₦airaland Forum

“Democracy thrives on positive contributions. We should focus on informed criticisms and constructive dialogue rather than baseless attacks,” he advised.

Prominent elder statesman and First Republic politician, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its economic policies.

According to him, Nigerians are beginning to experience relief from the harsh economic conditions that previously burdened them.
He revealed this while speaking to journalists in Kano on Sunday.

Yakasai noted that the cost of essential commodities and fuel had begun to decline, making life more bearable for the average citizen.

“Reports I’ve received indicate that the prices of basic foodstuffs have been steadily decreasing.

Unlike before, families can now afford essentials like rice, beans, maize, and sorghum,” he stated.
He further highlighted a reduction in fuel prices, which he described as a positive development for the nation’s economy.

“I’ve also been informed that the cost of petrol has reduced, with some stations now selling for as low as N850 per liter, compared to the earlier N1,150. This is beneficial for transportation and Nigerians’ mobility,” he said.

Yakasai urged northerners and Nigerians at large to continue backing the Tinubu administration, stressing that the government’s policies were inclusive and aimed at national development.

“The North is not left out of Tinubu’s plans. The administration is implementing programmes that will benefit Nigerians across all regions, and I believe the best is yet to come,” he assured.

He also called on Nigerians and the political class to engage in constructive criticism rather than unnecessary opposition.

“Democracy thrives on positive contributions. We should focus on informed criticisms and constructive dialogue rather than baseless attacks,” he advised.

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for the commendable and courageous initiative in the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway.

Ohanaeze said this remarkable undertaking, representing an unprecedented investment of N15.6 trillion, is emblematic of strong discretionary leadership and a testament to the political willpower of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The Igbo body also urged the Federal Government to overlook and forgive former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who a few days ago criticized the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway, describing it as a waste of resources.

But in a statement issued on Sunday by Ohanaeze’s factional Deputy President-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and made available to DAILY POST, the organization firmly countered former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that the Coastal Super Highway project embodies wastefulness, corruption, and misplaced priorities.

The statement read: “The completion of this significant infrastructure project will indisputably yield extensive economic and social benefits for all Nigerians.”

Ohanaeze stated that such criticisms are not merely ignorant but are instead motivated by palpable envy and a strategic intent to undermine the accomplishments of President Tinubu, particularly as the 2027 election approaches.

[b]“Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically asserts that Obasanjo has positioned himself as a principal instigator within a coalition of opposition forces that appears committed to characterizing every initiative of the Tinubu administration in a negative light.

“Obasanjo’s campaign against the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway is indicative of a broader strategy designed to discredit the current administration and disrupt its agenda, all in a bid to pave the way for a political upheaval in 2027.

“His criticisms can be interpreted as calculated attempts to rally support for an opposition coalition that thrives on casting doubt on the significant progress this administration has orchestrated.

“By launching unsubstantiated attacks on major infrastructure projects, including this highway, Obasanjo seeks to destabilize the perception of the Tinubu presidency and limit its potential successes.

“We wish to emphasize that Ohanaeze Ndigbo holds unwavering respect for Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, whose distinguished career as an engineer embodies excellence and professionalism.”

The statement further explained that Senator Umahi’s leadership in steering the construction of vital road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Super Highway, reflects a commitment to quality and integrity that cannot be overlooked or dismissed.

“Any attempts by Obasanjo to tarnish the reputation of Senator Umahi or impede his efforts in this capacity will be met with resolute opposition from both Ohanaeze Ndigbo and those Nigerians who value progress and accountability.

“It is essential to recognize the underlying implications of Obasanjo’s criticisms. We perceive his vehement opposition as stemming from an acute fear of being eclipsed: as a past Yoruba leader, Obasanjo is understandably reluctant to witness another Nigerian president of Yoruba descent achieve superior successes in infrastructural development than those recorded during his own tenure.

“This fear informs his disparaging narrative about President Tinubu’s initiatives, which he frames as detrimental rather than constructive.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo implores President Tinubu and Minister Umahi to view Obasanjo’s recent tirades not as legitimate criticisms but as mere prophecies of obstruction masked as patriotism.

“Instead, let these attacks galvanize the administration into reaffirming its commitment to significant infrastructural innovations, which will undoubtedly enhance Nigeria’s development trajectory.

“We stand united in our conviction that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Super Highway is not merely a road but a beacon of progress, a symbol of national unity, and an embodiment of our collective aspirations as Nigerians.

“Let our resolve serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of development, resilience, and pride that characterizes our great nation.”

The Trump administration is considering targeting the citizens of as many as 43 countries as part of a new ban on travel to the United States that would be broader than the restrictions imposed during President Trump’s first term, according to officials familiar with the matter.

A draft list of recommendations developed by diplomatic and security officials suggests a “red” list of 11 countries whose citizens would be flatly barred from entering the United States. They are Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, the officials said.

Draft List of Proposed Travel Ban Countries
An internal Trump administration proposal lists the following countries whose citizens could face restrictions on entering the U.S. Some countries may change in any final order.

A. Red Group (Total Ban – 11 Countries)
Nationals from these countries would be completely barred from entering the United States:

Afghanistan
Iran
Sudan
Syria
Libya
Cuba
Bhutan
Venezuela
North Korea
Yemen
Somalia

B. Orange Group (Severe Visa Restrictions – 10 Countries)
Visas for citizens of these countries would be sharply restricted:

Russia
Belarus
Myanmar
Sierra Leone
South Sudan
Pakistan
Laos
Turkmenistan
Haiti
Eritrea

C. Yellow Group (60-Day Review Period – 22 Countries)
Countries in this category have 60 days to address concerns raised by the US government. These nations include:

Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Benin
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Chad
Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo
Dominica
Equatorial Guinea
Gambia
Liberia
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
São Tomé and Príncipe
Vanuatu
Zimbabwe

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive internal deliberations, cautioned that the list had been developed by the State Department several weeks ago, and that changes were likely by the time it reached the White House.
Officials at embassies and in regional bureaus at the State Department, and security specialists at other departments and intelligence agencies, have been reviewing the draft. They are providing comment about whether descriptions of deficiencies in particular countries are accurate or whether there are policy reasons — like not risking disruption to cooperation on some other priority — to reconsider including some.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has received a new shipment of crude oil from the Federal Government, with large volumes delivered to the $20 billion Lekki-based facility as part of efforts to boost local refining.

Industry sources confirmed the deliveries on Friday, March 14, noting that increased crude supply supports domestic refining and strengthens competition in the downstream oil sector.

Meanwhile, the refinery has adjusted its loading gantry price, reducing it from N825 per litre to N815 per litre, reflecting ongoing market dynamics.

A senior official at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) also verified the crude shipments, emphasizing their importance in enhancing the refinery’s production capacity and reducing reliance on fuel imports.

“All cargoes have been released to Dangote Refinery, and the vessels have sailed to the refinery,” the NNPCL source stated.

A source, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization, confirmed that crude oil shipments intended for the Dangote Petroleum Refinery were delayed at sea last week due to uncertainties surrounding the naira-for-crude policy.

The delay coincided with a March 13 meeting of the Technical Sub-Committee on the Naira-for-Crude Policy in Abuja, where officials reviewed recent developments and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a steady supply of crude for domestic refining.

At the meeting, the NNPC presented a crude delivery report, detailing allocations for local refineries, while the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) provided updates on domestic refining activities, including the Dangote Refinery, Warri Refinery, and Port Harcourt Refinery.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) also assessed crude availability for local processors.

Meanwhile, the NNPCL has entered fresh negotiations with the Dangote Refinery for the renewal of the naira-for-crude agreement, which is set to expire on March 31, 2025.

In the downstream sector, a major oil marketer, who requested anonymity, attributed the recent decline in petrol prices to intense market competition, predicting that prices could fall below N800 per litre in the near future.

“Prices of gasoline (petrol) have continued to fall and may soon go below N800. The big question is why? Many suggestions are being made as to the reason behind this phenomenon. Some suggest it is purely local refining capacity. Others suggest it’s the naira-for-crude initiative. Whatever the cause, it is a welcome relief to consumers and will simultaneously help ease the inflationary pressures in the economy,” the major oil marketer said.

“The overriding factor from my perspective is that the falling prices are a direct consequence of competition enabled by the deregulation or liberalisation of the downstream. We had often made this point in arguing in favour of this policy.

Unfortunately, many stakeholders, including labour, pushed back, allowing the country to almost go bankrupt before the policy was finally implemented. We should, however, note that prices can also go up in this deregulated environment.

“The only way to ensure that prices remain at their lowest possible level is to ensure very robust competition in the industry. This means, in particular, that no single entity should dominate the supply to the country.

Today, local refineries would prefer that there are no imports. To achieve that goal, they must continuously keep their prices low. The minute you remove that counterbalance, there will be no incentive to keep prices as low as possible. My take is that prices are being forced down because imports are still being allowed.

He also urged the NMDPRA to maintain strict oversight on fuel imports to ensure that only high-quality products enter the market.

Additionally, he emphasized the need for a balanced approach, aligning domestic consumption with local production and import volumes to maintain market stability.

“Ultimately, local refining of our crude is good for us. However, there must be an incentive for local refiners to keep their prices at the barest profitable minimum through limited and controlled imports. Local refineries also always have the option of exporting excess production to earn dollars,” he added.

The federal government has criticized former President Olusegun Obasanjo for opposing the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, saying those criticising the project should not use the roads when completed.

David Umahi, minister of works, spoke on Thursday in Akure, the Ondo state capital, during an interactive session on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.

“This Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is one of President Tinubu’s four legacy projects. For those saying it is a waste of resources, they should not use the road when it is completed.”

He urged Nigerians to ignore Mr Obasanjo’s comments, adding that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway was neither wasteful nor corrupt.

“If someone calls this project fraudulent, they are also calling me a fraud, and I am definitely not. This project has been very transparent, and we continue to engage stakeholders. Every step of the process is in the public domain,” he said.

Peoples Gazette had reported that Mr Obasanjo criticised the superhighway project in his book titled “Nigeria: Past and the Future”, describing the 700km project as wasteful, corrupt, and a misplaced priority.

Mr Umahi added, “The man (Obasanjo), by his age, deserves our respect, but it’s my duty as the Minister of Works to clarify that the project is not wasteful and not corrupt. I read on social media where they said, ‘Why is it me explaining and not the contractor?’

“What should the contractor say? It is my duty to explain, and I’m eminently qualified by reason of my years in public service and training as a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers to explain the project.

“I think anybody still criticising the project is waking up to say, ‘How can one man be attributed to this kind of legacy?’—especially if you had the opportunity to contribute to this kind of investment and didn’t do so.

“The truth remains that Section One of the Lagos-Calabar, which is 47.7 kilometers, is already about 70 percent completed within one year, and I will be asking those criticising it not to follow the road. They should not follow the road.”

Speaking at the event, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the successful completion of federal road projects in the state, emphasising the crucial role of infrastructure in driving economic growth and development.

Mr Aiyedatiwa also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increasing federal presence in Ondo state through numerous infrastructural projects, including the ongoing Ore-Ondo-Akure dualization project, the federal teaching hospital, and the new aviation school, among others.

“We have not had it this good in recent times with federal projects in our state. Permit me to mention but a few: the Akure-Ore Dual Carriageway, the Akure-Ado Ekiti Dual Carriageway, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Akure.”

He further stressed the importance of completing these projects, noting their potential to boost economic activities in the state and the South-West region.

He also appealed for additional federal support to actualize critical projects such as the Ondo Deep Sea Port and efforts to mitigate the Ayetoro sea incursion.

Mr. Aiyedatiwa assured Mr Umahi that the Ondo state government would provide an enabling environment for the successful execution of these projects.

“We are resolute in our commitment to ensuring that these projects are completed for the benefit of our people. In this regard, I pledge the Ondo State Government’s unflinching support and commitment towards their completion.”

Ibirok:
2. False Narratives Discredited: The FHC labeled claims that Kanu’s arrest in Kenya was “illegal” as “entirely unfounded and fictitious,” stressing that no judge made such statements. This discredits arguments seeking to invalidate the trial on procedural grounds.

Lawyers in the house should please what does this mean.


Happy to be part of this forum after many year

muyico:
Den kill him, let peace reign

The Federal High Court (FHC) has debunked viral claims that Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the FHC, stepped down from presiding over Nnamdi Kanu’s case. In a statement by Chief Registrar Sulaiman Hassan, the court dismissed the reports as “false, misleading, and damaging,” reaffirming three key reasons why Kanu’s release remains unlikely:


1.No Judicial Withdrawal: Contrary to social media rumors, Justice Tsoho did *not* recuse himself or question the legality of Kanu’s arrest. The court clarified that Justice Tsoho, as Chief Judge, only reassigned the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice James Omotosho.


2. False Narratives Discredited: The FHC labeled claims that Kanu’s arrest in Kenya was “illegal” as “entirely unfounded and fictitious,” stressing that no judge made such statements. This discredits arguments seeking to invalidate the trial on procedural grounds.

3.Trial Progression: The reassignment ensures the case continues without delay. The court urged Kanu’s legal team to prepare for directives from Justice Omotosho, signaling no intent to halt proceedings.

The FHC warned against misinformation eroding public trust in the judiciary and reiterated its commitment to due process. Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), faces terrorism charges, with the trial set to advance under the new judge.

D00msDay:
But u jubilate when these terrorists are 4givn and sent back into the society.

OnyeObowo1:
It was a fake. News

MasterJayJay:
You are the one.

https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Global-Terrorism-Index-2025.pdf

Russia is not among top 10.

Those who forge certificate love to use fake stats

cucumbar:
useless liar. Like government like supporter.

How has it been settled when I can’t buy a ticket and fly to Dubai like it was before?

You well so?

It’s only a mad person that will see white and call it black.

MasterJayJay:
You can only deceive yourself. You back it up with babablu.

Aonkuuse:
I don't engage people who are so bitter and quick to insult others.... I don't belong to that class... Work on yourself because one day you will forget it's Nairaland

MasterJayJay:
Russia, among most terrorized countries?

Say no to drug abuse. It affects reasoning.

Aonkuuse:
Good ranking with nothing to show for it

phantomxx:
Ragtag Nigerian Miltary... to contain bandits and lakurawa in the north is a tall order for them.

MadamExcellency:
Nigeria does not have a military squad just paramilitary associations.

How can you have a strong military where Bandits and terrorists attack barracks, kill soldiers, kidnap Generals and the Nigerian Military will pay ransom for the release of their men.

Let's stop this joke. Nigeria has no military.