SUBSTANDARD PETROL FLOOD NIGERIAN MARKET – SENATE
SUBSTANDARD PETROL FLOOD NIGERIAN MARKET – SENATE The Senate has raised the alarm that substandard Premium Motor Spirit or petrol, and Automotive Gas Oil or diesel have flooded the Nigerian market. Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, in a matter of urgent national importance, observed that on June 16, 2024, a report revealed that 12 diesel cargoes conveying a total of 660 kilotons of diesel, were exported by refineries to offshore Lome, Togo for further distribution to West African markets, mainly Nigeria. According to him, the quality of the said diesel was below the Nigerian standard in terms of flash and Sulphur levels. Ekpeyong disclosed that; even though the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently revised the standards of diesel importation into Nigeria in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, it has been incapable of enforcing compliance with the standards. The Senate then set up an ad-hoc committee, to launch an investigation into the continued importation of hazardous petroleum products, and dumping of substandard diesel into Nigeria. Ekpeyong stressed that the NMDPRA has continued to issue import licences for diesel and jet, despite sufficient local production capacity. The lawmakers expressed anger over what they described as sabotage and a clear failure of the objectives of the PIA. The Upper Chamber asserted that those found culpable in the illicit act must face the wrath of the law. Meanwhile, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, has corroborated views by other lawmakers, that the issues raised within the PIA should be reviewed, not as an act of witch-hunting anyone, but to set the records straight.The Adhoc committee to investigate the allegation, chaired by the Senate leader, has been given three weeks to report back to the house.
NIGERIAN TWEEPS DEMAND END TO APC RULE WITH #ENDAPCNOW
NIGERIAN TWEEPS DEMAND END TO APC RULE WITH #ENDAPCNOW The Nigerian netizens on X (formerly Twitter) have started calling for the total rejection of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country’s political space. This agitation was trended via the hashtag #EndAPCNow, which already had over 16,000 engagements on X at the time of filing this report. The netizens criticised the current government of APC for the persistent hardship the citizens have been facing due to the economic policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu. According to them, the APC has displayed lack of competence in solving the country’s socio-economic challenges. An X user, Chinaza said, “IF NIGERIANS DON’T END APC, APC WILL END NIGERIANS.” It is not about tribe, religion, culture or whatever now, it’s about the betterment of our NIGERIA. Don’t be brainwashed, APC is an enemy of progress, and enemy of progress is our enemy. Therefore👇#ENDAPCNOW https://t.co/IZ4HQeNmLN pic.twitter.com/dUqccmLA77 — Chinaza Ⓜ️ (@MuchTalksBlog1) July 3, 2024 “Is not about tribe, religion, culture or whatever now, it’s about the betterment of our NIGERIA. Don’t be brainwashed, APC is an enemy of progress, and enemy of progress is our enemy. Therefore #ENDAPCNOW,” Chinaza added. Another X user, KardinalZ (@Mr_Xiety) wrote: “If Nigerians don’t kill APC, APC will kill Nigerians #EndAPCNow.” If Nigerians don’t kill APC, APC will kill Nigerians#EndAPCNow pic.twitter.com/ZPStueR4bi — KardinalZ ⓚ (@Mr_Xiety) July 2, 2024 Lord Salazar wrote: “Nigerians can’t afford to make common stew BCOS tomatoes are no longer affordable. Everyone is hungry, people are hopeless and living in squalor while these APC gluttons are wasting funds on frivolous things. #ENDAPCNOW #tinubuhasfailed.” Nigerians can’t afford to make common stew BCOS tomatoes are no longer affordable. Everyone is hungry, people are hopeless and living in squalor while these APC gluttons are wasting funds on frivolous things. #ENDAPCNOW #tinubuhasfailed pic.twitter.com/ZjAV6KZEG4 — Lord Salazar (@LordSalazar19) June 27, 2024 Emir Sirdam said, “In my opinion, any PROTEST that is not #EndAPCNow is a waste of time. “Nigerians get balls for once and face your MONSTERS! We are now comfortable with a dollar exchanging at 1500 Naira. If we don’t End APC, APC Will end us!” Dozie Ohaeri wrote: “People dying from hunger, terrorism, bad roads, no healthcare. Kenyans are out only for a fraction of what Nigerians suffer. They’ve shed their blood but yet remain consistent. Guess what’s more important, my festival is bigger than your hangout #OperationRescueNigeria #EndAPCNow.” People dying from hunger, terrorism, bad roads, no healthcare. Kenyans are out only for a fraction of what Nigerians suffer. They’ve shed their blood but yet remain consistent. Guess what’s more important, my festival is bigger than your hangout #OperationRescueNigeria #EndAPCNow https://t.co/um4EPT6Vhd — dozie ohaeri (@dozieohaeri) June 27, 2024 Darey wrote: “Nigerians are dying daily of hunger, Aso Rock cars got new tyres for 244Million Naira. #EndAPCNow.” #EndHungerNow Nigerians are dying daily of hunger, Aso Rock cars got new tyres for 244Million Naira.#EndAPCNow — Darey (@kunmydrey) June 26, 2024 Chuks_Collins wrote: “X knows how many times I have made this exact comment, we all know deep down that Apc and Tinubu can’t be unseated via Elections, the thing is Nigerians are not ready, when we’re ready we know what to do. Kenyans have shown us the blueprint. #EndAPCNow.” Xknows how many times I have made this exact comment, we all know deep down that Apc and Tinubu can’t be unseated via Elections, the thing is Nigerians are not ready, when we’re ready we know what to do. Kenyans have shown us the blueprint. #EndAPCNow https://t.co/myPoVzyRJn — Chuks_Collins▫️▪️ (@Chuks_Osonwa) July 3, 2024 Meanwhile, Nigeria has witnessed several public demonstrations and agitations against the administration of President Tinubu but none has been as impactful as the recent protests against the proposed Finance Bill in Kenya. For instance,…
BISHOP KUKAH RAISES CONCERN OVER BAN OF CHURCHES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES
BISHOP KUKAH RAISES CONCERN OVER BAN OF CHURCHES IN NORTHERN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES In a controversial move that has sparked widespread debate and condemnation, Bishop Matthew Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, has expressed deep concern over recent directives from universities in northern Nigeria that effectively ban churches from operating within their premises. The outspoken cleric, known for his candid stance on social and political issues, has vehemently criticized what he perceives as an infringement on religious freedom and a discriminatory practice against Christian students and staff. The issue arose following reports that several universities in northern Nigeria, predominantly in Muslim-majority areas, have enforced policies prohibiting the establishment or operation of churches on their campuses. This decision has elicited strong reactions from various quarters, with Bishop Kukah leading the charge in denouncing what he labels as religious intolerance. In a statement addressing the matter, Bishop Kukah emphasized the importance of upholding religious diversity and tolerance in educational institutions. He argued that universities should serve as bastions of intellectual freedom and inclusivity, where individuals of all faiths can freely practice their beliefs without fear of discrimination or marginalization. Furthermore, Bishop Kukah highlighted the historical significance of Christianity in the development of education and healthcare systems across Nigeria, stressing the need to preserve these contributions within the academic sphere. He called upon university authorities and government officials to reconsider their stance and uphold the constitutional right to freedom of religion for all citizens. The directive has also sparked concern among human rights activists and religious leaders across the country, who view it as a step backwards in the quest for religious harmony and mutual respect. They argue that such policies not only undermine Nigeria’s secular principles but also foster division and prejudice among different religious communities. In response to the controversy, university officials have defended their actions, citing security concerns and the need to maintain a conducive academic environment free from religious distractions. They maintain that the policies are aimed at promoting peace and stability on campus, particularly in regions plagued by communal tensions and security challenges. Nevertheless, critics argue that the prohibition of churches on university premises sets a dangerous precedent and could potentially infringe upon the rights of students and staff to practice their faith freely. They call for a more nuanced approach that balances religious freedoms with the imperative of maintaining a harmonious learning environment. As the debate continues to unfold, Bishop Kukah has vowed to mobilize support from religious leaders and civil society organizations to challenge what he describes as a discriminatory policy. He remains steadfast in his commitment to defending the rights of Christians and promoting religious tolerance as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic ethos.
Dons Eze
- Biafra News
- July 4, 2024
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NNAMDI KANU AGREES TO COMPLY WITH TINUBU GOVT’S TERMS OF RELEASE – ABARIBE
NNAMDI KANU AGREES TO COMPLY WITH TINUBU GOVT’S TERMS OF RELEASE – ABARIBE The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has reportedly agreed to comply with the conditions set by President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government for his release from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). This was disclosed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe representing Abia South Senatorial District on Wednesday after their recent meeting between the South-East Senators and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) on Kanu’s release. Led by Senator Abaribe, approximately 15 federal lawmakers participated in the closed-door meeting. Senator Abaribe, speaking on behalf of his colleagues after the meeting, expressed optimism that the Attorney-General would influence the Federal Government to consider releasing Kanu. He emphasised that Kanu’s prolonged detention was contributing to heightened insecurity and unrest in the South-East region. Senator Abaribe was reported to have said that he had personally met with Kanu at the DSS headquarters, where Kanu expressed readiness to comply with any conditions set by the government for his release. The senators’ meeting with the Attorney-General followed the South-East governors’ decision to appeal directly to President Tinubu for Kanu’s freedom. Earlier, a group of 50 members from the House of Representatives had urged President Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General to use Section 174 of the Constitution to terminate the terrorism-related charges against Kanu in court. Nnamdi Kanu’s legal saga began with his initial arrest in Lagos in October 2015, subsequent bail in April 2017, and eventual escape from the country amid his trial. He was re-arrested in Kenya in June 2021 and has since remained in custody of the DSS. Despite the Court of Appeal’s order for his release in October 2022, the Supreme Court later overturned this decision in December 2023, allowing the Federal Government to proceed with the trial on seven remaining charges.This ongoing legal battle continues to attract significant attention and advocacy efforts from lawmakers and leaders in the South East region of Nigeria.
ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, SIGNS FOUR BILLS INTO LAW, SAYS NO MORE LAND-GRABBING
ENUGU GOVERNOR, PETER MBAH, SIGNS FOUR BILLS INTO LAW, SAYS NO MORE LAND- GRABBING Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has signed four bills into law, saying they were part of his administration’s effort to make the state the number one in Ease of Doing Business and preferred destination for investment, business, tourism, and living. They are the Enugu State Properties Protection Law, to checkmate the activities of land grabbers; Enugu State Ranch Management Law to stem the tide of open grazing and attract both local and foreign investment in the livestock industry; the Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law to reposition the sports sector as a major source of economic growth and the Enugu State Environmental, and Climate Protection Law. At the ceremony witnessed by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Clerk of the State Assembly, Dr. Emma Udaya, among other senior government functionaries, Mbah said that with the laws, the days of land-grabbing and open-grazing were numbered. “The Enugu State Properties Protection Law is in line with our promise to enhance the ease of doing business in Enugu State. People, who come to Enugu State to invest in property, must do so in sure knowledge that the title document that is issued to them is worth much more than the paper that it is written on. “That is why we frown at land grabbers, people who go out there to grab land even when they do not have any title to that land. Essentially, this law is designed to penalise such acts. This is a big warning to those people who engage in going to empty plots of land to grab them. Under the new law, there are severe and strict punishments that await people who get themselves involved in such acts”, he said. He also regretted the total misunderstanding of the Ranch Management Agency Law, saying that with the law now in place, people were now expected to rear cows in a civilised manner. “This law, I believe, has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. We had sometime been accused of surreptitiously trying to introduce something beyond just ranching. “However, we have to put an end to the idea of having cattle graze openly and then creating friction between our farmers and herders. Our objective here is to ensure that it ends. “In the 21st Century, there is no reason why we should encourage the open grazing of cattle. So, this law is essentially designed to ensure that people act in a civilised manner. “We are going to ensure that we have enough services, create abattoir and proper cattle market, not where people will come and live,” he said. On the Environmental and Climate Protection Law, he said, “Again, we understand the importance of just going beyond mere lip service in protecting our environment. So, what we have done here today is to set out clear policies and plans for us to protect our environment. We all know the danger that the depletion of the ozone layer poses to us as a people.” Governor Mbah further explained that the Enugu State Sports Development Fund Law would assist the state to “build capacity, nurture talents from the grassroots, encourage school sports, and essentially develop our sports sector.“ “We see sports not just as recreation. We see it as a veritable sector by means of which we can encourage business. And the bill that is signed into law today is going to help us accomplish it,” the governor concluded. He commended the State Assembly for expeditiously passing the various executive bills initiated by his administration, saying such partnership was the beauty of democracy.In his remarks earlier, the Speaker, Hon. Ugwu, expressed happiness that the bills…
I DIDN’T DISCUSS NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE WITH SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS – OBASANJO
I DIDN’T DISCUSS NNAMDI KANU’S RELEASE WITH SOUTH EAST GOVERNORS – OBASANJO Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has clarified that the issue of releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was not part of the discussions he had with the South-East governors in Enugu, Enugu State, on Tuesday. In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo stated that while he and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, met with the governors to discuss regional development issues, the purported planned release of Kanu by the Federal Government was not on the agenda. The statement read, “The regional development issues discussed include that of security and infrastructure. Others were economic and cooperative/collaboration, which was meant to complement the national economic development agenda. The meeting with them was at my invitation and of Chief Emeka Anyaoku before their summit begins. The issue of Nnamdi Kanu was not on the agenda and was not discussed in my presence.” This clarification comes after it was reported that the South-East Governors Forum had resolved to visit President Bola Tinubu and interface with the Federal Government to secure the release of the detained IPOB leader. The governors made this resolution during their meeting in Enugu on Tuesday, which was attended by all five South-East governors: Peter Mbah (Enugu), Alex Otti (Abia), Prof. Charles Soludo (Anambra), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), and Senator Hope Uzodimma (Imo). In a five-point communique signed by the governors, the forum expressed grief over the death of a former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and the first civilian governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.The forum also resolved to activate actionable plans to implement the report of the South-East Security and Economic Summit held in Owerri in September last year, and to visit the President to discuss pressing issues concerning the South-East region.
IMMORTALIZE HUMPHREY NWOSU, EX-NEC CHAIRMAN – HOUSE OF REPS
IMMORTALIZE HUMPHREY NWOSU, EX-NEC CHAIRMAN – HOUSE OF REPS The House of Representatives underscored on Tuesday the need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immortalise the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who returned the late M. K. O. Abiola as the winner of the famous June 12, 1993 presidential election. The resolution was passed as a sequel to the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Peter Ifeanyi Uzokwe and Hon. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara. In his lead debate, Hon. Uzokwe observed that Professor Nwosu was appointed the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairman from 1989 to 1993 by the Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. “The House is cognizant of various efforts made by the previous administrations to immortalise those who fought for democracy, of which we are all beneficiaries. “The House also notes that an edifice (the Abuja Stadium) was named after the winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Moshood K.O. Abiola, by His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR). “The House further notes that His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) demonstrated an honest remorsefulness of the injustice of June 12, 1993, by changing Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, which was celebrated with all sense of pride in 2024 by His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR, who was part of the struggle of June 12, 1993. “The House is worried about the continued neglect of Professor Humphrey Nwosu, who put his life on the line to see that justice was not only done but seen to be done. “The House is concerned that the National Anthem was changed, and we all pray to God to help us build a nation where no man is oppressed, yet Prof. Humphrey Nwosu is still not celebrated while he is alive. “The House is aware of many edifices were named after our Heroes past, like Louis Edet house for Police, Michael Imodu for Labour, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Murtala Muhammed Airport and M.K.O Abiola Stadium, etc. “The House is disturbed that not even a road is named after this hero of our democracy to date.” To this end, the House urged the Federal Government to immortalise Professor Humphrey Nwosu when he is still alive by conferring on him a national honour.The lawmakers also urged the present administration to name the INEC headquarters after him and invite him to every Democracy Day celebration.
WHY WE’RE REVIEWING ORONSAYE REPORT – HOUSE OF REPS
WHY WE’RE BREVIEWING ORONSAYE REPORT – HOUSE OF REPS The House of Representatives has inaugurated a special ad-hoc committee to review the Oronsaye Report and other White Papers on the restructuring of federal government agencies, parastatals, and commissions. The committee, chaired by Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka explained that the move aims to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and service delivery in the government sector. He further explained that the aim is to identify redundancies, duplications, and inefficiencies in government agencies and commissions. The review process will be comprehensive, transparent, and inclusive, seeking input from various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the general public. The committee’s goal is to streamline operations, eliminate duplication of functions, enhance service delivery, and optimize resource allocation. The review is expected to lead to a more efficient, effective, and responsive government that meets the needs of the Nigerian people. The committee has called for memoranda from all concerned ministries, departments, agencies, commissions, and parastatals of government at all levels. A one-day public hearing on the subject matter has also been scheduled for July 10, 2024, at the House of Representatives. The committee’s efforts are expected to lead to significant reforms in the government sector, improving the lives of Nigerians.” Briefing the Newsmen at the National Assembly Complex hon. Isiaka said “Today, we are here to address the pressing need to review the Oronsaye Report and all other White Papers on the restructuring of federal government agencies, parastatals, and commissions. “As you may be aware, the Oronsaye Report, which was published in 2012, highlighted various recommendations aimed at rationalizing and optimizing the operations of government agencies to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. “It is imperative for us to revisit the recommendations of the Oronsaye Report and other pertinent White Papers to ensure that we are aligning our government structures with current realities, best practices, and the changing needs of our society. “The world is evolving rapidly, and it is crucial that our government agencies and commissions are structured in a way that enables them to deliver on their mandates effectively and efficiently. *Through this review process, we aim to identify redundancies, duplications, inefficiencies, and areas of improvement within the federal government agencies and commissions. Our goal is to apply the legislative approach in streamlining operations, eliminate duplication of functions, enhance service delivery, and optimize resource allocation. This review will be comprehensive and thorough, taking into cognizance the diverse perspectives andexpertise available to us. “We acknowledge the importance of stakeholder engagement in this process, and we will be seeking input from various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, civil society organizations, and the general public. Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity will be the guiding principles of our review process. “In conclusion, the Special Ad-Hoc Committee on the restructuring of federal government agencies and commissions is committed to fostering a more efficient, effective, and responsive government that meets the needs of the Nigerian people. “In light of the foregoings, we look forward to working together with all stakeholders to achieve this goal. Thank you for your attention, and we are now open to takingMemoranda from all concerned Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Commissions and Parastatals of Government at all levels, that will enable our service delivery to the nation.
EX-IMO GOVERNOR OKOROCHA’S BUILDING COLLAPSES
EX-IMO GOVERNOR, OKOROCHA’S BUILDING COLLAPSES IN ABUJA This is not the best of time for former Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, as his five-storey building under renovation collapsed in Abuja. It was gathered that the building collapsed along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja around 9:pm on Monday, July 1. Police said three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building The building collapse sent panic to residents of the entire neighbourhood in the federal capital territory (FCT). The FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the building’s collapse in a statement, The Nation reports. Adeh said police operatives were able to rescue three persons from the collapsed building after they cordoned off the entire area. She added that the rescued persons were rushed to the hospital for treatment. “The FCT Police Command hereby confirms that yesterday, July 1, 2024, at about 8:40 p.m., there was a building collapse at Unity House, Area 11 by Nkwere Street. “In response to the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, promptly moved to the scene with multiple patrol teams as first responders to cordon off the area for possible rescue. “Three victims were successfully evacuated from the collapsed building and rushed to the hospital for medical care.”Director of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, who also confirmed the incident said no life was lost.
RETURN 22 VEHICLES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS – GOV OBASEKI TO EX-DEPUTY SHAIBU
RETURN 22 GOVT VEHICLES UNDER YOUR CUSTODY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS – GOV OBASEKI TO EX-DEPUTY SHAIBU The Godwin Obaseki-led Edo State Government has announced plans to retrieve over 20 vehicles still in the possession of erstwhile Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu. This was made known in a public notice signed by the State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Chris Osa Nehikhare, on Tuesday. In the notice titled ‘Public Notice On Retrieval Of 22 Official Government Vehicles’, the Commissioner disclosed that Philip Shaibu has been given seven days to return the vehicles. He stated that should the former Deputy Governor fail to obey the directive, security agencies have been put on alert to retrieve the vehicles. The notice read: “The Edo State Government hereby issues this notice directing the retrieval of official government vehicles allocated to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Edo State, which are currently in the custody of the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu. “The former Deputy Governor is by this notice given a seven-day ultimatum from the date of this publication to return the vehicles, as relevant security agencies have been put on alert to retrieve the vehicles after the expiration of the notice.” Shaibu was impeached by the Edo State House of Assembly after he fell out with Governor Obaseki, allegedly over his gubernatorial ambition.He was later replaced by Marvellous Omobayo Godwins, a former chieftain of the Labour Party (LP).