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Politics › Amid Uromi Saga: Fear In Nine States As Suspected Herdsmen Resume Abductions, by ogododo(op): 8:56am On Apr 06, 2025

•Residents make gripping sexual assault claims
•Police rescue three, 13 kidnapped victims of Benue Links bus rescued

By Dayo Johnson, Rotimi Ojomoyela, Laolu Elijah & James Ogunnaike

What seems like a relative respite in herdsmen disturbances across the country appears to have given way to despair, fear and anxiety across some states.

This is a result of the resurgence of kidnappings, rape, killings and other forms of crimes perpetrated by suspected herdsmen.

At the moment, no fewer than nine states are living in fear over the development, which threatens lives and property, especially in rural areas.

The affected states include Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Enugu, Delta, Ebonyi, and Benue.

“Our sons and husbands can no longer go to their farms. I have seen a situation where a herder inserted sticks into the private parts of our women. We can’t continue like this”, the leader of a group protesting the activities of suspected herdsmen, who sexually assault women in Enugu, said.

Sunday Vanguard findings came on the heels of the killing of 16 northerners travelling through Uromi in Edo State who were mistaken for kidnappers and attacked by a mob.

Many parts of Edo were believed to have been traumatized by kidnappings and killings allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen, forcing residents to raise vigilantes to redress the situation.

The slain northerners, described as hunters, were travelling from Rivers State to Kano for the recently celebrated sallah when the truck conveying them was stopped in Uromi by some vigilantes, searched and several dane guns reportedly uncovered.

The resultant mob action saw the ‘hunters’ being lynched.
The jungle justice meted to the victims has drawn nationwide condemnation but some analysts say this is the result of the peoples’ loss of confidence in the nation’s justice system as there is no guarantee that when a suspect is caught and taken before the authorities, justice will be done.

ONDO: Killings, raping, sacking of communities

The surge in kidnapping by suspected herdsmen in Ondo State, lately, has put the people on the edge.
Residents have been gripped by palpable fear following killings by suspected herdsmen.

25 persons were said to have been murdered by rampaging herdsmen after they invaded and sacked four communities in Akure North Local Government Area of the state and Aba Oyinbo community in the same council area.

The incident took place within two weeks without being challenged by security agencies or local security groups.

In fact, the state has been turned into a crime resort as kidnappers now operate in broad daylight.

There is anxiety after a series of abductions, especially in Oba Ile, in Akure North and also in the northern senatorial district, specifically in Akoko axis.

The number of reported cases of abductions across the hitherto peaceful state keeps increasing daily.
Suspected herdsmen, recently, ambushed an 18-seater bus along Owo-Akoko Expressway while en route to Akure, the Ondo State capital.

All the passengers were abducted and later released after alleged payment of ransom.
The state security outfit codenamed Amotekun also rescued some of the victims.

Five farmers
Also, three students of Federal College of Agriculture, Oba Ile were abducted by suspected herdsmen a few metres from Akure airport.

Five farmers, also, working on their farms at Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North of the state, were gruesomely murdered by suspected herdsmen.

Barely a week after, seven travellers along the Benin/Owo/Akure highway were abducted.

A female septuagenarian farmer in lfira Akoko, Akoko North East LGA was gang-raped by suspected herders.
She was later rescued by Amotekun personnel.

Also, a 46-year-old health worker, Akinola Oyabiyi, in Eleyowo community, was shot dead by bandits while returning home after the day’s work. He was said to have been shot when he reportedly wanted to escape.

His son, who accompanied him, was abducted but was released 10 days after ransom was allegedly paid.

Another ugly incident was the abduction of a farm owner, Olanrewaju Oyeleye, and his manager in Akure North.

The farm manager, who just returned to the country to invest in farming, was abducted and his captors demanded N100 million ransom.

The unending killings by herdsmen led to a protest by market women in the council area after nine surveyors were abducted.

While lamenting that the state government was unconcerned about the killings in the area, the protesting women accused the police of not making any arrest.

Corpses
Meanwhile, the corpses of five farmers allegedly murdered by suspected herdsmen while working on their farms at Ajegunle-Powerline community in Akure North were taken to the Governor’s Office by some protesters.

The deputy governor of the state, Dr Olayide Adelami, addressed the angry protesters who accused the governor of not being sensitive to the killings by suspected herdsmen.

Reacting to the surge in criminality in Ondo, the state Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, said that no fewer than 114 people found wandering in the forests across the state had been arrested on the suspicion that they could be criminals.

His words “Our people should not panic. We are not relenting.

“In recent times, there has been a significant influx of strangers into our state, particularly at our borders.

“Trailers have been arriving and dropping off individuals who are unfamiliar with the terrain.
“They simply penetrate the bush, leading to an increase in criminal activities around our border towns and cities.

“The governor has directed us to ensure that all miscreants and those with no legitimate business in the forests are removed.

“We have commenced a clearance operation to achieve this goal”.

The state government, he said, has directed Amotekun to immediately establish security posts in communities under attack by suspected herdsmen.

OYO: Upsurge in Akinyele, Akinmorin, Jobele, others
In Oyo State, there has been an upsurge in the attacks by herders in the last two months.

Due to the resurgence of the atrocities of these bandits, affected victims and other residents have been crying and pleading with security agents including hunters to increase surveillance in the forests.

Places where the herders carry out their nefarious activities in Oyo State include Akinyele Local Government, Akinmorin, Jobele and Iseyin-Ibadan road.

One of the victims, Damilare Aduloju, a farmer, who spoke on a private radio in Ibadan, said he was working on his farm when the bandits who were armed with AK 47 rifles swooped on him, tied his hands and also blindfolded him.

“They led me into the bush. When they were crossing the road at Akinmorin, they stopped articulated trucks and took over the road”, Aduloju narrated.

“The vehicles waited when they saw that they were all armed.

“They beat me mercilessly and dragged me with a long rope. We trekked a long distance in the bush. During the day, they would order me to stop and hide in a bush until nightfall.

“They demanded about N50 million but my friends and family got some millions of Naira, which we gave to them before they released me.”

Another victim narrated that the herders came to his residence at Jobele area at 1 am.

“When I heard dogs barking, I knew there was something fishy. I peeped through the window and saw about six of them trying to force the gate open”, he said.

“Our dogs were barking seriously. They fired a gunshot at the dogs but they missed their target.

“By this time, we were making calls to security agents, especially Amotekun Corps. To my surprise, when the dogs heard the gunshot, they stopped barking even though they were not hit by bullets.

“I, my wife and baby were in the house. I had to tell them that they should be patient.

“I said I would open the door. I said it because they had broken all the window glasses.

“Later, I secretly opened the backyard door and jumped over the fence and escaped.

“I hid myself somewhere close and I saw the kidnappers. They were six in number.

“After escaping, I thought about my wife and baby. I had to surrender to the kidnappers. One was trying to speak adulterated Yoruba and the other was speaking pidgin.

“They tied me up and allowed my wife and baby to go.

“We trekked from minutes past 1am to 4am. They gave me water from a stream and fed me with fruits.
“But, as God would do it, we were trying to cross from a cassava farm into a thick bush when we heard some voices.

“All the five kidnappers moving behind me suddenly overtook me and started running.
“When I knew it was Amotekun Corps and other security agents, I raised my two hands, shouting that I was the one they kidnapped so that the security agents would not mistake me for bandits.

Hunters

“I thank God for the security agents including our local hunters who started combing the bushes around searching for me.

“It happened about two weeks ago and I’m yet to get over the shock.”

Speaking with Sunday Vanguard, the President of Soludero Hunters Association, Oba Nureni Akintola, urged state governors in the South-West to empower hunters so that they can fish out the kidnappers hibernating in our forests.

“We are hunters and we are familiar with all the nooks and crannies of the forests around us. The governors should mobilise us. We can enter the bushes and smoke the bandits out,” he added.

OGUN: Havoc on farmlands
Suspected herders have returned to some communities in Ogun State, wreaking havoc on farmlands.

Sunday Vanguard reliably gathered that the herdsmen with an estimated 500 cows invaded farmland in Obafemi/Owode Local Government, Ogun State, destroying over 30 acres of cassava farms.

It was also gathered that a yet-to-be-identified group of herdsmen with a large number of cows allegedly invaded and destroyed a five-hectare rice plantation belonging to one Okegbenro Julius, in Ilupeju Ibaro Village, Abeokuta.

Police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said the owner of the farm, Julius, reported the incident to the police.

She stated that the herdsmen, who had caused extensive destruction to crops, fled the scene leaving one of their cows behind.

One of the affected cassava farmers, Adeogun Olamide, said he
was shocked to discover that the entire 4.5 acres of cassava farm were destroyed by the herdsmen.
Another farmer, Ismail Ajanaku, said: “Over 30 acres of cassava farms had been destroyed by herdsmen. Herdsmen invaded my cassava farm and destroyed everything.

“They also invaded adjoining farms, uprooted the cassava and fed their cows. This impunity poses danger to farmers and farming activities in the South-West.”

In a related development, a group of women from Araromi-Ibese community in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State appealed to the state government, security agencies and traditional rulers in the state to take drastic measures to curtail the excesses of herders, who invaded their community and destroyed farmlands.

The women expressed their frustration and fear over the constant attacks and harassment they face at the hands of herdsmen.

One of the protesters narrated how her daughter gave birth in the bush while running for her dear life.

Pregnant woman
She said: “We no longer feel safe in our community anymore.

“In the process that my daughter and I were running for our dear lives, she fell into labour at 1 am and gave birth in the bush”.

Reacting to the development, a member of the House of Representatives, representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency of Ogun State, Gboyega Isiaka, described the invasion of the community by herders as a tragic event.

Isiaka, in a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Peters, lamented the distress caused to women farmers in the community.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to protecting his constituents amid the recurring threat of herdsmen attacks.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, has constituted a ‘Conflict Resolution Committee’ with a charge to proffer a lasting solution to the perennial herders and farmers conflict in the area.

Reacting to the invasion of farmlands, spokesperson for the state Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has taken decisive action to prevent any escalation of conflict between herders and farmers in Ogun.

Odutola said: “The Police will continue to engage all parties involved to foster understanding and prevent conflicts.

“Ogun State Police Command remains vigilant and dedicated to upholding law and order, emphasising the importance of collaborative efforts between farmers and herders to maintain peaceful coexistence in the community.”

EKITI: Working to stop attacks
Ekiti is one of the South-West states where attacks by suspected herdsmen seem to be a major source of concern, especially in border communities with Kogi State.

Killings, abductions, rape and destruction of farmlands are common crimes associated with herdsmen in the rural areas.

However, it appears the strategy put in place by the security team led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brigadier General Ebenezer Ogundana, is working.

Explaining the secret of their success to Sunday Vanguard, Ogundana, said: “I think by the grace of God, the kind of synergy among the security agencies in Ekiti has helped us a lot.

“We have a platform where we review security arrangements in the state weekly.

“Before, it was monthly, but since we started having reports that Boko Haram (members) are being dislodged in the North-East and North-West, we now meet frequently.

“Our non-state actors, the Amotekun Corps, Peace Corps, Agro Marshal and Anti-grazing Marshal have been giving us information.

“Officers of these agencies are living in the communities at the grassroots. The information is helpful. The proactiveness of security agencies is making the bandits relocate from our state.

“We don’t want to sleep and say Ekiti is safe while things are happening around our borders, like what is happening in Ondo State.

“We sympathize with Ondo State. We are already working with Ondo State on how we can synergise efforts.’’

OSUN: Bloody clashes
Despite the existence of anti-open grazing law in Osun State, farmlands and farmers are under attack by nomadic herders.

Koka, an agrarian community located off Osogbo/Ibokun Road, was identified as a hotbed of violence between farmers and herders, who often engage in bloody clashes over the destruction of plantations by cows while grazing.

BENUE: Regular attacks
Attacks by suspected herders are still issues of concern across many LGAs in Benue State.

To date, the state remains the hotbed of criminal activities perpetrated by suspected herdsmen, who kill and destroy with impunity.

Recently, two soldiers and three others were killed in an ambush by armed herdsmen in Anyiase community near Jato Aka in Kwande Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

Several communities around Jato Aka have repeatedly come under attack by armed herdsmen who sacked several of the communities, forcing the locals to flee to the centre of Jato Aka for safety.
It was gathered that three locals were also killed during the attack.

Lamenting the development, President General of Mzough U Tiv, MUT, Worldwide and Chairman, Leaders of Benue Socio-Cultural Organisations, Chief Iorbee Ihagh, who hails from Kwande LGA, said: “Five persons made up of two soldiers and three natives were killed in the attack.”

Ihagh, who appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to intensify efforts at improving the security in the state, also urged Benue people to always defend themselves.

1804 traditional way
He charged the people to “re-enact the 1804 traditional way of confronting the invaders with poisonous arrows to defend themselves.”

EDO: Anger, fear in communities
At the inception of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo administration on November 12, 2024, one of the first things he did was to strengthen the anti-kidnapping and anti-cultism laws.

Regardless of that, many communities across the three senatorial districts are under attack by suspected herdsmen, who attack farmers and carry out abductions.

In the last month, not less than eight people have died as a result of herdsmen attacks in the state.
Among the dead was a seminarian, Peter Andrew, who was said to have been shot dead by his abductors.

The hot spots of such activities include Edo North, Akoko-Edo, Okpekpe in Etsako East Local Government Area, and Awain in Etsako Central, Erah in Owan East, Egor, Esan Central, Esan North-East, Esan South-East, Esan West, Etsako Central, Etsako East, Orhionwon, Ovia North East and Ovia West.

Findings revealed that disturbances by herders have become alarming in Edo State.

It was learnt that the recent lynching of some travellers in Uromi was connected to years of kidnappings, killings and destruction of farmlands by suspected herders.

Some residents of the area, who pleaded anonymity, said many farmers in the agrarian community no longer go to farms because of herdsmen.

They noted that the herders kill, maim and rape their women, noting that they act as if they are above the law.

One of the natives said: ”Our people have suffered a lot in the hands of these cattle rearers.
“We were abandoned by both state and federal governments. We are no longer safe in Esanland.’’

Also speaking, another resident said: “People are blaming us; yes, the people who carried out the act may not have acted well.

“But the truth is that we are under siege. Herdsmen have reduced us to a bunch of conquered people.
“They rape our wives and mothers and kill our men. The police can’t do anything. The herdsmen are on the loose in Edo State.

“Go to Ovia, Okada area, and see what they are doing. They murder people in their sleep.
“Videos of such incidents abound, and government is doing nothing.

“Last month, there were protests in some communities between our border with Agbor.
“The rural dwellers protested against killings by herdsmen.

“The highway was blocked. So Edo State governor should stop playing to the gallery and save us.’’

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/amid-uromi-saga-fear-in-nine-states-as-suspected-herdsmen-resume-abductions-killings/

Health › Re: Tinubu Approves Establishment Of 8,800 Health Centers Across Nigeria by ogododo: 8:29am On Apr 06, 2025

Nlfpmod, na another story, we d9n read am.

Politics › Re: Tinubu Approves Establishment Of 8,800 Health Centers Across Nigeria by ogododo(op): 7:53pm On Apr 05, 2025

Nawa Nlfpmod, dem won wine us.

1 Like

Politics › Tinubu Approves Establishment Of 8,800 Health Centers Across Nigeria by ogododo(op): 7:28pm On Apr 05, 2025

President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the country and the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control.

This was disclosed on Saturday by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, when he commissioned the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The Vice President at the occasion, called for increased private sector participation in the ongoing reforms in the health sector and healthcare development across Nigeria.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing critical deficits in the health sector through strategic partnerships and investments, noting however that the private sector has a very crucial role to play because the “government alone cannot shoulder this burden.”

Senator Shettima explained that the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Trauma Centre is a vital addition to the nation’s emergency care infrastructure and a symbol of the government’s dedication to saving lives.

He revealed that President Tinubu approved a “comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, including the creation of over 8,800 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the country and the upgrade of existing tertiary institutions to handle trauma, oncology, and infectious disease control.

“In a nation facing rising urbanisation, motorisation, and industrial risks, trauma care is no longer optional—it is essential,” VP Shettima added, describing the facility as “a lifeline and a symbol of preparedness in a nation that cares.”

He commended the Adegunwa family’s initiative, urging more philanthropists and corporate organisations to “rise beyond personal achievement and invest in nation-building.”

Describing the initiative as a model of private sector contribution to public health, Shettima said, “This centre is more than a birthday gift; it is a gift to humanity. It is a lifeline—a sanctuary where the wounded can find healing, and where families in despair can find hope”.

The facility built by the Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa Foundation within the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital aligns with the Federal Government’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

“The Administration is investing in a National Health Insurance Scheme that leaves no Nigerian behind, and a Digital Health Information Management System that ensures data drives diagnosis and delivery,” the Vice President stated.

The commissioning ceremony coincided with the 80th birthday celebration of Alhaji Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, a former chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and CEO of Essay Holdings Limited, the parent company of Rite Foods Limited.

In his remarks, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the celebrant, Adegunwa, as “a philanthropist, entrepreneur and an astute businessman,” who even at the age of 80 has achieved greatness at all times.

Noting that the gathering was not only to honour Adegunwa but to also celebrate a legacy, a milestone and the father of modern philanthropy, Governor Abiodun expressed delight in commissioning the Trauma Centre donated by Pa Adegunwa to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital.

The Governor said it is a monumental facility established for the benefit of humanity and the betterment of mankind.

“In 2019 when I assumed office, this university was on its knees. It was like a ghost town; nobody came here for medical attention. It was one of the worst places I visited in my first term in office. In line with the recommendation of the committee we set up, we constituted the hospital governing board which did not exist for many years. I want to thank the Chief Medical Director for the great job she has done and the achievement that we are seeing today,” he stated.

Governor Abiodun thanked Vice President Shettima, who he described as a friend and a leader, saying it is gratifying to celebrate great leaders while they are still alive, thereby motivating others to do more.

Also, the donor and celebrant, Asiwaju Adebola Adegunwa, thanked the governor and all those who made the project a reality, noting that he is reminded by a passage in the Quran which enjoins everyone to spend from that which has been provided for them before it no longer exists.

He said right from his 56th birthday he had made a promise to give back to his community and impact as many lives as possible.

“Olabisi Onabanjo University holds a special place in my heart. On February 21, 1979, when the institution was still known as Obafemi Awolowo College of Health and Science, a group of six distinguished people visited my office to seek support for the institution.

“That meeting led to the establishment of a modern audio centre which I donated in celebration of my 58th birthday on April 4, 1995, and today, it’s still me with pride here with the current Chief Medical Director of the same hospital, Dr. Oluwabunmi Fatungase, among many who benefited from the medical facility during her medical training,” he explained.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Management, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr Kunle Hassan, said the trauma centre was designed to provide emergency medical care, management of trauma-related cases and significantly enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to the people.

Hassan pledged that the management of the hospital would ensure effective utilisation of the facility and its maintenance so that it will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

He expressed profound gratitude to the donor, Chief Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, his foundation and members of his family for the remarkable gift.

“We had a budget of N800 million and instead of N800 million, he (Adegunwa) spent over N2 billion to build and equip the facility,” he said.

On his part, Oba Babatunde Adéwálé Àjàyí, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, while commending Chief Adegunwa for his selfless service to humanity, advocated for more federal presence in Remoland.

“Mr. Vice President, please convey to Mr. President, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, our best wishes and let me note that we have a way of communicating privately but sometimes we say certain things publicly so that our people will know that we are trying.

“We need a lot of federal presence in Remoland. As of today, there is no single federal university or federal polytechnic in Remoland,” the traditional ruler said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/tinubu-approves-establishment-of-8800-health-centers-across-nigeria/

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European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Fulham Vs Liverpool (3 - 2) On 6th April 2025 by ogododo(op): 3:59pm On Apr 05, 2025

Fulham vs Liverpool 06/04/2025 14:00pm

Culture › Re: Glamour As Dignitaries, Royals Attend Alaafin’s Coronation by ogododo: 3:29pm On Apr 05, 2025

Na our king bi dis. He get root in Benin.

1 Like

European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Everton Vs Arsenal (1 - 1) On 5th April 2025 by ogododo: 1:09pm On Apr 05, 2025

Trossard don score

European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Everton Vs Arsenal (1 - 1) On 5th April 2025 by ogododo: 1:08pm On Apr 05, 2025

Trossard don score

Business › Re: Naira Depreciates N1,600/$ In Official Market by ogododo(op): 3:25am On Apr 05, 2025

Nawa Nlfpmod.

Business › Naira Depreciates N1,600/$ In Official Market by ogododo(op): 8:27pm On Apr 04, 2025

The Naira depreciated to N1,600 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) today after three months of being on the N1,500 per dollar threshold.

Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira rose to N1,600 per dollar from N1,569 per dollar on Thursday, indicating N31 depreciation for the naira.

Likewise, the naira depreciated to N1,565 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,555 per dollar on Thursday.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate widened to N35 per dollar from N14 per dollar on Thursday.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/naira-depreciates-n1600-in-official-market/

2 Likes

Politics › Re: Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns As Tinubu’s Political Adviser by ogododo(op): 1:02pm On Apr 04, 2025

He don chop finish.

1 Like

Politics › Day 2 Of Independence Bridge Closure: Chaos As Lagosians Groan, Blame Govt by ogododo(op): 8:53am On Apr 04, 2025

LAGOS — ANGRY reactions have continued to trail the closure of Independence Bridge, a major road network linking Victoria Island and other parts of Lagos, by the Federal Government as Lagosians spent many hours in traffic.

Yesterday’s experience, which was the second day of the closure, saw most of the adjourning roads impassable in what has become a nightmare for commuters.

Angry motorists and road users, who plied the axis, blamed both the Federal Government and Lagos State government for not making adequate arrangements for alternative routes.

Many Lagos residents, who took to X handle, expressed their frustrations over the chaotic traffic situation.

They equally expressed frustrations that traffic officials, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and traffic wardens were not on ground to control and manage the traffic situation around Victoria Island.

An X user, Dolapo Klasick @KlasickTheHost, said: “You guys don’t even rate the residents of the said Lagos city. You think you can just do anything you want at any time without a proper public announcement about whatever it is you were fixing before the time.

“That’s how you wake up tomorrow and just inconvenience the citizens or ban anything.”

Another X user, The People’s Lawyer @DpeopleLawyers wrote: “While we appreciate your visit and apology, Lagosians need immediate, practical solutions—not just a shift of responsibility to private companies.”

To better manage the traffic crisis, he urged the state government to “Prioritize weekend and nighttime repairs to minimize disruption during peak hours, implement a timed repair schedule with clear milestones and public updates.

“Lead by example—start remote work with civil servants first before urging private companies.

“Deploy more LASTMA officials and real-time traffic monitoring for effective control. Improve public communication with alternative route advisories via traffic apps and media.

“Lagosians are enduring this hardship, but better planning and execution will ease the burden. Let’s act decisively to make Lagos work efficiently for all.”

Also, Anunu Ebe (@izzy_mbonu), wrote: “Akinwumi Ambode built a new Jubilee bridge in a very busy Ajah junction and other busy locations across Lagos. Nobody knew till they were completed.

“Lagosians have to ration their lives due to maintenance on an existing bridge?”

Similarly, Okwara Okoro (@FLEXIEMERITUS), said: “Since you took over, nah every year you create one road thing to suffer people. One day, you will leave office.”

Ara of Life (@Midatlblog), said: “The coastal road should be suspended during this period to serve as an alternative route. Once the bridge is completed the construction can continue, just a suggestion.”

Another user, Broda Àgbàyà (@Al_mustaphar) said: “Mr Gomina, it’s just 2 pm and VI is already blocked down to Osborne. We can’t do this for 2 months. Something has to give. Your apologies mean nothing if we would still need to enter this traffic everyday.”

Omo Yoruba ni mi (@KazeemMaranroo1) said: “I spent nothing less than 8 hours in the traffic yesterday (Wednesday), I left the office at 5:20 pm and I arrived home at 2:30 am (Thursday).

“The truth must be told, apart from the Lagos Island link, there should be a direct road from either Lekki or Ajah to the Mainland, probably Ikorodu.”

Busayour (@Busayo_Juyigbe) said: “Sir. You are saying you & and your team have had three years to provide and plan viable alternative routes in and out of VI but still failed at it. Your @followlastma men were nowhere to be found yesterday. We all need to do better, sir.”

On his part, another X user, Daramola (@sdqolami) said: “I couldn’t find any traffic management officials on the entire road we waited till 11 pm to leave office, couldn’t get home until 5 am. I am very disappointed in your team.”

We can’t endure this for 2 months—Road users
Also recounting their experiences during Wednesday’s gridlock, some motorists attributed their sufferings to a lack of adequate security and traffic control on the route.

They also insisted that they will not be able to endure the gridlock for two monts that the bridge will be closed.

Commuters, who spoke with Vanguard, claimed they spent more than five hours on the route, lamenting that throughout the gridlock, no police officer or any traffic official was sighted.

Mr Theophilus, a banker, who claimed he was going to the office at Lekki, said he got stuck at Osborne down to Falomo for about eight hours and had to turn around by 8 pm to head home at Gbagada.

He said: “When I left my house at Gbagada, I thought all was well until I got close to Osborne where I got trapped. I thought it would ease within a few minutes only for the gridlock to continue for unending hours. While we were there, I saw children also trapped in their parents’ vehicles and many motorists had to go for either food or fuel to sustain their continued stay in the traffic.”

FRSC to deploy 100 officers
The Lagos Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, assured yesterday that the agency will not allow a repeat of the traffic gridlock along the corridor again.

According to him, the FRSC, Lagos Traffic Management Agency, and the police will be working together to ensure free flow of traffic.

Hamzat said: “What happened yesterday (Wednesday) was unfortunate. It was bad that Lagosians suffered because of the closure, and we are working round the clock to find a solution to it. We shall ensure effective dissemination of traffic information to alert motorists of traffic situations.

“I have met with the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, and we must see that the situation does not repeat itself. “

In addition, he disclosed that the sector has collapsed the Lekki and Lagos Island Unit Commands to the corridor for effective and efficient traffic control, adding that if need be, other commands such as Ojota, Costain and Ikotun, will join to ensure that people do not suffer due to the traffic gridlock.

“For now, over 100 FRSC officers are involved in the traffic control within the corridor”, he added.

We’re deploying 600 officers — LASTMA
The General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the agency has deployed about 600 officers for effective traffic management, following the closure of the Independence Bridge.

Bakare-Oki, who spoke through his Public Affairs Officer, Taofek Adebayo, also announced the creation of a special Night-Gang for evening operations, till midnight to ensure effective, seamless traffic management around the affected areas throughout the exercise.

Bakare-Oki said: “In line with the governor’s directive, we have deployed over 600 LASTMA officers to manage traffic effectively around the affected area in the first instance.

“Their primary objective is to ensure seamless vehicular movement and remove possible obstruction from the road throughout the duration of the rehabilitation period of the bridge.

“We have also created a special squad, tagged ‘Night-Gang’, comprising of men and women, charged with the responsibility of ensuring traffic management in the evening. We have about 70 to 90 officers for the special duties.

“LASTMA is committed to ensuring safe and seamless vehicular movement. We remain unwavering in cultivating a secure, structured, and highly efficient transportation system for all residents.”

No security breach recorded—Lagos Police
Spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin, who reacted to the absence of security operatives during the gridlock, said there was no security breach during the gridlock.

He, however, said that they had mobilized all Divisional Police Officers and traffic officers around the route to ensure that sanity was restored.

Hundeyin said: “I was there and I saw policemen and traffic men doing their job. There was no security breach and if there was any, nobody reported to us.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/day-2-of-independence-bridge-closure-chaos-as-lagosians-groan-blame-govt-2/

Politics › Hakeem Baba-Ahmed Resigns As Tinubu’s Political Adviser by ogododo(op): 7:37am On Apr 04, 2025

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has resigned, Daily Trust reliably learnt.

Impeccable sources in the presidency confirmed yesterday that the former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) tendered his resignation about two weeks ago.

The sources said Dr. Baba-Ahmed did not provide details of the reasons for his decision, only stating that it was on personal grounds. However, as of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the presidency had accepted his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023.

Over the past 17 months, he has represented the presidency at several public fora, including a recent national conference themed: “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity”, which held from 28th to 29th January, 2025 in Abuja.

Clash with Matawalle over NEF

Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role in the presidency drew criticism at certain points. A notable criticism came from the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.

In April 2024, Matawalle appeared to have taken an aim at Dr. Baba-Ahmed, when he said northern appointees must not remain silent in the face of intimidation or misrepresentation of the Tinubu administration.

His remarks came after Baba-Ahmed criticised Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a “political paperweight”. That position by the minister was in reaction to the group’s statement that the North had made a mistake voting for Tinubu in 2023.

Baba-Ahmed had argued that the Tinubu administration would have been better served if Matawalle had highlighted his own achievements as a minister—along with those of other northern appointees—rather than attacking the NEF.

“Scathing criticism of NEF by the junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised. He could have done a better job for this administration if he identified contributions of especially northern ministers and other appointees like me to improving security and reducing poverty in the North,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.

Matawalle fired back, insisting that government appointees had a duty to defend and promote the administration they served. “Dr Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is well known,” Matawalle said, adding that: “As an appointee of this administration, it is his responsibility to work for its success, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons”.

The minister stressed further that: “Every appointee of President Tinubu, including Dr. Baba-Ahmed, owes the government a duty to promote, elucidate, and advance its good works and commendable efforts across all sectors.

“As appointees from the North, we must take a stand, be unequivocal, and be counted among those working for the success of this administration. This is not the time to keep quiet in the face of intimidation and misrepresentation of the efforts and achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, the junior minister maintained.

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed at a glance

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed (born September 11, 1955) is a Nigerian retired senior civil servant and former Chief of Staff to ex-Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. He hails from Kaduna State. A practising Muslim, he has held several key positions in public service and governance.

Baba-Ahmed studied at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, the London School of Economics, and the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

He began his career as a lecturer at the then University of Sokoto (now Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto) before joining the Kaduna State Civil Service. He later transferred to the Federal Civil Service, where he rose to the rank of Permanent Secretary.

During his career, Baba-Ahmed served as Permanent Secretary in various capacities, including in the Presidency and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He also held the position of Secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

A reform-minded public servant, he also served as Secretary to the Kaduna State Government. His contributions to governance earned him the national honour of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).

Baba-Ahmed is regarded as an elder statesman in Northern Nigeria. Before his appointment as Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President in the Office of the Vice President, he was the Director of Publicity and Advocacy for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), where he spoke openly against policies that were perceived to be against the interests of the North, and of the various parts of Nigeria.

https://dailytrust.com/tinubus-political-adviser-hakeem-baba-ahmed-resigns/

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Politics › Re: Independence Bridge Closure: Gridlock Persists In Lagos Despite Fg’s Reopening O by ogododo(op): 1:46pm On Apr 03, 2025

Nawa Nlfpmod. How we go get home from Saka Tinubu?

Politics › Re: Independence Bridge Closure: Gridlock Persists In Lagos Despite Fg’s Reopening O by ogododo(op): 1:03pm On Apr 03, 2025

Nawa ooo.

Politics › Independence Bridge Closure: Gridlock Persists In Lagos Despite Fg’s Reopening O by ogododo(op): 12:09pm On Apr 03, 2025

Despite the Federal Government’s directive for the immediate reopening of Independence Bridge, Mekwen, gridlock persisted in Lagos Island on Thursday as the bridge remained closed.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, had ordered the reopening on Wednesday following widespread complaints about traffic congestion caused by the planned maintenance and rehabilitation of the bridge.

However, as of Thursday morning, traffic remained chaotic, with motorists stranded for hours, while some commuters resorted to ferry transport to avoid the gridlock.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, confirmed that rehabilitation work is still ongoing, particularly on a section of the bridge that has been cut off and requires urgent repairs before it can be reopened.

She reiterated that the bridge’s closure, which began on April 1, 2025, is scheduled to last until the end of May.

“The closure affects traffic traveling from Ahmadu Bello Way and Adeola Odeku towards Marina, Eko Bridge, and Onikan. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to avoid congestion,” Kesha said.

She apologized for the inconvenience, assuring residents that the repairs are necessary for the safety and stability of the bridge.

Many motorists and commuters spent hours trapped in gridlock, with some forced to sleep on the road or in their offices. By 6 a.m. Thursday, the traffic had already built up from Lekki and Victoria Island towards the Mainland.

In response, there was a surge in ferry transportation as desperate commuters sought alternative routes. The Ipakodo Jetty in Ikorodu saw heavy passenger traffic, but operations were briefly disrupted by a fire outbreak that gutted a LAGFERRY boat. Fortunately, no lives were lost, though nine passengers sustained injuries and were hospitalized.

The Lagos State Government has advised motorists without urgent business on the Island to avoid the Independence Bridge area.

Alternative routes provided include: For motorists heading to Victoria Island from Ahmadu Bello Way: Use Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, and Obafemi Awolowo Road.

For motorists heading to Third Mainland Bridge: Follow Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Alfred Rewane Road, Osborne Road, and Ring Road.

For those heading to Inner Marina and CMS: Take Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Akin Adesola Street, Falomo Roundabout, Obafemi Awolowo Road, and J.K. Randle Road.

The government urged road users to cooperate with traffic management personnel to ease movement.

Motorists caught in the gridlock expressed frustration over the severe delays and lack of visible traffic enforcement.

Akinwale Odebiyi: “I spent six hours from Ojodu Berger to Victoria Island in the morning and another five hours back. There were no LASTMA officials to manage the chaos.”

Nosa John: “My wife left Agege at 9 a.m. for a burial in Ajah but didn’t arrive until 6 p.m. She couldn’t make it. She was stuck on the road all night and only got home at 7:30 a.m. the next day.”

Remi Ojulari: “It took me seven hours to get from Victoria Island to Iyana-Oworo. LASTMA officials were nowhere to be found. Are they on strike?”

Muritala Alao (commercial driver): “The road is still blocked at Bonny Camp, and Mekwen Bridge is cut off in the middle. Until repairs are completed, traffic will remain unbearable.”

With the ongoing repairs and worsening congestion, commuters are left with little choice but to endure the hardship or seek alternative transportation.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/independence-bridge-closure-gridlock-persists-in-lagos-despite-fgs-reopening-order/

Politics › Militocracy: The Return Of Sole Administrators In Nigeria, By Olu Fasan by ogododo(op): 8:47am On Apr 03, 2025

The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, is a civilian. The “governor” of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral (rtd) Ibok-Ete Ibas, is a military officer who rules the state as its Sole Administrator. Last week, the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, said that Tinubu would “not hesitate” to declare a state of emergency in more states, remove more elected governors and install more retired military officers as Sole Administrators. And, of course, the National Assembly would not hesitate to approve such proclamations with a voice vote, as it did on Rivers State, thereby entrenching Sole Administrators across the country. Who says Nigeria is a democracy? Of course, it is not. Far from it!

Indeed, in its annual Democracy Index, the Economist Intelligence Unit, EIU, never refers to Nigeria as a “democracy”; rather, it consistently refers to Nigeria as a “regime”, specifically, a “hybrid regime”. The word “hybrid” means something that is not pure-bred but composed of two different elements. Thus, Nigeria is a hybrid regime because it is a mix of autocracy and democracy. In truth, what Nigeria practises today, under Tinubu, is a diarchy, a government consisting of elements of militocracy and democracy.

The last time Nigeria had a diarchic government was under the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, Tinubu’s mentor – recall that, recently, Tinubu said Babangida influenced him to enter politics. Under the Babangida regime, General Babangida himself and members of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, AFRC, ruled the country, while civilians ruled the states as governors and assembly members, although Babangida and the AFRC kept watchful eyes on them. Under Tinubu’s diarchy, he and members of the National Assembly (elected civilians) rule the country, while an unelected retired military officer rules Rivers State as the Sole Administrator, albeit taking orders from Tinubu, the magisterial president.

As noted earlier, the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, has laid down the marker and nailed the Tinubu administration’s colours to the mast. Threateningly, the AGF said: “It is Rivers State’s turn today; it can be anybody’s turn tomorrow.” Now, if Fagbemi is right, and Tinubu is ready to declare a state of emergency in more states, sack more elected governors and state lawmakers and appoint more Sole Administrators, then Nigeria must brace itself for a full diarchy, with Sole Administrators mushrooming across the country! A boon to retired military officers!

Since its independence in 1960, Nigeria has had four Sole Administrators under civil rule. The first was in 1962 when the Tafawa Balewa administration removed the Premier of Western Region, following a political crisis in the region, and appointed Moses Majekodunmi, a medical doctor, as the Sole Administrator. The Balewa government acted under the Emergency Powers Act of 1961, enacted under the 1960 Constitution.

In 2004, President Obasanjo installed General (rtd) Chris Ali as Nigeria’s second Sole Administrator after using an emergency rule to remove Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State from office. Obasanjo’s Attorney-General, Akin Olujinmi, claimed the emergency rule was declared under the Emergency Powers Act of 1961. But given that the 1960 Constitution from which the act derived its enabling powers had become defunct, the act itself had no legs to stand on. Chief Rotimi Williams, whose committee drafted the 1979 Constitution, on which the 1999 Constitution is based, said unequivocally: “There is no provision contained in any part of our Constitution which confers such a power on the President.” Several renowned constitutional lawyers and scholars agreed with him. But Obasanjo was undeterred. Two years later, in 2006, he invoked the same 1961 act to remove Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State from office and install Brigadier-General Tunji Olurin as Nigeria’s third Sole Administrator.

Of course, Obasanjo, a former military dictator, has never pretended to be a democrat. Several decades ago, Obasanjo called for a one-party system in Africa. Years later, as a civilian president from 1999 to 2007, he ruled Nigeria with undisguised authoritarianism and even attempted to change the Constitution to run for a third term in office. Today, Obasanjo says “Western Democracy” has failed in Africa, and calls, instead, for “Afro Democracy”!

But here’s the point: Obasanjo’s emergency rule proclamations in 2004 and 2006 were unconstitutional and should never be a precedent that any president, who claims to be a democrat, should follow. President Jonathan wisely avoided it, but Tinubu enthusiastically embraces it. He installed Nigeria’s fourth Sole Administrator and, going by Fagbemi’s threat, he is willing to sack more elected governors and install more Sole Administrators. Why?

Truth is, Tinubu is a civilian in a military toga. For decades, he beguiled Nigerians into believing he was a democrat who fought for democracy and against military rule. He ferociously condemned all previous emergency rule proclamations since 1999. But in power, as governor and now president, Tinubu rules as an autocrat. Read Professor Erica Frantz’s book, Authoritarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know, and you will see Tinubu in every page. Authoritarians surround themselves with sycophants, praise-singers and hero-worshippers; they have a messianic mentality, believing they are a living embodiment of the people; and they operate according to their own rules, not the rule of law. Furthermore, they subscribe to the Machiavellian laws of power, as Robert Greene sets out in his book, The 48 Laws of Power!

Think about it. Within less than two years in powers, Tinubu has had five national monuments named after him. He has totally captured and neutered the National Assembly and coopted the judiciary. On his first day in office, he declared abruptly: “Subsidy is gone”; a few months later, he changed the National Anthem within days; and now he declared a state of emergency, replacing a state’s democratically elected governor and legislature with an unelected Sole Administrator. He did all these with absolutely no regard for consensus-building, for due process, for the rule of law and for constitutionality. What’s more, his attorney-general is threatening fire and brimstone: “Mr President will do it again,” Fagbemi said, adding: “This time with even greater vigour and vitality.” Wow! What a country!

There is a saying that when a government fears the people, there is liberty; but when a people fear their government, there is tyranny. Tinubu wants Nigerians to fear him and his government. Yet, here’s a president who was elected with just 36.6 per cent of the popular vote, thereby rejected by 63.4 per cent of the electorate! He lacks the mandate and the legitimacy to exercise powers without restraints. He’s overreaching himself.

But here’s the danger. If, despite civil rule, Nigeria is run as a diarchy, with unelected former military officers replacing elected governors as Sole Administrators, Nigerians may begin to think there’s no difference between a military regime and a civilian administration. They may become relaxed about militocracy. Nigeria’s democracy is fragile, Tinubu must not kill it off!

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/04/militocracy-the-return-of-sole-administrators-in-nigeria-by-olu-fasan/

Politics › Re: Bandit Leader Bello Turji Celebrates Eid, Kills 12 In Sokoto For ‘fun’ by ogododo(op): 9:01pm On Apr 02, 2025

Nawa Nlfpmod.

European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Chelsea Vs Tottenham Hotspur (1 - 0) On 3rd April 2025 by ogododo(op): 9:01pm On Apr 02, 2025

Chelsea vs Tottenham 03/04/2025 8pm

Politics › Bandit Leader Bello Turji Celebrates Eid, Kills 12 In Sokoto For ‘fun’ by ogododo(op): 3:03pm On Apr 02, 2025

A notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, hosted an elaborate Eid celebration in Magira, Isa Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State, before moving to Fadamar Lugu in the same LGA, where he and his gang brutally killed 12 people and injured one person on Tuesday.

The development was revealed in a post on X by security analyst Bakatsine on Wednesday.

According to Bakatsine, Turji and his men had gathered in Magira for an Eid feast, attended by bandits from neighboring Zamfara State. After the celebration, they proceeded to Fadamar Lugu, where they unleashed terror on innocent residents.

“Bandit leader Bello Turji hosted an Eid celebration in Magira, Isa LGA, with bandits from Zamfara State. After the feast, he moved to Fadamar Lugu in Isa LGA, Sokoto State, killing 12 people & injuring one person just for fun,” Bakatsine wrote in his post.

Bello Turji, one of the most wanted bandits in Nigeria, has been linked to numerous killings, kidnappings, and attacks across Sokoto and Zamfara States.

https://dailypost.ng/2025/04/02/bandit-leader-bello-turji-celebrates-eid-kills-12-in-sokoto-for-fun/

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European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Liverpool Vs Everton (1 - 0) On 2nd April 2025 by ogododo(op): 9:10pm On Apr 01, 2025

Liverpool vs Everton 02/04/2025 8pm.

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Politics › Dangote Refinery: Why Fuel Price May Hit Above N1,000 Per Litre – PETROAN Presid by ogododo(op): 9:09am On Apr 01, 2025

BusinessDangote Refinery: Why fuel price may hit above N1,000 per litre – PETROAN President, Gillis-Harry

The national president of the Petroleum Retailers Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, in this interview, explains to DAILY POST the reason for the recent hike in petrol prices to between N930 and N960 per litre from N860 and N880 in Dangote Refinery’s partners, MRS filling stations, and others.

He also emphasises that Nigerians will have to buy petrol at N1,000 per litre in the coming days based on the outcome of the Naira-for-crude deal discussion between Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Government through Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Excerpts:

There is a recent petrol price increment across board, who is to be blamed and what is the way forward?

You can’t blame anyone. It’s the deregulation of the downstream sector. It’s the economic and environmental factors. That’s what we really need.

Why are people blaming Dangote Refinery or the federal government? Has anybody confirmed that the government has stopped the Naira-for-crude deal?

So, that is why we feel that nobody should jump into conclusion to say the deal has been stopped. And therefore, based on that, after all, between that time and today, NNPC was still supplying crude in Nigeria and Sudan. So, for now, you can’t conclude that it is because of that deal that we are in this current quagmire of pricing. PETROAN took the matter frontally with the Honourable Minister of Petroleum.

And we were clearly explained that there are processes that are going on to review what has been done in the last 180 days, which ended today. And based on what we found out, the way forward was not in any way to stop. The way forward is not in any way to stop the Naira-for-crude deal.

So, until that decision is made and pronounced, we cannot say that that has been stopped. And so, that cannot be the reason.

And that is why we are careful that nobody should blackmail the system. And any information that’s coming out should have empirical evidence of reality. So, if I, as a businessman, determine that there are speculations for my enterprise and I want to take certain precautionary decisions, I’m free to do so because it’s my business.

And the Dangote Refinery business is primarily a private business that is operating in a free trade zone. So, they have a right to make decisions in the way that they like. Those decisions, in our opinion, should suit how the pricing of the market will be, being that it is the biggest refinery in Africa.

And Nigerians are proud of it. I, personally, Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, am very proud of it, extremely proud to associate with Dangote Refinery.

So, what you are saying, in essence, is that Dangote Refinery could be part of the reason most of their partners actually increased their prices?

Of course, they are. It has been known for a long time. Why the naira-for-crude is ongoing in Nigeria in the last six months, some PETROAN members are still buying in dollars. And a lot of our members had their invoices done in dollars, and they were paying. So, it did not pop up because of the reason.

And then, like I said, there will be economic and environmental factors that will determine prices of products, goods, or services. So, if, for any reason, something has changed and that will respond to the price dynamics of demand and supply, so will it be. So, for me, I will blame it on the changes that are experienced in the economic price, I mean, the economic and environmental factors. That will be the reason for that. And I don’t think I want to hold anyone accountable specifically for that.

So, if other refineries are also anticipating selling their products in dollars, then we would have dollarized the Nigerian economy, which would be a defeat for us because the naira would be crushed.

Based on what is happening currently in the petroleum sector, especially the downstream sector, how would you view the fact that within the international petroleum market, the price of crude is gradually going up again? How would this impact the domestic market?

I told you much earlier that the economic and environmental factors would determine all of these issues. And the price of crude oil is an input cost. If it swings up, it will affect the price. It will affect the price of production.

And therefore, it must be reflected in the sales. If it goes down, it will also reflect on the production costs. So long as these EEF factors are at play, the total oil price will always be swinging up and down.

And this is what the United States President Donald Trump has understood and sounded an alarm about a few months ago. You know, authorities should come up with measures that will mitigate any unfair prices, whether down or up. And that’s the only way that the petroleum product will be available and affordable.

As it is today, the PETROAN is also looking for alternatives. We are not going to depend only on one source. We will continue to look for different alternatives.

We are making good progress. We are having good offers coming from India, coming from the Netherlands, coming from Germany, and coming from France. So, at the end of the day, I believe that PETROAN will come to a resolution with the Nigerian public in terms of what petroleum prices will be. So, that’s where we are for today.

What you are saying in essence is that whether Nigerians like it or not, they will keep experiencing fluctuations in the price of oil.

Yes, and I have always said this because PETROAN advocacy is not premised on any benchmark analysis. It is very well-researched, and I have very competent leaders in the industry that review the consistent position and give me the position where the NEC takes the decision before I talk. Because I’m not talking because of what I know, I’m talking because of what my National Executive Council, the State Executive Council, and all the pool of senior special advisers and executive advisers are saying as to what the possibilities can be.

What is your position in all of this going forward in terms of the Naira-for-crude deal?

Our position is that there should be a fair pricing mechanism that is supervised by the authorities. And industry players should play within their value chain. Refiners should refine the products. Storage facility owners should keep storage.

Logistics companies should keep doing their logistics services efficiently. Marketers should do their marketing services. And retail outlet owners should retail efficiently as the most sustainable and critical landmines in the industry.

This way, the value chain will be substantially maintained, and nobody will be left behind. Nigerians will be the better for it. Because at all times, PETROAN will advocate for the availability of petroleum products and affordability. So this is our position.

There are speculations that the price of petrol may jump to over N1,000 per litre. What is your take on that?

I have said it based on variable evidence that you laid out to me: the price will not be stable for a while. The stability of price will only come after a consistent average has been achieved. That is when we can say this price will be somewhat stable and the movement will not be too volatile. But as long as we are still in this situation where we are doing experiments, prices will continue to be flexible.

So what you are saying is that you are not foreseeing an increment beyond N1,000 per litre fuel price, right?

The same market prices will determine whether we are going to get N1,000 per litre. We are already selling N950 and above. So there is no way the price of petrol will not climb up. But from a physical perspective, we only work with empirical evidence.

I have just gone back to the drawing board, and we will ask our members to review. Let us see what the realities will be, and then they can come up with what I will authorise as the price released for the Nigerian public. So for now, this is where I will just stop and allow the juries of the market to determine how we are advancing the business.

But some refiners and stakeholders have been pushing the narrative that marketers, retailers, and depot owners are the reason the current price is going up, following the fact that they store some products, and at the end of the day, they sell to make huge profits. How would you react to that?

My reaction is that speculation can always create a situation where panic sets in. So we in PETROAN prefer to work with empirical evidence that can be made clear. We can discuss the issues, argue about them, and present facts as what guides us to the decisions we make.

And at this time, we will not join in the speculation of what any other person is making. We believe that petroleum products will be available, and PETROAN is making great efforts to make sure that we have petroleum products available to guarantee our energy security. And we will work and advocate hard enough to do a very clear business model that will make petroleum products available at a pricing that is profitable.

In all of this, it seems as if we are going back to ‘Egypt,’ following the fact that Nigerians are going back to buying petrol at high prices…

It is the cost of inputs of production that will determine that. I don’t think that we should get back to the era where there is a periodical change of prices.

You know, based on some market speculations and projections for corporate and individual aggravation, we should focus on the realities of the market and get the authorities to ensure that the prices are fair, they are moderate, and nobody is taking advantage of Nigerians or the businesses. So that everybody will be on track and nobody will be left behind. This is the advocacy that PETROAN provides.

Your last words for Nigerians?

Let us not panic.There is still hope that we will get out of this situation.

https://dailypost.ng/2025/04/01/dangote-refinery-why-fuel-price-may-hit-above-n1000-per-litre-petroan-president-gillis-harry/

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Foreign Affairs › Re: Hamas Calls On ‘anyone Who Can Bear Arms’ Worldwide To Fight Trump’s Gaza Plan by ogododo(op): 7:41am On Apr 01, 2025

Nawa Nlfpmod.

Foreign Affairs › Hamas Calls On ‘anyone Who Can Bear Arms’ Worldwide To Fight Trump’s Gaza Plan by ogododo(op): 3:17pm On Mar 31, 2025

A senior Hamas official on Monday called on supporters worldwide to pick up weapons and fight US President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate more than two million Gazans to neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.

“In the face of this sinister plan — one that combines massacres with starvation — anyone who can bear arms, anywhere in the world, must take action,” Sami Abu Zuhri said in a statement.

“Do not withhold an explosive, a bullet, a knife, or a stone. Let everyone break their silence.”

Abu Zuhri’s call comes a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered to let Hamas leaders leave Gaza but demanded that the Palestinian militant group disarm in the final stages of the war in Gaza.

Hamas has expressed a willingness to relinquish Gaza’s administration, but has warned its weapons are a “red line”.

Netanyahu said Israel was working towards a plan proposed by Trump to displace Gazans to other countries.

Netanyahu said that after the war, Israel would ensure overall security in Gaza and “enable the implementation of the Trump plan” — which had initially called for the mass displacement of all 2.4 million people living in the Palestinian territory — calling it a “voluntary migration plan”.

Days after taking office in January, Trump floated a proposal to move Gaza’s population out of the war-battered territory, suggesting that Egypt or Jordan could take them in.

Both countries, along with other Arab allies, governments around the world and the Palestinians themselves, have flatly rejected the notion.

Trump later appeared to backtrack on the proposal, saying he was “not forcing” his widely condemned plan.

“Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” Trump said at the White House in mid-March, remarks welcomed by Egypt, Jordan and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

– ‘Voluntary departure’ –

Arab nations have since come up with an alternative plan for rebuilding the Gaza Strip without relocating its people, which would take place under the future administration of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority.

For Palestinians, any attempts to force them out of Gaza would evoke dark memories of what the Arab world calls the “Nakba”, or catastrophe — the mass displacement of Palestinians during Israel’s creation in 1948.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz in February said that a special agency would be established for the “voluntary departure” of Gazans.

A defence ministry statement said an initial plan included “extensive assistance that will allow any Gaza resident who wishes to emigrate voluntarily to a third country to receive a comprehensive package, which includes, among other things, special departure arrangements via sea, air, and land”.

It came after Katz said he had ordered the army to formulate a plan to allow Palestinians to leave the territory.

Israel resumed intense bombing of Gaza on March 18 and then launched a new ground offensive, ending a nearly two-month ceasefire in the war with Hamas.

Since the fighting restarted, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said that at least 921 people have been killed, in figures issued on Saturday.

The war was sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel’s retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 50,277 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to the territory’s health ministry.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/hamas-calls-on-anyone-who-can-bear-arms-worldwide-to-fight-trumps-gaza-plan/

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Politics › Petrol Price To Rise More As Naira-for-crude Talks Wobble by ogododo(op): 9:26am On Mar 31, 2025

There is anxiety in the downstream arm of the oil and gas sector as operators await the decision of the Federal Government on the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The six-month deal, which started in October 2024, officially ends today, Monday, March 31, 2024. The deal’s extension or complete halt is still being discussed by the parties involved.

However, it was gathered on Sunday that the committee responsible for the negotiations has yet to resolve on the matter. As this lingers, the effect is now felt in the pump prices of refined petroleum products.

Petrol has increased from about N860/litre to over N930/litre within one week. Dealers blamed this on the failure of the Federal Government to extend the naira-for-crude deal between the NNPCL and the Dangote refinery.

Our marketers also projected further hike in petrol price. They said the cost may hit N1,000/litre in weeks if nothing is done about the naira-for-crude deal that earlier helped in checking the rise in petrol prices.

Meanwhile, barring any last-minute change, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery is expected to shut down its petrol-producing unit for maintenance. According to Reuters, the maintenance, which may occur in June, will last for 30 days.

On the naira-for-crude deal, an insider at the finance ministry familiar with the ongoing negotiations revealed that no significant progress has been made. The source said both parties could not engage in any meeting throughout the past week.

“Nothing new has happened. Probably after the holidays, the committee will sit and meet,” the senior government official stated.

Recall that on October 1, 2024, the government commenced the sales of crude oil in naira to the Dangote refinery to improve supply, save the country millions of dollars in petroleum product imports, and ultimately reduce the pump prices of fuel.

NNPC recently stated that the Dangote refinery had received 48 million barrels of crude oil in naira under the deal. It also said a total of 84 million barrels of crude had been supplied to the refinery since it commenced operations in 2023.

NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, explained that the initial deal was for six months and discussions for the renewal of the agreement were currently ongoing, with the aim of establishing a new contract.

However, events took a drastic turn when the Dangote refinery, on March 19, announced a temporary suspension of the sale of petroleum products in naira.

The Lekki-based refinery lamented that there was a mismatch between its sales proceeds and its crude oil purchase obligations, which it said were currently denominated in US dollars.

“Dear valued customers, we wish to inform you that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in naira. This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in US dollars.

“To date, our sales of petroleum products in naira have exceeded the value of naira-denominated crude we have received. As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency,” the firm announced.

Immediately after the announcement, the cost of loading petrol at private depots in Lagos jumped to about N900/litre. It was less than N850/litre before the announcement.

Industry sources said the deal failed because the national oil company had used large volumes of its yet-to-be-produced crude oil to acquire loans from various international financial institutions, making it tough for the oil firm to have enough crude to supply the domestic market.

Retail stations also increased their pump prices between N930 in Lagos, N950 in Abuja and N960 in the far north.

While industry stakeholders have expressed optimism that a deal would be sealed between both parties, the intense uncertainty concerning the discussions points to a different direction.

Reacting to this, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, decried the current situation, noting that it was the sole reason for the upward movement in petrol prices by depot owners and retailers.

He said a stakeholders meeting has been called by relevant bodies to chart a way forward.

Ukadike said, “Because of this issue, we’ve called for a stakeholders meeting. We are going to meet to discuss it and come out with a way forward. We clamoured that crude oil should be sold in naira and any deviation would affect us. Our stakeholders’ meeting is very imminent.

“We had initially planned to meet this week, but it was postponed to May 1, 2025, because of the Sallah break and the upcoming Easter break.”

The national officer said the industry stakeholders expected at the meeting include the IPMAN National Working Committee and the executive and members of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria.

He further disclosed that marketers have lost over N200bn to price fluctuations in the last six months, which has, in turn, discouraged bulk buyers.

“We have lost over N200bn because of the price fluctuations in the last six months. What happens is that when we buy at a price, and vessels load, by the time they get to the depots and point of discharge, Dangote has reduced the price again. That little difference is borne by the marketer, and this makes it difficult to go back again and buy, after selling at a loss.

“This is because they don’t have any buffer to cushion the loss. Bulk traders have also reduced due to these risks,” Ukadike stated.

Dealers blamed the Federal Government for orchestrating the current hike in the price of petroleum products, especially petrol.

They said the reluctance of the Federal Government to renew the naira-for-crude deal with the Dangote refinery led to the hike in petrol, warning that citizens should not be suffocated because of dollars.

The Vice President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, regretted that Nigerians might go back to buying a litre of petrol at N1,000/litre if the sale of crude in naira is not reconsidered with the Dangote Group.

The Dangote refinery had announced that it would no longer sell fuel in naira to local marketers because it no longer gets crude oil in naira from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

During the weekend when Nigerians were celebrating Eid-el-Fitri, The PUNCH observed that the Dangote refinery, which had crashed petrol prices multiple times between December and March, bowed to pressure, as its partners like MRS, Heyden, and Ardova raised petrol prices from N860 to N930/litre in Lagos and neighbouring states. These prices were higher in the north.

As it is, Nigerians may once again grapple with the consequences of rising fuel prices, which have triggered an increase in transport fares. The abrupt change in government policy appears to have undermined the relief many had anticipated, fueling worries about the escalating cost of living.

The IPMAN VP described the price hike as unfortunate, calling on members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria to pity the poor masses.

Fashola said that though the price of crude oil and the exchange rate are the major factors determining the prices of petroleum products, he argued that the naira-for-crude arrangement would help to tame the local price of fuel.

“It’s unfortunate the price of PMS is going up again. Although if you look at the crude oil, it is rising, the cause of this matter is Dangote and the naira-for-crude issue. Because we noticed that when Dangote announced the stoppage of the contract, there was an immediate reaction, especially from DAPPMAN members. They increased their prices, which is unfortunate,” he said.

While appealing to the Federal Government to renew the deal with the Dangote refinery, Fashola called on fellow businessmen to be more patriotic.

He declared that there was no justification for the price hike by depot owners, the same day Dangote announced the suspension of the sale of petrol in naira.

“I think we need to plead with the government to look at the agreement again, maybe that will drive the price down. I will equally appeal to our people to be more patriotic too, because I don’t see any justification for that initial increment. At least, they should have waited for the new consignment or so.

“But being what we are in Nigeria, it’s just a pity. But, I think that everything should not be about profit all the time. We should consider our citizens before we do anything. We hope that if the government goes back to the naira-for-crude arrangement, it will help reduce the price,” Fashola stated.

Asked if the NNPC and the Dangote refinery had announced an official price to marketers, he replied that the NNPC might name a new price after the Sallah break, saying whatever MRS says is from the Dangote refinery.

“NNPC is yet to react to the price hike. But we know that when MRS talks, it’s Dangote who is talking. MRS has announced new prices. And, I am very sure that after the holiday, NNPC will react too. MRS has informed marketers of its new prices. The prices depend on your location. For Lagos, I think it’s around N905 per litre. Outside Lagos, like Ogun State, it’s around N911. The pump price in Lagos is N930,” Fashola explained.

He stressed that prices may hit N1,000 in the coming days, saying, however, that the naira deal could have been a game changer.

“N1,000/litre is expected, but we just have to be patriotic and sincere with one another. In this era of deregulation, the price will go up and down. It depends on what is happening in the international market and the exchange rate. Those two factors are key to determining the prices of petroleum products.

“However, the local arrangement between Dangote and the Federal Government, that is, the naira-for-crude deal, would have been a game changer. We all witnessed that. It was working well before the agreement was terminated. But I think they can still renew it. At least, that would help to stabilise the prices. It would also help the Nigerian citizens, at least,” he maintained,

On the call by depot owners that the Federal Government should stop the naira-for-crude agreement because of its ‘negative effects’ on the economy, the IPMAN leader stressed that DAPPMAN members were only trying to protect their territory.

https://punchng.com/petrol-price-to-rise-more-as-naira-for-crude-talks-wobble/

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Politics › Kano: Vigilante In Sanusi’s Eid Entourage Stabbed To Death by ogododo(op): 11:19pm On Mar 30, 2025

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Usman Sagiru, of Sharifai Quarters, in connection with the fatal attack on vigilantes in the entourage of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from Eid praying ground.

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 30, at approximately 12:40pm, as worshippers dispersed from the Eid praying ground.

According to the police, Sagiru and other suspects, who are currently at large, allegedly stabbed Surajo Rabiu, a vigilante member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters.

Rabiu later succumbed to his injuries. Another vigilante member, Aminu Suleman from Kofar Mata Quarters, sustained injuries and is receiving treatment at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital.

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Authorities have launched a full investigation into the attack and have invited Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, for questioning.

The Kano State Police Command reaffirmed its strict ban on all forms of Durbar celebrations and warned that violators would face legal consequences.

It also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward thuggery (Daba) and any acts that could disturb public order.

“We urge the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police as we work to ensure peace and security in Kano State,” the statement read.

SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Police Public Relations Officer, issued the statement on behalf of the Kano State Commissioner of Police.

https://dailytrust.com/kano-vigilante-in-sanusis-eid-entourage-stabbed-to-death/

Politics › Re: Nweke, Compromised, Read Prepared Script To Discredit Fubara – PDP by ogododo(op): 4:56pm On Mar 30, 2025

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Politics › Re: Nweke, Compromised, Read Prepared Script To Discredit Fubara – PDP by ogododo(op): 6:47am On Mar 30, 2025

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Politics › Nweke, Compromised, Read Prepared Script To Discredit Fubara – PDP by ogododo(op): 7:24pm On Mar 29, 2025

PORT HARCOURT: The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, has stated that the former Head of Service in Rivers State, Dr George Nweke, was compromised handed a prepared script to discredit the embattled Governor of the state, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, before Nigerians

The party also said part of the efforts of Nweke in the interview he granted in Abuja on Friday was to spark quarrel between Fubara and President Bola Tinubu, adding that Nweke and his cohorts wants Tinubu to lose interest in Fubara.

The Chairman of the party in the state Nnema Robinson Ewor, spoke in Port Harcourt on Saturday, while responded to allegations made Nwaeke, against the governor.

Ewor alleged that Nweke was highly compromised and a serial betrayer who has become a tool for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, to spread false information against Fubara and his team.

PDP chair opined that Nwaeke’s allegations were part of a scripted campaign to discredit the governor, undermine the president’s confidence in him, and tarnish his reputation before the public.

Ewor stressed that Nwaeke’s actions were not taken under duress, but rather a deliberate attempt to deceive the public.

He dismissed the claim that Fubara sponsored the burning of the house of Assembly complex, pointing out that Nwaeke’s claim about the governor’s intention to demolish the House of Assembly Quarters auditorium was also untrue.

Ewor said: “Nwaeke, highly Compromised and a Serial betrayer, became a ready tool in the hands of the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to carry out a Campaign of Calumny, Libel defamation and distortion of facts against our Governor and his team, the chairman of PDP Governors forum, Sen Bala Mohammed Bauchi State Governor, ljaw nation, Militants etc.

“By my own assessment Nwaeke is not under any Spell nor under duress. He is a career civil servant in the civil service of Rivers State, Whose career span over 40 years service in the state civil service. He rose to the apex of the civil service. Therefore he knows exactly what he has done.

“Mr. Nwaeke procured flight ticket from Port Harcourt to Abuja, left his house on his own, boarded his flight, landed in Abuja and headed straight to his destination to deliver and read out the script already written by his co-conspirators. The aim of the script is to discredit the Governor, make the President lose confidence in him and paint him black before the general public.

“As a party, we know that all what Nwaeke read in the written script were all lies from the pit of hell and cannot stand the test of time. We therefore want to use this medium to set the record straight, and educate Rivers People and indeed Nigerians on the true nature of the man “Dr George Nwaeke and the true state of affairs in the state.

“That George Nwaeke lied when he claimed that he was with the Governor, when he handed over bag of money to Edison Ehie to bomb the House of Assembly.

“The true position is that when the bormbing ancient took places in the House of Assembly, men of the Nigeria police made over 7 arrests, transferred the suspects to force Headquarters Abuja.

“The suspects were charged to court in Abuja and remanded in kuje correctional Centre for Over 8 months. They were later transferred to port Harcourt division of the federal high court.

“They were equally remanded in the port Harcourt correctional Centre. Because of lack of diligent prosecution by the police, the sitting judge strict out and dismissed the case early this year and the suspects were set free. Accusing the Governor, Edison and Chijioke Ihunwo of being responsible for the bombing is neither here nor there.”

Ewor dismissed the claims that Fubara promised to work for Senator Bala Mohammed in the 2027 general election, saying it’s all false and baseless.

He said: “His claim that Fubara promise to work for Sen Bala Mohammned in 2027 General election is also a lie. As we know, Bala is the Governor of Bauchi state and chairman PDP Governors forum, Fubara doubles as his Deputy, Both of them are at liberty to meet anywhere, anytime to discuss matters of PDP.

“Besides, Bala has not told Nigerians he is running for the ofiice of president in 2027. Nwaeke and his Co-Conspirators simply put together this narrative to pitch the president aganst our Governor. It is dead on arrival.”

The party also strongly condemned the state of emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025, and accused the Sole Administrator of dismantling governance structures put in place by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/nweke-compromised-read-prepared-script-to-discredit-fubara-pdp/

Politics › Rivers: ‘where Is Your Evidence’ – NLC Challenges Nweke Over Political Bias Alle by ogododo(op): 2:09pm On Mar 29, 2025

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Rivers State Chapter, has dismissed allegations by former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nweke, who claimed that the union was becoming politicized.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the NLC described Nweke’s claims as baseless and misleading, asserting that the union remains a non-partisan organization dedicated to workers’ welfare with no political affiliations.

The union also refuted allegations that its State Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, had held private meetings with the Governor and received financial inducements.

It labeled the claims as defamatory, emphasizing that its leadership operates ethically and only engages with the government on legitimate labour matters.

Reaffirming its commitment to good governance, stability, and the rule of law, the NLC challenged Nweke to provide credible evidence of any wrongdoing rather than making unverified public accusations.

The union further clarified that its stance on the state of emergency in Rivers State is driven by facts and workers’ interests rather than political considerations.

It stressed that workers’ welfare must remain a priority over political conflicts.

The NLC called on Nweke and other political figures to refrain from dragging the Labour movement into political disputes.

It reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining its independence from external pressures.

The statement reads in full:

“The attention of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, has been drawn to the recent press statement by Dr. George Nweke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State. While we acknowledge his right to express his opinions, we must categorically reject the baseless and misleading allegations made against the leadership of the NLC and Labour in general.

“Labour’s Commitment to Impartiality and Workers’ Welfare

The NLC is a non-partisan organization that remains dedicated to defending the rights and interests of workers in Rivers State and across Nigeria. It is highly irresponsible and mischievous for Dr. Nweke to insinuate that the leadership of Labour in Rivers State has been compromised or is engaging in political partisanship. The NLC, under the leadership of its State Chairman, has at all times acted in the best interest of workers without undue political influence. The Labour movement is driven by principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, and we will not allow our integrity to be tarnished by baseless accusations.

“Dr. Nweke’s claim that the NLC Chairman has been holding private meetings with the Governor and receiving financial inducements is outright false and defamatory. Such allegations are nothing more than an attempt to discredit the Labour movement and divert attention from the real issues affecting the state. The NLC leadership in Rivers State operates in full compliance with ethical standards and has consistently engaged with the government on legitimate labour matters, including workers’ welfare, salary payments, and improved working conditions.

“The NLC is an advocate for good governance, stability, and the rule of law. It is, therefore, disheartening that Dr. Nweke has chosen to malign the Labour movement by suggesting that it is being used for political maneuvering. If he has any credible evidence of wrongdoing, we challenge him to present it to the appropriate authorities rather than resort to unsubstantiated public statements aimed at inciting discord.

“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a matter of national discourse, and the NLC, like all stakeholders, has the right to express its position based on facts and the impact on workers. The Labour movement will always stand against any action that undermines the democratic rights of the people or leads to instability that affects workers and the general populace. Our position on this matter remains clear: the welfare of the workers and the citizens of Rivers State must be prioritized above political interests.

“We urge Dr. Nweke and other political actors to refrain from dragging the NLC and its leadership into their political battles. The NLC will not be intimidated or coerced into taking sides in political disputes. Our primary responsibility is to the workers, and we will continue to champion their cause with integrity and accountability.”

https://dailypost.ng/2025/03/29/rivers-where-is-your-evidence-nlc-challenges-nweke-over-political-bias-allegations/

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