Category: News

Effective January 1, 2027, billionaire investor Tony Elumelu, who chairs United Bank for Africa (UBA), will assume the role of chairman at Seplat Energy. The announcement, made on Tuesday, is part of a carefully orchestrated succession plan designed to ensure governance continuity and sustained execution of the company’s ambitious Roadmap 2030 strategy.

Effiong Okon, a seasoned energy executive with over three decades of experience, is set to take over as chief executive officer from August 1, 2026. He will succeed Roger Brown, who will retire on July 31, 2026, after 13 years with the firm, including six as CEO. Brown’s tenure was marked by significant expansion, major acquisitions, and the consolidation of Seplat’s status as a leading independent energy company in Africa.

Elumelu’s appointment is expected to accelerate Seplat’s efforts to grow its upstream and gas operations while advancing Nigeria’s energy transition agenda. In his remarks, Elumelu expressed his honor in following Udoma and leading the company into its next growth phase, emphasizing the alignment of Seplat’s governance and execution culture with his own values. He also pledged to deliver increased value to shareholders and stakeholders.

This development follows Elumelu’s recent acquisition of a 20.07% stake in Seplat for $496 million, signaling his deep commitment to the company’s future.

The Senate Committee on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called out the Commission’s Managing Director, Mark Okoye, for failing to properly account for N16.6 billion allocated from the 2025 budget.

During an investigative hearing on Tuesday, committee members, led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North), expressed dissatisfaction with the financial records submitted by Okoye. They specifically queried a N153 million expenditure for renting a small liaison office in Abuja and N2.5 billion labeled as “implied expenditure.”

Senator Kalu pointed out that according to the Central Bank of Nigeria, only N13 billion of the N16.6 billion released in December remains, meaning N3.6 billion has been spent without proper documentation. “The report you presented is completely unsatisfactory,” Kalu said, voicing the committee’s disappointment.

Other senators, including Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), and Austin Akobundu (Abia Central), also criticized the vague financial report.

In his response, Okoye defended the spending, saying the commission prioritized judicious use of funds. He explained that they avoided awarding contracts exceeding available cash to prevent unfunded liabilities. “Just because the budget is N140 billion doesn’t mean we have that cash. Awarding contracts without funds would be irresponsible,” he argued.

The committee was not convinced. Kalu ordered the SEDC to submit comprehensive records, including contract details, payment proofs, and supporting documents, by September 23. Once reviewed, a date for Okoye’s next appearance will be set.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has issued a one-week deadline to three government agencies — the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) — to present themselves and address unanswered audit queries. This action follows their absence from a scheduled hearing held on Tuesday in Abuja.

During the session, the committee’s secretary informed the chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, that a letter had been received from the Bank of Agriculture, signed by its legal adviser. In the letter, the bank argued that it had already appeared before the committee multiple times between February 2023 and November 2024, and that all previous concerns had been settled with both the committee and relevant government bodies. It requested details of any outstanding issues and asked for at least two weeks to gather necessary documents.

Senator Dankwambo rejected the letter, pointing out that it was not signed by the Managing Director or Chief Executive Officer. He emphasized that all official communications regarding committee invitations must bear the personal signature of the agency’s head. He also criticized the bank for failing to send its Managing Director to the hearing despite being summoned to explain unresolved audit matters.

The committee dismissed the request for a two-week extension, insisting that agencies cannot dictate timelines for legislative oversight. Members unanimously resolved that the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture must appear in person within seven days. They asserted that the bank’s claims of resolved issues were inaccurate, as previous audit concerns remain outstanding.

Furthermore, the committee warned that any future correspondence signed by lower-ranking officials rather than chief executives would be disregarded. The absence of NSPMC and REA was also deemed unacceptable, and both agencies were given a final seven-day window to comply.

Several lawmakers expressed concern over a perceived trend of disregard for legislative summons by government bodies. They stressed that audit queries are serious accountability matters that demand prompt responses and should not be ignored. The committee reiterated that its actions are based on reports submitted through constitutional processes and fall within its statutory mandate. Agencies that fail to honor the final notice will face sanctions as provided by law.

Chairman Dankwambo announced that strong letters would be dispatched immediately to the defaulting agencies, detailing the unresolved issues. He warned that failure to appear within one week could result in penalties for obstructing legislative oversight.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) have engaged in a war of words following a spate of violent incidents and shootings in the region. Both parties have called for security interventions and thorough investigations into the matter.

The discord stems from reports of attacks and gunfire in Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife, with the state government, the APC, and the Accord Party presenting differing accounts and pointing fingers at one another.

During a hastily convened press conference in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke decried what he termed as orchestrated assaults by political thugs linked to the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, also known as AMBO. According to a statement from his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the attackers moved through neighborhoods such as Akoda, Owode, Olaiya, Old Garage, and Okefia, leaving several people injured and casualties reported. Adeleke urged President Bola Tinubu to step in and ensure that security agencies hold those responsible accountable.

“At the time of this briefing, multiple residents are feared wounded, and at least one or two fatalities have occurred,” Adeleke stated, emphasizing the need for swift justice. He also expressed growing concern over politically motivated violence in the state and appealed for calm while investigations proceed. Following the briefing, the governor visited injured victims at the Osun State Teaching Hospital and the Cottage Hospital in Ede, pledging government support and reiterating his administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.

In response, the Osun APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed the governor’s allegations and instead accused supporters of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Accord Party of instigating attacks on APC members and their campaign materials. A statement from the council’s media head, Engr. Oluremi Omowaiye, claimed that APC campaign buses were vandalized in the Owode-Ede area, leaving many supporters hurt. The council called on Adeleke to rein in what they described as his party’s political thugs, warning that failure to do so could plunge the state into deeper insecurity. They also appealed to the Inspector-General of Police and other security bodies to probe the attacks on their supporters and property.

Meanwhile, the Accord Party, through its Osun State Chairman, Pastor Victor Babalola Akande, alleged that armed thugs affiliated with the APC campaign opened fire in parts of Osogbo and Owode-Ede, resulting in deaths and injuries. The party demanded a comprehensive investigation by security agencies to identify and prosecute all perpetrators of the violence.

The Nigerian Presidency has emphasized that the security partnership with the United States is fundamental to the fight against terrorism and banditry within the country. This assertion was made by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, during an X Space session held on Tuesday.

Dare highlighted that intelligence sharing, collaborative security efforts, and joint counterterrorism operations between the two nations are essential for dismantling insurgent groups and criminal networks operating across the region. He reaffirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to restoring peace, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity from both internal and external threats.

The growing cooperation between Nigeria and the United States reflects a mutual commitment to addressing security challenges through coordinated actions, capacity building, and intelligence-driven operations. Dare also voiced concerns about the rising prevalence of misinformation and fake news on digital platforms, warning that such false narratives could undermine national security and public trust. He cautioned that unverified information has the potential to fuel social tensions, incite unrest, and cause unnecessary panic among citizens.

“The deliberate spread of false information can create unnecessary panic, provoke disorder, and threaten national cohesion. Nigerians must remain vigilant and avoid becoming tools in the dissemination of content capable of destabilizing the country,” Dare stated.

Senator Abba Moro, who serves as the Senate Minority Leader and represents Benue South, has voiced profound grief following the brutal killing of several individuals in Apa Local Government Area. Among the victims was Ojama Emie, a health worker, who was reportedly beheaded by armed assailants along the Ikobi-Olegogba road.

In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by his Media Adviser, Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, Moro described the incident as deeply distressing. He decried the relentless assaults on communities within Benue South, noting that the region continues to endure threats from armed attackers.

Moro expressed dismay that such killings persist despite the presence of security forces. He called on the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to take immediate and decisive action to quell the violence.

The lawmaker affirmed his solidarity with the people of Ikobi and the entire Apa Local Government Area during this difficult time. He urged all levels of government to make the protection of lives and property a top priority.

Senator Moro emphasized that residents deserve to live without fear, sleep peacefully in their homes, and go about their daily activities without the constant threat of attack. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of Ojama Emie and all others who lost loved ones, praying for the eternal repose of their souls.

The recently released abductees from Borno State have opened up about the appalling conditions they endured while being held by armed bands for three months. Among them were men, women, and children from Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area, who were seized on March 4 and finally set free on June 6.

Halima Musa, one of the former captives, recalled that the hostages had to prepare their own meals. She stated, “We were given only guinea corn to eat once a day. If you ate around 2 p.m., you had to wait until the next day for the next meal. Sometimes there was no soup at all. We cooked the food ourselves. They provided the ingredients.” She added that throughout their ordeal, they slept on the bare ground in the mountains, with no mats or blankets.

Another victim, Khadijat, revealed that their release occurred without any exchange of gunfire or direct contact with security forces. She explained, “When we were freed, there were other people already there who had been kidnapped before us. Eleven of them had spent seven months there. They were abducted from a river while fishing. But all of us were released together.”

On Monday, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited the freed individuals and announced a rehabilitation program for the Ngoshe community. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their efforts in securing the release. Zulum mentioned that approximately 434 abducted persons had been freed in phases, with about 360 returning two days earlier. He also disclosed that the state government had allocated millions of naira to rebuild Ngoshe and was collaborating with the military to facilitate the safe return of residents willing to go back home.

The National Industrial Court in Akure has directed the Osun State Government to reassess the promotion of Mr. Olabisi Abidemi to the rank of Director on Grade Level 17. The court determined that the decision to exclude him from consideration was unjust and violated the principles of fairness in public service administration.

Justice Kiyersohot Damulak, who delivered the ruling, instructed the Osun State Governor, the Attorney General, the Head of Service, and the State Civil Service Commission to review Abidemi’s candidacy in accordance with the Osun State Public Service Rules. The judgment further specified that any promotion granted as a result of this review must take effect from the date it would have originally applied, and awarded N500,000 in costs to the claimant.

According to court documents, Abidemi began his career in the Osun State Civil Service in May 2004 and advanced to Deputy Director on Grade Level 16 by July 2021. During the proceedings, he asserted that while he was on approved leave, his name was included on the list of officers qualified for a promotion interview to Grade Level 17 in August 2025, and he participated in that interview.

After the interview, Abidemi claimed he received no update about his promotion status, leading him to file complaints and appeal letters to the Head of Service. In response, the defendants argued that his denial was not due to his leave but because he failed to meet requirements under the Public Service Rules, specifically regarding continuous supervision by a reporting officer and four years of annual performance evaluations.

They also contended that Abidemi had worked only about eight months in the previous eight years and that employees on leave are not subject to supervision. However, the claimant’s counsel, I. A. Mikaheel, countered that neither the Public Service Rules nor the leave approval allowed the leave to be used as grounds for denying promotion.

In his judgment, Justice Damulak emphasized that while promotion is not an automatic right, the discretion exercised by public authorities in statutory employment matters must be fair, transparent, consistent, and based on established rules. The court noted that the defendants failed to present any written policy requiring four years of supervision for promotion consideration, nor did they provide the promotion committee’s report or any explanation for Abidemi’s exclusion.

Justice Damulak stated, “I therefore find that the defendants acted inconsistently and unfairly in refusing to consider the claimant for promotion after listing him as eligible for promotion.” The court also pointed out that Abidemi had previously been promoted to Grade Level 16 while on leave, and his shortlisting for the 2025 interview created a legitimate expectation that his leave would not automatically disqualify him.

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has emphasized that elevation in rank carries increased obligations. Speaking at the decoration ceremony for 956 officers who recently received promotions from the Police Service Commission, Bakori congratulated the personnel and relayed the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s message of continued support for welfare and career advancement.

Bakori stressed that promotion is not merely a reward but a call for higher standards of conduct and service. He urged the officers to embrace professionalism, discipline, and integrity in their duties. ‘With promotion comes greater responsibility,’ he stated, encouraging them to dedicate themselves to selfless service to the nation and the people of Kano State.

The Commissioner also noted that the Command will closely monitor performance to ensure officers justify the trust placed in them through excellence. The event was announced in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

Rabiu Kwankwaso, the vice presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has sharply criticized the federal government for its inability to address the escalating security crisis. In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, he decried the surge in violent attacks by terrorists across multiple states, including Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, and Oyo, warning that citizens can no longer feel safe.

The former Kano State governor lamented that banditry, kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and communal conflicts have become routine in Nigeria. He expressed particular alarm at the boldness of criminals who now broadcast live on social media to mock authorities and spread fear. “This is utterly unacceptable for a sovereign nation,” Kwankwaso stated.

Drawing on his experience as a former governor and defence minister, Kwankwaso argued that insecurity can be overcome with political will. He noted that during his tenure, decisive leadership and community engagement significantly curbed threats. “The problem today is not a lack of resources but a shortage of sincerity and determination to act,” he asserted.

Kwankwaso pointed out that despite massive security budgets, the situation worsens daily, with innocent lives lost, families displaced, and the economy suffering under instability. He called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, including better welfare for personnel, stronger intelligence, community policing, and tackling root causes like poverty, unemployment, and poor governance through investments in education, skills training, and job creation.

He also urged the government to prioritize quality education, infrastructure, healthcare, reliable electricity, and agricultural support to boost local food production and reduce import dependence. “We cannot continue on this dangerous path,” Kwankwaso concluded.