+++++++++HEALTH+++++++++
Nigerian Families And Heavy Burden Of Sickle Cell: ‘I Watched 6 Siblings Die From This Disease’
For numerous Nigerian families, living with sickle cell disease means enduring persistent pain, exhausting sleepless nights, and the heavy emotional and financial toll of constant medical care.
These discomforts are shadowed by the constant fear of losing a loved one too soon.
The excruciating pain of sickle cell anaemia has claimed countless lives and left families drowning in grief and emotional trauma across Nigeria.
In recognition of the trauma associated with sickle cell, the UN designated June 19 annually as World Sickle Cell Day—a globally recognised public health initiative.
Its essential mission is to shed light on the societal impact of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), drive research advancements, and advocate for improved clinical care and early detection procedures.
Experts define SCD as a genetic blood disorder that causes red blood cells to become abnormally shaped, blocking blood flow and leading to severe pain, infections, organ damage, and sometimes death.
According to the Centre for Policy Impact in Global Health, Nigeria remains the global epicentre of SCD.
The country records more than 150,000 babies born with the condition every year, representing over 33 per cent of the global burden.
The disease continues to cause high mortality, especially among children, with many dying before reaching adulthood due to limited access to quality healthcare and funding for treatment.
For Mrs Shiva M’ouul-Kondoun, Bursar of the University of Abuja—now Yakubu Gowon University—childhood memories are filled not with joy or laughter but with repeated tragedy.”
She recounted how sickle cell disease wiped out half of her siblings.
Born into a family of 12, she watched six of her siblings die from the disease before turning 16.
“I watched my siblings lying side by side in one room, gasping for breath, while my mother stayed with them and the rest of us ran around seeking help.
“Months and years passed. One after another, without much of a gap, they died; it was a painful cycle of hope and grief,” she said.
Her voice trembled as she described the helplessness her family endured, watching young lives fade away despite desperate efforts to save them.
M’ouul-Kondoun’s story reflects the painful reality faced by so many families across Nigeria, where sickle cell disease remains one of the country’s most devastating but often neglected health conditions.
Binta Salisu also recapped her ordeal.
She still remembers the pain her son, Ismaila Salisu, suffered before he died.
He was a playful and lively child whose life gradually became overshadowed by the unbearable pain of SCD.
She said the sign started shortly after his first birthday.
“He would cry through the night holding his hands or legs as if something was biting him from inside.”
She said at first, they thought it was just a normal childhood illness.
Medical tests later confirmed that Ismaila had SCD.
From that moment, life changed completely for the family.
“It became a cycle of hospital visits, medications, and sleepless nights.’’
“He was always in pain. Sometimes he wouldn’t eat. Sometimes he would just lie there and stare at me.”
The emotional burden became unbearable for her as a mother.
“I used to pray and ask God to take my life instead and spare him because he was too young.”
She said a doctor later explained that Ismaila suffered repeated sickle cell crises, episodes of intense pain caused by blocked blood vessels, which gradually weakened his body system.
On the day he died, Salisu said her son struggled for breath.
She said: “He held my finger so tight, like he did not want to let go, then suddenly he became still.
“He was gone forever.”
Beyond the physical pain suffered by patients, families also battle financial hardship, especially when emergency medical care is needed.
Ruqqayya Abdulrahman, 27, knows this reality too well.
She narrated how she lost the man she intended to marry to sickle cell disease in 2025.
Describing him as kind, loving, and full of dreams, she said his death shattered her world.
“He was the man of my dreams.”
She said the tragedy happened after they attended his younger sister’s graduation ceremony.
Abdulrahman said her former partner started complaining of stomach pain.
“We thought it was just the usual crisis, so he took painkillers and the pain reduced briefly.
“But after some time, the pain became severe and we rushed him to the hospital.”
At the hospital, doctors reportedly recommended an urgent blood transfusion.
However, the family struggled to raise money for the blood.
“After spending so much on tests and treatment, they said he needed blood urgently, but there was no money.
“The delay in getting a blood transfusion was what led to his death on Sept. 7, 2025, a date I will never forget,” she said.
Across Nigeria, similar stories echo in homes, hospitals, and communities: stories of parents burying children, lovers losing partners, and families silently battling emotional and financial exhaustion.
Health experts say that in spite of advances in treatment, many sickle cell patients in Nigeria still lacked access to adequate care, essential drugs, and proper counselling.
They also point to poor genotype awareness, inadequate newborn screening, and weak healthcare systems as major factors worsening the burden of the disease.
However, a pharmacist at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, John Uwaya, points out that there is hope for people living with SCD.
He said advanced stem-cell approaches or gene-based correction of haematopoietic stem cells could functionally reduce sickle cell disease by establishing erythropoiesis that produces non-sickling haemoglobin.
“It can be curative when a compatible donor is available, but it requires rigorous compatibility testing and carries risks related to conditioning, compatibility, and procedure-related complications.
“Stem cell-based or gene therapies are emerging options described as potentially less invasive but currently technologically complex and costly.”
Uwaya said that stem cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation worked by increasing the number of healthy red blood cells in the body so that they outnumber the sickled cells.
As a result, patients experience fewer crises, less severe pain, and a better quality of life.
However, he stressed that the treatment did not necessarily mean that a person’s SS genotype completely changed to AA or AS.
While stem cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation offer hope for curing sickle cell disease, they remain out of reach for average Nigerians due to high cost.
Uwaya said that treatment could cost over N5 million, making it unaffordable for most families, particularly those already burdened by the economic challenges associated with managing the disease.
“Although some patients have benefited from grants and special intervention programmes, access to curative treatment is still limited because the technology is expensive and not widely available,” he said.
These challenges have pushed non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups to intensify efforts toward supporting patients and creating awareness.
One of them is the Crystal Shape Sickle Cell Foundation, which has continued to advocate for better healthcare access and support for persons living with SCD.
Hajia Mariam Hassan, co-founder of the foundation established in 2016, said many families were suffering silently because treatment remained expensive and inaccessible.
According to her, poor awareness, inadequate advocacy, high cost of drugs, especially hydroxyurea, and difficulty accessing safe blood continue to threaten the survival of patients.
“Many people still do not understand the seriousness of sickle cell disease until it affects their family directly,” she said.
She stressed the need for stronger government intervention, subsidised treatment, public education, and improved healthcare services for patients.
Hassan said that beyond medical treatment, there was also an urgent need for emotional and psychological support for families living with the condition.
For many of them, SCD is more than a health challenge; it is a lifelong emotional battle marked by fear, uncertainty, and painful loss.
Above all, rather than mere sympathy, families navigating Nigeria’s sickle cell crisis are demanding broader awareness, affordable treatments, accessible care, and the prospect of a better future.
NAN FEATURES
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+++++++++FOREIGN+++++++++
Tinubu Hails Narendra Modi For Becoming India’s Longest Serving PM
I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.
This remarkable achievement reflects the enduring confidence and trust the people of India have reposed in his leadership over three consecutive mandates. His dedication to public service, commitment to national development, and influential leadership on the global stage continue to inspire millions worldwide.
Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire his wisdom, courage, and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his nation.
As a distinguished recipient of Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), he has also contributed immensely to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I wish Prime Minister Modi continued good health, wisdom, and success as he leads India to even greater heights.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
June 9, 2026
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+++++++++NIGERIA+++++++++
South-East Commission Defends N153m One-Room Rent Amidst N16.6bn Allocation
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) has offered its own side of the story after it appeared before the Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission Tuesday, during which the panel expressed outrage at the renting of a one-room office for N153 million and the handling of a N16.6 billion allocation.
In a statement, on Wednesday, the commission noted that several issues from the Senate session had since attracted public commentary.
SEDC said: “The Commission has addressed them directly: what the Abuja office expenditure actually covers, what ‘implied expenditure’ means and why that money has not left our accounts, and how available funds have been deployed to build an institution and advance regional projects in the absence of any capital budget release.”
Its full statement, dated 9th June 2026, and titled, SEDC Affirms Commitment to Transparency and Full Disclosure Following Senate Committee Session,” read as follows:
The South-East Development Commission (SEDC) today participated in an interactive session with the Senate Committee on South-East Development Commission as part of the National Assembly’s constitutional oversight responsibilities.
During the engagement, the Commission provided detailed briefings on its financial position, operational activities, procurement processes, institutional development, strategic partnerships, and ongoing programmes across the South-East.
As part of its review, the Committee requested additional documentation relating to specific aspects of the Commission’s operations and expenditure. The Commission welcomed the request and sought a short period within which to collate and transmit the materials in the level of detail required by the Committee. Following discussions, proceedings were adjourned to a later date pending submission of the requested documents, which the Commission will provide on or before 23 June 2026.
In view of public interest in the session, the Commission considers it important to clarify a number of issues that have featured prominently in public commentary.
On the Abuja Liaison Office
The expenditure relating to the Commission’s Abuja Liaison Office covers the establishment and operation of a functional office facility at the Congress Building, Maitama, Abuja. It serves as the Commission’s operational base for engagement with the National Assembly, federal ministries and agencies, development finance institutions, and strategic partners. The expenditure cited reflects the cumulative cost of establishing and running the office since its inauguration on 11 February 2025 to date, covering rent, operational costs, utilities, and basic fit-out works across that entire period.
The board and management have prioritised relocating to the Commission’s designated headquarters in Enugu at the earliest possible opportunity. Rather than procuring an entirely new facility, which would have represented a significantly greater call on public resources, the Commission secured the transfer of an existing building from the Enugu State Government and has since entered into a formal agreement with the State Government to fast-track its rehabilitation and the Commission’s transition to that facility. The contract awarded for that rehabilitation is addressed further below.
On Implied Expenditure
References to funds described as “implied expenditure” relate to a contract awarded for the rehabilitation of the Commission’s headquarters facility in Enugu — a building transferred to SEDC by the Enugu State Government that requires significant work to be fit for institutional use. The contract was awarded in accordance with the Public Procurement Act 2007, following approval by the Bureau of Public Procurement and the concurrence of the supervising ministry. These commitments represent budgeted obligations that have been lawfully committed but not yet disbursed, consistent with established public sector fmancial management practice. To be precise: this money has not left the Commission’s accounts.
On Expenditure to Date
It is important to note that the Commission has not received any funds from its capital budget. Notwithstanding this, and in response to the development expectations of the South-East, the Commission has drawn on every available resource and goodwill to advance project development work on high-impact regional capital projects, ensuring that the necessary groundwork is in place to enable swift execution once capital releases are made.
Expenditure to date has therefore been directed towards two mutually reinforcing objectives: building the institutional foundation on which the Commission’s full programme delivery rests, and advancing project development work that would ordinarily fall within the capital budget.
It is worth recalling that the Commission received its first disbursement of funds after more than ten months of being in existence. On the institutional side, expenditure has covered the payment of staff salaries and arrears for personnel who were operational from February 2025 and who continued to serve the Commission through that extended period of delayed fund releases, capacity training for seconded staff, the establishment of the Commission’s operational bases in Abuja and Enugu, and the procurement of essential ICT infrastructure to bring the Commission to a basic standard of operational readiness.
On the programme and project development side, it has included the engagement of consultants for feasibility studies and due diligence on priority regional projects, among them a potential gas infrastructure partnership with significant energy and industrial implications for the South-East, participation in the Intra-African Trade Fair in Algeria, from which the Commission is now in active development of a partnership with Afreximbank to co-develop a Project Preparation Fund targeting moribund industries across the region, the South-East Vision 2050 Stakeholder Forum, and the launch and first-cycle investment of the South-East Venture Capital Programme, which has delivered funded support to 25 startups across the South-East.
Submission of Documentation
The Commission will submit comprehensive documentation, including procurement records, contract details, payment schedules, and supporting financial records, to the Senate Committee on or before 23 June 2026. SEDC remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and cooperation with all constitutional oversight institutions.
The South-East Development Commission was established to drive economic transformation, infrastructure development, investment mobilisation, and regional prosperity across the South-East. The Commission remains focused on that mandate and is confident that a full review of the facts and supporting documentation will provide a complete picture of its activities and stewardship of public resources.
It was issued by the SEDC Office of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer South-East Development Commission.
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+++++++++FOREIGN+++++++++
South Africa Hunts 10 Men Who Killed 12 In Mass Shooting
Police in South Africa have launched a manhunt after 12 people were killed in a mass shooting at an informal settlement in Johannesburg.
At least 10 suspects, heavily armed with rifles, entered the Jumpers Informal Settlement in the suburb of Cleveland late on Tuesday night and opened fire before fleeing in a white vehicle, police said.
The motive for what police called a “heartless” and “barbaric” attack, in which another nine people were injured, is still being investigated.
Members of the Jumper’s community believe the shooting may be linked to a turf war between groups of illegal miners living in the area.
Illegal mining has been on the increase in South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Shootings in informal settlements are not uncommon, sometimes linked to gang violence and personal disputes.
The local police department said its officers responded to a “complaint of shooting in progress” at about 23:10 local time (21:10 GMT) on Tuesday.
“It is alleged that more than 10 suspects were dropped off by a white Toyota Quantum near a petrol station in Cleveland,” the police said in a statement.
“The suspects allegedly entered the informal settlement through both entrances and moved through the area, opening fire on residents and community members at multiple locations before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle,” the statement added.
Police said eight men and three women died at the scene, while another man died from his injuries in hospital.
At least nine others were taken to various medical facilities for treatment of gunshot wounds.
The police have said that the motive for the attack is not known and forms part of the investigation.
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>>>>>NIGERIA>>>>>>>.
Vice Principal, 2 Others Killed As Terrorists On 40 Cycles Attack School In Kogi
An attack by armed terrorists on Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has left three persons dead, including the Vice Principal and a six-year-old child.
Police later reported that one attacker was also killed during the exchange of gunfire, while a member of the state’s joint security team sustained gunshot injuries and is currently receiving treatment.
The attack, which occurred at about 10am on Wednesday, threw the community into mourning and heightened concerns over security in the area.
Those killed were identified as:
- Mr Ganiyu Anifowose, the Vice Principal of UBE Secondary/Primary School, Iluke
- Mr Sunday Jacob Alhassan, aged 70 years and
- Sunday Ayele, aged six years.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, ASP Saliu Afusat, the Kogi State Police Command said a large number of armed bandits, operating on about 40 motorcycles, invaded the school with the suspected intention of abducting students and other residents.
The statement said the Divisional Police Officer of Kabba ‘A’ Division immediately mobilised a joint security response after receiving distress calls, deploying personnel from the police division, the Police Mobile Force, and tactical teams.
It added that military personnel and local vigilante groups already stationed in the area also joined the operation.
“The combined security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.
“Preliminary findings indicate that there is presently no conclusive evidence of a successful mass abduction of students or other residents.
“However, investigations and ongoing assessments are continuing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered sustained bush-combing operations and confidence-building patrols in the affected area. According to the Command, joint security operatives are still conducting intensive operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks.
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>>>>>METRO>>>>>>>.
Deeper Life Founder Kumuyi Says He’s Not Handing Over Church To Sons
The Founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has firmly dismissed any possibility of his biological sons succeeding him as leader of the church, stressing that the ministry belongs to Jesus Christ and not to any individual or family.
Kumuyi, who founded the ministry in 1973, has two sons: Jeremiah (Jerry) and John, from his first marriage to his deceased first wife, Abiodun Kumuyi, who died in 2009.
While Jerry is a US-based medical doctor, John is an IT specialist.
Speaking on the issue of church succession, the respected cleric said he has no authority to transfer leadership of the church to his children because Deeper Life is not his personal possession.
According to Kumuyi, the church is God’s institution and should never be treated like a family inheritance.
“The reason why I will never hand over Deeper Life Church to any of my biological sons is because the church doesn’t belong to me. It’s Jesus’ church. Nobody has the right to hand it over to his son,” he said.
The veteran preacher also pointed to examples from the early Christian church, noting that prominent apostles did not pass leadership positions to their relatives.
“Peter did not hand over to his son, Apostle Paul had no son or wife, and John did not hand over the church to his sons,” Kumuyi added.
ORIENTAL TIMES
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>>>>>SPORTS OR FOOTBALL>>>>>>>.
World Cup: Somalia Referee Barred From Entering US Returns Home To Hero’s Welcome
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the referee whose World Cup dreams have been dashed after being refused entry to the United States, has been given a hero’s welcome upon his return to his homeland of Somalia.
Artan, who was named Africa’s Referee of the Year in 2025, had been primed realise his World Cup dream by becoming the first Somali official to referee at the tournament, but was refused entry to the USA at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding an US entry visa.
He was subsequently returned to Turkey, from where he departed for Somalia, where he arrived at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on Wednesday – being greeted by members of the Somali Football Federation, government officials and hundreds of well-wishers from the general public.
“I want to thank FIFA for supporting me all the way, and for Somali people also,” he told Al Jazeera. “So I am very grateful for FIFA and for CAF also. This is what I have to say.”
Somali FA President Ali Abdi Mohamed, also shared his support for Artan.
“The denial has now affected Omar Artan, a referee who earned the right to officiate at the highest levels of world football, and truly deserved the opportunity,” he told assembled journalists in Mogadishu.
US authorities have stated that the referee was denied entry in Miami because of a ‘vetting concern’, with executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force Andrew Giuliani suggesting on Tuesday to BBC World Service that the 34-year-old had been barred because of his “association with suspected members of terrorist organisations,” without giving further detail.
Artan is understood to have been interrogated for 11 hours upon his arrival at Miami International Airport, prompting a widespread outcry on social media regarding his treatment.
The Premier of British Columbia in Canada has invited the referee to officiate games in Vancouver, although the referees training base for the tournament is located in Miami, meaning there is no clear way for Artan to take part in the competition.
President Trump placed a full entry ban on any visa category from 12 different nation states – including Somalia – in June 2025 – although Artan had been issued a valid visa due to his official participation in the World Cup.
“I think they have a problem with my country,” Artan told The New York Times.
FIFA, when questioned, refused to criticise US authorities for the Artan decision, reiterating that it was not responsible for decisions around visa issuing or entry to any of the host countries.
“Of course, we interacted with FIFA on the matter and FIFA is interacting with the host nation,” an official from the Confederation of African Football told ESPN.
“He has also been talking to our referees department throughout the entire situation.
“I don’t know what more kind of support we can be. What we are doing is quite diplomacy, we cannot be negotiating in public when we do that.”
Former England striker Ian Wright was one of several public figures who spoke out, criticising the States’ decision to bar entry to Artan.
“I’ve just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry,” he shared on an Instagram video.
“Every few hours it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.
“I’m laughing but it’s not funny, it’s actually not funny and something has to be said; the expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said.
“Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world, is this how the hosts behave?” he concluded. “This is the World Cup; this is a World Cup of chaos.”
ESPN
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>>>>>NIGERIA>>>>>>>.
Aare Gani Adams Mobilises Yoruba Monarchs Against Rising Insecurity
The Yoruba One Voice Worldwide has called on traditional rulers in Yorubaland to close ranks and forge a common front to tackle the surge in insecurity in the region.
The call formed part of the resolutions reached at a virtual international conference organised by the group, led by the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, which brought together Yoruba organisations, community leaders, professionals, intellectuals and cultural advocates in Nigeria and the diaspora
The South-West region has, in recent times, witnessed a surge in incidents of abductions and other forms of terrorism, with over 40 teachers and pupils of three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State still being held hostage.
In a communiqué signed by its Secretary-General, Adedokun Ademiluyi; Organising Secretary, Victoria Harley; and Publicity Secretary, Samuel Olamuyiwa, on Sunday, the group emphasised that the security of Yorubaland depended on unity of purpose and effective collaboration among stakeholders, including traditional rulers.
Speakers at the conference posited that the security situation in Yorubaland had deteriorated significantly in recent years, with increasing incidents of kidnapping, banditry, violent crimes, killings and attacks on communities, and called for urgent action.
The communiqué read, “The conference advises traditional rulers to eschew their differences, close ranks and forge a common front in the fight against insecurity in Yorubaland.
“The future security of Yorubaland depends on unity of purpose, effective collaboration among stakeholders, community participation and the adoption of decentralised policing structures capable of responding to local realities.”
The conference stressed the need for collective action, strategic partnerships and sustained commitment for Yorubaland to overcome the current security challenges and restore peace, progress and prosperity across the region.
The participants demanded the collaboration of the Federal Government, South-West governors, security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to ensure the urgent release of the abducted schoolchildren and adopt proactive measures to prevent a deterioration of the security situation in the zone.
They noted that the recent escalation of insecurity stemmed from the failure of government, security agencies and other stakeholders to heed early warnings and intelligence reports about the gradual infiltration of Yorubaland by bandits and others with criminal intent.
“The existing centralised policing structure has demonstrated limitations in effectively responding to local security challenges and emerging threats.
“Early warnings and intelligence reports regarding the gradual infiltration of bandits into Yorubaland were not given adequate attention by relevant authorities, thereby allowing criminal networks to strengthen their operations.
“Community-based security groups possess valuable local intelligence, grassroots networks and operational experience that can complement government security efforts,” the communiqué further read.
According to them, the Oyo attack underscored the fact that communities across Yorubaland remain vulnerable due to inadequate security presence, difficult terrain, porous borders, isolated settlements and limited emergency response capacity
“The coordinated attack on schools in Oyo confirmed that the threat has now fully spread to the South-West region, which was previously considered relatively safer.
“Understanding the changing face of insecurity in Yorubaland requires examining both traditional and emerging threats, their root causes and the collaborative strategies needed to ensure sustainable peace, security and development across the region.
“This grisly picture of growing insecurity ravaging Yorubaland and South-West Nigeria demands urgent strategic attention and action,” the communiqué read.
The group reiterated calls for the establishment of state police and local government police, just as it urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to hasten legislative action towards providing a constitutional framework for decentralised policing in Nigeria.
The communiqué also read, “The conference strongly condemns the growing wave of insecurity, kidnappings, banditry, terrorism and violent crimes threatening the peace, stability and development of Yorubaland.
“It renews the demand for the establishment of State Police and Local Government Police as part of broader constitutional and security reforms necessary for effective grassroots policing and intelligence gathering.
“It urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and relevant stakeholders to accelerate legislative actions that will provide a constitutional framework for decentralised policing across Nigeria.”
Despite the call for action by the government and stakeholders, the YOV also stressed the importance of community vigilance by residents to support security agencies.
This was as it called for a bottom-up approach to intelligence gathering to mitigate security challenges in Yorubaland.
“We recommend institutional engagement with the South-West Security Stakeholders’ Group and other credible grassroots security networks for intelligence sharing, surveillance and coordinated security operations.
“We also advocate increased investment in rural security infrastructure, including improved road access, communication systems, surveillance technology and rapid response mechanisms.
“We call on all Yoruba people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or social status, to unite in safeguarding their communities and supporting legitimate security initiatives. We also encourage continuous public enlightenment and community vigilance as essential tools in preventing criminal infiltration and strengthening collective security,” the communiqué read.
Earlier, Maj. Gen. Ishola Williams (Retd.) delivered the keynote address on issues of governance, security reforms and democratic accountability, which set the tone for the conference.
The conference also had other participants, including opinion and community leaders, intelligentsia, security experts, professionals, entrepreneurs, workers, scholars, students, media practitioners and stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria.
THE PUNCH
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Senate Orders Arrest Of NNPC Ex-CEO Mele Kyari Over ‘Missing’ N210trn, As Former Official Defends Him
The Senate has through its Committee on Public Accounts, ordered the arrest of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, for refusing to appear before it over unaccounted N210 trillion from 2017 to 2023.
This was as former the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NNPCL, Umar Ajiya Isa, tackled the committee on the allegation by declaring that no money is missing and that the N210 trillion being bandied as unaccounted for, was more than N54.5 trillion the company generated within the same period.
A warrant of arrest was immediately issued on Wednesday against Kyari, over his persistent physical absence from the investigative sessions conducted by the committee on the alleged unaccounted N210 trillion.
Senators Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), separately informed the Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe North) and other members that Kyari should be given another chance to appear before them as he is currently sick in Germany.
But other members of the committee vehemently opposed their suggestion and urged the Chairman to issue a warrant of arrest against him.
Specifically, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) in opposing possible voluntary appearance by Kyari said verbal excuse should not be accepted but documented evidence of sickness followed by Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central), who raised motion on issuance of warrant of arrest against Kyari.
In seconding the motion, the Deputy Chairman of the committee, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi (Ebonyi North) said giving Kyari another chance of making voluntary appearance would amount to a wild goose chase.
“This is the 9th time this committee is meeting on the 19 queries raised against NNPCL by the Office of Auditor-General of the Federation three of which were chaired by me.
“Mr Chairman, the time to issue warrant of arrest against Mele Kyari is now because the committee must conclude its assignment and report back to Senate,” he said.
The Committee Chairman, accordingly, after putting the motion to voice votes and got affirmation from members declared that: “Anywhere Mele Kyari is, should be arrested and brought before this committee.”
The alleged unaccounted N210 trillion was however kicked against by Hajiya in his submission before the committee saying if such a humongous amount was missing, there wouldn’t have been any audited report.
“To be clear: If money had gone missing at NNPC during our tenure, we would not have had the courage to publish audited accounts. For over 40 years, those accounts were either not prepared, not made public, or not even shared with the Auditor-General.
“₦210 trillion is an enormous sum. NNPC’s total revenue in the period under review was about ₦54.5 trillion, even before deducting production costs. It’s impossible for ₦210 trillion to be missing or unaccounted for,” he said.
He added that the claim that ₦5.8 billion was used to register NNPC Limited was untrue and damaging.
He tasked the committee to make verification of the claim from the Corporate Affairs Commission and the Federal Inland Revenue Service now Nigeria Revenue Service.
He said: “Unfounded claims do real damage. They harm the reputations of individuals, the company, and Nigeria itself. International rating agencies use public information to assess countries. Negative, inaccurate reports can hurt Nigeria’s credit rating and our national interests.
“We’ve seen this before. While seeking about $2.5 billion in Chinese financing for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline, an unpatriotic petition was submitted to Chinese authorities. Despite a sovereign guarantee, the financing was disrupted and the project remains uncompleted.
“Actions like that discourage public servants. At times it’s frustrating. But as Nigerians, we remain committed to serving our country and contributing to its development.
“When people claim ₦210 trillion is missing, they should be asked: where exactly did it go? Agencies like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit and the EFCC should investigate and establish the facts so Nigerians can trust the truth.”
