“I Have Been Abandoned By Those I Started The Journey With” – Gov Fubara

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January 31, 2024

Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of Rivers State

By Adesina Soyooye

Asks Congregation: “Does God give you a gift or a blessing and add sorrow to it”

A helpless Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he has been abandoned by those he began his political journey with. And, for that, he says he is going through pain, and low in spirit.

The Governor who was apparently referring to the absence of even most of his Cabinet members at a Thanksgiving Service he held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Opobo Town, Oppbo Nkoro Local Government, Rivers State, to celebrate his victory at the Supreme Court, asked the Congregation: “Does God give you a gift or a blessing and add sorrow to it?”

He acknowledged that he became a Governor thanks to God, and also acknowledged the happiness in the faces of the congregants, still helplessly noted: “But the question is, am I happy? That is the question, am I happy”?

He, also, said that the political situation in his State has affected him and his family emotionally. And the result: “My family is suffering. My spirit is heavy.”

Said the Governor to the Congregation: “I feel heavy in my spirit. It’s not been easy, I can say it.

“I want to ask a question. When I look at your faces, I see so much excitement, I see happiness. But the question is, am I happy? That is the question, am I happy?

“Does God give you a gift or a blessing and add sorrow to it?

“So when I look at your faces how happy you are, even when I feel heavy in my spirit. I’m encouraged to be happy. That’s how I feel. It’s not been easy, I can say it.

“A lot of people who started this journey with us, ought to have been here with us but unfortunately they are not here. God knows why. You can’t question the almighty. But one thing we can’t take away is that God does not make any mistakes.

“It is a glory to say thank you to God. It gives me extra energy to continue with the battle. It is a battle, but no battle can be bigger than God.”

Fubara has been battling with governance since he fell out with the man who foisted him on Rivers State as Governor, his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

The rift has polarised the State with the majority of political appointees in the State and 27 out of 32 members of the House of Assembly, loyal to Wike instead of the Governor.

Fubara appreciated President Bola Tinubu who intervened in the rift between him and Wike, even though the President’s intervention has not worked.

He said: “I want to thank my family. They are suffering, that is the truth. They are suffering because of this cause. You just have to be strong and understand that after a while, you will get me back.

“Maybe, I will take the birthday happiness to make myself happier than I was when I was coming. But in all, I want to ask that you all continue to pray for peace.

“We came in, we were selected because they believe we have something to do for our state. We have not been given the opportunity to do those things that we ought to do.

“We have had a lot of distractions but I strongly believe that while we navigate the part of peace, prayer is also needed for us to pass over this phase.

“We need peace, total peace on all sides so that we can focus and deliver the dividends of democracy. And this victory I dedicate it to peace,” Governor Fubara said.

Fubara turned 49 years on Sunday.

Rivers Elders Chide Fubura For Appointing ‘Sworn Enemies’ As Commissioners

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James Orji

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January 31, 2024

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Governor Sim Fubara has decided to surround himself with enemies by appointing nine commissioners loyal to the former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike to his cabinet, Rivers state elders have said.

The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum, RELF, made the assertion on Tuesday few hours after the governor sworn in the commissioners.

The governor had during the swearing in charged the pro-Wike commissioners, who had earlier resigned at the peak of the crisis of confidence between Fubara and Wike last year, charged them to work in the interest of the state.

Reacting, the elders said the governor is playing with the lion’s tail with his appointment of the commissioners, who they alleged would work against his interest.

The magazine had earlier reported that the return of the commissioners was part of the peace deal reached by Fubara and Wike with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of efforts to calm the restive oil rich state following the political crisis that brewed from the quest by the former allies to control the state.

The elders, who spoke through Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, urged the governor not to trust the commissioners, describing their re-appointment as illegal.

“We have continued to maintain that you cannot protect your house with your sworn enemies. When your enemies are known, you push them away or you keep them at arms-length. But there is this saying that you cannot allow your enemies to be your guard because they will one day assassinate you,” he said.

I’m Loyal To Ganduje, Bello Says On His APC Chairmanship Ambition

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James Orji

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January 31, 2024

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Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of the state has denied eyeing the post of All Progressives Congress, APC, National Chairman.

The former governor spoke amidst suggestion that he is planning to displace the incumbent, Abdullahi Ganduje.

The suggestion become rife after the posters of Bello were pasted at the APC national secretariat in Abuja, the nation’s

capital.

The posters embossed with his pictures read: “APC Next Level. Alhaji Yahaya Bello as APC National Chairman. Leading the Change, Building a Stronger APC.”

The former Kogi helmsman however said the campaign posters were the handiwork of his adversaries in the opposition who are trying to cause problem in the ruling party.

Bello noted this in a statement by his media office on Tuesday, stressing that he’s not interested in the job of the current chairman, asserting his loyalty to his leadership and the party.

“Let it be abundantly clear” to those peddling the rumour that he’s not interested in the position, the former governor state, adding that any change in the APC leadership must be done through the conduct of a national congress.

The statement said: “We are aware of the clandestine moves by some mischief makers to create confusion within the hierarchy of the All Progressives Congress. This is the handiwork of some opposition leaders and some 5th columnists within the party.

“A part of the plans already being hatched is the circulation of campaign posters with the picture of His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, insinuating that he is contesting for the position of the national chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress. The insinuation is infantile, false and should be disregarded.

“Our party is not in the process of conducting Congresses or a Convention, therefore, there is absolutely no basis for anyone to circulate any posters for party offices.

“Let it be abundantly clear that Alhaji Yahaya Bello did not authorise anyone to circulate any posters on his behalf as he remains a loyal party man who is committed to the leadership of the national chairman of the party, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

“We urge members of the general public to disregard the mischief of the people circulating posters to create a false impression.”

Bello departed as the state chief executive last Saturday with the swearing in of Usman Ododo, as his successor.

OPINION: This Conundrum Called Dangote Oil Refinery

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The Source

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January 31, 2024

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By Steve Osuji

A NUMBING PUZZLE:
Dangote Oil Refinery has become a puzzle; indeed, a huge Rubik’s Cube. The mammoth industrial complex which purports to be Nigeria’s most iconic strategic project is fast dissolving into a searing mirage on the psyche of every citizen joe on the street. The only phenom that may be more dumbfounding is the fact of a Bola Tinubu Presidency which must have already gone down political history as the 9th wonder of the modern world.

Dangote Refinery has become a case of one day, one sad, ribald augury. The latest herald is that the newly cranked behemoth would take delivery of crude oil from far away United States of America.

How could this be? Not a few Nigerians have suffered acute migraine since this news broke Monday ( via Bloomberg, a foreign news outlet). Many are so puzzled they went to bed much distraught and traumatized the night before…

How could this be? Nigeria importing crude oil? Nigeria is among top 10 crude oil producing countries in the world… she has far more crude oil than what Dangote Refinery needs!

How could this be? USA is about 14,420 kilometres by sea away from Nigeria.

How is it that Nigeria that is struggling to sell her crude oil; practically pleading with India, China and even US to buy Nigeria’s crude would have a refinery built partially with Nigeria’s funds ordering crude oil from abroad …

How did Dangote arrive at importing crude oil … Nigeria’s brent crude is regarded as the best in the world, it stands to reason that a major refinery in Nigeria must necessarily be fitted to use Nigeria’s crude feed …

Why would a refinery in Nigeria elect to carry additional cost of freight, insurance and port handling charges for imported crude oil? Why wouldn’t it simply import refined products?

The Federal Government reportedly invested about $5 billion in the $20 billion worth Dangote Refinery. Though the so-called equity was neither properly documented nor was it expressly approved by the legislature ( some of the abiding shenanigans of this large puzzle), how would it profit the refining house to now take raw material from abroad at the detriment of the womb that bore it?

OPACITY, THY NAME IS DANGOTE:
A couple of weeks ago, Nigerians, nay, the world had been regaled with what we must term Dangote Refinery fairy tales. Six million barrels of crude oil had been delivered from NNPC in the Niger Delta to the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos. Six million of premium Nigeria’s sweet crude (brent) for the purpose of cranking the 650 barrels per day capacity DANGOTE REFINERY.

From hindsight, it now seems Dangote Refinery is doing Nigeria a favour by taking her crude because not even a word is told Nigerians yet as to the terms and conditions for the 6m barrels of crude.

One barrel of crude oil produces 159 litres of petrol. Multiply 159 by 6m and multiply yet by N6oo per litre. This will give you a little idea of the NNPC- Dangote sweetheart deal they are not telling us about. Now they have to buy crude from abroad, refine and re-ship abroad or sell in Nigeria?

Remember that we are not yet asking about by-products like diesel, aviation fuel, HPFO among other derivatives. Hopefully someone in NNPC or Ministry of Petroleum will be nice enough to give us information about our commonwealth being handed wholesale to Dangote!

A REFINERY CALLED SHINANIGANS:
The Dangote Refinery has been a pain we can’t resist in the past one decade. Labelled as the largest single-train crude cracking outfit of its kind in the world, it was to kick off in 2013 somewhere in the Niger Delta but was relocated to Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos. A not so smart business decision( indeed a dumb political decision) because the cost of laying crude oil pipes from the Niger Delta to Lagos almost asphyxiated the entire project. This singular factor almost doubled the cost and caused delays.

Construction began in 2016 but completion deadlines were missed more than three times.

Though President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned it last May, it was however, the height of political gimmickry because even he knew the refinery wasn’t ready.

No doubt a bold, ambitious move by its founder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, it has been hailed and lauded for its sheer size and expected impact. But there seems an abiding opacity in the execution of the project. We don’t know how much of Nigeria’s funds seeped into Dangote Refinery through the graft haven called NNPC. And even as production started last December, nobody can vouch how much crude oil NNPC has been supplied or is about to supply. Yes they gave us figures but you will have to believe NNPC at your peril.

Nigerians really don’t know what to believe. Some say the Dangote Refinery is a front, a ruse, a crude exporting outlet; indeed our ears are full!

Again, why would Dangote Refinery surreptitiously order crude from the USA if all is well between NNPC and Dangote? How does Nigeria hosting the largest refinery impact on the man on the street? Will pump price rise or fall?

And what’s the latest on Nigeria’s subsidy conundrum? With naira shrunken to nothing and all petroleum fuels still being imported, you don’t have to be an economist to discern that the Federal Government subsidises all current fuel imports.

And the question Nigerians are asking now is: how is the NNPC-Dangote supply-delivery deals structured to ensure a win-win for all and for Nigeria. All of this would have been laid out and made public before one drop of crude oil is exchange.

But historically, all the parties – NNPC, Ministry of Petroleum, FG and Dangote Group are never known for transparent dealings. In deed, these entities are covens of corruption and that explains why the commodity (oil) providence granted Nigeria in wanton abundance has long become a curse upon her. And her the pain continues even after the largest refining facility is built, haba!

In conclusion, one thing Dangote Oil Refinery must explain to Nigerians, and quickly too, is why it has elected to carry coals to Newcastle.

Osuji, an accomplished Journalist, Columnist, former Member, Editorial Board, The Nation, was Special Adviser, Media, to former Imo State Governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha

President Tinubu Says Ekiti Royal Fathers’ Killing Mindless, Orders Security Agents To Go After Perpetrators

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Ayodele Oni

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January 30, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

Says killers will not go unpunished

President Bola Tinubu has assured that killers of two royal fathers in Ekiti state will not go unpunished.

The president, in a statement by Ajuri Ngalele condemned the “mindless and brutal bloodletting,”

This is coming just as the senate summoned Nigeria’s service chiefs in the wake of escalating insecurity in the country.

The president’s message reads “It is with grief that President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Olatunde Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola.

“President Tinubu condemns this mindless and brutal bloodletting, and pledges that the perpetrators will not escape justice.

“The President condoles with the families and subjects of the traditional rulers, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the people of Ekiti State on this deeply agonizing development.

“In the same vein, the President directs the immediate rescue of pupils and teachers kidnapped around Eporo-Ekiti area of the State.

“As security of life and property is the primary responsibility of government, President Tinubu assures Nigerians that the nation’s security architecture is being robustly fortified for better and expected outcomes.”

The Nigerian Senate at a close door meeting in Abuja, called upon security chiefs for a meeting in response to the escalating insecurity in the country, with a specific date for the interaction to be determined later.

After the meeting which lastedp over three hours, the senate expressed its condemnation of the rising occurrences of kidnappings, banditry, and the outright murder of innocent citizens by criminals.

The Senate Leader, Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, revealed that all 109 senators sponsored the insecurity motion due to its importance.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, expressed deep concern over the ongoing banditry and kidnappings.

He highlighted that the situation has escalated to the extent where intermediaries are facilitating ransom payments on behalf of kidnappers.

Akpabio vehemently condemned recent attacks by bandits in Plateau and the gas explosion in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Akpabio also mentioned that a specific date will be decided for the security chiefs to appear before the Senate.

The lawmakers paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the attacks and the Ibadan explosion by observing a one-minute silence before adjourning until Tuesday, February 6, 2024.

APC Descends On Fmr Kogi Gov Bello Over Planned Ambition, Says Chairman’s Office Not Vacant

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Ayodele Oni

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January 30, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

For attempting to heat the tempo, Yahaya Bello, who served out his second term as Kogi state Governor few days ago has incurred the wrath of the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)

The leadership of the APC has told the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State, that there is no vacancy in the office of the National Chairman of the party.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Felix Morka, warned the former Kogi Governor to stop confusing the Party, saying the position of the National Chairman is currently occupied.

Morka handed down the warning while addressing newsmen at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja.

Posters of the former Governor were seen on major streets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), especially around the Federal Secretariat and on walls and fences of structures around the APC National Secretariat along Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The bold picture of the former Kogi State Governor is adorned with the inscription, “APC Next Level. Alhaji Yahaya Bello as APC National Chairman. Leading the Change, Building a Stronger leadership.”

Jonathan Commiserates With Abdulsalami Over Sister’s Death

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The Source

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January 30, 2024

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Goodluck Jonathan and Abdulsalami Abubakar

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has condoled with former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) on the passing of his younger sister, Hajiya Salamatu Asabe.

Dr. Jonathan prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and urged the former head of State to take solace in the fact that her sister lived an impactful life.

In a statement by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, the former President acknowledged that Gen. Abdulsalami and his family members are grief-stricken and prayed to God to grant them the strength and peace to carry on.

He said: “The death of a loved one is always a painful experience, no matter his age or achievement in life. I acknowledge that this is a sad moment for you and other members of the family but urge you to take solace in the fact that Hajiya Salamatu Asabe lived an impactful life.

“I pray that God grants you strength and peace during this period and beyond. On behalf of my family, please accept my condolences.”

Ikechukwu Eze
S.A. to H.E. Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

INEC Indicates Readiness For Bye-Election, Promises Free, Fair Election

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 30, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, has stated the Commission’s readiness for the Bye-Elections scheduled for Saturday in Cross River State.

Tonia Nwobi, INEC’s spokesperson said that the electoral umpire is ready, and prepared for successful Bye-Election.

Nwobi said the bye- elections which would be conducted for two State Constituencies and one Federal Constituency, would take place in 34 polling units in four Local Government Areas of the state.

She explained that the elections would take place in eight polling units in Akamkpa council area, 11 polling units in Biase, two units in Obanliku and 13 in Yala local government.

The INEC Official added that logistics and security had been put in place to ensure free, fair and credible exercise.

According to her, no fewer than 100,000 voters will participate in the exercise and we are using INEC staff and not adhoc staff for the bye elections.

“Logistics have been fully mobilised for the exercise. Non sensitive materials have been distributed while we await the sensitive ones to be brought to the CBN for onward distribution to the various polling units.

“For security, the Inter-Agency Security Committee on Election Security have already met twice and strategised on how to ensure there is no security lapse on the Election Day.”

Atiku Urges President Tinubu To Step Aside

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Akinwale Kasali

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January 30, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Commander-in-Chief is now The Tourist-in-Chief

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Bola Tinubu to step aside if the shoe of governance is too big for him.

The former Vice President said that President Tinubu has been globe-trotting, and noted his recent trip to France.

Atiku made this remark on his X handle (formerly Twitter), @atiku, on Tuesday.

He mocked the President for embarking on a ‘private’ foreign trip at a time when the nation’s capital, Abuja, and other parts of the country appear to be at the mercy of armed kidnapping gangs.

Atiku said, “Tinubu is playing fiddle while Nigeria is drowning in the ocean of insecurity.

“To imagine that the Commander-in-Chief is on a so-called private visit while kidnappers kill a nursing mother and grandmother in Abuja for failing to pay N90m ransom and two Monarchs in Ekiti, among other regular tragedies besetting Nigerians.

“If the shoes are too big for Emilokan, he should step aside. Nigeria does not need another Tourist-in-Chief.

“The country needs 24/7 leadership to confront the pervasive insecurity and collapsing economy.”

CBN Woos Foreign Airlines After Clearing $700m Forex Backlog

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James Orji

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January 30, 2024

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has urged Nigerians to desist from actions capable of hurting the naira amidst the declining value of the national currency to the dollar.

The value of the naira has dipped compared to other major currencies in the last three months.

The apex bank made this appeal on Tuesday after revealing that it has cleared all the verified forex backlog owed foreign airlines operating in the country.

Recall that Emirate Airline suspended flights to Nigeria in October 2022 Nigeria citing blocked funds. All efforts by the federal government to lift the ban by the Dubai-based outfit has proved abortive.

A total of over $700 million belonging to Emirate and other foreign airlines was believed to have been trapped in CBN vaults.

But, on Tuesday, the apex bank spokesperson, Sidi Makama Ali said the trapped funds has now been released to the airlines, stressing that CBN also released over $64 million to the sector to ensure liquidity in the aviation sector.

She said the CBN “has concluded the payment of all verified claims by airlines with an additional $64.44 million to the concerned airlines,” the aim she stated is to restore confidence in the foreign exchange sector.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria, fulfilling its pledge to clear the backlog of foreign exchange owed foreign airlines in the country, has concluded the payment of all verified claims by airlines with an additional $64.44 million to the concerned airlines.”

“As the Governor said, the CBN’s focus is on addressing fundamental issues that have hindered the effective operation of the Nigerian FX markets over the years,” she said.

With the latest intervention by the Yemi-Cardoso-led government bank, Ali said stakeholders in the foreign exchange market must play by the rules to escape sanctions, stressing that a stable exchange rate will boost investor confidence and attract foreign investment.

“We urge all participants in the market to play by the rules. Transparency in the market will enable the fair determination of exchange rates and, by extension, guarantee stability for businesses and individuals alike,” she stated

The development has now brought the CBN total forex injection into various sector to over $3 billion in less than three months, according checks by the magazine.

Says killers will not go unpunished

The Commander-in-Chief is now The Tourist-in-Chief