Flowerbud News

Day: April 16, 2024

  • Olukoyede Urges Christian Clerics to Promote GODliness to Assist EFCC’s   Fight against Corruption

    By Biola Lawal

    Abuja ( Flowerbudnews):  The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede has urged Christian clerics across the country to promote diligence and GODliness to assist the Commission’s fight against financial crimes.

    Olukoyede noted that diligence and GODliness were work ethics and potent weapons against economic and financial crimes and other acts of  corruption, a statement by EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale disclosed.

    He made this call in Abuja  on Tuesday,statement by Dele Oyewale, Head,  Media and  Publicity, EFCC. April 16, 2024  while receiving  the Founder and Chaplain of Voice of God Chaplaincy, Reverend Francis Obioha who  paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the Commission.

    According to Olukoyede, priests play significant roles in nation building through their prayers, accountable conducts, diligence and righteous way of life.

    “It is a privilege when we have men of God in our midst, we believe in prayers and doing the right thing.  Fighting corruption is a calling, asking people to do the right thing is also a calling, so our mandate is similar to your mission.

    ”Let us work diligently and righteously at all times and we will be able to save our nation”, he said. I’m

    The EFCC’s boss pointed out that preaching and practicing what is good have more impact on people.  “Let us talk to ourselves because doing the right thing also begins with us.

    ”You can`t be preaching to people when you are not showing examples. Let’s do the right things more than we preach it, for righteousness exalts a nation” he said.

    He went further to commend Obioha for taking the initiative to establish Christian chapels in law enforcement environments in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.  He pledged that the EFCC will support the mission by making sure that anti-corruption messages are passed across the country.

    Earlier,  Obioha in his speech,  thanked the EFCC’s  boss for making himself available for God to use him to serve the people. He pointed out  God chose him for service and impact.  “I want to let you know that all eyes are on you.  God chose you for a purpose and I pray God will continue to give you boldness, courage and grace to do the work”, he said.

    The cleric explained that God gave him a mandate to preach the gospel to uniformed people.  “ Till date,  God has used us to establish  over 25 worship centers in various law enforcement  agencies in Abuja. I love the EFCC so much. What you are doing is commendable. Do not be afraid of anybody. You will not fail”, he said. (Flowerbudnews)

     

     

  • NNPC Launches LPG Micro Filling Plant In Nasarawa.

    NNPC Launches LPG Micro Filling Plant In Nasarawa.

    David Okpashi

     

    LAFIA –The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on Tuesday, launched the maiden edition of LPG micro filling station it says is aimed at making cooking gas available and affordable in rural areas in Nasarawa State.

     

    The Manager, External Relations, Aisha Birma, who led the NNPCL team on a courtesy call to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia ,said twelve states in the country had been identified as pilot states, including Nasarawa state,to kickstart the project.

    We have 12 states as the pilot states, but we are starting with Nasarawa State because of the enormous resources available in the state,”Birma stated.

     

    Explaining further, Manager, LPG Sales NNPC Retail Limited,. Jibunoh Sabastine, disclosed that the company had decided to introduce micro filling plants to be deployed to hinterland, especially in less developed communities, in order to introduce the use of cooking gas, reduce deforestation and use of unsafe energy.

     

    He stated further that after the three pilot projects, the NNPC would subsequently in the coming year, scale up the project by establishing additional plants to be decided by the company.

     

    He pointed out that because the project is expected to not only generate employment but also introduce the gas business to people at the hinterlands, the state government might subsequently partner with the NNPC to cascade the LPG Micro Filling Plant across the nooks and crannies of the state.

     

    “The micro filling plant is a specially built compact, compatible containerized system capable of storing LPG in cylinders and dispense same at designated places.

    “We intend to take it to areas where there is lack of orientation on the use of gas for cooking purposes. NNPC has adequate gas supply to distribute across the hinterlands.

     

    “One of the intentions of this project is to ensure that people at the rural areas, no matter how poor they are, would be able to afford gas. If they want to buy LPG of N500,they should be able to come here and refill their cylinder and take to their houses to use,” Sabastine said.

     

    According to Sabastine, the company will build three LPG micro filling plants in Nasarawa State, one in each senatorial zone, with each plant estimated to cost between seventy to ninety million naira.

     

    In his response, Governor Abdullahi Sule, thanked the NNPC for not only selecting Nasarawa State as part of the twelve pilot states but also choosing the state to launch and kickstart the project.

     

    While indicating the interest of his administration to support the NNPC in carrying out the project, Governor Sule used the opportunity of the visit to inform the team on the ongoing oil exploration in the state.

     

    “Exactly one year ago, the NNPCL started oil drilling operations in Obi.

    ” With the start of that, usually before the end of last year, we are supposed to have finished drilling that well. That well is still being drilled. One of the reasons was because they came in contact with gas too early. They have lots of challenges right now when it comes to gas.

     

    “As a matter of fact, they have to do what is called importation of water, that is, taking water from other location to the site. That means you have plenty of gas in Nasarawa State,” he stated.

     

    The Governor noted that Nigeria currently has over 200 trillion standard cubic feet of gas noting that the country had just about 40bn barrels of oil reserve.

    He described the development as a win-win situation with the NNPC exploiting various sources of utilization of gas.

     

    “We in Nasarawa State should be happy with that because we are now a state with the abundance of resources of gas. It’s something that is a win-win for both of us,” he said.

     

    Governor Sule, therefore, directed the NNPC team to liaise with the State Ministry of Land, Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), as well as the Nasarawa State Geographic Information Service ( NAGIS), with a view to fine tuning modalities for kickstarting the project.

    Edited by Dawud Ahmed.

  • INEC closes defence in SDP, Ajaka’s petition against Gov. Ododo’s election victory

    INEC closes defence in SDP, Ajaka’s petition against Gov. Ododo’s election victory

     

     

    Flowerbudnews

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Tuesday, closed its defence in the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, against the election victory of Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi.

    INEC’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, made this known to the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, shortly after he tendered more documents against the SDP’s petition.

    Njoku told the three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudo, that INEC did not intend to call any witness having assessed the case of the petitioners.

    “My lords, the 1st respondent, having reviewed the state of pleadings in this petition, the evidence elicited from petitioners’ witnesses under cross examination, and the documents so far tendered in evidence by the 1st respondent, considers it reasonable not to further belabour the tribunal with the calling of witnesses.

    “In the circumstances, the 1st respondent (INEC) applies to close its case,” the lawyer said.

    Justice Birnin-Kudo, who declared the commission’s case closed, adjourned the matter until April 16 for Gov. Ododo (2nd respondent) to open its defence.

    It would be recalled that INEC conducted the Kogi governorship election on Nov. 11, 2023.

    However, the SDP and its governorship candidate in the poll are challenging the declaration of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the poll.

    In the petition, INEC, Ododo and APC are listed as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

    Earlier in the course of Tuesday’s proceedings, Njoku told the tribunal that INEC brought the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used for the election as ordered by the court on Nov. 25, 2023.

    Njoku also tendered three sets of documents, which included a letter, dated Feb. 22 forwarding the BVAS, a document containing the summary of the BVAS devices and another documents containing the BVAS’ identification numbers.

    When Njoku applied to tender the documents, Ibrahim Sanni Mohammed, SAN, who appeared for Ododo and Ayo Asala, SAN, who appeared for the APC, did not object to the admissibility of the exhibits.

    Lawyer to SDP and Ajaka, Pius Akubo, SAN, objected on the grounds that it was only documents that were tendered without the actual exhibits.

    Ruling, tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Birnin-Kudu, admitted the documents as exhibits and marked them accordingly.

    The BVAS tendered were in relation to seven LGAs, including Okehi, Ajaoukuta, Basa, Ogori-Magongo, Lokoja, Adavi and Okene.

    Meanwhile, Ododo has indicated his readiness to open his defence on Wednesday.

    His lawyer, Mohammed, disclosed this upon being asked by the tribunal’s chairman when the 2nd respondent was willing to open his defence.

    Mohammed assured the tribunal that his client was ready to commence his defence on Wednesday.

    NAN reports that the electoral umpire, on Monday, tendered some electoral documents used in the conduct of the poll in defence of its case.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Court transfers suit against Catholic priests, others to Lagos division for adjudication

    Court transfers suit against Catholic priests, others to Lagos division for adjudication

    Flowerbudnews

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, transferred a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed against Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, and others to Lagos division of the court for adjudication.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, held that it was in the interest of justice to transfer the matter since majority of the parties reside in Lagos.

    “I find that apart from the 4th defendant whose residence this court can take judicial notice as being in Abuja, the applicant, by the averments in the affidavit in support of this case, is in Enugu; the 1st respondent resides in Lagos, the 2nd respondent resides in Lagos, the 3rd respondent by the averments in his counter-affidavit, resides in Lagos, and the 5th respondent resides in Lagos.

    “With this evidence, I am of the opinion that this matter ought to have been filed in the Lagos Division of this court.

    “The expenditure imposed on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th respondents to defend this case in Abuja is not such that ought to be ignored.

    “Furthermore, as much as this suit is by affidavit evidence, the court must avoid a situation where in the consideration of the said affidavit evidence, it finds the need to invite parties to give oral evidence to resolve any area of conflict thereof.

    “Parties must be within the relevant territorial jurisdiction to avoid miscarriage of justice being occasioned on any of them.

    “It is in the interest of justice that this matter even though commenced in this division, to be heard in Lagos division.

    “I therefore make an order pursuant to the provision of Section 22 (1) of the Federal High Court transferring this case to Lagos division of this court forthwith for adjudication.

    “This is the order of this court,” the judge declared.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the applicant, Rev. Fr. Peter Ronald Scott, through his lawyer, Chibuzor Obiajunwa, had filed the suit to seek the protection of court against alleged threat of arrest and detention by the police.

    In the originating motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/473/2022 and filed on April 8, 2022, Scott sued Most Rev. Martins, Rev. Fr. David Kipkrono, Mr Athoney Onwudiwe Ebo, Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, and Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

    He sought a declaration that Martins, Kipkrono and Ebo (1st to 3rd respondents) are not entitled to use I-G or the police commissioner (4th or 5th respondent) “to arrest or detain him in the guise of a police investigation over the decision of Mr Ebo Lawrence Chimaobi (3rd respondent’s son) to pursue his vocation abroad and all circumstances connected thereto.

    “An order of the court perpetually restraining the 1st to 3rd respondents from using the 4th and/or the 5th respondents, their agents, privies, associates, agents or any member of his congregation in the guise of a police investigation over the decision of Mr Ebo Lawrence Chimaobi to pursue his vocation abroad and all circumstances connected thereto. ”

    Scott, in his affidavit, averred that he was duly authorised to reside in Nigeria and presently in charge of the Nigerian Priory of a Catholic Congregation known as the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), and was duly registered as an incorporated trusteeship.

    According to him, SSPX was founded in 1970 by Archbishop Marcel Francois Marie Joseph Lefebvre and against the wishes of the mainstream Catholic Church in 1988, and he consecrated four bishops to continue his work.

    “This resulted in his excommunication as well as the society from the mainstream Catholic Church, till date,” he said.

    Scott, therefore, alleged that Kipkrono, the parish priest of Saint Matthew Catholic Church, Amukoko, Lagos, and Lawrence’s father had accused him of kidnapping Lawrence, a 23-year old son, who completed his Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, in 2020, and proceeded to carry out his National Service programme at the SSPX’s present headquarters in Nigeria.

    He alleged that they had threatened to get him arrested because Lawrence had deeply desired to become an SSPX priest and in January 2022, he was accepted into the society’s seminary and also obtained a religious visa to Argentina.

    But in a counter affidavit deposed to by Mr Ebo, who is Lawrence’s father, the 1st to 3rd respondents disagreed with Scott.

    Ebo alleged that Lawrence was indoctrinated into Scott’s church during his first year in the university between the age of 15 and 16.

    He averred that upon completion of his degree programme, Lawrence was posted to Abuja for his National Youth Service but was advised and threatened by Scott to work his posting to Enugu State so as to continue the teachings and indoctrination into Scott’s church.

    Ebo said though he tried to get his son to work with a specialised company, he said Scott successfully convinced him (Lawrence) to work with the church.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Putin: Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel best way to punish aggressor

    Putin: Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel best way to punish aggressor

    Russian President Vladimir Putin says Iran’s “tactful and wise” response to Israeli aggression on its consulate in Syria was the best way to punish the aggressor.

     

    Putin made the remarks in a phone conversation with President Ebrahim Raeisi on Tuesday.

     

    “What the Islamic Republic of Iran did in response to what happened criminally and in the light of the inaction of the [UN] Security Council, was the best way to punish the aggressor and represented the tactfulness and rationality of Iran’s politicians,” Putin said.

     

    The Russian president said the Israeli regime’s “terrorist act” against the Iranian consulate in Damascus was against all international standards and rules.

     

    He also strongly criticized the United States and certain Western countries for creating tension in the region. “We believe that the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the main pillars of stability and security in the region.”

     

    We firmly declare that we will respond to any action against Iran’s interests with greater force and broader and more painful than the previous [response],” President Raeisi said in the phone call.

     

    The Iranian president also said Tehran’s response to the Israeli regime was within the framework of international law, saying Israel’s terrorist act was a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to global peace.

     

    “The destructive role of the US and some western countries and the inaction and inefficiency of international institutions, including the United Nations and the Security Council, in dealing with the aggressive action of the Zionist regime in attacking the Iranian consulate in Syria caused the Islamic Republic of Iran to exercise its right to self-defense.”

     

    Raeisi further thanked Moscow for its “principled and constructive” stance against the Israeli aggression in Damascus.

     

    He appreciated the diplomatic efforts of the Russian government to thwart the conspiracies of the United States and certain Western countries in the UN Security Council.

     

    “To those countries that have adopted double standards in the face of the crimes of the Zionist regime and express concerns about escalating tensions in the region, we advise them to rather stop supporting the Zionists genocide and crimes against the oppressed Palestinian people to preserve peace and stability in the region,” Raeisi said.

     

    Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched extensive missile and drone strikes against the occupied territories late on April 13 in response to Israel’s missile attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus.

     

    Operation True Promise has inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories. The extent of damage is yet to be specified.

     

    Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the IRGC Quds Force, his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers were assassinated in the Israeli attack on Iran’s diplomatic mission.

  • U.S. ex-President Trump stands historic criminal trial

    U.S. ex-President Trump stands historic criminal trial

     

    Xinhua

    Trump arrived at the court in Lower Manhattan around 9 a.m. with a heavy presence of security guards, press representatives as well as activists from different political camps.

    NEW YORK, April 15 (Xinhua) — Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday appeared in a criminal court in Manhattan, New York City, in the hush money case, making him the first former U.S. president to stand a criminal trial.

    Trump arrived at the court in Lower Manhattan around 9 a.m. with a heavy presence of security guards, press representatives as well as activists from different political camps.

    Trump descended from his motorcade and talked to the press briefly before entering the courtroom.

    “The trial is a political persecution… It’s an assault on America… it’s a country that’s failing,” said Trump.

    The case should never have been brought, said Trump, who also complained about the gag order imposed on him.

    Trump’s lawyers made at least three tries in the previous week in order to delay the trial but the requests were denied by judges.

    Facing 34 felony counts on falsifying business records in a bid to hide hush money payment of 130,000 U.S. dollars to porn star Stormy Daniels in 2016, Trump is expected to be present at the court very often as the trial goes on.

    The trial is expected to last six to eight weeks as jury selection kicked off on Monday, according to a release by New York State Unified Court System.

    Carrying flags and banners, a number of Trump supporters and critics went to Collect Pond Park in front of the court building, and they even traded barbs.

    “Our legal system is corrupt, and I’m here to stand with Trump because he’s much more honorable than our court system,” said Steve Merczynski, a New Yorker, who supports Trump by marketing themed hammocks and hammock chairs.

    Merczynski said the U.S. judicial system is partisan and the problem makes people don’t trust the system, noting that he expected Trump to be found guilty as the vast majority of the jury in New York City are Democrats.

    “The justice system is on trial… I think if Trump is found guilty, it shows we don’t have a fair system here, because this case should not have been brought. If he’s found not guilty, or if there’s a hung jury, I have faith in the system that at least some people know of the baloney that this case is a mistake,” he said.

    For Marc Leavitt, nevertheless, “this is a beautiful day for a trial and for the rule of law.”

    “I believe strongly in democracy. No man or woman is above the law. Everyone has the right to be proven innocent or guilty,” said Leavitt, who wore a placard criticising Trump.

    A group of protesters marched by the court building in the morning and carried a big banner which read “No one is above the law.”

    Leavitt said he believes Trump would get a fair trial in the hush money case and the Republican Party could have chosen a much more worthy candidate in the upcoming presidential election, but he also believes that Trump is guilty of subverting democracy and a “former embarrassment in chief and a scourge on our democracy.”

    Trump, the Republican Party’s presumptive presidential nominee in the 2024 U.S. general election, is facing four criminal indictments, and a conviction in one criminal trial would dampen his presidential campaign, analysts say.

  • Atiku told to drop 2027 presidential ambition

    Atiku told to drop 2027 presidential ambition

    Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has been advised to drop his 2027 presidential ambition for peace to reign in the party.

    The advice is coming barely 48 hours to the crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    A group identified as the PDP Loyal Group 100 percent, told Atiku to sacrifice his ambition support one of his mentees for the PDP ticket while the party should use the powers conferred on NEC to sanction Wike and others whose activities have proven detrimental to the party’s stability.

    National Cordinator / Chairman of the group , Dennis Shima said the group took the decision to suggest a reasonable cause of action for the party ahead of the NEC meeting after wide consultations and several meetings.

     

    He said, “We also consulted widely across Nigeria and resorted to call on PDP National Caucus, Board of Trustees BOT and most importantly NEC to do the following in accordance with the provisions of PDP Constitution (As amended 2017) without prejudices thus: “Advise, His Excellency Alh. Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria (1999 to 2007), PDP 2019 Presidential Candidate and 2023 Presidential Candidate to stop further contest for PDP Presidential Tickets beginning from 2027. And further, request His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON to support one of his many mentees across Nigeria to contest for PDP Presidential Tickets beginning from 2027.

    “We call on, His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, to nominate and support, any of his many mentees from the appropriate geo-political Zone for 2027 presidential election.

    “We also call on, His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, to appreciate God for his wealth of experience and mentorship in Nigerian democracy under PDP since 1999 to date.

    “Therefore, accept this clarion call for him to be a statesman and kingmaker politically going forward. We are optimistic that, His Excellency, Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria, and two times PDP presidential candidate, is not an ingrate and will be grateful to God and PDP, for the platform provided for him, to serve Nigerians in the aforementioned capacities.

    “We are optimistic that, if His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON, accepts his fate going forward as a, father, husband, mentor and statesman in PDP and by extension Nigerian democracy, PDP will win the forthcoming 2027 presidential general election in Nigeria landslide without many political battles as recently faced from prominent figures in Nigeria who are against the person of His Excellency Alh Atiku Abubakar GCON former Vice President of Nigeria.”

    The group further said, “Secondly, we call on the forthcoming PDP National Executive Committee NEC to exercise its power and authority inline with provisions of PDP Constitution regarding; offenses and sanctions, as contained in Section 58(1) a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, I, l, and m. And also Section 59(1) a, b, c, d, e, f, and g, as well as Subsection (2), (3), (4), and (5) to “suspend” His Excellency Barr. Nyesom Wike CON, former Governor of Rivers State from participating in meetings or functions, of PDP at all levels at home and abroad, directly or indirectly.

     

    “Considering the fact that, the deviant PDP stalwart obtained a Court Order restraining PDP from expelling him from the party, we jettison the option of expulsion from the PDP, which would have been appropriate sanction to him.

     

    “This is because of former Governor Wike’s present role as Federal Minister and responsibilities in APC led Federal Government, which is alien to the character and ethics of PDP and also violates, the Constitution of our great party as given in the above sections 58, 59 and subsections (as amended 2017) without prejudices to the personality of the former Governor of Rivers state Mr. Nyesom Wike until the day he officially leaves the Pay Roll of APC led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. After all, PDP receives returnees into its membership. “

  • Embattled APC chairman Ganduje’s billboards pulled down in Abuja (Video)

    Embattled APC chairman Ganduje’s billboards pulled down in Abuja (Video)

    The billboards displaying images of embattled national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Abdullahi Ganduje has been pulled down in Abuja.

    A video seen by our correspondent showed the moment some individuals were removing the boards at the APC national secretariat.

    According to the commentator, Ganduje, seated in his vehicle, appeared helpless as the billboards were taken down, unable to intervene

    On Monday, Ganduje was suspended by by the Legal Adviser of his party ward in the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano, Halliru Gwanzo.

    Gwanzo said the APC ward leadership took the decision given the bribery allegations hanging on Ganduje’s neck.

    In a swift reaction, the National Working Committee of the ruling party and the Kano State chapter of the party faulted and voided the suspension, saying Gwanzo and the indicted party leaders involved don’t have the locus standi to impeach the national chairman.

    The ruling party also fingered the NNPP-led government in Kano State as being behind the move

  • NCAA Suspends Three Private Jet Operators For Operating Commercial Flights

    NCAA Suspends Three Private Jet Operators For Operating Commercial Flights

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has suspended the permit of three private jet operators for engaging in commercial flights.

     

    This was according to a Riot Act on the NCAA’s website, signed by the Acting Director General, Chris Najomo.

     

    He said despite several warnings, the jet operators continued to engage in commercial flight operations, hence their suspension.

     

    The country’s aviation authority had initially deepened surveillance on holders of permit for non-commercial flights (PNCF) over several reports of using their aircraft for hire and reward thereby violating their permit.

     

    In a statement on Tuesday, Najomo said, “As a consequence of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be involved in violation of the annexure provision of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

     

    “This riot act is also directed at existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, who utilize aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations.

     

    “It must be emphasized that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of the AOC are authorized to be used in the provision of such charter services. Any of those AOC holders who wish to use the aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to delist the affected aircraft from the PNCF and include it into the AOC operations specification.

     

    “NCAA wishes to reiterate to the travelling public not to patronize any airline charter operator who does not hold a valid Air Operators Certificate issued by the NCAA, when they wish to procure charter operations services.

     

    “Finally, NCAA encourages the legitimate players in the aviation industry to report the activity of such unscrupulous elements to the authority promptly for necessary action.”

     

    Meanwhile, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had in a Television Programme on Monday, warned private jet operators unlicensed to operate commercial services that their activities were causing the Federal Government a huge loss of revenue.

     

    Keyamo said, “Almost all these private jets are operating commercially resulting in a huge loss of revenue for the Federal Government because the licence to fly a private aircraft privately and the one to fly it commercially is so much.

     

    “When it is commercial, the money paid to the Federal Government is so much. So, people now take licences from us to say I have just bought a private jet and I want to be using it for my business or to fly my friends and family, and we give them at a very low fee.

     

    “However, the moment they are given, they carry passengers all over Nigeria doing six or eight flights a day. This is a notice to them on camera, I am coming for them because the president has given us a marching order, and we are not going to allow it.

     

    “First, in terms of passengers’ safety, the regulation is low. Second, it is economic sabotage and I won’t allow that to happen. People who are my friends or the president’s friends, we will come down on them and, perhaps, ground all their planes. We will come very hard on them. In a matter of days or weeks, we are going to come down on them because we have to raise revenue for the Federal Government, ensure that the laws are kept and ensure the safety of Nigerians.”

     

    However, expediting action on the warning issued, the acting DG of NCAA in a Riot Act on Tuesday, suspended three jet operators found guilty of engaging in commercial flights.

     

    The acting DG disclosed that despite several warnings, these jet operators continued to engage in commercial flight operations, hence their suspension.

     

    The message read, “Back in 2023, the use of private jets for commercial purposes had gotten the attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who issued marching orders for the cessation of such acts.