Prioritize Crude Supply To Local Refineries,NUPRC Tells Producers

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC),has insisted that producers must give priority to crude supply.

Chief Executive Officer, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this on Tuesday at a meeting to review Domestic Crude Oil Supply Obligation as contained in Section 109 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act.

He explained that the overall objective of the government was to ensure that Nigeria becomes a net exporter of refined petroleum products.

“Producers should satisfy their domestic crude oil supply to the domestic refineries so that as a nation we seize the opportunity to reverse the ugly trend by ensuring that we develop our midstream and end being a net exporter of petroleum products, especially now that we are trying to exit the subsidy regime. The only way to sustain that is to become robust in our domestic refining capacity.

He explained the Commission expects the issue to be resolved in the next 48 hours, stressing the complaints made by the producers were being taken seriously.

According to him, the “complaints received so far from within the Commission, oil producers and Dangote refinery that are of concerns to the Commission include: a. Inability to factor in the provisions of the law while executing contractual agreements. This has resulted in some companies being reluctant to allocate a portion of their production to Domestic Refineries. b. Change in vessel nomination under 24 hours to lay-can. c. Inability to provide the required financial instrument / backing prior to loading. d. Delay in Expected Time of Arrival of vessels resulting in production cut which is inimical to our national budgetary targets. e. Frequent Change in laycans for crude oil allocated to domestic refineries and f. Delays at loading terminals after the arrival of the loading vessel”.

The federal government has expressed concerns over the capacity of the industry to meet its domestic crude obligations to local refineries, insisting that supply to local refineries remain a priority.

Oil production in 2024 has so far failed to meet budgetary targets of 1.78 million per day and with several refineries scheduled to come on-stream this, concerns about the feedstock supply to the refineries have increased in the past month.

Also speaking chairman, OPAC Refinery, Mr. Momoh Oyarekhua noted that the local refiners have received almost no crude oil from producers in the past three years.

According to him,despite having a refining capacity of 10,000 barrels per day, the OPAC Refinery received just 1,500bpd in 2022.

He explained that the government has to resolve the issue of currency of payments for crude oil supplied to local refineries whether it would be in Naira or dollars as demanded by the producers.

Some oil producers also pointed out that while the policy was good, meeting demands for local refineries required additional investment to boost production.

They stated that with companies trying to fulfil existing supply contracts, it was impossible for them to switch oil supply to local refineries.

Representatives of the Oil Producers Trade Section, OPTS, and Independent Petroleum Producers Group, IPPG, said the government has to address the challenges facing the industry.

The agency directed a Committee in charge to come up with a clear template that will drive smooth, seamless implementation of the domestic crude oil supply obligation within 48 hours.

Some of the refiners outlined the numerous challenges they face to include crude pricing and supply and the fact that the adoption of dollar as payment currency when their transactions are done in Naira is creating is quite challenging.

Omehia Not Former Governor Of Rivers,Court Declares

Mohammed Shosanya

A Rivers State High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt has declared that Sir Celestine Omehia is not a former governor of Rivers State and as such is not entitled to the pensions meant for former governors and their deputies.

Justice Daketima Kio, while delivering its ruling in the suit instituted by Omehia on Tuesday, said that the counterclaim by the state government demanding that Omehia repay N695m was lacking in merit, stating that Omehia did not compel anyone to pay him the money.

He ruled that from the records at his disposal,Omehia never applied to be recognised by state government nor the State House of Assembly, hence the state government cannot legitimately demand a refund of the monies wrongly paid to him.

The judge aligned with the judgment of the Supreme Court which described Sir Omehia as an imposter and pretender, ordering that Omehia should not be conferred with the status of a former governor.

He further ordered that Omehia should not benefit from the pension of governors and deputy governors, the judge also declined to award cost in favour or against any party in the suit, declaring that the parties bear their costs

It would be recalled that,Rotimi Amaechi was substituted for Celestine Omehia as the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2007 prior to the general elections.

However,after the elections, Omehia won and was sworn in May 29, 2007 after the administration of Dr. Peter Odili.

Rotimi Amaechi, who initially won the party primaries before the PDP wrongly substituted him with another candidate, headed to court to challenge the candidacy of Omehia, after a long legal battle, the supreme court ruled that Amaechi was the validly elected candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Amaechi replaces Omehia as Governor.

During the administration of Nyesom Wike as governor of Rivers State, the House of Assembly, enacted a law recognising Omehia as former governor of the state, paying to him all his entitlements.

Last year,Wike as the then Governor, withdrew the governorship recognition accorded Omehia and demanded that he refund all pensions he had received over the years.

Omehia approached the court, seeking a declaration that he be recognised as a former governor of the state.

Impeachment: Edo Chief Judge Constitutes Panel To Investigate  Shaibu

Mohammed Shosanya

Chief Judge of Edo State, Honourable Justice Daniel Okungbowa has constituted the panel of seven persons to investigate the allegations contained in the impeachment notice against the Deputy Governor of Edo State,Philip Shaibu.

The development is sequel to the resolution of the Edo State House of Assembly on the 19 March, 2024 which was sent to the Honourable Chief Judge of Edo State.

Citing perjury and disclosure of government secrets, Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Charity Aiguobarueghian had on Wednesday, March 6 during plenary announced that 21 out of the 24 members of the Edo State House of Assembly had signed an impeachment notice against Comrade Shaibu.

The Panel of seven persons which is headed by retired Justice S A Omonua also has Prof. Theresa Akpoghome, Mr. Oghogho Ayodele Oviasu and Dr. Andrew Oliha as members.

A statement in Benin by the Chief Registrar of Edo State High Court, Benin City also listed as Mr. Idris Abdulkareen, President Aigbokhan Esq. and Mariam Erakhoba Ilavbare Esq.as other members of the panel

Jegede Withdraws From Ondo Guber Race

Mohammed Shosanya

The candidate of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the October 20, 2020 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, SAN,says he would not be contesting in the forthcoming November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.

He disclosed this on Thursday while addressing members of the party in his Ijapo Estate campaign office in Akure, the state capital.

Jegede noted that there’s need to retrace their footsteps and go back to the drawing board to work out how his party, PDP, will wrestle power from the ruling party in the state, All Progressives Congress(APC).

He submitted that he would rather allow other members of the party who are also competent to fly the flag of the party to try their luck.

Jegede appreciated members of the party for their support for him all through the years.

He promised to support any member of the party who comes out victorious at the party’s primaries for success at the gubernatorial poll.

He said: “You would recall that we collectively resolved to work together in the interest of the larger majority of our people, using the platform of our party, the PDP. Your struggles brought the outcome that made me fly the flag of our great party in 2016.

“Your unequivocal decision led again but not without anticipated resistance from some quarters, to our success in the primary election, which we again won in 2020.

“The summary of the general elections in those two cycles is known to all of us, the conscienceless power of the ruling party took the day.

“The results from the above two scenarios distinguished you as courageous, dependable and therefore having the needed capacity to stand firm, strong, and tall in the pursuit of our common dreams and the defense of our popular positions as a people and as a Party.

“In this category, let me, with all sense of respect appreciate your sacrifices and commitment to the course.

“As leaders, we owe it a duty to God Almighty and man to not only seek to give back what the Almighty God had endowed us with but also ensure that the party is meticulously supported, guided, and nourished on fertile grounds to provide a basis to grow a system that could yield good fruit for all and sundry.

“A decision has to be taken whether we need to repeat the same process that we passed through in 2016 and 2020.

“After several intensive and extensive consultations, consolidations, and reconsiderations, it became obvious that we need to reexamine whether to proceed or take a detour that could guarantee an alignment with the preponderance of opinion in terms of the quest for equitable representation, equity, and fair play particularly at the level of governorship.

“It is imperative to state that our party constitution is not receptive to zoning and this has been demonstrated through the election of successive Governors, the elections were not based on zoning but on merit.

“I must also state here, albeit clearly that the succession since the civilian administration had witnessed the emergence of two Governors (Chief Adebayo Adefarati and Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu) from the Northern Senatorial district. Governors Olusegun Agagu and current Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, from Southern Senatorial District.

“The central produced Governor Olusegun Mimiko. Their respective tenure had been based on both constitutional provisions and/ or providence.

“Today, we have an array of Governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings, we also have those who have shown exceptional qualities including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party.

“I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and by God’s grace, ultimately win the Governorship election, all the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal.

“The time is now to rebuild the party for victory. I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.

“I recognize that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore, request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.

“I thank you again for your unflinching support and continued partnership now and in the future. Wishing you journey mercies to your various destinations.”

Senator Ningi Resigns As Chairman Of Northern Senators Forum

Mohammed Shosanya

Senator Abdul Ningi who represents Bauchi Central at the National Assembly has resigned his position as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum.

He tendered his resignation from the forum shortly after he was suspended by the Senate over his allegation that three trillion naira was unjustly inserted into the twenty-twenty four budget.

In a letter to the Secretary of the forum, Senator Abdul Ningi explained that he resigned due to unfolding events in the north, and the entire country .

The lawmaker has been at the centre of recent controversy on the figures contained in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Senator Abdul Ningi had in an interview with the BBC last week alleged that the Senate passed a twenty five trillion naira budget for the fiscal year, while the executive announced a twenty eight trillion naira Appropriation Act.

He added that the infused figures were not tied to any project in the document.

NNPP Crisis:Aniebonam, Oginni, INEC,15 Others Face Contempt  Charge

Mohammed Shosanya

A Kano State High Court sitting in Kano has issued a Form 48 against 18 former officers and leaders of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP) for contempt of court and disobedience to court order.

The affected former officers and leaders of the party include Chief (Dr.) Boniface Aniebonam, Dr. Gilbert Agbo Major, Barr Tony Christopher Obioha Comrade Oginni Olaposi, Hajia Rekia Zanlaga, Mark Usman, Umar A. Jubril, Alhaji Adebanju Wasiu, Alhaji Tajudeen Adebayo and Alhaji Mamoh Garuba.

Others are;Abdulrasaq Abdulsalam, Barr Abiola Henry Olurotimi, Engr Babayo Abdullahi Mohammed, Alhaji Ibrahim Yahaya, Chinonso Adiofu, Hon Prince Subday Chukwuemeka, Barr Jonathan Chineme Ibeogu and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

They are to appear before the Kano State High Court on the 11th of March 2024 to explain why they chose to disobey Court order and why they should not be confined to correctional service.

It could be recalled that the 18 former leaders and officers of the NNPP were the respondents in a case the party instituted in September 2023 to bar them from continuing to parade themselves as leaders and officers of the party.

Hon. Justice Usman Mallam Na’Abba granted an interlocutory injunction on 14th September 2023 restraining the respondents, Dr Boniface Aniebonam and Others by themselves, their agents, cronies, and whoever acting or act through them from parading themselves, issuing press release or granting interviews as national officers, leaders or members of the, Applicant (NNPP) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The court also granted an order of interim injunction setting aside the purported suspension of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso as member of the appellant (NNPP) and restrained the INEC from recognizing the suspension pending the hearing and determination of motion on notice.

In violation of these orders, Dr. Aniebonam and others had continued to act and presented themselves as factional national officers and leaders of the NNPP, hence the issuance of their summon by the court, to come and explain why they should not be convicted for contempt of court and violation of court orders.

Edo Assembly Commences Impeachment Plot Against Deputy Governor

Mohammed Shosanya

The Edo State House of Assembly on Wednesday commenced impeachment proceedings against the state deputy governor,Philip Shaibu.

The Majority leader, Charity Aiguobarueghian, who announced the impeachment notice during plenary, said the petition dated March 5, was signed by 21 out of the 24 members against the deputy governor.

Aiguobarueghian stated that the number of members who signed the petition were more than the two- third requirement stipulated in the constitution.

He also said that the petition was based on two grounds of perjury and revealing of government secrets.

The speaker of the house, Blessing Agbebaku who acknowledged receipt of the petition, directed the clerk of the house, Yahaya Omogbai to serve the impeachment notice on the deputy governor.

Agbebaku also gave the deputy governor seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP), Edo State, on Tuesday called on the Edo State governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to jettison his alleged impeachment plan against his deputy, Philip Shaibu and start preparing his hand over note for his successor.

The CRPP which made the call in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Samson Isibor and Secretary Barr. John Isidahome and made available to journalists in Benin said Shaibu has not committed any offense for choosing to contest the state governorship election.

He said Shaibu was only exercising his rights and that any plan to impeach him can only lead to crisis in the state.

Makinde To Akpabio: FG Didn’t Give States N30bn Each

Mohammed Shosanya

Oyo State Governor and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, ‘Seyi Makinde,says there is no truth in the claim by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, that states of the federation got additional N30 billion each outside of their statutory revenue allocations, to address food insecurity in their states.

The governor,who stated this on Thursday,noting that Oyo State has not got any N30 billion from the FIRS or the Federal Government and that his government has been and will always be open and transparent to the people of the state.

Makinde added that he has been doing everything to cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the people.

He warned that leaders should instill confidence and hope in the citizenry in this trying time rather than playing blame game.

Makinde stated this in Iseyin, where he commissioned the newly-renovated multi-billion Naira Iseyin Central Mosque facilitated by legal icon, Ahmed Raji, SAN, hailing the religious harmony in Oyo State as being exemplary.

He added that apart from Oyo State not getting N30 billion from any agency or department of the Federal Government, he could say the same for his colleague-governors as vice chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Governor Makinde decried Akpabio’s reliance on unverified reports, clarifying that it was impossible for states to get funds from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), since all revenues go into the Federation Account and belongs to the Federal Government, states and the local governments.

According to Makinde, the only fund that Oyo State got from the Federal Government outside of statutory allocation was N2 billion out of the N5 billion promised to all states in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy, adding that the Federal Government had even been asking for the refund of the N2 billion.

Makinde added that his government has been doing its best to mitigate the hardship on residents of the state, having been first to announce and implement measures to cushion the effect of the hardship through the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SafER).

He said: “This is a very difficult period in our nation’s history because all of us are aware of what we are going through economically. But for us as an administration, I can say we are the first in Nigeria to announce and implement measures on the 9th of June 2023, to cushion the effect of this policy through SAfER.

“We have been doing our bit. And the reason I came here is for us to talk to ourselves and intensify prayers. So, this is one of the edifices through which we can reach God, though we have done our bit.

“We have health insurance for our own people, we gave farm inputs to our farmers but, at this stage, we need to cry to God.

“For the workers, we have been paying a wage award; N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners, and we have paid for close to six months.

“Only last week, I announced an extension for another six months so that we can have the time to conclude the discussion on minimum wage.

“Well, we know there is much to be done and we will continue to do everything within our power to support our people through this hard time.

“This is not the time to play politics, as we have real issues that deserve real solutions. But yesterday, I saw the video and read in the news where the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, made a statement, though he said it was unverified report, stating that the state governments received additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, outside of our statutory allocation, in the last few months, to address food security.

“Please, listen to me loud and clear. I can speak for Oyo State and can also speak for any of my colleagues. This is because, as the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I know when things are happening.

“If I want to play politics, I will keep quiet and let this slide, but I am not going to let this slide.

“FIRS cannot give money to any state. It is not possible. All revenues accruing to the country goes into the federation account and it is distributed to all tiers of government. The FG does not give states money. The money in the federation belongs to all of us; it does not only belong to the Federal Government.

“So, if the Senate President, who is the number three citizen in this country, could be quoting an unverified report, people are looking at us as leaders. This is the period that we are supposed to give confidence to our people. It is not the period to start playing politics or to start looking for scapegoats.

“We need to engage with our people. If our policies are not working, we need to listen to the people and amend. So, if the Number Three Citizen had nothing but unverified report, why did he need to say it? Does his statement give confidence to the people or solve the problem of hunger and anger in the land?

“Let me say it clearly: as for Oyo State and for most of my colleagues, there is nothing like N30 billion being given to states for food security and I stand to be challenged.

“Yes, the Federal Government promised the states N5 billion and out of that, it only gave N2 billion and they are even asking that the N2 billion should be refunded right now.

“It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to manage the fiscal situation in Nigeria and manage the inflationary trend we have in the country right now.

“We have been transparent about everything we are doing here and this is the time for us to stay together as a nation to solve the problems we are facing.

“It is not the time to engage in blame games and propaganda. Hunger and anger are real and, as leaders, we must address them.”

NNPP: Kwankwaso, Aniebonam Factions Renew Political Rift

Mohammed Shosanya

A faction of the New Nigeria People’s Party( NNPP) loyal to Boniface Aniebonam, founder of the party has labelled former Governor of Kano state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as an ingrate, who is trying to hijack the party’s structure after using it as a platform to contest for presidency in 2023.

The North Central Secretary of the party, Philip Haruna, while addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, said he personally introduced Kwankwaso to the NNPP founder, Aniebonam on the condition that he would be compensated with N100million if he successfully convince him to allow the use of the platform to contest the 2023 presidential poll.

Although Haruna admitted that it was a gentleman agreement at the time, he revealed that Kwankwaso reneged on the agreement having failed to sail through in the general elections.

He accused Kwankwaso of betraying the party’s trust, noting that the introduction which he ochestrated pitched him against the founder of the party, which happened prior to the general elections.

He said: “I’m here today to let the whole world know nothing but the truth about the plans of Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso to overheat the National Polity by using every illegitimate means to Highjack NNPP from Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam (A Southern Nigeria High Chief) who gave him NNPP as a platform to Contest in 2023 as a Presidential Candidate.

“I want the associate of Senator Kwankwaso, the President of Nigeria His Excellency Sen. Ahmed Bola Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians to please ask Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso two simple question which is, when was the party registered and when did he join the party?

“Of course they are people who have been managing and running this party for the past 21 years before Senator Kwankwanso joined in 2022.

“Recognizing the unwavering crisis that has been rocking our great party New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP)….. It’s therefore the right time for me to speak out.

“I have been keeping quiet for so long because I was the one who introduced His Excellency Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso to the Founder of NNPP my Father and mentor, Dr Aniebonam Okechukwu Boniface.

“I wish to say it unequivocally that Kwankwaso promised to pay me N100 Million Naira as my Consultancy fee if I succeeded in getting Dr Boniface Aniebonam convinced to give him NNPP as a Platform to Contest 2023 Election as a Presidential Candidate but I know he might like to deny this because it was a purely gentleman agreement because I trusted him, one of his loyalist the defunct national secretary of NNPP Dipo Olayokun once told me that Kwankwanso said he did not discuss how much is to pay me

“I want Nigerians and his associate to ask him, how much did he pay the man who introduced him to the founder of the New Nigeria people’s Party (NNPP) not even a dime was given to me”.

Edo 2024:Anamero Submits APC Governorship Nomination,Promises Good Governance

Mohammed Shosanya

One of the frontline candidates in the 2024 Edo Governorship election, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekere, has submitted his nomination and expression of interest form at the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress.

He said,this step underscores the critical importance of ensuring the selection of a candidate who garners widespread acceptance across all three senatorial districts of Edo State.

He advocated the need for unity within the APC, which he says will reflect a deep commitment to fostering cohesion and solidarity as they venture into the electoral arena.

His supporters said Anamero’s submission of the nomination forms signals his unwavering determination to lead Edo back to the APC fold if nominated.

Hon. Anamero reiterates his confidence in his ability to secure victory for the party and is poised to engage with constituents across Edo State following the primaries.

With a clear vision for the state’s future and a steadfast commitment to service, Hon. Anamero embarks on this journey with optimism, ready to champion the aspirations of the people and steer Edo towards prosperity.