Headline

Senate Orders Investigation into Abia Pipeline Explosion

Published

7 years ago

October 17, 2018

Eric

The Senate on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the pipeline explosion that killed 150 persons in Abia State.

The matter was raised on the floor of the Senate by Senator Theodore Orji on Wednesday. Citing order 42 & 52, Orji said the explosion in Abia State was due to the negligence of duty by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation staff.

According to Senate proceedings, that was shared on the Twitter handle of the Senate, @NGRSenate, he said that the villagers had gone to scoop oil from the leakage as a means of livelihood when the explosion occurred.

Contributing to the subject matter, Senator Victor Umeh said, “It’s very regrettable because people have refused to do their jobs. NNPC and Department of Petroleum Resources are supposed to do monitor these issues. Scooping oil should not be allowed. From the incident, it is clear the leakages were reported but those in charge ignored these reports.”

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa indicted another government agency, the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company.

He said, “I want to say it was a gory site. I saw human lives charred like rats. This is due to the negligence of PPMC and DPR. We have lost premium on human lives. This calls for serious investigation. The committee on downstream should investigate this.”

In response, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki said, “As we go into the prayers to look into how we can truly come up with resolutions, we need to show that lives do matter in this country and make this a very good example of that, I say this to those committees we’ve referred this to, because from the presentations and those who have contributed, this is just clear negligence on the part of those who are responsible and could have prevented the loss of lives of 150 people who have died.

“Those who will finally agree to look into this matter should treat it with the seriousness that it deserves. The Committee on Petroleum Resources and Police Affairs should perform a proper investigation and recommendation.”

“Let us have a report in two weeks and also find out what the Federal Government is doing about it.”

Headline

Buhari’s Remains Arrive Nigeria from London for Burial

Published

22 minutes ago

July 15, 2025

Eric

The body of former President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Nigeria from London.

The Nigerian Air Force aircraft carrying his remains touched down at the Katsina airport, where it was received by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State, along with senior military officers.

Headline

Tinubu Mourns Demise of Former President Buhari, Summons Emergency FEC Meeting

Published

1 day ago

July 14, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has received with profound sorrow and a heavy heart, news of the passing of his predecessor in office, Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari died on Sunday in a London hospital after an undisclosed illness.

In a tribute message he personally signed, President Tinubu said Buhari was to the very core, a patriot, a soldier, a statesman.

“He served Nigeria with unwavering dedication, first as a military leader from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023. Duty, honour, and a deep commitment to the unity and progress of our nation defined his life.

“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential. He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.

“In this moment of national mourning, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Aisha, with whom I have been in constant touch, his children, the entire Buhari family, and all who knew and loved him.

“I also extend my condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, most especially the people and traditional leaders of Daura Emirate.

“We honour his service. We reflect on his legacy. And we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Tinubu’s statement read in part.

As a mark of respect to the former Nigerian leader, Tinubu directed that all national flags fly at half-staff across the country for seven days from today.

He said that he has also summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) session on Tuesday, dedicated to Buhari’s honour.

Tinubu added that the Federal government will accord President Buhari full state honours befitting his towering contributions to our country.

“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannah Firdaus.

“And may his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness,” the statement added.