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Sirika Alleges Lawmaker Demanded ‘5% Stake In Nigeria Air’

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Former minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika, says Nnaji Nnolim, former chairperson of the house of representatives committee on aviation, privately requested a five percent stake in Nigeria Air.

The former minister spoke when he appeared on Arise TV on Sunday.

When contacted for his response, Nnaji said, “I’ll give my response soon. I am still busy with my this thing”.

Sirika had unveiled Nigeria Air, the national carrier, about three days before the end of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

Speaking on the launch, Nnaji had faulted the process leading to the unveiling of the airline, describing it as a “fraud”.

“A careful review of the process indicates the exercise to be highly opaque, shrouded in secrecy, shoddy and capable of ridiculing and tarnishing the image of Nigeria before the international community,” Nnaji had said.

However, Sirika responded that the committee chairman “and his people” had sought a minority interest in the national carrier.

“He (Nnaji) asked to give him five percent of Nigeria Air to carry him along with his people, and I said to him at that time that honourable, this is a bidding process that has taken place, and some people won. So, I think you should go to those people and ask for the five percent,” Sirika said.

“I want to assure you that at that point, even the five percent held by the federal government will go to market. So he should get his money ready and buy for him and his people, according to him.”

When asked to clarify what “his people” meant, the former minister said Nnaji could be referring to anybody — not necessarily other members of the lower chamber.

“He said he wants him and his people. His people could be his family, members and it could be leadership. I did not know what this meant, but he said he and his people needed five percent. I am saying that he should relax and approach the owners. That’s exactly what I told him in camera,” he said.

The former minister also berated Nnaji and the aviation committee for conducting a “predetermined hearing”.

“I was a member of the house of reps 20 years ago; 10 years ago, I was a senator. I know how the workings are. He called for a public hearing. And right after the public hearing, he just turned the paper and read the riot act,” he said.

“The practice in the national assembly is that after hearing people and the complaints, you sit down as a committee. The clerks will do their job, you will then sit down to discuss the issues, raise them, approach the whole house of reps and take position of the house plus leadership and come back and make your findings known; but you do not immediately read the riot act out. It means it is predetermined.”

BIG STORY

NOVA Bank Achieves Global Cybersecurity Milestone With ISO 27032 Certification

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NOVA Bank has achieved a major milestone in its commitment to safeguarding customer data and digital operations by attaining the globally recognized ISO 27032 Cybersecurity Standard certification. This significant achievement positions NOVA Bank among the elite financial institutions in Nigeria with such a distinction.

The ISO 27032 certification focuses on fortifying cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection for data, systems, and online transactions amid an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. In addition to this achievement, NOVA Bank is already certified in ISO 27001 for Information Security Management and BCMS 22301 for Business Continuity Management, further underscoring its dedication to operational excellence and security.

Speaking on the achievement, Acting Managing Director and CEO of NOVA Bank, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, described the certification as a pivotal moment for the Bank and its customers.

“This certification underscores NOVA Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest global standards in cybersecurity. As we continue to innovate with customer-centric retail products, cybersecurity remains at the heart of our operations. Our customers can rest assured that their data and transactions are protected by some of the most advanced security frameworks in the industry. Trust is built on security, and NOVA is committed to providing a secure, reliable, and innovative banking experience,” Mrs Iloghalu stated. The Bank’s Executive Director for Operations and Information Technology, Dr. David Isavwe, who also serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), emphasized the broader implications of the certification.

“The ISO 27032 certification highlights NOVA Bank’s proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges. It demonstrates our readiness to protect against evolving threats and our ability to adapt to the dynamic landscape of digital banking. This certification reinforces our commitment to delivering secure and uninterrupted services to our valued customers,” Dr. Isavwe remarked.

This milestone aligns with NOVA Bank’s overarching strategy of integrating cutting-edge technology with its trademarked Phygital model—seamlessly blending physical and digital banking experiences, while maintaining an unwavering focus on customer trust and satisfaction.

As the bank prepares to launch a series of innovative retail banking products, this certification highlights its dedication to prioritizing cybersecurity, ensuring a secure and seamless banking experience for all its customers.

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Customs Hands Over 21 Stolen Vehicles To Canadian Government

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has transferred 21 stolen “Sport Utility Vehicles” (SUVs) and other assorted vehicles to the Canadian Government, following their recovery from various locations across the country.

 

More to come…

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Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Now In Our Custody — EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has been detained in the agency’s custody for allegedly misappropriating over N110 billion in public funds.

The EFCC stated that the former governor appeared at its headquarters after months of ignoring invitations and avoiding court summons related to fraud connected to his administration.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday said that Bello had been detained and would be questioned about the allegations against him.

According to reports, Bello responded to the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, arriving at the EFCC office with his lawyers, but without his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who had reportedly been shielding him from arrest.

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