News
Ethnic Youth Leaders’ Forum Condemns Dissolution of House Joint Committee on the Oil Sector
Nigerian youths under the aegis of Ethnic Youth Leaders’ Forum (EYLF) have condemned in strong terms the dissolution of the House of Representatives ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Reps, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
In a press statement signed by EYLF’s National Coordinator, Comrade Godwin Meliga, the Forum stated that the sudden, arbitrary and inexplicable dissolution of the House ad-hoc Joint Committee shortly after it commenced its assignment was a brazen attempt by the leadership of the House of Representatives to silence the committee’s courageous exposure of wanton corruption within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and by extension the nation’s oil and gas industry.
“Only recently, the media space was inundated with allegations that the investigations of the committee were ruffling feathers in the NNPCL, hence the oil regulatory body was making frantic efforts to financially influence the House leadership to achieve the disbandment of the committee. The House Deputy Spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, also called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately dismiss the Group CEO of NNPC, Mr. Mele Kyari; as well as the CEO of NMDPRA, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, for allegedly stifling the nation’s economic growth due to the oil sector crisis. In our candid opinion, the timing of the committee’s dissolution tends to lend credence to these grievous allegations,” stated Comrade Meliga.
Expressing firm confidence in the Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and Hon. Henry Okogie jointly chaired committee’s capacity and commitment to thoroughly investigate and proffer practicable solutions the niggling challenges in the nation’s oil and gas sector, the Forum demanded that the committee’s allegations of corruption in the NNPCL must be thoroughly investigated rather than swept under the carpet, adding that the arbitrary dissolution of the committee grossly undermines probity, transparency and accountability within the NNPCL and NMDPRA, as well as the fight against corruption in the country.
Consequently, the Forum further demanded the following:
- A clear and concise explanation by the Honourable Speaker, of the reasons behind the unilateral and arbitrary dissolution of the Joint Committee, in order to dispel mounting allegations of compromise against the leadership of the House in the public domain.
- The immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the Joint Committee, as well as a level playing ground to enable it continue and conclude its investigations into the rot in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
- Assurances of government’s protection for whistleblowers within and outside the NNPCL.
Recall that the House of Representatives ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee was inaugurated two weeks ago, with the mandate to conduct legislative forensic investigation into the nations’ oil and gas sector. Details of the committee’s mandate include investigating the importation of adulterated petroleum products, the non-availability of crude oil for domestic refineries, and other critical energy security issues. The committee was supposed to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.
However, in a knee-jerk reaction the House, through its spokesperson, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr, yesterday announced the dissolution of the committee without giving reasons for its action, stating that it would be succeeded by a newly constituted ad-hoc committee with the same mandate.
“Nigeria’s future depends on our collective fight against corruption. The dissolution of the House of Reps ad-hoc Joint Downstream and Midstream Committee by the Honourable Speaker has the capacity to create escape routes for looters of our common patrimony, particularly in a season when Nigerians are protesting against hunger and bad governance in the country. We will not be silenced again by leaders who hold the mandate of the people,” stated Comrade Meliga.
Health
Ultimate Health HMO appoints 2 directors
Ultimate Health Services (UHS), a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has announced the appointment of Tosin Adefeko and Bolajoko Abiola-Odunowo as directors to its board to strengthen capacity and functionality.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UHS, Mr Lekan Ewenla, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ewenla said that the appointments, made by the HMO’s Board of Directors and shareholders, were in line with global corporate governance and best practices.
He said that it was also a reflection of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity and empowering women in leadership positions within the organised private sector.
“The appointments of Adefeko and Abiola-Odunowo are in-line with the organisation’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity.
“It is also in accordance with the global agenda for gender inclusiveness in the corporate world and political appointments,” he said.
Ewenla added that the appointments were intentionally done to enhance the organisation’s growth focusing on private and informal sectors, various groups and associations in the country.
He said that enrolment into the health insurance programme is now mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents.
Ewenla described Adefeko as a corporate executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience.
“She has successfully led businesses and delivered impressive results in the financial services, print and broadcast media, marketing and communication industries.
“Adefeko is passionate about gender inclusion, equity, and female empowerment.
“She is an active member of Women in Managing Business; has served in several committees and chaired the communications committee for the annual conferences for three years,” he said.
The managing director equally described Abiola-Odunowo as a distinguished business executive with a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades in finance, law, and logistics.
He said that she would bring a unique combination of financial and legal expertise, and strategic business development into the board of Ultimate Health HMO.
“Abiola-Odunowo has vast experience in treasury management and financial analysis, with a strong understanding of financial operations and risk management.
“She has expertise in oil and gas, real estate, and environmental law, with a special focus on regulatory compliance and legal frameworks within complex industries,” Ewenla added.
NAN
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