metro

Yar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo

Published

2 days ago

January 4, 2025

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo

Yar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) yesterday attributed federal government’s cancellation of a Public, Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement for the management of the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries approved by the Obasanjo government in 2007 to the questionable circumstances surrounding the deal.

Falana, responding to the Thursday statement by ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on how his successor, the late Umaru Yar Adua, refunded the $750 million paid by a consortium to run the refineries, said the deal lacked transparency.

The activist, in a statement on behalf of Alliance on Surviving Covid and Beyond (ASCAB), recalled how Obasanjo “in utter breach” of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act, allegedly sidelined Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), and “took over the privatisation of a number of public enterprises.”

The NCP was established to oversee the privatisation and commercialisation of public enterprises

He said: “On May 17, 2007, President Obasanjo sold a 51% stake in the Port Harcourt refinery to Bluestar Oil for US$561 million.

“In another transaction that took place on May 28, 2007, President Obasanjo sold 51% shares in Kaduna Refinery to Bluestar Oil for $160 million.

“Bluestar Oil was a consortium of three domestic companies, including Dangote Oil, Zenon Oil and Transcop.

“Before the deal, President Obasanjo had acquired large shares in Transcorp through ‘blind trust.’

“Many interest groups in the country questioned the legal validity and moral propriety of the sales as they were consummated in the last days of the Obasanjo administration.

READ ALSO:

“The two powerful trade unions in the oil industry —the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) kicked against the privatisation of the two refineries on grounds of conflict of interest and lack of due process.

“They also alleged that the nation had been shortchanged as the shares acquired in the Port Harcourt refinery for $516 million were worth US$5 billion.

“Convinced that the deals were not in the national interest, both unions proceeded on a 4-day strike that almost paralysed the Nigerian economy in June 2007.

“The strike was called off based on the assurance of the federal government to the effect that the deals would be fully investigated.

“Upon the conclusion of the investigation by the federal government, the purported privatisation of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries was cancelled by President Umaru Yar’adua.

“It is on record that the cancellation of the privatisation was not challenged in any court as it was carried out contrary to the letter and spirit of the Privatisation and Commercialisation Act.”

The Falana-led alliance alleged a renewed campaign for the privatisation of the nation’s refineries, and asked NUPENG and PENGASSAN to intensify their historical struggle to act as a counterpoise to the campaign .

“Those who are awaiting the privatisation of the refineries in a manner at variance with the national interest should be advised to set up their own refineries like the Dangote Group,” he said.

Obasanjo had expressed doubts over the reactivation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) following years of shutdown.

He said the NNPCL claims could not be true.

His words: “So if anybody tells you now that they (the refineries ) are working, why are they not with Aliko (in the market)?

“And Aliko will make his own refinery work. Not only make it work, he will make it deliver.

READ ALSO:

“Whether we announce our own government refineries are working or not working, look, it is like they say in Yoruba adage, ‘the man who plants 100 heaps of yams and says he has planted 200 heaps, they say after he has harvested 100 heaps of yam, he will also harvest 100 heaps of lies,” he said in response to a question on the oil assets.

“Well, you know what I said about the Port Harcourt refinery? Do you remember?

“I will remind you. I said when I was president, I wanted to do something about the three refineries we have. Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.

“And Aliko Dangote got a team after I asked Shell to come and run them for us, and Shell said they wouldn’t.

“I said please, come and take equity. They said no. All right, don’t take equity, come and run it. They said no. Later on I called them.

“I called the boss of Shell then. Come and tell me what it is. And he gave me four or five reasons.

“He said, well, first of all, we make our major profit from upstream, not from downstream. Downstream we run just to keep our head above water.

“Two, the refineries are too small, 60,000 barrels per day, 100,000 barrels and I think 120,000 barrels. He said at that time, the average refinery was going for 250,000 barrels per day.

“Three, he said our refineries are not well maintained.

“Four, he said there was too much corruption around the activities of our refineries and they would not want to get involved in that.

“And when anybody tells you a thing like that, what will you do? And it was after that that Aliko got a team together and they paid $750 million to take part in PPP, running the refinery. My successor refunded their money.”

“But I was told not too long ago that since that time, more than $2 billion has been squandered on the refinery and they still will not work.

“Anybody can tell you. If a company like Shell tells me what they told me, I will believe them.”

The authorities of NNPCL have invited Obasanjo to come and personally inspect the refineries to see them in operation.

Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the company, Olufemi Soneye, said the new business model run by NNPCL has helped turn the facilities around.

READ ALSO:

He said: “Today, NNPC has evolved into NNPC Limited, a private entity that has transitioned from being a loss-making organisation to becoming a profit-oriented global energy leader.

“Under this new model, NNPC Limited has expanded beyond oil and gas to become an integrated energy company.

“Our focus is not only on harnessing traditional resources but also on developing cleaner, cheaper and sustainable energy solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing demands.”

He described the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company and Warri Refinery as a notable achievement by the company, saying that what has been done is not the typical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a comprehensive overhaul designed to meet world-class standards.

He added: “Similar efforts are underway at the old Port Harcourt Refinery and Kaduna Refinery, ensuring these facilities are enhanced and maintained to global standards for sustainable operation.

“This progress has been driven by the visionary leadership of the NNPC Limited board and the management team led by GCEO Mele Kyari, alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative policies in the energy sector.

“Together, they have achieved unprecedented milestones, setting NNPC Limited on a path to redefine energy security for Nigeria while positioning the company as a leader on the global energy stage.

“We extend an invitation to our esteemed former president to join us in this historic journey.

“His wisdom and experience are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate his insights and guidance, which will always be welcomed and cherished.

“Additionally, we warmly invite President Obasanjo to tour the rehabilitated refineries and witness firsthand the progress made under the leadership of NNPC Limited.

“We remain grateful for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development and are committed to building a brighter, more prosperous future for our nation.

“Together, we can continue to ensure energy security and deliver sustainable value to all Nigerians.”

Yar’Adua stopped refinery sale to Dangote over due process, paltry amount – Falana replies Obasanjo

Related Topics:Dangote Featured refinery Yar’Adua

Up Next

Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate

Don't Miss

Lakurawa terrorists attack Kebbi community, kill 2 policemen, rustle 200 cows

metro

Updated: Nigerians worry over Wike’s look after poisoning alarm

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike

Updated: Nigerians worry over Wike’s look after poisoning alarm

Nigerians are worried about the alleged dwindling health condition of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

This concern followed recent pictures and clips of the minister, especially where he was spotted at a function in Rivers State.

Speaking on Wike’s appearance, Nigerians in various statements on X mentioned that Wike looked ‘sickly’.

It will be recalled that in July 2023, the former governor of Rivers State disclosed that he was poisoned at the secretariat of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Wike stated this during a special thanksgiving service organised by his family at the St. Peters Deanery, Rumuepirikom, in the Obio-Akpor area of the state.

Wike stated that in 2018, he was poisoned at the PDP secretariat, which necessitated him flying to Beirut at midnight, where doctors informed him that his liver and kidneys were damaged.

According to Wike, after the doctors attended to him, they informed him that the organs were still functional.

However, speaking on his looks and health condition, Nigerians expressed worries, with many wondering if he is battling an undisclosed health condition.

READ ALSO:

This publication highlights some reactions of Nigerians to Wike’s recent looks.

Immanuel stated, “Are you aware that when God turns his back on someone, his or her entire life starts shrinking? Do you know what it means for widows, homeless children, and even the dead to cry unto Heaven against Wike, and you expect him to glow with vitality? He has offended Life itself.”

Akram stated, “Look, Ezenwo Nyesom was poisoned a few years ago (2018). Though he miraculously recovered after being flown to Beirut for treatment, man hasn’t been the same since then.

“He should retire from politics and spend the rest of his life in a Swiss lakeside or riverine town.”

Frederick Omoyo wrote, “Dying slowly from violence, hate, and the spirit of greed. As the earth cries daily from the blood of our fallen compatriots.”

Attah Igwe stated, “When the soul is eaten up by unchecked lust for power, the body becomes the nutrient that feeds the lust.”

Fezi Nelson stated, “He is suffering from type 1 diabetes due to excess Ogogoro drinking.”

Osagie Iyoha wrote, “What’s eating you up? You are now a shadow of your life former self. I wish you quick recovery if you are battling any health challenge.”

Buhil stated, “When the soul of a man is constantly restless, picking fights day in day out, he becomes a shell of himself. How can one man be talking and fighting 24/7 days? Wealth without peace.”

Dr Umoren said, “All this bitterness and resentment and anger is not helping him too. He should take a break and go take care of his physical and mental health.”

Femi John declared, “This man is the most powerful Nigerian today. BAT can’t match him at all. I honestly wish he is alive much longer to be able to confess to us after he must have fallen out with BAT (which is sure). Me, I am looking forward to that.”

Kelechi Uche stated, “This man is going down every day & his associates are not telling him the truth. Compare his looks 5yrs back & you’ll wonder if the man is within his 50s.

“He looks 70 despite access to money & power. People close to him should advise him to take life easy. He looks too old.”

Tobi wrote, “Perfect definition of money is not everything. Great power lies great responsibility. Manage the power given to you well before it manages you.”

Alex Odene stated, “He is in serious spiritual, physical, and mental pain. He is not even happy with himself. He just wanted to bring everything within reach to ruins out of frustration. He is in pain.”

Humphrey Obadjere stated, “This man has very serious health issues. Unfortunately, his too many dramas and tantrums are overshadowing his physical conditions, and those around him are not helping matters, as all they do is hype him.”

Okoroma David said, “This is what greed can do to people. If he had stood by his words or retired after being the governor of Rivers State for 8 years and faced his life and family, he would be ok and have even more respect, but greed won’t let him.”

Timileyin stated, “Honestly, I think his health is failing, and I don’t think it’s something we should mock him for. Anyone can have any type of health challenge. I pray God heals him.”

Updated: Nigerians worry over Wike’s look after poisoning alarm

metro

Delta resident stabs man to death for insulting his mother

Published

2 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Daniel Onyejekwe

Delta resident stabs man to death for insulting his mother

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Daniel Onyejekwe, for the m8rder of one Christian Goodluck in Sapele on New Year’s Day.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, January 5, 2025

According to the PPRO, Onyejekwe claimed he saw Goodluck quarrelling with and assaulting his mother.

The situation escalated into a physical altercation between Onyejekwe and Goodluck, with both men using a broken bottle.

READ ALSO:

“In this year 2025, please control your temper. The best suspect, Daniel Onyejekwe, aged 30, in Sapele, m8rdered one Christian Goodluck on 1/1/2025,” he statement read.

“The suspect claimed that he met the deceased quarrelling with and assaulting his mother.

“He and the deceased fought using a broken bottle.

“He stabbed the deceased with the broken bottle, which later led to his d3ath. What a way to start the new year.”

Delta resident stabs man to death for insulting his mother

metro

Why Fubara can do business with three lawmakers – Court

Published

3 hours ago

January 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara

Why Fubara can do business with three lawmakers – Court

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has declared that the Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, has the legal standing to transact businesses with the lawmakers that did not vacate their seat in the State House of Assembly.

This was as the court on December 20, dismissed the suit seeking to compel the Governor of the state to represent the N800billion 2024 Budget of the state to the aggrieved 27 lawmakers of the State House of Assembly led by Martins Amaewhule.

This followed a suit marked, PHC/3552/CS/2024 filed by the Registered Trustees of the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners against the Government of Rivers State, Governor of Rivers State and Attorney General of the state.

The suit amongst other things sought that the court presided by Justice Sika Aprioku order to compel the defendants to represent the 2024 Budget to the 27 lawmakers.

The claimants in the suit questioned the failure of the defendants to re-present the 2024 Appropriation Bill of Rivers State to the State House of Assembly led by Amaewhule for enactment into law.

READ ALSO:

However, Justice Aprioku in his judgement after considering the arguments of the parties in the matter said the Governor can transact business with the members that did not vacate their seats.

The certified true copy of the judgment, sighted by Vanguard read in part: “The Governor cannot carry on business with those who defected and by that act of defection, lost their seats.

“Therefore, the same way His Excellency Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, presented Budgets and financial Bills with only Six members, when the numbers were less than two third 2/3 of the 32 Members, so shall His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State be constitutionally guided to interface, and approach the properly constituted House of Assembly led by Oko-Jumbo, to carry on business of the State and until the 27 Lawmakers who defected and lost their seats, approaches the Court, for a redemption or INEC conducts another election to the seats vacated by the 27 Lawmakers upon their defection.

“In sum, until the Supreme Court gives its verdict on the issue of jurisdiction which affects the status of the 27 Lawmakers, it is only those who did not vacate their seats, the Governor can, constitutionally approach to present budget, appoint Chief Judges and President Customary Court. Also screen Commissioners, including the Attorney General and make Board appointments.

“That the claimant’s claim seeking declaratory and injunctive reliefs for the Representation of the 2024 Budget to the former 27 lawmakers, who defected and automatically vacated their seats, lacks merit and is accordingly dismissed.

“That this suit be and is hereby dismissed, with cost in the sum of N500, 000.00, awarded in favour of the defendants and against the claimant.”