A former Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the Labour Party, Dr Doyin Okupe, has stated that his relationship with the party’s candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, ended immediately after President Bola Tinubu emerged.
Okupe also mentioned that he had agreed with Obi never to accept any political appointment from him upon his emergence.
The former presidential spokesperson made these remarks to journalists in Lagos on Monday to ward off insults from Obi supporters, popularly known as Obidients, who were criticising him on X for backing the policies of the present administration.
According to him, those abusing and insulting him for supporting Tinubu’s economic recovery plan are ignorant, stressing that Nigeria’s project is bigger than that of any individual or political party.
He said, “I supported Peter Obi out of a commitment to patriotism and nationalistic fervour, not because I don’t know who I am in national politics or where I come from. I told Peter Obi, and we both agreed, that I would not hold any position in his government if he won. Obi is alive, kindly verify. If it is not true, let Obi publicly say that I am lying.
“Obi and I left the PDP because we both agreed and believed that the next President must be a Southerner, preferably an Igbo man from the South-East. Unfortunately, we lost that election. Another Southerner, Bola Tinubu, won the election. This is God’s will. He gives power to whom He wishes. My political commitment and agreement with Obi ended and expired there. I am too experienced in this game of politics for my subsequent political disposition and destiny to be tied to Obi’s ambition. Impossible.
“For me, that cooperation ended with the Supreme Court judgment, right or wrong. There must be order in a society.
To me, the allegations of rigging do not hold water. All elections in Nigeria from the 1st Republic to date have been rigged in one way or another, except perhaps Abiola’s election. In America today, the majority of Republicans believe the election that brought Biden in as POTUS was rigged. However, the Americans did not bring down their country because of that. They patiently waited for the next election and are making efforts to correct the imperfections.”
Providing insights into his reasons for supporting Obi from the beginning, the LP’s former campaign DG maintained that he was convinced that the presidency was going to the South and that he aligned with the Igbo candidacy since they had not had the opportunity before in the country’s history.
“I was convinced in my heart that if the presidency was going to the South, then it must be an Igbo man from the South-East because I believe in equity and justice. You can also verify this with Papa Adebanjo. He is still alive. I did not support Obi because he was politically superior to me or because he was a friend or an associate.
“My unalloyed support and commitment to Obi was based on principle. Throughout my period as a DG campaign, I used my own car and never received one naira from Obi as a salary. It was a mutual friend who funded me personally throughout. This can be verified. In difficult times, I borrowed a substantial amount of money to ensure our zonal campaign in the South-West was a grand success. I was refunded by Peter Obi months later.
“You (Obidients) all hailed, praised, and honoured me because, in your understanding, you believed I was just a foolish politician who left his comfort zone to come and help you fulfil your own agenda. You were all wrong,” he added.
Okupe further stated that he was not narrow-minded when he was a critic and that Obidients should adopt a similar approach in the future.
The announcement of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on being unable to sustain fuel supply is a game plan, according to experts.
On Sunday, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, admitted that the national oil company is owing suppliers, but did not specify the exact amount.
“NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers. This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the Company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply,” Soneye said in a statement.
Experts have, however, suggested that the announcement is part of a game plan from the government, which may lead to 950/1,000 per litre price for petrol.
They alleged that government officials had been pushing this narrative in the last two weeks.
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, had, on Monday, asked the NNPCL to halt the sale of fuel below landing costs, arguing that this would help curb smuggling to neighbouring countries.
The Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) recently disclosed that the landing cost of petrol as of July, 2024, was N1,117 per litre.
It also revealed the landing costs of AGO (Diesel) at N1,157 for a 20KT vessel and ATK at N1,217 for a 15KT vessel landing in Apapa, Lagos.
An independent oil marketer, who preferred anonymity, said: “It was almost inevitable for the pump price to not rise, as this is one of the outcomes of a fully deregulated market.
“The NNPCL remains the main importer, with private importation remaining limited. This situation is worsened by Nigeria’s declining crude oil output, which impacts the country’s capacity to import refined products. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has noted the dwindling output of many nations, including Nigeria”, the marketer said.
A former chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Ejigbo Depot in Lagos, Mr Akin Akinade recently said: “Our members have no direct supply from NNPC. We buy from Third Party. We buy at DAPMAN Depot in Abule Ado.
“They sell to us N840, N850, and by the time you add transportation to that, there is no way our members would sell less than they are selling. If they bring down their price, we are also going to bring down our price. We are in business to make money”, he said.
In a chat with Daily Trust, Chief Executive Officer, 11 Plc (formerly Mobil Nigeria), Tunji Oyebanji said: “Selling below the cost, whether from import or local refineries, is not sustainable. If they sell at economic price, perhaps others can import, supply will improve, and the financial strain will not be on them alone. It’s either that or these supply disruptions will continue indefinitely. I am baffled why they have not been upfront about this since instead of denials.”
An aluminium worker identified as Lawrence Uzor, attacked his wife and gouged out her eyes allegedly for ritual purposes in Abia State.
The incident happened at Adiele Estate in Umueze Ibeku in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state on Saturday night, August 24, 2024
The suspect, who hails from Umuchieze in Bende LGA of the state, used a knife to remove the victim's eyes while she was asleep.
Lawrence also attacked his landlady, Madam Lovejane Nwaiwu, as he knocked off some of her teeth and cut off her upper lip.
Madam Nwaiwu, who was also admitted at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, said she heard a noise in the couple's apartment and went to find out what was happening.
“At about 10 pm on Saturday, I heard the man shouting ‘Odogwu, Odogwu (mighty, mighty)’. I was worried as I had not heard the man and his wife, Amarachi Lawrence praying like that,” she explained.
“I started praying for them. After that, I couldn’t sleep up to about 12 am and was restless. At about 1 am, the wife, who is a teacher with one of the foremost private schools in Umuahia and aged 38 years started shouting, ‘Mummy, I have been killed’. I opened my door, came out peeped through their bedroom window and saw the man pressed down on the wife with a knife in his hands
"I started pushing on people’s gates and calling out to Umueze people, but nobody came out or responded. After all, my attempts to call neighbours to come and nobody answered me, I went to their parlour door and started knocking on the door and suddenly, he opened the door while holding the knife and tried giving me cuts on the head but I defended my head with my hand and he cut me at the hand and further slashed the knife at my face that incidentally cut me at the mouth and many of my upper teeth came out.
“I ran into my house and locked the door, while he ran outside, locked our gate and went to a neighbour’s house to tell them that he had killed his wife and his landlord’s wife. While inside my room, I called my mother and my daughter, who then called a church neighbour and the community vigilance team who rushed to the neighbour’s house and apprehended him.”
First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Priscilla Otti, said she was deeply saddened by the case just a few days after signing the compact agreement with the UNFPA on gender-based violence.
Mrs Otti, who spoke at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC Umuahia where the victims are being treated, said she would take immediate action to ensure the victim is well and protected.
“This is a terrible case of violence, attempted murder,” she stated.
Mrs Otti further assured that the state government would tackle such cases, stating that she would ensure further GBV responses front desk and team would take proper actions.
She commended the Umueze Ibeku community over their response and support to the issue, assuring the state GBV will be partnering with communities.
The First Lady also donated cash for the treatment and upkeep of the victims.
Earlier in his response, the Medical Director of FMC, Umuahia, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, who was represented by his Director. Medical Services, Mrs Aisha Onyemaobi explained to Otti that reports indicated that the main victim, 38-year-old Lawrence, was deeply asleep when the husband woke her up and started cutting her.
Onyemaobi further disclosed that good progress in her recovery is expected, saying the suspect is in custody.
Also speaking, the Umueze Ibeku community chairman and General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Umuahia Zone, Tutus Jonah, confirmed the incident.
“It was just like a film that fateful morning”, he said, adding that before that day, the victim and her husband had been living very well as husband and wife.
He however mentioned that it was gathered that a young man in the village took Lawrence to a prayer house, after which he came back following a visit to a local stream with kolanut, egg and other items
Jonah said that the owner of the prayer house was arrested and later released.
Meanwhile, the victim’s sister, Ijeoma Okpokiri and her cousin, Chioma Okpokiri, both from Emede Ibeku pleaded with the Inspector General of Police and Government at all levels, particularly the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti to look into the matter and to also help their sister to recover.
Police in Edo have detained a 19-year-old native doctor, Timothy Dauda, for allegedly shooting his client, Alex Ezekiel, to death during an “anti-bullet” charm trial.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
Yamu said that the incident happened on August 20 in Onumu Community, near Igara, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the suspect was arrested by operatives from Igarra Divisional Police Station in Akoko-Edo.
NAN learnt that the suspect allegedly claimed to specialise in preparing charms against gunshots and machete cuts.
A source further told NAN that the deceased had visited the native doctor’s home to obtain the charm.
It said that “in a shocking turn of events”, Dauda attempted to test the efficacy of the charm by shooting the client with a gun.
The charm was said to have failed as he sustained fatal injuries.
“When he was rushed to a hospital in Igarra, he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor,” the source further said.
Meanwhile, the police spokesman said that the suspect would face prosecution as soon as investigations were concluded
A senior police officer, now retired, has said that the real-time tracking technological platform that once helped the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, to crack many criminal cases ended up being used by politicians to monitor “enemies and mistresses”.
The officer said this while responding to Vanguard’s question on what went wrong with the system put in place to monitor the locations of kidnappers and interception of calls for prompt arrest and rescue of abducted victims.
The Police launched intelligence-led policing in 2015 with the installation of a tracking device that was installed by the then-Inspector-General of Police office, Solomon Arase.
There was also the operation unit code-named Intelligence Response Team, IRT, (still in operation). The team monitored the kidnappers’ movements in real-time, with the information from the device, thereby helping them stay one step ahead.
This device also helped investigators analyze the locations and patterns of calls made by the kidnappers, the routes, and potential safe houses.
In addition, the device provided valuable evidence, such as call records, location data and communication patterns, to build a strong case against the kidnappers.
One such case was the arrest of five kidnappers of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae. He was taken captive by the herdsmen on September 21, 2015, during his 77th birthday.
In this case, five of the kidnappers came to pick up the N5 million ransom in Suleja, Niger State.
An officer’s eyewitness account
One of the senior police officers who effected the breakthrough told Vanguard “Immediately the kidnappers removed the SIM card used to negotiate, we knew where they were and intercepted them at the last bridge to Minna.
“The ransom money they collected was still in the boot and the SIM card. Five of them were arrested. The motorcycle they used to convey Chief Olu Falae was retrieved.
“The N5 million ransom was marked by the bank. They removed only N100,000 from it. The kidnappers were sentenced to life imprisonment.”
Asked what went wrong with the system put in place to monitor the locations of kidnappers and interception of calls for prompt arrest and rescue of abducted victims, the retired senior officer attributed it to the priority of successive Inspectors General of Police.
His words: “The priority of successive IGPs was quite different. Solomon Arase set up the platform when he was the IGP. It was a technical platform to track calls.
“It was mounted in the IGP’s office then and only one officer, who is now an AIG, had access to the technical platform.
“The Intelligence Response Team, IRT was supposed to be the operational wing that would work with the technical platform. When the technical team got information, it would pass it to IRT to go to the location and make an arrest. Drones and vehicles were bought for the operation.
“But successive IGPs who were analogues didn’t know what to do. They merged the technical platform and IRT. Instead of the platform being used for crime prevention, it became political.
“People in the National Assembly and Villa got hold of the platform and used it to track their enemies and mistresses.
“For such a platform, you don’t give both the technical and the operational units to just one person who would be compromised by politicians. That was the beginning of the collapse of the platform. It requires someone with power and intelligence; someone of a strategic level who is keen on that line.
“This platform was supposed to be renewed and hooked up with the service provider. But that was never the priority of successive IGPs.
“They had money to pay for the accumulated subscription but they refused to pay. When you leave such a system for more than one year, it requires recalibration. This technology keeps evolving.
“You can’t say something you set up today will be used the same way for 10 years without being upgraded. Before long, the system broke down, and the functionality of the Police tracking equipment began to diminish and subsequently went comatose.
The tracker, particularly, became non-functional due to non-subscription as well as failure to engage the relevant company to carry out required system upgrades.
“Due to the failure to pay subscription fees for about three years, and after a grace period had expired, the company overseeing its maintenance and upgrade decided to withdraw its services. This made it difficult to track bandits, kidnappers, and other forms of violent crimes.”
However, Saturday Vanguard gathered that the present IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, reactivated the tracking device.
However, despite its reactivation, in addition to the tracking devices of the DSS and Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, kidnappers are still having their way without being tracked in many parts of the country.
Two brothers have apprehended for for abducting and raping 14-year-old girl in Rivers State.
The duo were said to have committed the crime in Erima community in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State on Saturday.
The suspects, who are in their early 20s, were said to have waylaid and abducted the victim on a deserted alleyway while she was heading to her uncle’s residence.
The hoodlums are identified as ‘Honest’ and Okwukwe, according to PUNCH.
A community source who spoke in confidence with newsmen on the issue, said the girl’s mother became apprehensive when the teenager didn’t return from her uncle’s residence several hours later.
Unsettled by the situation, she immediately went to her elder brother’s house only to find out that her daughter did not even get there.
The source said the woman raised the alarm and started crying around the community and ran into a vigilante leading to the arrest of one of the suspects.
“It was then that the vigilant people started searching for the girl and saw that the brothers, after kidnapping her, took her to a house near a bush and took turns to rape her,” he said.
Speaking to our correspondent on Sunday, the Second in Command of the vigilantes known as the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee in Egi community, Onuigba Chinonye, said he was on a patrol with his men when they saw the distressed woman.
Chinonye explained, “I was on a patrol with some of my boys on Sunday morning when we met one woman crying that her 14-year-old daughter had been missing since Saturday.
“I asked the woman which area, and she told us where she was staying and where the girl was going before. So, we started investigating and through some good neighbours too, we found out where the girl was.
“When we went into the place, we saw two brothers, senior and junior, raping the little girl in an isolated compound near a bush.”
Continuing, the vigilante official said, “In the process of trying to arrest them, the senior one proved stubborn and tried to fight us.
“As my boys were dragging him, his junior brother ran away. So, we apprehended the elder and handed him over to the Egi Police Division Headquarters in Obite, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.
The spokesperson for the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing.
Iringe-Koko stated, “He (suspect) is in our custody and will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the Divisional Police Officer to ensure the arrest of the fleeing suspect for him to face the law.”
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed deep concern over the dire conditions faced by public sector retirees, revealing that some still receive as little as N500 per month in pensions.
Alhassan Musa, Secretary of the union in Kaduna State, described the situation as “pathetic,” highlighting that many retirees are living in precarious circumstances after years of dedicated service to the nation.
“The worst affected are pensioners in several Southern and oil-producing states, despite these regions receiving substantial allocations from the federation account,” Musa said. He noted that the situation in some Northern states and the FCT is relatively better, with monthly pensions ranging from N3,500 to N18,000.
However, Musa pointed out that only Kaduna State has implemented a N30,000 minimum pension, a policy introduced in 2020 under former Governor Nasir El-Rufa’i’s administration.
Musa emphasized the union’s call for a 50% pension increase to match the new N70,000 national minimum wage, noting that even under the Federal Government, some pensioners are still receiving just N10,000 per month. “We are hopeful that the Federal Government will ensure that no pensioner receives less than N70,000 monthly,” he added, stressing that pensioners deserve the same benefits as active workers.
Musa also raised concerns about the plight of retirees under the contributory pension scheme (CPS), stating, “Many who retired in the last decade are yet to receive their benefits. It is truly a distressing situation, not just in Kaduna but in other states and even at the federal level, where pensioners are suffering due to delayed remittances.”
Ahmad Muhammad Kabir, an undergraduate at the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA) in Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria, has admitted to providing logistical support and supplying firearms to terrorist groups operating in the region.
Kabir, a student of Geography and Regional Planning, was arrested while attempting to deliver a large cache of ammunition to bandits in Dutsinma.
During a video-recorded interrogation, he implicated fellow student Manir Musa as a collaborator in the illegal arms operation.
Kabir was apprehended on Saturday at a motor park in Dutsinma, Katsina State. He revealed to investigators that he had transported the ammunition from Nasarawa State, concealing it in sacks of guinea corn to avoid detection.
Originally from Kaduna, Kabir confessed to being a key logistics supplier for terrorist organizations. He also disclosed that he had moved to Dutsinma’s Hayin Danmani in the Igabi Local Government Area to pursue a university education at FUDMA.
When asked how he became involved with bandits, Kabir explained: “Two weeks ago, a friend from school, Manir Musa, told me to expect a call from someone that could earn me money. I agreed.
“I later received the call and was instructed to travel to Nasarawa State to bring in ammunition for a fee.
“I went to Lafiya, the state capital, where a man met me on the outskirts and handed me a sack of guinea corn with ammunition hidden inside.
“From there, I traveled to Abuja and boarded a commercial vehicle to Dutsinma.”
When questioned if he had ever met with the bandits in person, Kabir responded, “No, we only communicate by phone.”
Nigeria’s Falconets kicked off their 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea early Monday morning at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo, Colombia.
Exciting forward Flourish Sabastine netted the winning goal four minutes from time to hand the Falconets all the maximum points on offer.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to create clear chances. However, the Falconets started the second half with renewed vigour.
Imuran tried to set up Mary Nkpa for the opener, but the forward couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity. Imuran had another chance to score from a free-kick, but her effort sailed over the crossbar.
A moment of anxiety followed when goalkeeper Shukurat Bakare misjudged a free-kick, almost gifting South Korea a goal, but the Koreans failed to take advantage.
The Falconets continued to push for a breakthrough, and their persistence paid off in the 86th minute. Flourish Sabastine’s attempted cross turned into an unlikely goal, evading Korean goalkeeper Woo Seo-Bin to put Nigeria ahead.
Osigwe had a chance to double Nigeria’s lead in stoppage time but missed the target.
With this win, Nigeria join Germany atop Group D and will face the three-time World champions on Wednesday in a crucial match that could secure their progression to the next round.
The Germans were good value for the win in their first game as they smashed Venezuela in a 5-2 victory.
Bayer Leverkusen youngster Loreen Bender bagged a brace in a frantic first half that ended 4-1 in favour of the European giants.
Elsewhere, Spain U20 edged to a narrow 1-0 win over the United States while Paraguay forced a 2-0 defeat down the throat of Morocco.
Protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement are set to go on trial today in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, and Borno.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Intelligence, Dasuki Galadanchi, disclosed this at the just-ended Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The DIG revealed that 126 individuals, apprehended for waving the Russian flag and advocating for a regime change during the protest, will be charged to court today.
The protest, which spiraled into violence resulting in deaths and the looting of both public and private properties in various states, led to these arrests.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana is set to lead a team of lawyers in defending the protesters before Justice Emeka Nwite at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
These protesters were detained following a nationwide demonstration from August 1-10 against the hardship attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies on petrol subsidy removal and currency floatation.
Meanwhile, a group of detained protesters has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to overturn its earlier order allowing the police to detain them for two months.
On August 22, Justice Nwite granted the police’s request to remand 124 protesters for 60 days pending the conclusion of investigations.
Amnesty International Criticizes Trial as a Mockery of Justice
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the mass trials of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, calling it a travesty of justice and the rule of law.
The organization highlighted that over 1,000 protesters remain in custody nationwide and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) echoed this sentiment, urging the government to release the detained protesters without conditions.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, expressed deep concern that the upcoming trials would serve only to further the government’s agenda of punishing and demonizing peaceful protesters.
“We condemn the sham trials even before they began and call for an end to these endless bizarre attempts to deprive people of the right to peaceful protest. What is going to happen to these protesters, who took to the streets last month seeking good governance, is a disguised exercise solely aimed at punishing dissenters,” Sanusi said.
He called on the Nigerian authorities to release all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly and criticized the government for prioritizing the punishment of protesters over investigating the deaths and other violations that occurred during the protests.
“The Nigerian government has been wrongfully placing priority on punishing detained protesters, without saying even a word on the urgent need to investigate the killing of dozens of protesters across Kano, Katsina, Suleja/Tafa, Jigawa and Maiduguri. Many protesters were subjected to many other violations by security personnel, including excessive use of force,” Sanusi said.
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he ongoing petrol scarcity in Nigeria shows no signs of abating, with a $6 billion debt to fuel suppliers, liquidity challenges, and other factors severely hindering the Federal Government’s ability to maintain product importation.
Oil marketers have reported that the current exchange rate of $1,500 per dollar has driven the landing cost of petrol to over ₦1,100 per liter, making it nearly impossible for them to import the product.
As a result, the shortage continues to affect businesses and the broader economy.
The Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA) highlighted yesterday that the country’s economy remains under significant pressure due to fluctuations in the foreign exchange market, ongoing low crude oil production, and high monetary policy rates, all of which are constraining business activities.
Investigations by Vanguard revealed that stakeholders in the fuel supply chain have adopted strategies to maximize the distribution of the limited available supply.
Major marketers and depot owners reportedly obtain the product at around ₦560 per liter, selling it to independent marketers for between ₦670 and ₦680 per liter.
These independent marketers, who bear the cost of transportation to various parts of the country, sell petrol to consumers at prices ranging from ₦700 to ₦900 per liter, depending on the location.
Long queues were observed at the few filling stations that were operational yesterday, while many others remained closed due to a lack of product.
NNPC Admits Debt to Petrol Suppliers
In response to the worsening situation, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) acknowledged its significant debt to petrol suppliers, which it says is threatening the sustainability of fuel supply in the country.
According to NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, the company is actively working with government agencies and stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.
Soneye, stated: “NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers.
‘’This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.
‘’We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide.”
NNPC also disclosed that the total subsidy on petrol from August 2023 to December 2024 is projected to reach ₦5.4 trillion.
Despite the removal of the petrol subsidy in June 2023, which initially saved the federation ₦400 billion monthly, the company’s importation costs turned negative in August 2023, largely due to the devaluation of the naira.
Independent Marketers Struggle with Supply Access
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) expressed frustration over its members’ exclusion from direct bulk supply of petrol from NNPCL.
IPMAN’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Chinedu Ukadike, emphasized that without access to direct supply, the lingering fuel queues will persist.
Although petrol has started arriving at ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Lagos, IPMAN members have faced difficulties in accessing the product.
Ukadike explained that independent marketers have had to source petrol from private depot owners at high rates, further driving up the cost to consumers.
He also highlighted the increased cost of transporting petrol from coastal depots to inland locations like Abuja, which has risen from ₦500,000 to ₦3.5 million due to high diesel prices, truck maintenance, and poor road conditions.
Calls for Competitive Downstream Sector
Oil marketers have called for a reduction in the pump price of diesel to around ₦700 per liter to improve the distribution of petrol across the country.
President of the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), Benneth Korie Doi, suggested that NNPC leverage its stake in Dangote’s refinery to lower costs and create a more competitive downstream sector.
He argued that monopolies in the industry are detrimental and that a competitive environment is necessary for the healthy circulation of petroleum products.
Doi also praised Aliko Dangote’s contribution to the industry with the establishment of Nigeria’s largest refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day. He urged that Dangote’s refined products be distributed widely to ensure sustainable supply across the country.
Dangote Refinery Seen as Potential Solution
Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Joseph Ehimen, expressed hope that the Dangote Refinery could play a crucial role in ending the fuel shortage once it becomes fully operational.
He acknowledged the efforts by NNPCL to maintain refineries but stressed the need for expedited action to bring them online and alleviate the suffering caused by the limited supply of petrol.
Joseph Ehimen, said: “The sector was deregulated to bring about positive changes. But the changes have been wiped out because of this fuel shortage.
‘’Nigerians are suffering because of limited supply. As operators, we are also facing many problems, including the high cost of moving the product from the depots to the filling stations, maintenance cost and dues.
“We are aware of efforts by NNPC Ltd to maintain the refineries. We need to get them to work as quickly as possible. If all required arrangements are made, Dangote Refinery should be able to assist in ending the fuel shortage because of its huge 650,000 barrels per day capacity.”
Smart DNA, a leading DNA testing centre in Lagos, has released its comprehensive 2024 report on DNA testing trends in Nigeria, covering July 2023 to June 2024.
The report unveils several astonishing findings that shed light on societal dynamics, economic factors, and changing family structures in Nigeria.
The report, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday showed that paternity uncertainty remained high.
According to it, 27 per cent of paternity tests conducted came back negative, indicating that more than one in four men tested are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
It also showed Immigration Tests surge, indicating that the “Japa” trend was high.
The report noted a significant increase in DNA tests for immigration purposes, growing more than any other test type, as more Nigerians seek opportunities abroad.
The trend also suggested that a growing number of parents with dual citizenship were processing paperwork for their children’s emigration
On regional dominance, the report showed that Lagos dominated, a reflection of economic disparity.
An overwhelming 73.1 per cent of all DNA tests were conducted in Lagos, with a stark divide between Mainland (67.5 per cent) and Island (32.5 per cent).
This concentration highlighted the economic divide within Lagos and across Nigeria, raising questions about access to such services in other parts of the country.
It also showed that the Yoruba ethnic group accounted for 53 per cent of tests, followed by Igbo (31.3 per cent), with Hausa at only 1.20 per cent.
Commenting on the report, Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, said: “These findings offer a unique window into the changing dynamics of Nigerian families and society.
“The high rate of negative paternity tests and the surge in immigration-related testing are particularly noteworthy.
“They reflect broader societal trends that merit further discussion and research.
“The concentration of testing in Lagos also raises important questions about accessibility and awareness of DNA testing services across Nigeria.
“As a company, we’re committed to expanding access to our services nationwide while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and confidentiality,’’ she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statistics showed that most of the children tested were aged 0-five (54.0 per cent), suggesting a preference for early paternity confirmation.
Men aged 41+ (45.6 per cent) and 31-40 (37.0 per cent) were most likely to request tests, potentially reflective of economic capabilities or increased paternity concerns in older men.
Also, it indicated slight gender bias in Child Testing as more tests were conducted on male children (52.8 per cent) than female children (47.2 per cent), insinuating a a possible cultural preference for confirming paternity of male offspring.
According to the report, peace of mind dominates reasons for the DNA testings as the majority of tests (85.9 per cent) were conducted for ‘Peace of Mind’, rather than legal motivations
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board noted that 21 candidates with fake IJMB results were recommended for 2023 admissions by various institutions.
JAMB, in a policy document obtained by our correspondent in Abuja, noted that 12 out of the 21 candidates were recommended by the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
“JAMB discovered that 21 candidates who paraded fake IJMB results were recommended during the 2023 admission. They were not approved.
“Twelve of the recommendations were by ABU, Zaria – what an audacious attitude. Recommendations were possible because certificate screening was done after
Registration, Five institutions were involved in the recommendations; JAMB insists that all certificates must have the signature of the Head of the institution (VC/Provost/Rector).”
Sunday PUNCH reports that JAMB in 2021 unveiled the Nigerian Post-Secondary Education Data System verification platform for the verification of IJMB and JUPEB results.
The unveiling followed professional operation undertaken by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education on irregularities and faking of results as contained in a recent statement by the ICPC about the irregularities in JUPEB Board IJMB examination results, said such must be nipped in the bud.
JAMB, in a bulletin, said it had become necessary for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board as a moderator of the two examinations, to take appropriate action and put a stop to the unacceptable happenings.
“These proactive measures as well as others that are in the pipeline, are to ensure that the gains recorded in the education sector, especially the examination sub-sector over the years, are not eroded by unscrupulous individuals who do not mean well for Nigeria,” JAMB stated
Napoli manager Antonio Conte has reiterated that Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is no longer part of the club’s plans and will not be reintegrated into the first team, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen was expected to leave the Partenopei during the transfer window after the striker requested to leave.
The Lagos-born emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, having been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others, following impressive seasons with Napoli.
Despite his desire to leave the club, the Nigerian striker’s anticipated move to Stamford Bridge fell through, leaving him in a limbo as the transfer window closed on Friday.
While Chelsea were the most likely destination for Osimhen, Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli also emerged as a potential destination. They even reportedly agreed on terms with Napoli for the transfer, but the deal fell apart when the Italian side asked for a further €5m in addition to the agreed €80m transfer fee.
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Conte remains adamant that neither Osimhen nor other players would be reintegrated in the team despite their inability to strengthen the squad as envisaged.
“Some issues blocked it; perhaps if we had unlocked that [Osimhen] situation, we would have completed the team differently and earlier,” Conte said at a post-match press conference on Saturday.
“The club made an effort, and I must be happy with it.”
“I’m sorry about what happened. I’m sorry for Osimhen. I’m sorry for the club that didn’t monetize. I am sorry for myself because we didn’t complete the team as we wanted, but the club proved to be consistent in this situation,” continued Conte.
“Coherence is the starting point when it comes to respecting the rules. The club proved consistent, so I praise them for this attitude.”
Conte insists that the club were consistent in dealing with Osimhen and other players not in the team.
“No, this is the team. This is the group,” he added.
“We made decisions. I mentioned coherence before. Those who are not consistent don’t respect the rules. I repeat, respect to the club. The president proved consistent despite losing important money—credit where credit is due. The club were consistent, knowing that if the situation had been unlocked earlier, we would all have been advantaged. As I said, we’ve started rebuilding. Good players arrived. They were on the table. It took us time to understand and think about it, but we signed them, and I am happy. We didn’t do everything, and it’s okay, but I think the club did well.”
With no immediate transfer on the horizon and Napoli’s firm stance on Osimhen’s exclusion from the squad, the Super Eagles striker finds himself in a challenging position.
The 25-year-old striker, who had been one of the most sought-after talents in European football, now faces an uncertain future at least until January, when the transfer window reopens.
However, the Saudi Arabian transfer window remains open until September 2 (today), while the Turkish Super Lig window is open until September 13, which means that the Nigerian could still save himself from getting stuck at Naples until January.