News
Oyo Assembly reverses ‘vote of no confidence’ in Commissioner
•Commissioner tenders apology, says he has respect for House of Assembly Institution.
THE Oyo State House of Assembly, Tuesday reversed its earlier decision of vote of no confidence passed in state’s Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela over alleged insurbodination.
It would be recalled that the House last week Thursday had earlier passed a vote of no confidence in the commissioner following his appearance before the legislators to answer alleged halving of funds meant for the Federal Government’s school feeding programme in the state, by his ministry, before it is sent to food vendors.
The Assembly, in a motion raised by Hon. Oseni Abdul Ganiyu representing Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency also accused Olowofela of withdrawing money from the vendors’ accounts and supplying food items directly from Ibadan which angered the commissioner and made the house passed the vote of no confidence in him.
Interestingly, the house withdrew its vote of no confidence following a letter of apology from the commissioner read by the Speaker of the house, Rt. Hon. Michael Adeyemo seeking the honourable members to forgive him over the alleged affronts.
Reacting during the plenary, the lawmaker from Ogbomoso North State Constituency, Hon. Olawumi Oladeji appealed to the house to temper justice with mercy. “In the spirit of peace and love in the government, I urge that we should forgive the commissioner”, she said.
Similarly, another member from Ibadan North State Constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olaleye noted that the letter from the commissioner is a test of leadership and shows dexterity was put at work.
Olaleye applauded the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for prompt intervention in the matter to douse the tension and make the matter go to rest stressing that the crisis was borne out of misunderstanding which is settled.
The lawmaker, Olaleye, also added that the letter from the commissioner reflects his worthiness in learning and character.
Speaking during the plenary, the Speaker said the house is not constituted to be fighting with other arms of government saying that it is not mandate given to us but to make law.
“We have made 125 resolutions on laws that have helped the state but they are not recognized. Professor Olowofela knew he made error eventhough members of the public see it otherwise but he has apologized and I believe we should forgive him”.
After the unanimous agreement by the honourable members, the house therefore forgive and withdrew the vote of no confidence in the commissioner.
In an interaction with Mega Icon Magazine shortly after the plenary, the Commissioner, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela saluted the lawmakers for their courage for good reasoning to prevail, adding that the development will remove unnecessary distraction in the state.
“I want to say I have respect for individuals and the House of Assembly as an institution”.
News
IGP Steps In: FCID to Investigate Death of Man Detained Over N220,000 Debt
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the death of a 35-year-old man, Jimoh Abdulquadri, who passed away in police custody in the early hours of Friday.
Abdulquadri, who was arrested on December 19, 2024, reportedly died under controversial circumstances, with his family accusing police operatives of subjecting him to brutal treatment during his detention. Reports indicate that the deceased had been detained over an alleged debt of N220,000 owed to an individual identified as Peter.
In response to the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the case. A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the IGP also visited Kwara State to meet with the bereaved family.
During the visit, the IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who represented the family. The IGP expressed his condolences and assured them of a thorough investigation.
“The IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. He has ordered the FCID to handle the case with utmost diligence and ensure a conclusive and impartial investigation,” the statement read.
The IGP reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to upholding accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights. He further called on all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the due process of law to take its course.
News
FG Lifts Five-Year Ban on Mining in Zamfara, Eyes Economic Boost
The Federal Government has officially lifted the five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, citing improved security and the potential for economic growth in the mineral-rich region.
The announcement was made on Sunday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his representative, Segun Tomori, during a press briefing in Abuja.
“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state,” the minister said in a statement.
Security Gains and Economic Promise
The ban, imposed in 2019 due to escalating insecurity and illegal mining, was described by Alake as a necessary but temporary measure to protect lives and resources. However, he noted that the ban inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners, leading to resource plundering.
Alake praised recent security advancements under the Tinubu administration, highlighting the neutralization of notorious bandit commanders and other strategic wins, including the capture of Halilu Sububu, one of the state’s most wanted criminals.
“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity,” Alake said.
He added that with the restoration of mining activities, Zamfara’s mineral wealth—ranging from gold and lithium to copper—could now be harnessed under strict regulation to contribute significantly to national revenue.
Boosting Regulation and Combating Illegal Mining
The minister emphasized that lifting the ban would pave the way for better regulation and monitoring of mining activities. This, he said, would enable authorities to tackle illegal mining more effectively and ensure Nigeria benefits fully from Zamfara’s mineral resources.
“By reopening this sector, we are prioritizing not only revenue generation but also intelligence gathering to curb illegal mining,” he said.
Addressing Controversies
Alake also addressed concerns surrounding Nigeria’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, which had sparked controversy. He clarified that the agreement focused solely on capacity building and technical support for the mining sector.
“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. Similar agreements have been signed with Germany and Australia. Misinformation about ceding control over our mineral resources is uncalled for,” Alake said.
Press as Partners in Progress
Commending the media for their role in promoting reforms in the mining sector, Alake urged continued collaboration to drive transparency and attract foreign investments.
News
NNPCL Refutes Shutdown Claims: Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed media reports suggesting that the recently resuscitated old Port Harcourt refinery has been shut down, labeling such claims as baseless and misleading.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the refinery, with a capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, is “fully operational.”
The facility resumed operations two months ago after years of inactivity.
“We wish to clarify that such reports are totally false, as the refinery is fully operational, as verified a few days ago by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC,” Soneye said.
He added that preparations for the day’s loading operation are currently underway, emphasizing that the public should disregard the claims.
“Members of the public are advised to discountenance such reports as they are the figments of the imagination of those who want to create artificial scarcity and rip off Nigerians,” Soneye stated.
The old Port Harcourt refinery is part of the country’s efforts to revive its local refining capacity. Three years ago, the Federal Government approved $1.5 billion to rehabilitate the plant, which was initially shut down in 2019 due to operational challenges.
Despite being one of the largest oil producers globally, Nigeria has long relied on fuel imports to meet its domestic needs, swapping crude oil for petrol and other refined products. This dependency, coupled with government subsidies, has strained the nation’s foreign exchange reserves.
The recent return of the Port Harcourt refinery to operation follows the commissioning of the Dangote refinery, which began petrol production in September 2024. These developments are expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports and address long-standing issues in the petroleum sector.
-
Metro1 day ago
Grim Friday: Man, Wife, Grandson Perish in Ibadan Fire
-
News3 days ago
Bank Robberies Now History in Lagos Since 2014 – IGP
-
Crime & Court3 days ago
Human Rights Lawyer, Dele Farotimi, Granted ₦30m Bail
-
News1 day ago
NNPCL Refutes Shutdown Claims: Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational