NEWS
Asari Dokubo Exposes Culprits Behind Oil Theft In Nigeria
Mujahid Asari Dokubo, a well-known figure in the Niger Delta region and former agitator, claimed that the majority of oil theft incidents occurring in the oil-rich area can be attributed to the Nigerian Army and Navy.
He disclosed this in a statement following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Friday.
He said “The military is at the centre of oil theft and we have to make this very clear to the Nigerian public that 99 per cent of oil theft can be traced to the Nigerian military, the Army and the Navy especially”
Dokubo expressed his intention to collaborate with the Federal Government in eradicating oil theft, expressing confidence in the Tinubu-led administration’s ability to identify and apprehend the individuals involved within the military.
During his discussion with the President on Friday, Dokubo highlighted the pressing issues of oil theft and security, which formed the central topics of their nearly two-hour conversation.
This discussion comes in the wake of alarming statistics recently disclosed by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
According to their findings, Nigeria experienced a loss of 619.7 million barrels of crude oil, valued at N16.25tn, to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020.
Additionally, the agency’s latest policy brief titled “The cost of fuel subsidy: A case for policy review” revealed that the country has spent an estimated N13tn ($74 billion) on fuel subsidies from 2005 to 2021.
Dokubo said “Myself and my brothers have assured the President that there will be zero oil theft and vandalization in the Niger Delta.
We’re going to walk with an NPPCL and the IOCs to make sure that oil tapped is brought to zero.
On security, he faulted the narrative that the military was underequipped to take on terrorism, banditry and militancy head-on, describing it as “blackmail.”
“The blackmail of the Nigerian state by the Nigerian military is shameful. They said they do not have enough armament and people listen to these false narratives. So this blackmail must end. They have enough resources to fight.”
He argued that the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, would not ease the tensions in the South-East. Rather, it would fuel impunity.
“During EndSars, Nnamdi Kanu was walking free. What did he do? He poured petrol on the flames of EndSars. Now, he has been caught. What of the people who have died? This is a criminal. He should face the law.
“Releasing Nnamdi Kanu is rewarding criminality and rewarding gruesome murder of innocent people. He should face the law for the actions and instigations he has carried out.”
Friday’s meeting between President Bola Tinubu and Mujahid Asari Dokubo is part of the President’s ongoing efforts to engage with influential figures and opinion leaders from the Niger Delta region.
This meeting follows previous engagements with notable personalities such as Timi Alaibe, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, and Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, which took place last week.
During the President’s initial meeting with Security Chiefs on June 1, he issued a directive to the military and other security agencies to take decisive action against oil theft.
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.
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.
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.
NGO Empowers 180 Market Women In Akwa Ibom
Steve Cooper Dismissed As Leicester Manager
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Adamawa Courts Jail Twelve Internet Fraudsters
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
