Legislature
Senate resolves to probe FG’s failed controversial Make Up Gas deal

**As lawmaker accuses former President Buhari’s Finance minister for the messy deal
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s minister of Finance of finance, Dr Zainab Ahmed came under critisms on Thursday over a failed controversial Make Up Gas Deal which the Senate resolved to probe and get to the root of the matter.
The former Minister was fingered to be responsible for railroading the country into the messy deal.
The senates resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Aniekan Etim Bassey representing Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District, titled: “Need to Investigate the Controversial Make Up Gas, MUG, Reprocessing Deal Involving the Federal Ministry of Finance, Niger Delta Power Holding Company , Calabar Generating Company Limited and ACUGAS Limited.
Senator Aniekan explained that the FG was expected to pay over $10 million monthly to ACIGAS Limited which was under the protection of “take or pay” clause.
The clause, he explained, compelled the Federal Government not to default payment of $10 million, whether the Calabar Genco takes delivery of gas or not.
The Lawmaker frowned at the controversial clause, stressing that Nigerians are also worried, given the serious financial burden, it would have on the national treasury.
He said: “Recalls that under the said GSA , the Federal Government is obliged to pay over $10 million monthly to ACUGAS Limited and this monthly obligation was protected and secured with a “take or pay”, clause, implying that the monthly payment of over $10 million must diacharge unfailingly by the FG.”
He lamented that all effort to get the FG out of the doldrum failed, leading to a Reprocessing arrangement of gas already paid but not utilised.
According to him, the bid to get Nigeria out of the controversial “take or pay”, failed and put in place an arrangement to reprocess and redirect the gas for which Nigeria has already paid for, but not utilised over time.
The Lawmaker linked the former Minister of Finance under the immediate past administration of Muhammadu Buhari as responsible for railroading the country into that mess.
“The then Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Dr Zainab Ahmed initiated a Make Up Gas Reprocessing Deal Involving Calabar Genco and ACUGAS Limited.”
In their reaction, Senators were unanimous that the development was unfortunate and a rape on the national coffers.
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau who presided over Thursday’s plenary upheld prayers that the relevant Committee will investigate the matter when constituted.
Barau insisted on due diligence in the handling of government transactions with private sector, “urging the Federal Government particularly the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure due diligence in the preparation and execution of transaction agreements with companies and other investors to avoid the ugly scenario government is facing.”
Legislature
Senator Jibrin Echocho celebrates with Nigerians at 63

Senator Isah Jibrin ( APC Kogi East), has rejoiced with Nigerians on the occasion of 63rd Independence anniversary of the country.
In a statement he personally signed in Abuja on Saturday, the senator urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their believe in building a strong, united and prosperous country.
“Let us be driven forward by our zeal to strengthen our diversity, culture and beliefs as we remain one nation bound in freedom.
“To my dear constituents, I want to assure you that I will continue to be your voice in the Senate, fighting for your rights and interests with integrity and dedication.
“May this Independence day anniversary bring further positive turnaround, unimaginable fortune, unity of purpose, and breakthrough for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“Once again, I felicitate with all the good people of Kogi East, Kogi State, Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, and wish you all the merits of democracy”.
Legislature
Kalu says, China’s economic collaboration with Nigeria is yielding positive outcomes

***boosting industrialization, creating jobs
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has indicated that China’s diplomatic and trade relationships with Nigeria, as well as the cultural exchanges between them have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage.

He said that the ties between both countries has fast tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.
Kalu spoke while delivering his goodwill message at the China’s 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja on Thursday.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu quoted the Deputy Speaker to have further remarked that Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households also stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China has continued to grow.

Kalu added that the symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa.
He said: “The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China has been mutually beneficial, particularly in recent times.
“The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China’s significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development,
with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up
new opportunities for both nations.”
The Deputy Speaker also urged the government of the People’s Republic of China to join Nigeria in her efforts to identify and resolve the tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage.
“I look forward to both countries taking increasing steps to engender people to people diplomacy in order to troubleshoot matters that encourage xenophobic tendencies”.
Legislature
Join Nigeria in fight against xenophobia at world stage, deputy Speaker, Kalu tells China

***Commends diplomatic, trade relationship between both countries
The government of the People’s Republic of China should join Nigeria in her efforts to identify and resolve tendencies that encourage xenophobic attacks at the world stage, the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Okezie Kalu has charged.
Kalu also applauded the diplomatic and trade relationships between both countries, acknowledging that the cultural exchanges have fostered a deep understanding and appreciation of each other’s heritage.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary ( CPS), Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu qoted Kalu to have made the submissions while delivering his goodwill message at the China’s 74th National Day celebrations in Abuja on Thursday.
He said that the ties between the two nations has fast tracked the industrial development of Nigeria with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to the enduring collaboration.
Kalu who indicated that Chinese products have become a staple in Nigerian households also stressed that Nigeria’s agricultural exports to China has continued to grow.
According to him, the symbiotic relationship has created jobs, boosted local industries, and increased the welfare of the people, adding that currently, Nigeria is China’s second largest trading partner in Africa.
He said: “The decades-long relationship between our two great nations, Nigeria and China has been mutually beneficial, particularly in recent times.
“The rich tapestry of our partnership has woven threads of cooperation in various sectors, from infrastructure development to trade, technology exchange, and cultural engagement. China’s significant investments in Nigeria have contributed immensely to the growth and development of our nation, fostering economic prosperity and stability.
“China has been a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s infrastructural development,
with projects such as the Abuja-Kaduna Railway and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project standing as a testament to our enduring collaboration. These initiatives have not only improved connectivity within Nigeria but have also laid the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
“In the realm of commerce, our bilateral trade has flourished, opening up
new opportunities for both nations.
“I look forward to both countries taking increasing steps to engender
people to people diplomacy in order to troubleshoot matters that encourage
xenophobic tendencies”.
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