The Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has reduced the price of its Premium Motor Spirit from N990 per litre to N970/litre.

The PUNCH reports that this is the amount marketers would buy the product from the refinery.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, said the reduction was to appreciate Nigerians as the year ends.

“As the year comes to an end, this is our way of appreciating the good people of Nigeria for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true. In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.

Chiejina said the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products while assuring Nigerians of the best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.

Our correspondent recalls that the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria said on Friday that the landing cost of imported petrol is now N971/litre.

Recently, both independent and major marketers confirmed that the pump prices of petrol have started reducing in many parts of Nigeria due to the competition that the deregulation of the downstream sector has caused.

The spokesman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, said the agreement between IPMAN and Dangote is gradually pushing down the price of PMS.

“By just the announcement that IPMAN and Dangote have met and are ready to transact business, the prices of products have crashed. You would have noticed the drop in prices by N10, N15, or so, and this is due to competition.

“Independent marketers are no longer buying from middlemen. We are going to be buying directly from the producer. So, the competition is setting in. I also want to tell you that before the end of this year, the price will not be as high as what you see now.

“You can see how our meeting with Dangote has significantly removed about N10 from the prices of refined petroleum products. It is a good development. We have not even started. Remember I once told you that prices would drop once IPMAN started lifting from Dangote,” Ukadike stated.

Also confirming the drop in prices, a major oil marketer stated that this was due to the deregulation of the downstream oil sector.

“People are not noticing that prices are going down, primarily because there are no big announcements. Deregulation is in full swing and competition is the order of the day,” the major oil marketer, who spoke in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.

When told that the cost of petrol was still above N1,000/litre and was N1,070/litre in filling stations operated by his company, the dealer replied, “Last week it was N1,080 (in some filling stations) if you were observant.

“You may not see N900; that is below cost. Just stop expecting a permanent fixed price. It can come down and it can go up.”

More price reduction

Reacting to the price reduction, marketers described the gesture as a welcome development.

According to IPMAN, the decision by Dangote may be connected with the drop of fuel prices at the international market.

“It is a welcome development.  This is the beauty of deregulation. What Nigeria has to do now is to ensure that all refineries are working to ensure total competition, so that fuel prices would be determined by market forces of demand and supply.

“Marketers will also tune down price. Since last week, prices have been coming down to N1,100, N1,040. As the prices are going down from the producers, Independent marketers will just add a little margin to sell to customers. That’s the most important thing,“ IPMAN spokesman, Ukadike, told The PUNCH.

Recall that a few weeks ago, the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and petroleum marketers went up in arms after the former accused them of not patronising his refinery.

The businessman said he had over 500 million litres of petrol but the marketers were not coming to buy it due to their penchant for importing substandard petroleum products.

Reacting, the marketers recalled how many times they made attempts to lift petrol from the refinery without any positive response.

Both IPMAN and PETROAN  stated that it was cheaper to import than to buy from Dangote refinery.

PETROAN categorically told our correspondent that it had reached an agreement with international traders to import petrol and sell at prices lower than that of Dangote and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

However, the marketers made a U-turn and jettisoned the plan to import fuel into the country having agreed with the 650,000-capacity refinery.

28m litres supply

The Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited may have sealed a deal with the Dangote refinery for the supply of 28 million litres of the product to the local market daily.

According to a statement by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, this was based on resolutions reached by operators.

The PUNCH learned that the agreement was finalised with stakeholders in the downstream sector on November 13.

With the resolution, it was learned that the NNPC, marketers, and other traders like depot owners will patronise the Dangote refinery by lifting the 28 million litres of petrol that it reportedly agreed to supply to the Nigerian market.

If implemented, experts said this means the $20bn refinery would prioritise the Nigerian market before exporting its product out of the country. It also means that marketers would consider the Dangote refinery before any form of fuel importation.

In the statement on Sunday, the leadership of the PETROAN disclosed that a resolution was held by stakeholders in the downstream sector, including the NNPC, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, the President of Dangote Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and marketers.

According to PETROAN, it was agreed that marketers can now lift all of Dangote’s petroleum products.

“PETROAN praises the management of the NMDPRA under the leadership of Engr Farouk Ahmed; the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari; the President of the Dangote Refinery Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the leadership of MEMAN and DAPPMAN, PETROAN as well as IPMAN for reaching a resolution for oil marketing companies to buy all Dangote refinery products.

“The resolution includes Dangote refinery guaranteeing to sell an average of 28,000,000 litres of PMS daily for the next six months to oil marketers for domestic consumption in the Nigerian market,” the statement signed by the PETROAN spokesman, Joseph Obele, said.

According to Obele, the National President of PETROAN, Billy Harry, while speaking about the meeting, expressed optimism that the resolutions would bring succour to the downstream sector and improve the Nigerian economy.

The PETROAN national president had said the new deal was part of a resolution reached by stakeholders on the absorption of domestic petroleum product production by Nigerian oil marketing companies, including the NNPC.

Harry was quoted as stating that “the resolution will attract so many benefits which includes stability of petroleum products, control of price fluctuations, maintaining transparent communication, addressing conflicts proactively, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders players.

On his part, Obele said those who signed the resolution include NMDPRA, NNPCL, Edo Refinery, Dangote Refinery, Waltersmith Refinery, Aradel Refinery, IPMAN, and PETROAN.

“The document indicates the availability of Aviation Turbine Kerosene and diesel from all domestic refineries would be provided to the NMDPRA for the same period of six months and must be subject to consideration for import as may be required,” Obele stated.

He said the meeting resolved that the NMDPRA must establish the basis for allocating import volumes to oil marketing companies on the assumptions of the aggregate of domestic refinery capacity with the understanding to cover shortfalls for respective marketers.

Obele stressed that according to the resolution, domestic refineries would provide fixed quantities and delivery windows, which must be a period of two months preceding the month of delivery to the customer and NMDPRA.

He added that individual oil marketing companies are to enter direct commercial agreements with domestic refineries on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis.

A document sighted by our correspondent and titled, ‘Resolution on the absorption of Domestic Petroleum product production by Nigerian Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), including NNPC Limited’, said:

“Further to the engagement between NNPCL, MEMAN and DAPPMAN of 13th November 2024 and subsequent revisions with the NMDPRA and other stakeholders, the following framework shall be executed:

“Dangote Refinery is to guarantee an average of 28,000,000 litres of PMS daily for the next six months subject to review as necessary. Availability of ATK and AGO from all domestic refineries shall be provided to the NMDPRA for the same period and be subject to consideration for import as may be required.

“NMDPRA to establish the basis for allocating import volumes to OMCS on the assumptions of the aggregate of domestic refinery capacity with understanding to cover shortfalls for respective marketers based on validated needs by the company and current national depots evacuation.”

The resolution added, “The domestic refineries are to provide fixed quantities and delivery windows two months preceding the month of delivery (M-2) to the customer and NMDPRA.

“Individual OMCs enter direct commercial agreements with domestic refineries on a willing buyer willing seller basis. AII NMDPRA fees (including MDGIF) to be included in every sales invoice issued by domestic refineries.”

NNPC denies deal

However, the NNPC has denied the resolution as presented by PETROAN.

In a chat with our correspondent on Sunday, the NNPC Chief Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, described the resolution as untrue

When asked if it was true that stakeholders met and agreed that Dangote should supply 28 million litres of petrol daily in the next six months, Soneye replied, “Not true”.

Similarly, the spokesperson of the Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, denied knowledge of the 28 million litres per day resolution.

“I don’t know. The PETROAN guy should do his job and stop chasing the media for publicity,” Chiejina replied.

Nevertheless, the PETROAN spokesman insisted that his claims were factual.

“Did they deny the document? It is real and factual,“ he stressed.

The National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Yerima Shettima has urged President Bola Tinubu to change economic policies that do not bring hope to Nigerians.

Speaking during an interview with The Sun, Shettima pleaded with the Tinubu-led administration to be more sensitive to the plight of Nigerians and introduce favorable policies.

He insisted that those in power must come up with policies that would allow Nigerians breath.

According to him, “There is nothing bad in dropping a policy that does not give hope to the people.

“They should come up with policies that will allow Nigerians to breathe”.

Speaking further, he said, “That an economic policy has worked somewhere successfully does not mean it must work here in Nigeria. So, the government must be very sensitive concerning the policy models they import into our situation.

“This country is hugely blessed and there is no reason for Nigerians to be in this mess if the government decides to be more sensitive to the plight of the people. Yes, there is hunger, there is insecurity and Nigerians want to see gradual progress taking place.

“Yes, the time may still be too short for an objective assessment of this government, yet something better than what Nigerians are experiencing is possible.

“So, the onus is still on the government to raise the leadership bar that will inspire hope on the people.”

He, however, blamed the current economic woes on the immediate past government led by Mohammed Buhari, saying it will take years to correct their errors.

“The reality as I have said is that the government cannot reverse the damage of the Buhari regime as easily as most Nigerians think.

“They cannot even reverse all the mess in four years, but Nigerians should begin to see conscious relief, improvement and the government coming up with policies that give hope,” he added.

An irate mob has set ablaze two men said to be revenue touts allegedly working with Anambra State government.

According to Vanguard, the men were set ablaze after reportedly causing the death of an innocent bystander at Old Market Road along Venn Road by Egerton in Onitsha, Anambra State.

It was gathered that the revenue agents were dragging the steering wheel of a tipper driver with him, when he lost control and the vehicle rammed into the by-stander, killing him immediately.

A gory video circulating on the internet showed the mob beating two of the revenue agents with objects and setting them ablaze.

A man, who made the video recording of the incident, said,  “There was chaos in Onitsha this morning as angry mob set ablaze two revenue touts, while four others were lucky as they managed to escape. The revenue collectors, numbering about six were chasing the tipper driver over a certain amount they asked him to pay.

“As they were chasing him, some of them were dragging the steering with him, but unfortunately, in the process, the tipper driver lost control rammed into a passer-by, killing him instantly.

“Immediately, the revenue collectors saw the damage they have caused, they tried to flee the scene, but Onitsha mob got angry and descended on them, setting ablaze two of them instantly while four of them managed to escape.

“This is one death too many that has been going on in Anambra in the last two years. The person who the tipper driver rammed into is a known person. We cannot continue like this anymore. These Revenue touts of the state government have killed more Ndi Anambra than non-state actors.”

Another source, who is a trader also said, “Onitsha was hot this morning at Egerton by old market road. Revenue men were dragging steering with a tipper driver because he refused to give them bribe and in the process, the vehicle ran over an innocent man, then seeing the result of their stupid action, they tried to run away. But the angry people chased and caught two of them.” 

Speaking to the aforementioned publication, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the police had responded swiftly to bring the situation under control.

Ikenga said: “Anambra police responded swiftly on the receipt of the fatal accident that happened in that area. We are already working with the relevant authorities to ascertain what happened and find an amicable solution to such, especially on future occurrences. I will get back to you as soon as I get more facts on the incident, please.”

The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has declared that citizens would resist any attempts to impose Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as the next governor of the state.

This statement follows recent endorsements of Seyi as a potential successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027 by some groups.

One of such groups, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, issued an endorsement on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State, suggesting that Seyi would be welcomed to run for governor in Osun or Imo states, where his family is reportedly from.

Similarly, a socio-political group, Friends of Seyi Tinubu, also endorsed him, describing the president’s son as a visionary leader with a rare combination of intellect, empathy, and strategic acumen.

However, their endorsements have drawn criticism from various stakeholders.

In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, the Lagos PDP spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, rejected the idea, saying, “Lagos will not serve him.”

He questioned whether governorship should become an inheritance, suggesting that it was inappropriate for a son to inherit such a role from his father.

“Governorship is not a gift,” he stated, stressing that if the Tinubu camp were to resort to tactics similar to those used in Ondo and Edo states in the past, it would be met with resistance.

He further reminded that many Lagosians did not vote for Tinubu in the last presidential election which was an indication that they would not support his son for governor.

Earlier, the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths also condemned the idea of a Tinubu family member taking over the governorship, insisting that non-indigenes should not be allowed to govern Lagos State.

But the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, dismissed the conversation about the 2027 elections as premature.

“It is too early to be discussing the 2027 elections,” he said, urging people to focus on supporting current government.

He said, “We should rally behind the governor and the president now to advance development.”

Earlier, a prominent APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, also weighed in on the issue, on his Facebook page.

“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction. The real target is to bring down President Bola Tinubu. Ruling Lagos is not a job for amateurs,” he wrote.

There are indications that the National Disciplinary Committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party may not sanction erring members before the next convention of the party.

This was as the PDP Governors’ Forum gave a February 2025 deadline to the party to convene the National Executive Council meeting.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that the disciplinary committee, as advised by some leaders of the PDP, had resolved to toe the part of reconciliation and allow the next convention to ease out members perceived to have disobeyed extant rules of the party.

The main opposition party is expected to hold its convention where a new leadership will emerge ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to some notable leaders of the PDP, both the reconciliation and disciplinary committees are working together and cautious to avoid any action that will further divide the party.

But a senior member of the PDP, who spoke on condition of anonymity, argued that the committee, headed by a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, was designed to fail by some members of the National Working Committee of the party.

The source revealed that the formation of the committee was contrary to the PDP constitution.

He added that concerns earlier raised by some party leaders on the legality of the committee were ignored by the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, and some other members of the NWC.

“The committee was intentionally formed this way to ensure its failure in disciplining certain members,” the chieftain said.

The PDP started grappling with internal strife before and after the 2023 presidential election.

Supporters of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had called for the suspension of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, ex-governors Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and a few others in their camp for perceived anti-party activities.

Meanwhile, Wike’s supporters also demanded disciplinary action against the former vice president and his allies, including former governors Sule Lamido (Jigawa) and Babangida Aliyu (Niger), among others.

In response, the PDP NWC set up a disciplinary committee on August 21, 2024, to allow members to file petitions from both the petitioners and the accused, and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee.

However, Sunday PUNCH learnt that apart from Ikimi’s October 5 statement assuring fair handling of complaints, there had been no further communication from the disciplinary panel, and the activities of the 26-member committee had remained unknown for over three months.

Speaking further, the senior PDP member stated that the National Disciplinary Committee, as recognised by the amended 2017 constitution of the party, was composed of seven members, not 26.

He explained that any sanction imposed by the Damagum-constituted NDC would be invalid, arguing that the committee was not recognised by the party’s constitution.

“You can’t build something on a flawed foundation. Since the composition of Ikimi’s committee does not follow these requirements, they can’t bark or bite. Any sanction they propose can be legally challenged and will be deemed null and void,” he added.

The source said majority of members of the NDC were loyalists of a particular leader of the party.

“Look at the membership—it is deliberately stacked with individuals loyal to a particular party leader who has taken control of the party structure. He has repeatedly said no one can suspend him, even daring the party to try. So, in addition to ignoring the PDP Constitution, they purposely filled the committee with his loyalists to ensure no harm came to their supporters.

“Lastly, since its inauguration three months ago, have you heard anything from this committee? A disciplinary committee that should be open, fair, and transparent is now operating in secrecy. I know many allegations have been made against several members, but has the committee invited anyone? Has any member of the party appeared before it? Given these constitutional issues and other factors, it’s clear that this committee is bound to fail,” the source added.

In a slight contradiction, two chieftains of the party told Sunday PUNCH in separate interviews that it was likely that the committee was ‘being cautious’ of the consequence of its action.

“Our party is already fragile; any attempt to sanction anybody will bring down the party. That is the consideration of the disciplinary committee. Even if the committee submits its report, the NWC will not act on it because of the need to avoid further crisis,” said one of the chieftains of the party.

The party leader insisted that the disciplinary committee prioritised the unity and progress of the party above the call to suspend or expel some erring members of the party.

The other chieftain, a former deputy spokesperson for the party, said the reconciliation committee, headed by a former governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, was relating with every other committee, including the disciplinary panel, to ensure that their actions did not frustrate his efforts.

He said, “What we believe is that our convention is next year. Everything should be put on hold till that time. Naturally, the convention will ease out some members, including those known and unknown enemies of the party.

“Every agitation has been suspended till the convention. Those who want to remove Damagum have also stopped their move because of the convention. If the party sanctions anybody now, it will cause another crisis. Why not wait till the convention where everything will be sorted out? The committee is not likely to do anything before the convention; that is the understanding I have.”

Several attempts by our correspondent to reach the Chairman of the Committee, Ikimi, and the Secretary, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), for responses were unsuccessful, as they neither answered calls nor replied to text messages.

NEC member sues for calm

Reacting, a member of the PDP NEC and Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated that it would be insulting for anyone to believe that nothing good would come out of the committee given the calibre of individuals involved.

Osadolor, in an interview with our correspondent, urged party members to remain patient and avoid unnecessary speculation that could undermine the committee’s work.

He stated, “I think it would be insulting to a person like Chief Tom Ikimi, not only as a chief but also to his personal life and his official role as a public servant in this country.

“It is belittling to his status for anyone to think that nothing good will come out of the committee. It is also presumptuous to start assuming that a committee of elder statesmen will achieve nothing at the end of the day.

“We don’t want to encourage unnecessary speculation. The committee has its modus operandi that it is operating with. I may not be part of the committee, but I believe they are doing their job.

“That they have not declined their appointment to the committee and have not said anything about not fulfilling their role means they are doing something. So, to me, all party members should be patient and wait for the committee’s report.”

C’ttee working hard – Spokesman

Speaking on the matter, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said it was inconceivable for anyone to believe that the committee was destined to fail.

Ologunagba, who noted that the PDP prioritised reconciliation over discipline, added that the NWC expanded the NDC’s membership to involve more people in the process.

He stated “This party is one of constitution and law. To answer you directly, it is inconceivable to think that the NWC, which holds the overall mandate to manage the party’s affairs, would deliberately set up a committee to fail.

“However, democracy is about the people and the constitution is meant to guide the affairs of the various organs of the party in managing it. In the wisdom of the NWC, it was determined that there is a need for more involvement in disciplinary procedures.

“Also, don’t forget that the goal of the PDP is not just about discipline. We focus more on reconciliation because a political party is about people. With people coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and interests, the capacity to reconcile these differences is what makes it a political party.

“As a party, we place more emphasis on reconciling people rather than on discipline. However, any party that lacks discipline is bound to fail, which is why these committees were set up.”

The publicity secretary stated that the committees were actively working and would submit their reports to the NWC once they were ready.

Convene NEC February – Govs

In another development, the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum has called on the PDP’s National Working Committee to organise a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee by the first week of February.

The forum, chaired by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in a communique issued after its meeting in Jos on Saturday, stated that the period from November to February would be dedicated to addressing the critical challenges facing the party.

Since Damagum assumed the role of acting National Chairman following Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s court removal, he has faced significant criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis.

Many voices within the party are now calling for his resignation.

During the 98th NEC meeting on April 18, party leaders approved the formation of reconciliation and disciplinary committees, as well as the conduct of ward and state congresses.

They also tasked the North-Central caucus of the party with consulting on the issue of replacing the acting national chairman with a permanent one.

The 99th NEC meeting, originally set for August 15 was postponed to October 24, 2024, and then rescheduled for November 28, 2024, before it was postponed indefinitely.

In response, the forum emphasised its commitment to maintaining the unity and cohesion of the party, adding that Nigerians regard it as the best platform for democratic governance.

The communique stated in part, “The forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC by the first week of February 2025 to allow for elaborate consultations with critical stakeholders of the party. The period between November and February is to address the existential problems confronting the party, with a deliberate timeline of activities within the period under review to address issues of leadership and litigations confronting the party.”

The forum expressed sympathy for Nigerians suffering from the severe economic hardship allegedly imposed by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government.

It also urged President Bola Tinubu to promptly review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies to improve the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.

‘We’ll stabilise party’

Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, while hosting the PDP Governors’ Forum in Jos, said the reputation of the party would be restored as the party of choice for Nigerians.

“Even though this is primarily a meeting of governors, it is gratifying to see party leaders and stakeholders from various states filling this room to support the governors, as we strategise to ensure not only the stability of our party but also its ability to continue providing hope to Nigerians,” Mutfwang stated.

The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Bala Mohammed, commended the party’s stakeholders for their support.

The Oyo State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Seyi Makinde, also reassured PDP supporters of the governors’ determination to reform the party and restore its leadership role in Nigeria.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has asserted that its criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is delivered with the same fervor as during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Murtala Aliyu, the Secretary-General of the forum, disclosed this during an appearance on News Night, an Arise TV programme. He emphasized that the ACF, while political in nature, remains neutral and does not align with any partisan agenda.

He said, “I think that’s an unfair judgment to say we criticize the government because a Southerner is at the helm of affairs.

“We were huge critics of the last northern-led administration, and our records can verify this.

“We have consistently brought attention to government actions and pressed for improvement when necessary.

“The ACF’s official position is that selecting candidates is the responsibility of political parties.

“We’ll assess which candidate is better for the country and the north. We’re not partisan, but rather political, and our interest is the entire northern state and its benefit to the whole country.

“We don’t take sides, and we’re not against any person, including the current president.”

Aliyu’s remarks came after the reported announcement that the ACF will support a northern candidate in the 2027 general election.

On Wednesday, Mamman Osuman, ACF national chairman, criticised northern leaders for not finding solutions to the region’s challenges.

Osuma queried the roles the regional governors and lawmakers are playing toward improving the economic hardship inflicted on the people by Tinubu’s policies.

He reportedly announced the support of the forum for a northern candidate in the 2027 general election.

Subsequently, the ACF suspended Osuman for issuing an unauthorised statement, adding that he did not consult with other leaders and members of the forum before remarking.

YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul has expressed a keen interest in stepping into the ring with former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

Following his impressive victory over boxing legend Mike Tyson, Jake Paul’s ambition to transition into the heavyweight division has become more prominent.

In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Paul’s promotional partner, Nakisa Bidarian, shed light on this exciting prospect. “Jake’s feedback to me was, ‘I want to do that fight. Not now. But I want to do that.’ He is aiming to be a world champion at cruiserweight,” Bidarian shared.

Paul’s career has already challenged traditional norms in the boxing world, and a matchup against Joshua or other heavyweight contenders such as Daniel Dubois would certainly push new boundaries.

Bidarian emphasized that the motivation behind these potential fights is not driven by financial gain—Paul has been a millionaire since he was 18—but rather to explore the limits of what is achievable in the sport and to create memorable moments that resonate with fans.

“Jake weighed in at 227lbs for the Tyson fight but typically walks around at 215lbs,” Bidarian noted. “In the right environment and framework, he’s eager to exceed expectations. It’s about creating experiences that make people say, ‘Wow, that really happened.’”

Paul’s ambitions come at a time of speculation regarding Joshua’s boxing future. Former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan recently advised Joshua to prioritize a highly anticipated match with Tyson Fury before considering retirement.

“Joshua should wait for the big fight against Tyson Fury,” Khan told New Zealand Daily. “AJ has achieved a great deal in boxing… but concluding his career with a fight against Fury could be a remarkable way to go out.”

Joshua, who has earned over $200 million throughout his career, is currently in recovery from injuries sustained during his knockout loss to IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois in September. Promoter Eddie Hearn has indicated that Joshua is not expected to return to the ring before May 2024.

Doyin Okupe, a former Director-General of the Labour Party (LP) Presidential Campaign, has praised President Bola Tinubu as the most prepared leader Nigeria has had since independence in 1960.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, Okupe dismissed critics who question his support for Tinubu, asserting that his stance is rooted in principle rather than personal gain.

“Those who see what I’m doing with Bola Tinubu today and thinking that it was for personal gain, I told you, they can only be young people who do not know. They don’t know the history; they don’t know what my pedigree is. I am a man that supports what I consider to be fair and just even if it is to my detriment,” he said.

Okupe recounted his longstanding acquaintance with Tinubu, dating back to their NADECO days, emphasizing their shared history despite being on opposite sides politically.

“I met the president, Tinubu, about a week ago. I had not seen him for seven or eight years. I had not spoken to him on the phone. He didn’t talk to me.

“But he’s somebody I know very well politically. We have never been on the same side before in politics but we’ve always shared a relationship since our NADECO days.

“From that time, till when he was governor and left as governor, I’ve had opportunities to sit with Bola Tinubu for hours unending. And he has impressed me, not only as a politician, but as a technocrat, a man capable of deep thinking. He has developmental ideologies and policies at his fingertips. This thing, you don’t learn it. It’s a gift,” Okupe stated.

He likened Tinubu’s leadership qualities to those of the late Obafemi Awolowo, describing both as reformers with a focus on public welfare.

Okupe dismissed claims that Tinubu assumed office without a plan as “nonsense,” asserting that no Nigerian president has been better prepared for governance.

“The last time we had anybody close to him (Tinubu) was Awolowo (Obafemi). Awolowo was a very serious-minded politician, but who had ideas of public policies that would benefit the masses. That is what Bola Tinubu is today.

“Bola Tinubu, you know, in the Villa, we have a reformer, a president who is a reformer. I’ve heard some people saying that Bola Tinubu came to the office without a plan, he has no clue, that is balderdash, that is nonsense.

“I have worked with two past presidents. I have studied other presidents closely from a very close point. I don’t know any Nigerian president from 1960 to date who has come better prepared for governance than this gentleman,” Okupe concluded.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vowed to take over power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

The Party disclosed that the first step towards achieving this goal is to place machineries in place to unite all party members and organs of the party at all levels.

Speaking via a communique issued at the end of the PDP Governors Forum meeting in Jos yesterday, the party called for unity among its members.

It expressed its commitment to maintaining the party as a trusted platform for democratic governance.

In the communique, which was read by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, the governors welcomed the postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in sympathy with the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Imo Eno, who lost his wife.

The forum, however, advised the National Working Committee (NWC) to coordinate consultations with party stakeholders to ensure that the meeting is held by February 2025, when all leadership and governance issues must have been addressed.

In the 7-point communiqué, the governors said, “The forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders and members of our great party, of the

“The forum wishes to state categorically that it commands resolution in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance.

“The forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council of the party in empathy and sympathy with our colleague, His Excellency, Gov Umo Eno Eno, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC.

“The forum expresses empathy for Nigerians suffering from economic difficulties and calls for a review of federal government policies to improve citizens’ welfare.”

The governors raised concerns about the integrity of recent elections, particularly in Edo and Ondo states, alleging manipulation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and calling for judicial and legislative actions to protect democracy.

The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the formation of a 14-member State Assets Verification Committee to investigate the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

The committee, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at Government House in Benin City, will be chaired by Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe. Anslem Ojezua will serve as deputy chairman, while Frank Edebor will act as secretary.

Other members of the committee include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, and Rasaq Bello-Osagie. Additional members are Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, explained the purpose of the committee.

He said, “In furtherance of the governor’s initiative to set the state on the path of development and accountable leadership, the establishment of a State Assets Verification Committee has become imperative.

“Despite repeated calls for a comprehensive database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government provided only scanty and limited information.

“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in governance, a committee comprising respected sons and daughters of Edo State has been constituted.”

The statement further noted that the committee would be inaugurated at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at 1:00 pm prompt.

Background on the probe

A PUNCH report on 20 November indicated that the Edo State government might launch a probe into the previous administration after receiving reports from the permanent secretaries of various ministries in the state.

A government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the governor was still being briefed by the permanent secretaries to assess the performance of the Obaseki-led administration.

The official said, “The governor is reviewing reports from the permanent secretaries of various ministries to evaluate the immediate past government. These findings will determine whether to initiate a probe and, if so, the scope of the investigation.

“However, under this administration, the people and their interests will always come first,” the official added.