price, in all their stations be it Lagos or Maiduguri. You can buy as low as 1 litre of diesel at N1,050 and aviation fuel at N980 at all major airports where MRS operates.”

He further stated that the partnership will be extended to other major oil marketers. 

“The essence of this is to ensure that retail buyers do not buy at exorbitant prices. The Dangote Group is committed to ensuring that Nigerians have a better welfare and as such, we are happy to announce these new prices and hope that it would go a long way to cushion the effect of economic challenges in the country,” he added.

It would be recalled that the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced a further reduction of the price of diesel from N1200 to N1,000 per litre barely two weeks ago.

This marks the third major reduction in diesel price in less than three weeks when the product sold at N1,700 to N1,200 and also a further reduction to N1,000 and now N940 for diesel and N980 for aviation fuel per litre. 

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu had also commended Mr Dangote for the initial price reduction, describing it as an “enterprising feat.” 

Reacting to the latest development, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Ajayi Kadiri, said that, “The decision of Dangote Refinery to first crash the price from about N1,750/litre to N1,200/litre, N1,000/litre and now N940 is an eloquent demonstration of the capacity of local industries to positively impact the fortunes of the national economy.”

He added that, “The trickle down effect of this singular intervention promises to change the dynamics in the energy cost equation of the country, in the midst of inadequate and rising cost of electricity.  

“The reduction will have far-reaching effects in critical sectors like industrial operations, transportation, logistics, and agriculture, contributing to easing the high inflation rate in the country; a lot of companies will be back in operation.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has notified Bureau De Change (BDC) operators of the sale of $10,000 at the rate of ₦1,021/$1.

The notification of discounted sales was contained in a fresh statement by the apex bank to the BDC operators.

This policy allows the CBN to sell a total of $10,000 to each eligible BDC, who in turn sell to end users with a maximum markup of 1.5% over the buying price in order to prevent price gouging and ensure that the benefits of the discounted rate are transferred to consumers needing foreign exchange for various personal transactions.

The CBN circular on the fresh sale reads: “We write to inform you of the sale of $10,000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to BDCs at the rate of N1,021/$1. The BDCs are in turn to sell to eligible end users at a spread of NOT MORE THAN 1.5 percent above the purchase price.

“ALL eligible BDCs are therefore directed to commence payment of the Naira deposit to the underlisted CBN Naira Deposit Account Numbers from today, Monday April 22, 2024, and submit confirmation of payment, with other necessary documentations, for disbursement of FX at the respective CBN Branches.”

Naija News recalls the CBN, in February 2024, announced the sale of $20,000 to each BDCS at the rate of N1,301/$. By the second attempt, the bank reduced the allocation by 50% and sold FX at a rate of N1,251/$1. Earlier this month, the apex bank had a sale of $10,000 to each BDC at a rate of N1,101/$1.

The embattled immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello said he was ready to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer to the 19-count charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him. 

Though Bello was absent for his arraignment, he briefed a team of lawyers who addressed the court on his behalf on Tuesday. 

A member of his legal team, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, SAN, told the court that his client would have made himself available for the proceedings, but was afraid that he would be arrested. 

“The defendant wants to come to court but he is afraid that there is an order of arrest hanging on his head,” Adedipe, SAN, submitted.

Consequently, he urged the court to set aside the exparte order of arrest it earlier issued against the former governor.

Adedipe, SAN, contended that as at the time the order of arrest was made, the charge had not been served on his client as required by the law.

He noted that it was only at the resumed proceedings on Tuesday that the court okayed substituted service of the charge on the defendant, through his lawyer.

“As at the time the warrant was issued, the order for substituted service had not been made. That order was just made this morning.

“A warrant of arrest should not be hanging on his neck when we leave this court,” counsel to the defendant added. 

Besides, the ex-governor maintained that the EFCC is an illegal organization.

According to him, the Federal Government did not consult the 36 States of the federation before it enacted the EFCC Act through the National Assembly.

He argued that section 12 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, required the various Houses of Assembly of states to ratify the Act before it could become operative.

“This is a very serious matter that borders on the constitution and the tenets of federalism. It has to be resolved because as it stands, the EFCC is an illegal organization,” Bello’s lawyer added.

However, EFCC’s lawyer, Mr. Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, urged the court to refuse the application, insisting that the warrant of arrest should not be set aside until the defendant makes himself available for his trial.

“The defendant cannot stay in hiding and be filing numerous applications. He cannot ask for the arrest order to be vacated until and when the defendant is present in court for his arraignment. He cannot be heard on that applied application.

“The main issue should be ascertaining the whereabouts of the defendant. All these applications he is filing are nothing but dilatory tactics intended to delay his arraignment and frustrate the proceedings.

“If he wants the order of arrest to be discharged, let him come here and make the application.

“Our position is that the defendant should be denied the right of being heard, until he is physically present before this court.”

EFCC’s lawyer further argued that inline with section 396 of ACJA, 2015, the court could not effectively assume jurisdiction to decide any application or objection in the matter, until the defendant is arraigned. 

The anti-graft agency said it would not execute the arrest warrant if counsel to the defendant undertake to ensure his presence on the next adjourned date.

“If he gives an undertaking that his client will be in court on the next date, I can assure him that the arrest warrant will not be executed.

“If he gives that assurance, as the prosecution, I will personally apply for the warrant to discharged,” EFCC’s lawyer, Pinheiro, SAN, added.

EFCC told the court that the Supreme Court had since settled the issue of its legality.

“The charge before this court is not against a state or House of Assembly, but against an individual who is said to have laundered public funds. 

“It is against an individual who is said to have taken public funds to buy houses in Lagos, Maitama and also transfered funds to his accounts abroad,” EFCC added.

The Katsina State Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has set the nomination form fee for those contesting for the seat of local government chairman at five million naira.

Katsina APC Deputy Chairman Alhaji Bala Abu Musawa confirmed this after a meeting of the working committee, other state executives, and chairmen and secretaries of the party from the 34 local governments, held at the presidential banquet hall, Katsina Government House.

He stated that those contesting for councillor seats would pay a fee of N1.5 million (one million five hundred thousand naira).

Alhaji Bala Abu emphasized that all payments for the forms must be made directly into the party’s account.

However, he clarified that sales of the forms will commence from May 1st to May 4th this year.

He added that all contestants must return their completed forms to SIEC by Thursday, May 9th.

Quoting provisions from the election timetable issued by SIEC, the APC deputy chairman announced that primary elections for council chairmen would be held on Saturday, May 18th, while councillor elections will follow on Wednesday, May 22nd.

He stated that the final list of candidates emerging from the primaries must be submitted to the state electoral commission on Monday, May 20th.

Alhaji Bala Abu appealed to all contestants to adhere strictly to the guidelines, particularly regarding election campaigning.