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Banditry: Tinubu Lauds Military For Neutralising Notorious Kingpins Daji, Sububu

September 14, 2024

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised more support for the military to sustain its recent success against bandits in the North west.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The promise comes on the heels of the killing of notorious bandit leader, Hadarin Daji by security force in Zamfara state.

The troops also killed Halilu Sububu, the bandit leader who terrorised the state and Sokoto before he was ambushed and killed alongside some of his men.

Sources familiar with the issue, revealed that Sububu, a notorious gunrunner who also owned a thriving illegal gold mining operation in Bagega and other communities around Sumke forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Daji, a native of Niger Republic had terrorised Zamfara and its adjoining states for years before the military finaly neutralise him and some of his men on Friday.

A day before security forces got him, Daji had in a viral viedo made his usual threat against the state and its people.

In his reaction, President Tinubu assured his continued support for the military, stressing that the Nigerian military has shown that they are capable of dealing with bandits and terrorists who threaten the country.

Tinubu stated that the military has brought relief to Nigerians as as a result of their success against the dare-devil bandits.

The president said, “The success of the operations gives further assurance that our security operatives are up to the task of ensuring the peace and security of the nation.”

Parents Label Governor Sanwo-Olu Heartless Over Hike In School Fees In Model Colleges

Akinwale Kasali

September 14, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Angry parents of students in Model Colleges across Lagos State have labeled Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government as heartless, unreasonable and insensitive to the economic hardship faced by Lagosians and Nigerians in general following a 190 percent Increment of the School Fees from N35,000 to N100,000.

The increment which came as a shock to Parents and Educators alike without prior notice, comes at a time Nigerians are already grappling with skyrocketing costs of living, driven by fuel price hikes and inflation, which have pushed up the prices of food, transport, and basic household items.

Many parents are expressing frustration and disbelief at the sudden fee hike.

Martha Aderinoye, a Parent whose Child attends Meiran Model College, Meiran in Agbado Oke Odo Local Council Development Area said that the sudden increment will no doubt have an adverse effect on her Child.

The widow, lamented that she only managed to pay the N35,000 School Fees of her Daughter who is her third through the help of Families, Friends and with her little business, now that the money has skyrocketed by over 190 percent, she is in a fix as the education progress of her Ward will be affected.

Aderinoye is just one out of thousands of Parents who are affected by this sudden increment.

Chinonso Uchegbulam, another affected Parent said, “The government is making life difficult for the masses.

“I have already spent over N200,000 on school supplies for my children, and I had paid the previous N35,000 fee. Now they’re asking for N100,000, which is simply too much.”

Similarly, Rufus Bamidele, a father of three children attending Ijanikin Model College, voiced his concerns. “I cannot afford to pay N100,000 per child every term. That’s N300,000 just for school fees, not to mention uniforms and other essentials. This decision is unfair, especially since the government announced it just days before the school term begins.

“Why is the government adding to our pains and sufferings”, Bamidele queried.

A Parent, Ayo Ogunse, said the last fee was N35,000, saying parents had paid the fee last week before the new fee circular was posted on Friday afternoon.

“We were surprised to receive this new fee of N100,000 after paying N35,000 last week,” she said.

The decision to raise the fees was officially communicated through a circular issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, signed by Olufemi Asaolu, Director of Basic Education Services, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. The increase will take effect in the 2024/2025 academic session.

The Letter to all boarding school principals signed by the Director, Basic Education Services, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Olufemi Asaolu.

The letter titled, ‘Review of boarding fees in all public secondary schools in Lagos State for 2024/2025 session,’ added that no additional fee of any form should be collected by the schools, saying the resumption date would now be September 15, 2024.

“I am further directed to inform you that no additional fee of any form should be collected by the schools.

“I have the directive of the Honourable Commissioner to inform all Public Boarding House schools in Lagos State that the state government has approved the review of the boarding fee payable in all public boarding house schools in Lagos State. The newly approved fee is N100,000 only.

“Kindly note that the resumption date remains 15th September 2024.”

Parents’ groups, including the State Parents Forum for Model Colleges, have expressed strong opposition to the fee hike.

In a letter signed by the Forum’s Chairman, Surv. Dapo Dawodu, the committee condemned the abrupt increase, calling it “insensitive, non-procedural, and impractical.”

Dawodu, also, criticized the Ministry of Education for failing to engage with parents before making this decision.

He pointed out that the previous fee of N35,000 was agreed upon after negotiations between parents and the Lagos State House of Assembly, with the understanding that the funds would be managed jointly by parents and school authorities through a Boarding School Management Committee. Despite this agreement, many school principals have reportedly refused to adhere to the directive.

In response to the hike, the Parents Forum has directed families to pay only the previously agreed N35,000 and to send their children to school as planned.

The Forum vowed to continue engaging with relevant authorities to resolve the issue.

As the new academic term approaches, the tension between the government and parents continues to grow, with many calling for a reversal of the fee increase to alleviate the financial burden on struggling families.

Borno: Flooding May Heighten Insecurity Following Escape Of Boko Haram Leaders From Prison – Gov Zulum

The Source

September 14, 2024

Professor Babagana Zulum, Borno State governor

By Ayodele Oni

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has expressed fears that one of the fallouts of the recent flooding experienced in the State will be the escalation of insecurity.

He noted that some Boko Haram leaders serving jail terms may have escaped from the correctional facility in the state following a devastating flood that hit Maiduguri, the state capital.

The Governor added that the assistance provided to the flood victims was “insufficient.” The flood caused loss of life and extensive damage to property, worth millions of naira, in the city.

It also affected a portion of the old prison, from which many inmates were relocated to the new maximum security prison in Maiduguri.

Reports indicate that during the evacuation, some inmates may have escaped.

When interviewed by the BBC, Governor Zulum confirmed his worry that some Boko Haram leaders might have escaped.

“I’m worried, yes, I’m seriously worried. But you also have to bear in mind that Borno State Government has established what we call Borno Model of Rehabilitation that has allowed many insurgents to repent.

“Within the last two years, over 200,000 Boko Haram members and their families have repented and, I think, this has also yielded positive results in ensuring return of peace and stability to Borno State.”

Zulum lamented that the state faced yet another disaster amid its already difficult security situation.

“I can remember more than 300,000 people were killed in Borno State, thousands of classrooms were destroyed, hundreds of facilities were destroyed by the insurgency.

“We are just trying to get out of this problem and then now we witnessed another disaster, a very serious calamity, another serious humanitarian crisis which the state governor cannot shoulder.

“There is no way we can provide food to millions of people in one or two hours. So, what we decided is to retreat and organize ourselves.

“The only way we can organize ourselves is to ensure that the affected victims are resettled in camps. Then we will take the support to the camps, otherwise many will die as a result of receiving food and non-food items in queues.”

MURIC To Build Mosque Inside Soun Of Ogbomoso’s Palace, Seeks Monarch’s Approval For Land

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has volunteered to build a Mosque for the Soun of Ogbomoso, inside the Palace.

MURIC pointed out that the monarch only needs to show the body a portion of land within the Palace upon which he intends to site the mosque.

In a statement on Saturday, the Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola said his group was ready to build a mosque for the Soun if only the latter would show the space where he intends to site it.

The Soun of Ogbomoso recently appointed Habib Ayilara as his palace Imam. Although we welcomed this action.

MURIC assured the king that workers and equipment will be mobilized to the site within 30 days of identifying and approving the location. “It is sheer humanitarian gesture. We mean this, Your Majesty. Still, no satire on our mind.”

The Soun of Ogbomoso recently appointed a palace Imam Habib Ayilara. Subsequently, an Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) questioned the rationale for this.

“Although we welcomed this action we still wondered how the palace Imam would function without a mosque in the palace. We therefore advised the Soun to build a mosque inside the palace.

“Our advice is a very sincere one, no satire intended, because such a mosque will benefit Muslims working inside the palace and those residing there.

“However, reports reaching us indicate that there has been no sign of any preparation to build a mosque within the palace up till this moment.

“The palace Imam needs a structure where he will be leading both the five daily prayers and the weekly Jumu’ah prayer for Muslims who live and work inside the palace.

“We hereby volunteer to build a mosque for the Soun inside the palace. The revered monarch only needs to show us the portion of land within the palace upon which he intends to site the mosque.

“MURIC assures the king that workers and equipment will be mobilized to the site within 30 days of identifying and approving the location. It is sheer humanitarian gesture. We mean this, Your Majesty. Still, no satire on our mind.”

Imo Local Council Polls: No Rift Within The Ranks Of APC – Spokesman

Suleiman Anyalewechi

September 14, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the September 21,2024 scheduled Local Council Polls, the Imo State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, has insisted that its ranks are intact and cohesive.

This is just as the party maintained that there is no iota of crisis, post Local Government Primaries of the Party.

The Source reports the strong insinuations making the rounds that the consensus option adopted in selecting the party’s candidates for the Election has created disaffection and polarized the party.

One of those reports published, by one Ekeh Chiemena, had claimed that some aggrieved aspirants who were allegedly schemed out of the Primaries, issued a 48-hour dateline for their expenditures to be refunded or they will embark on a protest.

But in a statement issued at the weekend by the Imo APC Publicity Secretary Cajetan Duke, the Party described the said report as false, and a mere fabrication designed to create unnecessary tension within the party.

” The article is in itself a classic example of lazy journalism, relying on unknown sources and unsubstantiated claims to peddle falsehood.

“The truth is that the APC in Imo state has not been enmeshed in any crisis over the outcome of the party Primaries. The Primaries were conducted in a peaceful, fair and credible manner through a consensus process as recognized by the party’s constitution and adopted by the relevant stakeholders of the party and the winners have been duly declared.

“The claim that Governor Hope Uzodinma and the Party’s Chairman, MacDonald Ebere, scammed aspirants by saying that the party will refund their money is a gross misrepresentation of facts .

“The issue of refund was a suggestion and opinion of the Governor aimed at placating those who respected the consensus arrangement of the party. An opinion which is not a convention in the party democracy in Nigeria, but a gesture of goodwill, entirely advisory, subject to the consideration of the State Executive Committee of the party”, the statement noted.

The APC also debunked claims that strange and unknown persons were handed the Party’s tickets for the election, insisting that all the candidates are not only bonafide members ,but also passed through all the required processes, including the purchase of expression of interests and nomination forms.

The statement, while calling on party faithful and the public in general to disregard any distracting antics, expressed the optimism that the APC as a party is strong and united enough and ready for the election.

Kidnappings: Ekiti Border Communities Appeal For Military Posts

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Border Communities in Ekiti, groaning under insecurity, have called for the establishment of military posts to curtail infiltration from neighbouring towns.

Of recent, some of the border communities have been experiencing kidnappings and armed robberies and series of attacks from hoodlums that take refuge in towns which belong to neighbouring states.

Notable of such incidents was the invasion of Eda Oniyo Community in Ilejemeje local government during which the council secretariat and private houses destroyed by invaders from Obbo Aiyegunle in Kwara state.

A community leader in Eda Oniyo, Ojo Ajayi, noted that soldiers have been deployed to the community but that a permanent Military Post at the border area will permanently end activities of the hoodlums.

Also, suspected kidnappers shot dead one person, wife, daughter and other occupants of the car in which they were traveling abducted at Ise, which shares borders with Ondo state.

A Joint Security Committee of Ikere, Emure, and Ise/Orun Councils called for the establishment of military checkpoints and police posts along two interstate roads notorious for kidnapping activities in the area.

The JSC Chairman, Tunji Falana, lamented that “kidnappers have been accessing Ekiti State and our area through the two roads linking Ekiti and Ondo states, Emure Ekiti-Eporo Road and Emure Ekiti-Supare Akoko Road, perpetrating kidnappings for ransom, killings, and other crimes.

“Gunmen, kidnapped nine persons on the Emure-Eporo road, including five school children, three female teachers, and a school bus driver. The kidnappers later killed the driver and released the others.

“These two roads linking Ekiti State to Ondo State have been identified as routes used by kidnappers to access this area.

“We urge Governor Oyebanji to treat our request with urgency for the safety of lives and property. We should not wait for another kidnapping incident.

“Our people, those kidnapped and later released after ransom, those mourning the dead victims, and others, cannot forget the kidnapping of school pupils and the recent incidents along Emure-Eporo Road.”

Falana also appealed to well-meaning individuals from the three local government areas to support the JSC to enhance the security of lives and property in their communities.

“We thank the House of Representatives member representing this area at the National Assembly, Niyi Ojuawo, for his prompt responses to security matters in this area. We call on other well-meaning people of Ise, Orun, Emure, and Ikere Ekiti communities to follow suit and rise to the occasion.

“The activities of the JSC have, no doubt, contributed to reducing kidnapping and other crimes, including illegal activities in the expansive forests. We need support to sustain operations involving all security agencies and paramilitary organisations in the area.”

Storey Building Collapses On UNIBEN Students, Many Trapped

Ayodele Oni

September 14, 2024

Storey Building Collapses On UNIBEN Students

By Ayodele Oni

Rescue workers have been mobilized to a site in Benin City, Edo State where a storey building collapsed Saturday morning with several persons trapped.

Report stated that several students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) are among those trapped in the collapsed building.

The incident happened on Ekhator Street, Ekosodin, an area majorly populated by students, during a heavy downpour.

According to eyewitnesses, a University rescue team swiftly responded to the scene, managing to extract some of the trapped occupants.

However, several students were severely injured and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“The rescue team is still searching for one victim who remains trapped inside the rubble.

It was reported that the victim called from inside the building, pleading for help, and efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them.”

Senior officials of UNIBEN, including the Dean of Students are currently at the scene, coordinating the rescue efforts alongside the university team.

Imo First Lady Empowers 1,575 Women, Rounds Off 2024 August Meeting, Uzodimma Tells Women “Your Pain Is Temporary”

The Source

September 14, 2024

The First Lady of Imo State, Barr. (Mrs) Chioma Uzodimma on Friday renewed the hope of women in Imo State for a better tomorrow, announcing the instant empowerment of 1575 of them and reeling out other areas where large number of women are to benefit from her strategic empowerment programme.

Mrs Uzodimma did at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri where the 2024 Imo Women August Meeting grand finale with the theme: Nwanyị Di- Ike (A strong woman) was rounded off amid pomp and circumstance.

The event which attracted thousands of women in Imo State across the 27 Local Government Areas and 305 Electoral Wards, including non indigenes, and had in attendance wives of Governors from Lagos, Ogun, Enonyi, Bayelsa and Osun States, members of the National Assembly, top government officials, captains of industries, among others, left no one in doubt about the love Mrs. Uzodimma has for her fellow women.

Her words: “Today, we take a significant step forward by empowering 1,575 women across various categories, demonstrating our total commitment to creating opportunities for all.”

The Imo First Lady did not stop there as read out other categories of empowerment measures she had packaged for them in keeping with the theme of the grand finale.

The other packages include: Urban SMEs (135 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within urban and metropolitan areas); Agro-Geo Cooperatives (Support for 655 cooperatives in rural communities and 345 interest groups); Agricultural Support (Distribution of cassava, potatoes, and maize seeds, along with ₦50,000 cash to 1,000 rural farmers) and Financial Assistance (₦50,000 each to petty traders in rural communities, covering the 305 wards).

She also got a huge measure of support from her husband, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who, in congratulating the women for their successful 2024 August Meeting pledged continuous support of his wife in her determination to empower the womenfolk the more.

“What you are going through is like a woman who is in pains during time of delivery in the maternity. When she is delivered of the child, all the pains will go away. Let me tell you, your pain is just temporary. It is about to go away,” Governor Uzodimma told the women gathering.

Governor Uzodimma further urged the women to remain committed in their resolve to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, noting that a lot was being done to make life more meaningful to Nigerians by ensuring that the cost of living is drastically reduced. “Don’t panic, the pain is temporary. It is over soon.”

In her speech, Mrs Uzodimma said: “With great joy and pride, I welcome you all to the grand finale of the 2024 Imo Women August Meeting. This year’s theme, ‘Nwanyị DịIke’ (A Strong Woman), captures the very essence of our identity as Imo women.

“Today, we are here not just to celebrate our resilience and strength, but to also reflect on our collective achievements and set a purposeful path for our future.

“NwanyịDịIke”is not just a theme; it is a profound declaration of the indomitable spirit that defines the Igbo woman. Our history is rich with examples of the

strength, courage, and resilience that women in our communities have consistently shown, especially in times of adversity. A prime example of this is the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929-a historical event that stands as a testament to the power and resilience of Igbo women.

“The history of Aba and the contributions of our foremothers during the Aba

Women’s Riot are deeply rooted in our consciousness. These brave women

stood up against oppression, showcasing the power of collective action. While

their legacy is a significant part of our history, it is important that we do not dwell

on the past alone but use it as a beacon to guide our present and future.

“Nwanyi si, na akụkọ ndị nna nna ya bụ ihe ọga-eji mara ụzọe ji aga obodo”, meaning

a woman who knows her history will navigate her future wisely. We must continue to draw strength from their bravery as we forge ahead.

“Today, as we gather to celebrate the theme Nwanyị DịIke, we honour the spirit

of those courageous women who fought not just for themselves, but for future

generations. Their bravery serves as a guiding light for all of us, reminding us

that we have the power to effect change, no matter the odds.

“In our contemporary context, Nwanyị DịIke symbolizes the modern woman who

balances multiple roles; be it as a mother, a leader, a businesswoman, or an

advocate, while confronting the challenges that come her way with unwavering

resolve. Just as the women of Aba rose to defend their rights, today’s Imo

women continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and achieve excellence in

all spheres of life. This theme is a call to action for every woman to tap into her

inner strength, to stand firm in the face of challenges, and to lead with

confidence and purpose.

“Under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo State has witnessed

significant progress across various sectors. We have made substantial strides

in infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and agriculture. The governor’s administration has initiated projects that have transformed our

communities, making Imo State a beacon of development in the Southeast.

1.The rehabilitation of roads across the State has not only improved transportation but has also boosted commerce and trade, creating more opportunities for our people.

2.In the health sector, the government has revitalized healthcare facilities,

ensuring that our people have access to quality medical services.

3.Education, which is the bedrock of any society, has not been left out, with

the government investing in the improvement of schools.

4.Imo State Government remains committed to women’s empowerment and

runs a gender-friendly administration.

“Nwanyi si na nwoke jiri ike gbaa

ọsọ mana nwanyị ji amamihe eze ọsọ”, meaning a man may run with all

his might, but a woman uses her strength and wisdom. Through various initiatives, we have empowered women in business, politics, and community leadership, recognizing that when women thrive, society

prospers.

5.Our administration has appointed women to key positions in government,

ensuring that they have a voice in decision-making processes.

“The support for women-owned businesses has been strengthened, providing access to

funding, training, and mentorship. This empowerment has led to the rise

of more women leaders in our state, contributing to the development of

Imo.

“As we celebrate our collective strength, let us also remember that our resilience

is not just in enduring hardships but in overcoming them, in turning challenges

into opportunities, and in building a future that reflects our values and aspirations. Nwanyị DịIke is a celebration of our past, a recognition of our present, and a promise to the future that the spirit of the Igbo woman will continue to thrive and inspire.

“It is also crucial to emphasise the importance of lifting each other up. The success of one woman is a victory for all women, and it is only through collective support that we can achieve true progress.

Mrs. Uzodimma noted that her empowerment “initiatives are a testament to our commitment to uplifting the economic

status of women in Imo State..

She added: “We believe that by empowering women, we are sowing the seeds for a more prosperous and equitable society. These initiatives are more than just numbers; they represent the lives we are transforming, the

futures we are securing, and the communities we are strengthening. By

empowering these women, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, independent, and successful generation to come.

“In reflecting on our collective strength, it is also essential to recognise the

tremendous support and leadership provided by the government of Imo State,

under the stewardship of our Governor and my darling husband, His Excellency,

Dist. Senator Hope Uzodimma. This administration has shown an unwavering

commitment to the advancement of women, recognizing that when women thrive, the entire state prospers.

“From initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health to policies that promote women’s economic empowerment, this government continues to prioritise the well-being of our women.

“As we look ahead, I am confident that the Imo State Government will continue

to champion the cause of women, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her

background, has the opportunity to succeed. The administration’s commitment

to gender equality is evident, and we are poised to do even more in the coming

years. Together, we will build on the progress we have made, ensuring that the legacy of this administration is one of empowerment, inclusion, and sustained development for all women.

“We also recognise the support and contributions of the Bola Tinubu

administration in advancing the course of women across Nigeria. The inclusion

of women in his cabinet and various leadership positions highlights the

recognition of the pivotal role women play in nation-building. The administration

understands that “Nwanyị bụ ihe ịkpọrọya, ọna-ebili mgbe e nyere ya ohere,”

meaning, a woman is what you call her, she rises to the challenge when given

the opportunity. We look forward to more policies and programmes that will further

enhance the participation of women at all levels of government.

“In particular, I would like to specially commend the First Lady of Nigeria, Her

Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, for her dedication to providing for

women and families across the 36 States through her Renewed Hope Initiative.

Her programmes have brought tangible benefits to Imo State and the South-East

region, and we are grateful for her tireless efforts and support.

“As we conclude this year’s August Meeting, let us carry forward the spirit of

‘Nwanyị DịIke’ in all that we do. Let us continue to support one another, to lift

each other up, and to stand united in the pursuit of progress. Together, we can

overcome any challenge and achieve greatness.

“To our dear mothers and guardians, I urge you to continue being the pillars of

our society. As nurturers and educators, you have a vital role in shaping the

future of our state and nation. Teach your children to be proud of Imo State and

Nigeria, and guide them in the path of positivity and patriotism. “Nwa amara na

asu ya, meaning a child learns from what they are taught, so let us ensure that

the lessons we impart are those of love, unity, and progress.

“As we chorus “Nwanyi Di Ike,” let us remember that our strength lies in our unity

and resilience. On that note, I extend my deepest gratitude to all the women of

Imo State for your support and dedication. Your participation in this meeting,

your commitment to our shared goals, and your strength in the face of adversity

are what make us unstoppable. May God continue to bless you and may He

guide us as we work together to build a brighter future for all.”

Five members of the Southern Governors’ Wives Forum (SGWF) joined their host colleague for the event from September 12, 2024.

They include the First Lady of Ogun State who is also the Chairperson, Southern Governors’ Wives Forum – Her Excellency Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, the First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the First Lady of Osun State, Her Excellency Chief (Mrs.) Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Ebonyi State, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs.) Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru and the

First Lady of Bayelsa State, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria Diri.

During their courtesy call on Governor Uzodimma earlier, the First Ladies congratulated him for his giant strides in Imo and his unwavering support to the course of women in Imo State in particular and Nigeria in general.

In his remarks at the grand finale, Chairman of the occasion, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, representing the Okigwe zone in the Senate congratulated the women for all they do for the good of family and society.

Sen. Ndubueze also thanked Mrs Uzodimma who is the host First Lady for the passion she has for the wellbeing of the women, not only in Imo but women at large, urging her not to relent in her service to humanity with her numerous programmes.

FG Settles Dangote, NNPCL Rift; Loading Of Petrol Starts Tomorrow

James Orji

September 14, 2024

The Presidential Committee on the Sale of crude oil and Refined Product has disclosed that Dangote Refinery will only sell petrol to the Nigerian national Petroleum Company LimIted, NNPLC.

Zack Adedeji, a member of the Committee and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, made this disclosure on Friday while briefing journalists on the issue.

Adedeji’s remark, comes on the heels of the controversy surrounding crude oil sale to the refinery owned by Africa’s Richest man, Aliko Dangote, as well as the sale of petrol produced from the refinery to marketers.

Controversy had raged in the sector over whether NNPCL has the sole rights to buy petrol from the refinery.

The reaction of the FIRS boss to the issue, according to analysts may have finally put the controversy to rest.

According to Adedeji, the loading of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS also known as petrol from the refinery will commence from Sunday, September 15, adding that the transaction will be conducted in Naira. NNPCL, he said, will in turn sell to major and independent marketers.

Recall that the federal government, last month, directed the NNPCL to sell crude oil to Dangote and other local refineries in Naira.

The FIRS boss stated, “I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday 15th September,” Adedeji stated.

“From 1 October, NNPC will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira

“In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira.

“Diesel will be sold in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC, NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now. All associated regulatory costs will also be paid for in Naira,” he said.

The magazine reported that Dangote Refinery had threatened to sell products from the refinery, including petrol and Diesel to buyers outside the country after accusing local marketers of refusal to buy from the company.

The marketers have debunked the allegation.

President Tinubu Met A Disastrous Economy – Wike

The Source

September 14, 2024

By Gideon Njoku

Any new Government inherits the good and the bad. But it does seem that the Government inherited by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in 2023 from his predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari, also of the APC, was more of bad than good, especially in the economy.

According to the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, only one word can quite describe the economy Tinubu inherited – Disaster.

From the week Tinubu was sworn into office, with his famous “fuel subsidy is gone” it has been unprecedented sufferings for Nigerians. There has been scarcity of everything. Food. Fuel. Cash. No electricity. High cost of everything. The Naira is down as never before. Anger and frustration reign. Nigerians have become beggars.

The Government says it’s gradually, but successfully handling the issues. But the people have ran out of patience. They hold the Government responsible for their sufferings.

Some people, however, understand that the country, especially, the economy, which President Tinubu inherited was gone.

This thought was reinforced Friday night when Wike featured in an interview session he had with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV.

When it was put to Wike that Nigerians rate the Federal Government which Minister he is as the worst ever, and how he rates the Tinubu Administration, he said Nigerians will not understand how bad things were when Tinubu came into office.

To put it mildly, the Minister said, Tinubu inherited “disaster.”

Yet, the question not a few people are asking is: Granted that is true, why did the President say he would follow Buhari’s footsteps and continue from where former President stopped?

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