Author Archives: News All Around

The Centre for Energy Development and Economic Sustainability (CEDES) has strongly condemned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) over the recent Naira-for-Crude policy, warning that the move is a deliberate attempt to cripple local refineries and sustain Nigeria’s dependence on fuel imports.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Dr. Umar Sani, Executive Director of CEDES, accused the NNPCL of working against national interest by prioritizing foreign exchange gains over the survival of local refiners.

He noted that the Naira-for-Crude arrangement had ensured steady crude supply to Nigerian refineries while helping the government save on foreign exchange and reinvest in critical infrastructure.

“It is outrageous that the NNPCL, instead of strengthening local refining, has decided to sabotage it by imposing a dollars-for-crude system. This policy is designed to choke local refineries, making it impossible for them to access crude oil at reasonable rates. The ultimate goal is to force Nigeria back into total reliance on fuel imports, which benefits only a corrupt few,” Sani said.

“Under the Naira-for-Crude system, the NNPCL could no longer make its usual bogus claims of petrol imports to justify billions of dollars in subsidies. The policy ensured transparency, saved the government huge amounts in foreign exchange, and allowed for reinvestment in developmental infrastructure. But with this new move, we are back to a system where crude oil is sold in dollars, fueling corruption and economic instability,” he added.

CEDES warned that the NNPCL’s latest move could lead to higher fuel prices, petrol scarcity, worsening inflation, and further hardship for Nigerians.

The centre called on the federal government to immediately reverse the policy and uphold the Naira-for-Crude system to support local refining and economic stability.

“We demand that the government reinstate the Naira-for-Crude policy and stop this reckless sabotage of local refineries. The NNPCL must not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s energy security and economic sovereignty,” Sani stated.

By Nduka Opara

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo sociocultural organization, has strongly condemned recent allegations against Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The organization described the allegations as malicious and unfounded, urging all stakeholders to support Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasized that INEC’s credibility and neutrality have improved significantly, making it essential for all stakeholders to support the commission. He noted that the allegations are a deliberate fabrication designed to incite chaos and destabilize the electoral landscape.

Isiguzoro also expressed concern over reports of clandestine plans by unprincipled politicians to exploit the ongoing political crisis between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. He stated that such maneuvers are designed to orchestrate chaos and manipulate the public narrative surrounding Professor Yakubu and his pivotal role at INEC.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improvements in INEC’s independence, credibility, and transparency. The organization believes that Professor Yakubu’s initiatives to reshape INEC for efficient electoral reform should not be undermined by orchestrated, faceless groups.

Isiguzoro emphasized the importance of supporting Professor Yakubu and his dedicated team at INEC. He called upon all Nigerians, regardless of partisan affiliation, to rise in defense of the country’s institutions, denounce falsehoods, and ensure that INEC’s integrity remains sacrosanct.

In a related development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo had previously cautioned INEC against losing the confidence of Nigerian voters, urging the commission to ensure credible elections ¹.

*Fixes Tuesday March 25 to address contemptuous act

A pressure group, Action Collective has asked Nigerians to disregard speculation making the rounds regarding a non-existing order vacating the earlier order against the Senate in the ongoing case involving Senator Natasha Uduaghan.

The group said a Federal High Court in Abuja Abuja had rather clarified that it never vacated its earlier order restraining the Senate from subjecting Senator Natasha Uduaghan to investigation over the alleged sexual harassment against the Senate President Goodwill Akpabio.

The group said the court did not consider the Plaintiff’s application for mandatory injunction invoking its disciplinary jurisdiction but prioritised the motion of the Senate which was only filed on Monday the 17th day of March, 2025.

A Kogi based group while debunking the rumour through a statement Thursday in Abuja, said that order was subsisting.

A section of the media had erroneously reported that the restraining order against the Senate Committee on Ethics had been vacated.

The group said while the Senate, in spite of the restraining order, went ahead to sit and tried Natasha leading to the pronouncement of her six months suspension.

“They equally filed an application which was vehemently opposed by the Plaintiff’s counsel, Michael Numa SAN, who emphasized the contemptuous actions of the Senate in defying the Court’s orders.

“Numa argued that the Senate was not entitled to any further orders from the same Court it had disrespected.

“After standing down the matter for a few hours the Judge returned to deliver a ruling, offering clarification on the scope of Order 4. And contrary to the interpretation sought by the 2nd Defendant (Senate) that the order (restraining order)was meant to halt the entire legislative function of the Senate, the Court noted that from the material before it that the National Assembly has been carrying out its legislative functions without an hindrance.

“The Court went further to clarify that owing to the varying interpretations of the order, it will set aside the consequential aspects of Order 4 which was simply meant to give effect to the predicate orders.”

The group declared that contrary to false reports circulating,”the Court did not set aside Orders 1, 2, or 3, which included orders restraining the Senate’s Ethics Committee from continuing with its investigation into the Plaintiff’s alleged conduct while the Motion for a Interlocutory injunction remained pending.

“Additionally, the Court did not reverse its directive for the Defendants to show cause within 72 hours or overturn the order to maintain the status quo ante bellum.

“The Court’s decision only involved the clarification of Order 4, due to the differing interpretations of it by the Defendants.

“The matter was subsequently adjourned to March 25, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications including the substantive dispute.

“We use this medium to assure the general public that justice shall prevail even as we ask the general public to disregard the misinformation in circulation,” the Kogi group clarified.

A desperate plan to compile faceless names from Kogi State purportedly seeking for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate has been uncovered.

The plan, according to Kogi Central based pressure group on the platform of Action Collective, made the revelation public on Wednesday.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is presently serving six months suspension slammed on her over the sexual harassment allegation against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, signed by its coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, said intelligence also revealed that allies of those fighting Senator Natasha in the Nigerian Senate are behind the plot.

According to the group, findings revealed that the latest move is considered by Senator Natasha’s traducers as ‘nailing the coffin’ to prevent her from seeking justice which she is currently pursuing both here in Nigeria and from the international community.

“We gathered reliably that a former governor in Kogi state has been contacted to carry out this evil plan. We also have an information that some ally INEC staff have also been recruited to commence the recall of Senator Natasha.

“This project which is said to gulped over two million dollars, will involve the recruitment of faceless persons from the various local government areas in Kogi State who would be paid to append false signatures on the purported recall paper,” the group alleged.

The statement also alleged that some highly placed staff of INEC have been paid huge sums of money to carry out and endorse the plan, adding,”that is why it is important to alert the public especially the civil society and Human Rights Activists including the Media, who are the watchdog of the society as well as the security agencies to remain vigilant and subject such documents regarding the planned recall to proper scrutining. A stitch in time saves nine!.”

By Mike Odeh James

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Kaduna State Chapter yesterday rejoices with the people of Kaduna state and the entire Middle Belt over the appointments of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas on their appointments as Pro-Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, respectively, of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia.

A statement signed by the Kadun Chapter of the MBF and made available to our reporter in Kaduna added that The appointments, announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “are a testament to the exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions of these distinguished individuals to education and national development.”

According to Danbaki, “Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, is a globally respected intellectual, peace advocate, and voice of reason.
“ His unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and the advancement of education has earned him admiration across Nigeria and beyond,” he added
“As Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Bishop Kukah’s visionary leadership will undoubtedly guide the university toward becoming a center of academic excellence and innovation,” the statement continued.

On the Professor, Danbaki said: “Prof. Qurix Williams Barnabas, an accomplished academic and administrator, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Vice Chancellor. His distinguished career in academia and research, coupled with his passion for institution-building, positions him as the ideal leader to steer the university toward achieving its mandate of fostering applied sciences and technological advancement,” he said.

“The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna Chapter, commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for these strategic appointments, which reflect his administration’s commitment to recognizing and harnessing the immense human resources within the Middle Belt region.
“The Forum expresses its profound gratitude to the President for his foresight and urges him to continue identifying and appointing more capable leaders from the Middle Belt to key positions in his administration.

“As the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, prepares to admit its first cohort of students in September 2025, we are confident that under the leadership of Bishop Kukah and Prof. Qurix, the institution will become a hub of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and innovation.

“Their appointments align perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and we trust that they will lay a solid foundation for the university’s growth and impact.

“The Middle Belt Forum, Kaduna Chapter, pledges its full support to Bishop Kukah, Prof. Qurix, and the entire university community as they work to transform the educational landscape of Southern Kaduna and Nigeria at large. We pray for God’s wisdom, guidance, and strength as they embark on this noble journey,” ends the statement.

Kaduna Good Governance Forum(KGGMG)has asked citizens of the State and the general public to ignore the recent allegations of corruption raised by former former Kaduna Governor Malam Nasir Elrufai against Governor Uba Sani.

According to the forum, instead of Elrufai jumping from one media house to another seeking for relevance, he should present himself to the relevant anti-graft agencies to account for the 423 Billion Naira looted Kaduna money under his administration.

El-Rufai, had appeared on a radio programme where he accused his successor, Uba Sani, of diverting local government funds to buy properties in Seychelles, South Africa and United Kingdom.

However,the forum in a press statement made available to journalists today asked Elrufai to stop finding faults and evil machinations to pull down the good image and works of Governor Uba Sani.

The statement signed by Comrade Mustapha Ibn Mohammed explained,” Governor Uba Sani How can Uba Sani who enjoined local government chairmen to be transparent and accountable in the handling of public finances during their swearing in ceremony at Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House will later turnaround.

“As a good governance group, we have frequently followed the allocation from the Federation Account over the past one year and discovered a high level of transparency and accountability.

“We also make bold to ask how did Uba Sani achieved over one thousand per cent (1000%) revenue performance in its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with over fifty billion naira (N50bn) achieved if he is corrupt.

“Governor Uba Sani’s administration Under Sani’s leadership has emerged as a national frontrunner in public sector reform, demonstrating an unbeatable commitment to efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.

“It is unfortunate that a former Governor with case of corrupt acts while in office, could be so careless to name a prudent and accountable leader such as Uba Sani corrupt”.

” At this juncture, we dare Elrufai to present evidence of corruption against Uba Sani or we file a case of character assassination against him . “

*Demands expunging of corrupt judges

*Warns Tinubu against folding arms over controversial Supreme Court Rivers State judgment

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday held a peaceful march in Abuja with a call on the authorities to wade into the alleged politicization of the judiciary in the country.

The protesters who brandished several banners and placards with inscriptions as “Enough of crooked court orders”, “We want independence of the judiciary”, “NJC must act now”, “Save the Nigeria judiciary, the time is now”, and “Corrupt judges must be expunged from the system now” as they marched though the road linking the federal Secretariat complex to the precinct of the court of Appeal to register their grievances on the alleged abuse of the judiciary.

Chief Convener of the Coalition, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta who submitted a petition on the issue to the National Judicial council (NJC), singled out the controversial decisions of the courts in Benue and Rivers states as instances where judicial officers have allegedly taken politically motivated decision in breach of laid down rules and regulations.

The protesters frowned at the Benue State Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese and Justice M. M Adamu of the Abuja High court who they claimed “by their actions have converted the title of justice to injustice.”

The protesters said it behoves on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekereke-Ekun and the National Judicial council (NJC) to expunge corrupt judges off the Nigerian judiciary in order to restore the integrity of the judiciary.

The coalition is called on President Bola Tinubu and ruling APC leaders to urgently intervene to avoid anarchy in Benue State.

Justifying their claim, they alleged: “How on earth could a Chief Judge of a state flagrantly abuse his office by flouting the state laws and the National Judicial Council (NJC) is quiet? Justice Maurice Ikpambese, the Chief Judge of Benue State unilaterally granted a waiver to petitioners of Local Government Election Tribunal not to pay security deposit, a constitutional prerequisite for any valid petition and he has not been sanctioned.

“On the strength of the refusal of the NJC to punish him, he again violated the Electoral Laws of Benue State when he relocated the Local Government Elections Petition Tribunal to Abuja which is clearly off territorial jurisdiction in clear violation of the Benue State Electoral Law, yet the NJC is just watching.

“In an attempt to protect the constitution of Nigeria and the laws of Benue State, the Attorney General of Benue State approached the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi which granted an order restraining the Tribunal from sitting anywhere outside Benue State including the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) house Abuja. This order was granted on the 7th of March 2025 to the admiration of Nigerians.

“Surprisingly, on Friday 14th March 2025, an FCT High Court 34 presided by Justice M.M Adamu frivolously issued another order compelling the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal Tribunal to conduct sitting in Abuja and particularly at the NBA house.

“The question is, can the Benue State laws be applied in the FCT or any other state other than Benue State? if the answer is NO, it is also clear that the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal can not sit outside Benue State.

“Justice M.M Adamu is a saboteur in the judiciary who has abandoned his oaths of office. Therefore, he is no longer fit to be a judge anywhere in in the world. There is no justice near M.M Adamu for granting an order of Court against the Electoral laws of Benue State.”

Continuing, they noted: “Honourable CJN Ma, under your watch, the Supreme Court descended into live issues in Rivers State and decided a case that is not before it when it held that, Matthew Ameawhule is the Speaker of the House of Assembly while the case is still pending in the High Court and Appeal Court respectively.

“The judgment of the Supreme Court has been criticized by the 11- Man Independent Judicial Accountability panel headed by a retired Justice Mojeed Omoade. As part of its recommendations, the panel held that “politicians should generally avoid undue influence on the judiciary and be more accommodating of each other in the interest of their people.

“It also urged the government at all levels to obey court orders and respect the fundamental rights of citizens in a democracy, decrying that over nine months after the ECOWAS Court awarded damages to victims of the October 2020 End SARS protest, the Federal Government had yet to comply with the judgment.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to fold his arm as the judiciary is been bastardised on daily bases. Mr President sir, the Benue situation is the worst at the moment because, the petitioners did not even participate in any of the process of the election.

“The petitioners ordinarily have no locus to approach the Tribunal because the Austin Agada led APC executive was dissolved and a Caretaker Committee inaugurated before the Justice Theresa Igoche’s order restraining the National Working Committee of the APC from dissolving the Benue State Executive, was served.”

By Mike Odeh James

The Delta State Chapter of the Unemployed Youths Association of Nigeria (UYAN) has lauded Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro on his first anniversary as Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), commending his visionary leadership and transformative initiatives.

In a statement, UYAN extolled Dr. Otuaro’s exceptional dedication and the profound impact of his reforms over the past year. “Your ability to navigate the challenges associated with your office is truly commendable,” the statement read. “We appreciate your hard work, strategic insight, and unwavering support to those in need.”

Dr. Otuaro, a distinguished Niger Delta activist and scholar, was appointed as PAP Administrator in March 2024. His tenure has been marked by significant reforms aimed at enhancing the programme and fostering development in the Niger Delta region. Prior to his appointment, he earned a PhD in Comparative Politics and Development Studies from the University of Benin in November 2023, underscoring his commitment to the region’s advancement.

Under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, PAP has experienced growth, innovation, and positive change. His grassroots approach and deep understanding of the Niger Delta’s challenges have been pivotal in steering the programme toward meaningful impact. He has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring sustainable peace and security in the Niger Delta, focusing on economic empowerment and human capital development in the region.

In like manner, UYAN has been proactive in supporting vulnerable individuals. As most recently in December 2024, the association distributed palliatives worth millions of naira to less privileged persons in Warri, demonstrating their commitment to community welfare and social responsibility.

As Dr. Otuaro marks this significant milestone, UYAN joins all well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating his achievements and anticipates further advancements in PAP under his visionary leadership.

Dabiki Dangwa
It has been reliably gathered that Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has distributed a total of 50 million naira to former governors and deputy governors of the state in the spirit of Ramadan

The Secretary to Government of Zamfara State (SSG) Abubakar Nakwada was quoted to have disclosed this  in an informal discussion said, former Governor Ahmed Rufai Sani Bakura received N15 million, while former Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi was also given N15 million. Additionally, former deputy governors, Muktar Ahmed Anka and Ibrahim Wakala Muhammad, each received N10 million.

However, sources suggest that the payments were made with the aim of garnering political support, particularly from opposition figures.

Although the distribution has sparked criticism from residents, especially considering the widespread poverty and hunger in Zamfara State.

Many are particularly surprised that former Governor Bakura, who played a key role in the introduction of Sharia law in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept such a sum in a time of hardship.

Some of the resident recalled that former Governor Bakura amputated a man convicted of stealing and now he is receiving money he never worked for which is equal to stealing and should be subjected to same treatment.

Some residents, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, criticized the Governor for what they saw as a misuse of public funds in the pursuit of his own political ambitions.

“Those claiming to be in other political parties are undermining their integrity by accepting such payments. They have shown they cannot be trusted,” one resident remarked.

Another resident expressed disbelief over Bakura’s involvement, saying, “It’s shocking that former Governor Bakura, who introduced Sharia in Zamfara and Nigeria, would accept money when the people of the state are suffering from extreme poverty and hunger.”

Some of the residents claimed that this is against Sharia law and the beneficiaries should be subjected to the law accordingly.

The SSG Nakwada disbursed the money to the former Governors and deputy Governors in conjunction with the State Commissioner for Budget, Abdulmalik Gajam, who is also a son inlaw to former Governor Bakura.

The Commissioner of Budget it was further gathered confirmed the transactions in yet another informal gathering.

ENDS

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio risk jail for disobeying an order of the Court as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan commenced her contempt proceedings against the Senate.

The Form 48 was issued by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division holden at Abuja in suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Clerk of the National Assembly, The Senate, The President of the Senate and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct, Senator Neda Imasuem as 1st. 2nd. 3rd and 4th Defendants and Contemnors.

In a notice of disobedience of Court Order signed by the Registrar of the Court pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act 2004 and notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Order of the Court made on 4th March, 2025, the Court urged the Defendants/Contemnors to take notice of their wilful disobedience of the Order of the Court given by Justice Justice O.A. Egwuatu J, made on 4th day of March 2025.

The Court said the disobedience rendered Akpabio, Senator Imasuem and the Clerk of the National Assembly liable for contempt of court, for which they may be committed to prison unless they comply with the said order.

The Court said that despite being duly served with the enrolled order on the 5th Day of March 2025, the Defendants/Contemnors, deliberately and contumaciously disregarded its binding directive, and proceeded with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of the Court.

Part of the Form 48 states; “NOTICE OF CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE OF ORDER OF COURT MADE ON 4TH MARCH, 2025.

“TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 72 of the Sheriffs and Civil Processes Act, your wilful disobedience of the order of this Honourable Court, Coram: Hon. Justice O.A. Egwuatu J, made on 4th day of March 2025, renders you liable for contempt of court, for which you may be committed to prison unless you comply with the said order.

“TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that despite being duly served with the enrolled order on the 5th Day of March 2025, you, the Defendants/Contemnors, have deliberately and contumaciously disregarded its binding directive, proceeding with acts in flagrant defiance of the authority of this Honourable Court. A copy of the said order is annexed hereto for ease of reference.

The Court in an enrolled Order upon a Motion Exparte dated 28th February, 2025 but filed on the 3rd day of March, 2025 coming before the Honourable Court on the 4th day of March, 2025, prayed for the following reliefs: AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT granting leave to the Plaintiff/Applicant to serve the 2nd Defendant/Respondents with the Originating Summons and all other accompanying Processes on this Suit by substituted means to wit: by serving same through the 1st Defendant; Clerk of the National Assembly or Pasting same on the Premises of the National Assembly or by publishing same on two national dailies.

“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT granting an Interim Injunction restraining the 2nd Defendant/Defendant’s Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Code of Conduct headed by the 4th Defendant from proceeding with the purported investigation against the Plaintiff/Applicant for alleged misconduct sequel to the events that occurred at the plenary of the 2nd Defendant on the 20th day of February, 2025, pursuant to the referral by the 2nd Defendant on 25th February, 2025 pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for interlocutory injunction.

“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT directing the 1st -4th Defendants to come and show cause; why an order of interlocutory injunction should not be granted against them restraining them from proceeding with purported investigation against the Plaintiff for alleged misconduct without affecting her privileges as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), the Senate Standing Order 2023 and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

“AN ORDER OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT declaring that any action taken during the pendency of this Suit is null, void and of no effect whatsoever among others.”