SGF AKUME RECEIVES NEW NNPCL CEO, BASHIR OJULARI
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has officially received Bashir Ojulari, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja on Friday, 4th April.
Ojulari, who assumed the role on April 2 following the departure of the former CEO, Mallam Mele Kyari, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council for entrusting him with the leadership of NNPCL. He also pledged to drive the company towards becoming a commercially viable and globally competitive energy enterprise.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose praised President Tinubu’s decision to remove Mele Kyari, describing it as a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the NNPCL. Moreover, Fayose asserted that the decision marks Tinubu’s smartest political action to date, emphasizing the need for similar decisive measures in other sectors where corruption has taken root.
The change in leadership at NNPCL also led to the replacement of the company’s board chairman, Pius Akinyelure, with Ahmadu Musa Kida as the new non-executive chairman.
FORMER FIRST LADY PATIENCE JONATHAN ACCUSED OF TORTURING WORKERS
A former domestic worker, who has been imprisoned since 2019 at the behest of Nigeria’s former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, has come forward with disturbing allegations of brutal torture endured during detention. The shocking claims, detailed in a handwritten note reportedly suggest that the former First Lady was directly involved in supervising and participating in the abuse.
The note, authored by one of the detainees at Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State, alleges that Patience Jonathan personally oversaw and took part in the violent treatment of domestic workers, who have been held without trial for nearly six years. According to the account, the detainees were subjected to severe forms of torture, including hanging, whipping, and assault with sticks and machetes. Moreover, the note claims that the former First Lady was dissatisfied with the level of brutality executed by the police, which led her to demand an escalation of the abuse.
One particularly harrowing episode involved Patience Jonathan allegedly using her high-heeled shoes to strike the victims repeatedly. Additionally, the detainee implicated ASP Collins Otutu, the chief security officer to Patience Jonathan’s husband, in orchestrating the abuse. The note further alleges that Otutu would often arrive at the scene intoxicated, bringing alcohol for other officers involved.
The case dates back to 2019, when 15 domestic workers were arrested following a reported robbery involving missing jewelry belonging to the former First Lady. Despite the presumption of innocence under the constitution, the detainees have remained in Okaka Correctional Centre without conviction or a fair trial.
Legal sources familiar with the case have expressed concern over the prolonged detention, citing deliberate delays allegedly influenced by Patience Jonathan. Furthermore, a relative of one of the detainees revealed that, despite the lack of evidence, the case remains stalled, as authorities are reportedly waiting for witnesses. Consequently, the detainees continue to languish in prison without justice, while the controversy surrounding their detention and alleged mistreatment intensifies.
SOWORE QUESTIONS PATIENCE JONATHAN OVER DETAINED WORKERS
The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has raised questions concerning the source of ₦750 million allegedly spent by former First Lady Patience Jonathan on jewelry. Additionally, he has called for her arrest over the prolonged detention of 15 domestic workers accused of theft.
According to reports, Patience Jonathan has allegedly kept the workers imprisoned at the Okaka Correctional Centre in Bayelsa State since 2019. Despite the absence of a court conviction, the workers have remained incarcerated, with their trial repeatedly delayed, purportedly due to the influence of the former First Lady.
In response to the controversy, Sowore took to his handle on Friday, April 4, 2025, questioning how Patience Jonathan acquired the substantial amount needed to purchase the expensive jewelry. He condemned the alleged use of public funds for personal luxury, while also expressing disbelief that a public figure accused of financial misconduct would have the audacity to imprison others for allegedly stealing a fraction of the looted wealth.
Lastly, Sowore criticized the Nigerian justice system, highlighting the apparent contradiction of suspected public treasury looters arresting others for theft. He insisted that justice must be served and called for the immediate release of the detained workers, asserting that Patience Jonathan should be held accountable instead.
TINUBU APPOINTS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BANK OF AGRICULTURE
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Ayo Sotinrin, a former Chief Executive Officer of SAO Group, as the new Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture. The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, through a statement on Friday, April 4, 2025.
President Tinubu emphasized that Sotinrin’s extensive experience in both the private and public sectors makes him well-suited for the role. He praised Sotinrin’s ability to mobilize capital, drive agribusiness innovation, and collaborate effectively across various sectors. Furthermore, Tinubu described these skills as crucial for repositioning the Bank of Agriculture as a key player in ensuring food security, sovereignty, and rural development.
Before his appointment, Sotinrin served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of SAO Group, where he led various agricultural projects, including a 20,000-hectare oil palm plantation and large-scale poultry, aquaculture, maize, and cassava ventures in Ondo State.
Additionally, Sotinrin led SAO Capital, securing over $750 million in infrastructure and development financing, notably spearheading the $200 million Akure Water Supply Project. His extensive career includes consulting roles with global development partners such as the World Bank, AfDB, DFID, and USAID, as well as international experience with the Royal Bank of Scotland International, Deutsche Bank, and the UK Environment Agency.
According to the presidency, Sotinrin’s appointment aligns with the administration’s strategy to reinvigorate Nigeria’s agricultural sector and support rural prosperity.
SENATE TO PRIORITIZE TAX REFORM BILLS 2024 UPON RECONVENING
The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), has announced that the Senate will give top priority to the Tax Reform Bills 2024 as soon as it reconvenes after the Sallah and Easter holidays.
Speaking during an empowerment program in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Bamidele emphasized that the upper chamber would promptly address the bills to ensure swift legislative progress. He also provided updates on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing that the revision process is proceeding smoothly. Moreover, he stated that the ultimate goal is to establish a more efficient and responsive governance system for the nation.
Reflecting on the Senate’s activities since its inauguration on June 13, 2023, Bamidele outlined the legislative strides aimed at reinforcing democracy and stabilizing the economy. He further noted that the Senate remains committed to enhancing the country’s economic framework through targeted legislative interventions.
Regarding the Tax Reform Bills 2024, Bamidele described them as pivotal to reshaping Nigeria’s fiscal landscape. The proposed reforms include complete tax relief for individuals earning ₦1,000,000 or less annually and tax exemptions for small businesses with capital not exceeding ₦50 million. Additionally, essential services such as food, education, healthcare, and transportation will be exempt from Value Added Tax (VAT).
Finally, the tax reform package proposes a gradual tax rate adjustment, setting the rate at 27.5% for 2025 and 25% for 2026. Bamidele assured Nigerians that the House of Representatives has already passed the bills and that the Senate would address any concerns raised by the public during the review process.
Additionally, he reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to fostering foreign direct investment, supporting macroeconomic stability, and completing the constitutional review process without bias.
NNAMDI KANU HOPES FOR APRIL RELEASE, SLAMS IGBO LEADERS
Detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, says he’s confident of being released by April 2025. This was revealed by Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President-General of the Igbo Community Association, after visiting Kanu at the DSS headquarters in Abuja.
Ezenekwe said Kanu is in good health and remains mentally strong. He also blasted Igbo political elites for their silence, accusing them of abandoning the Igbo cause and failing to push for his release.
Kanu renewed his call for a referendum, insisting he committed no crime beyond advocating for Igbo rights. He also urged President Tinubu to show political will and secure his release, calling his detention a symbol of repression.
Supporters are now ramping up calls for his release as legal proceedings continue.
ALAAFIN OF OYO URGES PEACE AHEAD OF SATURDAY CORONATION
The new Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has called for peace and moderation ahead of his coronation on Saturday, April 5.
Speaking through his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch warned against “drums of vendetta” and urged the people to embrace unity for community progress.
Oba Owoade, 47, was officially presented with the staff of office in January. He completed the traditional Oro Ipebi rites in March. A mechanical engineer by training, he studied in Nigeria, the UK, and Canada, where he worked in the energy sector before ascending the throne.
Preparations for the coronation at Olivet Baptist High School are in full swing. Roads are being rehabilitated, hotels are fully booked, and major markets will shut down for the ceremony.
Security has been beefed up as Oyo prepares for the historic event
