
AFOLABI
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is dead
Ifeanyi Ubah, Senator representing Anambra South district in the National Assembly, is dead.
The politician and businessman died in the United Kingdom, UK. Senator Ubah was said to have departed Nigeria for the UK, two days ago.
A source said he died in a UK hospital where he went for an operation.
Recall that Ubah defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, from the Young Progressives Party, YPP, last year.
Also, Ubah, the CEO of Capital Oil, survived an assassination attempt in September 2022.
Three police escorts in the convoy of the Senator were among the persons who died in that incident, which occurred at Enugwu Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
How Ifeanyi Ubah died
Senator Ubah died during an operation in London, a source close to the lawmaker, has said.
“Yes, he is dead,” the source, who is a friend of the legislator, confirmed.
“We are waiting for the family to issue a statement. We spoke to him three times yesterday, before he went into the theatre for the operation.”
'Buhari Removed Me From Office For Investigating Billion Dollar Fraud Cases Under His Administration’ — Obla
The Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property under the administration of ex-president, Muhammadu Buhari, Okoi Obono-Obla, has revealed how he was forced out of office.
Obono-Obla, in an interview with Vanguard, revealed that he was forced out of office by fifth columnists who didn’t want him to investigate some corruption cases.
The human rights activist who was removed a few months after the appointment narrated how the then Attorney General of the Federation wrote letters to him directing him not to investigate some cases.
He, however, disclosed that he was relieved of his duties when he failed to obey the directives of the ex-Attorney General.
Obono-Obla, narrating how he was removed, said, “The patrons of corruption in Nigeria in collusion with fifth columnists in the previous regime were not at ease with my patriotic zeal, courage, resolute, strong character, and uncompromising approach to my schedule and decided to push me out by all means.
“It started as far as January 2018 when I was served a letter from the former Attorney General of the Federation directing me what I should not do, including waiting for a mandate because I could investigate any matter. I was also stopped from talking to the media. It doesn’t need clairvoyance to tell one that all was not well when you are directed to wait for a mandate before you investigate cases of financial crime, economic sabotage, or grand corruption.
“However, I disregarded the directives because they were illegal as the law that created the panel had explicitly spelt out the powers of the panel. Then again, on January 31, 2019, I received another letter saying that since I had refused to adhere to that, I should only investigate cases selectively given to me by the powers that be; the panel is suspended until further notice.
“Of course, I knew that the letter was coming from the fifth columnists in the regime, I continued to do my work until 11 August 2019, when I was suspended. While my suspension was pending, the panel was disbanded in September 2019.
“I was investigating some dangerous cases that had remained a no-go area for a long time. Some of them included the $7 billion that was given to banks as bailouts since 2016, which they had refused to pay back; investigating the report of the Judicial Commission into how Nigeria Airways was bankrupted but which report was left to gather dust in government shelves, the failure of oil companies to pay to the federal government royalties and other rental fees amounting to more than $3 billion to mention just but a few.”
Hardship Protest: Kwankwaso Urges Nigerians To Use ‘Ballot Box’ For Change Instead Of Protesting
The national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has called on protest organizers to shift their focus from the planned nationwide protest on August 1, 2024, to promoting change via democratic elections.
In a statement released on Friday night, the former Kano State Governor emphasized that democratic change through elections is a more effective strategy against an incompetent government than protests.
He argued that sustainable change can only be achieved by exercising the power of the ballot.
Kwankwaso expressed his thoughts on the current challenges facing Nigeria, attributing the nation’s hardships to missteps by leadership since 2007.
He acknowledged that these challenges can be rectified, and the nation can be redirected towards economic development, prosperity, and improved welfare for its citizens.
Kwankwaso pointed out several crises that have arisen from poor governance, including federal interference in Kano State’s chieftaincy matters, the impeachment of Edo State’s Deputy Governor, political instability in Rivers State, and the widespread insecurity affecting the nation.
According to Kwankwaso, these issues reflect a lack of accountability and transparency among leaders.
While recognizing the recent calls for protests as a sign of the public’s frustration and desire for a better Nigeria, Kwankwaso cautioned against the potential consequences of such actions. He advised Nigerians to harness the power of their votes as the most effective tool for transformation.
Kwankwaso warned that protests, while a fundamental democratic right, often escalates into violence, resulting in loss of life, property destruction, and widespread chaos.
The statement read, “It is with a deep sense of responsibility that I share my thoughts on the current situation in Nigeria.
“We find ourselves in avoidable hardship because our leaders missed some steps since 2007.
“However, there is always room for correction and setting the country on the right track for economic development, prosperity, and better welfare of citizens.
“Interferences by the Federal Government into the affairs of the chieftaincy matters in Kano State, impeachment of the Deputy Governor of Edo State, political crisis in Rivers State, sabotage to AIiko Dangote refinery, controversies surrounding SAMOA agreement, the conflict between Sen. Ali Ndume and the APC Leadership, widespread insecurity and other criminal acts are a few examples of avoidable and unnecessary crises.
“It is sad to note that the attitude of our leaders to poor governance has plunged the citizens, especially youth, into hunger, insecurity, hopelessness, and a sense of giving up on the country.
“In these trying times, our nation stands at a crossroads. Our collective frustration with bad governance has reached a boiling point, and the urge to protest is strong.
“As an elder and patriotic Nigerian, I share your concerns and your desire for change.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of national protests and to channel your energy into a more effective and peaceful means of transformation through the power of your ballot.
“The repercussions of such actions extend far beyond the immediate moment, leaving scars on our communities and deepening divisions among us.
“I speak to you not just as an elder and a concerned citizen but as someone who deeply believes in the power and potential of our great nation.
“Let us put our country first and work together to build the Nigeria we all aspire to see,” he advocated
Reps Receive ₦400 Miilion For Constituency Projects — Minority Whip
The Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Isa Ali, disclosed on Friday that members receive about ₦400 million annually to execute constituency projects through Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs) and Special Intervention Projects (SIPs).
The lawmaker, representing Billiri/Balanga Federal Constituency, made this revelation during a town hall meeting aimed at keeping his constituents informed of recent developments in the National Assembly and their impacts on the constituency.
According to Hon. Ali, the funds are divided into two major categories:
1. Zonal Intervention Projects (ZIPs): ₦179 million is allocated to these projects.
2. Special Intervention Projects (SIPs): ₦40 million is designated for these projects.
Constituency Allocation
He further explained that an additional ₦200 million is specifically budgeted for the Billiri/Balanga constituency.
He said, “If you look at part of the bills I’m sponsoring, it is on federal constituencies and senatorial districts fund development to enable every constituency and senatorial district to have major projects. When you move to most of these constituencies, you will not see Federal Government projects apart from the constituency projects done by members of the National Assembly.
“Regarding the amount, particularly in the 10th House of Representatives, which Nigerians call the ‘people’s house,’ we are very open. The Zonal Intervention Project has been in existence for the past 20 years, and the money has not changed; it’s ₦179 million.
“We have Special Intervention Projects; this year, it’s ₦40 million. In previous years, it was N30 million. The same applies to ZIPs; in previous years, the money remains the same. We have other interventions like the capital intervention for Balanga/Billiri, which is ₦200 million. In total, we are talking about a little above ₦400 million for each constituency.”
Speaking further, the Minority Whip, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, lauded the Federal Government for previously releasing 100 per cent of the projects.
“I’m part of the leadership and I’m working hard to ensure the implementation process commences. We will ensure 100 per cent implementation because, to be honest, from 2019 to 2023, the Federal Government tried by releasing almost 100 per cent of all ZIPs and SIPs,” he added.
Ali assured his constituents of the quality of projects despite the economic situation, saying, “We are working hard. The finances of the country are under serious challenge, but as a leader, I’m working with my colleagues to ensure that this year’s intervention is also 100 per cent by the releases of the Federal Government.”
The Minority Whip disclosed that he inaugurated a committee comprising professionals
to ensure the quality of projects
Hardship Protest: Organisers Dare FG, Insist On August Rallies
As the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest draws closer, previously anonymous organizers have stepped forward to reveal their identities and confirm their commitment to the demonstration on August 1.
The groups, numbering at least 26, have expressed their determination to protest against bad governance, economic hardship, and hunger.
According to Saturday Punch, the organizers have written to at least 20 state governments, seeking permission to use state infrastructure for their civic activities.
Some of the notable groups include Concerned Nigerians, Nigerians Against Hunger, Initiative for Change, Take it Back Movement, Revolution Now, and Human Rights Co-Advocacy Group.
The Convener of the Revolution Now Movement and a former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, released a list of locations where the protests will take place across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged Nigerians to join the movement, stating that the protest aims to draw attention to the governance issues plaguing the country.
The Director of Mobilisation for the Take it Back Movement in FCT, Damilare Ademola, emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest and highlighted that they had written to the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, requesting the use of Eagle Square.
The group has demanded a 24-hour power supply, toilet facilities, water, and security for citizens participating in the protest.
Tunde Thomas, representing Nigerians Against Hunger, voiced the group’s demand for an end to hunger, urging the government to intervene.
The Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, Ocean Panem, reiterated that the protest is a peaceful way to echo the voices of all Nigerians.
Jabir Yaro, National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, declared that nothing would stop the protest and dismissed claims of withdrawal by another northern group as propaganda.
He stated that millions are expected to join the protest and that they have informed security agencies about their plans.
Thomas while speaking to Punch, said Nigeria was tired of the hunger in the land, adding that the government should intervene.
He said, “Our demands are simple – End hunger. We cannot be the most populous Black nation in the world and be hungry.”
The Secretary-General of the Initiative for Change, Ocean Panem, said the August 1 protest was not a riot but a way to “echo the voices of all Nigerians.”
“The country is in a mess. We need to recognise that. Members of our group are mostly in the Middle Belt and in Cross River. We would come out en masse and make sure we don’t stop till our demands are met,” he said.
A student group leader, who did not want to be named for fear of victimisation, said members of her group, who are mostly law students and students of history, would storm the streets on August 1 to protest.
Speaking in an interview with the platform, the National Chairman of the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria, Jabir Yaro, said, “Nothing will stop this protest. Nobody in this world can stop this protest. It will happen, and everybody should come out en masse to protest. No level of intimidation will stop us.”
Reacting to the withdrawal from the planned protest by another northern group, he said, “Those were APC boys who were paid for propaganda; we are the youth leaders, and we are set for this protest. We are expecting millions of people for this protest. We have informed the s
ecurity agencies, and we are ready for it.”
Foreign-born Nigerian footballers must stop treating Eagles as second option - Mikel
Mikel Obi, former Super Eagles captain, says foreign-born players of Nigerian descent must stop treating the national team as a “second option”.
Mikel spoke in a recent episode of the Obi One podcast.
The former Chelsea midfielder said foreign-born Nigerian footballers “wait” for call-ups from their countries of birth, then switch to Nigeria when they are “29 or 30 and past your best”.
He added that the players must decide to play for the Eagles early in their careers to communicate a passion for their roots.
“I have talked about players not representing their African roots. We have had meetings with these kids and their parents. ‘Look, you are from Nigeria. Your dad and mom are from Nigeria. Why don’t you play for the fatherland.’ They say they want to play for England or France or whatever it is, and then they wait. They keep waiting and keep waiting,” Mikel said
“When they get to 25 or 26, and they don’t get a call up from England, then they call Nigeria. We shouldn’t be treated like second options. We are not second options.
“If you decide you want to play for England, stick to it. Sit and wait. If you don’t get a call-up, you don’t get a call-up. But don’t wait until you’re 29 or 30 and past your best; then, you call the Nigerian FA to tell them you’re ready to play for them.”
The Eagles have a significant number of foreign-born players. Over eight members of the Eagles squad that finished second at the last African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were born in foreign countries to Nigerian parents.
However, many others are eligible to represent either the Eagles or their various countries of birth and are reluctant to commit to Nigeria.
Aug 1 protest: Submit Your Names, Addresses To Police - IGP orders organisers
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has told the planners of the August 1–10 protests to submit their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.
He spoke while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday.
IGP Egbetokun’s demand comes hours after human rights activist Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa notified the police and Department of State Services, DSS, requesting protection for a group known as Take It Back Movement.
Egbetokun, however, said it is important for intending protesters to provide their details to the commissioners of police in their respective states to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said: “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
Earlier, DSS, in a statement on Thursday claimed to have uncovered plans by some plotters to hijack the planned protest.
“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments, make them unpopular and pit them against the masses,” DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya said.
#EndBadGovernance: It’s time to solve problems not protest – Shettima
Against the backdrop of the planned national protest by the youth over hunger and high cost of living in the country, Vice President Kashim Shettima has said what is needed at the moment is to solve problems and not embark on any form of protest.
This is as the federal government has announced its participation in the Grand Challenges Nigeria (GCNg) Project, a global health initiative aimed at combating malnutrition and food insecurity in Nigeria.
Unveiling the partnership targeted at addressing Nigeria’s pressing nutritional challenges with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) during a high-level meeting on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Shettima, also said that the right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world.
Addressing the delegation, Senator Shettima emphasized the need for constructive action over protest, even as he acknowledged the hardship being faced by Nigerians due to recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies.
Senator Shettima, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, was quoted as saying, “This is the time for us to solve our problems, not to protest. The right to protest is guaranteed in most democracies around the world, but when you can start the agitation, and you don’t know where it will end, it is a road to anarchy.
“We appreciate what Nigerians are going through, and our heart goes out to them. The oil subsidy has been an albatross on our neck for 50 years. Once the harvests start coming, we believe it will have a positive effect on the common man.
“I wish to call on you to advocate for diplomacy, engagement, and patience. The President is very much committed to the Nigerian project, but it’s like a percolation project. When a woman is giving birth, it’s a very painful process but once the child is delivered, it is a cause for celebration.”
As part of the government’s response to the nutritional crisis, VP Shettima reiterated the government’s commitment to the Nutrition 774 Initiative, explaining that “catalytic initiatives like the Nutrition 774 Initiative are meticulously designed to incentivize positive changes across our communities.”
The GCNg Project, a collaboration with the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, is set to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in addressing public health and food system challenges.
“The true challenge lies in seamlessly integrating these advancements into our existing low-resource settings,” Shettima stated, urging the Nutrition Society of Nigeria to “push the boundaries of innovation and deepen your collaboration with the government and other stakeholders.”
Accordingly, the leader of the NSN delegation, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, called on the Vice President as Chairman of the Nutrition Council of Nigeria to spearhead the government’s component of the project and galvanise ministerial support for it.
He said, “We were able to key into the global Grand Challenges project, which is largely funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. We want the government to own this project and identify the partner agency or ministry that will sign the MoU.”
Earlier, Senior Programmes Manager for Grand Challenges Nigeria, Godwin Bamsa, provided context on the initiative’s global impact, noting that since 2003, the Gates Foundation has invested over $1.6 billion in health and innovation projects across 118 countries.
He stated: “The Grand Challenges project represents a transformative approach to solving critical health and nutrition issues in Nigeria. Our goal is to empower communities to take ownership of these solutions, ensuring sustainable impact across Nigeria.
“With the government’s partnership, we have the potential to revolutionise not just Nigeria’s health and food systems, but agriculture, science and technology, innovation, and other key sectors.”
Other members of the delegation were NSN President, Professor Wasiu Afolabi; NSN Board of Trustees Member, Professor Ignatius Onimawo; immediate past President of NSN, Dr. Bartholomew Brai; NSN Vice President North, Dr. Aliyu Maimuna Ladidi; Chairperson, NSN FCT Abuja Chapter, Major Edith Ogheneovo Nwachinaemere (retd); and NSN Council Member, Dr. Salihu Maiwada Abubakar.
FG secures conviction of 125 Boko Haram terrorists, financiers
….okays 400 others for rehabilitation, de-radicalisation, reintegration
The Federal Government, on Friday, said it has secured the conviction of no fewer than 125 Boko Haram terrorists and financiers at a two-day mass trial held at Kainji, Niger State.
A press statement that was signed by Mr Kamarudeen Ogundele, media aide to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, disclosed that the convicts were found guilty on charges bordering on terrorism, terrorism financing, rendering material support, as well as cases adjudged as acts of criminality by the International Criminal Court, ICC.
The defendants were convicted at special court sessions that were superintended by both the AGF and the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA.
According to the statement, the trials, which were held under Giwa Project Kainji Phase Five, between Tuesday and Wednesday, were handled by five judges of the Federal High Court, led by Justice Binta Nyako.
Others judges on the project were Justices Joyce Abdulmalik, Emeka Nwite, Obiora Egwuatu and Mobolaji Olajuwon.
The prosecution team was led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, while the defence team was led by Mr Abdulfatai Bakre from the Legal Aids Council.
Among those who attended the proceedings as international observers, included delegations from the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, UNODC.
Whereas the courts convicted 85 persons for terrorism financing, 22 were found guilty of ICC-related crimes, while others were convicted for terrorism.
They convicts were sentenced to various jail terms.
Meanwhile, the AGF revealed that 400 other convicts that have completed their sentences, “have also been moved to Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for rehabilitation, deradicalisation and subsequent reintegration.”
Take action, Oil subsidy mafia rising against Dangote - Niger Delta stakeholders to Tinubu
They are beneficiaries of subsidy payments and also working against the revival of other refineries so that fuel importation will continue
STAKEHOLDERS of the South-South have called on President Bola Tinubu to fish out and penalize the petrol barons operating underground to upset the working of refineries in the country, including the recently established Dangote Refinery.
They said the showdown between Dangote, and the oil industry regulators was a collusion masterminded by the oil industry mafia, urging the President to read between the lines.
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Communities’ Development Committee of the Niger Delta, Joseph Ambakaderimo, said: “The breeze is blowing and the rump of the chicken will be exposed”.
“For some of us, the actions taken so far against the Dangote group are deliberate because certainly, the Dangote Refinery came as a disruption, which some vested interests did not see coming.
“It exposes why our refineries have remained comatose, people are feeding fat from the wrong things going there. The government is encouraged to identify and punish those involved in this sabotage of our refineries.”
The Executive Director of Justice Research Centre (JRC), Donald Inwalomhe, who spoke in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, said it was obvious that the beneficiaries of the subsidy regime have ganged up to frustrate the Dangote Refinery’s access to crude oil.
“The subsidy billionaires benefitting from subsidy in Nigeria are the mafia within the Nigerian oil industry working against Dangote. They worked for the refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt to collapse so that they would continue to get billions of naira from the subsidy for imported petroleum products.
“They are the ones equally working against the modular refineries that have been completed, they want subsidy to continue, which is why they are denying Dangote crude oil and telling the federal government to continue to import petroleum products.
“That is the challenge we are facing as we speak today. The petroleum industry in the South-South has collapsed, if you go to Warri, the Warri Refinery is like a ghost town since the refinery is no longer functioning. They are like a drug cartel in the petroleum industry, we can call them petroleum barons, who do not want our refineries to work.
“We call on the state governors, all the members of the state Houses of Assembly across Nigeria, and members of the National Assembly, which is the Senate and the House of Representatives to rally around Dangote, and ensure that the Dangote Refinery works. All other modular refineries should be encouraged to start operations.
“Look at Edo state, for instance, we have two modular refineries that are not working, one is in Ologbo built by the Chinese and Edo State government, and another one in Orhionmwon. Both of them are completed but they are not working, if they go into production and add their output to the one coming from Dangote, it will help to solve the issue of importation of petroleum products.
”Our governors should work with President Tinubu to ensure the Dangote Refinery works. The subsidy mafias have destroyed the economy of the South-South, they are making sure that both Warri and Port Harcourt refineries remain dormant.”
Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, NDPC, Zik Gbemre, in his reaction, said: “This is another conspiracy to fool Nigerians to accept greedy stakeholders’ trumped-up industry challenges to induce continued hikes in fuel prices.”
“The regulators were involved in approvals through the construction to the hurried commissioning. Why are they having issues at the time that Dangote Refinery is putting out products? Remember that this is a refinery the regulators passed as the best in Africa and beyond.
A former president of the Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Dr. Onyienfie Jonjon posited that the misunderstanding between Dangote and the regulators was about economic interest.
His words: “Dangote cannot operate without the NNPCL, and NNPCL cannot do without Dangote. The oil cabal does not want Dangote to succeed, and the government still pays subsidies. If Dangote comes full stream, how will the cabal continue to enjoy the subsidy that they are getting?
He suggested that as the Minister of Petroleum, President Tinubu should summon a meeting of NNPCL, and Dangote Refinery to iron out whatever crisis they are having.
”While we do not support monopoly in any guise and form, knowing the impact the Dangote Refinery would have on the Nigeria economy, certain concessions should be made so that we can have a win-win situation for both the investors and Nigerians.
“We urge both parties to put the interest of the country and its people first, and look for amicable ways to resolve this lingering issue.”
The Secretary of the Ndokwa National Youth Movement, NNYM, in Delta State, Presley Idi, said, “We find the outburst by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) chief executive, Adamu Farouk, against the Dangote Refinery, shocking, surprising and uncalled for.”
“While we believe there is more to the outburst than meets the eye, it was shocking to hear and this has certainly created bad waves for Nigeria globally, which is not needed this time.
“We think that the issues of product quality of the Dangote Refinery made by Farouk could have been resolved without coming to the press. There is power tussle behind the scenes, and it is sad because the common men bear the brunt.”
A human rights activist in Akwa Ibom State and executive director of COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace Building, Mr Saviour Akpan, described the friction between Aliko Dangote and the regulators as a diversionary tactic.
Akpan advised Nigerians to do the right thing by asking questions, instead of pointing fingers or buck-passing.
“They deliberately brought their face-off to the public domain to divert our attention so that Nigerians will not ask questions. So they should keep quiet.
”Unfortunately, we run a system that has failed and one of the outcomes of the failed system is what we see today. So, they should stop disturbing our ears. Let everybody do what is right, let us begin to ask questions and speak truth to power.
”Let all of us, including myself, stop buck-passing and finger-pointing. We have had enough of suffering in this country. It is all diversionary tactics on the part of economics and policymakers. There is something that they do not want us to hear or ask questions about”
Co-Convener of Embassara Foundation, an Ijaw think-tank for good governance, Iniruo Wills said: “They should robustly explore and enforce the dispute resolution mechanisms embedded in their various contractual agreements and in the law. Was there no proper business plan? Was there no thorough due diligence and documentation, legal and technical? Were there no feedstock commitments locked in way ahead of the plant completion?
”Even promoters of modular refineries know that one of the preliminary requirements to be in place with legal enforceability is feedstock commitment, let alone a mega refinery like Dangote’s.
”Some would go further to make advance off-taker arrangements, though more as a business safeguard than a regulatory requirement. Nigerians are generally perplexed at the ongoing grand comedy.”
A former commissioner in Bayelsa State, Surv Furoebi Akene, asserted: “The Nigerian petroleum industry is a big scam. Some of us have raised these issues of high-level insincerity, fraud, oppression, and economic sabotage amongst the Nigerian oil industry players, and consortium in connivance with external forces and agents over the years.”
“The exchange between the Dangote Refinery, the regulators, and their collaborators is not unexpected. They know that the success of Dangote Refinery will expose their intrigues and deliberate efforts to ensure that the government-owned refineries did not work.
“This will stop their lucrative exploit of enriching themselves over the years at the expense of the Nigerian State. If the Federal Government is not culpable, they should probe the activities of the operators of the nation’s refineries, and other related and regulatory agencies for the past decades, and bring those found wanting to book according to the laws of the land.
“Let the blackmail against Dangote Refinery stop, and genuine regulations made for the refinery to operate effectively and efficiently. The actions of these people should be finally curtailed for the industry to work in this country.”
A stakeholder in Warri, Delta State, Festus Oritsetimeyin, said: It is good for the oil and gas business sector. We are getting to know hidden things, we are getting to see that people can kill business initiatives that will profit the nation because of personal interest, and greed.”
“In May last year, we read that former president, Muhammadu Buhari, commissioned the refinery, now, we ar
e hearing that the refinery has not been licensed. So the beef is exposing some many hidden deals.”