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Reverse Petrol Price Hike, Probe NNPC — SERAP To President Tinubu

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the recent increase in petrol prices.

In a letter dated September 7, 2024, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deemed the price hike illegal and unconstitutional.

SERAP argued that the increase violates constitutional guarantees and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations, exacerbating economic hardships for citizens.

The organization also requested President Tinubu to instruct Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi and relevant anti-corruption agencies to probe allegations of corruption and mismanagement within NNPCL.

The letter reads in part: “Instead of implementing public policies to address the growing poverty and inequality in the country and holding the NNPCL accountable for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, your government appears to be penalising the poor.

“The petrol price hike has made it even harder for already impoverished citizens to meet their basic needs. This increase is not inevitable, as it results from the persistent failure of successive governments to tackle corruption and mismanagement in the oil sector, along with the impunity of suspected perpetrators.

“Corruption in the oil sector, coupled with a lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds to support NNPCL operations, has led to repeated and unlawful increases in petrol prices.

“Holding the NNPCL accountable for alleged corruption and mismanagement would serve legitimate public interests. This price increase is causing severe hardship to those less well-off. We are concerned that, as Nigeria’s economic situation deteriorates, rising petrol prices will push people further into poverty.”

The organisation has demanded that the President address its recommendations within two days or face legal action to compel compliance.

It added: “We would appreciate it if the recommended measures are implemented within 48 hours of receiving or publishing this letter. If we do not receive a response by then, SERAP will consider appropriate legal action to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.

“Your government is legally obligated to investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the NNPCL and to ensure justice and effective remedies for victims of corruption. Investigating and prosecuting these allegations would align with both the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international anti-corruption obligations.

“Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] mandates your government to conform to, observe, and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Constitution. Section 15(5) requires your government to ‘abolish all corrupt practices’, including those within the NNPCL.

“According to our information, the NNPCL recently increased the price of petrol from about N600 per litre to N855 per litre, with some instances exceeding N900 per litre. This apparent unlawful increase followed a reported refusal by suppliers to import petroleum products due to a $6 billion debt.

“The NNPCL reportedly failed to remit USD $2.04 billion and N164 billion in oil revenues to the public treasury, as documented in the recently published 2020 annual report by the Auditor-General of the Federation.”

BIG STORY

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates His Deputy, Obafemi Hazmat At 60

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  • Says DG is a trusted, committed partner

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on his Diamond birthday, describing him as “a trusted, committed and dedicated partner.”

He saidDr. Obafemi Hazmat, who clocks 60 on Thursday, is a brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

The Governor noted that the cordial relationship between him and his deputy has led to good governance and the delivery of dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians in the last five years.

Dr. Hazmat, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, as well as Commissioner for Works during former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola administrations, will clock 60 tomorrow, Thursday, September 19.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, praised Dr. Hamzat for his long years of dedicated and meritorious service to Lagos State and Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, further described Dr. Hazmat as a genius, team player and brilliant administrator, saying that the Deputy Governor’s supportive and positive contributions are evident in the many achievements so far recorded by the current administration.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, as well as the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I celebrate my dear friend and brother on his 60th birthday.

“Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, who I have known for over two decades, is a genius, administrator per excellence, seasoned technocrat and politician. He is a reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive, trustworthy and committed partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of our administration.

“The deputy governor’s Diamond birthday is worth celebrating because of his immeasurable contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria, having served passionately in different private and public offices locally and internationally for over three decades.

“As Dr. Obafemi Hazmat joins the league of sexagenarians, I pray that God will increase his good health to enable him to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria.”

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Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit To Be The Biggest’ With Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi And Mutiu Adepoju Leading The Charge

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Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.

The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves, physically, mentally, and competitively.

The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.

This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.

In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.

Key Event Highlights:

• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024

• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan

• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax

• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War

• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances

• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts

• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories

Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.

He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.

Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.

it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.

Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.

For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335.

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BREAKING: Yahaya Bello Not In EFCC Custody — Spokesman

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is not in their custody.

The commission, in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that Bello is still wanted and has an outstanding arrest warrant.

He said, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

 

More to come…

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