The pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, is expected to decrease in filling stations operated by independent marketers this week. This development follows significant PMS imports by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), according to statements from oil dealers on Saturday. Punch Reports The recent surge in petrol prices at retail outlets run by independent marketers was attributed to a shortage of the commodity, resulting in profiteering practices by both depot owners and filling stations. However, downstream oil sector operators have now confirmed that numerous cargoes imported by NNPCL have arrived in Nigeria, with…
Author: Editor Francis
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in collaboration with BudgIT and 34 concerned Nigerians, has initiated legal action against President Bola Tinubu. The lawsuit, numbered FHC/L/CS/2353/2023, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, challenges the appointment of purported All Progressives Congress (APC) members as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The plaintiffs seek an order setting aside the alleged APC members’ nomination, confirmation, and appointment as RECs, deeming it unconstitutional, unlawful, null, void, and of no effect. Additionally, they request an order of mandamus to compel President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill…
A delegation of newly elected governors from the North West region of the country has sought the support of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) to enhance cooperation and unlock Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential. Led by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, the seven governors emphasized the region’s abundant water and land resources, stating that with support, they can produce sufficient food, particularly rice and wheat, to address the country’s needs. The North West, grappling with high poverty and food insecurity rates, attributed these challenges to inadequate infrastructure, weak extension services, limited value addition, and poor integration into domestic and…
During the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to preventing student dropouts due to the inability to pay tuition under his government. Represented by Professor King-David Terna Yawe of the National University Commission (NUC), President Tinubu acknowledged the challenges facing higher education and emphasized his government’s proactive efforts to address them. He highlighted the prompt signing of the student loan bill into law shortly after his inauguration. President Tinubu assured, “My government will ensure that educational institutions receive their dues to perform their statutory duties optimally.” He…
Liberian leader and football legend George Weah conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a tight presidential run-off, saying it was time to put national interest above personal interest. A declaration acclaimed by several citizens of Africa’s oldest republic. “I am so happy that the president accepted his defeat because he knew very well that he never did good. And now he wants to prove to the Liberians that he loves them by accepting it because if he doesn’t accept it, we will go back to war, and we don’t want to go back there,” said Patience Quiah, a…
In a significant move to prioritize worker empowerment, rights, and high labor standards worldwide, the U.S. State Department has commenced the implementation of key actions outlined in President Biden’s Presidential Memorandum. Acknowledging the integral role of labor rights in fostering democracy, driving economic growth, fortifying supply chain resilience, and ensuring a level playing field for American workers and companies, the new whole-of-government approach aligns with President Biden’s domestic policies. Under the Presidential Memorandum, Chiefs of Mission and Department officials are directed, for the first time, to actively engage in labor diplomacy, amplifying efforts to enhance programming and public messaging on…
In Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from November 6-10, the United States actively participated in the annual Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary meetings, emphasising its commitment to transparency and oversight in the diamond industry to combat trade in conflict diamonds. However, the US expressed regret that the KP participants were unable to address the implications of Russia’s diamond production and its war against Ukraine, a matter raised by Ukraine and supported by the United States and others. Despite the KP’s mandate to tackle how the trade in rough diamonds contributes to conflicts, Russia, along with a few other participants, objected to the request.…
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, delivered a powerful statement during a UN Security Council briefing on the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The ambassador expressed grave concern over the dire situation in the country, highlighting the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating conflict. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield commended Assistant Secretary-General Pobee for his leadership and briefed the Council on the United States’ strong support for the UN mission. She called on all Council members to rally behind UNITAMS, emphasizing its critical role in achieving an end to the conflict, protecting human rights, ensuring unhindered humanitarian…
The Ministry of Niger Delta Development (MNDD) has officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in a ceremony held in Abuja. The Minister of MNDD, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, urged the newly appointed board members to prioritize the Eight (8) Presidential Priorities set by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the guiding principles for the development of the Niger Delta region. Addressing the gathering, Minister Momoh emphasized the significance of aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, stating, “The inauguration of the board means that we have accepted to be part of the ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, and to…
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. Nwaeze David Umahi, has received a comprehensive update on the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Abidjan Highway. The project, initiated by the Heads of States and Government of five ECOWAS member states, was the focal point of discussions during a recent briefing at the minister’s office in Abuja. Led by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalization, Engr. Sediko Douka, the ECOWAS delegation provided crucial insights into the status of highway construction. During the briefing, Minister Umahi stressed the need for a strategic approach to ensure efficiency and timely completion of the project. He…
The opposition candidate, Joseph Boakai, is poised for victory in the ongoing Liberian presidential election, according to the latest results released by the electoral commission on Friday. The outcome reflects a shift as Liberians voted against incumbent President George Weah, also the candidate of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), in this landmark election. At 78 years old, Joseph Boakai, a seasoned political veteran, secures 50.89% of the votes, while President George Weah trails with 49.11%. This margin, exceeding 28,000 votes, emerges with nearly all ballots counted, triggering jubilation in the capital, Monrovia. Supporters of Boakai have gathered at his…
The Osun State Government has refuted allegations that Governor Ademola Adeleke suspended Chief Judge Justice Oyebola Ojo. Contrary to this denial, Justice Ojo has been suspended, and Governor Adeleke directed Justice Yinka Afolabi to assume an acting capacity pending an investigation by the Osun State House of Assembly. The state government, represented by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Kolapo Alimi, issued a statement on Friday clarifying that the petition and initial actions against the Chief Judge had been forwarded to the National Judicial Council (NJC). Alimi emphasized that Governor Adeleke did not defy any court order and that the…