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PDP Urges Gov Okpebholo and Idahosa to Resign Officially from NASS

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Both Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were accused by Edo State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of mocking their constituents by refusing to formally step down from their seats at the National Assembly.

The comments were delivered during a press briefing on Tuesday in Benin City by Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, the state party’s caretaker committee chairman.

According to Aziegbemi, the governor and his deputy are not providing their constituents with sufficient representation in the National Assembly by failing to formally step down from their posts.

In accordance with section 68(1)d of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, declined to formally step down from their Senate and House of Representatives seats two weeks after their inauguration on November 12. This prevented their constituents from being represented at the National Assembly.

A member of the Senate or the House of Representatives must resign from their position in the House if they are elected President, Vice President, Governor, Deputy Governor, Minister of the Government of the Federation, Commissioner of the Government of a State, or Special Adviser.

In addition to being a member of the House of Representatives, how are they able to serve as both governor and senator?

Their resignation would allow their seats to be declared empty and open the door for a by-election, which is both right and constitutional.

Read Also:Yahaya Bello arrives at FCT High Court amid alleged fraud case

“But again, the APC has continued to follow the notorious path, mocking their constituents, and thrives on illegality and lawlessness,” he stated.

In response, Fred Itua, the State Governor’s chief press secretary, Monday Okpebholo, charged that the PDP was being ignorant.

He claims that once more, the PDP is blatantly exhibiting its illiteracy. The Senate President and the House of Representatives Speaker announce vacancies in their seats when members of the National Assembly are promoted.

The Edo people should disregard the PDP’s blatant stupidity, he said.

‘Is Your Husband Missing’ – Dayo Amusa Claps Back at Baby Paternity Critics

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In response to the ongoing inquiries concerning the paternity of her newborn child, Oluwafirewamiri, well-known Yoruba actress Dayo Amusa has finally provided feedback.

The 41-year-old actress reportedly gave birth to her first kid in the US last week. However, the father of the child’s identity was kept secret.

As a result of the extensive conjecture around the child’s father, Amusa gained a lot of attention on social media.

Amusa responded to the critics by asking if their husband was missing during a live TikTok session.

She claimed her right to privacy and said she maintains the name of her baby father a secret in order to protect her happiness from unfavorable feedback from the outside world.

Read Also: NAF Airstrikes eliminate bandits, destroy terrorists’ guntruck in Borno

“I would like to inquire if the husband of those inquiring about my child’s father is absent. Did they discover their spouse in my room instead? Sincerely, I find it incomprehensible that they are trying to find my child’s father.

“Children are not a gift from God. A child is created through a relationship between a man and a woman. Greetings on the birth of my child are not required. I am a joyful person, so I won’t hold it against you if it’s not convenient for you.

NAF Airstrikes eliminate bandits, destroy terrorists’ guntruck in Borno

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NAF fighter jets destroyed a gun truck and neutralized multiple fighters in the first mission, while the second mission provided close air support to repel an attack on ground troops, said Air Commodore Olusola F. Akinboyewa, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, Wednesday morning.

He claimed that reliable information about the whereabouts of a terrorists’ gun truck, around five kilometers west of Kukawa, served as the basis for the initial operation.

“NAF fighter jets reacted quickly, capturing and precisely attacking the target, destroying the gun truck and impairing the terrorists’ ability to operate.”

The AC OPHK reacted to a distress call from ground soldiers in Kukawa during the second operation, where they were being heavily attacked by terrorists on motorcycles.

Read Also:NNPC Commences 60,000 bpd Production Phase at Port Harcourt Refinery

“The terrorists were engaged at several points by the quick response of the NAF air assets. Many terrorists were neutralized by the strike, and more than 20 abandoned motorcycles were found by our ground forces.

The statement claims that ground forces are leveraging the momentum from the operation by pursuing injured and escaping terrorists.

The NAF said it will continue to support ground forces and other security agencies with airpower and reaffirmed its commitment to the joint fight to restore peace and security in the nation.

Goodluck Jonathan Claims Nigerians Have Not Achieved Unity After 100 Years of Amalgamation

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According to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians have not yet realized the advantages of unity even after a century of merging.

According to Jonathan, advancement is being hampered by Nigerians’ preference for loyalty to their ethnic nationalities over to the nation.

“We must start to take the entire country as our people if we are to get out of this quagmire,” Jonathan stated during a conference in Effurun, Delta State.

Although Nigeria is not the only nation with a large number of different nationalities, people there still do not consider themselves to be part of a single nation. Real progress will continue to elude us as long as this continues.

Read Also:Yahaya Bello arrives at FCT High Court amid alleged fraud case

Given our geography and ecological diversity, Nigerians ought to have realized the advantages of unity after more than a century of merging.

However, since then, we have not been able to cultivate the sense of togetherness necessary to perceive ourselves as one.

The forces tearing us apart right now are too powerful. The idea of a single nation must be embraced, and ethnic and regional divides must be weakened.

“We have greater allegiance to our ethnic communities than to the country. As it stands, Nigeria is made up of numerous minor ethnic groups, each of which puts its own interests first. The differences between these groups have only gotten wider over time.

Yahaya Bello arrives at FCT High Court amid alleged fraud case

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At the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has arrived for the hearing on the N110 billion fraud case that has been filed against him.

This came after he accepted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) invitation on Tuesday.

The former governor was the target of a 110 billion dollar fraud action brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor, wearing a blue cap and a white kaftan, was joined by EFCC representatives.

The FCT High Court’s Justice Maryanne Anenih will hear his arraignment.

Read Also:Nigeria Eyes Opportunities in $200 Billion Hydrogen Economy

The EFCC has filed a new N110 billion 16-count indictment against the former governor, Umar Oricha, and Abdulsalami Hudu, charging them as first and third defendants, respectively.

But the panel has granted administrative bail to Oricha and Hudu, the other defendants.

The 30-day deadline for the previously issued summons was still open, so the EFCC requested an adjournment until Wednesday, November 27 in the new case it had initiated against Bello at the most recent hearing on November 14.

However, the EFCC requested an extension of time for the first defendant to appear in court and accepted his co-defendants, Abdulsalami Hudu and Umar Oricha, to administrative bail.

NNPC Commences 60,000 bpd Production Phase at Port Harcourt Refinery

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Production at the 60,000 barrels per day phase of the Port Harcourt petroleum refinery in Rivers Atate was formally started by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) on Tuesday.

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, spoke during a brief ceremony to commemorate the start of product loading at the refinery. He called the start of load-out operations a huge accomplishment for Nigeria.

According to him, it marks the beginning of a new phase of the nation’s economic development and energy independence.

According to him, the action was taken in fulfillment of its commitment to re-stream the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), indicating the start of the plant’s processing of crude oil and the distribution of petroleum products to the market.

According to Kyari, trucks have started loading petroleum products, such as Household Kerosene (HHK), also known as kerosene, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as diesel, and Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as gasoline. Other product slates will also be shipped.

He gave special thanks to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast understanding and support of the rehabilitation project as well as his perseverance in securing the nation’s energy security.

Kyari also thanked the Board of Directors of the NNPCL and all of the employees for their dedication and support, which were evident in the refinery’s streaming.

Despite all the difficulties, he praised the contractors for their excellent work in making sure the refinery was delivered.

Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their patience and for their rightful expectations that the business would fulfill regarding the other refineries.

Read Also: APGA Crisis: BoT Chair Okorie criticizes Justice Omotosho over INEC indictment

“Today, loading will be observed. I should also mention that you cannot accomplish such outcomes without the backing of the leadership. And we really believe that we would not have met this fate if it were not for Mr. President’s encouragement, tenacity, and patience.

And we must all praise him since we reached this point due to his tremendous pressure. And we’re overjoyed. I also want to thank our contractors, our regulators, and my coworkers both inside and outside the refinery for their assistance and support in getting us to this point.

“It is feasible. its nation and its refinery have demonstrated that everything is achievable with perseverance, the proper focus, and the leadership backing that we currently possess. “And under President Tinubu’s leadership, this country is doing fantastically,” Kyari stated.

In addition to congratulating the NNPC on reaching the milestone, Mr. Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), promised his organization’s ongoing assistance in completing the rehabilitation work at the remaining refineries.

“My colleagues have been working very closely with the contractor and the management of PHRC, and I just wanted to confirm that all the regulatory support that the refinery required was granted and offered by the NMDPRA,” he said. As the contractor stated, the upgrading to modern technology is what matters.

This is an ancient plant that has returned using modern technology. Additionally, we worked closely with them and are especially supportive to make sure that all regulatory obligations were fulfilled. The flare is another thing we’ve observed.

“The flare is really clean, if you can all see it. The absence of smoke indicates that the plant is operating efficiently and in accordance with environmental regulations.

In his intervention, project director Maire Tecnimont, Caccaviello, Luca, emphasized that the 60,000 bpd facility is currently running at full capacity and commended the entire team for the project’s success.

“We performed admirably. Thanks to everyone, we were able to get the facility into full production. Working on the other portion of the facilities area with the same zeal and commitment will be the next stage shortly.

“And soon, we will have a good result on the rest of the plant, despite all the challenges that lie ahead,” he continued.

Restoring the refinery to complete operation and renewal is the goal of the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation, and Commissioning (EPCIC) project.

According to the data, it has so far completed more than 16 million man-hours with no Loss Time Injury (LTI).

Christian Youth Forum commends Dangote Group for lowering fuel prices

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The Dangote Group has received praise from the Christian Youth Forum (CYF) for lowering the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N990 to N970 per litre.

The act, according to the group, was an obvious indication of the company’s dedication to the welfare and well-being of the general public.

Aliko Dangote, the creator of the Dangote Group, was hailed by the Christian Youth Forum as a “angel sent by God to bless and prosper our nation” in a statement signed by its president, Rev. Joshua Pam.

The group stated that many people have found inspiration in Dangote’s altruistic and unselfish deeds.

According to the group, Nigerians will be greatly impacted by the drop in petrol costs, especially over the Christmas season.

In Matthew 25:40, the King would respond, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of these least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,” Pam stated. As Christians, we are reminded of this biblical truth.

This idea is demonstrated by the Dangote Group’s decision to lower petrol prices, and we applaud them for being a true friend of the people.

Read Also: Nigeria Eyes Opportunities in $200 Billion Hydrogen Economy

“The cost of goods and services will benefit from the drop in fuel prices as well. As fuel costs decline, the cost of transportation and production will also reduce, resulting to a reduction in the pricing of goods and services.

“This will be a welcome relief to many Nigerians who have been struggling to make ends meet due to the high cost of living.”

Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s request for Christians to pray for the Dangote Group and their endeavors to operate their largest refinery was also praised by the CYF.

In order to make life easier for Nigerians, the group invited other petroleum sector participants to follow the Dangote Group’s lead and lower their pricing.

In addition, the Christian Youth Forum prayed that God would continue to bless and grow the Dangote Group’s business and that other stakeholders and corporate leaders would follow suit, demonstrating understanding and compassion for the public.

Nigeria Eyes Opportunities in $200 Billion Hydrogen Economy

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In order to capitalize on the global hydrogen economy, which is expected to reach $200 billion by 2030, the federal government on Tuesday, November 26, called for investments in infrastructure enhancements.

During the first national conference and exhibition on hydrogen in Abuja, Ambassador Nicholas Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, made this call.

The Foundation for Sustainable Social Responsibility in Emerging Africa (FOSSREA) and the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources planned it together.

The National Conference on Hydrogen offers a forum for important conversations on the infrastructure, funding, policy, and technology required to create a strong hydrogen economy, according to the Permanent Secretary.

According to him, Nigeria needs to make large investments in developing electrolysers for the production of green hydrogen, modernizing its infrastructure, and establishing supportive legislative frameworks in order to get a piece of this growing market.

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He stated that sharing the most recent scientific discoveries and technical developments in hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and use is one of the conference’s goals.

Together, nations like South Korea, Japan, and Germany have already committed more than $70 billion by 2023 to the development of hydrogen supply chains and technology.

He says this emphasizes how crucial it is for Nigeria to present itself as an investment-friendly country that can draw comparable foreign funding and collaborations.

He went on to say that having substantive policy conversations is the main goal of the conference.

According to him, the discussions are crucial as the nation creates laws that guarantee security and advance industry norms for the use of hydrogen.

According to recent research, the worldwide use of hydrogen may cut CO2 emissions by up to 6 gigatons a year by 2050, he claimed.

He added that incorporating hydrogen into Nigeria’s energy environment can help the country meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which call for a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

In order to address the expected $50 billion investment required for Nigeria’s energy transformation, as projected by several financial analysts, the Permanent Secretary stated that the private sector’s engagement is essential.

He went on to say, “We are dedicated to advancing blue hydrogen by making use of current gas supplies and making sure that green hydrogen projects comply with international sustainability requirements.

Building capacity is a crucial part of this commitment. The goal of this conference’s workshops and training sessions is to give Nigerian professionals the technical know-how they need to work and innovate in the hydrogen industry.

Although hydrogen has a lot of promise, there are also a lot of difficulties. Green hydrogen generation currently costs about $4 to $6 per kilogram, but by 2030, it should drop to $1 to $2 per kilogram due to greater production scale and technological developments.

Infrastructure development is still a significant obstacle that requires concerted efforts from business and government partners, including the building of pipelines, hydrogen refueling stations, and export facilities.

However, these difficulties offer special chances for economic expansion, job creation, and innovation. By 2035, it is anticipated that a hydrogen-based economy in Nigeria will provide more than 300,000 direct and indirect jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, and service sectors.

Vice President Kasim Shettima spoke and remembered that the 2015 Paris Agreement, which was ratified by 196 parties at COP21, established the framework for discussions on climate change during the past ten years.

The energy transition strategy in Nigeria, he said, has set an ambitious target to achieve a net-zero economy by 2060, with natural gas as a key transition fuel and a commitment to achieving 9GW of renewable electric power supply by 2030.

Speaking on behalf of Sadiq Waka, the Special Adviser to the President on Power, he stated that in order to meet Nigeria’s ambitious goals, it is essential to develop a strong and diverse energy mix that takes into account the availability of local resources. In this regard, hydrogen has become a significant fuel for Nigeria’s energy future.

Read Also: CBN’s MPC Hikes Interest Rate Again to 27.5%

He claims that by 2050, the demand for hydrogen is predicted to soar from about 95 million tons presently to over 500 million tons. Currently making up less than 2% of the world’s energy consumption, hydrogen might increase to 10% by 2050 and, according to some estimates, as much as 20% by that time.

“The potential for hydrogen to meet our domestic energy demands, service our burgeoning petrochemicals industry, and reshape our energy trade through exports, given our vast natural gas and renewable energy resources as a nation, cannot be overestimated,” he continued.

It is anticipated that the global market for hydrogen technology will expand rapidly, surpassing $200 billion by 2030.

Tragedy strikes as five die in Delta boat mishap

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A boat capsized in the well-known Bennett Island River in Delta State’s Warri South Local Government Area, resulting in the confirmed deaths of five people.

On Tuesday, it was discovered that the accident happened on Monday evening.

One individual is still missing, according to a statement released Tuesday in the state capital of Asaba by SP Bright Edafe, the state police public relations officer.
“A boat accident occurred along the Bennett Island River in Warri South,” he stated.

Read Also: EFCC apprehends former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello

Six people were hurt and are currently being treated, while five people were discovered dead.

“One person is still missing, while nineteen were rescued from the scene.”

CBN’s MPC Hikes Interest Rate Again to 27.5%

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The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy Committee increased the interest rate by 25 basis points, from 27.25 percent in September 2024 to 27.50 percent in November.

This was revealed by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso at a press conference on Tuesday following the 298th MPC meeting in Abuja.

According to him, “the Committee unanimously agreed to raise the monetary policy rate by 25 basis points to 27.50 percent.”

Cardoso stated that the country’s Monetary Policy Rate was raised in order to combat inflation, which was 33.87 percent in October 2024.
Additionally, he declared that the Cash Reserve Ratio will remain at 50 basis points, with merchant banks’ ratio going from 14 to 16 percent and deposit money banks’ from 45 to 50 percent.
The CBN governor added that the committee maintains the asymmetric corridor at +500/-100 basis points around the MPR and the liquidity ratio at 30%.

Read Also: EFCC apprehends former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello

Cardoso added that all other monetary policy choices were kept by the committee.

According to reports, the economy’s benchmark interest rate is measured by monetary policy.

The committee raised the MPR by 50 basis points to 27.25 percent at its September meeting, citing worries about budget deficits, core inflation, money supply growth, and pressures on food prices.

Core inflation, which was fueled by energy prices and other structural factors, remained high even though headline inflation was heading lower at the time of the most recent MPC meeting.