Connect with us

Business

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Published

on

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

Why Protesters demanded Kyari’s resignation

 

Scores of youths stormed the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited on Monday, demanding the immediate resignation of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mele Kyari.

The protesters, led by some Civil Society Organisations, described Kyari’s leadership as incompetent, citing skyrocketing fuel prices, endless fuel queues, and economic hardship in Nigeria.

The protesters carrying placards with different inscriptions such as “we demand the immediate resignation of Kyari”, among others, said the leadership of the NNPCL boss has failed.

The aggrieved youths led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

They also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal said, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

“Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.”

On their part, Otache and Isaac, insisted, “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties.  We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

On July 7, 2019, former President Mohammadu Buhari appointed Kyari as the 19th GMD of NNPC, but with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, his current portfolio is without recourse to previous employment ranks in the company.

NNPCL reacts

Reacting, the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, said the protestors lack understanding of the sector.

He explained that contrary to their agitation, the GCEO ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.

Responding via a chat, Soneye said, “Unfortunately, they lack understanding of the sector. If they were informed, they would know that the GCEO is not responsible for the fuel price increase; in fact, he ensured Nigerians had access to fuel at N620 per litre for over a year, even when the landing cost was above N1,100.”

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Business

Elegant Fashionista, Chief (Princess) Adeyinka Adedokun 3ace bags double awards

Published

on

*Elegant Fashionista, Chief (Princess) Adeyinka Adedokun 3ace bags double awards

 

Same day same event, Chief (Princess) Adeyinka Adedokun 3ace, Otun Yeyemeso of Ilaro-Yewa, President, Faces of Yewa Indigenes Foundation and CEO of 3ace De Current International Boutique Ireland and Nigeria has had her awards cabinet boosted by two additional awards.

The latest boosts to the award cabinet of the elegant fashionista, international entrepreneur, TikTok sensation and Facebook content creator, Adeyinka Adedokun are Most Unique Woman Icon of the Year Award and Digital Women Icon of the Year.

She received the award at the 2024 Nigeria Social Media Conference and Awards organized by Celebrity Crush Television which was held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) building, Ikeja, Lagos.where she was represented by the duo of Tolu Apanisile and the Director of Operations of Faces of Yewa Indigenes Foundation, Kehinde Akinlade.

Responding after the award presentations, Kehinde Akinlade said Chief (Princess) Adeyinka Adedokun considers the social media as tool for expanding commerce, the development of ideas, initiatives and also a veritable tool for a better society.

He described the award as an icing on the cake for Chief (Princess) Adeyinka Adedokun who sees the social media as blessing enough in expanding her business empire, reaching global audience and making profit from the comfort of her home, her business offices and even the streets.

The representative of the beautiful Princess added that the award is well appreciated by the recipient and it will spur her on to continue to promote positive use of the social media as a tool for business growth, upscaling of entrepreneurial skills and for enabling a better society for all.

He said Chief Princess Adeyinka Adedokun wants a better society championed by the present generation of youths through the use of the world wide web which the social media forms an important part of. He said the the award recipient wants the youths to leave the dark side of the internet for the brighter side with contents that promote positivity as against the debasement of women, promotion of crime and other vices.

Continue Reading

Business

Capacious Farms and Adron Homes Celebrate World Food Day with JSS Arts & Essay Contest, Award Top 5 Schools

Published

on

Capacious Farms and Adron Homes Celebrate World Food Day with JSS Arts & Essay Contest, Award Top 5 Schools

Capacious Farms and Adron Homes Celebrate World Food Day with JSS Arts & Essay Contest, Award Top 5 Schools

 

In celebration of World Food Day, Capacious Farms & Foods Ltd hosted the 2024 Junior Secondary School (JSS) Arts & Essay Contest Award Ceremony yesterday, with sponsorship from Adron Homes & Properties. The event, which took place at the Adron training School in Simawa, aimed to engage young minds in agriculture, creative arts, and essay writing to raise awareness about food security and sustainability.

 

The competition saw participation from 40 schools nationwide, each submitting entries focused on the future of agriculture and its role in combating food insecurity. After a rigorous judging process, five schools emerged as winners, with students from these schools receiving cash prizes, generously sponsored by the foremost real estate company in Nigeria, Adron Homes & Properties.

Capacious Farms and Adron Homes Celebrate World Food Day with JSS Arts & Essay Contest, Award Top 5 Schools

The Chief Operating Officer of Capacious Farms & Foods Chi Tola Roberts, emphasized the significance of the event in her address. “Commemorating World Food Day through this contest highlights the critical role agriculture plays in our society. Our goal is to spark an early interest in agriculture and equip students with the knowledge and motivation to pursue careers in the sector,” she stated. Roberts also announced that the contest would become an annual event, with promises of broader outreach and increased opportunities for students.

The chairman, Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking spoke passionately about Nigeria’s agricultural history and the importance of returning to its roots. “Our nation was built on agriculture. Cocoa House, one of Nigeria’s landmarks, was funded through proceeds from cocoa farming. By supporting initiatives like this, we aim to inspire the next generation to see agriculture not only as our past but as our future,” he said. Emmanuelking reiterated Adron’s commitment to supporting youth engagement in agriculture, particularly through sponsorships like those awarded at this event.

Prof. Adesegun, Chairman of the Babcock University Schools Management Board, delivered a keynote speech on the global food crisis and the importance of youth involvement. “We are facing a global challenge in food security, and the youth must be at the forefront of finding solutions. This competition is a step in the right direction, as it encourages students to think critically about the future of food and agriculture,” he remarked.

The event provided a platform for young students to showcase their artistic and literary talents, exploring themes that align with the mission of World Food Day: ending hunger and ensuring food security for all. The five winning schools were awarded cash prizes, and their students were celebrated for their exceptional creative and analytical contributions.

Capacious Farms & Foods Ltd and Adron Homes & Properties have committed to making this competition an annual event, fostering a deeper connection between Nigeria’s youth and the agricultural sector.

Continue Reading

Business

Senate Orders Arrest of Julius Berger MD

Published

on

Senate Orders Arrest of Julius Berger MD Over Abandoned Projects

Senate Orders Arrest of Julius Berger MD Over Abandoned Projects

 

The Senate on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr. Peer Lubasch, following his repeated failure to appear before the Senate Committee on Works.

The resolution came after a motion was moved by the Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), and co-sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP, Rivers South-East).

In his motion, Senator Ngwu highlighted that Julius Berger had persistently ignored invitations to clarify issues surrounding abandoned projects and the significant increase in the cost of contracts, from N54 billion to N195 billion.

He raised concerns over the Odukpani-Itu Highway project, noting that Julius Berger had received more than N18 billion in public funds but had failed to meet targets and honor contract terms. “Despite receiving substantial public funds, Julius Berger has refused to provide details of their role in the Odukpani-Itu Highway project,” Ngwu stated.

Ngwu further pointed to discrepancies in the performance of contractors, with Julius Berger specifically singled out for not meeting expectations. He referenced the National Assembly’s constitutional powers to investigate and summon any person or organization handling public funds, as stipulated in Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution.

The senator also drew attention to the alleged termination of Julius Berger’s contract for the Odukpani-Itu Highway due to its failure to accept contract review terms, despite initially agreeing to a contract worth over N54 billion. Julius Berger later sought an upward review to N195 billion, which was rejected.

Ngwu called on the Senate to invoke its constitutional powers, as outlined in Section 89(1)(c) and (d) of the 1999 Constitution, to compel Dr. Lubasch’s attendance at the rescheduled investigative hearing. Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed that a specific date for the MD’s appearance would be included in the arrest warrant.

The motion led to a heated debate in the Senate, with some senators calling for the immediate issuance of the arrest warrant. Senators Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), and Joel Onowakpo Thomas (APC, Delta) supported the motion. However, Senators Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West), Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), and Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North) proposed resolving the matter at the committee level to avoid unnecessary escalation.

Despite the differing opinions, the Senate resolved to proceed with the arrest warrant, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending