Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to void import licenses issued to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC), Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, and four other companies for the purpose of importing refined petroleum products that are already being produced by Dangote without shortfalls.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, Dangote Refinery is also seeking N100 billion in damages against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to NNPCL, Matrix Energy, and other companies for importing petroleum products such as Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and Jet Fuel (aviation turbine fuel) into Nigeria, “despite the production of AGO and Jet-A1 that exceeds the current daily consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria by the Dangote Refinery.”
Joined as defendants in the case are NMDPRA, NNPCL, Aym Shafa Limited, A. A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited (1st to 7th defendants).
There is no iota of truth in an online publication wherein it was mischievously alleged that Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, are at loggerhead over certain unresolved issues.
Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, at a radio interview on Monday, debunked the said online publication, saying that the two leaders, Governor Oborevwori and Senator Okowa are inseparable leaders, and that no amount of propaganda and political craftiness of detractors can separate them.
He appealed to the good people of Delta State, and the general public to disregard the publication, assuring that nothing wrong shall come between the two pragmatic leaders whose common interest is to deliver substantial dividends of democracy to the people, as major stakeholders of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.
Dr Oghenesivbe pointed out that Senator Okowa did not plant his men around governor Oborevwori, adding that those appointed by the governor after assuming office were the same people who worked tirelessly during the governorship electioneering Campaigns in 2023, describing them as competent individuals, some of whom served during Chief James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Senator Okowa’s administration.
The Bureau Chief further stated that several political appointees recently resigned across board for different reasons; either to contest election or for other personal ambition, noting that resignation or systematic disengagement by an individual does not signify misunderstanding or bad blood within the system as wrongly alleged in the misleading online publication.
Sheriff Oborevwori and Ifeanyi Okowa
“We woke up this beautiful morning to read another sponsored and misleading online publication, wherein it was mischievously alleged that governor Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Okowa, are in cold war over nonexistent issues.
“Deltans know better, because these consistent streams of falsehood and targeted media attacks on the two leaders had been linked to detractors political permutations for 2027 governorship election in the state.
“They will continue to misfire, grumble and remain confused, while governor Oborevwori and Senator Okowa will continue to enjoy their ever robust and healthy relationship as deep rooted political associates
“As a government, the Oborevwori administration is focused on socioeconomic and infrastructural development across the three Senatorial Districts, leveraging on prudent management of resources, transparency and accountability to advance Delta.
“It’s never a crime for a super technocrat of governor Oborevwori’s class and magnitude to effectively maximize state resources to accomplish greater results, upscale the living standards of majority of Deltans.
Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and Sheriff Oborevwori
“This administration will continue to look at the larger picture, initiate and implement programmes and policies that would consistently benefit majority of the people, and devoid of political or religious affiliation,” Oghenesivbe assured.
Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo, Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), says the death of Senator (Prof.) Jonathan Silas Zwingina, a member of the UIAA Board of Trustee (BoT), is shocking and devastating.
Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo and his 1st Vice President, Mr. Fidelis Mbadugha, SAN, at the night of Tribute for Late Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina
Nyityo stated this yesterday in Abuja, at the Night of Tribute in honour of the distinguished Nigerian, statesman and former representative of the good people of the Southern Senatorial District of Adamawa State, who was confirmed dead on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024 at the age of 70.
Noting that Zwingina’s remarkable contributions to UIAA will forever embody his memory in his condolences, the UIAA Worldwide President stated that the late politician has left a great void in the Advisory of UIAA and the political structure of Adamawa State.
Late Senator (Prof) Jonathan Silas Zwingina
Commiserating with the late politician’s spouse, Dr. Christy Zwingina, Nyityo asserted that “The deceased Patriarch was an epitome of humility and wisdom who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity having had a very successful career in politics as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. UIAA is indeed proud of him for upholding the University of Ibadan (UI) tradition of excellence and for his invaluable contributions to the Association as a member of Board of Trustees. His legacy of integrity, courage and abiding faith in God are the torch that he lit while on earth with us.
Late Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina
“We also would like to acknowledge the important role he played in his service to the nation at large. We pray that the Almighty God will grant the entire Zwingina family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal rest.”
Sen Zwingina’s contribution to Nigeria’s development spans across several sectors of our nation’s life: He was a Scholar, Technocrat, Public Servant and Politician of high repute, who left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
He was a leading voice in the struggle for democracy, and was the Director General of the late MKO Abiola’s Hope 93 Campaign Organization during the iconic June 12th 1993
Presidential Election.
Late Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina
His intellectual depth, eloquence and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals resonated deeply with Nigerians.
While in the Senate, he was a vocal advocate of due process, promoter of national development priorities with particular emphasis on policy, good governance, the oversight role of the parliament in government accountability to the people, among others.
Prior to his time in the National Assembly, Zwingina played a pivotal role in shaping
national discourse as a Director of the Mass Mobilization for Social Justice, Self-Reliance, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) program during the President Ibrahim Babaginda military administration.
Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist from Anambra State, Chukwudi Onyejekwe, is currently on the run over threat to his life by unknown persons allegedly suspected to be working for government officials in the country.
Picture depicting police officers hunting for suspected/ wanted person
Chukwudi Onyejekwe, a human rights defender and advocate of good governance, is known to be involved in human rights activities over the years.
Nigeria Police Force, NPF
It was revealed that, in October 2020, Chukwudi Onyejekwe, along with other human rights activists were alleged to be involved in the ill-fated “End SARS” protest that almost crippled the country.
There were reported cases in the media that, the renowned legal practitioner has been leading protest against bad government right from his days as law student.
It, was suspected as revealed by sources that, unknown gunmen are after his life for his recent role in mobilizing citizens to protest against bad governance in August and October this year.
There are feelers that, his anti government protests is defaming the authority and the government is no longer comfortable with his freedom hence the alleged threat to his life.
It is believed by pundits that, the Nigeria government is jailing activists and suppressing protests of any kind against her. In carrying out their legitimate activities in advocating for the rights of citizens, human rights activists and organisations faces threats and attacks, either directly or in the digital sphere.
Nigeria Police Force, NPF
It was reported that, all efforts made to trace the whereabouts of the radical lawyer have not been successful and his wife and kids are also nowhere to be found.
Calls to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) to ascertain the whereabouts of the lawyer turned activist was unsuccessful as his phone number was not connecting as at the time of filing this report.
Lagos State boosts workers’ income as Governor Sanwo-Olu approves N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants, exceeding federal standards.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Sanwo-Olu announced his government’s readiness to pay a new minimum wage of N85,000 to workers in the state on Wednesday while featuring on Politics Today, an interactive program on Channels TV.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
According to Sanwo-Olu, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is N85,000 today.
“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.
“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to N100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a decent living wage.”
Lucky Tubotu, an indigene of Bilabiri 1 & 2 Communities has described his purported banishment from the community as laughable,accusing the elders and Chiefs of turning blind eyes to those with questionable character and criminal records.
Tubotu in a statement released in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State titled “My Purported Banishment From Bilabiri Communities Is Highly Laughable, Banish Those With Questionable Character And Criminal Records” said it was sad that elders and Chiefs who ought to speak the truth no matter whose ox is gored can no longer be trusted because of bread and butter.
“My attention has been drawn to an online platform of one Kelvin James on the 28th September 2024 stating that I have been banished from Bilabiri 1 Community, removal of Yerin Johnbo as Tantita Coordinator as well as removal of Captain Joshua Oropere as BOT Member/Chairman from Bilabiri Community”.
“It is most shameful that Bilabiri elders and Chiefs are playing the ostrich,they know who killed Frank B. Seide and yet have kept quiet,why not banish Ebimene Abaka and Tekena Abaka for their criminal activities.”
“The big question is who Killed Frank B.Seide at the concrete jetty? Bilabiri Elders and Chiefs should come out and tell the world.Why not banish the known killer and criminal gangs in the community? You prefer to stay with a viper and banish a dove?
“To me my purported banishment is null and void because I have not done anything sacrilegious to deserve such treatment, people are banished for evil deeds against the community.Bilabiri tell the world what I did?
“If Bilabiri community can accommodate a known killer and declare that I lucky Tubotu should not step into my community for fighting against criminal elements, then the world should know that these people are working for a known killer and have banished an innocent persons”.
“It is a known fact in Bilabiri 1 Community,the elders,women and youths know how close i was with Late Frank B. Seide,his death will not be in vain, until his killer is brought to book I will not rest,his blood is crying “.
“I wish to state categorically that my publications are not sponsored by Yerin Johnbo, Captain Joshua Oropere or any other person .It is my earnest desire since the death of Frank B Seide to sanitize Bilabiri 1 Community of notorious criminals and killer gangs”.
On the issue of removing Yerin Johnbo as the Coordinator, it is again very obvious that these people are fighting for Ebimene Abaka and his gangs. Ebimene Abaka has announced himself as the Coordinator for Bilabiri 1 Community in several places.He has been envious and not happy with Yerin Johnbo from the day he was appointed as the Coordinator Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
“Ebimene Abaka is highly interested in being the Tantita Coordinator, the purported removal of Yerin Johnbo is to give room to Ebimene Abaka, but they forget to know that Tantita Coordinator is not nominated and appointed through the community approval.It is mere foolishness coupled with ignorance
Bilabiri
” I can say without mincing words that Yerin Johnbo is a peaceful man,calm, bold and development oriented leadership.He has contributed significantly to the development of the Bilabiri 1 Community”
“Yerin Johnbo has bought and distributed foodstuffs worth millions of naira from his hard earned income, bought school uniforms and writing materials for pupils of Bilabiri 1 Community, paid school fees among other community development efforts,yet what he gets from the community as appreciation is by planning to remove him as the Coordinator of Tantita, so that criminal gangs can parade as themselves as gods in Bilabiri 1 Community”.
“I call on the security agencies to investigate what led to the death of Frank B.Seide and bring the culprits to book in order to avoid a reoccurrence as the Bilabiri community moves toward another change of government in the community in December 2024”
“Tension is already brewing in the Bilabiri 1 community as Tekena Abaka has been boasting that nobody can remove him from the office as CDC Chairman, even though his tenure is expiring by December 2024.I do not want innocent Bilabiri indigenes to die in the hands of the notorious and power drunk Ebimene Abaka and Tekena Abaka .My life is at risk for fighting against evil in our beloved community”.
“The people making publication on my purported banishment and the removal of Mr Yerin Johnbo as Tantita coordinator. You really need to ask questions because you don’t know, my great grandfather, Late chief (Ekiriyan) who happens to be the grandfather of Yerin Johnbo fought for what you are enjoying today.When the school came to Bilabiri community, my great grandfather’s house was used as classrooms”.
The Captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club, IGCC,Asaba, Chief Patrick Ukah,has commemorated the Nation Nigeria with a golf kitty debut tournament, with a view to ensure that golf development is sustained in the country.
The immediate past secretary to Delta State Government of the Okowa Administration,commended golfers for their dedication to the sport,assured that the state would continue to invest in sports.
Chief Ukah,”What ever will sustain the unity of Nigeria, was a priority and through sports the country would continue to be united,hence as the captain of IGCC, I and my team has decided to organized this kitty to commemorate our beloved country.
Chief Ukah said the IGCC would also continue to enhance the development of golf in the state saying the several innovations at the club was aimed at raising the Ibori golf and country club the destination of choice among golfers within and outside Nigeria.
Chief Patrick Ukah
He assured that subsequent editions of the Nigerian Cup would attract more golfers from across the Nation asserting that the IGCC was determined to host memorable golf events.
The Vice Captain IGCC, Mr Alex Joe,who was also the Chairman Organizing Committee of the Nigerian Cup GOLF Kitty and others golfers who spoke described the Nigerian Cup as historical saying the IGCC had joined the league of golf clubs to have hosted the Nigerian Cup and enjoined members to sustain the tampo.
Mr Isaac Rikoto of the IGCC emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Cup GOLF Kitty after driving in 65 Nett to Chief Patrick Ukah and Mr Sandy Memeh in the men’s main event.
Rita Izoje swinging in 74 nelt to claim the ladies event top prize, beating Graceli Ogeli who rolled in 79 Nelt to second place.
Ogbueshi Ubaka Attoh Claimed the vets top prize after hitting 75 Nett to beat Tom Nwakalo who paired in 77 Nett to second place with Chief Patrick Ukah claiming the men’s nearest the pin prize, just as Rita Izoje.
The event featured presentation of prize to the winners.
As part of its activities marking the 2024 World Mental Health Day, the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrates Confraternity), Vito Corsica Deck (Aniocha/Oshimili & Ika ) in collaboration with Blizzard Deck (Boston, Massachusettes), have called on government at all tiers to see a way to partner with rehabilitation centers for the benefit of patients.
The group made the call on Thursday while carrying out sensitization campaign at a rehabilitation center known as Mama Akpu TRADOMEDICAL MENTAL Home, at Ugbolu in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Seadogs donating food items to Rehab Home in Ugbolu
Appealing to Government and other well-meaning Nigerians to address long decadence and other challenges facing Rehabilitation Centers across the State, the Cap’n of the Vito Corsica Deck of the Pyrates Confraternity, Comrade Michael Nwaidei noted that despite growing global awareness, mental health remains a low priority in many Nigerian workplaces.
Nwaidei asserted that “The current economic hardship has exacerbated this issue, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among workers. Many employees, both onshore and offshore, face significant challenges including stigmatization and discrimination; limited access to Mental Health Resources; economic stress; workplace culture; lack of awareness and education; global disconnect and too numerous to mention”.
Mr. Michael Nwaidei, Pyrates Cap’n in Asaba
While explaining that the sensitization campaign was another clear demonstration of the Confraternity’s abiding commitment to contribute to the development of a just and egalitarian society, Michael Nwaidei, the Aniocha / Oshimili & Ika axis Pyrates Cap’n revealed that the sensitization which was aimed at promoting mental health in the society was part of the Confraternity’s activities to commemorates this year’s World Mental Health Day in Vito Corsica and Blizzard Decks of the Association, and that similar exercise was being carried out in all the chapters of the Association worldwide.
Apart from sensitization campaign, the collaboration of the Vito Corsica and Blizzard Decks of NAS also provided interfaith with patients and care-givers of the Mama Akpu Trado-Medical Home. This was led by Dr Kelechi Okolo, a Mental Health / Public Health Specialist from the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba, on a topic which centred on ‘BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION IN MENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT’
Appreciating the Association for the kind gesture, the proprietor of the MAMA AKPU rehabilitation center, Mrs. Ifeoma Okechukwu requested for regular medical support for her patients and the Center.
Locals at the community also joyfully commended the National Association of Seadogs for the huge donations and medical /health talk.
The highlight of the event was the donation of food supplements, food stuffs and toiletries to the Center by NAS.
Lucky Tubotu,a Niger Delta youth and an indigene of Bilabiri Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State has challenged the elders and Chiefs of Bilabiri Communities to come out boldly and tell the world who killed Frank B. Seide and stop playing the ostrich.
Tubotu in a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State titled “Who Killed Frank B.Seide? Who Dethroned Our Legitimate Community Highnesses? This is the Time to Tell The World” said it was shameful that elders and Chiefs who are supposed to be above board are shying away from the truth.
Bilabiri, Ekeremor in Bayelsa State
“It is quite unfortunate that elders who are supposed to be ambassadors of peace and development are shamefully supporting the evil being orchestrated by Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire), Tekena Abaka and their cohorts”.
He stated…”It is not a surprise to me that some elders and Chiefs are asking me to refute my publications made in some online platforms,after all they were installed as Highness and Deputy Highness by Ebimene Abaka(Small Fire) and his cohorts to promote and continue their evil agenda in Bilabiri Community “.
Bayelsa State
“The legitimate Highness,Peter Pinne,Deputy Highness,Amos Allison and others were dethroned by Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire) ,Tekena Abaka and others because they are not supporting their evil machinations against the people and once peaceful Bilabiri communities “….. Tubotu added.
“From their purported kangaroo town hall meeting in Bilabiri asking me to retract my statements/publications within 7 days which is also a threat to me as Tekena Abaka posted on our community WhatsApp platform…start a fight that you can continue to the end “.
“The former Highness Peter Pinne was forced to resign because he doesn’t want to be part of their atrocious acts while Amos Allison, Kingsley Aaron and David Okuru were dethroned by Ebimene Abaka(Small Fire) and Tekena Abaka for their selfish gains to extend his tenure as CDC Chairman “.
Oil community
“HRH Pater Pinne,Amos Allison and David Okuru were recognized Chiefs in Bilabiri 1 community before Tekena Abaka was sworn in as Chairman CDC.The devilish agenda of extending tenure led to their de-thronement and eventual enthronement of the present Chiefs supporting evil “.
“It was the evil plot of extending tenure previously that made Ebimene Abaka shot and killed Frank B.Seide which is a known fact in Bilabiri communities and the world at large.
“If the leaders of Bilabiri communities can come out boldly to say Ebimene Abaka didn’t kill Frank B.Seide,if my accusations are wrong,then I will retract my publications”.
“I stand to be corrected, Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire),Tekena Abaka and others are a threat to peace and development, they want to forcefully and illegitimately extend Tekena Abaka ‘s tenure in order to continue to exploit the resources of Bilabiri 1 community for their personal aggrandizement “.
“I appeal to security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation with a view to arresting the culprits terrorizing our beloved Bilabiri communities and bring them to justice “.
Eye on the Future Initiative (EFI) in Collaboration with Precious Family Aid Charity Foundation, on Friday held a sensitization campaign against cultism for students in secondary Schools in oil rich Delta State, aimed at kicking out the menace.
The organizers implored the students to shun social vices capable of ruining their lives.
The sensitization campaign tagged “Back to School” was held at Okpanam high School in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Comrade Patricia Gbemudu, MNIPR
Addressing the students on the need to shun Cultism, the Executive Director of Precious Family Charity Aid Foundation, Mrs Patricia Gbemudu, MNIPR Advised the students not to disappoint their parents by getting involved in cult activities as it can disrupt their potentials.
Gbemudu also told the students to concentrate on their studies so that they can grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow.
On her part , the Executive Director of EFI , Comrade Josephine Omodior harped on the the need for students to build up their morals against anything or anyone that has the tendency of making them to become cultists.
Stating that there are no benefits in Cultism, Omodior admonished the students not to get enticed by antics of cultists who might want to lure them into their secret activities.
Also speaking, the Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , Comrade Eunice Emeyazia encouraged the students to stay away from cultism as it is an evil gathering .
Appreciating the groups for visiting the school, the Principal of Okpanam High School, Mr William Dickson noted that the students needed sensitization against cultism to guide them from getting involved in the menace.
The event also featured the distribution of educational materials to students present.
