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Corruption Allegation: How I was removed for raising suspicions over financial records, by Ex- NPA board member

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Former Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board member Senator Binta Masi Garba yesterday recounted how she was removed for raising observations over the agency’s financial records.

She alleged that her observations did not go down well with the suspended NPA Managing Director, Ms. Hadiza Bala-Usman.

She alleged that Ms. Bala-Usman decided her removal from the board without the knowledge or recommendation of Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.

The senator said she met a senior official in the Presidential Villa and advised that the suspended MD be called to order.

In a statement she issued in Abuja yesterday, the senator said suspension of the MD has vindicated him.

She said: “I was appointed into the board of the NPA sometime in March 2020. In January 2021, Sen. John Akpanudoedehe and I were removed from the board and our removal was clearly orchestrated by the now suspended Managing Director (MD) of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman.

“Before my removal, I was not comfortable with the way the board and authority were run. I consistently expressed my discomfort and displeasure with the way the MD was running the place and this, I have no iota of doubt in my mind made her to orchestrate my removal from the board.

“Note, I was removed without the knowledge of the supervising ministry/minister of Transportation, which was very uncommon.

“My observations and complaints with the suspended NPA MD were more with the financial statements of NPA and I worried that if she continued so, there would certainly be trouble and her sudden removal (suspension) would be inevitable.

”I noted discrepancies, I raised observations, I asked questions, but I was completely ignored and disregarded. Answers were never provided, until my removal was plotted.”

Narrating the genesis of the crisis of confidence between her and the suspended NPA boss, she said: “When the board came in, its first meeting was in June 2020 with the aim of deliberating on the financial report. I made some observations on the report which, obviously, the MD, Hadiza Bala-Usman was not comfortable with.

“At the time, the report covered two years but I objected, pointing out that, under normal circumstances, procedurally and international norms, it should cover a minimum of three years. It was after my objection that the MD grudgingly and resentfully provided the third year’s report. I wasn’t really comfortable.

“I observed more discrepancies with the financials and asked questions about them. The MD was uncomfortable and even felt slighted by the objective comments and questions.

”Scrutinizing the financial reports of the NPA is a very critical and very important aspect of my role and function as a member of its board, appointed by the President. I was not ready to abdicate that core responsibility.

“For me, my board membership of NPA, like every other public office I have held, was a call to serve my country and I was prepared to give it my all.

“But the suspended MD felt offended by my observations, questions, spotting obvious inconsistencies and acted like someone with a lot to hide. Answers were not forthcoming and, when they did, were less than satisfactory.”

Senator Masi said at a point, she contemplated resigning from the board but she was prevailed upon not to disrespect President Muhammadu Buhari.

She said:  ”Some members of the board felt I was the only one holding the financial report back. I had to meet with the Minister of Transportation and I told him I wasn’t comfortable with the way and manner the board was being handled and treated by the MD and that I wanted to resign.

”The board chairman, Chief Akin Ricketts (whose removal as board chairman was also orchestrated by the MD) and some other members, prevailed on me not to resign and that, if I did, it would send the wrong signal and would not be good for the President. We settled down to work on it (the financial reports).

”After sometime, my uneasiness did not go away. Again, I met with the Minister of Transportation and told him that I did not want to continue with the board with the way the MD was running the place.”

The senator claimed she took her case to the Presidential Villa but Ms. Bala-Usman.

She said: “I met someone high up in the Presidential Villa and told him my own story and advised that the MD be called to order. I also met and made similar observations and complaints to the then Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasiru and the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mallam Zakari.

“Instead of making amends, the suspended MD’s next move was to go against the NPA Act by designing my removal from the board.

“The Act stipulates that it is the minister who should send names of appointees to the board to the President for approval. For someone to unilaterally go against the Act and the minister that brought her on board was rather unfortunate.

“I made it very clear to everyone I spoke with about the situation in NPA, stressing that it was not about me but the system, rules and  procedures, as well as the survival of our institutions.

“I could not keep quiet and watch the suspended MD run the NPA aground. I wished she had listened but she didn’t and opted to plot my removal from the board. Unfortunately, I have been vindicated.

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Dangote Refinery to Begin Nationwide Distribution of PMS, Diesel, for smooth logistics to marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will begin distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide.

The statement added that the Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to ensure smooth take-off of the scheme, which will continue over an extended timeframe

The statement said, “To ensure the smooth takeoff of the free logistics for marketers and petrol dealers buying from Dangote, the statement further disclosed that the refinery has procured 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers.

“This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support. Key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced that it will begin distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel nationwide.

In a statement on Sunday, the company said effective from 15th of August 2025, it will begin the distribution of the products to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, telecoms firms, aviation, and other large users across the country, with free logistics to boost distribution network.

The move, according to the company, was a significant national initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fuel distribution landscape.

The statement added that the Refinery has invested in the procurement of 4,000 brand-new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers to ensure smooth take-off of the scheme, which will continue over an extended timeframe.

“This phase of the programme will continue over an extended timeframe. The refinery is also investing in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations, commonly referred to as daughter booster stations, supported by a fleet of over 100 CNG tankers across the country to ensure seamless product distribution.

“This strategic programme is part of our broader commitment to eliminating logistics costs, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting sustainability and supporting Nigeria’s economic development. It affirms our dedication to improving the availability and affordability of fuel, in support of broader efforts to strengthen the economy and improve the well-being of all Nigerians.

“Under this initiative, all petrol stations purchasing PMS and diesel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will benefit from this enhanced logistics support. Key sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, and others will also gain from this transformative initiative, as reduced fuel costs will contribute to lower production costs, reduced inflation, and foster economic growth. Players in these key sectors and others can purchase directly from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.”

The statement added that the refinery will offer a credit facility to those purchasing a minimum of 500,000 litres, which would allow them to obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee.

It described the effort as a milestone in its vision to revolutionise the Nigeria’s energy sector.

“This pioneering effort marks a major milestone in our vision to revolutionise Nigeria’s energy sector. Dangote Refinery is dedicated to ensuring that no place is left behind. Our goal is to provide equitable access to affordable fuel for all Nigerians, regardless of location, making energy more accessible and sustainable for everyone, wherever they may b

 

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NMA FCT Issues Indefinite Strike Threat Over Alleged Ethnic Victimisation and Unjust Dismissal of Three Abuja Doctors

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Tensions are rising at the National Hospital Abuja (NHA) as the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) FCT Branch threatens an indefinite strike following the controversial dismissal of three medical doctors. According to insider sources, the crisis is unfolding under the leadership of Dr. Mahmud Raji, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), who is alleged to be using his office to intimidate these doctors—believed to have been targeted because of their opinions. This disturbing allegation has intensified outrage within the medical community, raising serious concerns about fairness, professionalism, and ethnic bias within the healthcare system.

In what is fast becoming a major flashpoint in Nigeria’s embattled healthcare sector, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) FCT Branch has issued a 14-day strike ultimatum to the management of National Hospital Abuja over the controversial and unexplained disengagement of three medical doctors who have served the hospital diligently for years.

In a strongly worded notice dated June 11, 2025, following its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held at the VIP Hall of the Federal Medical Centre Abuja, the NMA FCT leadership formally communicated its dissatisfaction with the National Hospital’s refusal to reinstate its disengaged members. The affected doctors, who completed their residency training in 2020, were appointed as locum consultants in March 2022 after working as post-Part II fellows. After three years of dedicated service, they were abruptly dismissed without any stated reason—unlike their contemporaries who remain in service. The hospital only stated that “their services were no longer needed” and advised them to reapply when vacancies arise.

The association described the move as selective victimisation and scapegoating, pointing out that 30 doctors were employed under similar terms, yet only three were let go. Multiple advocacy efforts—including visits from the NMA President, FCT Chairman, and a committee of senior, reputable medical professionals—have all been ignored by the hospital’s leadership.

The NMA expressed deep frustration that despite its peaceful engagement efforts, the hospital remained unmoved, even in the face of the ongoing “japa” wave—mass migration of medical professionals abroad—leaving Nigeria’s healthcare system dangerously understaffed.

“This disengagement worsens an already fragile system, adding to the mental and economic burdens of doctors, increasing anxiety and threatening family stability,” the NMA noted in its communiqué.

The association has now declared that if the doctors are not reinstated, members at National Hospital Abuja will embark on a total and indefinite strike from June 30, 2025, following a two-week warning strike from June 15–29. If after seven days of this action no resolution is achieved, the entire NMA FCT branch will join the strike in solidarity.

Investigations within the hospital revealed that the affected doctors had no records of disciplinary actions or professional misconduct. Their Heads of Department (HODs) had recommended them for continued service, and it was confirmed that they were already on the IPPIS scale, meaning they posed no additional financial burden to the hospital.

The outrage is further fueled by the irony that, while NMA is pushing for an increase in doctors’ retirement age to 70 due to acute personnel shortages, National Hospital is disengaging young, skilled doctors who chose to remain in Nigeria instead of seeking better opportunities abroad. “Are we saying NHA has enough specialists to let go of such committed professionals?” the association questioned.

Doctors familiar with the affected doctors shared personal testimonies: “I worked with Dr. Fernandez during the COVID-19 pandemic. We carried out countless caesarean sections when fear was palpable. Only a doctor with heart would do that. Is this how the system rewards bravery?”

Emotionally charged reactions have poured in from across the country. A senior doctor lamented: “It’s difficult to believe that doctors would ignore juicy offers abroad to make the sacrifice of practising in Nigeria, only to be treated like trash for speaking up on poor welfare. How do you keep a doctor as locum for 3 years, earning barely ₦400,000, and expect them to live a dignified life? This is the reward for years of service?”

He added that the refusal of the hospital to heed the advice of the NMA President and respected elders “is deeply worrisome” and raises concerns of possible hidden motives.

The broader concern is that this crisis could demoralize others in the system. “We are already overwhelmed, underpaid, and understaffed, yet our sacrifices are ignored,” the doctor continued. “Meanwhile, national honours are reserved for political loyalists, while real heroes are discarded.”

He appealed to the NMA and well-meaning members to establish a financial support plan for the affected doctors, who have now been unpaid for three months, pushing them to the brink emotionally and economically.

In his final remarks, he called for unity: “All hands must be on deck to preserve the Hippocratic brotherhood we swore to uphold. A brother should not snuff the life out of another. This is not the future we envisaged. We must fight to leave a better one for the next generation.”

As the clock ticks toward June 30, the healthcare sector in the FCT braces for what may become one of the most consequential strikes in recent years—one born not just from policy failure, but from a cry for justice, equity, and professional dignity.

The NMA is also using this opportunity to call on the Minister of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, to urgently intervene before the situation escalates further. At a time when the country is grappling with critical challenges in the healthcare sector—and the President is actively working to reverse the “japa” trend and restore stability through the Renewed Hope Agenda—it would be deeply unfortunate for such avoidable crises to undermine those efforts. Supporting doctors who have chosen to remain in Nigeria is essential to rebuilding trust and encouraging others, both at home and abroad, to return and contribute to the nation’s healthcare revival.

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BREAKING: Tinubu honours Abiola, Kudirat, Soyinka, Onanuga others in State of the Nation address

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on more than 80 Nigerians—both living and deceased—during his inaugural State of the Nation address in honour of this year’s Democracy Day.

The President, who reeled the names out with other messages while addressing a joint session of the National Assembly to mark 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria on Thursday, also announced the granting of full pardon to the heroes of the Ogoni Struggle, identified as the Ogoni nine.

The president used the solemn occasion to commemorate key figures in the June 12 pro-democracy movement, notably Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, his late wife Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, and environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Alhaja Kudirat Abiola was posthumously awarded the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) for her role in resisting military rule, a struggle that ultimately led to her assassination. Tinubu described her as the “heroine of the June 12 struggle.”

Also honoured was the late Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who received the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest national honour typically reserved for heads of state.

He was recognised for mobilising political resistance to military rule and advancing democratic reforms.

Other posthumous recipients included key figures in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement: Professor Humphrey Nwosu (CON), who chaired the National Electoral Commission during the 1993 elections; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (CON); Pa Alfred Rewane (CFR); Bagauda Kaltho (OON); Chima Ubani (OON); Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti (CON); Chief Alao Aka-Bashorun (CON); and Chief Frank Kokori (CON), among others.

The list extended to civil rights advocates, journalists, politicians, and unionists who lost their lives in the pursuit of justice and democracy.

Honourees included Emma Ezeazu, Bamidele Aturu, Fredrick Fasehun, Professor Festus Iyayi, Dr. John Yima Sen, Alhaja Gambo Sawaba, Dr. Edwin Madunagu, Dr. Alex Ibru, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Senator Ayo Fasanmi, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo.

In a move described as symbolic of national reconciliation, Tinubu posthumously recognised Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow environmental activists known as the Ogoni Nine, who were executed in 1995 under the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), while Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were each awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The President further announced that he would invoke his constitutional powers to grant a full state pardon to the Ogoni Nine and others, whose names will be released following consultations with the National Council of State.

Living icons of democratic activism and intellectual freedom were also celebrated. Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), while renowned journalism scholar Professor Olatunji Dare received the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).

Related NewsProminent journalists and media pioneers were similarly honoured: Kunle Ajibade (OON), Nosa Igiebor (OON), Dapo Olorunyomi (OON), Bayo Onanuga (CON), Ayo Obe (OON), Dare Babarinsa (CON), and Seye Kehinde (OON).

Among the human rights lawyers and activists honoured were Femi Falana, SAN (CON), Barrister Felix Morka (CON), Barrister Ledum Mitee (CON), and Professor Shafideen Amuwo (CON).

Other notable recipients included Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON), Senator Shehu Sani (CON), Governor Uba Sani (CON), Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi (CON), Honourable Labaran Maku (OON), Dr. Tunji Alausa (CON), Mr. Nick Dazang (OON), Hon. Abdul Oroh (OON), Barrister Luke Aghanenu (OON), Odia Ofeimun (CON), Hon. Olawale Osun (CON), Dr. Amos Akingba (CON), and Professor Segun Gbadegesin (CON).

Further commendations went to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, Professor Bayo Williams, Senator Abu Ibrahim, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Dr. Kayode Shonoiki, and Senator Ameh Ebute, who were also recognised with honours ranging from Commander to Grand Commander of the Federal Republic.

Veteran journalist and Vanguard Newspapers founder Uncle Sam Amuka Pemu was honoured with a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), a day before his 90th birthday.

President Tinubu also formally decorated the current presiding officers of the National Assembly, who had previously received national honours:

Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio (GCON)

Speaker of the House of RepresentativesTajudeen Abbas (GCON)

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (CFR)

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu (CFR)

“The honours were not just symbolic, but a national acknowledgment of those who defended truth, fought repression, and expanded Nigeria’s democratic space”, Tinubu said.

He called on Nigerians, particularly political leaders, to uphold the values of the June 12 movement in their actions and policies.

“We must rededicate ourselves to the ideals of June 12: freedom, transparent and accountable government, social justice, active citizen participation, and a just society where no one is oppressed”, he said.

President Tinubu concluded his address with a call for national reflection and progress, urging the country to move beyond symbolic recognition and build a future anchored on the sacrifices of past heroes.

 

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