Latest News
Nollywood actress and producer Mercy Aigbe has taken to social media to celebrate a major breakthrough as her latest movie, Thinline, has grossed over ₦100 million in cinemas nationwide.
The star took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the overwhelming support the film has received.
In a post on Instagram, Aigbe wrote:
“Elede mi a de Oyo, Ariwo e lo ma po Against all odds, against all the challenges, my amazing movie THINLINE is still thriving and standing tall. My heart is full of gratitude to God and to everyone who has supported this journey thus far. I am so, so grateful!”
She went on to thank her fans for their encouragement, calling their love and support the driving force behind the movie’s success:
“This win would not have been possible without your love, encouragement, and support. To everyone who has seen this masterpiece in a cinema, I say thank you! To those who continue to spread the word, I say thank you.”
Thinline, which Aigbe described as a cinematic experience “never before,” continues to draw crowds to theaters across the country.
The film is distributed by CinemaxNG and has been praised for its compelling storyline and top-notch production.
Aigbe urged fans who haven’t seen the film to get their tickets and join the movement:
“Stop dulling! Go give yourself a treat! Go enjoy a cinematic experience like never before. Thinline is still showing in cinemas nationwide—a must-watch!”
This comes after Mercy Aigbe accused some cinemas of sabotaging her film.
The actress claimed some cinema staff discourage fans from watching Thin Line, and recommended other options.
Femi Branch buttressing the point, also expressed displeasure over cinemas who want to frustrate filmmakers by playing favourites.
Former world number one Naomi Osaka reached her first final since 2022 on Saturday as she swept aside unseeded American Alycia Parks at the Auckland Classic.
The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan won 6-4, 6-2 in another confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open starting on January 12 in Melbourne.
Osaka was contesting her first semi-final since 2022, having taken a break from tennis and becoming a mother in 2023. She returned to the sport a year ago.
The 27-year-old showed no sign of the nerves that had marked her first three wins in Auckland, producing a clinical performance to set up a final on Sunday against Clara Tauson of Denmark.
“Of course I’m really happy to get to the final here, I’ve actually never got to a final a week before Melbourne so this is like a career first for me,” said Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion now ranked 57th.
“In my head I’m really happy. But there’s always constantly things to improve to get better, no matter how old you are.”
Osaka’s power and precision proved too much for the 78th-ranked Parks.
The American faded in what was her second match of the day, having had her quarter-final pushed back by rain on Friday.
Osaka’s four wins this week have come against opponents ranked below her at a tournament lacking a strong field.
That will change in the final against 50th-ranked Tauson, who beat unseeded American Robin Montgomery 6-4, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
Earlier in the day, Tauson toppled American top seed Madison Keys 6-4, 7-6 (9/7) in a quarter-final that was interrupted by rain on Friday night.
Police accidentally shoots woman dead in EkitiDrama as Burna Boy, Cubana Chief Priest trade words
INEC chair risks jail term for failing to go after electoral offenders, as SERAP files contempt suit.
AANI Celebrates AIG (Chief) John Olatunji Akanni Alapini (rtd) mni psc (+) NPM MSc, On His 73rd Birthday
Admin
The President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador EO Okafor mni, on behalf of the National Executive Committee and the entire AANI family joyfully conveys our heartfelt birthday wishes to a distinguished elder statesman, accomplished law enforcement officer and illustrious member, AIG (Chief) John Olatunji Akanni Alapini (rtd) mni NPM MSc psc (+), SEC 29, 2007, as he marks his 73rd birthday today
AANI is celebrating this outstanding member for his commitment to AANI and immense contribution to national development, peace and security. Chief Alapini’s life story is one of dedication, brilliance, and impactful service to humanity and the nation. Born on January 3, 1952, to the late Chief Antonio Bolaji Alapini and Mrs. Fabiana Atinuke Alapini (née Vera Cruz), Chief Alapini exemplifies excellence and integrity. His educational pursuits, which began at Holy Cross Catholic School in Lagos, St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos, and St. Peter’s College, Abeokuta, culminated in a Master’s Degree in Criminology from the University College Cardiff, now the University of Wales.
Chief Alapini mni’s illustrious 35-year career in the Nigeria Police Force earned him national and international acclaim. As the Force Public Relations Officer, he showcased the highest ideals of professionalism, enhancing the public image of the Nigeria Police Force. His exemplary service culminated in his retirement as an Assistant Inspector General of Police in 2009.
Beyond his impressive career, Chief Alapini mni is celebrated for his commitment to community development and peacebuilding. His numerous traditional titles—Bobadara of Egbaland, Maiyegun of Owu Kingdom, Aare Agbonfinro of Iperu, Agú Néché Mba (The Lion that protects the Community) of Mbato Ofeme Autonomous Community, Abia State and Otun Oluwo Adimula of Ile-Ife, among others bears eloquent testimony to his selfless service and the high regard in which he is held across diverse communities in our great nation.
His dedication to family values is equally inspiring. For over 40 years, he has shared a loving marriage with his wife, Ibipo, a retired permanent secretary. Together, they are blessed with three accomplished sons and eight grandchildren, reflecting a wonderful legacy of love, discipline, and hard work.
A strong believer in the power of integrity and the importance of a good name, the celebrant embodies the ideals of AANI through his enduring commitment to national development, peace, and security. His unique ability to foster meaningful relationships across social, cultural, and geopolitical divides underscores his exemplary leadership and humanity.
Therefore, on this auspicious occasion of his 73rd birthday celebration, AANI salutes this great man AIG (Chief) John Olatunji Akanni Alapini (rtd) mni for his unparalleled contributions to our nation and our Association. Sir, we celebrate your unwavering dedication to building a better society and wish you continued good health, God’s abundant blessings, and many more years of impactful service.
Happy Birthday, Sir!
Brigadier General SK Usman (rtd) mni
AANI National Publicity Secretary
Why Sale Of Port Harcout Refinery To Dangote Was Cancelled By President Yar’adua - Femi Falana
Admin
Under the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act, the Vice President is the chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), a body that is charged with overseeing the privatisation and commercialisation of public enterprises.
In utter breach of the Act, President Olusegun Obasanjo sidelined Vice President Atiku Abubakar and took over the privatisation of a number of public enterprises.
On May 17, 2007, President Obasanjo sold a 51% stake in the Port Harcourt refinery to Bluestar Oil for US$561 million. In another transaction that took place on May 28, 2007, President Obasanjo sold 51% shares in Kaduna Refinery to Bluestar Oil for $160 million.
Bluestar Oil was a consortium of three domestic companies, including Dangote Oil, Zenon Oil, and Transcop. Before the deal, President Obasanjo had acquired large shares in Transcorp through "blind trust." Many interest groups in the country questioned the legal validity and moral propriety of the sales as they were consummated in the last days of the Obasanjo Administration.
The two powerful trade unions in the oil industry —the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) kicked against the privatisation of the two refineries on grounds of conflict of interest and lack of due process.
They also alleged that the nation had been shortchanged as the shares acquired in the Port Harcourt refinery for $516 million were worth US$5 billion.
Convinced that the deals were not in the national interest, both unions proceeded on a 4-day strike that almost paralysed the Nigerian economy in June 2007.
The strike was called off based on the assurance of the federal government to the effect that the deals would be fully investigated.
Upon the conclusion of the investigation by the federal government, the purported privatisation of the Port Harcout and Kaduna refineries was cancelled by President Umaru Yar’adua. It is on record that the cancellation of the privatisation was not challenged in any court as it was carried out contrary to the letter and spirit of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act.
The Alliance on Surviving Covid and Beyond (ASCAB) hereby calls on NUPENG and PENGASSAN to intensify their historical struggle aimed at as a counterpoise to the renewed campaign for the privatisation of the nation’s refineries.
Those who are awaiting the privatisation of the refineries in a manner at variance with the national interest should be advised to set up their own refineries like the Dangote Group.
Femi Falana SAN,
The Chair,
Alliance on Surviving
Covid 19 and Beyond
(ASCAB).
Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy and socialite Cubana Chief Priest have sparked a serious buzz online after engaging in a heated clash on social media.
The drama began when Burna Boy shared a cryptic post that many interpreted as a jab aimed at Cubana Chief Priest, a known associate of Davido.
In his initial post, Burna Boy referred to the celebrity barman as “Owerri Rick Ross,” mocking him in a veiled insult.
He wrote:
“No forget say u be Azaman o, And dem don gbe your plug wey him name na ‘Omo Igbo’ for ATL and na u be next #OwerriRickyrozay.”
Cubana Chief Priest wasted no time firing back, calling Burna Boy’s post a reflection of his bitterness.
He also took a swipe at Burna Boy’s Grammy win, insinuating that the artist’s success had more to do with influential backing than talent.
“Diddy oil the fastest way to PTSD. You never see anything, you and your bend down collect Grammy,” he posted, seemingly referring to Burna Boy’s collaboration with music mogul Diddy.
In another post, Cubana Chief Priest mocked Burna Boy’s lavish lifestyle, referencing the artist’s rumored debts, including Ferrari and London jewelers’ bills.
“The Ferrari’s. The London jewelers’ debt. I’m coming. I have long waited for this moment. Osubrileeee oooo,” he added.
The fiery exchange between the two celebrities has quickly gone viral, with fans chiming in with their opinions.
See below;
Cubana Chief Priest shades Burna Boy, recalls paying him N1M to perform at his birthday
Celebrity barman Cubana Chief Priest has continued his ongoing feud with Nigerian singer Burna Boy, throwing more shade at the artist by recalling how he paid him N1 million to perform at his birthday in 2018.
The popular socialite shared a video showing Burna Boy begging for cake at the event.
In his post, Cubana Chief Priest referred to Burna Boy as “Owerri Rick Ross,” a nickname he had previously used during their online spat.
Reflecting on the past, he stated that in 2018, he paid Burna Boy N1 million to perform as a backup artist at his birthday party.
He also took a jab at Burna Boy’s newfound success, insinuating that he had been enjoying wealth long before the Grammy-winning artist achieved his current status.
“Owerri Rick Ross
What a blessing !!!!. See where dem dey rate me put. Me & Rosay #CpNosmall.
2018 na 1m naira I pay you to perform as back up artist for my birthday.
I get pictures & videos where you dey perform for me. I go lie for you.
We don dey chop this money before you meet us for queue be humble small boy.” Cubana Chief Priest wrote.
This latest exchange follows a previous online clash, where Burna Boy subtly shaded Cubana Chief Priest by calling him “Owerri Rick Ross.”
See below;
Burna Boy claps back at Cubana Chief Priest over debt claims
The social media feud between Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy and celebrity businessman Cubana Chief Priest has continued to heat up, drawing widespread attention online.
Recall that, Cubana Chief Priest had previously claimed that Burna Boy owed money, specifically for jewelry purchases.
The whole drama began when Burna Boy took to his Instagram to subtly throw shade at Cubana Chief Priest, referring to him as “Owerri Rick Ross.”
The remark quickly caught the attention of Cubana Chief Priest, who responded by accusing Burna Boy of owing debts related to jewelry.
Surprisingly, Burna Boy swiftly fired back, defending his extravagant lifestyle and dismissing the debt accusations.
“You don score yourself. Everybody in Lagos knows my style. all my shit paid for, sometimes cash sef. If not I for dey all the blogs by now for owing debts like your boss. Go to Cooscharis and service any of your stolen cars abeg I wan see something. Rooozaaay “” Igbo voice”. Make I relax actually , I no want make you go jail,” Burna Boy said.
See below;
A former spokesman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tony Okeke has criticised the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and that of his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari.
Tinubu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), took over from Buhari, his party member, in May 2023.
But Okeke claims both men have taken the country backward. The former PDP spokesman said this on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
“In law, we say you cannot build something on nothing. The last administration [of Buhari] took this country like 50 years back. The present administration, I think, is trying to take us like 100 years back,” the PDP chieftain said on the show.
“The election of 2023 would have been the easiest election for the PDP to win because there were eight years of monumental disaster by the Buhari administration. People were fed up because the APC had nothing to offer,” Okeke said, blaming his party for its loss in that exercise.
Watch his interview below:
Media
Inspector-general of police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has warmed that the police authorities would not tolerate the killing of policemen or assault on them in 2025.
He gave the warning while addressing personnel of the force during a visit to the Enugu State Police Command.
He further warned that it is criminal to assault policemen, stating that any further assault on any of them would receive appropriate response this year.
He said the federal government is very passionate about the welfare of policemen.
Earlier at the Government House, Enugu, the Inspector General commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah for his support to the Nigeria Police.
“I want to start by expressing our profound appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State for the support that you have given to the Nigeria Police Force in our quest to provide and ensure peace and security in Enugu State. Your commitment to our shared goal of a safer Nigeria is truly commendable.
“You are doing great things in Enugu State. The report I have been getting in Enugu has been truly good. I am very happy and glad to hear the force of work you are doing in the state to ensure that the people of Enugu State enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“Importantly, I congratulate you on your giant strides in the area of security and other areas. I am pleased to note that the collaboration between the Nigeria Police and Enugu State government has continued to yield excellent results; and we are determined to build on this success.
“In 2025, I want to let you know that we are committed to pursuing our policing vision more vigorously. We will prioritise community engagement, professionalism, and the ethical conduct of our officers.
“I am very confident that with your support we are going to overcome all the challenges that we are facing presently and ensure that Nigeria becomes safer for all of us,” he said.
Governor Mbah thanked the IGP for the strong support given to his administration to fight crime and secure lives and property.
“We cannot thank you enough for the interest you have shown and continued to show in the security matters of Enugu State. You may not have been here before now, but from the outset, we have felt your presence here because you have provided us with all the support, both material and human, that we need to fight the challenges of insecurity to a standstill.
“We had a meeting on how to address the security challenges in Enugu and without sparing any time, you provided us with all the support to ensure we have special forces here. You provided us with the equipment.
“This is very important to us because the plan we have to grow our economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion can only happen with security in place. Businesses can deal with financial and commercial risks, but cannot deal with security risks, which is why we thought that for that growth to materialise, we will provide security. So, you have been a very strong pillar of support to the government,” he stated.
National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued an alert to healthcare providers and the public about a suspected counterfeit batch of Phesgo 600mg/600mg/10ml injection, identified with batch number C5290S20.
The agency flagged the counterfeit product following a complaint from a doctor at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
According to NAFDAC, the doctor reported that the counterfeit drug, brought in by a patient, matched a previously identified counterfeit batch, C3809C51.
In a statement shared on its official X handle, NAFDAC revealed that Roche, the Marketing Authorization Holder for Phesgo, reviewed images of the suspected product and confirmed it was falsified.
Roche identified several inconsistencies, including a non-existent batch number, incorrect language, missing tamper-evidence features, and mismatched labels compared to genuine products.
The statement read: “The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) wishes to inform healthcare providers and the public of a suspected counterfeit Phesgo® 600mg/600mg/10ml injection labelled with batch number C5290S20.
“The Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH), Roche, received a complaint from a doctor at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH-NSIA) regarding a suspected counterfeit Phesgo® product. The product, brought in by a patient for administration, was identified as matching the previously reported counterfeit batch C3809C51.
“Although no physical sample was provided for investigation, images of the suspected product were reviewed and compared to genuine reference samples. The investigation confirmed the counterfeit status due to significant inconsistencies.”
NAFDAC highlighted the dangers of counterfeit drugs, stressing that they compromise the safety and efficacy of medicines. The agency urged importers, distributors, and healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and to source medical products only from authorized suppliers.
Healthcare professionals and the public are advised to report any suspected counterfeit drugs to NAFDAC via its offices, helpline.
“All NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and remove counterfeit products within their zones and states,” the agency stated, while reassuring the public of its ongoing efforts to identify and eliminate counterfeit products from circulation to protect public health.
Colonel Isaac Amponsah, the Aide-de-Camp to Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Friday, slumped while standing behind the President during the latter’s final State of the Nation address at the Parliament.
Colonel Amponsah collapsed shortly after the outgoing President Akufo-Addo began delivering his speech, which focused on the government’s achievements and plans for Ghana during his stewardship.
According to the viral video of the incident, which was televised live, Col. Amponsah, who has served in the President’s security team for many years, suddenly lost his balance and fell down behind the President.
The incident caused immediate momentary concern, prompting Parliament’s medical team to rush to the scene and aided the ADC out of the chamber for medical attention.
Col. Amponsah was given first aid on the spot before being quickly taken to a nearby medical facility for further treatment.
President Akufo-Addo, visibly worried about the situation, paused his speech for a moment to ensure that his ADC was receiving proper care.
According to Wikipedia, an aide-de-camp (a French expression) literally means “helper in the [military] camp”, who is a personal assistant or secretary to a person of high rank, usually a senior military, police or government officer, or to a member of a royal family or a head of state.
An ADC may participate at ceremonial functions, and the first aide-de-camp is typically the foremost personal aide. This is not to be confused with an adjutant, who is the senior administrator of a military unit.
The badge of office for an aide-de-camp is usually the aiguillette, a braided cord in gold or other colours, worn on the shoulder of a uniform. Whether it is worn on the left or the right shoulder is dictated by protocol.
Although the address was briefly interrupted, the event continued without further disruptions.
The speech marked a significant moment as it was the President’s final address to Parliament before his term ends, reflecting on the nation’s progress and future direction.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has distributed food items to various women groups in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State as part of the Ministry’s end-of-year intervention to support vulnerable women and families.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention programme, the Minister of Women Affairs said the initiative was to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges faced by women and families.
“Today’s event, the Renewed Hope Year-End Intervention for Vulnerable Women and Families, reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mission to address the pressing needs of vulnerable groups. This initiative marks the beginning of a new era, one where no one is left behind,” she stated.
The Minister added that the intervention would be replicated nationwide as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the welfare of women and children across the country.
She added that as part of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Vision, “we seek to build a
$1 trillion economy, and women are central to achieving this ambitious goal. By unlocking the full potential of women across various sectors, from agriculture to the creative and digital industries, we can create a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy and society,” she said.
The minister emphasised, “The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration is committed to expanding its mission of protecting and empowering women, children, their families, and other vulnerable groups.
“We aim to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to safeguarding, protecting and empowering women and children across Nigeria. Women are the backbone of our society and empowering them is essential to fostering strong and resilient communities.”
The Director-General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development, Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir, and National President, Defence Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Oghogho Musa, both described the initiative as timely, commending the Ministry of Women Affairs for addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable groups.
In Lagos State, the minister, who was represented by one of her Technical Assistants, Mrs Ola Erinfolami, also reiterated the Minister’s determination to empower women, build resilient families and cater for the needs of vulnerable groups.
The different women groups in Lagos danced and thanked the Minister and the President and the First Lady for the kind gestures, adding that the packages would go a long way in alleviating the plights of their families.
The women and the vulnerable groups expressed gratitude, pledging to ensure judicious distribution of items to the intended beneficiaries.
The FCT flag-off was held on December 23, 2024, which was followed by Lagos on December 24, 2024, in order to support families during the festive season.
Lagos and Nasarawa States, including FCT, have now benefitted from the food palliatives that is billed for all the states of the federation as announced by the Women Affairs Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
More...
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, yesterday again replied former governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, over claims that he was turning the state into his personal property.
Speaking at a luncheon in Port Harcourt yesterday, Wike fired back at the former governor, denying converting the oil-rich state into his private estate, according to Channels TV.
Odili, a two-term governor of Rivers State, had accused Wike, also an ex-governor of the state, of self-interest.
Odili who spoke at an event in Port Harcourt on December 28 commended the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for preventing Wike from turning the state into the latter’s private estate.
“It is now over 12 months since 25th October 2023, when a fierce existential fight, though unnecessary, was waged against Governor Fubara over the soul of Rivers State.
“With assuring fortitude, Governor Fubara confronted the challenge, prevented the quest by one man to capture the state as a private estate, emancipated Rivers people, steadied governance and made civil servants and Rivers people happier as it used to be until he left office in 2007,” Odili said.
Refineries rehabilitation: Obasanjo Says NNPCL Invitation To Inspect The Refineries Is Disrespectful
AFOLABI
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has slammed the recent invitation the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited extended to him, describing it as disrespectful.
The NNPCL had, through its spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, invited the former president for a tour of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.
The corporation’s invitation followed an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, during which the ex-president recounted failed efforts to privatise oil plants in the country.
Obasanjo expressed frustration over the mismanagement of refineries, noting that despite significant expenditure since 2007, no results had been achieved.
He explained that his successor, Musa Yar’Adua, rejected a $750m offer from the Chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries.
According to Obasanjo, the NNPCL was aware of its limitations in managing the nation’s refineries but informed Yar’Adua that the corporation could operate them, leading to the rejection of Dangote’s offer.
He said, “When I was president, I wanted to do something about the three refineries we have: Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. Aliko got a team together after I asked Shell to come and run it for us. And Shell said they wouldn’t. I said, ‘Please come and take equity’, they said no. I said, ‘Okay, don’t take equity, come and run it’, they said no.
“Aliko got a team together and they paid $750m to take part in PPP (Public–Private Partnership) in running the refineries. My successor refunded their money, and I went to my successor; I told him what transpired; he said NNPC said they wanted the refinery and they could run it, and I said, ‘But you know they cannot run it.”
Obasanjo added, “But I was told not too long ago that since that time, more than $2bn had been squandered on the refineries, and they still would not work.”
He stressed that if a company like Shell rejected his offer to manage the refineries based on their reasons, he would believe the company.
The former president expressed confidence in Dangote’s ability to manage his privately owned refinery effectively, contrasting it with the government’s inefficiency.
In response, the NNPCL spokesperson Femi Soneye insisted that the refineries were working.
Soneye explained that the NNPCL had not only carried out turnaround maintenance on the plants but also embarked on a complete overhaul of the refineries to meet world-class standards.
He said, “We extend an open invitation to former President Obasanjo for a tour of the rehabilitated refineries to witness firsthand the progress made under the new NNPC Limited.”
Reacting to the invitation in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Obasanjo said such an open invitation was disrespectful to his office and person.
The former president, while speaking through his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, stated that the oil company had not sent any formal invitation to him as of Thursday, January 2, 2024.
“Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president.
“Ask the NNPCL that as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response,” Obasanjo’s aide stated.
Saturday PUNCH called Soneye three times and sent him text and WhatsApp messages to ask if the oil company had indeed officially invited the former president.
However, Soneye did not take his calls or respond to messages from our reporter as of the time of filing this report.
The news of the reopening of the Warri refinery for production had been met with skepticism from Nigerians.
This was after the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, announced that the Port Harcourt refinery had officially commenced crude oil processing on November 26.
However, visits by Saturday PUNCH to the refinery on two occasions showed the contrary.
On Friday, November 29, when our correspondent made his first visit, he discovered there was no activity on site as the loading bay was empty.
Workers at the refinery revealed that the facility was undergoing calibration, which might last until the following week.
After two weeks of inactivity, the Port Harcourt Refining Company reportedly resumed operations, with the NNPCL claiming that no fewer than 11 trucks had started loading from the plant.
During our reporter’s second visit to the plant on Thursday, December 19, 2024, he observed that the lifting of petrol had again stopped.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the lifting of petrol actually stopped on Friday, December 13, as the 18-arm loading bay of the Port Harcourt refinery was empty.
A truck driver said, “It was Friday last week they loaded last. About 15 trucks or so loaded that day. Since then, not even a single truck has been loaded till now.
Asked if any explanation was given, he replied, “I don’t know. Nobody is giving us any information or telling us anything. Some trucks that were here have left. I’m just here because my director said I should wait a bit.”
Soneye on both occasions declined to respond to phone calls and text messages from Saturday PUNCH.
While the oil company had yet to address growing doubts over the refinery’s operations, Kyari announced on December 31 that the Warri Refining & Petrochemical Company in Delta State had commenced operations.
Afenifere, CUPP back ex-president
Reacting, the Secretary-General of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Sola Ebiseni, said it was disrespectful for the NNPCL to have invited the former president through newspaper publications after he rightly commented on the management deficiencies that had grounded Nigeria’s refineries for years.
“What former President Obasanjo said was quite illuminating about the way the affairs of the country have been or are being handled. He has been out of office since 2007, and until now, what we have seen is the epileptic performance of the refineries. So, it is sheer arrogance and disrespect for the NNPCL to claim they invited him to come and see,” Ebiseni stated.
He added, “If you want to invite a statesman and former president like Obasanjo, no matter how you feel about the statement he made, you shouldn’t resort to disrespectful politics. If you believe that what he said does not reflect the current state of the plants, you should pay him a courtesy visit to present your views about the situation. But to go on the pages of newspapers to paint a picture of a liar—which is what the NNPCL’s action implies—leaves much to be desired,” the Afenifere scribe concluded.
Similarly, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Chief Peter Ameh, said inviting the former president through newspapers amounted to public ridicule and utter disrespect for his history, reputation, and record in the country.
He said, “You cannot invite Obasanjo on the pages of newspapers. Even the GMD cannot invite another company head in such a manner, not to mention someone who has served both as a General in the Nigerian Army and as a military Head of State, as well as a two-term democratically elected president of the country. The NNPCL must learn how to do things the right way and avoid politicising everything, as this is why our economy has nosedived.
“That is simply the NNPCL’s usual way of prioritising politics over issues that affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians. If Obasanjo says the refineries are not working after we have wasted about $2 billion on them, he is merely stating that we should have handed the plants over to private individuals to get them working optimally through private partnerships.”
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nze Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu would have written his name in gold if he orders the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Chukwu made the remark while welcoming Tinubu to the South-East ahead of his official visit to Enugu State on Saturday.
He expressed immense delight over the gradual attitudinal change of the Federal Government under Tinubu towards the Igbo nation.
In a statement by Ohanaeze spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, Chukwu said: “It is therefore hoped that with the Enugu visit, President Tinubu will write his name with gold in the hearts of Ndigbo and all the well-meaning Nigerians, if he orders for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”
Ohanaeze insisted that national peace, unity, patriotism and sustainable economic development of any country are the outcomes, effects or products of equity, and social justice.
According to the statement: “In other words, there is hardly any society or group that can be complacent under severe existential threats such as orchestrated marginalization, relative deprivations, and external instigation of insecurity, conflagrations and crises.”
Ohanaeze also commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State for his “disruptive, innovative and massive infrastructural developments in Enugu State; Enugu International Conference Centre, Enugu Smart schools in all the electoral wards of Enugu State, hospitals across the states, resuscitation of Hotel Presidential Enugu, Flour Mills, Nigergas, the construction and rehabilitation of hundreds of roads in the State, etc, within a short period of his administration”.
The statement added: “We also appreciate His Excellency, Sen Hope Odidika Uzodimma, CON, the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Chairman of the All Progressive Governors Forum, for the life-saving installation of Night Landing Equipment at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri.
“Finally, we wish President Tinubu a safe, joyous and eventful trip as he is treated with the Igbo hospitality in Enugu State.”
Wealth has always been a measure of influence, with some of history’s most powerful people amassing fortunes that seem unimaginable.
Today, names like Elon Musk and Bill Gates dominate conversations about wealth, but their combined net worth is absolutely nothing compared to one of China’s emperors.
Wu Zetian, better known as Empress Wu, was not only the first and only female emperor of China but also the richest woman to have ever lived.
Her reign during the Tang Dynasty (624–705 AD) saw China control around 23% of the global economy, making her wealth in today’s terms a staggering £12 trillion, according to a report from SCMP.
For comparison, Musk’s net worth is estimated to be around £339 billion and Gates’ at £83 billion. This means that even combined they are worth £11 trillion less than Empress Wu.
China: Wu Zetian (Empress Wu), 624-705, Empress Regnant of the Zhou Dynasty (r.690-705)
Born in Shanxi Province in 624 AD, Wu came from a wealthy family with strong ties to the imperial court.
At just 14, she joined the palace of Emperor Taizong as a secretary, where she gained the education and political skills that would later propel her to power.
After Emperor Taizong’s death, she became the concubine of his son and successor, Emperor Gaozong.
Her rise to the throne was then full of controversy. She first ruled through others before forcing her son to abdicate and assuming the throne herself.
Once in power, Wu ruled with an iron grip. Wu’s reign reshaped Chinese society, shifting power from military officials to scholars and fostering economic growth.
Her leadership was decisive, and while she was accused of being ruthless – linked to several alleged purges and murders – she maintained control with remarkable efficiency.