Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families – Newstrends
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Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families

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Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has characterised the fire incident caused by a tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, as extremely regrettable since it burned motorists and commuters beyond recognition and damaged multiple vehicles.

Fubara pointed out that the collision could have been averted if the drivers had been more cautious.

On Friday night, an explosion occurred between Indorama Gate and Aleto Bridge on the popular and bustling Eleme portion of the East-West Road, which is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment by the Federal Government.

Fubara expressed concern at the terrible sights he witnessed when visiting the scene of the event on Saturday morning, accompanied by the state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, and the commissioner of energy and natural resources, Mr. Uchechukwu Nwafor.

Nelson Chukwudi, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, released a statement to the media.

Fubara stated that he received a call from the Managing Director of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited in Eleme Local Government Area, telling him of the tragedy.

When Fubara learned of the occurrence, he quickly routed a call to security agencies and asked them to visit the location to take command of the area’s security in order to prevent the situation from escalating.

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Fubara stated, “We are here to see for ourselves and get first-hand information about the incident that happened yesterday night.

“About 7.30–8 pm, we got information on the gravity of the incident. I was told that it was caused by a tanker vehicle that was conveying Premium Motor Spirit.

“I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they took control of the security situation in the area.

“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles destroyed and lives lost.”

Fubara explained that he had already requested that the relevant government agencies provide him with a detailed account of their findings so that the state government could make appropriate decisions and actions to significantly improve the situation and reduce the negative impact on the affected people.

“I have already asked the relevant agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing how much we can support the bereaved families and also cushion the effect of the losses, which I believe is no fault of a good number of them.

“We all know the situation on this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should do so with caution.

“I believe very strongly that this situation would have been avoidable if the motorists had behaved properly. But it is late already. The damage has happened. This is the situation we have found ourselves in. We will see how we can control the aftermath,” he added.

Fubara speaks on Rivers tanker explosion, pledges support for affected families

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NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

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NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has successfully prosecuted Mr. Christopher Oluchukwu, a commandant within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for his involvement in an employment scam, according to a statement by the anti-graft agency’s spokesperson, Demola Bakare, on Thursday.

Oluchukwu was convicted by the Katsina State High Court 3 after being accused of receiving significant sums from individuals under the pretence of securing jobs for their children within the NSCDC. Despite failing to fulfil his promises, he refused to refund the money to the victims.

The court found Oluchukwu guilty on all nine counts and sentenced him to five years imprisonment without the option of a fine. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, and the judge directed that Oluchukwu’s sureties be arrested and detained for further investigation, as he had jumped bail.

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Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a probe into allegations of a N7.5 billion fraud involving ten senior officers of the NSCDC, including Commandant General Ahmed Audi. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, wrote to Audi, inviting the officers for questioning, with the investigation scheduled to commence from May 2, 2024.

The fraud, allegedly involving several contractors and money laundering through Bureau de Change operators, is under investigation by the EFCC.

This development underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within government agencies and ensure accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s public service sector.

NSCDC commandant convicted for employment scam as EFCC probes N7.5bn fraud allegations

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Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

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Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, as the co-chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

This is contained in a terse statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Thursday.

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It reads: “In line with his avowed commitment to establish a more efficient, targeted, and consistent approval process for unique oil and gas projects in the country, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), as the Co-Chairman of the Governing Council of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

This is also to further ensure effective oversight of the gas aspect of the nation’s assets.

The President remains committed to unlocking Nigeria’s immense gas potential to stimulate industrial development, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.”

Tinubu gives new appointment to Minister of State for Petroleum

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Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

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Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill that upgraded the maximum sentence of life imprisonment to the death penalty for drug traffickers in the country amidst controversy over the voice votes.

The death sentence as a penalty for drug traffickers passed through the third reading, the 2024 NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill.

The proposal was adopted when the Senate dissolved into a committee of the whole for clause-by-clause consideration of a report of the Chairman of the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters and Drugs & Narcotics National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Senator Tahir Munguno.

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In a review of the penalty provisions of the amendment bill towards strengthening the operations of the agency, a proposed amendment to award a death sentence to drug traffickers rather than just a life sentence was raised by the Senate Chief Whip and Sen. Peter Nwebonyi Under clause 11.

When the matter was put to a voice vote, it appeared the nays had it. However, when the question was put on a second vote, the Deputy Senate President ruled in favor of the i’s. A slight uproar ensued as some lawmakers were displeased.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed his displeasure over what he considered a hasty consideration and passage of the amended clause.

The Deputy Senate President rejected an objection by Senator Oshiomhole to reverse the ruling, insisting that it came late which is against the rules.

Senate okays death penalty for drug traffickers

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