Author: Terhemen Mbachirin

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari on Wednesday said that Nigeria’s state-owned oil refineries were draining billions in public funds with no path to profitability, explaining why his team pulled the plug on operations. Ojulari laid bare the dire finances during a fireside chat at the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 in Abuja. Speaking on “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future”, he described a stark reality: refineries running at 50-55% capacity despite monthly crude injections, churning out low-value products while racking up huge operational costs. “Nigerians were angry. A lot of money has been…

Former governor of Benue state and ex-senator, Gabriel Suswam, has dramatically resigned from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), blaming “persistent internal crises” and a lack of unity. In a letter dated 4 February 2026 and addressed to the PDP chairman in Mbagber council ward, Logo local government area of Benue state, Suswam cited the party’s failure to resolve longstanding conflicts over leadership, structure, discipline and ideological direction. The resignation letter was shared on Facebook by his chief of staff, Moses Ukeyima. Suswam, who served as Benue governor from 2007 to 2015 and later as a senator, becomes the…

The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Denis Iyaghigba, has expressed deep concern about the continued discharge of untreated effluent (liquid waste) into the River Benue in Makurdi by a privately owned ethanol plant. NewsQuest reports that the major ethanol plant, which uses cassava as its raw material to produce ethanol for industrial, medicinal, and energy purposes, has been sealed twice—once in April 2023 and again in April 2024—due to similar complaints about non-compliance with safety and environmental standards. Welcoming a team of investors from Engelie Ltd who arrived in the ‘Food Basket’ state to explore potential areas…

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of new Special Advisers and the constitution of boards of some key commissions in the state. NewsQuest reports that Governor Alia’s decision to make the new appointments, is part of his commitment to reposition all government institutions and parastatals for optimal service delivery, efficiency, and accountability in transforming the ‘Food Basket’, and align the state with the administration’s vision of expansive economic and infrastructural growth. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Tersoo Kula in a statement on Sunday said, the appointments are with immediate effect and include Linda Agada who is…

The newly appointed Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy in Benue State Denis Iyaghigba has begun a series of strategic courtesy visits to prominent leaders in his hometown local area, Ushongo as part of strategic efforts to foster unity, deepen collaboration, and benefit from the valuable experience of elders and senior citizens. A statement by his Head of Media Publicity and Orientation Luben Gena, Iyaghigba said the visit, which is aimed at strengthening community relations and consolidating support for Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, began at the residence of elder statesman Pharmacist Ahenjir Patrick Nyitse, a respected figure whose influence spans…

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State on Monday administered the oath of office to 17 new commissioners, delivering a compelling message that has strongly resonated with many citizens, including the fact that there are people in the state who only think, dream, and walk squatting sharing money. Terhemen Mbachirin was there for NewsQuest and brings the excerpts; Why the Choice of Commissioners Today, prepares us for the journey of tomorrow. Out of the very many people in the different local governments you came from, you became the choices for today, which means, you are professionals, you understand public service, you…

Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh on Sunday resigned his appointment after recent controversial attempts for his impeachment. In a letter to the Clerk of the Assembly and personally signed, Honourable Dajoh said that his decision was in good faith and in the best interest of Benue State. A senior aide to the Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia who prefers not to be quoted in print because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, confirmed the development to NewsQuest, noting that the Speaker had seen his impeachment imminent and chose to take the…

The Benue State House of Assembly on Wednesday confirmed Honourable Denis Iyaighgba along with five other commissioner-nominees submitted for screening by Governor Hyacinth Alia. The lawmakers after the open screening process, rejected two of the nominees and requested Governor Alia to send their replacements. Among those confirmed also are Honourable Theresa Odachi Ikwue, Honourable Dr. Benjamin Ashaver, Honourable Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa, Honourable Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, and Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker Terver Zamber said the nominees rejected by the Lawmakers are Dr. Yangien Ornguga and Mr. James Dwen. “The…

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),  Professor Nentawe Yilwatda over the party’s excellent performance in last Saturday’s bye-elections 16 across 12 States of the Federation. Governor Alia also commended all the candidates of the party who emerged victorious in the elections. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kulas, Governor Alia equally rejoiced with the entire APC faithful, describing the victory as a sign of wide acceptability and belief of Nigerians in the APC. He said APC remains the most reliable platform to deliver…

The Federal Government on Tuesday distributed unconditional grants of ₦250,000 each to outstanding business owners in Ondo State as part of its ongoing efforts to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who announced the disbursement of the grants, said creating an enabling environment for MSMEs in Nigeria is central to the economic policy of the Renewed Hope administration of President Bola Tinubu. Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President Stanley Nkwocha in a statement said Shettima during the launch of the 7th Expanded National MSME Clinics in Akure, the State…