NEWS
APC youth group says over 13 gov are behind Osinbajo
Not less than 13 governors are supporting the emergence of the vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo in the forthcoming APC primary, Osinbajo Youth Organisation has indicated
This was disclosed at a press conference held in Abuja on Sunday to call on the delegates to vote massively for the vice president.
The director-general of the group Ambassador Salahuden Shuaib indicated that he will not name the governors for obvious reasons but he said they have their commitment which makes his chances brighter
According to him, the clarion call is very timely since it is not the first time they were making the call but now to serve as a reminder two days before the primaries to awaken the delegates.
On whether Osinbajo is the anointed candidate of President Buhari, he said whether he is or not there will be no imposition of any candidate on Nigerians as APC is a principled party that does not believe in impunity.
“We have the delegates we believe they know the best man for the job which is Osinbajo and they are ready to throw their weight behind his candidature.
“It is a great honor to appear before you and before Nigerians to make this press appeal to APC delegates and stakeholders to support Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in the forthcoming presidential primaries.
“In consonance with the calls made by millions of Nigerians, Osinbajo Youth Organization of Nigeria was birthed as a child of necessity to serve as a leading voice in championing a cause for a better Nigeria through the ideals and political tradition of Osinbajo.
“At the beginning of the first quarter of 2022, many veterans and non-veteran politicians alike began throwing their hats into the ring for the 2023 presidential race, but for Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, it is a time for wrapping up as vice president in preparation for May 29th, 2023 handover even in spite of calls from different quarters for him to declare and join the 2023 presidential race.
He said for the good of Nigeria It Is Important that Nigerians throw their weight in support of Osinbajo, because with him, “our justice would witness a new reform, our security architecture would be refined, our business environment would witness a new face through social investment
programs.
“Our educational system would witness a major reform, our states and local government would be strengthened for effective service delivery and our health sector would be accorded a topmost priority.
“Fellow patriots, for our nation to thrive, we must allow people with requisite knowledge and experience to derive the affairs of this nation.
Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has passed the leadership test, and with personified exceptionality, he is among the best crop of leaders that Nigeria today needs.
“Osinbajo is a fine gentleman and, a refined politician. He is a brilliant gentleman and, highly disciplined. He is a typical example of what avant-garde Nigerian politicians should be.
“As youths, our struggles is for a better Nigeria – with redefine system and, a new ethos founded around the values of integrity, justice, fairness, equity, accountability, patriotism, and love for fellow countrymen.
“It is against this background that we’re appealing to all major players involved in this forth-coming important exercise (APC primaries) to rally round Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and support him to lead the progressives’ family as its flag bearer in the coming 2023 general election.”
NEWS
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
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.
NEWS
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
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.”
NEWS
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
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.