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House Invites Kyari, Emefiele, Ahmed, Sylva, Others over State of Refineries

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Fix refineries with current oil windfall, Adeyemi tells FG
The House of Representatives Adhoc Committee investigating the state of refineries in the country has invited the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr. Mele Kyari; the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr. Timipre Sylva, to appear before the lawmakers on Thursday, March 31, to give account of the true state of refineries and what was needed to be done to function at maximum refining capacity.
The Committee also extended the invitation to other relevant key government stakeholders including the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (KRPC), the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila had on January, 2022, constituted the adhoc Committee to determine the state of refineries in the country and what was needed to bring them back to maximum refining capacity.
The Committee was mandated to work with the NNPC, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and other relevant stakeholders to obtain the needed information in order to carry out the assignment.
The Committee therefore, on February 24, 2022, requested the GMD of the NNPC for a status report on the nation’s refineries. The lawmakers specifically requested the GMD to provide, “Appraisal of the current state of refineries in the country, from year 2012 to date, copies of annual budgets on rehabilitation by the refineries from year 2012 to date, list of approvals/fund releases for rehabilitation of refineries from year 2012 to date, the list of all contracts awarded for rehabilitation of refineries and award letters issued to service providers and contractors from year 2012 to date, the actual cost of projects (contracts) and review (if any) stated in naira, work completion certificates issued on rehabilitation projects carried out on refineries from year 2012 to date, evidence of payments made for all such contracts awarded from year 2012 to date, list of service providers and contractors that handled the rehabilitation of refineries from year 2012 to date and any other relevant information to assist the Committee in the course of this assignment.”
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The lawmakers, while appreciating the response of the NNPC to their request and acknowledged receipt of their submissions and information so far provided, however pointed out that the submission made by the NNPC did not adequately provide answers to most of the request made to them by the letter.
However, at the hearing yesterday, the Chairman of the adhoc Committee, Hon. Johnson Ganiyu said the summon became necessary following the failure of the ministers and the other invited government officials to honour earlier invitation.
He said Nigerians were pained and not happy with the current state of affairs regarding the oil sector of the economy, hence subsidy was no longer sustainable.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi has advised the federal government to spend the current gains being made from crude oil sales with price above $100 per barrel to fix the nation’s comatose oil refineries or build new ones.
The nation’s 2022 budget was predicated on a benchmark of $62 per barrel of crude oil and the price of the commodity was $120 per barrel as of yesterday.
As a result of this, Adeyemi said, “proceeds from the oil windfall arising from the ongoing Russia/Ukraine war should be channeled into fixing the nation’s comatose refineries or to out rightly build new ones.”
Adeyemi said this yesterday in Abuja, while addressing journalists about the public hearing on his rent bill slated for March 30.
The Senator added: “To me, it is inexplicable and shameful for a nation that is producing crude oil in large volumes on daily basis to be importing refined ones.
“It is like somebody who has a functional borehole in his or her compound, and yet buying water from other sources.
“The serious bleeding the shameful arrangement is causing the nation’s economy must be stopped. Refineries must be made functional or new ones put in place to prevent huge capital flight bleeding the nation’s economy from refined oil importation,” he said.
Adeyemi lamented the federal government’s inability to fast track the completion of the Ajaokuta Iron and Steel Project which he described as a catalyst for full industrialisation of the nation’s economy.
He noted with concern that the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex had the potential of providing gainful employment to over 50,000 Nigerians if resuscitated.
He added: “It is saddening that a potential game changer for the nation’s monolithic economy which started in 1980s is still at the stage of abandonment.
“If the federal government is not ready to see to its completion and functionality, it should be handed over to Kogi State which I believe will do the needful the way the Kaduna State government built an iron ore firm recently with potential for thousands of jobs creation for the youth and quantum wealth generation for the state.
“The President Muhammadu Buhari led government is no doubt, trying, as far as building of infrastructure are concerned but such legacies without completion of Ajaokuta and provision of functions refineries will not make much impacts economically.”
THISDAY
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Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order

Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order
Stakeholders in Ilorin Emirate have been asked to call to order the Mudirul, Markaz Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies, Agege, Lagos State, Sheikh Habibullahi Adam Al-Ilory, over his persistent attacks on the personality of the Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa.
In a statement issued in Ilorin on Sunday and obtained by Just Event Online TV , the Magaji Onikijipa Compound, Alhaji Abdulrahman Suyuti Onikijipa, on behalf of the family, said there is no distinction between the descendants of Onikijipa as they remain an indivisible entity.
The statement was titled “No Bastard among the Onikijipa: A Rejoinder to Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory”.
It clarified that the statement credited to Habibullahi Al-Ilory that the father of Grand Mufty of Ilorin, Sheikh Faruq Onikijipa was not a member of Onikijipa was not only false but a lie from the pit of hell.
The statement explained that Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory’s unsubstantiated claim was borne out of mischief and a ploy to create a wedge among Onikijipa family, insisting that the family does not harbour a bastard.
It recalled that this was not the first time the Mudirul Markaz would try to rewrite history of Onikijipa even in explicit contradictions to his father, Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Al-Ilory’s narrations in his mere usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”.
The statement noted that Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory was out to discredit the good image of the Grand Mufty of Ilorin, adding that he has made attacks on anyone as his own trademark.
It described as bogus the claim attributed to Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory that only Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa and maintained that both Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa, the father of the Mufty of Ilorin are brothers and one family.
“We are compelled to release this statement in view of the recent shenanigan being displayed by Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory. We would not have responded to the story he put up in his head for reasons best known to him, but for the important need to set the record straight so that in the future people will not doubt our history as one strong Onikijipa family. This is not the first time this individual has tried to rewrite history even in explicit contradictions to his father’s narrations in his mere usual bid to claim the “all-knowing”. He is the only one who can help us to understand the reasons for doing that. As far as we are concerned, he is just being mischievous.
“On Friday 21st of Ramadan, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory informed his listeners that he wanted to attack the Onikijipa family. During his daily tafsir, he went astray to attack our family in his usual nonsensical manner, an attempt to create disunity among us. But for his information, we are one strong indivisible family.
“There are some points that need to be addressed.
Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory claimed that our illustrious son, Sheikh Suleiman Faruq Onikijipa, the grand Mufty of Ilorin, is angry with Sheikh Adam Al-Ilory, Habibullah’s father, because the sheikh did not mention Sheikh Suleiman Faruq’s father in his book. This is not only laughable but a lie from the pit of hell. Habibullah should inform us the point at which Sheikh Suleiman said this and in what context. We believe this is just another lie to discredit the Mufty’s good image. That is Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory trade mark: he attacks everyone. He recently did the same to the people of Agbogunmati.
“As if that was not enough, Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory narrated that Sheikh Suleiman’s father is not a member of Onikijipa. This is another nonsense! His theory is that any house or household in Ilorin that is situated outside the main compound is not part of the family. Such a household, according to his theory, must have been given or gifted to the land. They are not originally part of the family. One begins to wonder if Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory remembers where his own family house is situated in Ilorin. It is there for everyone to see.
“Habibullah Adam Al-Ilory, in his desire to create disunity among us, claimed that Alfa Alabi Onikijipa is the original Onikijipa. If we had not heard this ourselves, we would not have believed it is coming from a man, who is expected to know better. But it is not surprising; that is his way. He attacks without a reason. He comes up with all sorts of theories just prove anything! There are instances out there. But this is our story, Alfa Alabi Onikijipa and Alfa Faruq Onikijipa are brothers and one family. There is no separation among us. It is even more worrisome that such a respected scholar is using “show me your father’s grave” theory as a proof of originality. Pathetic!
It is really appreciative if this man is called to order by stakeholders from Ilorin Emirate. Using his own words, he should not let people begin to “dig his own dead”. But we the Onikijipa are learned and respectful. We will not become pig”, the statement read partly.
Attack on Mufty of Ilorin: Onikijipa Family Charges Stakeholders to Call Sheikh Habibullahi Al-Ilory to Order
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Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology

Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology
Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has denied reports that she apologised to the Senate over the issue that led to her suspension.
In a statement released on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the charges as “false and misleading,” asserting that she maintains her position.
“The reports suggesting that I have apologised to the Senate and retracted my position are completely untrue. I stand firmly by my words and actions and have not issued any apology to the Senate or anyone regarding this matter,” she said.
She chastised individuals disseminating false claims, accusing them of attempting to distort the truth and misinform the public.
The senator, who was suspended following a disagreement with Senate leadership, stated that she is still devoted to defending her constituents’ rights and that some people are attempting to mislead public opinion with false remarks.
“I urge the public to disregard these rumours and publications, as they do not represent my position. My commitment remains to truth, justice, and the people I represent.”
Natasha also expressed concern over what she called a planned effort to silence her voice in the National Assembly.
She stated, “This is not just about me; it is about the integrity of our democracy. I will not be intimidated or forced into submission through false narratives.
Natasha urged Nigerians to be careful of misinformation, adding that any official statement from her would come only from her verified channels.
“I appreciate the support and solidarity of my people. Rest assured, I will continue to fight for what is right and just.”
Following her suspension from the Senate, some have advocated for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall.
The recall effort came after she was suspended from the Senate following a heated debate with Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangements.
She also accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and has subsequently taken her case to local and international media outlets, as well as the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Natasha says she won’t be forced into submission, denies apology
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UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash

UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash
A tragic auto accident on the Ikire-Ibadan expressway has claimed the lives of five students from Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo.
The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Balogun Area of Ikire, involved a luxurious bus traveling from Ibadan and an 18-passenger bus from Osogbo. Reports indicate that both vehicles collided head-on, resulting in multiple casualties.
In addition to the UNIOSUN students, five other individuals also lost their lives in the horrific accident, bringing the total death toll to ten.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of the crash, but emergency responders were on the scene to provide assistance.
A statement released by the Institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, stated that reports from the Nigerian Police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), that the accident was caused by the head-on collision of the two buses, leading to a severe impact that claimed the lives of several passengers.
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“Our University Management, upon receiving this distressing news, swiftly dispatched a team to the scene to identify and support any of our students involved in the accident.
“Regrettably, we confirm the loss of the following students; Olagbemide Dotun, a 200-level student of Software Engineering, Suleiman Farouq, a 400-level student of Law, Ogundare Pelumi, a 300-level student of Public Health, Ogundare Elijah, a 100-level student of Mechanical Engineering and Olawuyi Mary, a 200-level student of Nursing.
“However, one of our students, Olagbemide Damilola, a 200-level student of Medicine and Surgery, survived the accident and is currently receiving medical attention.
“Osun State University is working closely with the relevant authorities to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding the accident. We are also providing necessary moral and logistical support to the bereaved families, including funeral arrangements for the deceased students.
“This tragic loss has deeply shaken our University community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the deceased. We urge our students, staff, and the entire university community to remain calm and supportive during this difficult time”, he said.
UNIOSUN mourns as 5 students die in auto crash
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