Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Supreme Court has upheld an appeal by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), affirming Sylvester Ezeokenwa as its National Chairman.

Delivering its judgment on Wednesday, the court imposed a fine of ₦20 million against Edozie Njoku for filing a frivolous suit at the FCT High Court, Bwari.

This ruling comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja restrained Njoku from parading himself as APGA’s National Chairman. Justice James Omotosho, in his verdict, stated there was no valid judgment or order, including any from the Supreme Court, that recognized Njoku as the party’s leader.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/966/2024, was initiated by APGA and Ezeokenwa following the removal of Ezeokenwa and his executive officers’ names from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website. INEC had replaced the names with those of the Njoku-led faction on July 9, prompting the lawsuit.

Justice Omotosho criticized INEC’s action, asserting it lacked legal justification. “There is no subsisting court order upon which it acted. The Supreme Court decision was explicit about who the National Chairman should be, and it is certainly not Chief Edozie Njoku,” he ruled.

The judge highlighted that Chief Victor Oye was lawfully recognized until his tenure expired in May 2023, following which a national convention in Awka elected Ezeokenwa as the new National Chairman. INEC monitored the convention and issued a report affirming the election.

Omotosho further referenced a Supreme Court decision from March 24, 2023, which upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal. That judgment set aside a High Court ruling in Jigawa and stated that determining the party’s acting National Chairman fell within its internal affairs and was not subject to judicial review.

“There is clearly no Supreme Court order recognizing Chief Edozie Njoku as Chairman of the party. It is puzzling how INEC claimed to act on a purported court order,” the judge added.

The court ordered INEC to restore Ezeokenwa and his executive team as the rightful National Executive Officers of APGA.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, has been identified as one of the survivors of a tragic boat accident that claimed five lives in Delta State on Tuesday.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Nkem Nwaeke, the Speaker is yet to recover from the shock of the incident.

The statement disclosed that the accident occurred while Guwor was returning to Asaba via Warri after engaging with constituents on Friday afternoon.

Reports indicate that five individuals lost their lives, six sustained injuries, and 20 others remain missing following the accident in the Warri South Local Government Area.

The Speaker expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.

“Mr. Speaker is still in shock over the incident and can only imagine the pain and grief that the families of the victims must be going through,” the statement read.

The Speaker also expressed gratitude for his survival and acknowledged the swift response of rescue teams and medical personnel. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences.

Guwor further extended his prayers for the repose of the deceased souls and reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens.

President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for completing the revitalization of the Port Harcourt refinery, which has commenced crude oil processing after three years of rehabilitation.

In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu lauded the efforts of former President Muhammadu Buhari for initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of Nigeria’s refineries.

“The President acknowledges the pivotal role of former President Muhammadu Buhari in initiating the comprehensive rehabilitation of all our refineries and expresses gratitude to the African Export-Import Bank for financing this critical project,” the statement read.

Tinubu also commended Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, for his leadership and dedication in overcoming challenges to achieve the milestone.

Following the successful revival of the Port Harcourt refinery, Tinubu urged NNPCL to expedite the reactivation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries, as well as the second refinery in the Port Harcourt complex.

The president highlighted the importance of petrol production at the refinery in boosting Nigeria’s domestic output and positioning the country as a significant energy hub.

“These efforts will significantly enhance domestic production capacity alongside the contributions of privately-owned refineries,” Onanuga said. “They will also position Nigeria as a major energy hub, with the gas sector enjoying unprecedented attention under the current administration.”

Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to achieving energy sufficiency, enhancing energy security, and boosting export capacity in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also called on public officials and institutions to uphold trust in managing national infrastructure.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the commencement of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, Rivers State.

This marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance local refining capacity, with the facility now processing crude oil. The Port Harcourt Refinery joins eight other operational refineries across the country, contributing to the production of petroleum products and reducing dependence on imports.

Below is a breakdown of Nigeria’s operational refineries and their contributions:

1. Edo Refinery and Petrochemical Company
   Located in Edo State, the refinery operates in two phases with capacities of 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) and 5,000 BPD. It refines locally sourced crude oil to produce diesel, naphtha, and other petroleum products, enhancing regional energy supply.
2. Duport Midstream Refinery
   This 2,500-BPD modular refinery, also in Edo State, began production in 2023. It meets local energy needs and supports industrial development, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuels.
3. Walter Smith Refinery
   Located in Imo State, the facility started operations in 2020 with a 5,000-BPD capacity. It supplies refined products to local communities and plans to expand to 50,000 BPD, positioning itself as a significant player in Nigeria’s refining sector.
4. OPAC Refinery
   Situated in Kwale, Delta State, this modular refinery processes up to 10,000 BPD of crude oil. Operational since 2021, it produces diesel, kerosene, and other petroleum products, contributing to fuel availability and reducing import pressure.
5. Niger Delta Petroleum Refinery (Aradel)
   Operating in the Niger Delta region since 2010, this modular refinery has grown from a 1,000-BPD capacity to 11,000 BPD. It produces gas oil, kerosene, and fuel oil, bolstering local economies in the region.
6. Old Port Harcourt Refinery
   Established in 1965 with a 60,000-BPD capacity, this facility has undergone significant repairs, including work by Italian firm Tecnimont SPA. It remains a key asset in meeting Nigeria’s refining needs.
7. New Port Harcourt Refinery
   Commissioned in 1985 to expand the Port Harcourt refining complex, this facility has a capacity of 150,000 BPD. Combined with the older refinery, the complex’s total capacity reaches 210,000 BPD, underscoring its importance in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
8. Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC)
   Built in 1978, this 125,000-BPD refinery is one of Nigeria’s oldest. Rehabilitation efforts are underway to restore it to optimal production levels, ensuring a steady output of petroleum products.
9. Dangote Refinery
   Situated in Lekki, Lagos State, this 650,000-BPD facility is Africa’s largest refinery. Operational since late 2023, it began supplying refined products in May 2024. It represents a major boost to Nigeria’s energy sector, reducing imports and positioning the country as a refining hub.

The addition of the Port Harcourt Refinery strengthens Nigeria’s refining landscape, supporting energy independence, job creation, and cost reductions in petroleum imports.

Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested a 25-year-old man, Enediong Bassey, for possession of a pump-action gun concealed in a bag of rice.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the suspect, a native of Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, was arrested at Nkwelle-Ezunaka following a tip-off.

“Police operatives attached to 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, led by CSP Emeka Obi, acting on credible information, arrested one Enediong Bassey on November 22, 2024, at about 6:38 p.m. A pump-action gun wrapped in a bag of rice was recovered,” the statement read.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a local vigilante group. He also admitted plans to flee with the firearm to join a criminal gang involved in armed robbery and other illegal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, expressed concern over reports of misconduct by some vigilante and security outfit members. He emphasized the need for thorough profiling of individuals assisting the police in anti-crime operations to enhance safety in the state.

CP Itam also ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to the command’s anti-robbery squad for a comprehensive investigation.

The police reiterated their commitment to improving security across Anambra State and urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly.

Libyan authorities have arrested four Nigerians on allegations of drug trafficking and testing positive for infectious diseases, according to a statement by Migrant Rescue Watch, an advocacy group, on Monday.

The arrests occurred in Sabha and Bani Walid, with both towns being significant transit hubs for migrants seeking to cross into Europe.

In Sabha, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raided the premises of two Nigerian suspects, seizing 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit substances. The suspects were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate for further investigation.

“Migrant Rescue Watch confirmed the operation, stating: ‘CID in Sabha carried out a raid on a reported location and arrested two Nigerian drug traffickers. During a search of the premises, police found 1,200 hallucinogenic pills and other illicit drugs. Both individuals were transferred to the Sabha Security Directorate.’”

In a separate incident in Bani Walid, Libyan authorities detained two Nigerians, a male and a female, during routine health screenings after they tested positive for infectious diseases.

The Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration (DCIM) in Bani Walid subsequently transferred the pair to Tripoli for further processing and eventual repatriation to Nigeria.

Migrant Rescue Watch, in its statement, added: “DCIM Bureau in Bani Walid transferred two Nigerian #migrants (female and male) who tested positive for infectious diseases to Tripoli for repatriation.”

Authorities continue to intensify operations targeting illegal migration and drug trafficking in Libya, which remains a key route for migrants attempting to reach Europe.

President Bola Tinubu has requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.

Oluyede, who has been serving in an acting capacity since October 30, was nominated following the death of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5.

The president’s request was conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday. Tinubu cited the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act as the basis for seeking the confirmation.

In the letter, Tinubu highlighted Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and contributions to the military, describing him as “well-suited” for the role.

The Senate referred the confirmation request to its Committee on Army for screening, with instructions to present its findings to the full chamber for further deliberation.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, in an earlier statement, said Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s ability to lead the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.

Before his appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede was the Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987), he rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.

Oluyede’s military career spans several key command roles, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He has also participated in major military operations such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.

In recognition of his service, Oluyede has received numerous awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Field Command Medal, and Membership in the National Institute.

The Senate is expected to deliberate on his confirmation in the coming days.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the state, marking a significant move to address the economic challenges faced by employees amid rising living costs.

The decision followed a two-day meeting between the state government and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Union Negotiating Council. Discussions focused on improving worker welfare and ensuring fair compensation for their contributions to the state’s development.

Governor Uzodimma described the policy as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ well-being. He highlighted the impact of harsh economic conditions nationwide as a key factor in the decision.

In addition to the new minimum wage, the governor announced the commencement of outstanding gratuity payments to retirees from both local and state governments starting Tuesday, November 26. He also pledged to increase pension allowances after the ongoing pension audit, aiming to support senior citizens who have served the state diligently.

Workers earning consolidated salaries of N70,000 or more will receive an additional 10% increase in monthly pay, ensuring that all categories of employees benefit from the new policy.

To oversee the implementation of the new wage structure, a committee comprising representatives from the NLC, TUC, and the state government has been established to ensure smooth execution and transparency.

Union leaders in the state lauded the decision as a landmark achievement for workers. They commended Governor Uzodimma’s administration for its responsiveness and pledged improved productivity and dedication from workers in return.

This development is expected to strengthen labor relations and alleviate the economic burdens faced by Imo workers.