NEWS
Ambitious Figures Exploiting Akeredolu’s Health, Governor’s Aide Raises Concerns
Dr Doyin Odebowale, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State on Special Duties and Strategies, has voiced accusations against certain ambitious politicians for capitalizing on the absence of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in an attempt to gain control over the state’s finances.
In a statement released in Akure, the capital of Ondo state, titled “Of Narcissism and Moral Bankruptcy: Sustained Assaults on Decency,” Odebowale expressed his concerns that these politicians are attempting to take advantage of Governor Akeredolu’s absence by causing confusion and discord.
“While the people of the state, representing diverse socio-political backgrounds, fervently pray for the governor’s return to continue serving the people, these meddlesome individuals are determined to sow chaos for their personal gain,” Odebowale remarked.
“These rootless politicians, claiming to be representatives of the people without actual followers, believe that the best way to exploit the governor’s current health challenge is to spread falsehoods about those they perceive as obstacles to their self-serving ambitions. They are pitting members of the Executive Council against one another, dropping dangerous yet baseless insinuations about their fellow appointees,” he added.
The governor’s aide went on to explain that these elements hold frequent meetings, speculating on the governor’s health, and employ negative tactics to tarnish the administration’s image, despite its prior relative tranquility and widespread support due to its notable achievements.
“Uncultured, vacuous, sycophantic, and greedy, these shameless individuals lack even the most basic decency to respect the man who elevated them from relative obscurity and rescued them from various forms of poverty,” Odebowale lamented.
“To gain unfettered access to the state’s treasury, they persistently publish negative articles about the governor, certain members of his immediate family, and their fellow appointees, who have clearly demonstrated their dedication through their responsibilities,” he continued.
Given their lack of capacity for selfless service and competence, these individuals view governance merely as an opportunity to amass wealth at the expense of the people’s suffering.
“The people of the state recognize these personalities as greedy, unscrupulous, dishonest, wicked, and devoid of any moral integrity, as evidenced by their notorious track records of self-interest,” Odebowale asserted.
“Having been challenged by the governor for engaging in blatant corruption, some of them are now attacking known gatekeepers in an attempt to force them into submission through cheap blackmail,” he added.
“We will not only fiercely resist them, but we will also invite the people of the state to witness the atrocities committed against their interests by these opportunists. I owe this sacred duty to the good people of Ondo State.”
The governor’s aide stated that these politicians within the government have been orchestrating attacks and spreading lies about the governor and his family.
“A particular sycophant, who was previously marginalized until receiving a fortuitous rescue, is suspected to be the shameless malevolent force disguising themselves as a ‘Concerned Citizen’ and ‘Bimbo Oloruntuyi,’ among other aliases employed to deceive the unsuspecting and gullible,” Odebowale revealed.
“This individual and their accomplices have embarked on a campaign of audacious deceit, sponsoring flatterers and ill-informed individuals to spread falsehoods about the governor and his family. They continue to peddle lies in their pursuit of capturing the treasury,” he continued.
Odebowale further urged government officials who have refused to partake in delusional and treacherous schemes aimed at replacing their benefactor to remain steadfast.
![Akeredolu's Funeral Service Commences In Ondo [Photos]](https://biztellers.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_20240223_114439_400_x_300_pixel-400x240.jpg){kind=tracking}
![Akeredolu's Funeral Service Commences In Ondo [Photos]](https://biztellers.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/IMG_20240223_114439_400_x_300_pixel-80x80.jpg){kind=tracking}
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.
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.”
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.
BBNaija’s Eloswag Responds To Leaked Sextape
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
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
