The military invasion on the house of High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich alias "Egberipapa" recently where two of his aides were killed has been described as an affront to the South/South Region of the country.

Speaking with newsmen during the burial of the slain aids in Usoku, Degema LGA of Rivers state, the National chairman of the South/South Chiefs, Elders and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria, High Chief Omubo Atuboinoma Harry (JP) said the attack was nothing than the arrogance of power by the military leadership and extension of the region's marginalization.

He lamented that such a thing cannot happen in the northern part of the country under any guise.

He informed that Chief (Hon ) Jackrich is a prominent chief of the Kalabari kingdom, a one time LG chairman former gubernatorial candidate in the last general election.

"The much the authorities could have done was to invite him for questioning if there was need for it", he declared.
High Chief Harry advised that the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency launch a thorough investigation into the matter, culprits brought to book, compensation paid and apology rendered to him.

On the political crisis in Rivers state,the South/South group said they vehemently denounce and reject the determined action of the immediate past governor of the state, Nyesom Wike to derail the Fubara government, adding that Wike and his cohorts have no moral justification to disturb Gov Fubara after the Upland area of the state has ruled for over 30 years in the political dispensation with the Ikwerres having a whooping 16 years at a stretch with the active support of the Riverine area. He declared that the Upland/Riverine dichotomy which was an arrangement the forefathers put in place to encourage inclusiveness in administration still subsists and must be obeyed. He described those actors from the Riverine divide supporting Wike to destabilize the Fubara administration as "shameless sycophants".

On the emergence of Rt Hon Victor Oko Jumbo as the new Speaker for the Rivers state House of Assembly, chief Harry said it was a good development for the state to move forward.
He added that the defected 27 former lawmakers are stooges to former governor Wike and that they cannot eat their cakes and have it back. "According to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria their seats have been vacated, waiting to be filled by INEC bye election and no amount of political 'abracadabra' can change the situation": he said.
He described the sudden defection of the PDP lawmakers to APC because of pecuniary benefits as a disappointment to their Wards and Constituencies who nominated and voted them into office.

On their determination to impeach governor Fubara, the South/South group made it clear that Rivers people will resist any attempt to truncate the Fubara administration through any means whatsoever because he has not committed any offence and that the masses are with his government. He added that the governor's one year in office has clearly shown a light at the end of the tunnel. "There will be great transformation and liberation of the people in the years to come "

He made it clear that"governor Fubara is a divine child ordained to come and liberate Rivers people from greedy looters of the state ".

On the increased state IGR declared by the governor, chief Harry stressed that the declaration not only shows transparency of the governor but his love for Rivers people whom he has come to save.
"The governor had come to liberate Rivers people and Residents from poverty, oppression as well as put a stop to economic strangulation of the state by a cabal", he said. Be
Chief Harry disclosed further that even the traditional rulers had since heaved a sigh of relief since the coming of Gov Fubara.

Pix 1: National chairman of the South/South Chiefs, Elders and Opinion Leaders Association of Nigeria, High Chief Omubo Atuboinoma Harry (JP)
Pix 2: Egberipapas two aides killed in cold blood by the military during the invasion.

PRESS RELEASE:

FRONTLINE LEADERS, GENERALS & COMMANDERS OF DEFUNCT NIGER-DELTA LIBERATION FRONT (NDLF) IN OGONI AXIS PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME, DR. DENNIS BRUTU

We, the Leaders, generals and commanders of the defunct Niger Delta Libration
Force (NDLF) in the Ogoni Zone of Rivers State, encompassing the Eleme, Gokana,
Khana, and Tai Local Government Areas, hereby issues this press statement to
formally express our resounding vote of confidence in the administrator of the
Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro.

Ogoni, historically and presently, stands as a significant contributor to the Niger
Delta Struggle, epitomized by figures such as Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 9, who
sacrificed their lives for the economic, environmental, and socio-political
emancipation of our region. As leaders of the genuine struggle for the Niger Delta,
we recognize Dr. Otuaro as a fitting embodiment of our aspirations and ideals.

Dr. Dennis Brutus Otuaro, is known for his vocal advocacy for the Niger Delta
region. He has been at the forefront, consistently championing the cause of
infrastructural development, environmental protection, and equitable resource
allocation. His deep understanding of the challenges facing our region, coupled
with his track record of performance as a seasoned administrator, makes him the
perfect fit for the role.

We extend our sincere commendation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his
thoughtful and constructive decision in appointing Dr. Otuaro to oversee the
Presidential Amnesty Programme, a reflection of the President's unwavering
commitment to fostering peace and development in the Niger Delta region.

Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro's selection emerged from a careful consideration of a
list of recommended candidates. We urge the rest of them who are equal
stakeholders to contribute their wealth of knowledge and expertise towards
achieving the programme's objectives, as Dr. Otuaro has demonstrated his
openness to collaboration with all parties involved.

Moreover, this is the first time a key stakeholder in the Niger Delta Struggle who has
direct and convivial relationship with all the leaders and generals in the struggle
has been appointed to handle the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Dr. Otuaro's accessibility to all stakeholders. Despite the fact that he is from Delta
State, he has proved to us that those of us from other states of the region are
equally important. He is ready and committed to resolving all outstanding disputes
and disagreements in the programme to carry everybody along, without leaving
anyone behind

His openness to constructive feedback, and dedication to the core mandate of the
programme reassures us of his capability to deliver tangible results.

We the leader, generals and members of the defunct Niger Delta Libration Force
(NDLF) in Ogoni Zone of Rivers State, unequivocally pledge our full support and
declare a vote of confidence on the leadership of Dr. Otuaro led Presidential
Amnesty Programme. We also use this medium to urge all stakeholders in the
Niger Delta, including skeptics, to rally behind Dr. Otuaro in ensuring the success of
this crucial task of realizing the goals of the Programme for the benefit of the
region and the Nation at large.

Signed

Chief Solomon Ndigbara
Chairman, Defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force,
Rivers State Chapter and Leader,
Ogoni Zone

Comrade Matthew Dighi.
National President, *Indigenous Youth Council of Ogoni People.(LYCOP).*

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE: Niger Delta Liberation Force - (NDLF) Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Zone, Passes Vote Of Confidence On The Office Of The Administrator Of Presidential Amnesty Program - (PAP)


(Protocol)

The attention of the Niger Delta Liberation Force - NDLF Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Zone has been drawn to a recent press conference granted by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in the Niger Delta on some national TV stations, wherein it berated and discredited the appointment of Chief Dennis Otuaro as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program.

At the said report, the leader of the group, one Dennis Nakor Francis alleged that the Presidential Amnesty Program has been passive since the appointment of Chief Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator, and thus, called on the National Security Adviser to shop for his replacement.

Another member of the group, one Harrison Ominini advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring in someone who can be easily accessed by the people.

The NDLF Onelga Zone, wishes to use this medium to discountenance the said report by the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in the Niger Delta, as it was done in a bad faith with a clear motif to malign the character of Chief Dennis Otuaro, whom they tried so hard to look for what to discredit him before Mr President, but found nothing against him.

It was also evident that the move was clearly sponsored by some faceless elements in the Niger Delta for selfish interests, and with the intent to distract the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, Chief Dennis Otuaro from delivering on his commitment to reposition the PAP.

As we stated in our earlier press conference wherein we commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for the appointment of Chief Dennis Otuaro, whom we consider a square peg in a square hole, to man the affairs of the Presidential Amnesty Program, we wish to advise detractors to steer clear to allow the PAP Administrator settle in and do his work.

For purpose of emphasis, the appointment of Chief Dennis Otuaro as the Administrator of PAP by the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration shows that it is committed to addressing the concerns of the Niger Delta people (which gave rise to arm struggle and insecurity in the first place), as this is the first time someone who understands the background of the struggle and was part and parcel of it, would be appointed to man the office of Administrator of the PAP since its inception.

Although this is not an avenue to hold brief on his behalf, but Chief Dennis Otuaro has been tried, tested and has proven himself by his track record of exemplary leadership when he served as a top-level executive of NDDC, as he was very much committed to addressing issues of the Niger Delta and was very much accessible to all.

He knows all those who were directly involved in the Nigeria Delta struggle and understands the challenges and concerns of the PAP, and this is evident in his efforts so far in reaching out to stakeholders of the struggle and ongoing consultations barely few weeks in office, and therefore should be allowed to concentrate.

In as much as we know that at all times there are bound to be personal interests, but we believe that the overall development and peace in the Niger Delta region ought to naturally override such interests.

Therefore we advise the faceless individuals sponsoring people to discredit the appointment of Chief Dennis Otuaro to have a rethink. Instead let us join forces and support the PAP Administrator and his team to succeed for the overall good and development of the Niger Delta.

The Niger Delta Libration Force Onelga Zone, hereby pass a vote of confidence on Chief Dennis Otuaro and urge him not to be distracted, but focus on bringing his wealth of experience to bare in realizing the vision of Mr President for the Niger Delta project

Signed:

Amb.Comrd. Kelly Rufus Fcilg ,
Cordinator NDLF Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Zone.

*NDDC Set To Explore Creative Human Resources Of Niger Delta Youth Via HOPE Initiative*

The Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC says its strategically opening new frontiers to explore the creative human resource of Youths in the region under its *Holistic, Opportunity Project of Engagement* (HOPE) initiative.
The NDDC Project HOPE initiative which was unveiled in July 2023 with the promise to create one thousand jobs through strategic partnership and skill development of youths in each of the nine NDDC states
In his assessment of the impact of the project so far the Managing Director NDDC DR Samuel Ogbuku said he is delighted that over three hundred thousand youths from the region have so far registered on the project HOPE Data Registration platform to be part of the initiative, Dr Ogbuku further assured that the HOPE initiative is real and will be sustained, adding that the Data Base will not only help the commission to select the right persons, but will also help to monitor their progress.
According to him, "NDDC is using technology to ensure that youths of the region do not need to know anybody to be enlisted into the NDDC HOPE programme.
Meanwhile the Project coordinator NDDC project HOPE Blessing Fubara said more youths in the region will be engage in the initiative following the commencement of the Music and ARTS (M A P) component of the HOPE project.
Fubara further clarified that the Music and Arts component is one of the five spectrum of engagement of youths in the Niger Delta under the project HOPE initiative adding that the other areas of intervention include the NDDC INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME, THE NIGER DELTA YOUTH TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME, as well as the Desk for Entrepreneurial Support N--DESK.
Blessing Fubara also explained that the Agricultural sector will also be tapped into with the 9-9-9 initiative.

In his remark, the executive Director Projects in the NDDC Victor Antai wants Youths in the Region to leverage on the opportunities provided by all the component in the NDDC project HOPE and be part of the initiative.

*CHRIST MEAL XMAS CHILDREN'S FUNFAIR SEASON 6: EGBERIPAPA FETES CHILDREN WITH GIFTS & SCHOLARSHIP PRIZES*

It was a gathering of colour, pomp, and pageantry, one laced in joyous moments and sweet memories as over 1000 children were feted
at the palatial ICT Complex in Buguma by respected former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Asari Toru LG Boss and Peace Ambassador, High Chief Hon. Sobomabo Jackrich ( Egberipapa) to mark the 2023 edition of *CHRIST MEAL XMAS CHILDREN'S FUNFAIR SEASON 6*

Speaking to the press at the party ground, the elated Egberipapa said it is one of his cardinal principles to give children special sense of belonging, adding that no one should deprive the innocent ones the joy of living.
Hear him: "I want to thank God for a successful CHRIST MEAL CHRISTMAS CHILDREN'S FUNFAIR SEASON- 6 this year.

The last six years have been a rollercoaster of remarkable moments, excitement, and undeniable challenges for us. Celebrating six years of infusing joy, laughter, and hope into the lives of numerous children stands as a testament to God's unwavering grace and our resolute dedication to nurturing future leaders. Our mission is clear: to provide the necessary opportunities for these young minds to flourish.

This journey hasn't been a walk in the park. It's been a demanding undertaking, requiring substantial commitment and resources. Yet, witnessing the tangible impact on these young lives – the smiles, the excitement, the seeds of opportunities we have planted – validates that every challenge has been a worthwhile endeavor.

The assurance that the seeds we plant in these young minds will yield rewards to fuel our passion to continually expand this initiative. Despite navigating the immense resources required and economic challenges for the sixth year, we've steadfastly carried this project forward, consistently creating value.

This year we were able to increase the Scholarship prize and more consolation gifts such as bicycles, bags, shoes, writing boards, and much more.

I can assure you that next year edition which is the 7th Edition will be even more impactful and fun filled, God willing.", he was quoted as saying.

Group Berates Boyloaf, Egberipapa, Other Ex Warlords For Endorsing Corrupt Laden NDDC*
...Say They Must Speak Out Against Underdevelopment

As the long running saga of corruption in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) characterized by inefficiency, misappropriation, mismanagement, and shady award of contracts continue to set off outrage and palpable frustration, a Niger Delta group, The Niger Delta Amazons, has lashed out at ex militant warlords, like Boyloaf, High Chief Egberipapa among others who are always in a hurry to visit the commission to pass a vote of confidence in a bid to curry favour, and botherless in the face of distortions and absence of evidence on ground to justify trillions of naira received to address the backward and awkward state of infrastructure in the region.

Spokesman for the group, Mr Minabelem Orukari who made this assertion while speaking to newsmen recalled that in 2019, Ex Warlords, Boyloaf, High Chief Egberipapa and other ex-militant had visited the corporate office of the commission in Port Harcourt to pass a vote of confidence on the three-member Interim Management Committee approved by President Muhammadu Buhari to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Unfortunately after that visit, NDDC experienced one of its worst corruption in the history of the commission, however these ex warlords failed to condemn the rot, rather they remained silent.
As a group with the interest of Niger Delta communities at heart, it is expected that the ex warlords should be interested in ensuring that the mandate of the agency to bring development and intervention to the region is sincerely actualized not the other way round. It was reported that during the visit, High Chief Egberipapa was quoted as saying, “We will support you and we will ensure that you succeed. We believe that as you go round to inspect projects, you will insist on quality and prompt delivery. As eminently qualified Niger Deltans, we believe in your ability and we have no reservations in passing a vote of confidence in your team.” However, that was not to be.
This is why as a group we will continue to condemn these galore of unmerited endorsements. The ex-warlords should not be in a hurry to pass a vote of confidence for selfish reason. For example it was allegedly reported that the 2019 visit ensured appointment of High Chief Egberipapa as Chairman of the NDDC Palliative Committee and juicy contracts for Boyloaf among others.

Mr Orukari noted, that these ex warlords should play a pivotal role in ensuring sanity and development of the region. According to him the ex warlords can be more productive and proactive to the cause of the region by requesting sternly that the Presidency should vacate its crucible hold on the NDDC to perform its interventionist functions according to priorities set by the communities of the Niger Delta.

Hear him: Poverty is getting worse, obviously we can say Nigeria is generally poor, but when you find out that an agency that is supposed to alleviate poverty is now helping to perpetrate that poverty and rub it on our face, spells doom for the people and the region. A situation where we share N10 million, N6 million as palliatives and contracts and the people who are supposed to benefit are not given a bucket of water is so painful.

In as much we appreciate the ex warlords role in the Niger delta struggle, we are calling on ex militants warlords to help ensure that NDDC adheres to it regional masterplan to make huge difference in terms of physical and human development in the region and not arbitrarily passing a vote of confidence that leaves us more vulnerable to scavengers,.

A CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF N195.3B PORT HARCOURT RING ROAD CONTRACT.

This is the first time I will be making a public input on issues of governance of our dear state since after the March 18th Governorship elections.

As a true democrat, I believe that electioneering periods are over with the emergence of various leaders across board, and thus, now is the time for governance, while we also patiently await the verdict of the pending cases at the elections Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

It is important for a government to initiate policies aimed at improving the socioeconomic wellbeing of its citizens. Programs such as construction of roads and other basic infrastructure are critical especially with regards to being part of one of the developing economies of the world.

While Governor SIMINILAYI FUBARA tries so hard to live up to his vision of consolidating on the achievements of his benefactor and former governor, Nyesom Wike, however, consolidating on wrong policies and flagrant abuse of laid down rules of engagement of governance as enshrined in the laws of our state should not form the nucleus of his administration.

I have carefully studied details of the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project flagged off on Monday July 17,2023 by former governor Nyesom Wike.

According to the project description,
the 50.15 kilometers dual carriage road will traverse six Local Government Areas including Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Oyibo and Eleme.

The Port Harcourt Ring Road Project starts at the UTC junction and will have six flyovers and one river crossing bridge.

It would be recalled that the contract for the project construction was signed between the state government and Julius Berger Plc at Government House, Port Harcourt last Wednesday.

The governor speaking after the contract signing, explained that the best time to start a project that has a completion period of 36 months is now, which is precisely why 75 percent of the contract sum (N150Billion) of N195.3 billion has been released, to make Julius Berger give the required urgency to the project.

Now, this was sequel to his signing the supplementary budget of N200 billion recently passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

In all of these, I am particularly worried how the Governor Fubara led state government has bypassed all laid down procurement processes as enshrined in the laws of our state, to do as it seem good in their eyes.

My argument is born out of the desire to ensure transparency and accountability in governance, as our collective resources are only held in trust, and not part of a personal estate of any government official.

To this end, it is important for the Sim Fubara led administration to provide answers to these pertinent questions:

1. How did the Rivers State Government arrive at the N195.3Billion contract sum for the project?

2. Which firm carried out the bill of quantities survey?”

3. Which medium was a capital project like the Port Harcourt Ring Road bid advertised that brought about the contract being awarded to Julius Berger PLC?

The Rivers State Public Procurement Law No.4 of 2008, PART V - PROCUREMENT METHODS (SERVICES AND WORKS ), section 21, subsection one to four, talking about Open Competitive Bidding, clearly states:

"Except as [provided by this Law, all procurement of goods, services and works by all procuring entities shall be conducted by open competitive
bidding".

"Any reference to open competitive bidding in this Law means the process by which a procuring entity based on previously defined criteria, effects public
procurements by offering to every interested bidder, equal simultaneous
information and opportunity to offer the goods, services and works needed".

"The winning bid shall be that which is the lowest evaluated responsive bid which has been responsive to the bid with regards to work specification and standard".

"Notwithstanding, the provisions of this law, with respect to the award of contract, the Governor shall have power to award contract for the execution of projects and other jobs which total value shall not exceed 30% of the total annual budget approved for the execution of projects and other jobs in the State:"

Furthermore, section 22, subsection (1), (iii), says: "Every invitation to an open competitive bid shall: in the case of goods and works, under international competitive bidding, the invitation for bids shall be advertised in not less than two national newspapers and one relevant international publication, an official websites of the procuring entity and the Bureau as well as the procurement journal (if any) not less than six weeks before the deadline for submission of the bids for the goods and works;

"In the case of goods and works valued under National Competitive
Bidding, the invitation for bids shall be advertised on the notice board of
the procuring entity, any official websites of the procuring entity, at least
two newspapers (one of which must have national circulation), and in the
procurement journal (if any) not less than six weeks before the deadline
for submission of the bids for the goods and works".

From the foregoing, it is totally unacceptable to have this show of executive rascality and complete abusive of office primarily for purpose of personal aggrandizement, and not for ensuring the socioeconomic wellbeing of the state as they try to make it appear.

According to a publication by The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) titled ‘N195bn for 50km’ — Rivers Should Be In Guiness Book of World Records For Most Expensive, Outrageous And Questionable Road Contract.

In the said publication, the group alleged that the Rivers state government is spending beyond what is normal on road construction.

Executive Secretary of the group, Akingunola Omoniyi, confirmed that the state’s 50.15 km Port Harcourt Ring Road project worth N195.3Billion is the most expensive contract in the history of public procurement in Nigeria and globally.

It means that “The 50.15km road contract awarded at the cost of N195.3b stands at approximately N4Billion per kilometer.

Going by a World Bank report published in 8th March 2021, it says the cost of constructing 1km of road in our Naira equivalent the world over is N238m., and the indeces or parameters used to arrive at this rate took into consideration all topographic differences.


Thus, according to NEFGAD, this figure is the benchmark that should not be surpassed regardless of several factors except with vested interest that usually characterizes public contracts in Nigeria.

The award of this N195.3Billion ring road project has rather subjected the state to public ridicule as such that the NEFGAD lampooned the state in its publication that, "The only thing left out of the contract is for the Rivers state government to apply to the Guinness World Record (GWR) for verification and certification as the world’s most expensive contract".

This is sad, a complete abuse of office, an institutionalization of corruption and breach of public trust, and therefore, must not go unchallenged.

State Officials are mischievously hiding under the so called perpetual injunction barring any investigation of the financial dealings of the state government by antigraft agencies.

But the good part is that, such order does not take away the right of citizens of the state to demand how their collective resources are being expended by those who hold them in trust.

MY PRAYERS THEREFORE ARE:

1. That the national assembly should launch an inquiry into the award of the contract of the Port Harcourt Ring Road Project.

2. That members of the civil society and well meaning individuals of the state should unite to challenge and vacate the so called perpetual injunction barring any investigation of the state financial dealings, in order to save the state from complete plundering of its resources.


Signed:
High Chief Ambassador Sobomabo Jackrich

A CALL FOR SACK OF MELE KYARI, GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NNPCL. Part ii

*By High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa)*

From unfolding events in recent weeks, it is disheartening to know that our assertion of the calculated conspiracy by few individuals to hijack and have absolute control of the nation's economy has proven to be nothing short of the truth.

These powerful individuals have perfected their scheme by deploying the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited - NNPCL and the Dangote group as conduit pipes to drain the nation's economy in order to satisfy their insatiable gluttony for wealth at the expense of the Nigerian people.

These evil machinations have continued to thrive being successfully shrouded in secrecy, but the time has come for us to join forces to rescue our collective economy and resources from the holds of these enemies of our dear nation.

The abuse of powers by the Mele Kyari led NNPCL has become so alarming and daring to the extent that one would wonder where it derived such powers to become the sole supplier of the nation's crude to Dangote to the tune of 300,000 barrels daily for the next 20 years.

Mele Kyari, the NNPCL Group CEO, who disclosed this at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunities Fair 2023 which held in Bayelsa last month, failed to state at what benchmark rate it would peg the sale of the nation's crude oil to the Dangote Refinery.

However inside sources have disclosed to us that the nation's 300,000 barrels daily crude oil to be sold by the NNPCL to Dangote would be transacted in our Naira currency, and not at the global market oil benchmark rates for the purpose of personal gains.

In another breath, as the popular saying goes, 'nothing hides under the sun'; thus, only a few days ago, publications on June 14th, 2023 surfaced in some 'not too regular media platforms with the caption "NNPCL Issues Petrol Import License to Dangote Weeks After the Launch of Dangote Refinery".

According to the report, NNPCL surreptitiously issued a license to Aliko Dangote to import petroleum products, weeks after Dangote Refinery was commissioned.

Sources at the presidency confirmed that the license will see Dangote importing refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) into Nigeria.

The imported fuel would be discharged at the Dangote barge, where it will be pumped into tanks at the newly commissioned refinery for onward distribution across the country, to give the impression that the new refinery has commenced operation.

The import of this is that the sole importation of Premium Motor Spirit - PMS will likely shift from the NNPCL to Dangote; thus, further confirming my earlier position that the Dangote Refinery commissioned on May 22nd 2023 was not ready for operation.

PMS imported by Dangote is expected to sell at an international market-dictated price to marketers, which also implies that the crashing down of the price of PMS and other petroleum products as expected by Nigerians is far from becoming a reality.

This means a continuous unhindered access and monopoly of the nation's oil industry by a single individual as no other individual or company is yet to be granted the PMS import license; this was the same way Dangote succeeded to have monopoly of the entire nation's cement industry while everyone else looks on.

The generality of Nigerians have been largely counting on the commencement of the operation of the Dangote refinery to mitigate the cost of PMS which currently sells above #500 per liter, following the removal of subsidy by President Bola Tinubu.

But with these developments, the hope of Nigerians have been dashed; and they will continue groaning in economic deprivation till whenever the refinery finally comes on stream.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote had during the commissioning of the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery, promised that products from the refinery will hit the market by the end of July or August 2023.

The audacious false assurance by Dangote stemmed from his unholy and underhanded pact with the NNPCL led by Mele Kyari of which as can be deduced, had obviously been perfected prior to the commissioning of the facility.

And with this development, claims in several quarters saying the refinery is over 85% completed and would start to distribute petroleum products across the country in July or August this year in line with the assurance by Aliko Dangote is totally in doubt.

From our sources, reality on ground at the new Dangote Refinery commissioned in May does not guarantee it commencing operation even in 2024.

You would recall that same way that Mele Kyari, the NNPCL group CEO gave assurances last year that the Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries would be fully operational before the end of the Buhari administration, proved to be a big lie, and yet no one has been made to account for the lies told Nigerians and the funds already committed to such futile venture.

According to section 197 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is the only organ tasked with the responsibility to issue licenses for the importation of petroleum products.

So how the NNPCL assumed that responsibility to issue license to Dangote to import PMS is a mystery that needs to be unraveled.

While the NNPCL has denied claims that it gave a license to Alhaji Aliko Dangote to import petrol pending the completion of his refinery, it failed to name where such license emanated from. Because the NNPCL cannot claim to be ignorant of that being a holder of 20% shares in the Dangote refinery.

The NMDPRA saddled with the responsibility to issue licenses for the importation of petroleum products too has not also taken responsibility for the issuance of the license to Dangote.

And sadly, the House of Representatives which is tasked to represent the interest of the generality of Nigerians, in kick-starting plenary activities, rejected the motion to suspend the license allegedly granted to Dangote Refinery as the sole importer of Petroleum Motor Spirit.

A patriotic federal lawmaker Gali Tijjani had called for the suspension of the license for a review to accommodate all the petroleum marketers.

The House of Reps, however, moved against the motion without recourse to investigating the controversy surrounding the issued license to Dangote.

One would expect that with a new government in place which came into power through an electoral process that many perceive as flawed and currently being challenged at the courts, our leaders ought to work diligently to gain the confidence of the people by being firm in their commitment to serve the interest of Nigerians, instead of that of a select few who are bent on converting the Nigerian resources into personal estate.

They ought to work towards strengthening public institutions with a view to ensuring that public officers are made to account for their stewardship during and after service.

Individuals ought not to be bigger or stronger than public institutions as is currently the case in Nigeria.

MY PRAYERS THEREFORE:

1. That President Ahmed Bola Tinubu should immediate sack the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Mele Kyari and order for his investigation, as there are clear evidence of abuse of office and gross misconduct against him.

2. That this is a call to President Tinubu and the 10th National Assembly to probe the alleged issuance of license to Dangote by the NNPCL for the importation of PMS.

3. That President Tinubu and the National Assembly should revoke the license issued by the NNPCL to Dangote and declare it null and void, as it breaches the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and also bring anyone found complicit in the action to book.

4. That President Tinubu should probe the planned sales of the 300,000 barrels daily crude oil by the NNPCL to Dangote with the Naira currency instead of at the international oil benchmark rates.

5. That the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) should fast track the process of issuing licenses for importation of petroleum products to independent marketers in order to break the hold of monopoly by the NNPCL, to increase competition and ultimately force down the prices of petroleum products.

6. That Nigerians, especially members of the civil society should be aware of this conspiracy by few highly placed individuals to hijack the nation's economy, converting same to their private estate, and resist them.

7. And that I also call on the media often regarded as the fourth estate of the realm to pay a closer attention to the activities of the NNPCL under the leadership of Mele Kyari, with a view to exposing his underhanded dealings, as these corrupt practices have continued to thrive being shrouded in secrecy.

High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa)