The former Nigerian Minister of Tourism, Femi Fani-Kayode, has tackled critics of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited upon the recent revival of Port Harcourt Refinery.

This comes as he alleged that some elements within the private sector in the oil and gas industry want to undermine and understate the revitalisation of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

Fani-Kayode made this known in a statement on his official X handle on Thursday, noting that the oil business is not the same thing as selling sugar, spaghetti, and cement, tackling Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Refinery.

His comments come amid claims against the viability of Port Harcourt Refinery after NNPCL announced that the plant has begun trucking out petroleum products on Tuesday.

Recall that Timothy Mgbere, Secretary of the Alesa community stakeholders, in an interview on Arise Television on Thursday alleged that Port Harcourt Refinery trucked out old stock, not freshly refined petroleum products.

However, Fani-Kayode fingered some elements in the private sector of the industry as responsible for the campaign of calumny to discredit the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the commencement of Port Harcourt Refinery after years of being in comatose.

He stressed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is a great victory for Nigeria.

According to him, what Nigerians need is for NNPCL refineries to flourish, and the same for Dangote Refinery and others.

He said, “The resurrection of the PH refinery is one of the most encouraging things that has happened in the petroleum sector for many years, and the credit for this must go to the President and the GMD of NNPC.

“It is a pity that some elements in the private sector who are new in the field are doing all they can to undermine and understate this great victory for Nigeria.

“The oil business is not the same as selling sugar, spaghetti, cement, or rice, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot muscle your way and create a monopoly on the sale of refined products as you did for other commodities over the years.”.

He added: “NNPC will go from strength to strength, and once its other refineries are working as well, Nigerians will have cause to smile again. Let the new kid on the block flourish, but let the NNPC refineries flourish too. That should be our goal and not a squalid attempt to discredit NNPC and its leadership.

“Every optimistic and true lover of Nigeria’s progress and President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda must be proud of the GMD Mele Kyari. His tenacity, bravery, ingenuity, and forthrightness have been rewarded with this great feat. Surely this is hope renewed for Nigerians.”.

DAILY POST recalls that on Tuesday the NNPCL announced the commencement of petroleum product production at the Port Harcourt Refinery.

Former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says political action for social change in developing countries must go beyond protests.

Osinbajo spoke on Thursday during the technology, new media, citizens and governance conference, which took place in Gbagada, Lagos.

The conference, with the theme: ‘Technology: The Present and Future of Political Action in Africa’, was organised by Enough is Enough (EiE) in partnership with BudgIT.

In his keynote address titled: ‘Technology as a Catalyst for Political Action in Africa’, Osinbajo underlined how young Africans deployed social media to organise protests in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia.

Osinbajo said it is important for social media platforms to regulate themselves, as any government-imposed regulation could be seen as an attempt to suppress free speech.

“Social media is really empowering for all and it is non-discriminatory — the weak, the strong, the treacherous, the mischievous and haters of every kind — have cover to speak their minds, speak truth to power, and insult,” he said.

“I think it is a critical medium but we must find ways of self regulation. In developing countries with fragile economies and widespread poverty, we don’t have the luxury of political action for its own sake.

“There is a sense of power and excitement that comes with protest. Political action must go beyond protests and the euphoria that it brings.

“It must lead to some measurable and tangible results otherwise it becomes counter-productive.

“In poor societies, every day of protest is valuable. It means that millions of informal workers and traders make a huge sacrifice because they earn on a daily basis.

“Political action must lead somewhere. It must move a step closer to resolving the issue that cripples our society.”

‘POLITICAL POWER NECESSARY FOR LASTING CHANGE’

Osinbajo added that political participation is necessary for the kind of holistic change required in developing societies.

The former vice-president said meaningful change cannot be achieved if the popular notion of “don’t get your hands dirty in politics” is maintained.

“In a democratic society where the objective of political action is to make substantial and structural change, this may only be possible within the context of partisan politics,” he said.

“I’m sure there are many people who may not agree with that. Yes, we can be effective as pressure groups and some level of change is possible by advocacy action.

“But the truth is that for the depth of change that is required in developing countries, political power is required.

“The puritan stance of the elite, which of course includes those in the civil societies, is that we should not get our hands dirty in politics. This will not achieve change at a scale in any important area of concern.

“If we take the position of don’t get your hands dirty or don’t get into politics, we can’t achieve change at the scale that is required, especially in our society.”

Osinbajo added that he was able to carry out far-reaching reforms in the justice system after his appointment as attorney-general of Lagos in 1999.

He said before the Alliance for Democracy (AD) won the 1999 election in Lagos, he made little progress in his clamour for justice reforms as a university lecturer.

The British government earned over N68 billion processing visas for Nigerian nationals between June 2023 to the same month in 2024.

According to Marc Owen, director of visa, status and information services at UK visas and immigration, at least 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigeria were processed in the period under review.

Owen spoke at the launch of Africa’s biggest UK visa application centre (VAC) in Lagos.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225k UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants,” the British High Commission in Lagos quoted Owen as saying in a statement.

“I’m delighted to be here in person as we celebrate this important moment together with our customers and partners.”

Although Owen did not specify if certain classes of visas had more applications, a standard UK visitor visa for six months costs $150.

This means the UK realised over $34 million from the 225,000 Nigerian applicants. In naira, this would amount to N68 billion.

Visa application fees are non-refundable even if processing turns out unsuccessful.

NIGERIA RECORDED HIGH REJECTIONS

Earlier this year, data from the British government showed that Nigeria was among five countries that saw a rise in study visa rejection rates in the second half of 2023.

In Q4 2022, Nigeria saw one in 31 applications rejected, while in Q4 2023, around one in eight were declined.

Vietnam, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia also saw high visa rejection rates, albeit at smaller accruals.

India was the only country where declined application numbers trumped Nigeria’s.

The data showed that issuances to Nigerians were down by 63 percent when juxtaposed with the last three months of 2022.

The increase in rejections came amid tightened visa restrictions for immigrants in the UK.

The British government said changes to policies on dependent visas stirred negative sentiments in both countries, following tweaks to the graduate route post-study work visa.

Many Nigerians are now turning to the United States for succour.

In the 2023/2024 academic year, Nigeria was the seventh largest source of international students globally and the highest in Africa, with 20,029 enrollees in the US.

The enrolment figures for Nigeria amounted to a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year for the country.

Amnesty International says at least 24 protesters were killed during the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria.

Nigerians held a 10-day nationwide protest from August 1, against the pervasive hardship in the country.

The protest turned violent in some parts of the country with police shooting teargas at demonstrators and journalists.

There were also reported cases of looting and vandalism of public and private properties in some northern states.

In its recent report titled ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’ released on Thursday, Amnesty International said about 1,200 protesters were arrested during the demonstration.

The human rights organisation said the Nigerian authorities perpetrated “acts of torture and other ill-treatment against protesters”.

It added that the crackdown on the protesters “shows Nigerian authorities’ failure to respect and facilitate the right to freedom of expression”.

The organisation called on the federal government to reverse the “recurrent cycle of impunity” and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice in fair trial.

“Amnesty International has found that Nigerian authorities killed at least 24 protesters and arrested 1,200 hundreds of protesters during the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests between 1-10 August,” the report said.

“The organization also found that several #EndBadGovernance protesters have been arraigned nationwide and put through trials based on bogus charges, in a clear manifestation of the government’s unrelenting efforts to punish protesters and demonize protests.”

Speaking during the presentation of the report in Kano, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s country director, said two children and 20 young persons were among those killed during the protest.

Sanusi explained that Nigerians witnessed “high level of lawlessness” with police firing live ammunition at close range at protesters.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to investigate the human rights allegation, and ensure effective remedies for victims and their families.

“Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas,” Sanusi said.

“The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ apparent desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria.

“President Bola Tinubu and his government must conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the allegations of human rights violations during the #EndBadGovernance protests, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair trials.”

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of the foreign component of its TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention, effective January 1, 2025.

This decision, outlined in a letter dated November 25, 2024, and signed by TETFund's Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, cites the escalating cost of overseas training and an increasing number of scholars absconding as reasons for the suspension. The letter was addressed to heads of beneficiary institutions, including vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.

"In response to the current excessive cost of training in foreign institutions, coupled with the high rate of abscondment of scholars, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TSAS Intervention," the letter stated.

TETFund has directed beneficiary institutions to prioritize local training within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This shift, according to Echono, is aimed at reducing pressure on foreign exchange, enhancing local capacity, and significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries.

“It is expected that this will conserve and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in our institutions while significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries of the intervention,” Echono wrote.

However, scholars already enrolled in foreign institutions under the TSAS programme will continue to receive sponsorship until they complete their studies, ensuring a smooth transition for ongoing commitments.

A 37-year-old Zimbabwean national identified as Lovemore Sithole has been convicted in Botswana for selling his six-year-old stepson for ritual purposes.

Sithole, who reportedly received $15,000 USD (approximately 200,000 Botswana Pula) in exchange for the child, now faces the death penalty in a case that has sparked widespread outrage.

Earlier this year, Sithole orchestrated a grim deal, trafficking his stepson to individuals allegedly involved in ritual sacrifices. According to investigators, Sithole negotiated the transaction, handing over the boy in exchange for the significant sum. The horrific crime culminated in the young boy’s disappearance and death, leaving a devastating impact on his family and communities in both Botswana and Zimbabwe.

The boy was reported missing, and a month later, Botswana authorities discovered human remains in an area linked to suspected ritualistic activities. DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to the missing child, cementing Sithole’s involvement in the heinous act.

The revelation has left the boy’s family and the public reeling. Citizens in both countries have condemned the crime, expressing anger and sorrow over the inhumanity of the act. Many are demanding the harshest penalties for Sithole, whose actions have been described as barbaric and unforgivable.

Botswana authorities acted swiftly, arresting Sithole after the remains were found and uncovering evidence linking him to the sale of the boy. The case has reignited debates over capital punishment in Botswana, a country that maintains the death penalty and enforces it in cases of severe crimes.

As Sithole awaits sentencing, the tragedy has drawn attention to the persistent issue of ritualistic killings in the region and the need for stronger measures to protect vulnerable children. The execution of justice in this case has become a focal point for communities seeking closure and a deterrent against such atrocities.

The House of Representatives on Thursday confirmed the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). 

While the constitution does not make provision for confirmation of appointments by the House of Representatives, the lawmakers adopted a report of its ad–hoc committee on the confirmation/screening of the Acting Chief of Army Staff and confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff.

Chairman of the committee Babajimi Benson in presenting the report, said Lt. Gen. Oluyede had satisfied all requirements.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede in an acting capacity in October following former army chief Taoreed Lagbaja’s illness.

Lagbaja later died on 5 November and has since been buried.

The president thereafter wrote to the National Assembly, seeking Oluyede’s confirmation as the substantive army chief, and described him as one committed to the security of the country.

On Wednesday, Oluyede appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Defence and Army and promised to resolve the country’s security challenges if his appointment is confirmed.

Accompanied by top military officials and the Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa, Oluyede told the lawmakers he was “honoured this evening to be considered worthy to play a part in these efforts [to fight insecurity) and I look forward to contributing my utmost best by working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in bringing lasting peace to the length and breadth of our dear country Nigeria”.

“In the past five years or thereabout, I have operated at the senior operational and management levels of the Nigerian Army and I have somewhat been part of the running of the service in its entirety,” he said.

“Thus, I cannot completely distance myself from the successes or setbacks of our great army in the past couple of years. However, I see my nomination as the Chief of Army Staff as a privileged opportunity to be in the driver’s seat and bring about more positive changes to the Nigerian Army to enable it to fulfil its
constitutional responsibilities.

“Thus, if confirmed by this joint committee and given the common mandate to lead the Nigerian Army during this period, I promise to do my best to justify the confidence imposed in me by the appointing authority which is His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the confirming authority which is you members of the National Assembly and the generality of Nigerians.”

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate passed President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills for second reading.

The Bills are: ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, for the harmonisation, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria and for other related matters, 2024.

‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007 and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act to Establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with powers of assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruable to the Government of the Federation, and for related Matters, 2024.

‘A Bill for an Act to Provide for the assessment, collection of, and accounting for revenue accruing to the Federation, Federal, States and Local Government; prescribe the powers and funtions of tax authorities, and for related matters, 2024.

‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal certain Acts on taxation and consolidate the l;egal frameworks relating to taxation and enact the Nigeria Tax Act to provide for taxation of income, transactions and instruments, and for related matters.

Sponsor of the bills, Senate Majority Leader Bamidele Opeyemi, explained the general principles, saying the proposed legislation, if passed into law, will mark a paradigm shift in tax administration in Nigeria, to the advantage of Nigerians.

Senator Ali Ndume, however, raised concerns on the sanctity of the reforms, saying it contradicts certain provisions of the Constitution.

He insisted that the Constitution 1999 as amended should have been re-amended to reflect the desire of tax reform.

Ndume also cited the bills rejection by Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the National Executive Council, as well as by traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

Noting that he was not against the reforms as some provisions are good for the development of a robust tax administration system in Nigeria, he stressed that necessary steps should have been taken to follow due process in line with parliamentary rules.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio after listening to Ndume, as well as presentations by Seriake Dickson and Mohammed Ali Monguno, who stoutly supported the bills, passed them for second reading through voice vote.

A 25-year-old Nigerian man, Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, popularly known as ‘Bobo Chicago’ or ‘Bola Flexx,’ was arrested by the U.S. FBI last week, for allegedly defrauding companies and individuals to the tune of $2.8 million.

Bobo Chicago, famed for his extravagant lifestyle, was apprehended on November 20 in Illinois, Chicago, following an arrest warrant issued in Oklahoma.

People Gazette reports that investigations linked him to multiple criminal complaints, leading to a five-count charge, including wire fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, and unlawful monetary transactions committed between June and October 2023.

Before relocating to Chicago, he reportedly terrorised Nigerians living in the Houston metro area. From Chicago, he was transferred to Oklahoma, where he allegedly orchestrated the fraud.

Federal agents revealed that he hacked into accounts in the Eastern District of Oklahoma and funnelled over $300,000 of stolen funds to a popular U.S. liquor store, implicating the owner.

Bobo Chicago claimed he lacked the financial resources to fight the charges, prompting the court to assign him a public defender. His co-conspirator remains in custody as investigations continue.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday night, reversed his approval of free bus services across the state announced earlier in the day.

Initially announced on Wednesday morning as part of the state’s welfare initiatives, the decision to suspend the service was communicated later the same day.

The initial directive, as outlined in a press statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, stated that the free bus service would cover intra-city routes within Benin metropolis and inter-city routes across the three senatorial districts.

It was intended to reflect Okpebholo’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Edo residents.

However, a subsequent statement from Itua late Wednesday night called for the earlier announcement to be disregarded.

“The earlier statement announcing the approval of free bus services by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, should be disregarded,” he said.

The CPS explained that the governor was being briefed on operational issues within the Edo City Transport Service, which manages the free bus initiative.

“For now, the free bus services have been placed on hold. A new decision by the governor will be communicated to the general public,” he said.

The reversal has raised questions about the operational and logistical challenges facing the programme, leaving residents awaiting further clarification on the state’s transportation policies

Earlier in an interview with The PUNCH, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, Bernard Joman, had commended the governor, saying the gesture would help cushion the effect of the harsh economy on Edo commuters.

 “It is a welcome development for the Edo Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress and to the people of the state. It will help to cushion the harsh economic conditions on the people and workers.

“The higher institution students have resumed and they will all be going to various destinations in the state and the free transportation will surely help them.

“I will urge the governor of the state, Senator Monday Okpehbolo, to ensure that the scheme is enduring so that the people and workers will benefit for a long time.”