Senate Dismisses Threats, Insists on CNG Funds Probe

Senate Committee on Gas has alleged a plot by some operators of the Presidential Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to blackmail and intimidate the committee to abandon its inquiry into the controversial award and disbursement of over N 100 billion of government gas development funds.

The committee in a swift reaction yesterday pledged a harmonious working relationship with the minister of finance, Wale Edun, and PCNG to actualise the noble agenda of President Bola Tinubu of developing the nation‘s gas sector as an alternative source of energy.

In a statement made available to journalists yesterday in Abuja, the committee described as laughable an online media report that quoted the chairman of the committee Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe as saying he would bring down the PCNG implementation committee and will not ask them for money.

According to the committee, the chairman in the said letter to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun dated January 9 never mentioned or threatened to run the PCNG down for whatever reason.

“There was no threat contained in the Committee’s letter to the Minister. It was an official letter and properly worded concerning the office and person of the minister.

The reported threat to pull down the PCNG was therefore another joke taken too far by the online media and what it represents in this instance.

“We would have ignored this report but we need to put the record straight here and for the avoidance of doubt, there was no such threat in the said letter to the minister by the committee.

“The false report is therefore part of the desperate plot by those who are not comfortable with our inquiry into the handling of the N100 billion gas project fund.

“We as a committee, therefore, cannot be blackmailed or intimidated to abandon constitutional responsibility and the committee still stands by its seven-day ultimatum given to the minister to furnish details of the disbursement of the fund which was in gross violation of the public procurement Act of 2007,” the statement said.

The committee noted that the Senate is saddled with the responsibility of oversights and that they will be failing in their duties if they are indifferent to how agencies of government spend the funds released for various projects.

The committee insisted that it amounts to a breach of the Procurement Act for the PCNG to go ahead with the disbursement without the approval of the National Assembly.

Tinubu Appoints Chioma Awuzie Substantive Rector, Fed Poly Oko

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie as the substantive Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State. Dr. Awuzie's appointment, which takes effect immediately for a five-year term, follows the recommendation of the Polytechnic's Governing Council, chaired by Sen. Dr. Barnabas Gemade, after a transparent and competitive selection process where she emerged as the leading candidate. Prior to her appointment, Awuzie, who holds a Doctorate Degree in Physical and Materials Chemistry, was a distinguished Chief Lecturer in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Chemistry Option) and also Director in-charge of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Projects in the Polytechnic. Under her stewardship, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, witnessed unprecedented advancements in infrastructure and institutional transformation. Her leadership facilitated monumental developments across the Polytechnic’s campuses in Oko, ...

#Watchvideo : SECURITY FORCES BURST THE CAMP OF UNKNOWN GUNMEN IN AKOKWA

Security Forces in the state through a coordinated intelligence report has bursted the camp of the unknown gunmen at Akokwa, Arondizuogu after a long gun duel which resulted to the death of some of the criminals and others arrested. These criminal elements have been known to be behind several attacks in the state such as the killing of police men in Mbaise, Aba Branch in Ehime Mbano, burning down of police stations, attack and attempted kidnapping of former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, abduction of Miss. P.P. Johnson, a female soldier in Okigwe and recently the attack in Akokwa that left many dead. It is obvious that these daredevil gunmen have been perpetuating their evil plans unabated until yesterday when their camp was bursted by security agencies. This is another assurance that our security operatives are leaving no stone unturned in the fight against banditry and other related activities. While it has become obvious that the activities of these non state actors are politically motivate...

Valentine Ozigbo Resigns from Labour Party

In a shocking move, against all speculations over the last few days, Valentine Ozigbo, a close ally of Peter Obi, has announced his resignation from the Labour Party (LP). Ozigbo confirmed his decision to Diaspora Digital Media on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, but declined to provide further details, opting instead to share his reasons during an interactive session on X (Twitter) Space. The session, scheduled for 8 PM, will feature Ozigbo in conversation with Anambra's First Son, @uchepokoye, discussing pressing issues affecting Anambra State, including security challenges, societal fabric collapse, and the hope for a better future. Ozigbo's resignation has sparked interest, with many awaiting his detailed explanation for leaving the Labour Party. His decision comes at a critical time for the party, which has been navigating various challenges in recent months. Credit: Diaspora Digital Media

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