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Russian Crude Saga: CSOs denounce petition to US govt, claim impersonation

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Russian Crude Saga: CSOs denounce petition to US govt, claim impersonation

Russian Crude Saga: CSOs denounce petition to US govt, claim impersonation

 

 

By Luminous Jannamike

 

 

 

ABUJA – A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has denounced a petition sent to the US Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), claiming impersonation and demanding its withdrawal.

 

 

Russian Crude Saga: CSOs denounce petition to US govt, claim impersonation

 

 

The petition, titled ‘Persons of interest in the violation of the coalition-agreed price cap on Russian crude’, targeted the CEOs of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Matrix Energy Group, accusing them of violating the price cap on Russian crude.

 

 

 

 

 

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, Comrade Splendour Agbonkpolor spoke on behalf of the CSOs, which include the Social, Political, Economic, Educational, and Environmental Rights Initiative (SPEEERI), Initiative for Leadership and Economic Watch, Civil Society Group for Good Governance, and Restore Nigeria Initiative, saying the petition was sent by a non-registered NGO using their name and a fake address.

 

 

Russian Crude Saga: CSOs denounce petition to US govt, claim impersonation

 

 

The CSOs claimed that the petitioners used a fake address, and phone numbers that do not exist, and impersonated them to make it look like they were involved in the petition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The address listed on the petition was previously occupied by the CSOs but is currently unoccupied, having been sold by the owner last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The CSOs have disowned the petition, describing it as blackmail, and are taking steps to protect their reputation and distance themselves from the petition.

 

 

 

 

 

They have called on the US government to disregard the petition, stating that it was not authorized by them.

 

 

 

 

 

The CSOs also plan to submit a letter of disclaimer to the US Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) through its United States Embassy in Abuja.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agbonkpolor said, “We have gathered you here to denounce the letter written to the US government and to state categorically clear that we were impersonated by those who wrote it. For the records, the NGO that wrote it in disguise ours is not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We, therefore, wonder who will use a non-registered NGO to write to a country like the USA from a non-existent address, to make it look like our work as former occupants of the place. As NGOs, we do not subscribe to the blackmail of the NNPCL GCEO, Mele Kyari and the CEO of Matrix Energy, Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu and will not sit back and watch people impersonate organizations we have built credibly for years to make us look like enemies of a well-meaning Nigeria state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“The United States Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) should disregard the petition submitted by the impersonators as it was not authored by any of us who are former occupants of the address in the non-existing NGO. We find it distasteful to be used by any group of persons or companies fighting for their interests, and will be proceeding to submit a letter of withdrawal to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) through its United States, Embassy in Abuja on this issue that is almost eroding our integrity, credibility and reputation.”

 

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The 2026 Nigerian Bank Recapitalization: Where Does Your Bank Stand?

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Leading Fintech Expert, Jesam Micheal Applauds Tinubu For Lifting Ban On Cryptocurrency, Charges Nigerians To Embrace AAS Token
The countdown to March 31, 2026, has officially entered its final stretch. While you might have seen headlines claiming only 19 banks have met the mark, the reality on the ground is much more dynamic. In fact, as of January 2026, we have seen a surge of compliance, with approximately 22 out of 34 banks now having their licenses “secured” under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) new rules.
If you are wondering where your money is or if your bank is safe, here is the fact-driven breakdown of the current banking landscape, correcting common misconceptions along the way.
Recapitalised banks
The CBN set a high bar of ₦500 billion for international banks and ₦200 billion for National banks. Crucially, this must be “paid-up capital”, banks cannot count their saved profits (retained earnings) toward this goal.
These banks are recapitalised:
Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTBank, UBA, First Bank and Fidelity: These banks have crossed the N500 billion finish line and have secured their international licence.
FCMB, Wema, Standard Chartered, Citibank: These banks have officially secured their national license, with FCMB in the final sprint to hit the ₦500 billion to secure its international banking licence.
Other secured banks: Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, Providus Bank, Globus Bank, and Premium Trust Bank have all officially cleared the requirement.
Mergers and downgrades
The story of the 2026 recapitalization also featured mergers, acquisitions, and downgrades:
Unity Bank and Providus Bank are in the final stages of a merger that will create a top 10 Nigerian lender. Similarly, Titan Trust has completed its integration with Union Bank to solidify its capital base.
Nova Bank chose a Regional License (₦50 billion) to focus specifically on being a high-end niche player, a healthy business move.
Non-Interest banking: Islamic banks like Jaiz, Taj, and Lotus have all met their ₦20 billion requirement, proving that niche banking is stronger than ever.
For the few banks still in the “red zone,” the next 80 days will involve final-hour mergers or private equity injections. For you, the customer, this means a banking sector that is tougher, more transparent, and better funded than ever before.
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How Primate Ayodele Foretold Collapse Of School Building In Ikorodu, Lagos

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W’ Cup Qualifiers: How Super Eagles Coach Ruined Nigeria’s Chances by Ignoring Primate Ayodele’s Warnings* By Adedayo Olumide

Residents of the Odo-Kekere Community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, on Thursday evening, were thrown into panic following the sudden partial collapse of a structure in a local public school in the area.

According to a source, a section of the school building gave way late Thursday with a thunderous sound that drew neighbours to the scene.

First responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency LASBCA, raced to the scene promptly and cordoned off the area for safety purposes.

This development has no doubt fulfilled the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, which he shared in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings To The Nations (2025/2026) edition.

On page 108 of the prophecy book, Primate Ayodele warned against collapse of any school building in Nigeria.

“Schools in Nigeria: Let us pray so that no school will be attacked in Nigeria and that a school building will not collapse.”

Also, in his 2026 prophecies, he asked Nigerians to commit Lagos schools into God’s hands.

“Let us commit schools in Lagos to God’s hands against all attack” (Page 5).

Furthermore, in a video shared on his social media page, Primate Ayodele specifically mentioned that Nigerians should pray not to see a building collapse in Lagos.

“Let us pray not to see a school building collapse in Lagos state, Oyo, Abuja, Ogun state. Let the government go around schools and quickly demolish deplorable school buildings.”

All these have fulfilled the prophecy of Primate Ayodele.

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Hon. Toyin Amuzu: A Legacy of Service, Unity, and Perseverance

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By Adebayo Osonuga, Manchester

In the ever-evolving landscape of politics, where commitment is often tested and leadership scrutinized, few names resonate with consistency, dedication, and perseverance quite like Hon. Toyin Amuzu. Over the years, he has emerged as a dependable public servant whose political journey is firmly rooted in service to the people and an unwavering belief in collective progress.

From the onset, Hon. Amuzu’s foray into politics appeared almost inevitable to those who knew him well. Guided by a deep passion for public service, he embraced leadership not as a position of privilege, but as a responsibility to uplift others. His political career has been defined by a rare ability to connect genuinely with people across social, cultural, and economic divides—listening attentively to their concerns and working diligently to address them.

A defining strength of Hon. Amuzu’s leadership is his adaptability. In a political climate often marked by division and rivalry, he has consistently chosen the path of dialogue, bridge-building, and unity. His inclusive approach has enabled him to foster cooperation among diverse groups, earning him admiration beyond party lines. For many in his constituency, his open-door policy is not a slogan but a lived reality—one that reflects empathy, accessibility, and action.

Despite the inevitable challenges that accompany public office, Hon. Amuzu has remained steadfast in his vision of a better and more equitable society. He is a strong advocate for hard work, resilience, and personal responsibility, values he exemplifies in both his public and private life. Through his words and actions, he has inspired many—particularly young people—to believe in the power of determination and purposeful leadership.

His impact is perhaps most evident in the tangible development initiatives he has championed within his community. From advocating policies aimed at social progress to supporting initiatives that improve everyday living, Hon. Amuzu has played a notable role in driving growth and positive change. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, cementing his reputation as a leader who delivers and a representative who truly understands the needs of his people.

As a role model for emerging leaders, Hon. Toyin Amuzu stands as a reminder that politics, when guided by integrity and compassion, can be a powerful tool for transformation. His selflessness, humility, and commitment to service continue to inspire confidence and hope among those he represents.

In sum, Hon. Toyin Amuzu embodies the true essence of public service. His legacy is one of unity, perseverance, and people-centered leadership—a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations. As he continues his journey toward a brighter future for all, his name remains firmly etched among those who lead not just with authority, but with heart.

TA… We Rise Together.

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