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13% Oil derivation: Akwa Ibom releases details, admits receipt of N186 billion arrears from FG

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Akwa Ibom State governor, Emmanuel Udom

In what has been shrouded in secrecy until recently when some critics began to mount pressure on Akwa Ibom State government to give account of the 13% oil derivation accrued to the State, the figure of arrears of money received from the Federal between 2021 and Q3 of the 2022 has been released.
While addressing journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Monday, the State Finance Commissioner Linus Nkan, said the sum of N186 billion arrears between 2021 and Q3 2022 was received by Akwa Ibom State government.
The disclosure which was the second time in a week was at the backdrop of public demand. This is after the State government had previously referred those interested in knowing the accounts of the Akwa Ibom State to the State Accountant General’
The state government, through Mr. Nkan, initially referred those who asked questions about the arrears to the state budget and the Accountant General’s 2021 report.
Mr. Nkan, for more than a week, has refused PREMIUM TIMES requests for comment on the matter.
Before, different figures circulated on the internet, such as the amount paid to the State for the 13 percent delay in the referral.
Governors of Nigeria’s Niger Delta region have been under pressure to disclose the amount paid to their states as diversion arrears, after Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike revealed on November 18 that part of the money from his state is what his administration had been using to implement various multi-million dollar projects in the state.
Wike’s comment “it would be unfair not to tell the public” made it appear that other governors in the region had withheld information about their receipt of money paid to them by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Later, Governor Rivers, during a banquet hosted in Port Harcourt by the People’s Democratic Party in Rivers State for the G5 governors, challenged other governors from the Niger Delta region to point out what they have been doing with money received from the federal government. , according to a report by Canales TV.
The challenge put governors in the crosshairs and triggered a demand for accountability.
reactions
Fidelis Tilije, Finance Commissioner in Delta state, in his reaction, said that the state would accumulate N240 billion as diversion arrears, and that the state has so far received only N14.7 billion in three tranches of N4.9 billion each.
Mr Tilije said the Delta state government, with the approval of the House of Assembly, requested N100 billion from the bank, with repayment linked to expected diversion fund arrears.
“So far, we have received N14.7 billion in three quarterly installments and have also accessed N30 billion of the N100 billion we requested as bridge financing,” he said.
In Edo, the state government said it received only N2.1 billion of the N28 billion accumulated by the state.
“The net amount will reach each state over five years in 20 tranches. Each year, you will have quarterly shipments, which is four shipments each year for more than five years. Due to some court cases from some states, the launches started this year, October 2022,” said Edo State Finance and Budget Commissioner Joseph Eboigbe.
“The Edo state government got three tranches of N700 million per quarter, which is equivalent to N2.1 billion of the N28 billion. It is verifiable.
“We expect 20 quarterly tranches over five years, but so far, we’ve only gotten three out of 20 and it’s verifiable. We have the records of how the money is spent,” he added.
Akwa Ibom
The finance commissioner in Akwa Ibom, Mr Nkan, said the state had received N160 billion as diversion arrears in 2021 alone.
Nkan also said that the state government projected N41.4 billion in the 2022 budget as bypass arrears, of which it received N26 billion for the third quarter of this year.
The finance commissioner said again that 100 billion naira was estimated in the 2023 budget as bypass arrears, but did not explain the fluctuations in the amount.
For example, N160 billion was received in 2021, but the state government estimated a lower amount: N41.4 billion in the 2022 budget, but in the 2023 budget, the amount increased more than one hundred percent to N100 billion. compared to the 2022 figure.
He reportedly admitted that the state government obtained bank loans, but did not disclose the amount and whether the full amount accrued by the state as bypass arrears was obtained as loans.
Nkan told reporters that the House of Assembly had approved the loans.
policy alertA nonprofit organization that focuses on promoting economic and ecological justice, raised the alarm Friday that the state government may have obtained loans from the bank in 2021 without informing the public.
Tijah-Bolton Akpan, the organization’s executive director, was speaking to reporters in the context of the state government’s refusal to make public the amount received as diversion arrears.
Last year, the organization alleged that the state government received N171.2 billion under the subheading “13 per cent of arrears bypass revenue during the third quarter of 2021,” an allegation that the state’s governor, Udom Emmanuel, denied in February 2022 according to the Business Day newspaper. report.
But the finance commissioner, Mr. Nkan, confirmed the claim made by the non-profit organization, albeit with differences in the figures.
“In 2021, the sum of 160 billion was remitted to the State account. In 2022, the projected income from this source was 41,434,000,000, but as of Q3 (third quarter), the sum of 26 billion has been received.
“Consistent with the proper maintenance of financial records and transparency of public finances, the refund was reflected in the 2021 budget as ‘Other Exceptional Revenue: 13% Bypass Revenue Arrears,’ which was reviewed by a sum of 193,000,000,000; in 2022 the revised provision was 41,434,000,000; in the 2023 budget, the estimate for this item is 100,000,000,000. A simple calculation of these figures will reveal the mindset of sustainability that guides the governance in our State.

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Natasha uncovers arrest plot after reported Akpabio to IPU in New York

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Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has uncovered plot by security agents to arrest her upon arrival to Nigeria from Interparliamentary Union, IPU where she reported alleged sexual harassment against Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District was suspended for six months for flouting the purported Senate Rules and Order, after which she claimed sexual harassment and proceeded to the IPU.

She revealed that she faces arrest by Nigerian government as Nigerian security officials are planning to arrest her upon her return to Nigeria, claiming that the planned arrest was like ked to her participation in the IPU meeting in New York on March 11, 2025

On Sunday the Kogi female Senator was quoted as saying
that she was aware of plots.

“I’m aware there are plans underway to have me arrested as soon as I arrive Abuja,” Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is still in the US after the IPU meeting, said.

Though she didn’t disclose details of the planned arrest by 2hich of the security agencies, her participation has however considered an embarrassement to the Nigerian government and since her appearance at IPU on March 11, 2025, things were no longer at ease within the government circles.

A source within security domain confirmed that a probe has been launched into Natasha’s participation at IPU.

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Biggest cocaine, opioid shipments meant for US, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland seized in NDLEA’s 2 weeks raid [Pictorials]

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in raid across states in last two weeks led to the seizure of biggest multiple illicit drug consignments bound for the United States, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.

The drugs, including cocaine, tramadol, loud, and molly, were concealed in various items such as prayer beads, board game packs, and female clothing.

This was made known in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Sunday.
The statement read, “Desperate bids by some drug trafficking organisations (DTO) to move illicit consignments such as Cocaine, Tramadol, Loud, Molly and others concealed in prayer beads, packs of board games, female cloths to the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and United Arab Emirates through logistics firms and the Lagos airport have been thwarted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

“At least, two suspects behind some of the aborted missions at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos have already been arrested. One of them is a 43-year-old businesswoman, Jakpor Egware May, who was nabbed at the Gate ‘C’ departure hall of the Lagos airport while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy on Saturday, 8th March 2025.

“When she was searched, 190 parcels of tramadol 225mg and another parcel of skunk, a strain of cannabis, were recovered from her luggage. In her statement, she claimed that she bought the drugs herself, with the intention to resell them in Italy.

“At the export shed of the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers on Tuesday, 11th March arrested a 60-year-old suspect, Yahaya Fatai Ayinla, while attempting to ship a cargo containing cloths used to conceal 400grams of skunk going to New York, United States of America.

“At some logistics companies in Lagos, efforts by drug traffickers to export over two kilograms of Loud, Molly, Tramadol 365mg, 225mg hidden in Vitamin C bottles and female cloths to the US were frustrated by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, DOGI. “Other shipments of 230grams of cocaine concealed in prayer beads, soles of locally made shoes and packs of board games heading to Saudi Arabia, Poland and UAE were equally intercepted between Monday 10th and Wednesday 12th March.”

In a separate operation in Kano, NDLEA operatives arrested 40-year-old Hassan Haruna at Chalawa and recovered 727 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 479 kilograms.

In Kogi State, officers intercepted 58,300 pills of tramadol along the Kabba-Obajana highway in a commercial bus traveling from Lagos to Abuja.

Additional raids in Kachia, Kaduna State, led to the arrest of 21-year-old Idris Hamza, who was found in possession of 4,900 pills of tramadol 225mg.

Another raid in the Hayin Banki area of Kaduna North LG resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Aminu Magaji, from whom 2,900 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized.

The statement added, “In Kano, a total of 727 blocks of compressed skunk weighing 479kg were recovered from a 40-year-old suspect Hassan Haruna who was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Chalawa area of the state on Wednesday 12th March, while no fewer than 58,300 pills of tramadol were intercepted along Kabba-Obajana highway, Kogi state in a commercial bus coming from Lagos enroute Abuja on Tuesday 11th March.

“Raid operations in Kachia, Kaduna state on Thursday 13th March led to the arrest of Idris Hamza, 21, with 4,900 pills of tramadol 225mg seized from him, just as a similar exercise in Hayin Banki area of Kaduna North LGA, on Friday 14th March resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Aminu Magaji from whom 2,900 tablets of tramadol 225mg were recovered.”

In Kwara State, NDLEA operatives intercepted 40,200 tramadol 225mg tablets from two suspects, Olowoko Faruk and Akeem Ridwan.

A separate seizure of 21,700 tramadol capsules was made along Eiyenkorin expressway in Ilorin, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Salisu Usman.

In Taraba State, officers arrested 35-year-old Polycarp Adeku and seized 15.77 kilograms of skunk from him. In Osun State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial bus carrying 48.7 kilograms of Ghanaian loud, Colorado, and Canadian loud, all potent strains of cannabis.

The statement added, “While a total of 40, 200 tablets of tramadol 225mg were recovered from the duo of Olowoko Faruk and Akeem Ridwan along Ilorin – Jebba expressway, Bode Saadu, Kwara state on Friday 14th March, NDLEA operatives equally seized 21,700 capsules of same opioid from a suspect Salisu Usman along Eiyenkorin expressway, Ilorin on Thursday 13th March.

“In Taraba State, NDLEA officers on Friday 14th March arrested Polycarp Adeku, 35, at Bente road, Kurmi LGA, with 15.77Kg skunk, while in Osun state, operatives on Thursday 13th March, intercepted a commercial bus marked SGB 564 YS coming from Idumota, Lagos Island in front of King University, Ode-omu, with a total of 48.7kg Ghanaian Loud, Colorado and Canadian Loud, all strains of cannabis. Not less than nine suspects have been arrested in connection with the seizure in Osogbo and Ile-Ife during follow up operations.”

In Abuja, NDLEA officers arrested 58-year-old Ade Esan, also known as Pastor, along the Gwagwalada expressway with 27,800 tramadol 225mg pills in his possession.

Another suspect, 26-year-old Usman Mohammed, was nabbed with varying quantities of skunk and cocaine.

In Abia State, a raid in the Ntigha community, Isiala-Ngwa North LG, resulted in the arrest of 34-year-old Chinaza Nwogu, also known as Young Money.

The statement added, “A 58-year-old suspect Ade Esan (aka Pastor) was on Tuesday 11th March arrested along Gwagwalada expressway, FCT Abuja with 27,800 pills of tramadol 225mg, while another suspect Usman Mohammed, 26, was nabbed same day with various quantities of skunk and cocaine at Wuse zone 3 area of Abuja.

“In Abia state, NDLEA operatives on Saturday 15th March raided the Ntigha community, Isiala-Ngwa North LGA, where a 34-year-old suspect Chinaza Nwogu (aka Young Money) was arrested with 274grams of heroin, 141grams of methamphetamine, 2.931kg of cannabis sativa, 4grams of cocaine and Seven Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand, Fifteen Naira (N753,015.00) monetary exhibit.”

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Rivers Crisis: Wike taunts Fubara, accuse governor of sharing money belonging to State

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike

The former governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike has accused the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara of sharing Rivers State with those he surrounded himself with who cannot help him.

Speaking at a civic reception in his honor at Abalama Town in the Kalabari Kingdom, organized by NEW Associates, Wike, the former governor of Rivers State, blamed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, for instigating the political crisis in the state.

The former governor who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT stated that Rivers State House of Assembly led by Speaker Martin Amaewhule who recently won their case at the Supreme Court would not be stopped from doing their constitutional duties.

Wike stated this while addressing the large crowd that gathered to receive him, Wike said he attended the event despite threats from certain individuals, emphasizing that the occasion proved the opposition was merely making “radio noise.”

“I heard some people say I wouldn’t come here. Who are they, and how many are they? What you’ve done today shows the world that all the noise on the radio is not the reality. If you are from Kalabari and the Ijaw nation and you are receiving me today, God will continue to bless you. I will always stand by you and support you.”
Wike also denied reports that he described the Ijaw people as a minority in Rivers State, stating that his words were taken out of context.

“Some people have deliberately misinterpreted my interview. However they choose to twist it is their business. I simply said we all worked together, and without unity, it would have been difficult to produce the governor. Chief Alabraba did not allow me to rest during the decision-making process; he nearly fainted when we were choosing the candidate.

“Himself, OCJ Okocha, Sergeant Awuse, and Celestine Omehia were present when we met. On the day of the primary, the current governor initially refused to run, saying my Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, should be the candidate instead. Celestine Omehia insisted that Kamalu should run because he believed the governor couldn’t effectively carry out the responsibilities of the office.”

Wike alleged that those surrounding the governor advised him to withhold the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year. He stressed that he would not interfere with the Assembly’s constitutional functions.
“They told you to seize the salaries and allowances of Assembly members for over a year, leaving them without income to feed their families or pay school fees. You were jubilating, and people encouraged you, assuring you that nothing would happen.

“Now, something has happened. I am not going to stop the Assembly from performing its constitutional duties. The Assembly should be allowed to do its job. People who love peace do not threaten others.

“I told you that the House of Assembly members would not lose their seats. I told you that the local government shenanigans would not stand. I don’t need to be a governor to know that what is illegal is illegal. We fight it constitutionally, following due process. What did we do wrong?

“We simply said that the Assembly members, local government chairmen, and National Assembly members worked hard to make you governor—do not abandon them. But they claimed I was asking for money. Has the money come? Those you are sharing money with, how far?

“Yesterday, I was a bad man, a crook, and a criminal. But it was that same ‘bad man’ who made you governor against all odds. If I hated the Ijaw people, I wouldn’t have done that, and nothing would have happened. I believe in the principle of ‘live and let live.”

Wike also criticized those surrounding the governor, labeling them “natural ingrates” and warning that money is not everything.

“Anyone who is not an ingrate would not associate with what is happening. I told the governor to enjoy what God had given him in peace and not to engage in unnecessary conflicts. But his advisers told him, ‘You are the governor, you have money.’ I agree, but money is not everything. These people have nothing to offer. Now, look at where we are. How far?”

Meanwhile, the chairman of the occasion, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, praised Wike for his political acumen and unwavering support for the Ijaw people.

“Wike has worked to resolve the political crisis in Rivers State by following the dispute up to the Supreme Court. We pray that peace will return to the state through this process.

“We will continue to support you at all times and uphold collaboration as a powerful force for advancing the interests of all parts of the state. Your contributions to Kalabari land will remain indelible for generations to come.”

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