NEWS
Four Additional Rivers State Commissioners Resign
Amid escalating tensions between Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political mentor, Minister Nyesom Wike, four additional commissioners from Fubara’s administration have submitted their resignations.
The resigning commissioners include Chukwuemeka Woke (Special Duties), Alabo George-Kelly (Works), Isaac Kamalu (Finance), and Inime Chinwenwo Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation).
Their departures follow shortly after the resignation of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zaccheaus Adangor, on Thursday.
Emeka Woke, a staunch supporter of the FCT Minister and previously Chief of Staff under Wike’s administration, currently serving as Commissioner for Special Duties in Fubara’s government, has not publicly disclosed the motive behind his resignation.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Aguma, the Social Welfare and Rehabilitation commissioner, who submitted her resignation letter on Friday, stated, “My decision to resign is personal and stems from other pressing commitments.”
She conveyed her well wishes for Governor Fubara’s successful tenure. Mrs. Aguma, the wife of late Chime Aguma (SAN), the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, shared her sentiments upon stepping down.
Commissioner George-Kelly, in a resignation letter dated December 14, 2023, addressed to the governor, attributed his decision to resign from the position of Works Commissioner to his conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics.
He expressed deep introspection before making this significant choice and thanked Governor Fubara for the chance to serve Rivers State.
He said “appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers State as Commissioner for Works”.
Likewise, Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu, also in a letter dated December 14, 2023, conveyed appreciation to the governor for the opportunity to serve under his administration.
However, Kamalu opted not to elaborate on the reasons behind his resignation.
Meanwhile, despite a court order from Justice MW Danagogo at the Rivers State High Court, the 27 lawmakers who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) held a separate session.
Led by pro-Wike Speaker Martins Amaewhule, they convened at the Assembly Quarters on Friday, while Governor Fubara signed the 2024 appropriation bill with pro-Fubara lawmakers led by Speaker Edison Ehie.
During Amaewhule’s session, the House passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023, following discussions based on the House Committee on Public Accounts’ report.
Speaker Amaewhule, while commenting on Major Jack’s presented report from the Committee, highlighted the significance of passing the Bill.
He emphasized that this legislation would govern the management of funds allocated to the Rivers State House of Assembly from the State’s Consolidated Revenue Fund, ensuring accountability and effective fund utilization.
Expressing enthusiasm, Amaewhule stated that the amended Bill would emancipate elected Local Government Council chairmen and Councilors from arbitrary removals and suspensions, thus ensuring their autonomy.
The House strongly denounced Governor Fubara’s actions, labeling the demolition of the Assembly complex as heartless and audacious, carried out without their consent or awareness.
Speaker Amaewhule hinted at the House’s intention to correspond with the United Nations and governments of other established democracies regarding the Governor’s actions against the Legislature.
He emphasized that regardless of any harassment, intimidation, or unwarranted assaults on the legislature, they would remain steadfast in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
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.
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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.