The House of Representatives has scrutinized the Head of the National Office of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria, Josiah Dangut, over a significant ₦6 billion deficit incurred by the agency in 2023, as well as a ₦5 billion loan taken in 2022 for the purchase of customized calculators.

During an investigative hearing led by Rep. Oforji Oboku, the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies demanded explanations from WAEC regarding its financial management. The committee questioned how WAEC generated ₦34 billion in 2023 but spent ₦40 billion, leading to the substantial deficit. The committee also raised concerns about the approval process for the ₦5 billion loan, which should have required higher-level authorization beyond the Ministerial Board’s capacity.

When asked to provide documentation, Dangut presented the agency’s cashbook. However, the committee insisted on receiving WAEC’s bank statements from 2018 to the present within a week. The committee was dissatisfied with WAEC’s cooperation, noting that the examination body only submitted one of the eight requested documents, the nominal role. They further demanded a detailed breakdown of the expenditures leading to the ₦6 billion deficit and all correspondences related to the calculator purchase.

Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante criticized WAEC for its lack of transparency, accusing the agency of denying Nigerians the value of their investment in the institution. The committee also questioned WAEC’s adherence to the Public Procurement and Financial Regulations Act, particularly regarding the payment of 50% of the contract sum for the construction of its Taraba office, valued at ₦532 million.

In response, Dangut requested additional time to provide the necessary documents and explained that the 50% payment was made to prevent cost increases due to inflation.

The committee remains focused on holding WAEC accountable and ensuring that all financial activities comply with the law.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate, recently addressed the ongoing debate about the salaries of health workers, especially in the context of professionals leaving the country for better-paying opportunities abroad.

During an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Dr. Pate acknowledged the significant economic disparity between Nigeria and countries like the UK, which often attracts Nigerian doctors with higher salaries. However, he urged healthcare workers to consider factors beyond financial compensation, emphasizing the importance of contributing to national development.

Dr. Pate highlighted the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes with serving one’s country, sharing stories of Nigerian doctors who have returned from lucrative careers abroad to establish practices in Nigeria. He noted that these doctors, despite earning less, find value in their contributions to the nation’s healthcare system.

When questioned about the possibility of salary increases for doctors, Dr. Pate referenced President Bola Tinubu’s recent signing of the minimum wage law. He mentioned that a salary committee is currently working on adjustments, but did not provide specific details.

The minister also discussed the broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, including addressing shortages of essential supplies and reindustrializing the sector. He emphasized that while these initiatives will take time, they are part of the government’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals who choose to remain in Nigeria.

“We’re building an infrastructure,” Dr. Pate said, highlighting the administration’s focus on both monetary and non-monetary mechanisms to enhance the healthcare system and retain talent within the country.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts has expressed its frustration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and several other government agencies for failing to address audit queries raised in the 2019 audit report.

During a briefing in Abuja, the committee’s chairman, Senator Ahmed Wadada (SDP-Nasarawa West), condemned the persistent refusal of these agencies to respond to the queries. He emphasized that this non-compliance hampers the efforts of the committee and undermines the goals of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Senator Wadada warned that in the future, any agency that fails to honor an invitation to defend its audit queries will have those queries sustained and reported to the Senate in plenary.

In addition to NNPCL and FIRS, other agencies accused of ignoring the audit queries include the Nigeria Police, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (formerly the Department of Petroleum Resources), and several federal ministries, among others.

The committee began reviewing the 2019 audit report in October 2023, with the intention of presenting its findings to the Senate. However, the refusal of some agencies to cooperate has delayed the process, causing significant frustration among the committee members.

Senator Wadada highlighted that the committee’s rules of engagement require accounting officers from the concerned agencies to attend public hearings to respond to questions and provide clarity on their submissions. The continued absence of these officials is seen as a disregard for parliamentary oversight and a threat to accountability in government operations.

The Nigeria Police have successfully apprehended vandals in possession of stolen tower cables from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), marking a significant step in the ongoing battle against infrastructure vandalism.

The incident occurred along the Damboa/Maiduguri 132KV transmission line on August 7, 2024, where the suspects were caught attempting to flee in a blue pick-up van loaded with the stolen cables. According to TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the vandals are currently held at the Damboa Police Station and will be transferred to the Police Headquarters in Maiduguri for further investigation.

This case is part of a larger trend of escalating vandalism against TCN facilities nationwide. Between July 1 and August 11, 2024, multiple acts of sabotage have been recorded across various regions, affecting vital transmission lines and causing significant disruptions to power supply.

In response to these incidents, TCN has been working closely with security agencies and local vigilante groups to safeguard its installations. The company has also called for greater public vigilance and cooperation, especially in communities hosting these critical infrastructures, to combat the growing threat of vandalism and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

The ongoing efforts to repair and reinforce damaged towers and lines highlight the urgency of addressing this issue, as continuous vandalism poses a severe risk to Nigeria’s power sector.

Senator Kawu Sumaila, representing Kano South, has admitted that he receives ₦21 million monthly as a “running cost” for his office, despite the ongoing economic struggles facing Nigerians.

In a recent interview with BBC Hausa, Senator Sumaila revealed that his official salary as a senator is less than ₦1 million per month, which drops to around ₦600,000 after tax deductions. However, he disclosed that each senator is allocated ₦21 million monthly for the cost of running their office.

This admission comes in the wake of accusations by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who criticized federal lawmakers for self-enrichment through inflated salaries and allowances—a claim that the Senate has denied. The revelation has sparked public outrage and intensified scrutiny of lawmakers’ compensation, particularly given the official figures provided by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

According to the RMAFC, a senator’s monthly salary and allowances should total ₦1,063,860, including a basic salary of ₦168,866 and various allowances for personal and office upkeep. The significant discrepancy between the official figures and the actual running costs revealed by Senator Sumaila has fueled debates about the fairness and transparency of lawmakers’ remuneration in Nigeria.

The Federal Government has reportedly blocked ₦83 billion in cryptocurrency and fiat money linked to the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

During a Council of State meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu on August 13, 2024, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu disclosed that the funds include $50 million in cryptocurrency and ₦4 billion allegedly contributed by political actors from Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina.

Ribadu revealed that a significant portion of the cryptocurrency, around $38 million, has been successfully blocked. He also identified a European national as the mastermind behind the display of Russian flags during protests in Kaduna and Kano states. The individual is expected to be declared wanted by the police soon. Additionally, several local conspirators have been arrested in connection with the protests.

Following the meeting, Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals, described the protests as an attempt to undermine the government. He emphasized that any change in government should only occur through democratic elections, urging those dissatisfied with President Tinubu’s administration to wait until the 2027 elections. Alake reassured the public that security agencies are committed to protecting the country and its democracy.

In response to growing public concern, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has addressed the misconceptions surrounding the recently introduced Counter Subversion Bill, 2024.

The Bill, which aims to bolster Nigeria’s national security by addressing subversive activities from various groups, has generated significant debate across the country. In a statement issued on August 14, 2024, Speaker Tajudeen clarified that the Bill, officially titled HB. 1652, is still in its preliminary stages of legislative consideration. He emphasized that it was introduced on July 23, 2024, and is currently at the introductory stage.

Speaker Tajudeen explained that the Bill falls within Nigeria’s broader anti-terrorism efforts, targeting threats posed by criminal groups such as militias, cults, and bandits. He drew parallels to similar legislation in countries like the United Kingdom, Spain, India, Turkey, Canada, and Australia, highlighting the global nature of such security measures.

To reassure the public, the Speaker emphasized the House’s commitment to a transparent legislative process, welcoming robust engagement and discussions from Nigerians. He explained that the Bill would undergo thorough scrutiny during the Second Reading, where its merits and demerits would be debated. If it passes the Second Reading, it will be referred to the relevant committee, which will hold public hearings to gather further input from stakeholders.

Speaker Tajudeen reiterated that the Bill is not aimed at any specific group or region but is intended to enhance national security. He urged Nigerians to participate actively in the legislative process, assuring them that their voices would be heard and considered before any final decision is made on the Bill.

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has summoned Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra, following allegations of poor project execution and mismanagement of funds.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, stated that the invitation came after an oversight visit to the university, where significant discrepancies were observed between the documents submitted by the university and the actual progress of projects on the ground. The committee expressed concern that the management of the university claimed to have generated ₦1.5 billion in revenue but reported spending around ₦3 billion from the same internally generated funds.

Fulata emphasized that spending money without proper appropriation by the parliament is a gross violation of the constitution, and presenting inaccurate financial data undermines the integrity of the university’s management. One of the critical issues highlighted was the 100% payment for a project that was less than 40% completed, which violates financial regulations.

The committee stressed that there would be no justification for approving additional funds for the university if previously allocated resources were not properly utilized. The Acting VC has been asked to appear before the National Assembly with relevant documents for further investigation and legislative action.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State has reported that 18 people have lost their lives in three separate road accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway within a span of five days.

According to Florence Okpe, the FRSC’s spokesperson, the crashes occurred between Friday and Tuesday, also leaving six other individuals with varying degrees of injuries. The accidents have been attributed to several factors, including speeding, wrongful overtaking, and driver fatigue due to inadequate rest.

The FRSC has issued an appeal to motorists, urging them to adhere to speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking, and ensure they get enough rest before driving to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Additionally, drivers are advised to regularly check their vehicles for potential defects to avoid malfunctions that could lead to accidents.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has withdrawn the controversial Counter Subversion Bill, demonstrating his commitment to unity and peace in Nigeria.

The decision follows extensive consultations with stakeholders and a careful assessment of the nation’s current climate, reflecting Speaker Abbas’s responsiveness to public sentiment. The bill, introduced on July 23, 2024, had generated widespread debate and concern across the country.

In his statement, Speaker Abbas emphasized that the House of Representatives is dedicated to being a true representation of the citizens’ will. He assured the public that he would not support any actions that could disrupt the peace and unity of the nation.

The withdrawal of the bill serves as a clear indication that the voices of Nigerians are heard and respected in the legislative process, reinforcing the Speaker’s commitment to fostering a transparent and inclusive governance environment.

“Sowore Labels Meeting Between Tinubu and Buhari as ‘Failure Meeting with Failure’”

Activist and former AAC presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has criticized the recent Council of State meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari met. Sowore described the gathering as “failure meeting with failure,” reflecting his discontent with the leadership.

The meeting, which was the first presided over by Tinubu since he assumed office, saw former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Buhari present, while ex-Military Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar participated virtually. Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo did not attend.

Sowore’s remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter), criticized both Tinubu and Buhari, stating, “Today in Abuja at the Presidential Villa, a former failed President @MBuhari had a meeting with the current failed President @officialABAT.”

The Federal Government has advised those unhappy with President Bola Tinubu’s administration to exercise patience and wait until the 2027 election if they wish to see a change in leadership. This message was conveyed by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, following the first National Council of State meeting under Tinubu’s leadership.

Alake addressed concerns raised during the meeting, specifically referencing the recent nationwide protests, which he described as an attempt to forcefully change the government. He clarified that any legitimate change in government can only occur through democratic elections and urged critics to use the ballot box in 2027 if they desire a different administration.

Alake further emphasized that security agencies are prepared to protect the country and its democratic processes, reassuring Nigerians that any attempts to destabilize the government through unconstitutional means will be resisted.

In a show of support, former Nigerian Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Goodluck Jonathan, along with other former presidents who attended virtually, passed a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu during a Council of State meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting, which took place in Abuja, also saw the participation of governors and key ministers.

Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, briefed the press afterward, highlighting that the Council discussed various national issues, including the progress made by different ministries. Ministers from Solid Minerals, Finance, Trade and Investment, Budget, Agriculture, Works, and the Attorney General’s office presented updates on their respective roadmaps, achievements, challenges, and prospects. These presentations were well-received by the Council members.

Alake noted that the Council also addressed recent nationwide protests, describing them as attempts to change the government by force. The Council expressed gratitude to Nigerians for resisting such unconstitutional moves, reaffirming that any change of government must occur through democratic elections.

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, provided a briefing on the country’s security situation, assuring the Council of the readiness of security agencies to protect Nigeria’s democracy and territorial integrity.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), stated that the governors, like the Council of State members, passed a unanimous vote of confidence in President Tinubu.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, reported on the progress of the administration’s macroeconomic policies, noting that the economy is showing signs of growth, with improvements in trade balance, currency stability, and inflation rates. Edun emphasized the continued implementation of measures to alleviate the high cost of living and support various sectors of the economy, expressing an optimistic outlook for Nigeria’s economic future.