Author: Vardiafrica

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of withdrawal to discontinue an appeal against an order of a Kogi High Court restraining it from arresting the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. In the notice filed on April 22, the EFCC said the withdrawal is predicated on the fact that events have overtaken the appeal. The commission also admits that the appeal was filed out of the time allowed by law. “The appellant herein intends to and do hereby wholly withdraw her appeal against the respondent in the above-mentioned appeal,” the notice partly read.…

Isaac Kamalu, the commissioner for finance, has resigned from the cabinet of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers. Kamalu was affected by a minor cabinet reshuffle made by the governor on April 23. He was moved to the ministry of employment generation and economic empowerment. Kamalu’s resignation comes hours after Zacchaeus Adangor, the former attorney-general and commissioner for justice, who was affected by the shake-up, tendered his resignation Adangor was redeployed to the ministry of special duties (governor’s office). In a letter addressed to Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the state government (SSG), Kamalu said the governor’s “inability to maintain peace” in the state was…

Operatives of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), on Wednesday, quizzed owners of a Chinese supermarket in Abuja over alleged discriminatory practices against Nigerians. FCCPC operatives also conducted an inspection of the facility, even as investigation progresses. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Federal Government agency said, “Owners of the Abuja Chinese Supermarket facing allegations of discriminatory practices responded to our summons today to answer questions regarding the allegations. FCCPC operatives have conducted an inspection of the facility.” The FCCPC had shut the Chinese supermarket on Monday over alleged discrimination against Nigerians. The Commission subsequently summoned the…

President Bola Tinubu has approved the takeoff of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme. Consumer credit serves as the lifeblood of modern economies, enabling citizens to enhance their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time. It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations. Through responsible repayment, individuals build credit histories, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. Additionally, the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation. The President believes every hardworking Nigerian should have access to…

The Kaduna State House Of Assembly Adhoc Committee set up to investigate ex-governor Nasir el-Rufai’s eight-year administration has set Thursday, April 25, 2024 as deadline for the submission of memorandum and documents to the committee. This was contained in a formal communication issued by the Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Hassan to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance outlining the scope of the probe. According to the statement, the investigation by the lawmakers will focus on the loans, financial transactions, contractual liabilities and other than matters that were obtained or awarded under the el-Rufai administration. “The Kaduna State House of…

Multichoice, a major satellite television service in Sub-Saharan Africa, has announced an increase in prices on the DSTV and GOtv packages. In a statement titled ‘Price Adjustment on DStv and GOtv Packages’, signed by its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, sent to its customers on Wednesday, said the increase was necessitated by the rise in the cost of business operations. According to the statement, the increment would take effect on May 1, 2024. “We understand the impact this change may have on you – our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations, has led us to…

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Dana Air, a day after one of the airline’s planes skidded off the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos runway. The minister also ordered a comprehensive audit of the airline. The audit will encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with the aviation sector’s regulations. In a letter to the NCAA Director-General titled ‘Immediate Suspension of Dana Air Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit’, the minister said the move was necessary to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. “As…

A former Attorney General, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), who was deployed to the Ministry of Special Duties by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara on Tuesday, has again resigned from the Rivers State Cabinet. In a letter to the Secretary of the Rivers State Government, Tammy Danagogo, sighted by our correspondent on Wednesday, Adangor rejected the deployment and resigned from the Rivers Executive Council, with effect from April 24, 2024. Prof. Adango said he chose to leave the government to preserve his reputation. He accused Governor Fubara of interfering with his duties as the Attorney General, alleging that the governor had directed him…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has re-opened the runway 18L/36R at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos for flight operations. The runway was temporarily closed after a Dana Air plane skidded off it on Tuesday. FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection announced this in a statement. According to her, prompt actions were taken by FAAN’s emergency response team to evacuate and recover the aircraft from the site. Subsequently, comprehensive clearing operations were conducted to ensure the runway was free of any Foreign Object Debris (FOD) that could impede flight safety. She added that the…

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, withdrew $720,000 from the state’s coffers to pay for his child’s school fees in advance. During an interactive session with media executives in Abuja, Olukoyede alleged that Bello transferred funds directly from the state coffers to a bureau de change operator for the purpose of paying his child’s school fees in anticipation of the end of his tenure. Olukoyede emphasised the impropriety of such actions, saying, “A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved…