NEWS
Uncertainty In Motorparks As Ogun Govt Approves New Union
Following the approval of a new union by the Ogun State Commissioner for Transportation, Gbenga Dairo, friction is rising among members of the transport union in the car parks of Ogun.
The Ogun State Operations Management Services (OSOMS) was certified by the Ministry as one of the transport unions operating in its parks in a letter dated December 15, 2022.
According to the letter, which was made available to journalists, OSOMS, under the direction of its Chairman Mustapha Ismahi Adewale (also known as Yaro), will work alongside already-existing unions, associations, and organizations to manage park operations and activities in the State.
The letter signed by the Director of Public Transport and Commuter Services, Engr. Shokunbi O.B.A., on behalf of the Commissioner, read partly: “Further to the above approval, I am also delighted to inform you that your proposal to offer revenue collection services on behalf of the state in the Ogun East Senatorial District, adopting the existing field operational plans, protocols and processes, has the endorsement of the Ministry of Transportation and that the Ministry’s consent has been communicated to the Ogun State Inland Revenue Services (OGIRS) accordingly.
“Please contact OGIRS with the view to the commencement of services in Ogun East Senatorial district on 26th December 2022 and on subsequent alternate week slots compliant with OGIRS processes and procedures and in line with the established allocation arrangements with RTEAN.”
The Ogun State Parks Management (OGSPAM) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) both have members that are dissatisfied with the new union.
According to information obtained by our correspondent, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) members are still upset that the state government of Ogun banned their operations there. They fear that, under the current regime, they might never return to Ogun because of the creation of OSOMS.
While not completely excluding the prospect of conflicts between their men and the new union members, some of the union officials who spoke to our correspondent expressed concern that their jobs might be in jeopardy.
Also, the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the Ministry of Transportation over possible breakdown of law in Ogun motorparks over the new union.
In a statement by the PDP spokesman in Ogun, Akinloye Bankole, the party conceded that the transportation sector has enjoyed a recorded lease of peace and tranquility since the inception of the Dapo Abiodun-led administration in 2019, expressing worries that the government is now seeking to deliberately create a needless leadership tussle among operators in that sector.
“For every right thinking resident and citizens of good conscience, the creation and announcement of a strange OSOMS by the Ministry of Transportation is not only distasteful, it is manifestly unnecessary.
“Again, we make bold to further encourage all the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police and Department of State Service, DSS and of course, law abiding members of the public to hold the Commissioner responsible in case of any violent break down of law and order in our parks and garages as a result of this senseless development in the transportation sector.
“Ogun State does not deserve another avoidable loss of lives and property,” Bankole said.
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.