₦airaland Forum

P/Harcourt refineries to work at full capacity by November – NNPC

Port Harcourt refineries would begin to work optimally from November after a Turn-Around Maintenance (TAM), the NNPC has assured.

Mr Philip Chukwu, Group Executive Director (GED), Refining and Petrochemicals at the NNPC gave the assurance on Thursday in Port Harcourt during an inspection of the refineries alongside officials of Maire Tecnimont, the contractors which the Federal Government engaged for the TAM.

Chukwu who decried the lack of maintenance of the twin Port Harcourt refineries in the last 12 years, commended the Federal Government for engaging the original constructors of the refineries for the TAM.

“Everyone knows that the refineries have not been properly maintained over the years and we have had to manage things. What we are doing now is to have the TAM and complete rehabilitation of the refineries by the original contractors,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two Port Harcourt refineries which consist of the old refinery with capacity to process 60, 000 b/d and 150, 000 b/d, respectively, had been functioning at very low capacity with the old one not working at the moment because of lack of maintenance.

Chukwu explained that the TAM, which would start in October, would require a total shut down of the plants for between 45 days and 60 days to ensure a thorough job.

He said the TAM and rehabilitation process would also entail overhauling the supply chain and pipelines that bring crude oil and capacity building for staff so as to meet international best practice.

He said the NNPC was also working with all stakeholders, including security operatives, to ensure the pipelines were safe and no longer vandalised.NAN

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/01/pharcourt-refineries-to-work-at-full-capacity-by-november-nnpc/

Mass Protests Continue As Talks Between Government and Labor Break Down-The Full Report

https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/news-page-images-480-wide/page_images/news/2012/goodluck_mark.jpg

A source close to the Presidency has told SaharaReporters that a few compromised labor leaders may have encouraged President Goodluck Jonathan to take a tough stance in today’s negotiation
between the government and organized labor to end mass protests and a general strike that has ground Nigeria to a halt.

At today’s negotiation, Mr. Jonathan offered to reduce the price of fuel from more than N140 to N120 per liter. Labor leaders rejected the offer, calling for a restoration of the price to N65. The Jonathan
administration precipitated the protests by announcing a blanket removal of fuel subsidy, leading to a dramatic rise of fuel prices to N141.

Prior to today’s stalemated negotiations, two sources in the Jonathan Presidency told our correspondent that the president was going to agree to return subsidies pending further talks with labor in April of this year.

However, an emboldened Jonathan insisted at the talks that his government could not go below N120 as the per liter price of fuel. “I believe that pro-government labor leaders must have encouraged government to adopt that position,” said one source, adding that some representatives of labor were cozy with officials of the Jonathan government.

Protesting Nigerians have insisting that the government reverse its highly unpopular policy of removing fuel subsidy.

Mr. Jonathan’s government has insisted that it would not retreat from its decision on New Year’s Day to hike the per liter price of fuel.

In the wake of the subsidy removal, transport fares tripled throughout the country, with consequent rise in the prices of other commodities and services. Many Nigerians who had traveled to their home states for the Christmas holiday were caught unawares by the dramatic rise in fares, and could not afford the fare back to their places of residence, business or work.

“What kind of government would act without thinking of the impact of its policies on citizens?” asked an economics lecturer at the University of Benin. He added: “Look, the US President or the UK Prime Minister cannot survive politically if he makes a decision that doubles the price of any important commodity in his country. So why did Jonathan think Nigerians deserve a near tripling of the cost of fuel?”

Indignant Nigerians are vowing to continue protests in the wake of today’s stalemate. One critic described the Jonathan administration’s policy as “a cruel and inhuman yoke on long suffering Nigerians.”

Protests have grounded commercial and other activities in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja as well as such other important cities as Kano, Lagos, Jos, and Benin.

“President Jonathan has exposed himself as a weak and confused leader masquerading as a strong man,” one labor leader told SaharaReporters after learning of the stalemate. “President Jonathan has been telling people that he cannot afford to appear weak. How can he claim to be strong when he cannot even prosecute those he calls a cabal who are stealing subsidy from Nigerians? It is regrettable that a man with his background now wants Nigerians to submit to his wicked plans.”

Asked if he believed that some labor leaders would sell out, the labor activist warned that any labor leader who compromises himself “will be exposed as an enemy of the people and an enemy of history.”

Another opposition advocate hailed Nigerians for holding their ground. “We need to tell President Jonathan that this country belongs to us, not to him, his wife, and their chosen few.”

Several sources within the government told SaharaReporters that Jonathan had agreed to capitulate after it became clear that the country was headed into complete chaos – and that the protests against removal of fuel subsidy could trigger wider calls for the toppling of the country’s corrupt, inefficient and expensive so- called democracy. “So it is totally surprising that he started talking about N120 today.”

An Abuja-based labor leader applauded Nigerians who have been flooding the streets to protest against being made slaves in their own country.

The labor leader said that, after forcing the government to reverse itself on fuel subsidy, “the next stage is to ensure that President Jonathan orders the security agencies to go after those profiteering
from fraudulent fuel subsidy claims.” He said it was clear that Jonathan administration lacked the will to “prosecute the cabal that steals hundreds of billions of naira from us through fraudulent manipulations,” adding that labor leaders and other Nigerians should force the Jonathan administration to do its work.

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/mass-protests-continue-talks-between-government-and-labor-break-down-full-report

@Seun

I couldn't vote because I don't want subsidy back to N65, I also don't want it removed at once. My stand is a phased removal tied to government performance over a period of 1 - 2yrs.

Breaking News: Strike continues as Jonathan’s meeting with Labour ends in deadlock

There was no end in sight to the ongoing general strike in the country over the removal of fuel subsidy on Thursday night as the meeting between the Federal Government and organised Labour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ended in a stalemate.

The government’s side was led by President Goodluck Jonathan while the presidents of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, and Trade Congress, Mr. Peter Esele, led a 17-man delegation from organised Labour and civil society to the meeting.

Omar told journalists after the meeting that the strike would continue as no agreement was reached at the meeting. He also said another discussion had been scheduled for Saturday.

The meeting began at 5pm at the Presidential Villa and Labour demanded that government must revert from N141 to N65.

THE PUNCH learnt that the Labour and civil society delegation joined the meeting at 6.30pm.

Jonathan and Sambo left shortly after the Labour leaders arrived at the meeting venue. But they returned hours later.

The strike and protests entered their fourth day today.

Earlier in the day, Mark confirmed that the meeting would hold, in a short interview with Senate correspondents in Abuja.

Speaking after meeting with Labour leaders at his residence, Mark said the Senate had succeeded in getting both sides to discuss the January 1, 2012 controversial removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

“Our efforts are to ensure that Labour and government sit down to discuss the issues and I think we have achieved that. There is going to be a meeting today between the government and the leadership of Labour,” Mark said.

Omar and Esele also confirmed the 5pm meeting.

The Senate president had on Thursday morning led a delegation of senators to the Presidential Villa for a short meeting with Jonathan and senior government officials.

The Senate and House of Representatives had at separate sittings called on Jonathan to revert to N65, in the interest of the nation, and enter into serious negotiations with Labour.

Also, eminent Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Shehu Shagari; clerics, politicians; and leaders of thought had pleaded with Jonathan to revert the price.

http://www.punchng.com/news/jonathan-labour-leaders-to-meet-at-5pm-today/

Breaking News: Strike continues as Jonathan’s meeting with Labour ends in deadlock

There was no end in sight to the ongoing general strike in the country over the removal of fuel subsidy on Thursday night as the meeting between the Federal Government and organised Labour at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ended in a stalemate.

The government’s side was led by President Goodluck Jonathan while the presidents of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, and Trade Congress, Mr. Peter Esele, led a 17-man delegation from organised Labour and civil society to the meeting.

Omar told journalists after the meeting that the strike would continue as no agreement was reached at the meeting. He also said another discussion had been scheduled for Saturday.

The meeting began at 5pm at the Presidential Villa and Labour demanded that government must revert from N141 to N65.

THE PUNCH learnt that the Labour and civil society delegation joined the meeting at 6.30pm.

Jonathan and Sambo left shortly after the Labour leaders arrived at the meeting venue. But they returned hours later.

The strike and protests entered their fourth day today.

Earlier in the day, Mark confirmed that the meeting would hold, in a short interview with Senate correspondents in Abuja.

Speaking after meeting with Labour leaders at his residence, Mark said the Senate had succeeded in getting both sides to discuss the January 1, 2012 controversial removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

“Our efforts are to ensure that Labour and government sit down to discuss the issues and I think we have achieved that. There is going to be a meeting today between the government and the leadership of Labour,” Mark said.

Omar and Esele also confirmed the 5pm meeting.

The Senate president had on Thursday morning led a delegation of senators to the Presidential Villa for a short meeting with Jonathan and senior government officials.

The Senate and House of Representatives had at separate sittings called on Jonathan to revert to N65, in the interest of the nation, and enter into serious negotiations with Labour.

Also, eminent Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Shehu Shagari; clerics, politicians; and leaders of thought had pleaded with Jonathan to revert the price.

http://www.punchng.com/news/jonathan-labour-leaders-to-meet-at-5pm-today/

Breaking News:

Nigerian main labor union says government, unions had fruitful talks over fuel subsidy removal, will return to meet on Saturday

https://twitter.com/BreakingNews/status/157567452111319040

At the meeting:

https://p.twimg.com/Ai_Ii-7CEAEuYwb.jpg

Am Alone:
Please where are you getting this from

from 'reliable' sources close to the venue of the meeting on tweeter.

Just don't take it as the whole truth, till official position is released after the meeting.

adewasco2k:
from reliable source live from Abuja: The Labour-N90 And FG-N120 Argument still on

I head the same. Labour accepted N90, whereas FG insisting on N120. Still a long way to go before reaching an agreement. . .


As for me, anything above N100 should be a NO.NO

Am Alone:
Can someone here please give a genuine link to back up their claim
Because I will not and still will not believe that NLC Leaders  are settling for
#120 per litre. . . .
It can't be true!!!!

So what is the difference??
And I am very sure that is a tactic by GEJ to hit up all . . . . .
This is going to be a sad failure for us if this is true.

Secondly, after the implementation from march
I am very sure/certain that after 3 or 4month later
GEJ will come back again for full deregulation(for his complete #141 per litre)

by then it will make no sense for us to strike or protest again because the first one we did resulted to nothing.
Because I will be too busy to come back under the sun to protest for the personnal interest of the top people in NLC and TUC
to start negotiating for just #21 naira. . . .

NLC is not settling for N120. FG is proposing N120. But No agreement has been reached.

Anything above N100 should be a no no for now

I expect a figure between N80 and N100 for petrol to be agreed upon, then the remaining subsidy can be removed gradually as the government improves on providing the palliatives/infrastructures it promised, cutting down the costs of government, be more transparent and show seriousness in fighting corruption.

Jonathan, Labour leaders to meet at 5pm today

President Goodluck Jonathan is to lead a Federal Government delegation to a meeting with labour leaders at the Presidential Villa today.

THE PUNCH learnt that the meeting would hold at 5pm.

They are expected to work out a solution to the general strike, widespread anger and protests over the government’s removal of fuel subsidy on January 1, 2012.

The strike and protests entered their foruth day today.

Labour is demanding that government must revert from N141 to N65.

Senate President, David Mark, who confirmed the meeting in a short interview with Senate correspondents in Abuja, said there was “light at the end of the tunnel.”

Speaking after meeting with Labour leaders at his residence, Mark said the Senate had succeeded in getting both sides to discuss the January 1, 2012 controversial removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

“Our efforts are to ensure that Labour and government sit down to discuss the issues and I think we have achieved that. There is going to be a meeting today between the government and the leadership of Labour,” Mark said.

The Senate president had earlier on Thursday led a delegation of senators to the Presidential Villa for a short meeting with Jonathan and senior government officials.

The Senate and House of Representatives had at separate sittings called on Jonathan to revert to N65, in the interest of the nation, and enter into serious negotiations with Labour.

Also, eminent Nigerians such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former President Shehu Shagari; clerics, politicians; and leaders of thought had pleaded with Jonathan to revert the price.

http://www.punchng.com/news/jonathan-labour-leaders-to-meet-at-5pm-today/

Jonathan summons Fashola and Amaechi to Abuja as talks heat up

The president wants the governors to help break the logjam

President Goodluck Jonathan has summoned the Lagos and Rivers state governors to an emergency summit talks this afternoon.

According to a source in the Lagos Chief-of-Staff’s office, Babatunde Fashola and Rotimi Amaechi were asked to drop everything and fly to Abuja on Thursday afternoon as petrol protests heat up across the nation.

The presidential jet was sent to Lagos to pick up Governor Fashola whilst Governor Amaechi flew in the Rivers state official jet. The source was unable to divulge the exact reason why both governors were summoned but revealed that the request came directly from the Presidency.

Rotimi Amaechi is the Chairman of the Governor’s Forum whilst Babatunde Fashola governs the wealthiest and most populous state in the federation.

Earlier, officials of the Presidency had met with Senate and trade union representatives to resolve the impasse over the nationwide strike.


http://premiumtimesng.com/http://premiumtimesng.com/index.php/news/3411-jonathan-summons-fashola-and-amaechi.html

Kaduna government reduces curfew

The Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ballah Nasarawa, on Thursday announced the reduction of the 24-hour curfew imposed in the state.

"In view of the gradual return to normalcy within Kaduna metropolis and environs, the Kaduna State Security Council, met and approved the reduction of the 24-hour curfew currently in place," Nasarawa said.

"Consequently, today, Thursday, 12 January 2012, the curfew has been reviewed from 1pm – 5pm."

Saying that the Kaduna State Government recognises the right of its people to freely express their views, he warned that the state would no longer condone any act of vandalism, intimidation or molestation of innocent citizens.

"As such any form of public gatherings, assemblies or procession during this period are suspended," he said.

The Commissioner also expressed appreciation for the orderly manner in which residents conducted themselves during the curfew hours and urged all citizens of the state to remain calm and law-abiding.

http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/kaduna-government-reduces-curfew#.Tw7t5sdokGY.twitter

More updates please!

toba:
All this BB users and their crazy rumour.

How can an elected governor be summoned in a Democracy?

My 1st reaction too seeing the topic. I assume the OP mean Invited.

Happy New year Everyone!

Sorry am reporting here late this year.


Someone got in touch with me concerning Perx some days ago. Good we now we have an idea of her case. But if am not mistaken (am not a medical doctor) this look to me like a serious medical case.

What I will want to find out is what kind of assistance she is looking for from us? Seems I was given a different picture of what she needs from us from what am reading so far. I wish she can come here herself and present her case and tell us what exactly she wants from us.

Some people are wicked and deserve to be shot or at bet made to rot in jail

Time to pass the buck. . . interesting. Lets wait and hear what the State Governors will say.