NEWS
Pastor Bakare, El Rufai Devastated by PMB’s Failure
Serving Overseer, the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Pastor Tunde Bakare, has explained that former President Muhammadu Buhari left him almost heartbroken, for which he needs time to recover.
He revealed that the level shortcomings of the Buhari presidency has left those close to him, including former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai in shock for which they will need time to recover.
According to the pastor, politician, disclosed at a webinar on Saturday that his visit to Buhari at Aso Rock last week left him downcast for which, “I need time to encourage myself in the Lord, my God.”
He was so dejected that he had to turn down an invitation by the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, to inaugurate a road in the state.
The fiery cleric and politician felt it was his place to state the naked truth, “I didn’t go, I wasn’t there.”
He made the assertions before delivering his speech on the Zoom programme titled ‘Building the New Nigeria: The Role of the Diaspora’ organised by the PTB4Nigeria In Diaspora Group.
He said, “They wanted me to come and commission some road in Kaduna with my name written boldly on it. I see the road here, Isa Kaita Road, and they wrote on it (that) it was commissioned by Pastor Tunde Bakare on Friday, May 26, 2023. I wanted to share with you that I didn’t go, I wasn’t there.”
He read out a message he sent to El-Rufai through WhatsApp on Thursday explaining why he would not make it to the programme.
“Good morning, hope you had a good night’s rest. Sorry, I missed your call, I slept late last night, so I just got home. I would like to sincerely appeal to you to please release me from commissioning any road tomorrow (Friday).
“I’m so discouraged after I met with the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), last night. I need time to encourage myself in the Lord my God.
“I’m not in the mood to discuss the cumulative effect of the past 13 years on me (2010 to 2013).
“I thank God for sparing my life and seeing me through it all. My confidence is in God alone and by his grace I will surely bounce back, and by his intervention, whichever way, Nigeria will still work in my lifetime,” he said.
According to him, he was still grateful to have been deemed worthy of the invitation, “though last minute, to commission one of the many roads constructed in Kaduna during your tenure as governor.”
Bakare went ahead to reveal that Gov El-Rufai responded thus, “Na wa o, my Oga, what has he done to push you even to this state of mind? I’m sorry, sir, I understand if you’re unable to make it, we’re all struggling with the heartbreak of PMB.”
Bakare said he was not disappointed at all. “I know what God has said,” he added.
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine
“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result
Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.