Landmark

  In a scathing critique of the Labour Party's past leadership, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, Chairman of the Labour Party National Transition Committee (LP-NTC), has attributed the party's losses in the 2023 elections to internal factors, including the prioritization of self-enrichment over polling agents' empowerment and diligent tribunal documentation. According to Omar, the party's image has been tarnished by the transactional leadership of graft and crime, leading to a loss of hope among millions of Nigerians who see the Labour Party as no different from the APC and PDP. However, Omar expresses optimism that the forthcoming historic roundtable in Umuahia, Abia State, on September 4, 2024, will provide a turning point for the party. The meeting, superintended by Mr. Peter Obi and His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, is expected to yield impeccable and permanent solutions to the party's challenges. Omar praises Obi and Otti for their commitment to good governance, rule of l...

A civil society group, Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has urged the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to investigate the assassination of Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye. Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, a son of His Royal Highness, Oba Tijani Akinloye, Sateru II, the Ojomu of Ajiranland in Eti Osa Local Government area of Lagos State, was gruesomely assassinated in broad day on the ever busy Cheveron Drive along the Lekki axis of Lagos State on Monday, August 26, 2024. According to reports, the deceased was waylaid by assailants who shot and machete him to death. CHSR said in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, and released to the media, that “while the motive of the assailants could only be ascertained after thorough police investigation, it is however imperative to emphasise that the manner of his death followed the pattern of the gruesome murder of Mr. Sheriff ...

The Centre for Accountability and Transparency (CAAT) has called for an investigation into Matrix Oil's importation of blended crude oil, alleging violation of international sanctions on Russian oil. Speaking at a press conference, convener Okwa Dan claims Matrix Oil's actions have caused economic sabotage, environmental pollution, and health risks to Nigerians. The group alleges that Matrix Oil imported adulterated petroleum products from Malta, resulting in a $2.8 billion bill for Nigeria in 2023 alone. Dan adds that the company's actions violate international sanctions on Russian crude oil, which could lead to diplomatic crises for Nigeria. "The oil products imported from Malta by this company are also dirty on the ethical level because it is the product of the violation of international sanctions imposed on Russia to deter it from waging an unjust war on a sovereign nation, Ukraine, which it invaded," the statement said. "The sanctions capped the purchase...

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has given assurance that students from the south east geopolitical zone will soon be included in the Federal Government students’ loan. It will be recalled that the South East Caucus in the National Assembly has protested the exclusion of the region after the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUN) released the list of the institutions that will benefit from the loan nationwide. In a statement on Monday, Deputy Speaker said that his office has engaged the authorities in charge of the students loans, expressing optimism that in the coming days, the matter would be resolved. The deputy speaker has already engaged the directors in NELFUN with regards to the issue. During the engagement, issues of poor registration of students from the south east against the total number of students in the schools in the region were identified as the reason for non shortlisting of names. Similarly, there were mistakes with the comp...

By David Tunde In a flagrant and audacious exhibition of corporate greed and regulatory failure, Matrix Energy Limited, a prominent player in Nigeria's petroleum industry, led by CEO Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, has become embroiled in a scandal of monumental proportions involving the importation of subpar fuel products. This disturbing revelation, compounded by the company's alleged complicity in illicit activities, raises grave concerns regarding the integrity of the Nigerian fuel supply chain and the potential perils to public health and safety. Through the deliberate importation of blended low-grade petroleum products, which are subsequently sold as high-quality fuel, Matrix Energy is not only jeopardizing lives but also subverts the country's economic governance framework. Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, a member of the esteemed Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PEEC), is exploiting his position of influence and proximity to powerful and corrupt individuals in the Nigerian ...

Aerovessel Group of Companies has moved to a new, and larger location to better serve its valued clients and partners.with official opening and celebration of 10 years of existence slated for September 21, 2024.     The organisation's new address is number 22, Ifiok Ojuolape Crescent, Osapa Estate Gardens, ShopRite Road, Osapa Lekki, Lagos.   According to a press release issued on Sunday August 23, 2024 by the management of Aerovessel Group of Companies and signed by the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Hon. Abolaji Kelani, this move represents a significant milestone in the organisation's growth and commitment to providing top-notch services.    "Our new location is designed to enhance our operations and offer a more comfortable and efficient environment for our clients and team members.   "We look forward to welcoming you to our new office and continuing to provide the exceptional service you have come to expect from Aerovessel Group of Compa...

The Yoruba Progressive Coalition (YPC) has urged President Bola Tinubu to sack Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL), over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. In an open letter to the President, the YPC expressed deep concerns about the state of affairs at the NNPCL under Kyari's leadership, describing it as a "fountain of corruption" and a "golden conduit pipe" for siphoning the country's wealth. The group further alleged that Kyari's actions have led to devastating consequences for the economy and the Nigerian people. The YPC accused Kyari of lacking vision, commitment to good governance, and transparency, and of prioritizing personal wealth and power above the welfare of Nigerians. The letter, signed by Otumba Slayemi Kayode, Convener of the YPC, and other members, warned that if Kyari continues to occupy leadership positions, Nigeria risks being relegated to a state of arrested develop...

In a strong show of solidarity, the Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, have condemned the gruesome killing of the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Bawa. Both ministers described the act as "wicked," "heinous," "barbaric," and "abominable," and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Minister Badaru called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible, assuring that the Nigerian military will leave no stone unturned in bringing them to justice. He reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to fully support the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of terrorism. Similarly, Minister Matawalle directed the Chief of Defence Staff to immediately launch a thorough investigation into th...

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has been given a 48-hour ultimatum to apologise and resign from office over his alleged involvement in the appointment of a suspected gunrunner, Bashir Hadejia, as an aide. The Arewa Progressives Youth Forum (APYF) issued the ultimatum, condemning the state government's attempt to deceive the public regarding the appointment. According to the forum, two appointment letters bearing the same date, signature, and content have surfaced, exposing the government's brazen attempt to cover up the truth and mislead the public. "We are appalled and outraged by the Zamfara State Government's shocking attempt to deceive the public regarding the appointment of Bashir Hadejia, a suspected gunrunner, as an aide to Governor Dauda Lawal," a statement signed by its President Alhaji Muhammadu Kabir said.  "Despite initial denials, two appointment letters have surfaced, bearing the same date (27th October 2023), signature (Mai Abubakar M. Nak...

A group of concerned Nigerian citizens has petitioned the US government to investigate and sanction the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its CEO, Mele Kyari, for allegedly violating sanctions on Russian crude oil. In a letter to the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the group claims that NNPCL, under Kyari's leadership, has been importing Russian crude oil and petroleum products above the price cap set by the Price Cap Coalition, comprising the US, G7, EU, and Australia. The Concerned Citizens on Economic Reform Nigeria (CCERN) alleges that NNPCL has been blending petroleum products in Malta with Russian crude oil sourced above the $60 per barrel threshold, resulting in a violation of the sanctions. They further claim that the transactions involved amount to over $2.08 billion, enabling Russia to earn substantial revenue to fund its war efforts. “The breach of the sanction is eing led by one Mr Meie Kolo Kyari in his...

The Benue Youth Alliance for Good Governance (BYAGG) has vowed to resist the alleged plot by the State government to frustrate Dangote Cement PLC out of the state. The group claims that Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration plans to use multiple taxation and thugs to harass staff and frustrate the company's operations. BYAGG president, John Yiye, and secretary, Solomon Oche, at a press conference, stated that the plot is aimed at paving the way for Governor Alia to buy the cement company through a proxy. They argued that this move would harm the state's economy and lead to job losses, and worsening insecurity. "As you all know, Dangote Cement PLC, through its plant at Tse-Kucha, Gboko Local Government and its business outlets is the highest employer of labour in Benue State after the federal, state and local governments," the statement said.  "According to our source, the Alia administration has perfected plans to use multiple taxations, including those not...

The Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR) has condemned the recent announcement of the 42% increase in the procurement of passport by the Federal Government, saying that "it is uncalled-for, undemocratic and unacceptable." The President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, said in a statement dated August 22, 2024, that the increment is another way of inflicting more hardship on the citizens considering the economic situation in the country. "Nigerians are currently faced with the challenges of high cost of living occasioned by the scarcity of fuel which had led to the return of long queues at different petrol stations. "The Federal Government should be more concerned about incentives that will enhance the welfare of the people as well as addressing the worsening insecurity in the country.  "This is not the time to inflict more hardship on the people but to help Nigerians cope with the difficult challenges of survival," Omotehinse, said He stresse...

Primate Elijah Ayodele, the founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church is not just one of the prophets we have in the world, He can be best described as the only Major prophet in our world today. He is heavily criticized for his frequent prophecies that come to pass, called names like political prophet, prophet of doom, fake prophet but none of his detractors have been able to bring his ministry down, rather, he continues to soar higher as the day passes. Primate Ayodele isn’t only soaring as an individual, his ministry continues to grow beyond imaginations of mankind. His prophecies continue to come to pass in an extraordinary manner. Unarguably, there is no one that can compete with this phenomenon man of God in terms of prophecies, speaking truth to power, records of fulfilled prophecies, charity, to mention but a few. He stands out among millions of prophets. The unfortunate incident involving the death of Isah Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Gatawa town of Sokoto state has once again...

Civil Society Organisation, Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has expressed concern over the troubling development regarding recent activities within Nigeria’s energy sector. The Centre in a statement by its spokesman, Ebenezer Oluwole, said it uncovered plans by the Dangote Group to undermine the operations of Matrix Energy Group, a leading player in petroleum supply and distribution in Nigeria. It said this attack on Matrix Energy indicates a larger, more concerning trend of the Dangote Group’s ongoing efforts to monopolize Nigeria's energy sector. The Centre said: “The latest actions against Matrix Energy are not isolated incidents but rather part of a series of desperate attempts by the Dangote Group to extend its dominance over the energy market. “This pattern mirrors the group's past behaviour in other industries, where it has systematically dismantled competitors to secure monopolistic control. The consequences of such tactics are harmful to individual companies and...

  Hon. Jude Idimogu, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly (2015-2023) and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the recent hunger protest as a wake-up call to Nigerian leaders to address the food and economic crises in the country. Idimogu acknowledged the government's efforts in combating insecurity and suggested that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) be mobilised to engage in farming during their service years.  He said in an interview that this initiative could significantly contribute to food production and alleviate poverty. Excerpts:       What lessons would you say Nigeria has learnt from the recent hunger protest that lasted 10 days in Nigeria?   There is a lesson there as the people in government now know that they should be on their toes and jealously guard what we have. We should avoid anything that would bring any form of anti-government protest. The fact is that it is the right of...

South Sudan, under the leadership of President Salva Kiir had announced plans to conduct its first presidential election since independence in 2023. Stakeholders in the country agreed in December 2024 to conduct the election to transition into a democratic nation but it appears none of that would be happening. Currently, Salva Kiir and stakeholders in the country are holding talks on reaching a final decision regarding the presidential election but at the moment, there has been nothing significant showing preparation for an election slated to happen in the next four months. A top envoy of the United Nations, Nicholas Haysom told the U.N. Security Council that the consultations make it difficult to treat the election date of Dec. 22 announced last month by the National Elections Commission “as a definitive trigger in isolation from other critical factors.” Therefore, pending any miraculous turnaround, the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele on the presidential election ...

The Coalition for Human Rights Advocacy in Africa (CHRADA) has praised the Rivers State Police Command for apprehending Preye Josiah, a notorious dynamite expert linked to several high-profile crimes. In a statement signed by Dr. Joyce Idakwo, the Centre hailed the efforts of the Police but demanded prompt action against his sponsors and collaborators.  Furthermore, CHRADA emphasised that those hiding in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet or the National Assembly, who are suspected to be involved in these criminal activities, deserve to be arrested by the police. The organisation stressed that no one should be above the law, regardless of their position or influence. The Centre, therefore, urged the police to arrest everyone mentioned by Preye as his collaborators, as available information shows that they are well-known but highly placed. "We applaud the police for their efforts in bringing this criminal to justice, particularly after he was severely injured during a failed explo...

By Arnold Owie A national scandal has unfolded with the revelation of substandard petroleum products being imported into Nigeria, linked to a shadowy oil blending plant in Malta. Leaked documents and interviews expose a complex web of corruption involving NNPC personnel, oil traders, and terminal operators. Matrix Energy, owned by Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, a member of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council (PECC), is at the center of this scandal. The company has been importing low-grade petroleum products from Russia, blending them in Malta, and selling them in Nigeria. Aliu's actions demonstrate a disregard for the Nigerian people's welfare. Matrix Energy's logistical infrastructure suggests a deliberate attempt to undermine local refinery efforts, ensuring continued importation of inferior fuel products. The allegations against Aliu are severe, including securing preferential access to crude oil cargoes and trading them through a UAE-based entity. The Malta saga is ...