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• January 3, 2025
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EPL: Rashford ruled out of Liverpool clash, Amorim confirms

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will miss the team’s upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool due to illness, manager Rúben Amorim has confirmed. Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Amorim revealed that Rashford has been unable to train with the squad, ruling him out of the high-stakes encounter. “Marcus is ill and is not
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Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will miss the team’s upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool due to illness, manager Rúben Amorim has confirmed. Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Amorim revealed that Rashford has been unable to train with the squad, ruling him out of the high-stakes encounter. “Marcus is ill and is not

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NNPCL: Nationalists Movement backs Obasanjo’s claims on Port Harcourt, Warri refineries

The Nationalists Movement, NM, has backed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claims that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has mismanaged the nation’s refineries. The Movement, in a statement signed by Elder Ogbor Awuru, on Friday, said Obasanjo’s revelation that over $2 billion has been squandered on the refineries is an indictment of the management
NNPCL: Nationalists Movement backs Obasanjo’s claims on Port Harcourt, Warri refineries

The Nationalists Movement, NM, has backed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s claims that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, has mismanaged the nation’s refineries.

The Movement, in a statement signed by Elder Ogbor Awuru, on Friday, said Obasanjo’s revelation that over $2 billion has been squandered on the refineries is an indictment of the management of the NNPCL.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Thursday, Obasanjo had expressed doubts over the workability of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, despite announcements by the NNPCL that the oil facilities have resumed operations.

Obasanjo also accused the NNPCL of blocking Aliko Dangote’s $750 million offer for the refineries in 2007.

Obasanjo revealed that his successor, late President Umar Yar’adua, refunded Dangote the $750 million he paid to the Federal Government to manage the refineries on a Public, Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement.

According to Obasanjo, the NNPCL knew that it would not be able to effectively manage the refineries but still informed Yar’Adua that it can operate the facilities, leading to the rejection of Dangote’s offer.

Responding to Obasanjo’s claims, NNPCL insisted that it had indeed revived the refineries, and invited the former President for a tour of the Warri and Port Harcourt refineries.

However, weighing in on the matter in a statement on Friday, the Nationalists Movement agreed with Obasanjo that the NNPCL’s decision to reject Dangote’s $750 million offer to manage the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries in 2007 was a gross misjudgment.

The Nationalists Movement noted that the NNPCL’s decision led to billions of dollars being squandered on the refineries without achieving any meaningful results.

Also, contrary to the NNPCL’s claims, the Movement alleged that Port Harcourt refinery is merely blending and not refining crude oil.

The group noted that the alleged act is unacceptable, adding that it highlights the need for urgent action to address the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued the NNPCL.

Parts of the statement said, “The Nationalists Movement is throwing its weight behind former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent claims about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) mismanagement of the nation’s refineries.

“Obasanjo’s revelation that over $2 billion has been squandered on the refineries, which still remain non-functional, is a damning indictment of the NNPCL’s leadership.

“We concur with Obasanjo that the NNPCL’s decision to reject Aliko Dangote’s $750 million offer to manage the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries in 2007 was a gross misjudgment.

“It is even more appalling that the NNPCL has gone on to squander billions of dollars on the refineries without achieving any meaningful results. The NNPCL’s claim that the Port Harcourt refinery has commenced crude oil processing has proven incorrect.

“The truth is that the refinery is merely blending and not refining. This level of deception is unacceptable and underscores the need for urgent action to address the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued the NNPCL.”

The Movement further raised concerns over Mele Kyari’s tenure as NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, noting that his administration has been marred by mismanagement, corruption, and a blatant disregard for accountability.

“His leadership style is defined by a lack of transparency and a reluctance to confront the systemic problems plaguing the oil and gas industry.

“Kyari’s handling of the Port Harcourt Refinery issue is a prime example of his modus operandi: using elaborate publicity stunts to mask underlying failures.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the corruption and mismanagement at the NNPCL. The Nigerian people deserve better, and it is time for the government to take decisive action to ensure that the nation’s resources are managed efficiently and effectively.”

NNPCL: Nationalists Movement backs Obasanjo’s claims on Port Harcourt, Warri refineries

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• January 3, 2025
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Rivers crisis: You’ve not seen anything yet – Wike’s aide Olayinka slams Fubara

Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has knocked Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara over recent attacks on his principal. DAILY POST reports that Fubara, who had been engaged in face-off with Wike, said on Thursday that he had endured enough insult from Wike’s camp and
Rivers crisis: You’ve not seen anything yet – Wike’s aide Olayinka slams Fubara

Lere Olayinka, a media aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has knocked Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara over recent attacks on his principal.

DAILY POST reports that Fubara, who had been engaged in face-off with Wike, said on Thursday that he had endured enough insult from Wike’s camp and would tolerate no more.

The governor spoke shortly after signing the N1.1 trillion 2025 budget at the Government House in Port Harcourt.

Reacting, Olayinka in a post on his official X handle on Friday said Fubara hasn’t seen insults yet.

According to Olayinka, the governor has been paying some persons to attack the FCT minister on social media.

He wrote, “From the Judas of Opobo, who has been paying hundreds of people to attack Wike on Social Media since 2023 ooo. Just one month, he don dey lament.

“Insults wey you neva start to dey see self.
Nonsensical nonsense.”

Rivers crisis: You’ve not seen anything yet – Wike’s aide Olayinka slams Fubara

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• January 3, 2025
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Suspension of 18 council chairmen, deputies by House of Assembly to maintain order – Edo APC

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State has said the suspension of the 18 Local Government chairmen and their deputies by the State Assembly was done to maintain order and stability. DAILY POST reports that the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said this in a statement made available to newsmen
Suspension of 18 council chairmen, deputies by House of Assembly to maintain order – Edo APC

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State has said the suspension of the 18 Local Government chairmen and their deputies by the State Assembly was done to maintain order and stability.

DAILY POST reports that the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarret Tenebe said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City.

In the statement titled, “Factional PDP, a security threat to Governance in Edo State”, Tenebe described the recent press briefing by Anthony Aziegbemi, the PDP caretaker committee chairman christened, “extermination of constitutional democracy” and “lawlessness” by the State Government as unfounded and libellous.

He said the leadership of APC in the state are fully in support of the actions taken by the House of Assembly.

He also declared the party’s support for the Councillors for the various steps taken so far across the various local government councils in the state.

The state acting chairman of the APC opined that Councillors decided to save their people by impeaching the suspended chairmen.

He, however, urged the various anti-graft agencies to recover the stolen commonwealth in the state that was allegedly perpetrated by the PDP suspended council chairmen.

According to him, for the records, the suspension of local government chairmen and vice chairmen by the House of Assembly was done to maintain order and stability in the state.

“Governor Okpebholo has a responsibility to ensure that all the three tiers of government operate within the ambit of the law in the state.

“It is crucial to recognize that the government has a duty to protect the interests of the citizens and maintain public order.

“The Edo State Laws, as documented by the Ministry of Justice, provide a framework for the governance of the State. While the PDP Caretaker Committee claims that the Governor’s actions are in breach of court injunctions and the Constitution, it is essential to consider the complexities of the situation.

“Rather than accusing the Governor of “lawlessness” and “extermination of constitutional democracy,” the PDP Caretaker Committee should engage in constructive dialogue and seek solutions that promote the well-being of all Edo State citizens.

“However, it is also worth noting that the people of Edo State are aware of the PDP’s tactics and are not swayed by their allegations. The PDP’s approach is seen as a desperate attempt to discredit Governor Okpebholo and the State Government rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

“The PDP as a dying party and must not be regarded. Under the watch of the PDP in Edo State, the biggest financial heist in history was committed by Godwin Obaseki. The same Obaseki, a PDP member, refused to swear in 14 out of 24 members of the House of Assembly for four years.

“The PDP government in Edo State removed and suspended chairmen of local governments. The same PDP government in Edo when it held sway abused the rights of Edo people like never before. Houses and properties of members of the opposition were demolished despite valid court orders.

“Obaseki’s reign in Edo State was a sad reminder of the days of colonial slave traders, who blatantly abused the rights of the people.

“While we concede that as an opposition party, the PDP can critique the activities of the Government, we will however, not allow the party to twist facts and wrongly accuse Governor Okpebholo”, he said.

Tenebe, however, urged the opposition parties, and civil society organizations to work together with the state government to address any perceived grievances and ensure that the democratic process is upheld.

He opined Governor Monday Okpebholo has a clear mandate and that no amount of distractions or blackmail can stop him.

Suspension of 18 council chairmen, deputies by House of Assembly to maintain order – Edo APC

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• January 3, 2025
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Inmate takes five staff hostage at French prison

A 37-year-old inmate armed with a handmade weapon took five staff members hostage at Arles prison in southern France on Friday, local police and prison officials reported. The incident began around 11:15 a.m local time when the prisoner, serving a sentence for armed rape, held four nurses and one prison guard captive in the infirmary.
Inmate takes five staff hostage at French prison

A 37-year-old inmate armed with a handmade weapon took five staff members hostage at Arles prison in southern France on Friday, local police and prison officials reported.

The incident began around 11:15 a.m local time when the prisoner, serving a sentence for armed rape, held four nurses and one prison guard captive in the infirmary.

Authorities say the hostage-taker suffers from “significant psychiatric disturbances” and does not fit the profile of a terrorist. His primary demand is to be transferred to another prison, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Elite police forces, including the RAID unit, have been deployed to the scene, while Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that all available resources have been mobilized to resolve the crisis.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in real-time,” Darmanin stated.

The standoff remains ongoing but officials describe the situation as “calm.” The inmate, whose sentence runs until 2031, continues to negotiate with authorities.

Inmate takes five staff hostage at French prison