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Senate Screens Former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong for Minister (Photos)

Published

3 years ago

August 5, 2023

vicky

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has screened Ministerial nominee, former Governor of Plateau State and former Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong.

When he appeared for the screening at the Red Chambers, the former Plateau State Governor received special recognition by the President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio for his service to the nation in many capacities including being the DG of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council where he worked hard to ensure the victory of the APC at the polls.

After being given an opportunity to give a brief about his background and his experience, Lalong said he was privileged and honoured to be nominated by President Bola Tinubu out of millions of Nigerians eminently qualified.

He touched on his professional career as a lawyer and politician where he said he served for two terms as member of the Plateau State House of Assembly; Two term Speaker; Two term Governor; Chairman Northern Governors Forum and Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Lalong said as one time Chairman of the Conference of Speakers/Chairman of the Conference of former Speakers of State Assemblies, he was glad that many of his colleagues are at the Senate and serving the nation with diligence.

When the Senate President Godswill Akpabio opened the floor for Senators to ask questions, the Ministerial nominee received unanimous endorsement from all the three Senators of Plateau State.

Minority leader of the Senate, Simon Mwadkon (Plateau North), Senator Napoleon Bali (Plateau South), Senator Diket Plang (Plateau South) all said they were happy with the nomination of Governor Lalong whom they said was a suitable choice and has vast experience to deliver.

While responding to the question on security raised by Senator Bali, Lalong said the security situation in Nigeria requires a wholistic approach of kinetic and non kinetic actions.

He said the Renewed Hope Mandate of President Tinubu captures a detailed plan to make sure insecurity is tackled in the nation.

Lalong also recalled how as Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, he managed insecurity in Plateau State and within the Northern region with his colleagues.

Thereafter, the Senate President asked him to take a bow and leave the floor of the Senate.

Related Topics:lalong Photos: Senate Screens Former Plateau Governor Simon Lalong for Minister plateau

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2026 FIFA World Cup: Tani Oluwaseyi Carries Nigerian Presence as Canada Thrash Qatar 6-0

Published

1 hour ago

June 19, 2026

Preport

Nigeria may have missed out on the FIFA World Cup, but the country’s presence is still being felt through players of Nigerian descent competing for other nations.

One of those players is Tani Oluwaseyi, who was part of a historic night as Canada dismantled Qatar 6-0 to register their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.

Canada were dominant from the opening whistle at BC Place and took the lead in the 17th minute when veteran striker Cyle Larin found the back of the net once again.

The Canadians doubled their advantage in the 29th minute through Jonathan David, before Qatar’s task became even more difficult two minutes later after Homam Elamin was shown a red card, reducing the Asian side to 10 men.

Jonathan David grabbed his second goal in first-half stoppage time after reacting quickest to a rebound following a saved header from Larin, sending Canada into the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Canada’s momentum continued after halftime despite concerns over midfielder Ismaël Koné, who suffered an injury following a challenge from Assim Madibo. The Qatari midfielder was sent off, leaving his side with just nine men.

Inspired by their dominance, Canada extended their advantage in the 64th minute when Nathan Saliba curled home a brilliant free-kick, with players dedicating the goal to the injured Koné.

For Nigerian fans, the spotlight then shifted to Tani Oluwaseyi.

The Nigerian-born striker was introduced in the 71st minute by head coach Jesse Marsch, replacing Ali Ahmed as Canada continued their march toward a memorable victory.

Just four minutes later, Canada made it 5-0 after pressure from substitute Jacob Shaffelburg forced a Qatar defensive error.

Jonathan David then completed his hat-trick in second-half stoppage time to seal an emphatic 6-0 triumph.

While Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup remains a disappointment, Oluwaseyi’s participation offers a reminder of the country’s enormous football influence beyond its borders.

Though he did not get on the scoresheet, the forward proudly represented Nigeria’s football heritage on the biggest stage, giving supporters back home a player to rally behind.

Canada’s victory was not only historic; it also showcased how players with Nigerian roots continue to shape international football, even when the Super Eagles themselves are not part of the tournament.

Business

Senate Clears Customs of ₦62.2BN Under-remittance Allegation

Published

2 hours ago

June 19, 2026

Preport

BY JAMES OBIOMA—The Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) has officially cleared the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) of a N62.2 billion under-remittance allegation originally raised by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in its 2019 audit report.

The clearance followed an investigative session on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, during which the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, successfully defended the Service by proving that the alleged shortfall was a misclassification of revenue by auditors.

The original query, read by a representative of the Auditor-General under the direction of SPAC Chairman, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, had alleged that out of N691.242 billion generated by Customs in 2017, only N629.23 billion reached the Federation Account, leaving a balance of N62.2 billion.

Defending the Service’s financial integrity, CG Adeniyi explained that the multi-billion naira deficit was completely non-existent.

“The under-remittance of N62.2 billion levelled against Customs in the 2019 audit report was wrongly arrived at through misclassification of levies collected,” Adeniyi stated. “While most of the levies are to be collected and remitted into the federation account, others like the ones on local production of wheat, textiles and wines, etc do not go into the federation account, the totality of which accounted for the alleged unremitted N62.2 billion.”

Following identical, convincing clarifications on the first three major queries, a member of the committee, Senator Babangida Hussaini, wondered why the issues had not been ironed out sooner. He noted that as a former civil servant, such straightforward technicalities should have been resolved at the preliminary audit level rather than escalating to a full Senate investigation.

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