Connect with us


BIG STORY

EFCC Not Weaponized, Don’t Trivialize Anti-Graft War —— Presidency To Opposition Leaders

Published

on

The presidency has rejected claims of the weaponization of anti-corruption agencies as put forward by opposition politicians.

On Sunday, a coalition of opposition leaders accused the federal government of deploying the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to intimidate and weaken political opponents, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, described the opposition as failed politicians seeking scapegoats for their shortcomings.

He said claims that democracy is under threat because politicians are joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) are unfounded.

“Our constitution guarantees freedom of association and affords our people the right to change their political leanings at any time of their choosing,” the statement reads.

“None of the people who joined the governing APC was pressured to do so. They all did so of their own free will. They are being motivated by the noticeable gains of President Bola Tinubu’s reform programme.”

He asked whether Nigeria’s democracy was imperiled when politicians defected in droves to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 2000 and 2015.

Onanuga said ongoing investigations by the EFCC have exposed politicians who need to account for their stewardship in office.

He said those under investigation are now accusing Tinubu of weaponizing the EFCC for political purposes.

“While the Presidency does not speak for the EFCC and believes the agency can speak for itself, we must reiterate that the EFCC is an independent institution established by law and empowered to carry out its statutory responsibilities without interference or favour,” Onanuga said.

“The agency’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society.

“We find it curious that the same people who claimed they want to rescue Nigeria are now the ones waging a war of attrition against accountability and probity.

“Those who have cases to answer before EFCC should be bold and brave enough to defend themselves if they are clean.

“The agency’s mandate is to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, irrespective of the personalities involved, their political affiliations, or their positions in society.”

Onanuga said Tinubu does not issue directives to any anti-corruption agency on whom to investigate, arrest, or prosecute.

He said the president is focused on addressing national challenges rather than engaging in political targeting.

Onanuga said prosecution is carried out by the courts and not through political manipulation. He said those found not guilty will be cleared by the judicial process.

Onanuga described allegations of EFCC weaponization as distractions by politicians running short of campaign issues.

He said no one is above the law and that political affiliation should not shield anyone from accountability.

“We have taken cognisance of the signatories to the statement. It is instructive that some of them were previously investigated and prosecuted by the EFCC even before President Tinubu took office in 2023,” he added.

“Some of these politicians have also been indicted in international financial probes for money laundering, with some of their accomplices jailed in foreign lands.”

BIG STORY

Lagos Assembly Debunks Abuja House Rumour, Warns Against Election Season Propaganda

Published

on

The Lagos State House of Assembly has described as misleading and mischievous the widespread misinformation that it budgeted for the purchase of houses in Abuja for its members in the 2026 Appropriation Law.

This rebuttal is contained in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, Chairman, House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh, Chairman, House Committee on Economic Planning and Budget.

Describing the report as a deliberate and disturbing falsehood being peddled by patently ignorant people, the statement reads, “There is no provision whatsoever in the 2026 Budget for the purchase of houses in Abuja or anywhere else for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly. The report is a complete fabrication and a product of political mischief intended to misinform the public.
“The Lagos State House of Assembly does not operate in Abuja. Our constitutional responsibilities, constituencies, and legislative duties are entirely within Lagos State. It is, therefore, illogical, irrational, and irresponsible for anyone to suggest that legislators would appropriate public funds for personal housing outside their jurisdiction.”
The statement emphasized that the budget is already in the public domain and accessible for scrutiny by discerning Lagosians and Nigerians alike. It reiterated that the Lagos State Government operates a transparent budget that speaks to the needs of the people and the demands of a megalopolis.
“We view this rumour as part of a wider attempt at election-season propaganda, designed to erode public trust, sow discord, and malign democratic institutions.”

The chairmen further clarified that the 2026 capital expenditure of the House of Assembly is less than 0.04% of the total CAPEX of the state, which clearly demonstrates the culture of prudence, accountability, and fiscal responsibility that guides the legislature. However, they noted, “Historically, the House does not even access up to its approved budget in many fiscal years.”

They stressed that the Assembly remains fully committed to excellence, transparency, good governance, and the collective welfare of the people of Lagos State, in line with the objectives of the 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity.
“We therefore challenge those behind this harebrained allegation to produce credible evidence or retract their statements forthwith. Failure to do so may attract appropriate legal actions.
“We urge Lagosians and the general public to disregard this baseless rumour and always verify information from official and credible sources.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Lagos Partners MTN To Redevelop Obalende Under-bridge Into Eco-Friendly Bus Park

Published

on

The Lagos state government has partnered with MTN Nigeria to redevelop the Obalende under-bridge into a modern transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO bus park.

Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for environment and water resources, announced the project in an X post on Tuesday.

Wahab said the redevelopment would transform the previously degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centered facility.

According to him, the new bus park will feature an organized and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and security agencies, over 60 public toilet facilities, kiosks, and other amenities for commuters and residents.

He said the project prioritizes safety, health, and aesthetics, noting that solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility, enhance closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage, and help curb criminal activities in the Obalende axis.

The commissioner added that a biodigester system will be installed to manage wastewater sustainably, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal.

Wahab said the redevelopment will also include solar panels to support energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, as well as tree planting to improve air quality and beautify the environment.

He described the project as part of the state government’s efforts to reclaim public spaces and make them functional, sustainable, and safe for residents.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Increases Petrol Price By N100, MRS To Sell At N839

Published

on

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased the ex-gantry price of its premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, to N799 per litre.

The price of the product was increased by N100, from N699 per litre to N799 per litre, effective on December 12, 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday, the refinery said MRS retail outlets will now sell the product at N839 per litre — up from N739 per litre.

“With the festive period concluded, PMS prices have been modestly realigned to sustainable levels to support long-term market stability and affordability,” the refinery said.

“Under the current alignment, the PMS gantry price is N799 per litre, while MRS retail outlets are selling at N839 per litre.”

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to market stability and an uninterrupted nationwide supply of petrol.

“During the recent festive period, the Refinery implemented a deliberate and temporary price support intervention to cushion Nigerians at a time of heightened household spending,” the plant said.

Despite the price reduction, the refinery accused “many filling stations” of failing to “reflect the new price at the pump,” thereby denying Nigerians the benefits of the slash.

“As a domestic producer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery continues to shield the Nigerian market from import-related volatility and external supply disruptions, while remaining a stabilising force in the downstream petroleum sector,” the plant said.

Dangote refinery reaffirmed its commitment to providing energy security, price stability, and long-term value for Nigerians.

Speaking on the development, David Bird, chief executive officer (CEO), said the refinery is currently supplying about 50 million litres of petrol to the domestic market daily, with nationwide distribution running smoothly.

He explained that the refinery’s flexible design allows it to process different types of crude and intermediate feed stocks, making it possible to maintain petrol supply even during scheduled maintenance.

Bird added that this ensures that domestic fuel availability remains stable and uninterrupted.

“This marked the second consecutive festive season in which the Refinery absorbed significant costs in the national interest, including logistics support in 2024 and a price reduction in 2025 to promote affordability and market calm.”

 

Continue Reading


 

 


 

 

 

 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular


Warning: Undefined array key "slug" in /home/porsch10/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-theme-json.php on line 2117

Warning: Undefined array key "slug" in /home/porsch10/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-theme-json.php on line 2117

Warning: Undefined array key "slug" in /home/porsch10/public_html/wp-includes/class-wp-theme-json.php on line 2117