News
Buhari’s minister fingered in plot to destabilize NARSDA over DG appointment
Nigeria’s Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu has been fingered in surreptitious plan to destabilize the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), a parastatal under his ministry.
The leadership of Northern Minority Group Right Group in a statement which was signed by Barr. Liasu Mohammed and sent to CAPITAL POST, on Sunday says that, some Directors held a meeting with the former acting Director General of the agency Dr. Francis Chizea Dubem with the blessing of the Hon. Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu to stage a violent protest at the agency on Monday.
The plot was part of concerted effort to frustrate the appointment of Dr Halilu Shabba, who wasn’t the candidate of the Minister, has met all the necessary criteria and adequately vetted by security agencies in readiness for appointment as DG.
The group wondered how a serving minister would support and finance protests through a third party against a Parastatal under his supervision.
“It is no longer news that, Dr. Chizea has developed a well calculated plan to destabilize NARSDA through exploiting the democratic exercise of right to protest; in the process, unleashing thugs to cause mayhem”, the statement noted.
The group claimed that it uncovered plot as a result of some vested interest.
“This is to instigate an Hobessian style of breakdown of law and order in the National Space Research and Development Agency NARSDA on Monday.
“It’s unfortunate that Dr. Chizea has mobilized thugs and militia groups to cause a break down of law and order in the space agency environment.
“The keystone of the plot is to instigate protest, mass action and violence with a view to causing anarchy in the short run and in the long run, to destabilise the ongoing confirmation of Dr. Halilu Shabba by the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
“The long time goal is to embarrass the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and possibly destroy some sensitive equipments that government has invested scarce resource into.
The Northern Minority Right group laments that this appointment that is strictly based on merit and status is being politicized by a man who has become too desperate to understand the law that guides the activities of the research development agency.
Accordingly, these predetermined actions have been designed to take place simultaneously from Monday and throughout the week with the scheduled venue to be the National Assembly complex and the Obasanjo Space Centre, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua express way, Lugbe, Abuja.
According to Barr. Liasu, the planned protest is aimed at creating an impression that Dr. Shabba is not a popular choice among the staff of the space agency. In his desperation, Dr. Francis Chizea has gone has far as promising some staff of the agency geometrical promotion and posting into juicy departments.
“Dr. Chizea also promised some staff studies leave abroad should his sinister motive is actualized.
“Considering the implications of these on public safety and national security, the Northern group wishes to warn Dr. Francis Chizea Dubem and his those elements responsible for the plots to desist from their inglorious acts.
Consequently, the labour union and security men in that agency are advised to rein in their staff and enjoin them not to allow themselves to be used as a pawn in furtherance of personal aspiration.
“The group also want to explore this medium to inform the security agencies of their constitutional responsibility to be at alert and ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the confirmation of Dr. Halilu Shabba.
All political office holders who were appointed by the embattled governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara have been suspended from office by the Sole Administrator of the State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
They were suspended from office with immediate effect, according to a statement by the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, saying the decision followed powers granted the Sole Administrator by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff to Fubara were among those suspended from office.
Commissioners, chairpersons and members of boards, agencies, commissions, and parastatals, as well as all Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants were all relieved of their appointments.
“This suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The affected officers are to hand over to the permanent secretaries in their MDAs.
“Where there may be no permanent secretary, they are to hand over to the most senior director/head of administration,” the statement read.
Ibas was sworn in as Sole Administrator on Wednesday, March 19, by President Bola Tinubu after the President declared a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The President also suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Ibas, who is a former Chief of Naval Staff, vowed to maintain law and order in the state.
“If the main issue is that of maintaining law and order in the state, I think for any meaningful activities to take place in Rivers State, that is the utmost task that I have,” he said to State House correspondents after the swearing-in.
He also promised to work together with other stakeholders to ensure that order is restored in the state.
Agency Report
The 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, has announced the cancellation of the Eid-el-Fitr Durbar celebration due to security concerns in the state.
Emir Bayero made this announcement while briefing newsmen at his Nasarawa Mini Palace in Kano on Wednesday night.
He said that the peaceful coexistence of the people takes precedence over the Durbar celebration.
Emir Bayero had initially planned to hold the Durbar celebration, which would have coincided with his fifth year anniversary on the throne.
He noted that respected Islamic clerics, elders, stakeholders, and his council members advised him to cancel the celebration to maintain peace.
Emir Bayero urged the people of Kano to use the Sallah celebration period to visit families and friends and to observe the festivities in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
He prayed for Allah’s blessings and mercy during the month of Ramadan, hoping that the people of Kano would receive forgiveness and mercy.
NAN
Overland Airways, Nigeria’s longest serving private domestic airline, in partnership with Niger State Government, is pleased to announce the commencement of flight services to Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport Minna, the capital city of Niger State from Lagos and Abuja, effective April 23, 2025.
Overland Airways will operate three (3) weekly flights on the Minna-Lagos-Minna route and three (3) weekly flights on the Minna-Abuja-Minna route. These flights will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using Overland Airways’ brand-new Embraer 175 aircraft.
Flights will depart Lagos to Minna at 8am and Minna to Lagos at 3pm. Flights from Minna to Abuja will depart at 9:30am while Abuja to Minna will depart at 2pm.
Capt. Edward Boyo, Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Executive of Overland Airways says: ‘We are excited to commence flight services to Minna from Abuja the Federal Capital and Lagos the Commercial hub of Nigeria. This flight services will facilitate trade, tourism and economic activities in Niger State and its environs and support the Government of Niger State in its quest to attract more direct investments and improve the livelihood of citizens of the State. We thank particularly His Excellency Mohammed Umar Bago, the Executive Governor of the Niger State for his passionate commitment to the growth and development of the State and for making the dream of a connected Niger State come true.”
The Niger State Ministry of Transport in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project (NNDP), jointly stated, “It has been an uphill journey to bring the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport to fruition—from its construction to its operationalization. Today, we are immensely proud to see this dream become a reality. We are honoured to have Overland Airways as the pioneer airline for this project, setting the foundation for expanded air travel connectivity in Niger State. Mr. Governor is particularly proud of this achievement, which aligns with his vision of modernizing infrastructure and boosting economic development in Niger State.”
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the New Niger Aviation, Alhaji Liman Katamba Kutigi, says: “This partnership with Overland Airways will ensure regular and robust flight services from Abuja and Lagos to Minna, Niger State. We are thrilled to partner with Overland Airways, which has a reputation for excellent customer service and reliability, and look forward to working together to reposition the aviation sector and economy of Niger State.”
“Known as the Power State, Niger State, the largest state in Nigeria by landmass and host of major hydroelectric power dams and other businesses, requires reliable air services to drive its economic development and Overland Airways is uniquely positioned to meet this need”, says Capt. Boyo.
Overland Airways service offering has evolved from an all-turboprop fleet to a mixed fleet with the introduction of brand-new Embraer E175 jets. In October 2024, Overland Airways renewed its IOSA safety certification for the 5th consecutive time reaffirming its position as a safe and leading African carrier.
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