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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has expressed serious concerns regarding the reported poisoning and theft of cattle belonging to its members by criminal groups in the Agatu Local Government Area.
The Chairman of MACBAN in the state, Risku Muhammed, raised this issue over the weekend, revealing that more than 20 cows owned by Fulani herdsmen were poisoned on Saturday in Ucha village, Agatu.
He further alleged that in addition to the poisoned cattle, over 200 cows were stolen last Thursday by these criminals.
This situation was somewhat mitigated by the swift action of security forces, who managed to apprehend one of the thieves, although others managed to flee.
Muhammed accused a farmer from the Ucha community, whose name has not been disclosed, of poisoning the cows using rice chaff after inviting a herder to feed his cattle with it.
This act, according to him, resulted in the death of 13 cows, while seven others that survived are currently receiving treatment.
“I got a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze on the rice chaff. Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly, while a veterinary doctor is treating seven,” Muhammed noted.
He commended the Local Government Council Chairman, Melvin Ejeh for promptly responding to issues concerning the herders and communities in the area, saying “the Local Government Chairman with some Non Governmental Organizations working in the LGA have several times paid for cows killed by these criminals.”
He revealed that herders have, at various times, lost numerous cows to criminals in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha due to rustling and killings.
When reached for comment, Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed that he had received the complaint from MACBAN. He assured that an investigation was underway, although a farmer had been apprehended in connection with the poisoned cows.
He also mentioned that Agatu has recently experienced a period of relative peace, thanks to the support from the state government and the deployment of security personnel to the region.
“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is going on about the incident. Agatu has been enjoying peace, and this is as a result of the Peace Committee that was set up, and on a daily basis, we review the peace process.
“It is unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” Vanguard quoted the Council Chairman saying.
The Chairman, who lauded the state government for ensuring peace in Agatu, appealed for the deployment of more security operatives to the LGA.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said: “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned, investigation is ongoing and a suspect has been arrested over the matter.”
The Anene also confirmed the existence of a Peace Committee working tirelessly in the area to ensure sustainable peace in the communities of Agatu LGA.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has claimed that Nigerians can now buy food without struggle.
Tinubu made the statement on Sunday when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led a delegation to the Presidential Villa in Abuja for a Sallah homage.
Tinubu highlighted the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the removal of the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which he said had triggered rapid improvements in key sectors.
“I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, the residence of the vice president that has been abandoned for years came alive. The health centers were being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at school are being rehabilitated, buildings are furnished. Thank you, Wike,” he said.
Speaking further, the President emphasized that security had improved, and economic activities were stabilizing.
“Today, we are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We are able to go to the market and do business,” Tinubu added.
His remarks come amid ongoing concerns over inflation and the high cost of living, which have been major challenges for his administration.
President Bola Tinubu said his administration’s decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was to accelerate development and enhance resident participation in governance.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday during a Sallah homage by FCT residents led by Minister Nyesom Wike, Tinubu stated that the decision was necessary to overcome bureaucratic hurdles that were slowing infrastructure growth in the capital city.
Tinubu revealed that Wike had approached him with a request to exempt the FCTA from TSA restrictions to enable more efficient project execution.
The president said he was convinced by Wike’s reasoning and quickly approved the request.
The exclusion from TSA grants the FCTA autonomy to use its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), estimated at over N250bn, for project development.
“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, Please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said, Show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.
“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the vice president’s official residence, which had been abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture,” Tinubu recalled.
He added that freeing FCT from TSA restrictions has catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.
He identified achievements recorded since the TSA removal to include the opening up of rural areas, resuscitation of abandoned projects, and completion of the Vice President’s official residence that had been abandoned for years.
Tinubu further noted that the FCT has rehabilitated healthcare centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture—developments that would not have been possible under the previous arrangement.
“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” Tinubu said.
He encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.
“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.
“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the president noted.
“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the president said.
President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broad-mindedness, and patriotism from citizens.
“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.
Wike thanked the president for hosting the residents in the State House.
“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here,” said Wike.
He pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.
“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
The Sallah homage was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and an FCT delegation including members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and women and youth groups.
The senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has declared interest in contesting for the central senatorial district in the 2027 election.
Naija News reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain made the declaration on Sunday, March 30, 2025, while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.
The former lawmaker also stated that his priority is to see Governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027, noting that the party is well prepared for all forces and challenges that might threaten his re-election.
He said, “Any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are right and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district.
“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027.
“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our might and strength. We know that there are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces.”
While condemning the killing of hunters in Edo State, Sani urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.
He added, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.
“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand, then it means there is no government or authority.”
State Of Emergency: Tinubu And His Backers Cannot Import What Is Not In The Constitution – Femi Falana
AFOLABI
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has called on Nigerians to resist President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
He argued that Tinubu violated the country’s constitution, insisting that the President has no right under the 1999 Constitution as amended, to suspend or remove the governor, his deputy and the House of Assembly members.
Speaking in a virtual interaction with some Nigerians in the Diaspora on Saturday night, Falana asserted that that even if the Constitution allows the president to employ “extraordinary measures” in sub section 3, to address threat to the country, that “does not require him to suspend or remove elected officials in the state. “
According to Falana, Section 305 of the Constitution provides that “(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution the president may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.”
He added that, “there is no such provision in the constitution and the president and his backers cannot import what is not in the constitution.”
In the virtual conference, co-hosted by foremost columnist, Farooq Kperogi, Moses Ochonu and Osmond Agba, the Lagos-based human rights lawyer also scolded the National Assembly for approving the suspension of democratic structures in the beleaguered state with a voice vote, suggesting that the haste, with which the legislators endorsed the proclamation without thorough scrutiny, was replete with partisan politics.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he jokingly threatened to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if his policies did not align with the political interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The President made the remark at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when Wike led a delegation of prominent FCT residents on a Sallah homage to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
Tinubu recalled how Wike approached him with a request to remove the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to allow for greater financial flexibility and infrastructure development.
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of Treasury Single Account (TSA) so that I can do more work and achieve more,'” Tinubu stated.
He further recounted how he challenged Wike on the potential political implications of his policies.
“And he presented it, and I threw in my own political guide: ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT?'”
“I said, ‘I know where you are coming from, your own party (PDP) or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’”
President Tinubu commended Wike for implementing policies that have transformed the FCT, particularly in infrastructure, health, and education.
“He came up with a lot of good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy, bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration, and provide opportunities for many who would have been hindered by property rights,” he noted.
According to the President, Wike’s initiatives have led to: The revitalization of the Vice-President’s residence, which had been abandoned for years. Rehabilitation of health centers and improvement of health services for FCT residents. Upgrading of school infrastructure and teacher welfare programs.
“Thank you, Wike,” Tinubu concluded, acknowledging the minister’s efforts.
The President’s remarks highlight the interplay between governance and political strategy, underscoring the need for policy alignment with party interests.
While Wike, a prominent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member, has maintained that his focus is on FCT development, his collaboration with the APC-led administration continues to spark political debate within opposition circles.
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has stated that he is ready to forgo his 2027 presidential ambition if a more capable candidate emerges to lead the party.
Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Sunday, Adebayo emphasised that his priority is Nigeria’s progress, not personal ambition.
“It is my prayer to God that if there is a person who God thinks is better than me to fix the problem of Nigeria, my ambition should not stop that person because we want a country that works,” he said.
Adebayo assured that the SDP would present a credible candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. He stressed that the party would not engage in divisive politics based on religion or ethnicity.
“Our goal is to ensure that when we make a choice in the SDP, Nigerians, even outside the party, will feel a sense of relief and say, ‘Finally, this platform has given the country a real chance,’” he stated.
On party expansion, Adebayo acknowledged the influx of new members but insisted that they must align with the SDP’s values.
He warned that the party would not allow negative traits from other political platforms to taint its principles.
“If you want to come to the SDP, you have to allow us to apply disinfectant—not because we don’t respect you, but because you are coming from a highly infected zone,” he said, likening the process to COVID-era sanitisation measures.
He also referenced politicians who switched parties due to internal disputes, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while underscoring the SDP’s commitment to fairness and internal discipline.
“We sympathise with everyone who is coming, but our job is to ensure that this party is not about politicians—it is about the Nigerian people. Registration is done at the ward level, and every member must read and abide by the party’s constitution,” Adebayo added.
Donald Trump on Sunday repeated his suggestion that he might seek a third term as US president, NBC News reported, which would defy the two-term limit stipulated in the US constitution.
In a Sunday-morning phone call with NBC News, Trump said “I’m not joking,” when asked to clarify a remark on seeking another term, adding: “There are methods which you could do it.”
The 78-year-old billionaire has a history of suggesting he might serve more than two terms, but Sunday’s remarks were the most concrete in terms of referring to plans to achieve the goal.
Trump has launched his second presidency with an unprecedented blitz of executive power, using the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, to dismantle swaths of the government, and said his supporters want even more.
“A lot of people want me to do it,” Trump told NBC News on Sunday. “But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration.”
Amending the US constitution to allow a third presidential term would require a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate, which Trump’s Republican Party does not have.
Trump said it was “far too early to think about it,” but told NBC he had been presented with plans that would allow him to seek reelection.
When NBC asked Trump of a possible scenario whereby Vice President JD Vance would run for president and then abdicate the role to Trump, the US president said “that’s one” method.
He added that “there are others,” but refused to share further details.
If Trump does not approach Congress for the constitutional amendment, he would need to get support from two-thirds of the country’s 50 states to call a constitutional convention that would propose changes to the charter.
Whether he goes through Congress or the states, he would then require ratification from three-quarters of all states.
Both routes appear to be unlikely, given the current number of states and Congressional seats under Republican control.
A constitutional convention has never been successfully called in the United States, where all 27 constitutional amendments have been passed by the congressional method.
In January, days after Trump took office, Republican Andy Ogles of Tennessee introduced a House joint resolution to amend the constitution to allow presidents up to three terms.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that it was already too late for him to buy character and integrity that he has lacked from birth.
He stated that no one could have known him better than President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whom he served as Vice President for eight years.
Naija News reports that Wike stated this through Lere Olayinka, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media.
Olayinka was reacting to a statement by the Atiku Media Office that character was the reason the decision of the committee set up by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to select its Vice Presidential candidate for the 2023 election was rejected.
Wike’s media aide said one Nigerian that can never be found in the gathering of men of character and integrity is Atiku, and Obasanjo, attested to this in his book; My Watch.
Olayinka said: “One of the reasons Wike first rejected Atiku’s offer to have him as his running mate was his not too impressive character and integrity rating, until he was prevailed upon. And this, Atiku exhibited when he rejected the decision of committee the party set up to pick his running mate even after telling everyone that the decision of the committee will be bidding on him.
“Now, after his lies that he picked his running mate based on the committee report that placed the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as number one was bursted, he is now sermonising about character and integrity, which he, himself does not have.
“Funny that the same Atiku, that his boss described as a ‘blatant and shameless liar,’ is the one talking about character.
“For the records, Obasanjo said in his book, ‘My Watch’ that ‘What I did not know, which came out glaringly later, was his parental background which was somewhat shadowy, his propensity to corruption, his tendency to disloyalty, his inability to say and stick to the truth all the time, a propensity for poor judgement, his belief and reliance on marabouts, his lack of transparency, his trust in money to buy his way out on all issues and his readiness to sacrifice morality, integrity, propriety, truth and national interest for self and selfish interest.’
“Up till today, Atiku has not debunked what his boss said about him.
“Unlike Atiku, Wike does not hide or pretend on where he stands on issues. He is not one that will do a tweet on major issues and rush to delete it. He didn’t pretend about his position on the 2023 election and he won’t pretend on where he will stand in 2027.
“It is Atiku, that should start being truthful and reliable, especially now that he is old, because everything should not be about desperation to be president.”
‘I Had No Hand In Burning Down Rivers State House Of Assembly’ – Fubara’s Chief Of Staff, Ehie
AFOLABI
The Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Edison Ehie, has vehemently denied claims that he played any role in the burning of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex on October 29, 2023.
The allegations, made by former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, accused Ehie and Fubara of masterminding the fire that destroyed the state’s Assembly Complex.
However, Ehie, in a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, refuted the claims, stating he was not involved in the incident.
“It is very important to clarify that I was not, I had no hand, and was not part of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly,” Ehie stated, stressing that like many others, he was shocked by the news.
He further stated, “Like everyone else, I woke up in the early hours of 30th October 2023 to hear of the burning down of the Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Ehie further revealed that he had instructed his lawyers to initiate a criminal libel suit against Nwaeke, emphasizing that the allegations were baseless and malicious.
“I will not join issues completely with Mr. George Nwaeke because I have already instructed my lawyers to file an issue of criminal libel against George Nwaeke, and I hope he is very prepared to substantiate his claims and his allegations,” he said.
While defending himself, Ehie shifted attention to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule, suggesting that he should be questioned about the fire.
Ehie claimed the fire broke out shortly after security officials allowed the speaker’s convoy into the complex. He implied that the speaker’s involvement should be scrutinized further.
Ehie accused Nwaeke of yielding to political pressure and acting to benefit from “emergency riches.” “George is not a contented man,” he stated, dismissing Nwaeke’s motives as politically driven.
Ehie also spoke about the recent public outcry from Nwaeke’s wife over the sudden disappearance of her husband.
He suggested that this situation reflected a man who had “betrayed his conscience” and his family in pursuit of material gain.
Ehie alleged that Nwaeke had solicited financial assistance shortly after resigning as head of service, citing WhatsApp messages that showed Nwaeke asking for money.
“He’s not speaking from his right frame of mind,” Ehie added, implying that Nwaeke’s actions were influenced by personal ambition rather than any genuine political or legal concerns.
In a final remark, Ehie stated that Nwaeke did not hold any significant role or influence in the governance of Rivers State.
“George does not wield any particular or influential role in the governance of Rivers State,” he said, further undermining Nwaeke’s credibility in the political landscape.
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for publicly acknowledging his efforts and calling him “Mr Infrastructure.”
Speaking to State House correspondents after the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr homage at the Presidential Villa IN Abuja, Wike described the President’s praise as a strong vote of confidence and a motivation to keep delivering results for residents of the FCT.
“I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me,” Wike said. “If your boss, in public, says you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job you’ve been assigned.”
The Minister, who has spearheaded a series of infrastructure and service delivery reforms across Abuja, said he remains committed to meeting the expectations of both the President and the people of the Territory.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration, and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with,” he said. “So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done. That means he’s watching, and we will not disappoint him.”
When asked about the next wave of infrastructure projects expected as the Tinubu administration approaches its second anniversary, Wike confirmed that a fresh round of projects was already in the works.
“The committee is working,” he revealed. “You can be assured it can’t be less than what we did last time,” Wike added.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has stated that the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibom Ibas (retd) is only dismantling all the governance structures put in place by the suspended Governor of the state, Siminialayi Fubara.
PDP also described the immediate past Head of Service of the state, Dr. George Nweke, as a serial betrayer, alleging that Nweke has become a tool for Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, to spread false information against Fubara and his team.
The Chairman of PDP in the state, Nname Ewor, spoke while reacting to allegations made by former Rivers HoS Dr. George Nwaeke, against Fubara, PDP and Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.
Speaking in Port Harcourt, Ewor condemned the state of emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu in the state and accused the Sole Administrator of dismantling governance structures put in place by Governor Fubara.
Ewor questioned the motive behind the declaration of the state of emergency, which he claimed has no basis in reality, adding that the state is not under war, or threat of war, and no occurrence of natural disaster to warrant such declaration.
He queried if the actions already carried out by the Sole Administrator could ensure restoration of peace and order, or spark more crisis?
The PDP chairman also addressed specific allegations made by Nwaeke, including claims that Governor Fubara was involved in the bombing of the House of Assembly and that he promised to work for Senator Bala Mohammed in the 2027 general election. Ewor dismissed these allegations as false and baseless.
He said: “Nwaeke, highly compromised and a serial betrayer, became a ready tool in the hands of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to carry out a campaign of calumny, libel defamation and distortion of facts against our Governor and his team, the chairman of PDP Governors forum, Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State Governor, ljaw nation, Militants etc.”
Tinubu wrong to release Rivers allocation to Sole Administrator — Emiaso, retired judge
Meanwhile, a former President of the Delta State Customary Court, Justice Miakpor Emiaso (retd.), has said that President Bola Tinubu made a blunder in releasing Rivers State allocation to the Sole Administrator of the state.
He said: “It is unlawful, it is unconstitutional, you cannot release funds to a sole administrator, and I mean it is very wrong.
“The constitution does not conceive of a situation where you even appoint a sole administrator to run a state. Appointing a sole administrator is unconstitutional; anything the sole administrator does there is ultra vires, null, and void because there is no arrangement under the constitution for the appointment of a sole administrator to administer a state.
“There is no arrangement in the constitution that permits any authority in this country to suspend an elected officer, least of all a governor, so the president suspending the governor of Rivers State is a very major threat to our democratic system.
“It means that the president can suspend any governor of any state; that is not democracy, and that is not the spirit of our constitution. He has no power to suspend an elected officer.
“There are so many decisions of our courts to that effect that nobody can suspend the governor. Nobody can suspend even members of the House of Assembly if they are elected. There is a process for removing them, and it is not by suspension.”
“By my own assessment Nwaeke is neither under any spell nor under duress. He is a career civil servant in the civil service of Rivers State, whose career span over 40 years service in the state civil service. He rose to the apex of the civil service. Therefore he knows exactly what he has done.
“Mr. Nwaeke procured flight ticket from Port Harcourt to Abuja, left his house on his own, boarded his flight, landed in Abuja and headed straight to his destination to deliver and read out the script already written by his co-conspirators. The aim of the script is to discredit the Governor, make the President lose confidence in him and paint him black before the general public.
“As a party, we know that all what Nwaeke read in the written script were all lies from the pit of hell and cannot stand the test of time. We therefore want to use this medium to set the record straight, and educate Rivers people and indeed Nigerians on the true nature of the man “Dr George Nwaeke and the true state of affairs in the state.
“That George Nwaeke lied when he claimed that he was with the Governor, when he handed over bag of money to Edison Ehie to bomb the House of Assembly. The true position is that when the bombing incident took places in the House of Assembly, men of the Nigeria police made over 7 arrests, transferred the suspects to force Headquarters Abuja.
“The suspects were charged to court in Abuja and remanded in kuje correctional Centre for over 8 months. They were later transferred to Port Harcourt division of the Federal High Court.
“They were equally remanded in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre because of lack of diligent prosecution by the police. The presiding judge struct out and dismissed the case early this year and the suspects were set free. Accusing the Governor, Edison and Chijioke Ihunwo of being responsible for the bombing is neither here nor there.”
“His claim that Fubara promise to work for Sen Bala Mohammned in 2027 General election is also a lie. As we know, Bala is the Governor of Bauchi state and chairman PDP Governors forum, Fubara doubles as his Deputy. Both of them are at liberty to meet anywhere, anytime to discuss matters of PDP.
“Besides, Bala has not told Nigerians he is running for the office of president in 2027. Nwaeke and his co-conspirators simply put together this narrative to pitch the president aganst our Governor. It is dead on arrival.”
There is growing anxiety in Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector as operators await the Federal Government’s decision on the future of the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The six-month deal, which began in October 2024, officially ends today, Monday, March 31, 2024, and the parties involved have yet to finalize whether the deal will be extended or discontinued.
The uncertainty surrounding the deal has had a direct impact on fuel prices, with petrol prices rising sharply. Dealers have blamed the recent surge on the government’s failure to extend the naira-for-crude deal, which had previously helped stabilize fuel prices.
Petrol prices have increased from around ₦860 per litre to over ₦930 per litre in just one week, with projections indicating that prices could hit N1,000 per litre if the deal is not revived.
In addition to the concerns over the naira-for-crude deal, industry sources revealed that the Dangote refinery, which produces 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, is expected to shut down its petrol-producing unit for maintenance in June.
The maintenance, scheduled to last for 30 days, is expected to further strain Nigeria’s petrol supply.
An insider at the Ministry of Finance who spoke with Punch and familiar with the ongoing negotiations revealed that no significant progress has been made regarding the extension of the naira-for-crude deal.
“Nothing new has happened. Probably after the holidays, the committee will sit and meet,” the source stated, expressing frustration over the lack of resolution.
When the deal was first implemented on October 1, 2024, it aimed to improve supply, reduce Nigeria’s reliance on costly petroleum product imports, and decrease pump prices. However, the deal’s suspension has led to disruptions, including a sharp increase in petrol prices.
On March 19, 2025, the Dangote refinery announced a temporary halt to the sale of petroleum products in naira, citing a mismatch between the naira-denominated sales proceeds and its crude oil purchase obligations, which are denominated in US dollars.
“We must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency,” the refinery said in a statement.
Following this announcement, petrol prices at private depots in Lagos jumped to about ₦900 per litre, from under ₦850 previously. Retail stations across the country quickly followed suit, with prices reaching ₦930 in Lagos, ₦950 in Abuja, and ₦960 in the northern parts of the country.
The situation has sparked widespread concern among industry stakeholders, who are calling for urgent resolution of the deadlock.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, in a chat with Punch expressed frustration over the issue, stating, “We’ve called for a stakeholders meeting. We are going to meet to discuss it and come out with a way forward.”
The meeting, initially scheduled for this week, has been postponed to May 1, 2025, due to the Sallah and Easter breaks.
Ukadike noted that the price fluctuations over the last six months have led to losses exceeding ₦200 billion for marketers, with many bulk buyers being discouraged by the risks involved in purchasing and selling at a loss.
Dealers have also placed blame on the Federal Government for the ongoing increase in petrol prices. According to them, the government’s failure to extend the naira-for-crude deal has led to the current crisis, with many marketers struggling to manage the volatile pricing environment.
The Special Assistant to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, Jerry Omotsegunwa, has stated that neither Governor Fubara nor the public has been informed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, about the specific reasons behind their ongoing political hostilities.
The political feud between Wike and Fubara, which has escalated since late 2023, led to a state of emergency being declared in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025.
This decision resulted in the suspension of Governor Fubara and members of the state’s House of Assembly.
In a recent interview, former Transport Minister, Rotimi Amaechi suggested that the rift between Wike and Fubara was centered around money-sharing issues.
However, Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers State, criticized the imposition of emergency rule by President Tinubu, calling it unconstitutional.
Responding to Amaechi’s claims, Omotsegunwa told Punch on Sunday that Wike had yet to clarify the reason for his anger towards Governor Fubara.
Omotsegunwa described Amaechi’s statement as his personal opinion while reiterating that the cause of the rift remains unresolved after almost two years.
He explained, “As it stands right now, I will not dispute Amaechi’s position even though he has the right to his own opinion. This crisis has dragged on for almost two years now, and nobody has told us what the actual problem is.”
He further emphasized, “The FCT minister has not told us anything that led to the crisis, and the governor too has not provided any clarity.” Omotsegunwa also recalled a recent conversation where Wike suggested Fubara had tried to destroy his political structure, but still, no clear explanation has emerged.
Omotsegunwa concluded by acknowledging that Amaechi was entitled to his opinion but emphasized that without Wike providing a detailed explanation, the true cause of the political conflict remains unclear.
“So, as much as I don’t want to say he has lied, I also say he has the right to his own opinion, and that is his personal opinion,” he said.