Dons EzePDP GOVERNORS KNOCK WIKE – THREATS RECKLESS, UNACCEPTABLE
PDP GOVERNORS KNOCK WIKE – THREATS RECKLESS, UNACCEPTABLE The governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have sharply condemned the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike,for what they describe as reckless and unacceptable threats.In a statement issued on Tuesday by the forum’s Director General, Emmanuel Agbo, the PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF), chaired by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkarim Mohamed, expressed strong disapproval of Wike’s recent comments. The forum accused Wike of making inflammatory remarks that threaten the unity and peaceful coexistence within the party. The statement read: “The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) has noted with concern the recent inflammatory statements made by H.E. Barrister Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Wike’s threats against member-governors of the forum are not only reckless but also deeply troubling, especially given the importance of maintaining peace, collaboration, and mutual respect among party leaders and members. “It is regrettable that these threats come from someone who once benefited from the solidarity of this forum during his time as a governor. The forum’s stance on the affairs of the PDP in Rivers State, as unanimously agreed upon in our 2024 meetings in Enugu and Taraba States, remains firm and is not open to review by any individual, regardless of their position. “We emphasize that the forum’s position is not personal nor does it undermine the relevance of any party stakeholder. Instead, it reflects a commitment to ensuring order and unity within the party, preventing conflicting loyalties that could distract the Governor of Rivers State from his duties. Wike himself benefited from this arrangement during his tenure. “We are fully committed to working with the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the PDP, to ensure that Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State receives all the privileges and support he is entitled to as a Governor elected on the platform of our party, both at the state and national levels.”
NNPC REACH ACCORD WITH DANGOTE REFINERY TO SELL CRUDE OIL IN NAIRA
NNPC REACH ACCORD WITH DANGOTE REFINERY TO SELL CRUDE OIL IN NAIRA The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has reached an agreement to sell crude oil to Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Naira. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, made this confirmation on Tuesday via its X handle, @NMDPRA_Official. According to NMDPRA, the NNPCL reached an agreement to commence crude oil sale and supply to Dangote Refinery in local currency. The agency also said the refinery was determined to supply an initial 25 million litres per day of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into the domestic market in September 2024, adding that the refinery will increase the volume to 30 million litres per day in October. “The refinery is now poised to supply an initial 25 million litres of PMS into the domestic market this September. And will subsequently increase this amount to 30 million liters daily from October 2024,” it said.
NNPC SPOKESMAN KEEPS MUM AS PETROL PUMP PRICE IS ADJUSTED TO N855 PER LITRE
NNPC SPOKESMAN KEEPS MUM AS PETROL PUMP PRICE IS ADJUSTED TO N855 PER LITRE There are strong indications that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has directed its retail outlets to raise the pump price of petrol to N855 per litre. Nigerians woke up on Tuesday to find a change in pump prices, rising from around N600 to N855 per litre. Sources informed that there was a directive for retail outlets to increase petrol prices. The directive announced that the NNPC Retail Management had approved an upward review of PMS pump prices. This development comes barely two days after the company admitted to challenges in importing fuel due to an $8 billion debt. However, the NNPC spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, declined to comment when contacted. When asked for clarification via WhatsApp that the statement had been circulating and reports from NNPC filling stations indicated a rise in fuel prices, Soneye replied: “Thank you for reaching out. I have no comment on the matter at this time. If there are any updates, I will inform you.” It was observed that some major marketers had raised their pump prices to N860 per litre.
I TRUSTED FUBARA, YET HE SACKED ME WHILE I WAS IN ICU – ROYAL FATHER
I TRUSTED FUBARA, YET HE SACKED ME WHILE I WAS IN ICU – ROYAL FATHER A traditional ruler in Rivers State, Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of removing him from his position as chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council while he was seriously ill. Fubara removed Awuse on June 21 from his position as Chairman of the Rivers Traditional Rulers Council. The governor accused Awuse, who was appointed by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, of inactivity and absence of effective leadership of the council under his watch. The monarch was subsequently replaced with the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo. Speaking on the development, Awuse decried the aspersions cast on him by the governor. He said he spent six months in critical condition. Eze Awuse, who is from Emohua Local Government Area, spoke at the weekend during a visit from Wike. Wike led a delegation of his political family to his palace to rejoice with him for surviving a debilitating ailment. Recalling his sacrifices as a first class traditional ruler during the making of Fubara as a governor, the monarch said he backed his candidacy and followed the campaigns to the 23 local government areas of the state. Awuse said: “I never went out of this state without telling my governor; not just once; all written; all acknowledged. So, when somebody said he didn’t know where I went to, I was surprised unless there was another chairman other than me. “He was my candidate. I took him as my candidate. All the people running around him today, none of them showed face. I am the only traditional ruler, first class, that followed that campaign from local government to local government and I went to every local government. “In most of the local government areas I mounted the rostrums to speak for him because I trusted him. I was the main one. But today in the house of politics, you see the good the bad and the ugly. Anyone that falls into your hand you take. “I was sacked from my seat the day I was in ICU. I was in coma for 10 hours. I told only him (Wike) because everybody rejected me. “The government I was serving rejected me. People have the mind to say I will support the governor to the fullest. Why won’t you support him to the fullest when you did not contribute to his being there. “I am learning how to stand up because I was in ICU six weeks with gadgets all over my body fed through my nose. And you (Fubara) told people when I was in ICU that I was a man of questionable character. “You said Sergeant Awuse, I am not steady. That is one quality I don’t deserve. Call me any other name but I am a steady human being.”
INDUSTRIAL COURT NULLIFIES DEMOTION OF IMT’S FOMER DIRECTOR OF WORKS SERVICES
INDUSTRIAL COURT NULLIFIES DEMOTION OF IMT’S FOMER DIRECTOR OF WORKS SERVICESThe Presiding Judge, Enugu Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court, Hon. Justice Oluwakayode Arowosegbe has declared that Engr Luke Mmamel is entitled to his pension rights as a confirmed Director of Works Services of Enugu Institute of Management and Technology.lThe Court ordered Enugu Institute of Management and Technology to pay Engr. Luke all his legitimate arrears caused by the 12 months shortfall in payment of salary/emoluments, currently estimated at N7,510.338.72 (Seven Million Five Hundred and Ten Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Naira, Seventy-Two Kobo).Justice Arowosegbe nullified the action of Enugu Institute of Management and Technology and declared that the sudden demotion of Engr. Luke and reduction of his salary and the consequential intention to base his pension on the downgraded rank amounts to constructive discharge which is against the Constitution and the ILO Convention.Justice Arowosegbe stated that Enugu Institute of Management and Technology and the State Attorney General cannot take advantage of the illegal demotion of Engr Luke to argue that Engr Luke did not retire as Director of Works Services but as Chief Engineer, that to allow such cruel effect of the illegal demotion is to allow the Institute and the State Government to take undue advantage of their wrongdoingFrom facts, the claimant- Engr Luke Mmamel had pleaded that he was employed in 1983 as lecturer and that; he rose to the position of Senior Lecturer in 1991 but was made Acting Director of Works and Services in that same 1991, as a result of state creation and that; when the substantive position of Director of Works and Services was advertised in 1995, he applied and was appointed Chief Engineer on GL 13/8 October 18, 1995.Engr Luke pleaded he remained in this position till 1997 when he applied for confirmation of his position as substantive DWS, which was approved at GL 14/8 Sep 10, 1997. He pleaded that, however, in 1998 a circular dated Nov 10, 1998, made the DWS principal officer of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu [IMT], and suddenly, without any accusation or fault, by a letter dated July 01, 2016, the Council directed him to handover to another officer and he did.Engr Luke pleaded he observed that his salary was reduced when he received his 2018 June salary, and pleaded that he had put in 37 years in service and was entitled to pension, which would now be based on the reduced salary, and all efforts to get it corrected were to no avail.In defence, the 1st defendant- Institute of Management and Technology Enugu counterclaimed that the Director of Works Services is a tenured appointment by IMT Law and that; the IMT had explained to Engr Luke in a letter, the reason for the underpayment, which was because of his redeployment to his former position as Chief Engineer, and further that the computation of Engr Luke’s pension is based on his career position and not as DWS, sought for N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) exemplary damages.The 2nd defendant- Enugu State Attorney General counterpleaded that Engr Luke’s tenure lapsed in 2016 by virtue of the IMT Law and that; all principal officers who served up their tenures were redeployed like Engr Luke, and urged the Court to strike out the suit in its entirety.In opposition, learned counsel averred that the claimant’s conversion from Chief Engineer to Director of Works Services was sequel to the recommendation of the Appointment and Promotion Committee. The learned counsel argued that, the reason for strict protection of the rights of employees, whose employments enjoy statutory flavour is for security of tenure and that his client was removed in total breach of the rules of natural justice.Delivering judgment after careful evaluation of the…
NNPC TO BECOME SOLE BUYER OF PETROL FROM DANGOTE REFINERY
NNPC TO BECOME SOLE BUYER OF PETROL FROM DANGOTE REFINERYThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited is set to become the “initial exclusive buyer” of products from the Dangote Refinery as the 650,000 barrel per day plant begins processing of premium motor spirit (PMS) also known as petroleum, report has indicated.This is coming amidst the worsening fuel supply in Nigeria with the NNPCL indicating that the supply gap might get worse.After several denials, the national oil company admitted on Sunday that it was facing financial difficulty with a report indicating that the company is owing over $6billion.This came about a week after the NNPCL published its 2023 audited financial statement and declared a dividend of N3.1trillion.Fuel supply has been impaired nationwide with most NNPCL retail outlets under lock and key while motorists pay as much as N1000 per litre across the country.However, a report by Reuters yesterday confirmed that the Dangote refinery is ready to roll out petrol in the coming weeks as testing has begun while NNPC is expected to be the “initial exclusive buyer” – a move projected to address the supply gap which the national oil company is contending with in recent times.The vice president at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, who was quoted by Reuters also indicated that the national oil company is prepared to purchase its products exclusively to meet local demands.“We are testing the product (gasoline) and subsequently it will start flowing into the product tanks.“If no one is buying it, we will export it as we have been exporting our aviation jet fuel and diesel,” Edwin said. He, however, did not mention when the product will hit the market.When contacted yesterday, the NNPC Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye said he was not aware of the deal with Dangote.“I am not aware of that,” he said, adding that there was no way Dangote would sell below N1000.“I don’t think marketers would buy at that amount. So, the sure bet is to sell to NNPC but then at what rate will NNPC be buying?But fuel scarcity has worsened in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country with a litre selling as much as N1000.In Abuja, both travellers and motorists have continued to groan over the worsening scarcity.Daily Trust findings showed that filing stations of both the independent and major oil marketers within Abuja city and some area councils of the FCT have remained closed without fuel.A visit by our reporter to some filling stations, especially where fuel is being dispensed indicated a long queue of vehicles and motorcycles waiting to buy fuel.At AA Rano filling station, along Kubwa expressway, there is a long queue of vehicles waiting to refill their tanks, even as some motorists were seen with gallons struggling to buy the fuel.Also at Enyo filling station in Zuba, Gwagwalada Area Council, one of the satellite towns in the FCT, our reporter observed a long queue of vehicles and motorcycles waiting to refill their tanks.It was observed that despite the long queue, a litre of fuel is sold between N980 and N1, 200, even as some filling stations have remained closed.At Doma filling station, which is located along Secretariat road in Gwagwalada metropolis, there was also a long queue of vehicles and motorcycles, even as our reporter also observed a litre of PMS is sold at N987 per litre.However, some motorists, who spoke with one of our reporters, expressed their frustration over the fuel scarcity which they said has posed serious hardship to them.Our reporter further observed that the fuel scarcity and increase in transport fare has forced many residents, especially civil servants , to trek within the city center of Abuja while some even trekked to their work places.A commercial driver, Mr Clement…
BREAKING: DANGOTE REFINERY BEGINS FIRST PETROL ROLLOUT
BREAKING: DANGOTE REFINERY BEGINS FIRST PETROL ROLLOUT Dangote Refinery has commenced the rollout of its first Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) from its 650,000 barrels per day Lagos-based refinery. The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, disclosed this during a press conference with journalists on Tuesday. He stated that the company’s petrol will substitute import dependence, bring down inflation, and stabilize the Naira against the dollar. According to him, the petrol will hit the Nigerian market as soon as discussions are finalized with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited. “The quality will match that of anywhere in the world. “It is a day of celebration. It is a day to give thanks to God, to give thanks to Mr. President, and also to friends who have been supportive in ensuring that this refinery produces gasoline. We are now here. “As soon as we finalize with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, our product will start entering the market.” Upon commissioning in January 2024, the $20 billion refinery commenced production of Naphtha and Aviation Fuel months ago. The development comes as Nigerians groan over prolonged fuel queues across the country. This comes as petrol sells for above N1,000 per liter in some parts of the country.
PDP GOVERNORS, WIKE SET FOR SHOWDOWN AS MWC MEETS WEDNESDAY
PDP GOVERNORS, WIKE SET FOR SHOWDOWN AS NWC MEETS WEDNESDAY A showdown is looming between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, as the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) meets on Wednesday. The meeting is expected to address the lingering political conflict between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, both of whom are PDP members. The feud has caused a split within the state House of Assembly and led to multiple legal disputes in Port Harcourt and Abuja courts. Amidst the political feud, the governors under the platform of the PDP have expressed support for their colleague, Fubara, urging the NWC to grant him his “rightful” position as the leader of the party in the state. In response, Wike has threatened to ferment trouble in PDP-controlled states whose governors are sympathetic to Fubara “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to somebody. “I pity those governors because I will put fire in their states. When God has given you peace, you say you don’t want peace – anything you see you take,” he said on Saturday in Port Harcourt. The Director General of the PDP Governors Forum, Emmanuel Agbo, confirmed that a meeting to address Wike’s threat was imminent. “He addressed the governors specifically. The governors will meet and they will take a position. The Secretariat is to convey their (Governors) positions. Until that is done, I don’t have any take on it,” he said. When asked about when the governors would convene, Agbo responded: “Once I get a confirmation, I will let the press know.” The NWC meeting on Wednesday is expected to review and discuss the PDP’s recently held ward and state congresses, as well as the governors’ position on Rivers State. A senior NWC member revealed that the party leaders would address the ongoing litigation involving the defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The meeting comes after a clear division emerged among NWC members during the last meeting. While some approved the conduct of the Rivers congress in favour of Wike despite a court injunction, others insisted that the correct procedure should be followed in the interest of Fubara. The conflict has led to a series of legal battles, with Wike’s lawyers appealing a court order without the party’s consent. Recall that on July 8, 2024, the Rivers State High Court issued an ex parte order barring key state officials from engaging with the defected lawmakers. Wike’s lawyers appealed the order without the party’s consent, including that of the National Legal Adviser. Interestingly, a letter from the acting national chairman, Damagum, and the National Secretary, Anyanwu, later clarified that the PDP was not involved in the withdrawal of the appeal. A member of the National Executive Committee, Kola Ologbondiyan, stated that the letter provides sufficient grounds for the other NWC members to issue a vote of no confidence in the acting national chairman. “The structure of the party is anchored on the state governor. Therefore, the NWC should apply what happened in other states to Rivers. “In other states where the PDP has a governor, the structure of the party revolves around the governor. So whatever has been done in other states should be reciprocated in Rivers. After all, all states in Nigeria are equal, and they must consider the important role Rivers State plays in Nigeria. We cannot afford to lose control of the state,” he said.
MINISTER DIRECTS NNPCL TO SELL PMS ABOVE N1,OOO
MINISTER DIRECTS NNPCL TO SELL PMS ABOVE N1000 The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri has directed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) must sell petrol above the landing cost, which currently stands at N1,117 per litre, to prevent the smuggling of the products to neighbouring countries. Lokpobiri who disclosed this in Abuja, adding that security agencies are complicit in smuggling activities. He said unless the NNPC Ltd imports and sells petrol above the landing cost, smugglers would continue to move petroleum products to neighboring countries. Recall that the group chief executive officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari had last month met the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on the rapid impact of the NCS’ “Operation Whirlwind” in reducing the smuggling of Premium Motor Spirit (also known as petrol) across Nigeria’s border communities. During the meeting, Kyari said PMS evacuation to border states had decreased from 32 million litres per day to about 25 million litres within just two months. The federal government had, in May 2023, removed the subsidy on petrol, which raised the price from about N197 to about N650 per litre. While PMS is sold at an average of N701.99 in Nigeria, it is sold at an average of N1,672.05 in the Republic of Benin and N2,061.55 in Cameroon. In other countries around the region, the price of PMS ranges from N1,427.68 in Liberia to N2,128.20 in Mali, averaging N1,787.57, according to the fuel price data obtained from trading economics statistics. This development had heightened PMS smuggling out of Nigeria. Lokpobiri’s stated at the event that NNPC’s sale of imported fuel at a price above the landing cost will bridge the potential profit gap and curb smuggling of the product to neighbouring countries for high profit-making by those involved in the shady business.
PETER OBI DECRIES PERSISTENT FUEL SCARCITY, DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY IN NNPC OPERATIONS
PETER OBI DECRIES PERSISTENT FUEL SCARCITY, DEMANDS TRANSPARENCY IN NNPC OPERATIONS Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called out the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government over the persistent fuel scarcity and conflicting reports on subsidy payments. In a statement on social media, Obi, the Labour Party’s flagbearer in the 2023 election, demanded transparency in the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), particularly in its financial dealings and plans for the future. He expressed shock that the NNPCL, which declared a N3 trillion profit in 2023, is now claiming “financial constraints” in supplying fuel, leading to widespread scarcity and hardship. Obi attributed the fuel crisis to the government’s ineptitude, citing the struggles of the $20 billion Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries to secure crude oil supply, as well as the NNPCL’s search for outside operators for its refineries. He insisted that the Petroleum Industry Act mandates an open and transparent NNPCL, and called on the government to come clean on the issues and take responsibility for the mess. Obi’s statement reads: “Nigerians must stop at nothing in demanding for transparency in the operations of government especially critical agencies like the state-owned NNPCL whose activities appear to be shrouded in secrecy. The conflicting reports on subsidy payments have left Nigerians in the dark, unsure of what is happening in this all-important company. It is very curious that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) which declared a N3 trillion profit in 2023, is coming up with a bizarre claim of “financial constraints” in supplying fuel. “The fuel scarcity crisis, characterized by endless queues, and untold hardship, is a direct result of the government’s ineptitude. The $20 billion Dangote Refinery and other Modular Refineries’ struggles to secure crude oil supply and NNPCL’s search for outside operators for its refineries are further proof of this administration’s gross incompetence. We demand a better level of transparency in NNPCL’s operations, financial dealings, and plans for the future. The Petroleum Industry Act mandates an open and transparent NNPCL, we should not stand idly by while this government violates our laws. We demand that this administration come clean on these issues and take responsibility for the mess it has created. “We should not rest until we uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The Nigerian people deserve better.”