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Saudi Arabia Revokes On-Arrival Visas For 264 Nigerians

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Nigeria’s aviation and diplomatic spheres encountered turmoil on Monday as Saudi Arabia abruptly annulled the visas of 264 passengers brought in by Air Peace from Kano, insisting on their immediate return to Nigeria.

This is coming at a time President Bola Tinubu was in Saudi Arabia attending the Arab-Africa summits.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the SA Media and Communications Strategy to the minister launched an investigation to ascertain potential violations of consular or aviation rules.

The ministry affirmed its commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4-Ds strategy, vowing to take measures to prevent actions that could adversely affect the welfare of Nigerian citizens in the future.

The statement said “Nigeria has just participated in the Saudi-Africa Summit where bilateral discussions covering several sectors of the economy and mutually beneficial commitments were made.”

Upon inquiry, the Presidency acknowledged awareness of the situation but stated that they were yet to receive the factual details.

Mr. Tope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, mentioned, “I am aware of what happened, but we don’t have the facts. We are waiting to get updates on the matter.”

It was gathered that the flight departed from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, transiting through the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Sunday night.

It successfully reached Jeddah, a major city in Saudi Arabia, yesterday without encountering any issues.

Upon landing, the Saudi Arabian authorities announced the cancellation of all the passengers’ visas.

Saudi Air has been running direct flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, and it’s reported that since Air Peace commenced its flight service to the Middle East nation at more affordable rates, it has experienced significant patronage, contributing to foreign exchange conservation for the country.

According to a source from the Nigerian embassy in Jeddah, even Saudi Immigration personnel expressed uncertainty about the visa cancellations, stating that they were notified when the airline was already en route to Jeddah.

The source said: “The airline was exonerated in all this as the APPS, which is live between both countries would have screened out any invalid visa and its passenger. The system accepted all affected passengers and passed them on.

“Those deported were 177 passengers and Air Peace has already left with them back to Nigeria.  They are on their way back to Nigeria now.”

 

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Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.

This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.

In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.

READ MORE: NDLEA Nabs Businessman For Using Ingestion To Smuggle Cocaine

“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.

The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.

Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.

The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.

The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.

 

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I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role

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Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.

Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”

READ ALSO: National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation

Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.

“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.

Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.

His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.

 

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National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation

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The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.

Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.

READ MORE: PDP Governors Probe Ondo Polls, Criticizes Edo Result

Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.

Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.

Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.

The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.

As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.

 

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