https://thestreetjournal.org/i-have-nothing-to-hide-theres-no-document-to-prove-claims-malami-tells-house-of-reps-during-probe-of-illegal-2-4bn-oil-sale/

Abubakar Malami, the minister of justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) has again, said he knows nothing about the alleged illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil in China.

Malami made this known when he appeared before the adhoc committee investigating the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export in 2015.

Malami, who appeared before the committee alongside the permanent secretary, ministry of justice/solicitor-general of the federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba on Thursday, May 26, said that he knows nothing about the allegation, adding that it is baseless and false.

He noted that at no point in time was he ever a member of any formal committee, and not a single document was forwarded to him for his consideration, and capacity as the AGF or review for the purpose of establishing a case relating to $2.4 billion alleged revenue loss.

Malami said that, “No documents was made available to me relating to this, I’m talking about a document made available by the whistleblower or the one made available by the system.

“Even when I am invited by this committee, not a single document was made available to me for consideration.

“In the absence of facts, in the absence of documents being presented for my consideration by the national assembly, in the absence of documents being presented to me by the executive for consideration, in the absence of my participation in any subject matter of investigation, it’s not out of place for me to conclude that there’s no justifiable, reasonable ground basis for such consideration.

“I think we can proceed on the basis of collaboration.

“And the basis for that is for the committee to make available what document it has at his disposal so that the office of the attorney general as well review its archives and review these documents and if there’s a need for questions and answers we can proceed on that understanding.

“Any investigation that has the capacity of bringing one dollar to Nigeria, I will be a party to it.

“I will support it, under my watch, the attorney general office has succeeded in recovering over $1 billion to the nation over time.

“We have submitted the documents you requested, if there need for further engagement, with regards to the documents you claim to have at your disposal my suggestion is for us to review what’s presented on my part and yours,” he added.

The committee chairman, Mark Gbillah, noted that if there is any allegation against him, it was not from the committee or the parliament.

Gbillah, while appreciating Malami for clearing the air on the matter, urged the minister to still be available to respond to queries after May 29.

He alo directed the minister to provide the parliament with a statement of account details of any outstanding, for the period under review, communication with the CBN, their response and communication with the ministry of finance.

https://thestreetjournal.org/40-crocodiles-kill-farmer-rip-body-apart-in-cambodia-photos/

A 72-year-old farmer in Cambodia, Luan Nam has been killed by about 40 crocodiles on Friday, May 26, 2023, after falling into their enclosure on the family’s reptile farm.

He was making an attempt to move a crocodile out of its cage where it laid eggs but the reptile grabbed the stick Nam was using as a goad and pulled him to itself.

Suddenly, about 40 crocodiles swarmed him and tore his body to pieces, making the enclosure filled with blood.

The crocodiles had tore his arm from his body and swallowed it.

The police chief of Siem Reap commune, Mey Savry said, “While he was chasing a crocodile out of an egg-laying cage, the crocodile attacked the stick, causing him to fall into the enclosure.

“Then other crocodiles pounced, attacking him until he was dead.”

The crocodiles were still paddling in the pool after Nam’s body was recovered.

Nam before his death had been the president of the country’s Crocodile Association.

https://thestreetjournal.org/40-crocodiles-kill-farmer-rip-body-apart-in-cambodia-photos/

A 72-year-old farmer in Cambodia, Luan Nam has been killed by about 40 crocodiles on Friday, May 26, 2023, after falling into their enclosure on the family’s reptile farm.

He was making an attempt to move a crocodile out of its cage where it laid eggs but the reptile grabbed the stick Nam was using as a goad and pulled him to itself.

Suddenly, about 40 crocodiles swarmed him and tore his body to pieces, making the enclosure filled with blood.

The crocodiles had tore his arm from his body and swallowed it.

The police chief of Siem Reap commune, Mey Savry said, “While he was chasing a crocodile out of an egg-laying cage, the crocodile attacked the stick, causing him to fall into the enclosure.

“Then other crocodiles pounced, attacking him until he was dead.”

The crocodiles were still paddling in the pool after Nam’s body was recovered.

Nam before his death had been the president of the country’s Crocodile Association.

https://thestreetjournal.org/supreme-court-dismisses-suit-filed-by-pdp-against-tinubu-shettima-over-double-nomination/

The supreme court has dismissed the suit seeking the disqualification of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima as presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A five-member panel of the supreme court, led by Justice Adamu Jauro, on Friday, May 26, held that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lacked the locus standi to institute the suit.

Justice Jauro noted that the main opposition party acted as meddlesome interloper and a busy body in the case.

The judge held that Shettima was not guilty of double nomination because there was evidence that he resigned as a senatorial candidate on April 6, 2022, before he was nominated as vice presidential candidate of the ruling party on April 14, 2022.

He held that the main opposition party cannot challenge the process the APC adopted in nominating its candidates.

The judge also held that section 285(14)(c) of the constitution, which the PDP relied on in bringing the case did not clothe it with the right to challenge INEC decisions and activities in relation to other political parties.

Justice Jauro, while ruling on the PDP’s request that it hears the case on the merit, said that since the 180 days within which the trial court could have heard the case and the 60 days for the court of appeal have elapsed, the court no longer has the jurisdiction to consider the case.

It is pertinent to note that the PDP had filed a suit against Tinubu and APC, claiming that Shettima’s nomination as Tinubu’s running mate was in breach of the provisions of sections 29(1), 33, 35, and 84(1)(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The opposition party argued that Shettima’s nomination to contest the position of vice-president and Borno central senatorial seat, at the same time, contravened the law.

The PDP further asked the court for an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove the names of Tinubu and Shettima from its list of nominated or sponsored candidates eligible to contest the election

However, the court of appeal, on March 24, dismissed the suit.

A three-member panel of the court, led by Justice James Abundaga, in an unanimous judgment, held that the PDP has no legal basis (locus standi) to institute the case.

https://thestreetjournal.org/saudi-arabian-surgeons-seperate-conjoined-nigerian-twins-in-14-hour-operation/

A team of Saudi Arabian surgeons in the country have successfully separated Hassanah and Hussaina, a conjoined Nigerian twins.

The surgery began on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the King Abdullah Specialist Hospital for Children and was said to have lasted for 14 hours, involving eight different phases and a team of 35 doctors, medical experts and nurses.

The supervisor-general of King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, and leader of the surgical team, Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Rabeeah, disclosed that following the separation, the reconstruction process has begun.

“We still have a couple of hours left for the reconstruction process, but thank God the decisive phase has passed,” he disclosed.

The twins, birthed at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, Nigeria in January 2022 were conjoined at the abdomen, pelvis, liver, intestines, urinary and reproductive systems and pelvic bones areas.

They were moved to the National Hospital in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria where they stayed for about eight months without undergoing surgery due to lack of funds.

The government of Saudi Arabia, however, offered free surgery to the family.

Hassana and Hussaina, accompanied by their parents, arrived in Saudi Arabia on December 8, 2022, on an air medical evacuation plane.

This will be the 56th separation carried out by Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian programme in 33 years.

https://thestreetjournal.org/88-year-old-australian-doctor-regains-freedom-from-kidnappers-in-burkina-faso-after-seven-years-in-captivity/

An 88-year-old Australian doctor, Ken Elliot who was held captive for over seven years by Islamic extremists in West Africa has been freed and has returned to Australia.

He was in good health and was reunited with his wife and their children on Thursday night of May 18, 2023.

Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong has said: “I’m very pleased to advise that Dr. Ken Elliott, who’s been held hostage in Western Africa for some seven years, has been reunited in Australia with his family.”

Elliott and his wife were kidnapped in Burkina Faso, where they had run a medical clinic for 40 years. Jocelyn Elliott was released three weeks later.

“We wish to express our thanks to God and all who have continued to pray for us,” Elliott’s family said in a statement.

“We express our relief that Dr. Elliott is free and thank the Australian government and all who have been involved over time to secure his release,” the statement further said.

Wong said no ransom was paid to secure Elliott’s freedom, but no other details on his release were disclosed.

“At 88 years of age, and after many years away from home, Dr. Elliott now needs time and privacy to rest and rebuild strength,” the family added.

The militant group behind the kidnapping, Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, rose to prominence in large part through kidnap-for-ransom operations targeting foreign aid workers and tourists.

The Elliotts were kidnapped near the northern Burkina Faso town of Djibo, near the border with Mali and Niger.

Jocelyn Elliott was freed in neighboring Niger. Niger’s then-President, Mahamadou Issoufou had worked with Burkina Faso intelligence services to secure her release, his office said at the time.

Australia had not paid ransom to secure Ken Elliott’s release, Wong said.

“The Australian government has a clear policy that we do not pay ransoms,” Wong said.

“What we have done over the last seven years is ensure that we worked with other governments and local authorities in relation to Dr. Elliott,” she added.

https://thestreetjournal.org/court-remands-housemaid-for-stealing-employers-n4m/

Praise Etim, a 21-year-old housemaid, has been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court sitting at Tinubu Lagos Island for stealing N4m from her employer.

The defendant, was brought before Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji and is facing a count charge leveled against her by the police.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Cyriacus Osuji, informed the court that the defendant committed the offense on April 22, 2023.

He said the incident happened at 1004 Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Osuji told the court that Etim stole $5,500, which is equivalent to N4m, property of her boss, Shahid Abbass.

The prosecutor said the offense committed contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge against her.

The magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum and ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed, show evidence of tax payment to the state government, and have their addresses verified.

In addition, the defendant was remanded at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre pending when she can perfect her bail conditions.

The case was postponed till June 14.

https://thestreetjournal.org/fg-releases-eight-day-timetable-ahead-of-presidential-inauguration/

The federal government has released the programmes lined up to usher in the new administration of Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima, as president and vice-president respectively.

This was made known by Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation and the presidential transition council chairman, on Thursday, May 18.

Mustapha noted that the transition program, tagged “Nigeria: Better together”, will feature 13 events spread across eight days.

“I am delighted to inform you that May 29, 2023, will mark the 7th consecutive democratic transition of power in Nigeria and on that day, we shall all be ushering in the 16th president of the federal republic of Nigeria,” Mustapha said.

“Let me once again assure Nigerians and indeed the global community of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to the seamless transfer of power to president-elect, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the 16th president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“In a demonstration of this commitment, the president has directed all relevant government institutions to cooperate with and support the transition process through engagement with the president-elect’s team.”

Mustapha said that all the events will be broadcast live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms.

The transition council chairperson added that invited presidents, heads of governments and international organisations heads have confirmed their attendance to grace the events.

Below is the schedule of activities marking the 2023 presidential inauguration:

May 18: World press conference by the secretary to the government of the federation at The Rotunda hall, ministry of foreign affairs, CBD, Abuja.

May 23: Regimental dinner in honour of the commander in chief armed forces officers mess.

May 24: Valedictory federal executive council meeting council chambers at the Presidential Villa.

May 25: Investiture of the president-elect and vice-president-elect with the national honors of grand commander of the order of the federal republic (GCFR) and grand commander of order of the Niger (GCON) respectively and handover of transition documents at the State House conference centre.

May 26: Public lecture and Jumaat prayer at the National mosque

May 27: Inauguration lecture on the topic: “Deepening democracy for integration and development by his excellency, Uhuru M. Kenyatta, former president of Kenya” at the International conference centre.

May 27: Children’s day program at the old Parade Ground and state house conference centre.

May 28: Inter-denominational church service at the national christian centre, and the Inauguration Dinner/Gala Night at the state house conference centre.

May 29: Inauguration parade/swearing-in at the Eagle square and the post inauguration luncheon at the State house banquet hall.

https://thestreetjournal.org/kidnappers-capture-oyo-farmer-demand-n30m-ransom/

Olushola Ayanshola, a cattle dealer, has been abducted along Otu-Alaga Road, in the Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The sum of N30 million was demanded for his release.

Ayanshola was returning from his farm around Alaga Road, close to Radio Station, Otu town, on Sunday evening when two gun-wielding kidnappers, and shot sporadically into the air to scare motorists and passersby.

The farmer was taken away into the bush and efforts by his family members and security agents to locate his whereabouts were unsuccessful.

Olawale, the son of the kidnapped man said the kidnappers contacted the family on Monday to demand N30m ransom.

He added that his father pleaded with him and his elder brother, Emmanuel, to find a way to raise the money because the abductors

Olawale said his father urged them to sell his property to raise the money but he told him there was nothing to sell to raise N30m as all his property was not worth N2m.

He added that when he he tried speaking with one of the kidnappers, he did not understand Yoruba and English but Hausa.

Olawale claimed he reported the matter at the Otu Police Station and that the Amotekun Corps heard of the kidnap and its men have been combing the bush but could not find them.

However, the kidnappers informed Olawale that they are aware that hunters and the Amotekun operatives were on their trail and threatened to kill his father if he did not tell them to back down.

Olawale’s father, confirmed it and told him that the kidnappers have informants who usually updates them as to when to go deeper inside the bush.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, is aware of the incident and he said an investigation is ongoing.

https://thestreetjournal.org/ex-france-president-nicolas-sarkozy-loses-corruption-appeal-set-to-serve-jail-term/


Former President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy has lost his appeal against a prison sentence for corruption.

The Paris appeals court of France has however ruled that he could serve his time at home wearing a tag instead of going to jail.

Sarkozy was sentenced to three years in prison in 2021 which included two suspended jail terms for trying to influence a judge in a separate case.

He was the first former French president to get a custodial sentence.

In 2014, he was convicted of attempting to secure information about a case after he had left office by suggesting he could secure a prestigious job for the judge.

Nicolas Sarkozy served one five-year term as president between 2007 and 2012 where He adopted tough anti-immigration policies and sought to reform France’s economy during a presidency overshadowed by the global financial crisis.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nigerian-man-yemi-mobolade-becomes-first-elected-black-mayor-in-us-municipality/

A Nigerian man living in the United States of America, Yemi Mobolade, has made history by becoming the first Black man to be elected the mayor of Colorado Springs, a municipality in Colorado state of the country.

The new mayor is a US immigrant and a businessman indigenously attached to Nigeria but won the seat of the mayor with no political experience.

He became the mayor after he defeated Wayne Williams on Tuesday night of May 16, 2023, in the city’s runoff contest.

Mobolade’s victory represents a political significance in Colorado Springs, long known as a conservative stronghold. Wayne Williams is a Republican while Mobolade is not affiliated to any political party.

Mobolade had received 57% of the vote to Williams’ 43% as of 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16, Williams conceded at about 7:30 p.m that same day.

Mobolade will succeed Mayor John Suthers, a former federal prosecutor and Colorado attorney general whose term was limited, to become the city’s 42nd mayor.

“This is our win,” Mobolade said

“We make up Colorado Springs. It’s a new day in our beloved city. Do you believe that? Colorado Springs will be become an inclusive, culturally rich, economically prosperous, safe and vibrant city,” he added.

Mobolade, a married father of three, moved to Colorado Springs in 2010 and quickly became a leader in the business community.

He co-founded two popular restaurants — The Wild Goose Meeting House and Good Neighbours Meeting House — in Colorado’s second-largest city and served as its small business development administrator.

He was also the vice president of business retention and expansion for the Colorado Springs Chamber and Economic Development Corporation.

https://thestreetjournal.org/fg-approves-n3-04bn-for-installation-of-taxi-lighting-systems-in-lagos-abuja-port-harcourt-airports/

The federal government has approved the sum of N3.04 billion for the procurement and installation of a taxi lighting system and photometric pattern for the airports in Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja.

This development was made known by Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, May 15.

Sirika said that the council also approved funds for the provision of equipment in airports all over the country.

The minister also noted that the aviation leasing company has been established and approved by the council.

He said that, “So, entrepreneurs and civil aviation will have access to lease equipment at affordable rates within our country, and this is part of our roadmap.

“The roadmap is gradually coming to 100 percent completion.

“I am glad to see that the full business case has been approved by the FEC.

“A second memo was also for the award of contract for the procurement, and installation of taxi lighting system, and photometric pattern for Port Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, and some other equipments all over the country.

“In this contract, the total sum for the photometric and taxi lighting system for the airports mentioned is N3,047,127,022.72, with seven and half percent VAT and 12 months completion period.

“The contractor is Messrs KSR3 Global Nigeria Limited,” Sirika added.

The minister also reiterated the resolve of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to ensure that Nigeria Air, the proposed national airline, flies before May 29.

In addition, Demola Adegiroye, minister of state for transportation, said that the council approved the sum of N1.3 billion for the procurement of furniture for the newly acquired headquarters of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Security Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos state.

https://thestreetjournal.org/alleged-1-4m-fraud-court-adjourns-trial-of-businessman-accused-of-defrauding-us-university-till-june-27/

The special offences court, Ikeja, Lagos state, on Tuesday, May 16, adjourned the final hearing in the $1.4 million fraud case involving one Kolawole Adedayo Erinle and his firm, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, till June 27.

Erinle and his company are standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of criminal conduct, and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of $1,410,000 (one million four hundred and ten thousand dollars).

The defendant is accused of defrauding the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCUMB) in the United States (US) of about $1,412,509.

He however pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.

Erinle, who opened his defence on Monday, May 15, denied the charges against him, while being led in evidence by his counsel, Lawal Pedro (SAN).

He claimed that there was actually such Edward Dada, contrary to the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The defendant also told the court that he, indeed, met the said Dada “in person when he came to Nigeria from the US.”

Erinle said that, “I met him and I spoke with him. He told me that he resides in Texas, and he made me aware that he is a citizen of Nigeria and the United States.

“It was around November to December 2018 at a burial of a family friend, where he was introduced to me.

“I told him that I needed investors for my real estate business,” he added.

He noted that they exchanged contacts and said Dada, after travelling back to the US, later asked for his company’s bank account details, to which he transferred $1,410,000 to him, using his own bank account in the US.

Under cross-examination by the prosecution counsel, T.J. Banjo, during the proceedings, Erinle admitted to have been convicted in the US for bank fraud, where he was sentenced to a 27-month jail-term and equally served his term.

He further confirmed that his firm received the $1,410,000 through Edada Autoparts, a company which belongs to the said Dada.

Erinle also confirmed that he was the one who withdrew the money from the account of Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, his firm, and shared the same to different other accounts.

He, however, claimed that he withdrew the money because the said Dada stated that he was no longer interested in investing in his real estate business.

The defendant noted that he had to withdraw the money and convert it to naira, adding that he handed over the money back to the said Dada.

“We haven’t started developing the portion I allocated to Edward Dada and it was cut short because he said that he was no longer interested, as he pulled out of the contract,” Erinle said.

He further claimed that he returned “all the $1,410,000 to Edward Dada and that’s why there’s no lawsuit from him.”

However, he could not present any document to show that he indeed returned money to the said Dada, nor did he give details as to where and how he returned all the money.

Thereafter, Pedro called the second witness, one Musa Akande, who claimed that he never had any business with the said Dada, but that the defendant actually told him about him, “as he and the defendant were both into real estate business and had known each other since 2016.”

“The defendant just mentioned it to me, but how the relationship started and ended, I don’t know,” Akande said.

Meanwhile, the presiding judge, Justice R.A Oshodi adjourned the case till June 27 for final hearing.

https://thestreetjournal.org/many-injured-from-multiple-auto-crash-on-lagos-ibadan-expresswayvideo/

Many have sustained injuries from the multiple car accident that occurred along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, leading to so much traffic jam on the road.

The accident occurred on May 15 and it involves a truck and several other vehicles on the road.

The truck usually conveys cows, but it rammed into a vehicle from behind as the vehicle also rammed into other vehicles at its front, leading to a chain of crashes.

Four injured persons have been taken to a nearby hospital.Two children, one male and one female adult were involved.

Efforts were ongoing to ascertain further casualties and to remove the truck from the road.

The spokesperson for the Ogun sector of the FRSC, Florence Okpe, is yet to confirm the accident.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nigerias-inflation-rate-hits-new-high-increases-to-22-22-percent/

The consumer price index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services, increased to 22.22 percent in April 2023, up from 22.04 percent in the previous month.

The inflation rate data is contained in the latest CPI report released on Monday, May 15, by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The increase is the fourth consecutive surge in the country’s inflation figure since the beginning of 2023.

The bureau also said that items like food and non-alcoholic beverages contributed largely on the divisional level to the increase in the inflation rate.

https://thestreetjournal.org/godswill-akpabio-visits-hilda-baci-as-she-breaks-guinness-world-record-promises-to-reward-her-handsomely/

Former governor of Akwa-Ibom State and consensus candidate for the position of Senate President on the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Monday visited Nigerian chef, Hilda Bassey Effiong, aka Hilda Baci, who broke the Guinness World Record for longest cooking hours.

Hilda broke the record which was previously held by Indian chef, Lata Tondon on Monday morning at 7:45 am.

Shortly after she clinched the record, Godswill Akpabio showed up at the venue, Amore Gardens, Lekki, Lagos State, to meet with Hilda.

He cheered her on and promised to reward the 27-year old Akwa Ibom State citizen.

He wrote on Twitter, “I was this morning accompanied by my colleagues Senators-elect, on a solidarity visit to an Akwa Ibom child, Hilda Baci, who is set to break the Guiness Book of record as the Chef with the longest cooking duration in the world.

“I pray for her success and I promise to reward her at the end of the event. I thank her for exhibiting the Can Do Spirit of the Akwa Ibom child. FORWARD EVER, BACKWARD NEVER.”

Similarly, Margaret Obi, wife of Peter Obi the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, who is incidentally from Akwa Ibom State, took time out of her busy schedule to pay a solidarity visit to Hilda on behalf of her husband who had earlier tweeted his support for her.

https://thestreetjournal.org/i-have-no-grudge-against-tinubu-bode-george-declares/

Chief Olabode George, a chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), has revealed that he bears no personal grudge towards the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu and George are both political leaders in Lagos but George has been criticizing Tinubu as they both belong to different political parties

The duo have been known to be eternal political foes thus the relationship between them has been soured but George has been the more vocal protagonist.

Over the years, the former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP has not hidden his dislike for the former Lagos State governor, specifically because of Tinubu’s high influence in the governance of Lagos state under the umbrella of APC.

George revealed his plan to embark on a self-imposed exile if Tinubu becomes Nigeria’s president and has been reminded of this statement on several occasions since Tinubu’s emergence as the President-elect.

A peace meeting, initiated by some APC leaders was held in Lagos on Saturday, May 13, 2023, to reconcile the two illustrious sons of the state.

The reconciliation effort was headed by Prince Tajudeen Olusi, the leader of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) – the apex leadership of the party in Lagos State.

The meeting was held at George’s Lagos residence and was attended by Olusi, a former judge of the Lagos State High Court, Justice Ishola Olorunnimbe (retd), Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; and former Deputy Governors of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele and Prince Abiodun Ogunleye

George commended the elders for the peace parley which he described as a positive step towards a new Lagos.

The PDP chieftain, clarified that there’s nothing personal about his criticism of the former Governor.

He added that Justice Olorunnimbe is like a father, and that they respect their fathers in Lagos.

He said when Papa Olusi told him he wanted to come and see him, he sent s message to Olusi that he will go to see him instead.

Papa Olusi refused and insisted on coming to visit him.

George added that this was the second time Papa Olusi was visiting and they had detailed discussions that bothered on the unity of Lagos.

They re-established the fact that the culture of Lagos is to accept and accommodate other tribes.

George added that the topic from the visit was also hinged on the details of working together, because a divided house will be a defeated house.

George explained to Baba Olusi that there is no problem about working together and that unity of purpose in Lagos State, irrespective of party affiliations was the goal.

“On the bottom line, you are a Lagosian though we can different political affiliations.

I’m respect to Tinubu, George said what had happened has gone, vengeance is not his but the almighty God.

He added that him and Tinubu will have differences, and disagree but they must not be disagreeable.

George narrated that they were asked to congratulate Asiwaju and they said yes, but would wait for all the court cases to finish first.

George said, congratulating Tinubu wasn’t a problem because God knows best and as a believer, this was his school of thought.

https://thestreetjournal.org/expert-criticizes-dangotes-claim-of-10bn-projected-savings-for-nigeria/

Bala Zakka, an oil and gas expert, has criticized the claims by Aliko Dangote that the company could save Nigeria $10 billion in foreign exchange (FX) and generate another $10 billion in exports when the facility begins operation.

Recall that Dangote revealed the potential economic benefits of the company to the Nigerian economy.

Dangote said the company would save the country the foreign exchange expended in importing fuel products.

However, Zakka argued that he is in doubt about the figure being bandied by Africa’s richest man.

He affirms that the development of Nigeria’s first private refinery is a significant landmark in the country’s history but Nigerians should be aware that it is a private enterprise whose sole objective is to maximize profit.

Zakka claims he’s not sure about analysis, mathematics, statistics, ability capacity or potential of saving $10 billion as said on the importation.

Zakka emphasized the fact that Dangote is a private initiative. Private initiatives are not those that provide goods and services for free; it is the government that provides goods and services for free.

Zakka warned Nigerians that Private initiatives are after profit maximization and cost minimization.

In addition, Zakka told Nigerians that anywhere they see private initiatives, it is not there because it loves its citizens. It is there because there’s a need to maximize profit and minimize cost.

https://thestreetjournal.org/nigerias-oil-production-decreases-to-998602-barrels-per-day/


The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said that oil output dropped to an average of 998,602 barrels per day (bpd) in April 2023.

The production figure indicates a decrease by 21.26 percent compared to March, when output was 1,268,202 bpd.

The data was contained in the latest crude oil and condensate production report of the NUPRC.

The volume of production is at its lowest point in the last seven months.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, while speaking about the current oil output, on Wednesday, May 10, said that oil production is currently about one million bpd below “its technically allowable capacity.”

Komolafe attributed the low oil production to a number of issues, including the energy transition’s impact on hydrocarbon funding, a lack of investments, and insecurity.

“While the commission is prioritizing efforts towards increasing oil and gas production and ensuring maximum federation revenue through the optimisation of oil and gas value chain, the efforts have been constrained by a myriad of challenges,” he said.

“These challenges range from insecurity, low investment, and de-prioritisation of funding of hydrocarbon development arising from the energy transition.

“Currently, Nigeria has the technical allowable capacity to produce about 2.5 million barrels of oil per day.

“However, arising from the highlighted challenges, our current production hovers around 1.5 million barrels of oil and condensate per day,” he added.

https://thestreetjournal.org/gunmen-kill-apc-presidential-campaign-council-member-in-imo/

Capt. Tony Enoch, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Presidential Campaign Council in Imo State, has been killed.

The retired military officer, Enoch was also a kinsman of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and was killed in Oru East local government area of the state, hometown of the governor.

Enoch, who served as the Coordinator for the Grow Orlu Project, a political structure of the Senator-elect of the Imo West Senatorial District, Osita Izunaso, was killed on his way from the APC Stakeholders meeting held at the Oru- East council headquarters.

After killing him around Awomama Technical School in Oru-East, the gunmen dumped his corpse in the booth of his car.

The deceased was ambushed by his assailants, who ordered him to park his car before he was shot dead.

He was shot on the head three times and dumped in the booth, where blood traces were seen under the abandoned car.

Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the police in the state, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.