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NSIP: Uwais’s claims, allegation spurious, scandalous – Reps
Nigeria’s House of Representatives on Saturday reacted to the Special Adviser to President Muhamadu Buhari on Social Investments, Maryam Uwai’s comment against the lawmakers, saying it’s slanderous and unacceptable. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
The lower Chamber insisted that its position on the implementation of the National Social Investment Program, the National Conditional Cash Transfer Programme was a good intention for the country.
In a statement by the Spokesman of the 9th House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu which was made available to newsmen in Abuja stated that the insinuations that the 9th House of Representatives has sought to compromise the NSR and input the names of undeserving Nigerians as beneficiaries of the programs as incorrect by Buhari’s Aide was an invective taken too far.
It said, that insinuation in some media organisations that the 9th House labeled the NSIPs as a “failure and a scam” are incorrect and untrue.
The statement reads in full:
“Our attention has been drawn to the misleading and slanderous publications of Madam Maryam Uwais MFR and Sahara Reporters both published on April 8, 2020 regarding the implementation of the National Social Investment Programs (NSIPs), the National Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, including the development of the National Social Register (NSR).
“The insinuations in the above mentioned publications that the 9th House of Representatives labeled the NSIPs as a failure and a scam are incorrect and untrue.
“So also are the insinuations that the 9th House of Representatives has sought to compromise the NSR and input the names of undeserving Nigerians as beneficiaries of the programs.
“The 9th House of Representatives under the leadership of the Speaker Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila acting upon complaints from Nigerians in 360 federal constituencies regarding the inadequate spread of the NSIPs, and also concerns that the NSR is outdated and does not reflect an accurate representation of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria, intervened through a cordial interaction with the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq with the sole aim of ensuring and enhancing the delivery of service as well as the equitable distribution of the programs to the Nigerians most in need of them during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Part of our concerns expressed at this meeting was the need to review and improve the outdated NSR as well as the methodology deployed in identifying the poor and vulnerable in the various communities in view of the complaints from several constituencies that they have not benefited from the programs.
“An outcome of this meeting was an understanding per the Speaker’s proposition that a legislative framework is needed to maximize the efficiency of the NSIPs.
“We are aware that Madam Uwais has on certain occasions, including a TV interview on ChannelsTV’s Sunrise Daily programme, cited Section 14 of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act as providing an exemption by which the FG can refuse to reveal details of the NSIPs to the National Assembly.
“This suggests a deliberate attempt by Madam Uwais to conceal information pertaining to the financial activities of NSIP from the elected representatives of Nigerians as we especially recall that she blatantly ignored a letter of enquiry from the House Committee on Public Account addressed to her in her capacity as Special Assistant to the President on NSIP dated August 6, 2019 with reference number HR/SCO5/52/XX/400 requesting a brief of the activities (including income and expenditure profile) of her office from the year 2014 to 2018.
“While stating categorically that the operations of the NSIP do not fall under the exemptions contemplated in Section 14 of the FOI Act, it is instructive to note that Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution vests exclusive powers of oversight on the legislative arm of government which also applies to any and all forms of government intervention programs, including the NSIP which is a disbursement of the nation’s funds appropriated by the National Assembly in the first place.
“The powers of the National Assembly to investigate or request any information from the executive are vested by the Constitution and are not subject to the stipulation of the FOI Act.
“We must remember that the doctrine of checks and balances is an essential element of our constitutional democracy and once it is discarded our democracy becomes wobbly.
“Therefore, the 9th House of Representatives frowns at any fake news or publication that seeks to cast aspersions on its intentions and commitment to the people of Nigeria in its exercise of constitutional duties.
“As the People’s Parliament and in the spirit and letter of Sections 14, 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (the Constitution), our priority remains to employ all legislative interventions to ensure the welfare of Nigerians in the face of the Covid-19 crisis and the economic hardship it has wrought on the poor and vulnerable among us”, the statement concluded.

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NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature Exoneration
NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationThe Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately constitute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the unfolding scandal surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), insisting that the gravity of the allegations and the institutions reportedly involved make an ordinary investigation inadequate.
In a statement jointly signed by its National President, Mallam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and National Secretary, Rowland Olonishuwa, the Guild faulted the Presidency’s swift public exoneration of the Chief of Staff to the President by the President’s spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, describing it as premature and inconsistent with the principles of natural justice.
According to the Guild, declaring any public official innocent before the conclusion of an impartial investigation undermines public confidence in the process and creates the impression that the outcome has already been predetermined.
“The hasty exoneration of any public official before a comprehensive investigation has been concluded negates the principles of justice, fairness and good conscience.
Every Nigerian deserves to see that justice is not only done but is manifestly seen to have been done,” the statement said.
NGIJ said the controversy surrounding the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC) has become one of the most significant governance scandals in recent years, alleging that the sequence of events surrounding the Council points to a level of official backing that requires a truly independent investigation.
The Guild argued that several developments associated with the Council have raised serious questions that cannot be ignored.
According to the statement, available information indicates that an account was reportedly opened for the Council at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the controversial PFIPC was reportedly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, office accommodation was allocated to the Council within the Federal Secretariat Complex in Abuja, and more than 300 personnel, including eight directors, were reportedly recruited or sourced to work for the Council.
NGIJ noted that these developments, if established through investigation, suggest that the activities attributed to the Council went far beyond the actions of a few individuals and may have involved approvals or support from influential actors within government.
“The establishment of banking arrangements, budgetary provisions, office allocation, recruitment of hundreds of personnel and appointment of directors are not processes ordinarily executed without official authorisation and institutional support. These issues raise legitimate public interest questions that deserve thorough and independent scrutiny,” the Guild stated.
It added that the scale of the allegations has created widespread public concern and, if left unresolved, could erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance institutions and anti-corruption framework.
The Guild expressed reservations over allowing the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to solely investigate the matter, arguing that given the alleged involvement of powerful figures and the institutional implications of the case, a broader and more independent mechanism would inspire greater public confidence.
According to NGIJ, the investigation should be handled by an independent judicial panel comprising retired judicial officers, forensic auditors, representatives of relevant anti-corruption institutions, professional bodies and civil society organisations, with full powers to examine documents, invite witnesses and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings.
The Guild further urged the National Assembly to commence a public legislative inquiry into the establishment, funding, operations and legal status of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
It maintained that no public official, irrespective of rank or political influence, should be insulated from investigation where credible allegations exist.
NGIJ stressed that the circumstances surrounding the controversial PFIPC have made the matter unprecedented and deserving of the highest level of independent scrutiny.
The Guild said only a transparent, credible and independent investigation can establish the true facts, identify any wrongdoing where it exists, protect innocent persons where appropriate, and restore public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
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MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New Product
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Lagos, Nigeria — July 2026 — MeCure Industries Plc closed the first half of 2026 on a strong note, marked by the affirmation of its national scale issuer ratings by GCR Ratings, the award of Halal certification, and the launch of two new products.
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GCR Ratings affirmed MeCure Industries Plc’s long-term issuer rating at BBB(NG) and short-term issuer rating at A3(NG), with the company’s long-term outlook revised to Stable. The rating agency said the decision was supported by improvements in MeCure’s competitive position, sound earnings performance, ongoing expansion, product innovation, and wider market penetration. GCR also noted the company’s diversified portfolio of more than 140 formulations across five therapeutic classes, its extensive distribution network, and its relationships with suppliers and technical partners.
During the period, MeCure also received Halal certification, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and broader consumer accessibility. For the everyday consumer, Halal certification means that the certified products have been reviewed to ensure that their ingredients, sourcing, handling, and production processes comply with recognised Halal requirements. In practical terms, it gives Muslim consumers greater confidence that the medicines they use are permissible, while also providing an additional layer of assurance around transparency, product integrity, and manufacturing discipline.
The certification is expected to support trust among customers, healthcare professionals, distributors, and institutional partners, while strengthening MeCure’s positioning in markets where Halal-compliant products are an important consideration.
In June 2026, MeCure further expanded its product portfolio with the introduction of Fluconazole Capsules and EBU Suspension. Fluconazole Capsules add to the company’s antifungal offering, while EBU Suspension, an ibuprofen oral suspension, strengthens MeCure’s paediatric and family care range. The launches reflect the company’s continued focus on affordable, locally manufactured medicines across key therapeutic needs.
As MeCure enters the second half of 2026, the company said it remains focused on deepening local manufacturing, improving access to quality medicines, expanding its product pipeline, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development
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Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Border
Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme Borde
By Usman Aliyu | June 27, 2026
Ajaka, Kogi State — The family of Sgt. Benjamin Etuh, a native of Ajaka in Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has appealed to the public for information regarding his whereabouts following reports that he may have been involved in a drowning incident at the Seme Border area of Lagos State.
According to information available to the family, Sgt. Etuh, who was last known to be serving at the Seme Border Patrol, was reportedly involved in an incident on the water around the border community. However, relatives say they have not received any official confirmation regarding his condition or whereabouts.
The uncertainty surrounding the incident has left family members distressed and searching for answers. Efforts to contact the officer through his mobile phone numbers have also proved unsuccessful, as the lines have reportedly remained unreachable for several days.
Family sources expressed concern over the lack of verified information and appealed to the relevant authorities to provide clarity on the officer’s status. They also called on security agencies, colleagues, residents of the Seme Border area, and members of the public with any useful information to come forward.
Efforts by reporters to obtain official confirmation from the Ikeja Command were unsuccessful, as no response had been received at the time of filing this report.
As of the time of publication, there has been no official statement confirming Sgt. Benjamin Etuh’s whereabouts or condition. The family continues to appeal for credible information that may help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
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NewsJuly 15, 2026NGIJ Demands Independent Probe of Controversial PFIPC, Rejects Premature ExonerationNewsJuly 1, 2026MeCure Industries Plc Closes H1 2026 with Stable BBB GCR Outlook, Halal Certification, Launches New ProductNewsJune 29, 2026Family Seeks Information on Missing Sergeant After Reported Drowning Incident at Seme BorderNewsJune 12, 2026June 12: Ajia Congratulates Tinubu, AbdulRazaq, Calls for Youth Inclusion and Grassroots Development