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PIA: We Did Not Receive $10m Bribe, Lawan Debunks Reports

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan
Senate President Ahmad Lawan
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President of the Senate Ahmed Lawan has debunked reports suggesting that members of the National Assembly were bribed to the tune of $10 million to pass the three per cent allocation to host communities as stipulated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Lawan told State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday that he took exception to the spread of falsehood propagated to mislead the public.

“That is funny but also very serious,” the Senate President said of the allegation. “I really want to take this opportunity to take exception to those kinds of unwarranted, unprovable, false and fake information being fed to the Nigerian public.”

His comment is the latest development in the controversy that has followed the National Assembly’s decision to shun calls for five per cent allocation to the host communities in favour of the three per cent allocation when they passed  the Petroleum Industry Bill 2021.

President Buhari signed the bill into law on August 16, three days after returning from his trip to the United Kingdom, a move that further fueled debates over the choice of three percent allocation to the host communities.

Beyond the debates, reports emerged claiming the lawmakers’ decision in passing the bill was influenced by kickbacks, reports the Senate President says are part of a dangerous trend.

“The danger people will face with this is, you cause unnecessary damage to the reputation of people,” he said.

Such allegations, Senator Lawan said, amounted to slander.

“I had an occasion to take someone to court because of this kind of thing previously, about three months ago,” he added, signalling his willingness to take legal action when necessary.

While urging Nigerians to speak the truth at all times, he gave the assurance that the Senate was working in the best interest of the people.

Meanwhile, the President’s assent has led to the emergence of the Petroleum Industry Act which provides legal, governance, regulatory and fiscal framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry.

Under the act, host communities are expected to get three per cent of the operating expenditure of oil companies, while 30 per cent of the revenue is set aside for frontier exploration, an agreement which some, especially those from the South-South, have vehemently frowned at, demanding a higher allocation.

The host communities allocation debate, argued on the pages of dailies, and in parliament, has continued even after the National Assembly settled for three per cent mid July and the President’s assent to the bill, the birth of a much-anticipated Act.

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EKSWAMA BOARD MEMBERS APPRECIATE OYEBANJI, THANK GOVERNOR FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

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Members of the Board of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), led by its Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi, have expressed appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the opportunity and privilege to serve the people of the state.

The Board members, in a statement following the dissolution of boards and termination of appointments of political appointees by the Governor, described their tenure as a great honour and an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ekiti State.

They thanked Governor Oyebanji for the confidence reposed in them and for the support provided to the Authority throughout their tenure.

The members said they were particularly proud of their contributions towards promoting effective waste management, environmental cleanliness and a healthier environment for residents of the state.

They also commended the Governor for his commitment to good governance and the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of the people and accelerate development across the state.

While accepting the Governor’s decision to dissolve the Board, the members said they remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to the progress of Ekiti State.

They wished Governor Oyebanji continued wisdom, strength and God’s guidance in the administration of the state, assuring him of their loyalty and continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti.

The EKSWAMA Board comprises the Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi; Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi; Otunba Olorunfemi Ayodeji; Bayode Obasonyin; Mustapha Adeniran; Mr. Omoniyi Joseph; Mrs. Mojisola Adewumi; and Mr. Bosunde Olufemi.

The Board members also expressed appreciation to the former Director-General of EKSWAMA, Hon. Olasunkanmi Onipede, for his leadership, cooperation and commitment to the success of the Authority during their tenure.

They acknowledged the valuable contributions of Hon. Onipede and the entire management team, describing their collaboration as instrumental to the implementation of various initiatives and programmes of the Authority.

The Board members said their collective efforts with the management team contributed to advancing the mandate of EKSWAMA and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

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GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES BOARDS, TERMINATES APPOINTMENTS OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate dissolution of boards, commissions and parastatals in the state, as well as the termination of the appointments of political appointees.

 

 

The affected political appointees include Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Technical Assistants.

 

 

A statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the decision was necessitated by the gradual winding down of the Governor’s first term ahead of the inauguration of his second term on October 16, 2026.

 

 

The statement, however, clarified that chairmen and members of statutory commissions are not affected by the dissolution.

 

 

Those exempted include the State Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission.

 

 

The governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions are also to remain in place, in line with the Governor’s earlier directives.

 

 

Similarly, the chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Service Commission and Teaching Service Commission will remain in office, although the respective boards have been dissolved.

 

 

Also exempted from the termination of appointments are Directors-General and Technical Advisers to the Governor.

 

 

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the affected appointees for their contributions to the success of his administration and their service to the people of Ekiti State.

 

 

He wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

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Benin-Asaba Road to Be Redesigned on Concrete Pavement

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Section of Benin-Asaba Road
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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road will be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi made this known on Thursday in Benin City during the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event.

He also clarified that the Federal Government had not awarded any company a contract for the emergency rehabilitation of the road.

According to the minister, the government is currently carrying out temporary intervention works to improve the condition of the road while arrangements for its long-term reconstruction are being developed.

Umahi said the Federal Government had presented three options to the concessionaire for the continuation of the agreement, but none was accepted.

He said the development had led to a new approach, with President Tinubu directing the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement.

The minister said the project had been defined and that immediate intervention would begin on the Benin Bypass.

Umahi further explained that the emergency rehabilitation was not awarded to Hitech or any other contractor.

He said the Ministry of Works had instead hired equipment from contractors operating along the road corridor, including Hitech, CECC and CBC, to carry out the temporary repairs.

According to him, the ministry is still sourcing additional equipment and plans to undertake intensive intervention works to improve the road within the next four weeks.

The minister said the temporary intervention is intended to make the road safer and more accessible while the Federal Government works on the permanent reconstruction of the route.l

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