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Human Right Group Accuses Mele Kyari of shortchanging Nigerians
Human Right Group Accuses Mele Kyari of shortchanging Nigerians
A civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), on Monday, accused the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited under its Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, of allegedly shortchanging Nigerians.
National Coordinator of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, in a statement, backed the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.), and faulted the N6.34tn subsidy payment on Premium Motor Spirit (popularly called petrol).
“HURIWA wonders why Nigeria has not hired a World class forensic auditors that are credible enough and can’t be compromised to comprehensively audit the total litres of fuel consumed in Nigeria since most transactions on petroleum products are metred a across the Country and so it does not take Rocket Science to scientifically and accurately ascertain how much volumes of local fuel consumptions that take place in the entire Country daily,” the student said.
…NNPC Group CEO Mele Kyari.
Ali, a retired Army Colonel, had last week during a presentation before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance in Abuja, said NNPC cannot scientifically prove the 98 million litres per day consumption it was claiming, alleging that the nation’s oil company was supplying an excess of 38 million litres of PMS daily.
The Federal Government is proposing a budget with estimates totalling N19.76 trillion, while the deficit will hover between N11.30 trillion and N12.41trillion in the 2023 fiscal year.
However, the NCS boss said the issue was not about smuggling of petroleum products as claimed by Kyari at a State House briefing last week.
“If we are consuming 60 million litres of PMS per day, by their own computation, why would you allow the release of 98 million litres per day? If you know this is our consumption, why would you allow that release?
“Scientifically, you cannot tell me that if I fill my tank today, tomorrow, I will fill the same tank with the same quantity of fuel. If I am operating a fuel station today and I go to Minna depot, lift petrol and take it to Kaduna, I may get to Kaduna in the evening and offload that fuel. There is no way I would have sold off that petrol immediately to warrant another load. So, how did you get to 60 million litre per day? That is my problem,” Ali had stated.
However, HURIWA said: “It is shameful how two government agencies are contradicting themselves publicly. Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) has thrown an open challenge at his NNPC counterpart and Nigerians are waiting for the explanation of Mele Kyari.
“It is no doubt that the NNPC is shortchanging Nigeria and Nigerians using vacuous and bogus subsidy claims because for now, it is not clear if any open and public records exist to show these details to allow for transparency and accountability which are the hallmarks of good governance. This is condemnable. It is particularly shameful that the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress failed Nigerians after criticizing past administrations over failure to stabilise the production capacity of NNPC refineries to allow for home refining of crude oil. The country’s refineries have been run aground in the last seven years since President Muhammadu Buhari came into office and has been the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources. If this is not a national shame, then Nigerians wonder what it is.
“To think that the President himself is the Petroleum Minister for seven years now is utterly perplexing. Rather than working, the current regime has been engaging in alleged round tripping scams in the name of subsidy regime. This is despicable for a government in an economic crisis. This is shown in the fact that even at the top most levels, the officials can’t say exactly why it costs the public a humongous sum to subsidise fuel locally consumed.
“HURIWA also condemns the practice of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo running to the World Bank to ‘help’ Nigeria stop subsidy when as a sovereign entity ruled by an elected administration, Nigeria should work out home-grown economic formula to close the yawning gaps and leakages that results in ballooning funding claims from the petroleum subsidy subhead of the budget. Nigerian leaders should stop playing to the gallery and exposing the Country as a Banana Republic.”
Why Gen. Buratai will always remain in the minds of Nigerians-Enyioma
From………
Lance Corporal Chikere Vitus Enyioma, an admirer of the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai has given reasons why Nigerians would not forget the retired Army boss in a hurry.
In a statement, Enyioma explained “I joined the Nigerian Army in 2014 with the full intention of serving my country diligently. My first posting was to 1 Division Kaduna, where I was influenced by a common belief among the junior ranks—that our generals didn’t care about us.
“However, that perception changed when Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai assumed full command and began to truly work and serve both Nigeria and the Nigerian Army.
“Later, I was transferred to Abuja and had the rare opportunity to serve directly in his office as an office orderly. I witnessed firsthand the incredible demands of serving as the Chief of Army Staff. I remember a specific week when he worked day and night without rest. During a particularly intense period of operations against insurgents, he broke down after a night of nonstop work and back-to-back high-level meetings.
“I was sent by his MA and I had to rush downstairs to get the medical representative, who administered treatment to help him recover. To my surprise, as soon as he regained his strength, he returned immediately to his desk to continue working.
“Throughout my time working in his office, I never saw him take a leave or even a break. Under his leadership, long-forgotten allowances were restored, Many non-commissioned officers were promoted or commissioned. Soldiers were given access to both military and civilian education programs—of which I was a beneficiary.
“He also expanded housing schemes and introduced mortgage opportunities for personnel. Lt. Gen. Buratai redefined what it meant to serve with commitment and vision, and every other Staff officer under him was equally busy.
“Under Buratai’s leadership, the Nigerian Army successfully reclaimed large swathes of territory previously under Boko Haram’s control in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States. Major highways like the Maiduguri-Bama and Damaturu-Maiduguri roads were reopened, allowing for the restoration of civil governance in formerly overrun regions.
“He initiated the creation of vital commands and formations to improve rapid response, including Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Army Aviation Corps. These formations enhanced operational flexibility and strengthened counter-insurgency efforts.
“Under his tenure, the Army acquired modern armored vehicles, artillery systems, and combat drones, significantly increasing its firepower and tactical capabilities.
“Establishment of Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB). Founded in 2018 in Biu, Borno State, NAUB focuses on advancing military education and research, supporting innovation and technology in military operations.
“Buratai championed soldiers’ welfare by introducing; Housing initiatives and educational opportunities.
Enhanced healthcare services which gave birth to one of the Best hospitals in Abuja ( COMMAND AND NAOWA HOSPITAL). These improved the morale and effectiveness of the troops.
“Promotion of Civil-Military Relations: He emphasized mutual trust and understanding between the Army and civilians, strengthening nationwide collaboration and public support.
“Support for Democracy; During election periods, Buratai ensured the Nigerian Army upheld constitutional order, playing a neutral and stabilizing role in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
“Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches; established agricultural projects to boost food security for soldiers and provide alternative welfare support for their families.
“Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies. He founded this institute to train soldiers in technical and environmental disciplines, supporting their post-service careers.
“Advocacy for Cultural Integration in Security; after his retirement, Buratai actively promoted using Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to enhance national security, emphasizing that no indigenous culture supports criminality.
“Army Structural Expansion Under Buratai. New Divisions
6th Division (Amphibious)– Port Harcourt, Rivers State
8th Division – Sokoto State.
“New Brigades and Units:16 Brigade– Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
17 Brigade – Katsina State
63 Brigade – Delta State
2nd Brigade – Akwa Ibom State
42nd Engineering Brigade
Fort Muhammadu Buhari Forward Operating Base – Daura, Katsina State
331 Artillery Tactical Forward Operating Base – Buratai, Borno State
Forward Operating Base, Okene – Kogi StaSpecialized Institutions and Facilities.
“Nigerian Army Aviation School,
Nigerian Army War College, Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC)– Abuja
Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri – Modern military housing in Abuja
“Here is a list of some infrastructural projects constructed or initiated under Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff (2015–2021). These projects span military bases, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, roads, housing, and operational commands, reflecting his strategic focus on capacity building, welfare, and professionalism.
“Army Headquarters Command Structures. Remodeling and modernization of Army Headquarters Complex in Abuja.Renovation and expansion of Command Officers’ Mess in Abuja
“New Divisions and Formations Infrastructure. 6th Division Headquarters– Port Harcourt, Rivers State (including barracks and support facilities). 8th Division Headquarters – Sokoto State (administrative blocks, housing, operational centers).
“Brigades and Units Infrastructure:
16 Brigade Complex– Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.17 Brigade Complex– Katsina State.63 Brigade Complex– Asaba, Delta State.2 Brigade Forward Operating Base (FOB) – Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State
1 Brigade Headquarters Complex – Gusau, Zamfara State.13 Brigade Complex– Calabar, Cross River State
“Specialized Institutions: Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) – Biu, Borno State
Nigerian Army War College– Abuja
Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) – Abuja. Nigerian Army Aviation School– (location development under construction). Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies – Makurdi, Benue State
“Medical Infrastructure: Renovation and expansion of 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital – Kaduna
Upgrading of Military Hospital – Port Harcourt, Establishment of new medical facilities in several divisions including Lagos, Abuja, and Maiduguri
Field hospitals were constructed in combat zones in the Northeast.
“Barracks and Residential Housing Projects; Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri – Abuja (state-of-the-art barracks and officers’ quarters)
Army Housing Estate – Kurudu, Abuja
Massive renovation and new construction of soldiers’ accommodation across all 6 geo-political zones
Construction of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Barracks– Buratai town, Borno State
“Forward Operating Bases (FOBs): FOB/171Bn Daura – Katsina State
FOB Okene – Kogi State
FOB Buratai– Borno State
Numerous FOBs in the Northeast, enhancing real-time response to insurgency.
“Army Farms and Ranches: Establishment of Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches in several divisions, providing food and economic support for troops.
“Roads and Internal Transportation; Construction of internal road networks within new barracks and cantonment
Upgrading of military access roads and connecting roads in conflict zones for logistics and troop movement
“Training and Capacity Building Centers: Modernization of Depot Nigerian Army – Zaria, Establishment of Command Science Secondary Schools in multiple states, Construction of training ranges and simulation centers across Army divisions, Renovation of military churches and mosque.
“These infrastructure projects were executed as part of Buratai’s vision to professionalize the Nigerian Army, improve troop welfare, and enhance operational readiness. They also reflect a balanced focus on education, healthcare, housing, logistics, and combat efficiency.
“Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s legacy is not just in what he built but in how he inspired countless soldiers, myself included, to believe in the military institution again.
“He served tirelessly, restored honor to service, and laid a strong foundation for future generations of the Nigerian Army.
“I recalled how Harvard University Boston USA became an annex of the Nigerian Army in building and shaping the intuition of military officers across the rank beyond the traditional strategic institution like the Defense College NIPSS etc. I am a beneficiary and can proudly be rated. Allah bless our legend of yesterday, today, and tomorrow”.
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Prophet shed tears as he calls on Mr.president, first lady,youth of the nation and Niger Delta people
ICAN Members Set To Drag Institute To Court Over Disputed Election Rule
– Members cry foul over third-party payment ban, seek High Court injunction
By Temitope Adeyemi, Legal Correspondent
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) is at the centre of a brewing legal storm following the issuance of controversial election guidelines that could bar numerous members from voting in the upcoming 2025 council elections.
In a formal pre-action notice dated 23 May and addressed to the ICAN Registrar, the law firm Abimbola & Abimbola, acting on behalf of Mr [Name Withheld] and a coalition of affected members, challenged the legality of a new directive which prohibits the payment of annual membership fees via third parties in an election year.
Describing the guideline as “illegal, unconstitutional, and ultra vires”, the solicitors argued that it is inconsistent with the ICAN constitution, codified in Chapter 185 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“Our clients are troubled by the lack of constitutional authority for such a sweeping restriction,” wrote A.J. Arinze, Esq., the lead counsel.
“This directive appears designed to disenfranchise legitimate members from exercising their constitutional right to vote in the ICAN elections scheduled for Tuesday, 27 May 2025.
”The legal notice further demands that ICAN provide specific statutory backing for the controversial clause and cease enforcement immediately. Failing a satisfactory response by 1:30 p.m. today, the claimants intend to approach the High Court for an injunction and other reliefs.
Claimants seek immediate court protection
The members are preparing to seek:A declaration that the guideline is void and unconstitutional; An interim and interlocutory injunction restraining ICAN from implementing the directive; A ruling affirming members’ right to pay fees via any lawful means, including by proxy, friend, employer, or association; An order of perpetual injunction barring ICAN from delisting members over such payments; And ₦10 million in damages for emotional distress caused by the publication and enforcement threat.
The notice cites the “Supreme Court decision in Ojukwu v. Governor of Lagos State (1985) 2 NWLR (Pt 10) as a caution against executive overreach and unilateral action pending judicial review.
Awaiting ICAN’s response
As at the time of going to press, ICAN had not issued an official statement on the matter. However, sources within the institute indicate the new rule has caused internal concern, particularly with less than a week to the council elections.
Legal experts say the case, if filed, could have far-reaching implications for how professional bodies in Nigeria regulate internal elections and member participation.
“This dispute goes beyond procedure,” noted Dr A. O. Okoye, a lecturer in corporate law. “It touches on constitutional rights, transparency, and the democratic integrity of professional associations.”
The High Court filing is expected if no response is received before the deadline. Members are watching closely to see whether ICAN will revise its stance or face a protracted legal battle.
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