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“What I Have Achieved Within Two Years In Osun Surpasses 12 Years Of APC Administration” – Gov Adeleke

November 26, 2024

Ademola Adeleke - Osun State Governor — Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

By Ayodele Oni

It was all celebration in Osogbo on Monday as Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke released N1.9 billion cheque to pensioners and enthused that within the space of two years, his administration has paid over N47 billion to pensioners – the total amount the previous administrations under All Progressives Congress (APC) could not pay in 12 years.

The Governor who reaffirmed his commitment to the care and the welfare of senior citizens in the state said since the beginning of his administration, he has left no one in doubt as to the passion to address challenges facing pensioners and the pension sector.

He made the disclosure during official presentation of N1.9 Billion cheque to retired Civil Servants in Osun State.

“As we have done in the last two years, we are here to further reaffirm our commitment to the care and the welfare of our senior citizens.

“Today, we are gathered here for the distribution of bond cheques to our contributory pensioners. As part of our determination to settle pension indebtedness, today we are paying out a total sum of One Billion, Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eight Seven Naira (N1,999, 908,887.33). This is a combination for both state and local governments.

“I am happy to inform our senior citizens and the general public about what each administration from former Governor Rauf Aregbesola to date has paid in the pension sector

“Former Governor Aregbesola’s payment as at 2018 was a total sum of Seventeen Billion, One Hundred and Fifty Two Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty One Naira (N17,152,662,351.26).

“Former Governor Oyetola’s payment as at 2022 was a total sum of Seventeen Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Eight Naira (N17,255,424,708.51).

“The total for the two previous administrations under a 12 year period was Thirty Four Billion, Four Hundred and Eight Million, Eighty Seven Thousand and Fifty Naira Naira ( N34,408,087,059.77)

“For our administration in the last two years plus what we are paying out today, the total payment is the sum of Twenty Two Billion, Six Hundred Seventy One Million, Two Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ninety Three Naira (N22,671,217,893.24). While for local government pension stand at N25 billion – making our payment in two years to over N47 billion.

“Our administration paid almost 70 percent within two years of what the former APC administration paid in 12 years.

“We added a life changing policy, the enrolment of pensioners in the health insurance scheme. This has eased access to health care for our senior citizens. Our love, care and support for pensioners is therefore not a political gimmick. It is about doing the right thing.

“As much as we still have a lot of ground to cover, we have started on a strong note. We have proved to our elderly people that we are with them, that we seriously care about their well being.

Speaker Abbas Leads Reps On Walk Against Gender-Based Violence

Ayodele Oni

November 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D, on Monday declared open the 16-Day Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The Speaker also led the leadership and members of the House in an Advocacy Walk to commemorate this year’s celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in Abuja.

A statement by the media side to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi stated that the advocacy was part of this year’s 16 Days Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which aimed at the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

The slogan for this year’s campaign is ‘No Excuse for Violence!’

The advocacy train moved from the National Assembly Complex to the headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, where the House presented a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to demand proper investigation and prosecution of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Addressing the crowd, the Speaker declared that the 10th House was ready to do more in the campaign against GBV and VAWG.

Speaker Abbas said: “This day is the day of history; a day that the National Assembly has chosen to become an active partner with other groups in the country to fight against gender-based violence.

“This year’s programme came at a time when, all over the world, women are crying, in anger and frustration. This is the year that the United Nations has issued a damning report, that every 10 minutes, a woman is being killed across the world.

“This is an unacceptable trend. This is an unforgivable trend. We in the parliament must have to unite, more than ever before, with the relevant authorities particularly the law enforcement in ensuring that we curb this dangerous trend to the barest minimum.

“I want to say it categorically clear that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to ensure that all forms of violence against women and girls are drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated in the very near future.

“I also want to announce that the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives, will play an active role in the next national action plan against violence against women, which will be coming up very soon.

“We will send our representatives. We will also participate actively in ensuring that pro-poor policies are enacted to significantly reduce the incidences of violence of all kinds against women, against children, against girls.”

Organized Labour In Delta Rejects Computation Of N80,000 New Minimum Wage

Ayodele Oni

November 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Organized labour in Delta State has rejected the table used for consequential adjustment of the N80 thousand new minimum wage used by the state government.

The labour maintained that the minimum wage of N80 thousand approved by the state government was a welcome development but that the table used for the consequential adjustment was flawed.

The organized labour had met with the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo to point out the anomalies in the table.

A statement after the meeting, signed by the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC),Banabas C. Simon, Trade Union Congress, (TUC) Laye Julius

and Joint Negotiating Council, (JNC) Mbeleokpo Andabai agreed that the flaw will not affect the commence of the payment of the new minimum wage this month.

The statement reads “Government is appreciated for the approval of 80 thousand naira new minimum wage.

That the computation of the consequential adjustment of the 80 thousand naira minimum wage by the committee set up by government and organized labour was flawed.

“That Bayelsa State workers are urged to remain calm and resolute as a committee by organized Labour and government is reviewing the template to come up with more acceptable figures.

“That organized labour leaders have agreed that the proposed payment for November 2024 salary should go on and the differentials on workers salaries will be effected in December, 2024.

“That the new template to be used from December 2024 will be duly signed by government and organized labour.

“That organized labour swore to always defend and protect the interest of workers and government is also committed to making Bayelsa workers happy.”

Zenith Bank Lights-Up Ajose Adeogun For Yuletide; Lagos Shines Brighter

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 25, 2024

In keeping with its acclaimed annual tradition, Zenith Bank once again set the stage for the Yuletide season with the Light-Up of Ajose Adeogun Street and Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday, 23 November 2024. The Light-Up ceremony was performed by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji, OON.

The Light-Up ceremony is a Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, initiative of Zenith Bank. Now in its 18th year, the beautiful Christmas decoration, which transforms the entire stretch of Ajose Adeogun Street (home to Zenith Bank’s Corporate Headquarters) and Roundabout into a breathtaking yuletide wonderland, has come to be recognized as an iconic tourist attraction, bringing visitors from far and wide who visit with their families and friends to take pictures and enjoy the ambience of the street.

Speaking during the ceremony, Umeoji said “Over the years, Zenith Bank has hosted this spectacular event, transforming the entire Ajose Adeogun Street into a breathtaking yuletide wonderland. Our beautiful and elaborate Christmas decorations have become a centre of attraction and shared on social media platforms globally. As we light up the street tonight, we celebrate the essence of Christmas and Zenith Bank’s unparalleled CSR. Our customers will always be at the centre of all that we do in Zenith Bank.” She urged everyone to imbibe the message and spirit of Christmas which is about love, kindness, generosity and respect for humanity, and thanked the Lagos State Government for creating an enabling environment for the initiative.

She also praised the efforts of Quantum Markets, who have been responsible for the annual decorations, for their expertise and creativity in putting together the lovely decorations. In her words, “I want to thank the management of Quantum Markets for all the beautiful, creative and innovative ideas they keep coming up with. Quantum Markets always make it bigger and better every year, and we are always looking forward to it.”

Zenith Bank remains committed to furthering the economic, cultural and social development of its host communities. The bank’s sustainability and CSR initiatives are hinged on the belief that today’s business performance is not all about the financial numbers – the bank believes that an institution’s social investments, contributions to inclusive economic growth and development as well as improvements in the condition of the physical environment, all constitute a balanced scorecard.

As a testament to its contributions and social investments in its host communities and the society at large, the bank was recognised as the “Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria” in the 2023 and 2024 International Banker Banking Awards and “Most Responsible Organization in Africa” at the Sustainability, Enterprise, and Responsibility (SERAS) Awards 2021.

Abia: How Gunmen Killed And Dumped Bodies Of Three Soldiers Into Imo River

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Barely 24 hours after the Abia State Governor issued a marching order for security operatives to take the battle against gunmen to their den, tragedy again struck in Umichima, Nnaji Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa Local Council of the State on Monday November 25. No fewer than three soldiers have reportedly been killed by gunmen, and their bodies, allegedly dumped into the Imo River.

The Source reports that Governor Otti, at the weekend, after an emergency Security Council meeting which featured all the Security Chiefs in the State, announced that his Government will no longer condone unnecessary terrorist attacks and killings of security operatives and innocent residents of the State.

To this end ,he informed that the Security Council has resolved to smoke out all terrorist and other criminal elements operating in the State .

Before then, he had blamed the spate of terrorist attacks and killings that have rocked some parts of the State in the last few days, particularly, Umuahia the Capital and its environs on the opposition.

The opposition, in a counter claim, blamed the unprecedented security challenge on the lackluster performance of his administration, and tasked him to review its policies rather than blaming non existent political foes.

About four terrorist related attacks between November 13, and 21 left three soldiers and 3 police men dead with several others severely injured.

The attacks represent the worst insecurity recorded since after the infamous years of the era of Aba based dare devil kidnap king pin, late Osisikankwu.

Impeccable local sources told this Magazine that the early Monday morning November 25 attack led to the killing of three soldiers, with their corpses allegedly dumped into the Imo river by the gunmen.

“It was a bizarre sight . What happened was that our village, Umuchima, Nnaji Autonomous Community in Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area is located very close to the bank of Imo river.

“There is a swampy area we call Mpata Forest within the river bank. Now, some time last year ,some unknown persons came and lodged there with their guns and other things.

“The community was at a loss as to who the strangers could be. The worst of all was that at a point; they started coming to the local markets to do shopping with guns hanging on their body.

“The development coincided with the death of our traditional ruler, late Eze Samuel Ahukannah. So there was no one who could take up the matter.

“But some how, some people severally drew the attention of the authorities, including the military, to the existence of the gunmen’s Camp in the Mpata Forest.

“At a point the military stormed the camp and recovered some bags of rice, other food items and other things belonging to the gunmen .

“After that, we felt that the whole thing had ended. But within a short time ,we started seeing them at the markets shopping with audacity, and with their guns.

“At that point ,everybody became afraid to report them again for fear of being made a scape goat .

“We became afraid because the military being aware of their presence ,and yet they were still operating, was enough reason for everybody to withdraw to his or her shell.

“With the community yet to get a replacement for its late traditional ruler, nobody was in a position to meaningfully pursue the matter.

“We have just finished electing an Eze. But he is yet to be recognized by the Government. Besides ,we understand that the gunmen were equally monitoring our activities with a view to spotting informants among us.

“It was a very difficult situation for us. No serious Government intervention to dislodge the hoodlums and no protection from security agencies. So we had to thread cautiously so as not to provoke our “unwanted neighbours” into killing us .

“That was the situation when the military came on Monday November 25, 2024 at about 5.30 am to confront the gunmen.

“We understand that the soldiers were ambushed and attacked by the gunmen who it seems have mastered the difficult swampy terrain

“We were meant to understand that about three of the soldiers were killed ,and their corpses dumped into the Imo river.

“We don’t know how many of the unknown gunmen that were killed by the invading troops. But what is happening now is that the military have been setting our people’s houses ablaze ,arresting and torturing any body in sight .

”As we speak ,most houses in Umuchima ,and other villages within Nnaji Autonomous Community have been razed.

“Of course, those who could afford it, have all run away from the Community due to the ongoing brutal reprisal attacks by soldiers”, a local who ran and escaped the reprisal attack volunteered

As at the time of reporting, neither the Abia State Government, nor the Military authorities has reacted to the development.

Ill-fated Medical Outreach: Abia Clamps Down On Organizers

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 25, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following a medical outreach gone awry, the Abia State Government, late on Sunday, November 24, banned any future exercises without the approval of the State Ministry of Health.

A supposedly humanitarian exercise on Saturday November, 23, 2024, led to the hospitalization of over 100 beneficiaries in Abiriba, Ohafia Local Council of the State.

The victims were among several hundreds of locals administered with free drugs by a non state actor at the Community’s Erinma Hall in the City Centre.

However, many of the recipients were said to have developed varying reactions and ailments, which resulted in their hospitalization at a medical facility within the vicinity, Ebube Ena Hospital.

The newly elected Mayor of Ohafia Local Government, Chief Eleanya Kalu, swiftly mobilised for the victims to be given medical assistance after the incident.

The development instantly led to tension and apprehension within the affected community and the entire state.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Health, the Abia State Government, expressed surprise that Medical Outreaches could be staged without reference to the appropriate regulatory bodies .

The statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, also regretted the large number of victims of the ill-fated medical programme.

The Commissioner maintained that before embarking on the medical outreach, organizers never contacted or sought the approval the State’s Ministry of Health.

He described as dangerous the distribution and administration of drugs by unauthorized and uncertified persons and groups under the guise of a medical outreach.

According to the Health Ministry’s statement, all future medical outreaches and related activities must have the approval of the authorities.

The Commissioner warned that defaulters will be made to face the full weight of the law as the State authorities will not allow public health to be endangered.

Prof Uche informed that preliminary findings have revealed that drugs distributed and administered during the said medical outreach led to adverse reactions among the beneficiaries .

He further explained that identified victims have been moved to Government medical facilities for proper attention.

“Our dedicated healthcare personnel are working assiduously to stabilise and treat affected people.

“The Abia State Ministry of Health is deeply concerned about the dire consequences and high risk posed by unauthorized healthcare activities.

“We wish to hereby warn the public to be cautious of individuals and groups organizing unapproved healthcare events”, Prof Uche stated.

The Source reports that many political actors and other self acclaimed philanthropists have been in the habit of staging medical outreaches targeting unsuspecting and vulnerable locals.

Most of the programmes are usually driven by the selfish desire to build political capital and reap one personal benefit or the other by most of the actors.

NANS Kicks Against ‘Marginal’ Fee Increment In Ekiti Varsity

Ayodele Oni

November 25, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Management of Ekiti State University, (EKSU) Ado Ekiti, has described as ‘marginal’ the recent increase in fees by 50 percent payable by students.

But the increase has generated mixed reactions from stakeholders, especially the leadership of National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS).

A statement by Deputy Registrar in charge of information, Bode Olofinmuagun, urged stakeholders, particularly students to be calm as a “result of the issues surrounding the marginal adjustment in the fees payable by the prospective students of the university in the 2024/2025 academic session.

“The Governing Council of the university, after carefully considering the economic realities of the country viz a viz the need to provide quality service took the decision to marginally increase the fees payable by the prospective students of the university with effect from the 2024/2025 academic session.

“This decision was also taken in order to complement the monthly government subvention to the University, which had been reviewed upward by the Ekiti State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, who is also the Visitor to the university.

“For the purpose of clarity, operational costs in the university have increased occasioned by the increase in prices of goods and services by about 200% due to high inflation. Yet, the Governing Council of the university only adjusted the fees payable by freshers only by 50%.

“It is equally important to state that there is the dire need for the university to keep the system running in terms of the provision of quality as well as state of the art facilities to ensure that the university is relevant in the comity of universities across the globe.

“The recent ranking of the University as the best state university and the 12th best out of over 200 universities in the country is a testament to this.

“It is undeniable that upward adjustment in the fees payable by students cut across all universities in Nigeria (Federal, State and Private). Ekiti State University, Ado – Ekiti is, therefore, not an exception.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the marginal increase affects only freshers, while the fees payable by stalites are not in any way affected. Also, the acceptance fees to be paid by freshers are not affected even when many other Universities increased their acceptance fees.

“It is a verifiable fact that EKSU fees are very affordable compared with most state Universities and many Federal universities, not to talk of fees being charged per term by many private secondary schools across the country.

In its reaction, NANS in a statement signed by Owolewa Taiwo,

_Coordinator, NANS Southwest Zone D,

declared that “We make bold to say that the 50% increment in school fees isn’t a marginal adjustment, it is substantial increment.

“The use of marginal adjustment is nothing but a mere manipulation of our collective intelligence. How do you explain 50% increment as marginal increment?

“Also the University cited ‘Economic Reality’ as the reason for the hike in fees, we therefore want to ask if such economic realities doesn’t affect the students and their parents?

“We also seek to know whether education in the state has now gone 100% commercialized and no longer a social service provided by the state and complimented by the people?

“We also want to ask with the current salary structures, how many Eksu staff except the management staff can afford to send their wards to study Medicine, Law or Engineering courses at EKSU at the moment if the new fees regime announced stands?

“We also want to ask why the University can’t explore other areas of IGR other than school fees to compliment government subventions.

“Areas such as agriculture and its value chain, certificates courses, special schools for professional certifications, reserach and consultancy services etc.

“If the university can’t explore its diverse Human Resources Capacity and Ingenuity in improving IGR other than the cheap way out of increasing school fees, isn’t that an indictment on the lack of ideas of the management, council and the universality of the institution?

“We therefore stand by our earlier press statement that the hike should be reviewed downward and our consultative meeting agreement with the management prior to the increment be honoured. Failure to do this will trigger our proposed plan to ensure this hike in fees does not stand.”

Polaris Bank: Where’s Stolen N17m?

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 25, 2024

Within 11 months in office as the chief executive of Polaris Bank Limited, a smart employee has managed to steal a whopping N17 million under the watch of Kayode Lawal who was appointed earlier this year by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

There are strong indications that more fraud could still be discovered as the bank struggles to prove to customers that it has stabilized despite reports that it’s still on a shaky ground.

On January 10, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, dissolved the board and management of Polaris Bank due to alleged mismanagement and corporate governance violations, and appointed Lawal as new Chief Executive.

Also, the apex bank had debunked reports that it was planning to withdraw Polaris Bank working license.

There are however suggestions in the sector that the bank is seriously troubled despite CBN’s efforts to protect it. Deep-seated in the Lawal-led commercial bank, analysts insist, is the problem of employee fraud which has been on the rise.

Two persons well informed in the EFCC told the magazine that crack detectives will soon be sent to look into the books of the lender following allegations that the bank may have provided cover for some employees perpetrating fraud.

The development followed the revelation by the EFCC that an employee stole N17 million belonging to customers of the bank under the pretext of a loan.

How did it happen? The revelation came recently after Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of an Ikeja Special Offences Court, remanded one Abiodun Sanni in the prison for allegedly stealing the money.

According to the information made available by the EFCC, Sanni had stolen the money using a phony company and false identification, Bamgbose Tayo Taofiq and Banut Haulage to grant himself a loan worth N17 million.

Sanni has denied committing the alleged crime raising serious posers on how this was allowed to happen, and whether other employees have escaped with depositors money.

Three sources in EFCC, familiar with the alleged fraud, said the commission is doing more to unearth other possible fraud in the bank.

“This particular case will possibly lead to other frauds in the ban” one of the sources said.

Sanni, according to the EFCC had on February 24, 2020, in Lagos, as the Bank Manager of the lju branch of Polaris Bank Limited, obtained credit in the form of a bank loan in the sum of N17 million, for Bamgbose Tayo Taofiq, trading under the name and style of Banut Haulage.

Obtaining the loan under false pretence, he provided false collateral in the form of a fixed deposit account number 0071572791 worth N111 million.

According to the fact of the case, the anti-graft agency arraigned Sanni on a 16-count charge bordering on obtaining credit by false pretenses, forgery, use of false documents and stealing.

The bank manager was also accused of dishonestly converting a Polaris Bank Limited’s fixed deposit account number 0071277522 worth over N15 million, belonging to Atolagbe Joshua Tinuoye.

In an earlier fraud case involving the bank, its staff member, Chinenye Duru stole close to N17 billion from a customer.

The fraud which he perpetrated within a period of eight years is now a subject of probe by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Controversy Lingers Over Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s Burial

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 25, 2024

The controversy surrounding the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Uba has yet to abate following report that his colleagues in the Senate abandoned him during the elaborate event in Anambra state.

Senator Uba who died in July in the United States, US, was flown home and had been buried amidst tears from close family friends that he was too young to die.

The burial comes despite a threat by some elements in the secessionist IPOB that the senator should not be buried in the state.

“There will be tragic consequences” if Senator Uba is buried in the state, a spokesman of the group said in a viral video last week, accusing the late senator of being behind the arrest and detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Reports however indicate that many senators and National assembly members who were supposed to show the distinguished lawmaker their last respect did attend the burial.

Uba, the chief Executive of capital Oil was until his demise the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Downstream.

Reacting to the allegation, Senate spokesman Yemi Adaramodu said the hallowed chamber provided all the needed support for the late senator.

He described as untrue allegation that Uba was abandoned by his colleagues during the burial.

Senator Adaramodu said in a statement made available to journalists that the leadership of the Senate did all it could to support the burial, stating that it’s impossible for 109 senators to attend the burial.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Senate has described as untrue, the recent news circulating about the Senate, purportedly failing to play a role in the burial of its late colleague, Ifeanyi Ubah.

“Contrary to insinuations in some misinformed quarters, the Senate accorded Senator Ubah all honours and rites as a sitting member of the Senate before his burial in Nnewi on Friday.”

“For the first time in the history of the National Assembly a whole Legislative day was dedicated to paying Tributes to our departed colleague. His seat was adorned with the national flag which was huge honor and recognition of his contributions to the Senate and the good people he represented.

“The Nigerian Senate did not abandon the late Senator and his family right from the moment the news of his death became public knowledge news.

“In fact, the Senate commiserated with the people and government of Anambra State over his death.

“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, it would be recalled, had immediately after the demise of our late colleague was made public, led a high powered delegation of some principal officers and members of the Senate to the Lagos residence of the late Senator to commiserate with his wife and children.

“Almost 100 Senators of the 109 members attended a valedictory session held in his honor, where senators including vice president Kashim Shettima paid tribute to his accomplishments as a, philanthropist, businessman and politician.

Speaking on why Senator Uba should not be buried in the state, in a viral video on WhatsApp, a middle aged man who did not identify himself, but signed off as “IPOB Eze” warned that bringing his body to his community, Nnewi, or any other part of Igboland for burial would attract severe consequences.

The spokesman of the Group identified himself with Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based self proclaimed Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s disciple but who has since been estranged from the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, a Group led by Kanu. Kanu, the IPOB Leader, has been in the captive of the Federal Government since 2021. The FG is prosecuting him for sundry issues including Treasonable felony, a charge the Court of Appeal has since discharged him of.

Giving reasons for why Ubah’s body must not be buried anywhere in Igboland, the person who spoke on the viral video alleged that it was Ubah that sold Nnamdi Kanu out to the Federal Government.

At the time of Kanu’s rendition from Nairobi in 2021, rumours were strong that Ubah not only sold him out, but that Ubah’s private jet was used to bring Kanu back to Nigeria.

However, it is an allegation since debunked by Ubah. He said he had no hands in Kanu’s fate and the aircraft used was not his. He said the false allegations were made against him by political enemies to ruin him before the Igbo.

Proof: Months before Ubah passed away, Mazi Kanu’s wife had acknowledged and appreciated Ubah for facilitating her visit to her to see her husband at his detention centre, a request she emphasized, denied her until Ubah weighed in.

But that effort by Ubah cut no ice with those who propagate the allegations against him. That belief certainly triggered the warning, allegedly by Ekpa’s Group that Ubah committed a sacrilege and must never be buried in Igboland.

The speaker warned that if Ubah’s body is brought back to Nnewi for burial, then, Nnewi will be reduced to something “worse than Orlu and Somali” security-wise. He also warned that if buried in Nnewi, his body would be exhumed and re-buried in an evil forest. He also warned Governor Chukwuma Soludo against burying Ubah’s body in Nnewi, and suggested that he be buried in the North or South-west part of the Country.

Following is the full text of the video.

“If Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is buried in Nnewi, Anambra State, Somali, Orlu in Imo state will be better than Nnewi.

“The Biafra Liberation Army will come after you all, and all of you will abandon your businesses in Nnewi, and Biafra will dig the grave of Ifeanyi Ubah and we take his body away and go and bury him in the evil forest, because he committed evil.

“He can never kidnap Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and you want to bury him in Biafra Land.

“His Excellency, Simon Ekpa, will do everything possible to destroy Nnewi. Biafra Liberation Army will do everything possible to destroy Nnewi.

“Let him be buried in the North or West, at least we are one Nigeria, we don’t want him in Biafra land.

“Share this voice message. I am not happy, am saying these things with anger; respect yourselves Nnewi people. Do your business in peace. Nobody is looking for your trouble, don’t look for the trouble of Biafra Liberation Army. Don’t look for the trouble of Biafra Government in exile.

“You are warned. Am one of Biafra Government. We don’t want Ifeanyi Ubah to be buried in Nnewi, because he destroyed Biafrans, he killed a lot. You committed a lot of atrocities not only in Nnewi, but also to Coscharis. He wanted to kill him, his own brother. He has committeed a lot of atrocities. He needs to answer it.

“Wherever he is buried, he must be chained for life.

“Nobody should bury Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi. Governor Soludo should be warned, he should be severely warned.

Dangote Woos Marketers With Reduced Petrol Price; Appreciate Nigerians

Tosin Olatokunbo

November 25, 2024

Dangote Refinery has reduced the price of petrol loaded from its depot by marketers. The company announced on Sunday that the decision was necessary to appreciate Nigerians for their unwavering support amidst the challenges it has faced recently.

The magazine reported that not a few Nigerians have berated some government agencies in the oil and gas sector for trying to stifle the operations of the company. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, had mostly come under severe criticisms from Nigerians for not supporting the refinery in its quest to make petrol regularly available and comparably affordable in the country.

For the unflinching support the company received from Nigerians, the refinery said it has reduced its depot price to N970 per litre from N990.

The announcement was made yesterday in a statement by Tony Chiejina, the company’s spokesman, who said marketers will no longer load the product in the old price.

Chiejina stated that Nigerians have stood with the company to ensure that its aim of making fuel available in the country is realised, promising uninterrupted supply of the products, adding that the issue of quality will not be compromised.

He said, “Dangote Petroleum Refinery has effected a reduction in the prevailing price of its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N990/litre to N970/litre for the marketers.

“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the Refinery a dream come true.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption, thus dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

Meanwhile, analysts in the sector insist that the reduction in the price of petrol by the company was in line with marketers demands, after they threatened to import cheaper petrol into the country.

It, however, remains uncertain whether the reduction will be reflected by marketers of the product at the pump.

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