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Drama In Senate :Ndume ,Oshiomhole Trade Words Over Reno Omokri’s Ambassadorial Bid.

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4 months ago

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

There was a heated argument on Thursday during the screening of ambassadorial nominees by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs between Borno South Senator, Ali Ndume, and his Edo North counterpart, Adams Oshiomhole, who engaged in unpleasant exchanges over the suitability of Reno Omokri for a diplomatic posting.

Reno Omokri, who once served as spokesperson to former president Goodluck Jonathan, appeared before the lawmakers alongside four career ambassadorial nominees for screening–Femi Fani Kayode, Dambazau, Yakubu Mahmoud, and others.

Customarily, the nominees would have themselves introduced one by one in preparation for questioning.

Soon after, Mr Ndume, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), moved a motion for Mr Omokri and the other nominees to “take a bow and go.”

The statement above: “take a bow and go” is a parliamentary tradition that effectively waives rigorous questioning.

The Borno lawmaker explained that he had known Mr Omokri for over 25 years, assuring that he is suitable for the position

Committee Chairman Sani Bello, who represents Niger North, called for the motion to be seconded.

However, when it was time to do so, Mr Oshiomhole objected, stating that he preferred to comment on the nominees rather than second the motion.

His stance infuriated Mr Ndume, who asked him to allow another senator to second the motion and to reserve his comments.

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This disagreement quickly escalated into a rowdy confrontation, with both lawmakers trading insults.

Mr Oshiomhole told his colleagues not to pretend as if there is no controversy surrounding Mr Omokri’s nomination.

Mr Ndume called Mr Oshiomhole a “tout,” while the latter shot back, saying he would not dignify a “hypocrite” with a response.

However, in the bid to justify his choice of commenting on the nomination of Omokri, the former Edo State Governor, Oshiomhole, said:

“I will proudly say I was a governor, which is the head of a sub-national government, and so when I talk, those who have not been governor should listen.”

 

Controversy Surrounding Omokri’s Appointment

Over the years, Mr Omokri has built a reputation as an outspoken critic of successive Nigerian governments.

During the 2023 presidential election cycle, he was one of President Bola Tinubu’s most vocal detractors, even once labelling him a “drug baron” in international media, a remark that resurfaced and fuelled debate following his nomination.

Moreover, the same Mr. Omokri had once stated on ‘The Mic’ show usually anchored by Seun Okinbaloye that he will not work with the administration of president Tinubu, as it’s not part of his principles to work with such person as a president with questionable character.

His inclusion on Mr Tinubu’s list of ambassadorial nominees triggered significant controversy, with many Nigerians questioning whether someone who spent years attacking the president and suddenly supporting the current administration is fit to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

Ndume’s Hypocrisy

On 6 December, Mr Ndume, a known critic of Mr Tinubu, faulted the list of ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate, arguing that the composition violated the federal character principle. The principle mandates equitable distribution of government appointments, resources, and opportunities across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic, regional, and religious groups.

However, during the screening, the senator did not act in line with his earlier criticism of the president’s list. Instead, he appeared to support the nominees.

Away from the analysis made above, some Nigerians have noted that Mr. Omokri, if screened successfully, will be working in the best interest of Nigeria as a country and not the administration of president Tinubu.

Therefore, the Nigerian Tracker News is asking:

Is Mr. Omokri qualified to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador? If Yes: On what basis should he be allowed to serve as Nigeria’s Ambassador? If No: Why?

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EFCC Secures Arrest Warrant for Former Humanitarian Minister, Permanent Secretary

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12 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja has ordered the arrest of a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, following her failure to appear for arraignment.

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie issued a bench warrant for the ex-minister on Thursday after the prosecution informed the court that she had repeatedly failed to attend proceedings. The judge also ordered the arrest of Bashir Alkali, a former Permanent Secretary in the ministry, who is facing trial alongside Farouq.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting the two defendants on a 21-count charge that includes criminal breach of trust, abuse of office, and diversion of public funds. According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged sums involved are approximately $1.37 million and ₦748 million.

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At the resumed hearing, EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) told the court that the defendants had been granted administrative bail and served with the charges. “However, they have failed to appear before this honourable court for their arraignment,” he said.

Jacobs added that efforts to secure their attendance had proved unsuccessful, with only one of the defendants present in court. He also drew the court’s attention to the former minister’s failure to return her international passport after being permitted to travel abroad for medical reasons. “The first defendant has failed to return her international passport after travelling abroad on medical grounds, and no medical report has been presented before this court to justify her absence,” Jacobs stated.

Defence counsel Abdul Ibrahim (SAN) attributed his client’s absence to ill health and urged the court to consider an affidavit to that effect. He further requested a six-week window to produce the former minister in court.

Justice Onwuegbuzie rejected the request and granted the prosecution’s application for a bench warrant.

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Dangote Spotlights Refinery, Vision 2030, Others, At Nasarawa Trade Fair

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13 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman.

 

Africa’s leading conglomerate will feature its flagship Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the 2026 Nasarawa Trade Fair, which will be officially declared open by the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on April 20.

Dangote Industries Limited will also showcase its Vision 2030, which focuses on driving innovation and Africa’s industrialization.

The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE) with the theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.

A statement from the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said other Strategic Business Units of the company will be participating at the annual event in the state capital, Lafia.

Anthony Chiejina stated that products to be featured at the Fair will include those from the Group’s Strategic Business Units, such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasonings, Dangote SinoTruk, Dangote Packaging, and Dangote Fertiliser.

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The statement quoted the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that Nasarawa State is key to the Group’s overall investment in Africa.

“It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments in Africa,” she said.

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman noted that the Trade Fair provides a valuable platform for the company to engage with key stakeholders and Nigerians interested in exploring business opportunities with the organization.

She stated that a dedicated Help Desk will handle inquiries, enabling the company to effectively engage participants on the Dangote Group’s Strategic Business Units.

Speaking to newsmen in Lafia, Chairman and Council members of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the theme for this year’s Trade Fair aptly aligns with Dangote Group’s vision.

“We align strongly with the vision of Aliko Dangote, whose leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future. His focus on industrialization, local production, and value creation inspires our efforts to connect MSMEs to structured value chains.

“Through this partnership, we are building a bridge between grassroots businesses and large industries, driving inclusive growth,” he said.

He said the third edition of NASTFE is designed as a practical business, industrial, and human capital development platform, adding that it is not just an exhibition.

According to him: “A major highlight of this year’s programme is the Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (ESAP), now structured as a package project for sponsorship support.

“ESAP is a yearly initiative from July-December targeting 2,000 beneficiaries across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

“The programme is strategically designed as a mobile training system, moving from one Local Government to another to ensure inclusive grassroots participation.”

Speaking on the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said: “Our strategy is to align local enterprise development with large-scale industrial systems.”

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Al-Istiqama University Secures Full Accreditation for 11 Academic Programmes

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13 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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The Management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, is pleased to announce that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Full Accreditation status to a total of eleven (11) academic programmes following the comprehensive accreditation exercise conducted in November and December 2025.

According to the official report released by the NUC, the programmes were assessed based on the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with emphasis on curriculum content, quality of academic staff, physical facilities, library resources, and employers’ rating.

The programmes granted Full Accreditation are:

Faculty of Health Sciences:
• Community Health Science
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

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Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences:
• Shari’ah
• Criminology and Security Studies
• International Relations
• Sociology

Faculty of Science and Computing:
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

This achievement affirms the University’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education and reflects the dedication and professionalism of its academic and administrative staff in building a centre of excellence. With this development, all accredited programmes have secured full recognition for a period of five (5) years.

The Management expresses its profound appreciation to the Founder, Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, OFR, Ph.D., the Governing Council, Faculty Members, Heads of Departments, staff, and students for their collective efforts and commitment, which made this milestone possible.

Al-Istiqama University remains resolute in sustaining and further enhancing the high standards that have earned it this prestigious recognition.

Signed:
Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya
Vice-Chancellor
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State

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