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Adeleke’s Spokesman Tackles Omokri

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The row between Dele Momodu and Reno Omokri has begun spreading, with Osun State throwing her hat into the ring.

Osun has put out a statement asserting that Omokri’s tale was not factual, and ‘laced with inaccuracies’.

Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke,
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, made a strong response to Omokri in a statement share on the verified handle on X, on Friday, July 19, 2024.

Rasheed encouraged Omokri to research well, so that he would not be feeding his followers with “lie from the pit of hell”.

ALSO READ: Message To Tinubu: Momodu Bombs Busybody Reno

Recall that Omokri rose in defence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after Momodu penned an arousing open letter  to the president.

Omokri had devoted portion of his to counselling Momodu to advise his friend, Gov Adeleke.

Rasheed wrote, “Dear Reno Omokri (@renoomokri)

“I read your post on Aree Dele Momodu and his writings on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State. Your piece is, however, laced with inaccuracies especially with respect to the state of staff salary and pension in Osun state.

“Extracts from your post that verges on fake news read as follows: “However, in Osun State, we read reports of half salaries, workers being owed, and other incidents of hardship on the state workers. This is despite the fact that federal allocation to Osun State has increased by at least 45% under the current administration”

“Above is a lie from the pit of hell

“A little research would have assisted you to know the true state of pensions and half salaries that were inherited by Governor Adeleke. For your information, the Government of Governor Adeleke inherited about Fifty Six Billion Naira (N56 Billion) in pension debt and almost Thirty Billion naira (N30 Billion) in half salary debt from the previous APC state government.

“From November 2022 till today, Governor Adeleke embarked on systematic payment of the inherited half salary debt with six months already paid.

“For the pension debt, Governor Adeleke has paid about Twelve Billion and Five Hundred Million Naira (N12.5 billion) in the last one and half year compared to Eleven Billion Naira plus (N11.7 Billion) paid under the 12 years of APC government in Osun State.

“Aside from gradual payment of the inherited pension and half salary debt, Governor Adeleke has ensured regular and consistent payment of monthly salary and allowances of the state workers since he assumed office.

“The Governor’s records on workers’ welfare so excited the public service unions that they gave him an award for the most Humane Governor in Osun history in December 2023. You may want to know that the first item on Governor Adeleke’s Five Point Agenda is Workers’ Welfare.

“Where you got your concoction of workers being owed salaries under Governor Adeleke is therefore puzzling. As much as I don’t want to accuse you of peddling fake news, I believe you failed to properly plan your response to Aree Momodu, hence your allusion to a non-existing wage crisis in Osun state. You owe the public and even your followers the responsibility to post truths, not baseless accusations against a performing Governor.

“And if I may comment on why many media friends write so much about Osun, it is simply because they see with fact checks the rapid progress Osun is making under Governor Adeleke. The administration enjoys so much support from the media not because of the heavy purse but rather due to professional media coverage which clearly reflects the tireless efforts of the dancing performing Governor to take Osun to new heights.”

 

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

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