Festus Osifo, president of the Trade Union of Congress (TUC), says it is the right of the union to embark on protest and strike to drive home its demands.

During an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Osifo responded to the recent comment made by President Bola Tinubu about the protest embarked upon by the labour unions.

On Thursday, Tinubu said it was unacceptable for the labour unions to call for strike four times within the first nine months of an administration.

The president said the NLC is not the only voice of Nigerians, while asking the union to wait until 2027 to participate in the electoral process.

The NLC had declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, over the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.

On Tuesday, the protest took place in many parts of the country, including Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

However, the leadership of the NLC announced on Tuesday evening the suspension of the second day of the protest, noting that the objectives were achieved on the first day of the rally.

Reacting to Tinubu’s comment, Osifo said members of the TUC are not politicians noting that they are only interested in their welfare.

The TUC president asked the president to address the fundamental issues that led to the union’s protest and strike.

“I listened to that comment yesterday where he said that we should wait for 2027 if we want to contest for elections,” Osifo said.

“I could speak for the Trade Union Congress; we are not politicians, we are unionists, and it is our right to protest. It is a fundamental right of every single Nigerian.

“So we don’t have issues with protests when need be; people must exercise their rights, and people must protest.

“In terms of waiting till 2027 to enter politics, I don’t think that is something we could dabble into because, as an individual, I am not a card-carrying member of any political party.

“What I am interested in is the welfare of my members and indeed the entire Nigerian masses. So, the president’s view is alien to us because the right to protest and strike is that of the workers.

“There are condition precedents, for the fact that you are going on a protest or strike, there are some things that led to it, those fundamental issues must be addressed.”

[TheCable]

…Where, how he will be laid to rest

•Isiokpo kingdom, RCCG Parish Plan big for burial
•Church members are to wear Ankara for burial, and white for Thanksgiving
•He built our church; We’ll celebrate him, not mourn for he was a good man —Pastor
•Every turn from PH Airport to Isiokpo being touched
•Isiokpo youths demand the cause of death from FG, USA
•Plan a Protest at the US Embassy, Villa, to block major roads

It is ten kilometres from the Port Harcourt International Airport to Wigwe International University in Isiokpo. From the airport junction deep into the hinterland, every turn wears a new look in anticipation of receiving an “august visitor”.

Preparations for the final burial of the billionaire business mogul, Dr Herbert Wigwe on hypersonic speed. Roads are being cleared and available potholes are fixed. Contractors handling the University project are on their toes. The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, and Isiokpo parish are wearing a befitting look.

Several hectares of land have either been donated by well-wishers or acquired by families as car parks to ease both human and vehicular traffic on the day of the burial.

In all, Isiokpo kingdom looks set to receive its illustrious son back home. Yes, he is coming home to rest for eternity on Saturday, March 9, 2024. But on his arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, the late Wigwe will not adorn his usual trademark smiles. There will be no handshakes. No hugging. No form of pleasantries. He will be stiff and cold. Call it rigor mortis. He will be lying face up signifying the end of all mortals. That is because death, a necessary end comes when it will come.

Private Cemetery

As if he had a premonition of his tomorrow, Dr. Herbert Wigwe had already built a befitting private tomb for himself. Located within the massive expanse of the University environment, the mausoleum is a sight worthy of a billionaire.

A stamped concrete walkway sandwiched by a green lush leads to the ecstatic final resting place of the Wigwes. Saturday Vanguard scooped that three tombs have been constructed with state-of-the-art Italian Carara marble and finished up with a foreign granite galaxy.

“Do not grief, for the joy of the Lord is your strength”, is an inscription embossed on the top corner of the composing mausoleum. The sight of the transparent private cemetery is a clear testament to the fact that Dr. Herbert Wigwe was not just rich while alive, he appears even richer in death.

With thousands of foreign guests expected to pay their last respects to this rare gem, what will be the cynosure of all eyes is the expansive landmass of the Wigwe International University. The construction of the university has 60% of its local content in terms of labour deployed from Rivers State, 20% from Isiokpo and the remaining 20% from the rest of Nigeria. A touch of a detribalized man, one would say.

“He built this private cemetery before he started the university. His house here has been designed to have a special gate and walls separated from the university. I can tell you that he had a big vision. Very good vision and he was making efforts to ensure that those visions came to a reality. But what I cannot tell you right now is whether those visions will still be achieved”, a credible source decried.

Going spiritual, the source said, “it is only the owner of the vision that can implement his visions to the letter. I cannot say if those visions including the university will be accomplished in line with the dreams of the owner of the vision”.

Virtually all the buildings within the university environment are receiving an accelerated touch. Every completed building wears the same colour of pure white and some black corrugated roofs. The internal road construction is ongoing with the speed of light. Every staff knows his brief.

RCCG Parish Isiokpo Wears New Face

Myriads of activities were seen going on within the premises of the 48-acre “Lion of Judah” Parish of RCCG, Isiokpo. Lands were being sand-filled for car parking in anticipation of the heavy crowd that would attend the funeral next Saturday.

The 1000-seater auditorium with 12 standing split air conditioning units built by the late billionaire was being renovated to depict the status of the man who came, saw and blessed anyone who crossed his path while alive. Residents who live close to the church have donated their farmlands to be sand-filled for car parks while the church itself has expanded deep into the interior to create more space for the expected guests.

Pastor Moses Abe, provincial pastor of Rivers 20, Isiokpo parish was away for a meeting in Lagos when Saturday Vanguard visited, but the Parish pastor, Olaniyan Samuel, was handy. “Our preparation here is to put everything in place to ensure that we ease both human and vehicular traffic on that day”, he said.

“Our brother Wigwe built the main church before he died. It was commissioned by the General Overseer (Pastor Enoch Adeboye). He lived a good life. We will celebrate him not to mourn because he lived a very good life worthy of emulation”.

Pastor Olaniyan said the entire church will appear in Ankara material on Saturday for the burial while all members of the church will be on white for the Thanksgiving service on Sunday. “That is the way we want to celebrate him. We will forever remember him and his good works while he was alive”.

The parish pastor recollected that Dr. Wigwe was in the church premises a few days before he travelled and promised to ensure that the electricity project he embarked upon in the community would be realized. “That was the last time we saw him. Some communities had started enjoying the light before his death”.

Not minding the pains of their son’s death, the Wigwe family still went ahead to provide the Ankara material that would be used by the church members in Isiokpo. To reciprocate the gesture, Pastor Olaniyan said there would be a deliberate move to ensure that the presence of RCCG is felt on the University campus to drive the legacies and vision of the late Wigwe.

We’ve Lost A Rare Gem

Dr. Chukwudi Dimgba, a front-line politician in Isiokpo could not hold back his emotions when he narrated the beautiful memories of late Herbert Wigwe. “He was the light of Isiokpo kingdom. He put this kingdom on the global map through his numerous legacy projects and empowerment programs”.

Dr. Dimgba revealed that Isiokpo council of chiefs and indeed the entire Isiokpo people will work in unison to give the deceased, his wife and son befitting burials. “He will be accorded a full burial rite as a true son of the kingdom. Remember that two weeks ago, the King declared a 7-day mourning period in honour of his death. He deserves all the best because he was our light”.

USA govt, FG On Trial

Preparations for the burial of the Wigwes may be in top gear but the youths of the community seem to have a joker off their sleeves. They are demanding for immediate explanation from the governments of the United States where the helicopter crashed and the Nigerian government over “its silence” on the root cause of the death.

The Chief security officer, CSO, of Isiokpo kingdom, Wobodo Amadi jnr said the government of the United States must come out clean and explain to the world and indeed, the people of Isiokpo what killed Wigwe, his wife and son. Amadi refused to be convinced about the recent report of weather conditions that must have led to the Copter crash, killing the three Wigwes and three other occupants.

“The US government should come and explain to us what killed our son. We will stage a peaceful protest at the American embassy, and the Villa (Nigeria’s Seat of power) in Abuja and occupy major roads for two weeks if we are not presented with a convincing reason for what led to his death. If they say the weather was bad, who then authorized the pilot to fly the helicopter?

“During the covid-19 pandemic, Wigwe donated N2billion to the federal government of Nigeria to cushion the effect of the widespread virus. Why then is the Nigerian government keeping silent in his death? What does anybody know that we don’t know? The death of our son was not natural. We demand an explanation”, he said.
On their preparations for the burial, an emotional Amadi noted that the youths of the community were fully prepared for the event. He said all the youths would spot black on the burial day and would be at the Port Harcourt International Airport to receive the bodies and provide security for the visitors.

“Everywhere including the hotels will be adequately secured. The youths will collaborate with other security agencies like the department of Security Services, DSS, Police and the Army to ensure that nothing untoward happens before, during and after the burial next week. There will also be a candle night in his honour”.

He regretted that Dr. Herbert Wigwe would be greatly missed in several ways. “Every year, he used to give us N100million for our annual carnival. He employed and empowered our youths. Our late brother contributed 80% to the peace we are enjoying in Isiokpo today.

“He made a promise that if any indigene got a first-class degree, such a person would be given automatic employment. He has been doing exactly that. If you go to Wigwe University, many of our youths are working there and earning good salaries. We are bitter about losing a good son like that”.

Nonetheless, the youths have raised a serious allegation that the cause of the helicopter crash might not have been due to weather problems. This will spark a debate soon after the final burial on Saturday, March 9. If the death of the Wigwes was predetermined, where then would the pendulum of blame swing?

Wigwe was a business tycoon who was associated with the big and mighty in the business world. He was a friend to state governors, a confidant to presidents and a trusted ally to global business partners. Not just that, he stepped down from his high horse to dine and wine with the commoners in his home town. He was a source of hope for many indigent homes. So, where are the fingers of the youths pointing to? Wigwe was a good man and his people in Isiokpo will ensure he rests in peace with his wife and son.

[Vanguard]

The Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association Of Nigeria, TAMPAN, on Friday confirmed the death of popularly comic Yoruba actor, Sisi Quadri.

TAMPAN National President, Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, confirmed Sis Quadri’s death in an Instagram post.

Mr Latin wrote: “Hmmmmm! May God grant him eternal rest.”

Sisi Quadri had passed on at the age of 44.

His death was revealed by some of his colleagues in the Yoruba movie industry.

Writing on her verified Instagram handle, actress Abiola Bayo said: “You will be greatly missed, Sisi Quadri. May your soul rest in perfect peace”.

Sis Quadri was renowned for his exceptional comedic talent and his ability to deliver cutting insults with finesse.

Mrs Jane Ebi, a businesswoman, on Friday, dragged her husband, Monday, before a Customary Court in Jikwoyi, near Abuja.

She is accusing him of “following everything under skirt”.

Jane, who is seeking a divorce, said that her husband is hot-tempered, wicked, and had a bad attitude of getting drunk and following different women or anything under the skirt.

The petitioner alleged that her husband had been trying to get her out of the way by killing her.

She also told the court that her husband passes nights outside their matrimonial home.

“My husband always sleeps outside our matrimonial home with small girls leaving me and the children in danger.

“I have done all I can to make the respondent change from that life, but he has refused to change. It’s on these grounds that I seek to divorce him,” She said.

The respondent, Monday, who is a driver, however denied all the allegations.

The presiding judge, Doocivir Yawe, however, advised the couple to explore reconciliation and adjourned the matter until March 7, for report of settlement or hearing, NAN reports.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, and Managing Director of Pinnacle Oil and Gas Limited, Robert Dickerman, has revealed that the Nigerian Government still pays one trillion naira every month for petrol subsidy.

This is despite the total deregulation of petroleum products as announced by President Bola Tinubu on the day of his inauguration.

Pinnacle Oil has now said that Nigeria is currently spending approximately N1 trillion every month on petrol subsidies.

Dickerman revealed this information while participating in a panel discussion at session six of Nigeria’s Downstream Forum, at the recently concluded Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja.

He mentioned that a significant subsidy is still in place, adding that this has contributed to the product’s affordable price and potentially fueling smuggling activities to nearby nations.

“Foreign investors, foreign lenders and government-run DFIs have been very clear about what they want to see: Conservative fiscal policy, tackling corruption, enabling competitive markets, and enforcement of fairness in markets through policy, regulation and the ability to enforce contracts. Keeping that context in mind, I want to point out that there is still a massive subsidy in PMS, albeit in the FX portion of PMS Price, not the global price in dollars.

“The consequences of this subsidy are: The cost of gasoline in Nigeria is the lowest in Africa by far, which encourages smuggling out, further depriving Nigeria of value.

“Smuggling causes Nigeria to subsidize neighboring countries even while our economy struggles. The cost is hurting the entire budget, Federal and State, as critical programs cannot be funded to pay this subsidy. It is currently calculated to be about 1 trillion Naira/month.

“Also, with this subsidy in place, ceasing subsidy payments would result in no petrol supply, if there are no refineries producing gasoline. All supplies come from the international market which will only sell at market prices.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Friday responded to a remark by President Bola Tinubu, asserting that members of the union are not interested any political office.

Tinubu drew the ire of the union while inaugurating the Lagos Red Line Project on Thursday when he told labour unions to stop protesting against his nine-month old administration.

The president at the event also charged the unions to maintain peace or wait till 2027 if they intend to participate in the electoral process.

Responding, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Friday said members of the union are not interested in President Tinubu’s office but demanding that he implements the agreement reached by the federal government with the labour unions in the aftermath of fuel subsidy removal.

Ajaero noted that the president’s remarks concerning the role of the NLC in governance was profoundly at variance with the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians under existing policies.
The NLC said it was regrettable that the President seems oblivious of the profound hardships endured by millions of Nigerians including pervasive hunger, unemployment, housing insecurity, and escalating costs of basic necessities such as food and healthcare which demand immediate attention and decisive action.

”Yet, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.

“The NLC wishes to emphasize that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President. Rather, our sole focus is on advocating for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
“It is imperative that we refocus our collective energy on addressing the substantive issues that have been the subject of engagement between Labour and the government since June 2023.

“These include critical matters such as wage increases, social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and the revitalization of key sectors such as education and healthcare,” the NLC president said.

He added that it is important to focus on the real issues because having engaged the government since June 2023 after the subsidy is gone statement.

“The issues are around the non-implementation of agreements reached between us and the government. For example; on June 5, 2023, after the hike in the Price of PMS, the following agreements were reached between us and the Government viz; Review Proposal for Wage Increase and Award including framework for timing and implementation

“Review the program of Cash Transfer and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the program; Review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation; Revive the CNG conversion program; Review the framework for the completion of rehabilitation work on the Nation’s refineries; Review framework for the maintenance of Roads and expansion of Rail networks across the country.

“Mr. President, these agreements were reached but the Committee that was saddled with working on these was never inaugurated and none of them was implemented until we were forced to organize a nationwide rally while the president gave his personal commitment. However, Mr. President, nothing came out of your promises,” Ajaero said.

The labour leader recalled that it took another round of protests for the October 2, 2023 agreement to be reached. “We outline the agreement below so that your government will tell Nigerians which one it has been able to implement. They are; The first item on the Agreement is the N35,000 Wage Award; Port Harcourt Refinery will come on stream by December, 2023; 25,000 cash transfers to 15 million poor households would be implemented; Tax waivers for workers, small businesses and the general public.

“Government interference in the internal affairs of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and RTEAN to be stopped; The agreement will be deposited as settlement with the Court by the Government; That CNG buses and 55,000 conversion kits will be provided; All parties shall henceforth commit to the use of social dialogue in all of our engagements; The National Minimum Wage Committee to be set up immediately; Outstanding Wages and Salaries for Tertiary Education workers in all federally – owned educational institutions to be paid; States and Private sectors to be compelled by the federal government to give Wage Award to workers; Fertilizer initiative to farmers across the nation; Provision of funds for MSMEs across the nation; Visitation to the Refinery to monitor completion of the PH refinery,” the NLC president said.

He reminded Tinubu that these issues are not election to take up the job of the President.

“Once again Mr. President, these are the issues and not election or perhaps seeking to take over your job. We would want Mr. President to show us the items his government has implemented in this agreement. Perhaps, the Government wants to tell Nigerians that we do not have the right to ask that it complies with the agreement it willingly reached with us.

“But besides all these, in the two MoUs signed with this government on the 5th of June and October 2nd 2023, which item has his government implemented beside rhetoric? The first MoU has seven items while the second has 15 items. It has been a chain of broken promises not only to Labour but to hungry Nigerians

“President Tinubu’s administration must be held accountable for the commitments made in previous agreements with Labour. It is disheartening to note the apparent lack of progress in implementing these agreements, despite repeated assurances from the government. Nigerians deserve transparency and tangible results, not empty promises and bureaucratic delays.

“Furthermore, the use of divisive language and veiled threats against Labour by President Tinubu is unacceptable. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders to foster constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing the myriad challenges facing our nation. Violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society, and any attempts to suppress dissent will only exacerbate tensions and undermine our collective efforts towards progress and prosperity.

“Finally, the NLC reiterates its unwavering commitment to championing the interests of Nigerian workers and the broader populace. We call upon President Tinubu to heed the voices of ordinary Nigerians, prioritize governance over politics, and take meaningful steps towards building a more inclusive and equitable society,” the statement read.

Reacting to the President’s remarks on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, said members of his union are not politicians and that they have the right to protest.

“I listened to that comment yesterday where he said that we should wait for 2027 if we want to contest for elections. I could speak for Trade Union Congress, we are not politicians, we are unionists, it is our right to protest – it is a fundamental right of every single Nigeria,” Osifo said.

“So we don’t have issues with protests, when need be, people will exercise their rights and people must protest. In terms of waiting till 2027 to enter into politics, I don’t think that is something we could dabble into because I as an individual I am not a card-carrying member of any political party.

“What I am interested in is the welfare of my members and indeed the entire Nigerian masses. So, what the president said for me is alien to us because the right to protest and the right to strike is that of the workers.

“There are condition precedents, for the fact that you are going on protest or strike, there are some things that led to it, those fundamental issues must be addressed.”

FG urged to promote gas as alternative to petrol

The torrential fall of the Naira which has turned the petroleum supply chain into a quagmire is fast eroding the projected gains after the federal government finally removed the petrol subsidy regime.

Oil marketers and government officials also appear not to be on the same page when it comes to the actual landing cost of Petroleum Motor Spirit and the impact that Nigeria’s fluctuating currency has had on the importation of the product.

Presently, it has been calculated that landing cost of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS also called petrol has averaged N1,009 a liter going by prevailing rate of N1,500 per dollar, from N720 per litre recorded in October 2023.

Though, this cannot independent be confirmed by our Correspondent as President of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, said such figures may still be disputed because there are other associated costs like insurance, port charges and cost of hiring vessels.

It has also been reported that the country is paying about N907.5 billion subsidy on petrol monthly as the country’s foreign exchange crisis pushed the actual cost of litre of fuel to N1,203, signalling a return of subsidy regime.

However, an inside source at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, denied the insinuation.

The source said such reports are falsehood and should be disregarded as subsidy has gone.

“I think we should take a look at the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, which gives the NNPCL the responsibility to ensure energy security at any time. Though it operates as a limited liability company that pays dividend to shareholders, nonetheless the PIA vests that responsibility to the Company to provide buffer and secure the country’s energy demands and perhaps that is what is erroneously being interpreted as return of Subsidy.
The group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, had said at the birth of NNPCL that the country was spending over N400 billion monthly on petrol subsidy, but investigations into Nigeria’s petrol pricing dynamics have revealed a significant surge in the landing cost of petrol, attributed to the escalating exchange rate.
In his views, the chief executive officer, CEO, of the Center For The Promotion Of Private Enterprises, CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said, “Evidently, the currency depreciation has partially eroded the subsidy savings.”
According to Yusuf, this is because the cost of fuel importation has increased, when converted to naira, adding.

Besides, the mounting inflationary pressures has inherently increased the subsidy because the pump price had remained fixed while the landing cost has been on the increase.”
This he said is understandable in the light of the current hardships being experienced by the citizens.

“The government is unlikely to go back to full subsidy. Doing so, would amount to a complete reversal of a major pillar of the current reforms. Besides the government do not have the fiscal space to ensure full restoration of subsidy.
“The objective of the reform is actually to exit completely from fuel subsidy regime. But this will take some time as the economic fundamentals are still weak.” he advised.
Just recently the International Monetary Fund (IMF) claimed that the Nigerian government has, through the backdoor, resumed the payment of subsidies on petrol.

LEADERSHIP WEEKEND writes that on May 29, 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced an end to petrol subsidy, which caused a hike in the prices of goods and services in the country.
Following that announcement, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) collapsed the different exchange rate regimes into one, with the value of the naira to the dollar weakening.
The IMF recently issued a statement on the conclusion of its Executive Board’s Post Financing Assessment with Nigeria, during which it expressed concerns that the government had capped the prices of fuel at retail stations.

The IMF advised Tinubu to completely stop the payment of subsidies on petrol to free funds to run the government.
In reaction, some Groups and individuals rejected the IMF position for what they described as “anti-masses policies”, and called on Nigerian government to explore home grown options that would fix the economy and better the life of the people.
But the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, said petrol importation in the country reduced by 50 per cent since the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy.
Idris said this at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series, where the coordinating minister for Health and Social Welfare addressed journalists in Abuja.

He said,“Petrol importation has been reduced by 50 per cent since the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy. The Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index crossed the 100,000 mark – its highest ever, mainly due to the pragmatic reforms initiated by the President, which inspired investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
It is also encouraging to state that oil production has risen from 1.22 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2023 to 1.55 million barrels per day in the fourth quarter of 2023.”
President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023, saying, “Subsidy is gone.”

Idris notes that President Tinubu has also given a directive for the design of a Social Security Unemployment Programme to cater for unemployed graduates.
Equally, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has stated that the decision of his administration to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was premised on the need to ensure long-term energy security and economic prosperity of Nigeria.

Tinubu stated this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 7th Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024.
The president who was represented at the event by the minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that the petroleum subsidy had, over the years, strained the country’s economic resources, leading to inefficiencies and, most importantly, hindering ability to invest in critical areas of energy security.

He admitted that the decision to remove the petroleum subsidy was a challenging one, but stressed that it was a step that must be taken to secure Nigeria’s energy future and foster economic growth.
He added that by removing the subsidy, “We are creating a more transparent and accountable energy sector. The funds that were previously allocated to subsidizing petroleum products are now redirected towards developing and upgrading our energy and other social infrastructure”.

However, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) said the only way out of this quagmire is to tap and explore the country’s vast gas deposits and bring it into useful disposition.

The PETROAN president Billy Gillis-Harry, in a conversation with our Correspondent, said government should escalate activities around gas adoption as alternative to petrol.
He said his association has made significant strides in promoting the adoption of Autogas in vehicles across the country.

Our correspondent reports that PETROAN, is working such that over 7,000 filling stations under the association be converted into gas dispensing outlets. These conversion centers will be used for dispensing Autogas, including compressed natural gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), into vehicles.

The body is engaging in various intervention projects, including collaborations with manufacturers of conversion kits for LPG, LNG, and CNG. Notably, they held discussions with their Asian partners, primarily from India, who are eager to support their initiatives.
He advocated that the government’s financial support for consistent vehicle conversion to run on gas would be a more effective form of palliative compared to direct cash transfers to vulnerable households.

Such an intervention, he believed would significantly reduce the dependence on petrol and alleviate the burden of petrol imports due to foreign exchange constraints.
The adoption of gas as an alternative fuel source is seen as the most viable solution to mitigate the current high cost of petrol.

With 7,000 retail outlets already registered for conversion centers, government funding to support these conversions, which would be another form of palliative for the public.
PETROAN has partnered with a company capable of producing 70,000 conversion kits monthly, enabling them to target the conversion of 70,000 vehicles each month. The vision is to have hundreds of thousands of vehicles running on gas within the next three to six months.

In support of this initiative, oil marketers represented by the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) have pledged to donate 100 CNG buses to help ease the impact of petrol subsidy removal.

Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu announced that his administration has allocated N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 units of 20-seater buses powered by CNG.

The drive towards Autogas adoption and the establishment of conversion centers signifies a significant step towards reducing the country’s dependence on traditional petrol-based fuels.

According to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen

Heineken Lokpobiri, said, in spite of the abundant oil and gas reserves in the country, Nigeria suffers from energy poverty as the reserves have not translated to economic prosperity contrary to what obtained in the Middle East.

He therefore implored the summit to unravel what other oil producing countries were doing to bring economic prosperity to their countries that Nigeria hasn’t done.

He noted that the task of exploring oil reserves should be given to those who have proven capacity, both financially and technically to be able to explore oil and gas reserves for the benefit of Nigerians and the global energy landscape, adding that, the easiest way to guarantee energy security in Nigeria was to get the right investment.

He also noted that, in exploration, the target should be to explore these resources in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable ways.

Lokpobiri charged the delegates at the summit to come up with brilliant ideas in ensuring that we have energy security in Nigeria and ramp up production. “The only way we can guarantee energy security is to increase production in the upstream so that we will be able to provide the right quantity to service our obligations, both locally and internationally”.

Following the exit of Jose Peseiro as the Super Eagles Coach, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed ex-Super Eagles head coach and Super Eagles legend, Augustine Eguavoen, to serve as the Super Eagles Interim Coach. Jose Peseiro has left his role as the coach of the Super Eagles after taking the team to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The team lost to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of the competition. His contract with the team expired in February.

Although there were reports that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was negotiating with the Portuguese to renew his contract, Peseiro is leaving the post.

Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment.

Yesterday, we concluded our contract with the NFF. It was a pride and honor to coach the Super Eagles. It has been 22 months of immense dedication, sacrifice, emotion, and enormous enthusiasm. We feel a sense of fulfillment,” he wrote on his X account Friday afternoon.

“We would like to express our gratitude to Sir Amaju Pinnick (the president who signed us), President Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, Secretary Dayo Enebi, the NFF, all the Staff, and especially all the PLAYERS, with whom leading has been a great pleasure.

“Guys, we are thankful; it has been a privilege to be part of this family. We will miss you, but we will always be there for you, no matter where you are. A big hug to all of you.”
Meanwhile the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), is yet to make a statement to confirm or deny the development

The Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, has arrested a couple, a former soldier and a printer, for allegedly producing fake currencies.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the police paraded the suspects, including the couple, aged 50 and 46, at the command’s headquarters on Friday in Lagos.

The Zonal Public Relations Officer, Tunni Ayuba, who spoke on behalf of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, said that the arrest of the printer led to the arrest of the couple and the former soldier.

Ayuba said the team swung into action on February 3, invaded the hideout of the printer on Lagos Island, and arrested him, based on an intelligence report duly approved by the AIG.

The spokesperson said the police also confiscated a printing machine allegedly used by the printer in printing security threads on counterfeit currencies and recovered a cash sum of 300 million CFA and N9m, both suspected to be counterfeit, from the printer.

According to Ayuba, the printer confessed to having been in currency counterfeiting for over three years and named those he supplied fake currencies for circulation.

“His confession led to the arrest of the couple, who are partners in the crime,” she added.

She further stated that the confessions of the couple led to the arrest of the former soldier who was allegedly found to be in possession of some suspected counterfeit local and foreign currencies when his house was searched.

According to her, efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing members of the syndicate.

Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel under ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, has filed a N1 billion suit against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that it published his name on its website’s wanted list.

Mr Agunloye, in the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/167/2024 and filed by his team of lawyers led by Adeola Adedipe (SAN), also joined the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF) as the second defendant.

The case before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has now been fixed for April 18 for hearing.

The ex-minister sought six reliefs, including a declaration that the EFCC cannot lawfully exercise its discretion, powers and or functions under sections 1(2\(c\, 6, 7, 13 of the EFCC Act, 2004, ditto section 4 of the Police Act 2020, by declaring him wanted on its official website or any other related platform.

Mr Agunloye said this was without recourse to any safeguard in sections 34({1)(a), 35, 37, 39, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), including a judicial intervention, order or leave of court pursuant to sections 1(1), 8(1) & 42(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

He, therefore, sought an order for the EFCC, its agents, privies, representatives and other related affiliates to forthwith remove his picture, name, references, details and or particulars from the wanted list published on its official website or any other related platform.

He also sought a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC and the AGF, “both jointly or severally, whether by themselves or their staff, from further declaring the plaintiff wanted in relation to the particulars and subject matter of this suit, either on the EFCC official website, newspaper publication or any other related platform, except by a judicial intervention and recourse to all constitutional safeguards available to him in law and equity.

“General damages of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000:00) against the defendants, especially the first defendant.”

In the affidavit which he deposed to, Mr Agunloye said he sought a redress and judicial intervention from the court concerning some actions of the anti-graft agency, which he said ought not to occur under the watch of the AGF, who is the chief law officer of the federation.

He said he sought a judicial determination on the propriety or otherwise of exercising the EFCC’s discretion or power to declare him wanted without recourse to any judicial intervention or relevant constitutional safeguards.

“As at the time of filing this suit, my picture, name, particulars and other details are currently uploaded on the official website of the first defendant,” he said.

The plaintiff said he was declared wanted for corruption and forgery.

He said that as a result of the action by the first defendant, “I have become a subject of ridicule, stripped of my dignity, freedom of movement and even presumption of innocence, with respect to a criminal trial which I am currently being prosecuted of, by the first defendant.”

Mr Agunloye alleged that the deliberate act of the EFCC was orchestrated to project him negatively in the international community.

He said this was so because sometime from November 2002 to May 2003, while he served as Minister of Power and Steel, he awarded a contract to Messrs Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited for the construction of the Mambila Power Project by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

On December 12, 2023, the commission declared Mr Agunloye wanted over his role in the $6 billion Mambilla hydropower contract.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo had accused Mr Agunloye of mismanaging the power project during his tenure from 1999 to 2003 and failed to brief him on the state of the project.

Mr Agunloye, however, denied the allegations, stressing that the nature of the initial contract for the project was awarded as a Build, Operate and Transfer contract in May 2003 under his watch.

The ex-minister said it was traumatising for EFCC to declare him wanted, “Knowing fully well that I was not on the run, I reported at the EFCC headquarters here in Abuja the next day, December 13, 2023, where I was served with a criminal charge and was detained till December 18, 2023.

“On January 10, 2024, I was arraigned in court and admitted to bail on January 11, 2024, because I am presumed innocent of all the criminal allegations,” he averred.

Mr Agunloye said even though the law presumes him innocent of the criminal charge, EFCC continued with the unlawful publication on its website.

He described the action of the anti-graft agency as “arbitrariness, oppression, violation of its statutory powers and functions and unlawful.