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![[PRESS RELEASE] POMR makes some changes as Dr Tanko leads the Obidient Movement](/media/k2/items/cache/d0ce83bfb24addb24f5d108e15e26d72_L.jpg)
The Peter Obi Media Reach, POMR, wishes to inform members of the public, especially media operatives, of some minor changes in the media reach personnel.
The Spokesman of POMR, who was also the chief Spokesperson of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign, Dr Yunusa Tanko, is leaving his position for another huge challenge.
Dr Tanko has been appointed the interim National Coordinator of the Obedient Movement. A job that will see him coordinate the activities of the Obedient Movement nationally and internationally.
Recall that the Obedient Movement, a quasi-political movement that was created in 2023 during the electioneering, reflects the philosophy and dreams of our Principal, Peter Obi, whose members are drawn from across all political parties and non-politicians as well as from within the country and in Diasporas who are desiring a new Nigeria that is Possible.
Dr Tanko will be replaced in POMR by Mallam Ibrahim Umar another versatile Obidient that is as hungry as Dr Tanko for a new Nigeria.
We, therefore, appeal to members of the public to cooperate with these Nigerians in their new endeavour as we continue the struggle towards dismantling the gang of political criminals holding our dear nation hostage. New Nigeria is Possible.
Signed
Ibrahim Umar.
POMR Spokesman
September 7, 2024
Obi, in a statement via his account on the X platform, said he is pained by the loss of lives caused by the accident.
Recall Naija News had reported that no fewer than thirty (30) people died in a tragic explosion involving a fuel tanker on the Agaie-Bida Road in Niger State on Sunday morning.
The tanker collided with a trailer transporting cattle en route to Lagos State from Wudil, Kano State.
Reacting to the incident, Peter Obi described it as disheartening and unfortunate. He also sent condolences to the families of those involved in the accident as well as a similar one which occurred in Oyo State.
The former Anambra State Governor also appreciated the intervention of the emergency agencies that responded to the accident.
“I have just read the disheartening reports of the deadly tanker explosion which occurred today at Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State where no fewer than 30 human lives were lost and about 50 cattle burnt.
“This unfortunate incident is occurring less than 24 hours after a similar tanker explosion caused serious damages in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Saturday. I am pained by the loss of human lives, and other means of livelihood in the two tragic events.
“I thank the safety and emergency agencies that arrived the scene for search and rescue operations.
“I sincerely condole with all the affected families who lost their loved ones to this tragedy. I equally commiserate with the government and people of Niger and Oyo States over this tragic occurrence. May God comfort them, and all of us, who share in the pains of this sad incidents in our nation.
“I pray God Almighty to forgive the sins of the dead and grant them eternal rest, and grant quick and full recovery to the injured. -PO”
[NaijaNews]
Let The Contractors Handling The Rehabilitation Of The Nation's Refineries Speak Out - Femi Falana
Admin
Before the end of his tenure in 2007, former President Olusegun Obasanjo sold two of the nation's four refineries at a paltry sum of $751 million to a local consortium. Many concerned citizens, including the workers in the oil industry, kicked against the illegal privatisation of the two refineries.
President Umaru Yaradua probed the sale and found that the sale was singlehandedly carried out by former President Obasanjo in utter breach of the provisions of the Privatisation and Commercialization Act. Consequently, the sale of the two refineries was cancelled and set aside in the national interest.
Former President Mohammadu Buhari resisted the pressure of neoliberal ideologues in and outside his government to sell the four refineries as scraps. Based on the advice of patriotic forces, the Federal Executive Council approved the rehabilitation of the two refineries in Port Harcourt for the sum of $1.5 billion.
In line with the terms of the contract awarded in March 2021 to an Italian company, Tecnimont SPA, the rehabilitation of the 210,000-barrel capacity refineries was required to be carried out in three phases of 18, 24 and 44 months. In particular, the first phase of the contract was to be completed in 18 months, which would take the refinery to a production of 90 per cent of its nameplate capacity.
Furthermore, on August 6, 2022, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of Warri and Kaduna refineries to the Italian company Saipem for US$1.5bn. The installed capacities of Warri and Kaduna refineries are 125,000 bbl/d and 110,000 bbl/d, respectively. The project was required to be completed in three phases of 21, 23, and 33 months.
The two contractors that are said to be international experts in refinery maintenance and rehabilitation have not been allowed to explain the breach of the $2.9 billion contracts. Instead of calling the contractors to order for embarrassing the Federal Government, the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari has been shifting the dates for the completion of the rehabilitation of the four refineries.
Let Tecnimont SPA and Saipem speak out!
Instead of relying solely on the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited to solve the crisis of fuel scarcity and hike in the pump price of PMS, the federal government should ensure that the September date for the completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries of 445,000-barrel capacity is not further shifted. If the contractors fail to honour the new completion date, the federal government should not hesitate to sue them for a serial breach of the contracts.
Let the public refineries and private refineries, including the Dangote Refinery, flood the market with refined petroleum products including PMS.
When that happens, there will be no justification for the incessant hike in the pump price of PMS.
Femi Falana SAN,
The Chair,
Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB)
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to use his "leadership position and good offices to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the apparently illegal and unconstitutional increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets".
SERAP urged him to "direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies "to probe the allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, including the spending of the reported $300 million 'bailout funds' collected from the Federal Government in August 2024, and the $6 billion debt it owes suppliers, despite allegedly failing to remit oil revenues to the treasury."
SERAP said, "Suspected perpetrators of alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any proceeds of corruption should be fully recovered."
In an open letter dated 7 September 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: "The increase in petrol price constitutes a fundamental breach of constitutional guarantees and the country's international human rights obligations.
"Nigerians have for far too long been denied justice and the opportunity to get to the bottom of why they continue to pay the price for corruption in the oil sector."
The letter further reads: "Rather than pursuing public policies to address the growing poverty and inequality in the country, and holding the NNPC to account for the alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, your government seems to be punishing the poor.
"The increase in petrol price has rendered already impoverished citizens incapable of satisfying their minimum needs for survival.
"The increase is not inevitable, as it stems from the persistent failure of successive governments to address allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector and the impunity of suspected perpetrators.
"Corruption in the oil sector and the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds to support the operations of the NNPC have resulted in persistent and unlawful hike in petrol prices.
"Holding the NNPC to account for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would serve legitimate public interests.
"The increase is causing immense hardship to those less well-off. We are concerned that as the economic situation in Nigeria deteriorates, the increase in petrol price is pushing people further into poverty.
"We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest."
SERAP noted that the “government has a legal obligation to mobilize the maximum of the country's available resources to ensure people's socio-economic rights and to protect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged Nigerians".
"Your government also has the legal obligations to probe and prosecute allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC, and to ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims of corruption," it said.
"Investigating and prosecuting allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector would be entirely consistent with the Nigerian Constitution, and the country's international anti-corruption obligations."
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited recently increased the price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, across its retail outlets.
SERAP said, "The price of the product increased to N855 per litre, from about N600, and in some instances above N900 per litre. The apparently unlawful increase in petrol price followed a scarcity caused by the reported refusal by suppliers to import petroleum products for the NNPCL over a $6 billion debt.
"The NNPC reportedly failed to remit USD$2.04 billion and N164 billion of oil revenues into the public treasury, as documented in the recently published 2020 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation."
President Bola Tinubu is on the verge of a significant cabinet reshuffle this week, a move aimed at revitalizing his administration with new perspectives and energies.
A high-ranking source close to the presidency disclosed to the Sunday Tribune that this decision is intended to address the stagnant performance issues that have marred the current cabinet’s tenure.
The president, fresh from his trip to China, is reportedly planning to finalize the dissolution before he departs for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
This timing suggests a strategic clearing of the deck, enabling him to engage on the international stage unencumbered by domestic political uncertainties.
Criticism of several ministers’ performances has not gone unnoticed by the presidency.
“President Tinubu is not satisfied with the performances of a number of his ministers and is determined to show them the exit door,” the source revealed, indicating that a new list of candidates is already prepared to take over the soon-to-be-vacant posts.
Speculations about whether the recent resignation of the presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, was linked to the impending cabinet overhaul were dismissed by insiders.
The source clarified that Ngelale’s departure was unrelated to the broader administrative changes.
Intriguingly, the reshuffle may see the return of familiar faces, as a former minister from the Buhari administration is rumored to be among those considered for a ministerial role.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, has expressed confidence of winning the 2027 presidential election.
Kwankwaso, who was the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, made the outburst on Saturday when he inaugurated the NNPP Secretariat, along IBB Way, Katsina.
The former Kano State Governor was in Katsina for a condolence visit to the Yar’Adua family over the death of their matriarch, Hajiya Dada.
He said that the party was ready to take over the presidency, states and other positions across the country come 2027.
According to him, the party was heading towards success in the 2027 general elections.
“I wish to remind you that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already dead, because we were in the party, since they have gone out of the line, we decided to check out,” he stated.
The Kwankwasiyya leader urged Nigerians, particularly women and youths not to allow themselves to be ‘deceived with spaghetti or money during the next elections.’
Kwankwaso also called on the party’s leaders to redouble their commitment towards the success of the party in the state and the country as a whole.
He commended them and other stakeholders in the state for renovating the state secretariat, saying that it is part of preparations towards success.
Also speaking, the NNPP state Chairman, Alhaji Armaya’u Abdulkadir, said the party was doing everything possible to enlighten the electorate on the party’s new logo.
According to him, the new logo is symbolising education for all, which is the most concerned area of the Kwankwasiyya leader.
He said, ”There is the need for the party to embark on grassroots sensitisation to inform the members on the importance of the new logo.”
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has promised to patronize Dangote Refinery when the organization starts selling petrol to members of the public.
The National President of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, who made this known on Saturday, added that the marketers are ready to buy from Dangote irrespective of the price the refinery fixes for its product as long as the organization is ready to do business with its members.
“Whatever the case, if Dangote starts selling his product, we are going to patronise him; if at all he wants to do business with us.
“We are ready to buy at any price because the NNPC is saying that they don’t want to involve themselves in fixing prices. So, at any price that he wants to sell, we are ready to buy and discharge and sell at a good price,” he told Punch.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clarified its stance regarding the recent accusations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which suggested that NNPC’s actions were undermining the operations of Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL).
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, the company refuted claims that changes in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering competitive prices.
NNPC emphasized that it is not the sole buyer of petroleum products in Nigeria and that the market remains open for competitive pricing from any local refinery, including DRL.
They reiterated that the pricing of products from any refinery, including DRL, is determined by global market forces, and current high prices present an opportunity for local refineries to sell at lower rates.
The company also dismissed the claim that it is the sole offtaker of products from DRL, stating that domestic refineries are free to sell directly to any marketer on a “willing buyer, willing seller” basis.
The NNPC assured the public that they hold no exclusive rights to distribute Dangote Refinery’s products and that their role in the market remains transparent and competitive.
Fintech companies, including OPay, Moniepoint and others, have started notifying their customers of plans to begin deduction of N50 Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) from every inflow of N10,000 and above received by their customers with effect from tomorrow, September 9.
According to the fintech companies, this deduction followed a directive by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
This mandatory deduction brings to an end the era of free banking services that some of the fintechs provide, though the charges are remitted to the federal government.
The free banking services had made these fintech companies attractive to the members of the public, especially small and medium-scale business owners, students, and the downtrodden.
The regulations provide for a one-off levy of N50 on the recipient of any electronic receipts or transfers of N10,000 or above. For equivalent receipts or transfers carried out in other currencies, the levy will be charged at the exchange rates determined by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In December 2023, the FIRS directed deposit money banks to deduct and remit Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) on foreign currency (FCY) transactions going forward. Within the first five months of this year, a total of N78.95bn was accrued to the government from the N50 levy imposed on electronic bank transfers.
In recent times, the Electronic Money Transfer Levy has become an integral part of Nigeria’s tax system. This levy is, among others, primarily designed to generate revenue for the government. The Finance Act, 2019 amended various subsets of the existing tax and fiscal legislation at the time, including the Stamp Duty Act (SDA).
The Finance Act, of 2023 stipulates that revenue accruing by the operation of EMTL shall be distributed to the three tiers of government based on derivation with the federal government receiving 15 per cent; state governments receiving 50 per cent and the local governments receiving 35 per cent of the EMTL realised.
The regulations mandate the receiving bank to collect and remit the levy to the FIRS by the next working day after the transaction date or on such other date as prescribed by the FIRS.
In addition, the receiving bank is required to deduct the levy from the amount payable if the receiver is a walk-in customer who does not have an account with the bank.
[PRESS RELEASE] NNPC Ltd Not the Sole Offtaker; Market Open to Lower Prices from Any Domestic Refinery
Admin![[PRESS RELEASE] NNPC Ltd Not the Sole Offtaker; Market Open to Lower Prices from Any Domestic Refinery](/media/k2/items/cache/65a1d66e35c59f54c3298d382fcb0d69_S.jpg?t=20240907_142210)
The attention of the NNPC Ltd has been drawn to a press release by the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, which claims that the Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL) is being undermined by actions of the Nigerian
National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). Specifically, MURIC asserts that recent changes to the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower
prices and that NNPC Ltd has become the sole offtaker of all products from the refinery.
To set the records straight, NNPC Ltd wishes to further state as follows:
- The pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery Ltd (DRL), is determined by global market forces.
The recent changes in PMS prices have no impact on the DRL or any other domestic refinery's access to the Nigerian market. In fact, if current prices are perceived as high, it presents an ideal opportunity
for the refinery to sell its products at lower prices in the Nigerian market.
- Furthermore, we emphasize that there is no guarantee of lower prices associated with domestic refining compared to any global parity pricing framework, as confirmed by the DRL. The NNPC Ltd will only fully offtake PMS from the DRL if the market prices of PMS are higher than the pump prices in Nigeria. The DRL and any other domestic refinery are free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, which is the current practice for all fully deregulated products. NNPC Ltd has no desire or intention to become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment, and therefore, the notion of becoming a sole offtaker does not arise.
- The NNPC Ltd cannot undermine a business in which it holds a billion dollar stake. 4. As an advocacy group for fair and just treatment, MURIC should have verified the facts before making statements that are entirely flawed and has the potential to incite ordinary Nigerians against the NNPC Ltd.
Olufemi Soneye
Chief Corporate Communications Officer
NNPC Ltd
President Bola Tinubu has expressed his commitment to replicate China’s infrastructure in Nigeria, following his visit to China.
He made this known during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community in Beijing.
Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement, that his discussion with President Xi Jinping and participation at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, green economy, and mining.
He emphasised the need for innovative teaching methods and a flourishing business environment.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians in China to be good ambassadors and represent Nigeria positively.
He stressed the importance of discipline and commitment to national service, citing China’s disciplined society as an example.
“I cannot tell you more, except from the embassy, that China is a disciplined society and we have to be disciplined too. Without discipline and commitment, we cannot build a nation that is respected everywhere in the world.
“We must exploit our diversity and be ready to do everything required of us within the laws of the communities that we live in and reflect a good image of our country,” the President said.
The President assured Nigerians in Diaspora that the Bank of Industry was prepared to collaborate with them to leverage opportunities in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the impact of investments in China’s economy and the need for bold decisions to drive Nigeria’s prosperity.
Dr Oche Barnabas, President of NIDO China, commended President Tinubu for strengthening Nigeria-China relations.
He requested the President’s assistance in advocating for Nigeria to be officially recognised as a native English-speaking nation, which would open up job and educational opportunities for Nigerians in China.
The Chairman of NIDO China pledged the organisation’s continued support for President Tinubu’s administration and efforts to elevate Nigeria’s global standing.
More...
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has approved 20,000 dollars each for eligible Bureau de Change (BDCs) at the rate of N1,580 to a dollar.
This is according to a statement issued by Dr Williams Kanaya, the acting director, Trade and Exchange Department of the apex bank.
“This is to inform the BDC operators and the general public that we are providing more liquidity into the market.
“To this end, the CBN has approved the sale of 20,000 dollars to each eligible BDC operators at the rate of N1,580/dollar. This is to meet the demand for invisible transactions.
“All BDCs are allowed to sell to eligible end-users at a margin not more than one per cent above the purchase rate from CBN.
“Eligible BDCs interested in this transaction are directed to make the Naira payment to the CBN deposit account numbers with them,” he said.
He said that payment confirmation and all necessary documentation for disbursement are to be submitted at the appropriate CBN branches in Abuja, Awka, Kano, and Lagos for collection of the 20,000.00 dollars. (NAN)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clarified its stance regarding the recent accusations by the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), which suggested that NNPC’s actions were undermining the operations of Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL).
According to a statement issued on Saturday by Olufemi Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, the company refuted claims that changes in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering competitive prices.
NNPC emphasized that it is not the sole buyer of petroleum products in Nigeria and that the market remains open for competitive pricing from any local refinery, including DRL.
They reiterated that pricing of products from any refinery, including DRL, is determined by global market forces, and current high prices present an opportunity for local refineries to sell at lower rates.
The company also dismissed the claim that it is the sole offtaker of products from DRL, stating that domestic refineries are free to sell directly to any marketer on a “willing buyer, willing seller” basis.
The NNPC assured the public that they hold no exclusive rights to distribute Dangote Refinery’s products and that their role in the market remains transparent and competitive.
The company statement reads: “The attention of the NNPC Ltd has been drawn to a press release by the Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, which claims that the Dangote Refinery Limited (DRL) is being undermined by actions of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). Specifically, MURIC asserts that recent changes to the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) will prevent the Dangote Refinery from offering lower prices and that NNPC Ltd. has become the sole offtaker of all products from the refinery.
“To set the records straight, NNPC Ltd. wishes to further state as follows:
“1. The pricing of petroleum products from any refinery, including the Dangote Refinery Ltd. (DRL), is determined by global market forces. The recent changes in PMS prices have no impact on the DRL or any other domestic refinery’s access to the Nigerian market. In fact, if current prices are perceived as high, it presents an ideal opportunity for the refinery to sell its products at lower prices in the Nigerian market.
“2. Furthermore, we emphasize that there is no guarantee of lower prices associated with domestic refining compared to any global parity pricing framework, as confirmed by the DRL. The NNPC Ltd. will only fully offtake PMS from the DRL if the market prices of PMS are higher than the pump prices in Nigeria. The DRL and any other domestic refinery are free to sell directly to any marketer on a willing buyer, willing seller basis, which is the current practice for all fully deregulated products. NNPC Ltd. has no desire or intention to become the distributor for any entity in a free market environment, and therefore, the notion of becoming a sole offtaker does not arise.
“3. The NNPC Ltd. cannot undermine a business in which it holds a billion-dollar stake.
“4. As an advocacy group for fair and just treatment, MURIC should have verified the facts before making statements that are entirely flawed and has the potential to incite ordinary Nigerians against the NNPC Ltd.”
The Edo State Government has announced an indefinite postponement of resumption of all schools in the state over the hike in fuel price.
The government announced this in a memo by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Ojo Akin-Longe, in Benin on Saturday.
The permanent secretary said the resumption, scheduled for Sept. 9, was postponed until further notice.
Neighbor recounts how woman abused 12 years old niece, burnt her with hot knife and forced.....
“The Edo State Government hereby announces the postponement of the resumption of all public and private schools in Edo State, originally scheduled for Monday, 9th September 2024, until further notice.
“An official statement from the government has directed that schools remain closed due to the tension arising from the recent increase in fuel prices and the challenges faced by parents and guardians.
“The government urges parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor the activities of their children and wards closely, given the current situation and the rising tension caused by the fuel price hike,” Akin-Longe said.
(NAN)
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has commenced an indefinite leave of absence attributed to pressing family medical challenges.
In a statement on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he had submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of the development.
The leave will affect his roles not only as the President Tinubu’s spokesperson but also as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
Ngelale described the decision as “agonizing,” saying it was made after extensive consultations with his family over the past several days.
He cited a “vexatious medical situation” that has worsened at home as the primary reason for his leave.
“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home,” he wrote.
The president’s spokesman expressed his intention to return to work when circumstances permit, saying, “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.”
Ngelale requested privacy for himself and his family during the challenging period.
The leave comes amid President Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to China where the Nigerian leader has held discussions with President Xi Jinping and participated at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit.
[thewhistler]