Connect with us

NEWS

JUST IN: NNPC Ltd Disclaims Video Of Adulterated Fuel Sold in Bottles, Jerrycans

Published

on

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has distanced itself from a video clip showing someone pouring blackish liquid content,  purportedlypurchased from one of its retail outlets.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., Olufemi Soneye, made the clarification in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

He was explicit that “That NNPC Retail Ltd. does not deal in adulterated products”, in the statement.

ALSO READ: BP, Trafigura, Vitol Lead Global Offtake Of Dangote’s Refined Products

“That we have carried out spot checks at all our outlets and found this claim to be false. The product was not, and could not have been bought from any NNPC Retail outlet as the company does not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans as displayed in the video,” he added.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has been drawn to the video clip of someone pouring a dark liquid which he claims to be Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) purportedly bought from an NNPC Retail outlet at Keffi Flyover, and wishes to state as follows:

“That we have carried out spot checks at all our outlets and found this claim to be false. The product was not, and could not have been bought from any NNPC Retail outlet as the company does not dispense petroleum products into bottles or jerrycans as displayed in the video.

“That NNPC Retail Ltd. does not deal in adulterated products as it adheres to rigorous standards and quality control measures at every stage in its operations to ensure that only high-quality, safe, and reliable petroleum products are available at its stations nationwide.

“That members of the public should discountenance the spurious claims made in the video and be wary of selfish and unpatriotic elements pushing such narrative as they do not mean well for the country.

“That we take pride in maintaining accurate pump integrity with regular inspection and calibration to ensure consistency across our stations nationwide.”

 

NEWS

Ex-UN Envoy Warns Of New Cold War Threatening Africa’s Unity

Published

on

Renowned diplomat and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari, has raised alarms over the looming threat of a new Cold War that could fracture Africa along geopolitical lines.

Speaking at the Realnews Magazine Annual Lecture in Lagos, Gambari urged African leaders to urgently reposition the continent amidst intensifying global power struggles.

The lecture, themed “Africa in World Shifting Geopolitics: Matters Arising on Demography, Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Natural Resources,” explored Africa’s strategic role in a rapidly evolving international system.

READ ALSO: I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO

Gambari cautioned that without proactive measures, Africa risks being sidelined or exploited in the unfolding global order.

Africa: Battleground in a New Power Struggle

Describing the increasing militarisation by major global powers, Gambari painted a picture of fierce competition for control over Africa’s resources and strategic locations.

He noted that the proliferation of foreign military bases across the continent is evidence of this struggle.

“A relentless militarisation is taking place across the world—from the Atlantic to the Pacific, the Arctic to the Antarctic,” Gambari said. “Rich in natural resources and strategically located, Africa has become a key battleground in this global power struggle.”

He cited Djibouti as a stark example of Africa’s strategic importance.

The country, located near the Red Sea, hosts both the United States’ only permanent base on the continent, Camp Lemonnier, and China’s first overseas military installation.

Gambari warned that the presence of such bases represents more than security interests, suggesting echoes of colonial ambitions aimed at controlling Africa’s wealth and arable land.

“The seaboard of Africa is already dotted with military bases operated by various powers,” Gambari observed. “The continent is once again at the center of a scramble as the new Cold War intensifies.”

The Return of Zero-Sum Geopolitics

Gambari also highlighted the resurgence of zero-sum geopolitics, where nations compete for influence at the expense of others.

He noted that China and Russia are emerging as dominant players in Africa, with China leveraging infrastructure projects and debt relief, while Russia offers weapons and military support.

“These actions signal a destabilising competition for influence,” Gambari said, adding that traditional powers like France, Germany, India, and the UK are also expanding their presence on the continent.

“The age of zero-sum geopolitics is back, with all its destabilising consequences for African countries,” he said.

Unlocking Africa’s Potential Amid Challenges

Despite the geopolitical rivalry, Gambari emphasized that Africa’s youthful and growing population provides a significant opportunity for the continent to assert its influence globally.

He urged African leaders to invest in education, innovation, and youth-driven initiatives to harness this demographic dividend.

“With well over a billion people and an overwhelmingly youthful population, the African continent is destined for a significant role in the demographics of the world,” Gambari said.

“But we must build national and regional strategies to leverage the energy, innovative acumen, and futuristic vision of our young people.”

Gambari warned that without these strategies, Africa’s demographic advantage could remain underutilised.

He also called for the continent to be proactive in shaping the rules of the emerging global order, rather than being passive participants.

“We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines while the rules of a new world order are being written,” Gambari said.

“We must insist on being joint rule-makers, ensuring the new global order reflects our values and aspirations for a fairer, more inclusive, and equitable world.”

A Call to Action

Gambari concluded with a rallying cry for African leaders to harness the continent’s abundant resources and human capital.

He said Africa must use its demographic and strategic advantages to achieve the structural transformation that has long eluded it.

He said, “We must be ready to harness our abundant human and natural resources to leapfrog our development. Although the outcomes of ongoing geopolitical shifts are uncertain, they need not come at the expense of our people and our continent.”

Gambari stressed the need for bold leadership, warning that Africa cannot afford complacency. “Our youth bulge must become an advantage that places us at the forefront of the digital economy and its innovations,” he said.

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Relatives Of Renowned Journalist Abducted In Kogi, N50m Ransom Demanded

Published

on

Three relatives of Malam Ahmed Ajobe, a former Editor of Daily Trust, were abducted by gunmen on Thursday evening along the Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road in Kogi State.

The victims, identified as a male and two females, include Ajobe’s immediate younger sister, Halimtu-Sadiya Tahir.

The family members were returning from a market in Awo, Ankpa Local Government Area, where they had gone to purchase items for the seventh-day prayers of Ajobe’s late mother, Malama Aishetu Tahir.

READ ALSO: Nicki Minaj Teams Up With Davido On ‘The Pink Print’ Anniversary

The matriarch passed away on Sunday after a protracted illness.

The abduction occurred around 3 p.m. on the deplorable Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road, a known hotspot for criminal activities.

According to a family source, the kidnappers contacted the family on Friday and demanded a ransom of N50 million for the release of the victims.

A close family friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “Yes, three of Ajobe’s family members were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 3 p.m. on Thursday.

The kidnappers reached out on Friday afternoon demanding for N50 million as ransom.

However, I can’t confirm what the family is offering in the negotiations because I had to leave the community for an emergency in Lokoja. What I can say is that no amount has been paid yet, and the victims are still in captivity.”

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts are underway to rescue the victims.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, disclosed that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area has deployed officers to track the assailants.

“The Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has ordered the drafting of a tactical team to reinforce the local police. We are doing everything possible to ensure the safe release of the victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Aya said.

The Ankpa-Adoka-Makurdi road has long been a source of concern for residents, who have repeatedly called for improved security and road infrastructure.

Negotiations between the family and the kidnappers are ongoing, but as of press time, the victims remain in captivity.

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

I Previously Called For Simon Ekpa To Be Shot – APC Chieftain

Published

on

A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has expressed strong support for the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Onokpasa, a lawyer, described Ekpa as a dangerous figure whose actions warranted severe measures, including his elimination.

READ ALSO: Edo State Governor Sets Up Committee To Recover Missing Gov’t Vehicles

Simon Ekpa was apprehended in Finland earlier this week by the country’s Central Criminal Police alongside three other individuals.

The arrests were part of an investigation into suspected terrorist activities.

Finnish authorities confirmed the development in a statement, noting that Ekpa and others were being questioned for their alleged roles in terrorism-related crimes.

Onokpasa, who has been a vocal critic of the separatist leader, revealed that he had previously called for Ekpa to be neutralized due to his alleged involvement in violent activities in Nigeria’s Southeast.

“The case of Simon Ekpa—his arrest is long overdue,” Onokpasa said during the interview. “In fact, I had actually encouraged that he should be shot because he was killing his fellow Igbos. If the person is an enemy combatant, he is liable to be shot. I know the law. This is just intelligence stuff.”

The APC chieftain also described Ekpa as “a crazy, poorly educated fellow,” adding that his actions have led to significant bloodshed among Igbos in the region.

Onokpasa emphasized his unwavering support for Ekpa’s arrest, which he believes is a necessary step in addressing the violence linked to separatist agitation. “In that case, I am in full support of his arrest,” he added.

Ekpa has been a polarizing figure, often accused of fueling unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast through his advocacy for Biafran independence.

His arrest is being hailed by some as a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region.

 

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.