NNPC Smiles Home With ₦43.57 Billion Trading Surplus In April

August 8, 2021

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced a trading surplus of ₦43.57 billion in April 2021, representing a 23.64 percent increase over the ₦35.24 billion surplus it recorded in the previous month of March 2021.

This is contained in the April 2021 edition of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Reports, in a statement today, August 8, by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Corporation, Dr. Kennie Obateru.

The statement said that the trading surplus or trading deficit is derived after deduction of the expenditure profile from the revenue for the period under review.

According to the report, the NNPC Group operating revenue in April 2021, as compared to March 2021, increased by 17.73 percent or N80.67bn to stand at N535.61 billion.

It said that expenditure for the month increased by 17.24 percent or N72.34 billion to stand at N492.05 billion, while expenditure as a proportion of revenue stood at 0.92, same as last month.

The report attributed the rise in trading surplus to the activities of the Corporation’s Upstream subsidiary, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), such as crude oil lifting from OML 119 (Okono Okpoho) and OMLs 60, 61, 62, 63 (Nigerian Agip Oil Company), as well as increase in gas sales.

It added that the positive outlook was further consolidated by the robust gains of two other subsidiaries namely: Duke Oil and the National Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO).

In the Downstream, to ensure uninterrupted supply and effective distribution of fuel across the country, a total of 1.67billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) translating to 55.79mn liters/day were supplied in the month under review.

The report also showed a 34.29 percent reduction in the number of pipeline points vandalized from 70 in the previous month of March 2021 to 46 in April 2021. While Port Harcourt area accounted for 54 percent, Mosimi area accounted for 46 percent of the vandalized points.

In the Gas sector, a total of 209.27 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas was produced in the month under review, translating to an average daily production of 6,975.72 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd).

For the period of April 2020 to April 2021, a total of 2,902.52bcf of gas was produced, representing an average daily production of 7,369.76mmscfd during the period.

Period-to-date production from Joint Ventures (JVs), Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) and NPDC contributed about 62.07 percent, 19.95 percent and 17.98 percent respectively to the total national gas production.

In terms of natural Gas off-take, commercialization and utilization, out of the 206.40bcf supplied in April 2021, a total of 126.83bcf of gas was commercialized consisting of 42.92bcf and 83.91bcf for the domestic and export markets respectively.

This translates to a total supply of 1,430.90mmscfd of gas to the domestic market and 2,976.94mmscfd of gas supplied to the export market for the month.

This implies that 61.45 percent of the average daily gas produced was commercialized while the balance of 38.55 percent was either re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared. Gas flare rate was 9.74 percent for the month under review (i.e. 670.19mmscfd) compared with average gas flare rate of 7.42 percent (i.e. 542.22mmscfd) for the period of April 2020 to April 2021.

A total of 795 mmscfd was delivered to gas-fired power plants in the month of April 2021 to generate an average power of about 3,416 MW.

NNPC started publishing its Monthly Financial and Operation Report in October 2015, making the April 2021 edition the 69th in the series. It is published in line the commitment of the Corporation’s Management to be more transparent, accountable to its stakeholders and the Nigerian public.

Igbos Will Colonize Us If We Agree To Be Part Of Biafra – Niger Delta

Editorial staff

August 7, 2021

Dr. Liege-Lord Keston Okoro Mohammed Al-Amin | Photo credit:
Independent Newspaper

“Niger Delta and Edo States cannot be part of Biafra as that would amount to another form of colonialism with unimaginable implications.”

This was the position of the National President of Niger Delta Advocate, a socio-political pressure group of the Niger Delta people, Dr. Liege-Lord Keston Okoro Mohammed Al-Amin. He, therefore, warned proponents of the republic of Biafra to desist from listing the Niger Delta area particularly Delta State as part of Biafra.

Keston Al-Amin, in a statement today, August 7, said that what the people of the Niger Delta desire most is restructuring and devolution of power to the constituent units instead of separatist agitations.

The leader of the group who is former member of the Delta State House of Assembly decried the continued listing of the Niger Delta states as part of Biafra, particularly by a group that styled itself as the Indigenous Peoples of the Niger Delta, (IPND).

He, however, stressed that the Mid-west region, for instance, is big enough to be a republic of its own instead of being annexed to Biafra.

“These agitations should be well guided not to hurt the sensibilities of others. We in the Niger Delta are not part of Biafra and will never be. Furthermore, separation is not all about war. There are peaceful aspects to separation which can be legally achieved through a referendum.

‘’I chanced on a document recently which disclosed that in 1776, the USA split from the UK, the heavens did not fall; In 1830 Belgium separated from the Netherlands and they are living well as separate nations; In 1965, Singapore split off from Malaysia and the former relationship has no impact on the present; in 2002, East Timor got split off from Indonesia; In 1921, Ireland split off from the United Kingdom, and (possibly in the future) there will be secession of Scotland.

‘’In 1944, Iceland split from Denmark with remarkable ease without resorting to violence and mindless killing of the citizens to drive home their point; In 1905 Norway split from Denmark; In 1905, Norway and Sweden also peacefully split ways. One got the car, the other got the kids etc.

“Other examples abound. I wonder why Nigeria that became one in 1914 cannot part ways if that is what will guarantee peace in Nigeria. But in all the agitations, nobody should force the Niger Delta into any unwanted union.”

Al-Amin noted that in the event of any break-up in Nigeria, we shall have no choice but to make a resolute declaration of the Sovereign State Of the Niger Delta Republic (SSNDR).

‘’On a second thought at least the Midwest region that was established by the overwhelming 100% votes of the Urhobos in 1963 comprising of Delta and Edo States, cannot be part of Biafra as that would amount to another form of colonialism with unimaginable implications’’, he said.

Sit-At-Home: IPOB Bringing More Hardships To Igbos In Southeast – Ohanaeze Cautioned

Editorial staff

August 7, 2021

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo has warned the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop its order on Igbo people in the Southeast to observe a sit-at-home as a means of forcing the government to release its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement today, August 7, General of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stressed that the planned sit-at-home could cause avoidable economic hardship on the Igbos and called on Igbos to ignore order.

He said that the sit-at-home declaration aimed at pressurising the Nigerian authorities to release Nnamdi Kanu will destroy the backstage activities and efforts of Igbo leaders and politicians to use diplomatic means to get him released.

“There is hunger and hardship in Southeastern Nigeria. From sad experiences of past ‘ sit-at-homes,’ there were economic losses, destruction of properties, and hikes in prices of food and essential materials across Southeastern Nigeria, and Igbos painstakingly endured untold hardship and this must not continue.”

Isiguzoro advised Igbos to circumvent the hardships associated with sit-at-home and ignore it and go to their normal businesses on Monday.

“IPOB should review their stance and unveil more strategic planning with Southern Nigerian Governors and Legislators to press for the release of Nnamdi Kanu without hurting or subjecting the people to sorrow, affliction and despair.”

This was even as the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), which is the apex socio-political Youth Group in the Southeast region, also dismissed as senseless, the threat by IPOB to place the entire Southeast region under lockdown until Namdi Kanu is granted unconditional release by the Federal government.

COSEYL, in a statement jointly signed by its President-General and Secretary-General – Goodluck Ibem and Kanice Igwe respectively argued that shutting down the region and its economic activities would not augur well for anybody or group and therefore not a win-win case at a time like this.

COSEYL said that although it appreciates that right to self-determination is a property of the late 1940s Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which every human group is entitled to and to which Nigeria is a signatory together with other instruments of international law, it does not see economic wisdom in shutting down business and work-related activities on Mondays which it (IPOB) had labeled ‘Ghost Mondays.’

Flood Stops Senator Smart Adeyemi Back From Journey

August 7, 2021

File photo: Houses submerged in flood in Kogi State.

Flood on Abuja-Lokoja high way, caused by a four-hour heavy downpour today, August 7, turned back a lot of passengers, including the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Smart Adeyemi.

Eye witness account said that three buses were swept off the highway in the aftermath of the heavy rainfall which made it impossible for many vehicles from Abuja to proceed to Lokoja, Okene, and the Southern parts.

Speaking on the development, Senator Adeyemi described the flood as devastating, saying: “I witnessed how some vehicles were swept away from the highway.

“I and many travellers can no longer continue with our journey. We have become stranded. There is no other way than to turn back to Abuja.”

Boko Haram/ISWAP Currently Recruiting People To Boost Depleting Strength – Army

Editorial staff

August 7, 2021

The Nigerian Army has said that Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists are now recruiting unsuspecting Nigerians, using video propaganda to seek relevance and replenish their depleting fighting force as a result of the sustained military bombardments from both land and air components of Operation Hadin Kai.

A statement today, August 7 by the Director of the Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that troops have continued to sustain operation and has exerted so much pressure on the terrorists and their sympathizers that a lot of them are now surrendering.

“In recent times, a good number of these terrorists have surrendered to troops in different locations across the theatre, a trend that indicates that they are loosing the capacity to remain in the fight.

“Apparently, there are indications that their fighting capability has been severely encumbered by devastating depletion, with their remnants deserting various enclaves, leaving behind a few diehards that will undoubtedly be eliminated by the highly spirited troops of OPHK in no distant future.

“In a bid to replenish their fast depleting fighting force and clandestinely conscript unsuspecting individuals to join their fold, BHT embarked on a subtle recruitment drive using the said propaganda video to portray a lavish lifestyle in their so-called fortress; a psychological strategy desperately deployed to attract impressionable youths and unsuspecting individuals.”

He said that most of the terrorists who surrendered to the troops lamented that the condition in their enclaves have become unbearable and they have no option than to give themselves up to troops.

“Contrary to the false impression they attempt to project, of a blissful live in their enclaves, the true situation in their evil enclave is one of hunger, disease, brutality, high level of immorality and the constant fear of military offensives.

“A cursory look at the video revealed an amateur work of doctored old clips and images from different backgrounds, skewed with blurred imageries that are incoherent and illogical. The incontrovertible reality is that the group is facing imminent destruction and extinction.

We Have No Link With IPOB – Agitators For Southern Cameroun Republic

Editorial staff

August 7, 2021

File photo: Members of IPOB during protest in Anambra

Leader of the agitators for a Southern Cameroon Republic from the current Republic of Cameroun have made it clear that they have no link and cannot have any link with Nnamdi Kanu or his group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The Cameroonian separatist Leader, Samuel Sako, who leads ‘The Interim Government of the separatist group in southern Cameroon agitating for their own country called ‘Ambazonia’, made this known in a zoom meeting yesterday.

He said that the report of an ‘alliance’ with IPOB was an ‘evil deception’ aimed at frustrating the relationship between the group and the Nigerian government.

“I especially thank the governors of Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Taraba who have shown our people unparalleled hospitality since the beginning of this war,”.

“I challenge the civil society and the journalists in Nigeria, this is the authority that speaks for the people of Southern Cameroon. We have not and we will not endorse Biafra, that’s the position we have taken. We recognise the right to self-determination of people of the world according to the laws even of Nigeria,”

Sako, 65, said that the reported alliance last April between IPOB and a “so-called Ambazonian Governing Council.” was orchestrated by the Cameroonian government and, possibly, the French Secret Service “to serve as the bogeyman to cow the Nigerian state into an unholy alliance against the legitimate aspiration of the people of Southern Cameroon.”

CBN Made Banks To Refund N89.2 Billion To 22,173 Aggrieved Customers In 2021 – Emefiele

Editorial staff

August 5, 2021

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Godwin Emefiele, has hinted that at the end of June this year, commercial banks in Nigeria refunded N89.2 billion to 22,173 customers over complaints.

Dr. Emefiele spoke today, August 5, at the CBN Fair, held simultaneously in Cross River and Akwa Ibom States, with the theme: “Promoting financial stability and economic development”.

The CBN boss, who was represented by the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications of the Bank, Osita Nwanisobi, said that the cumulative number of complaints from customers of commercial banks as at June was 23,526 while 22,173 out of which were resolved.

According to him, the fair became necessary to create awareness on CBN interventions and how it was impacting on the lives and businesses of the people.

“When the CBN governor assumed duty as the 11th governor of the apex bank, he made a profound statement that he wants a people-centered CBN and you cannot have that if you do not engage.

“Also, CBN has about 37 targeted interventions which include The Targeted Credit Facility, Health Sector Intervention, Commercial Agric Credit Scheme, Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilisation Fund and others.

“In addition, we want to use this opportunity to build the confidence of Nigerians that the nation’s financial institutions are resilient, stable and safe.

“Nigerians have nothing to fear as the CBN carries out a periodic examination of the banks,” he said.

On the issue of digital currency by the CBN, the governor asserted that Nigerians needed to understand that cryptocurrencies are issued by unknown entities without regulations.

He added that the digital currency which CBN intends to issue would be regulated by the apex bank and it can be used for the nation’s monetary policy.

In his remarks, Head of the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN, Daramola Atanda, said that Nigerians must know their rights as customers and report cases of violations to the CBN on 07002255226 or cpd@cbn.gov.ng.

Atanda however asked bank customers to be responsible as there were issues that were in their own purview; such as understanding the package given to them by a bank.

He appealed to customers to ensure that they repay their loans and also protect their financial instruments such as their debit cards and others.

Speaking virtually, from Uyo, Mrs. Amina Abdulmalik from the Currency Operations Department of the CBN, called on Nigerians to handle the Naira with care as it was national pride.

“Our Naira notes are supposed to last for about two years after printing but due to poor handling, some of them do not last for more than three months.

Source: NAN.

Kano Elders Go To Court, Want IPOB To Be Quickly Granted Southeast’s Exit From Nigeria

Editorial staff

August 5, 2021

A groups of elders in Kano State have dragged the Senate of the federal republic of Nigeria and the House of Representatives before a federal high court in Abuja has asking that the request of the Southeast region to exit from Nigeria should be hastened up and dispensed with before concluding the on-going amendment to the country’s Constitution.

The request for court order to compel hastening of South East exit from Nigeria formed one of the three prayers sought in a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/538/2021, instituted by a group of elders and politicians led by Nastura Ashir Shariff, Balarabe Rufa’I, Abdul-Aziz Sulaiman and Aminu Adam.

In their suit, they averred in a supporting affidavit that their action was informed by the need to stem the tide of violence and destruction being allegedly occasioned by the agitation for secession, championed by the Nnamdi Kanu-led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Plaintiffs claimed that they do not want a repeat of the 1967 – 1970 civil war in Nigeria that cost the nation many innocent lives and properties worth billions of naira.

Listed as defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly.

The plaintiffs prayed the court for the following reliefs:

*A declaration that, by the combined effect of the provisions of Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and Articles 1, 2, and 20(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004, the 4th defendant (the National Assembly) is empowered to set in motion a framework for a referendum to allow the South-eastern region of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to decide on their bid for self-determination.

*A declaration that in view of the provisions of Articles 1, 2, 4, 14 and 20(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004, the 2nd and 3rd defendants (the Senate President and House of Reps Speaker) have the power to call for a joint session of both Chambers of the 4th defendant to deliberate on the agitation for self-determination by the Southeastern states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*An order directing the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants to provide a framework that will pave way for the self-determination of the South-eastern states so as to leave the geographical entity called Nigeria before any further step is taken to further amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The first plaintiff in the suit, Shariff, stated in the supporting affidavit he deposed to that IPOB, founded by Nnamdi Kanu has been agitating for self-determination by way of creation of the Independent State of Bafra away from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The agitations of the IPOB have been going on for about a decade, despite their proscription by the Federal Government of Ngeria about three years ago.

“Even before the emergence of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), there was a group at the south-eastern part of Nigeria known as the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) under the leadership of one, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.

“The main objective of the group mentioned in the immediate preceding paragraph is also the creation of the Independent State of Biafra, away from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Long before the emergence of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), there was a move by the people of the south-eastern part of Nigeria formerly Eastern Region led by the late Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The secession attempt by the people of the then Eastern Region under the leadership of the late Col. Ojukwu was directly responsible for the first Nigerian civil war between 1967 and 1970.

“The said civil war had claimed many innocent lives from both sides of the divide as well as destruction of properties worth billions of Nara which was detrimental to the growth and development of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The lessons of the civil war have faded in the minds of many Nigerians and a repeat of the carnage of the civil war is not necessary, going forward.

“The IPOB’s agitation for self-determination has turned violent against both the people of the south-east who are against their agitations and other Nigerians carrying out their lawful businesses within the south-eastern states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The IPOB through its militant arm — Eastern Security Network (ESN) — is responsible for the killings, expulsions and destruction of properties of other Nigerians not belonging to the Igbo tribe.

“Resolving, with finality, the existential question of self-determination of any part of Nigeria is now more urgent, imperative and prevails over and above the issue of amending the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be further amended at any time after the question of self-determination must have been resolved by Nigerians.”

The Chief Judge of the federal high court, Justice John Tsoho has assigned the case to Justice Inyang Eden Ekwo and has been fixed for November 1. 2021 for hearing

Source: PRNigeria.

Abuja Police In Gun Battle With Kidnappers, Kill One, Others Flee

Editorial staff

August 5, 2021

The Police Anti-Kidnapping Operatives in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have reportedly engaged in gun battle with suspected kidnappers, killing one of them while others escaped with wounds.

Information had it today, August 5, said that the criminal was killed when operatives of the squad responded to a distress call on operation of a kidnapping gang, along Kabi Mangoro axis.

A police source confirmed that the attackers were repelled, and eventually the officers subdued one of them after a heavy gun battle.

“We successfully repelled them, killing one of the suspects. But the other members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.”

Source: PRNigeria.

Nigerian Lawyer, Adeola Oyinlade Wins Award Of American Bar International Human Rights

Greenbarge Reporters

August 5, 2021

A Nigerian human rights and international law expert, Adeola Austin Oyinlade, has been declared the 2021 American Bar Association (ABA) International Human Rights of the Year Laureate by American Bar Association (ABA).
The award event took place virtually today, August 5, at the ongoing annual meeting of the association in Chicago, United States of America.

A statement by the ABA President, Patricia Lee Refo, said that Oyinlade has “advanced solutions to human rights issues across Africa, including the South Sudan political crisis, the Central African Republic crisis, the Congo Democratic Republic armed conflict and Libyan peace talks.”
She praised his contribution to the African Union on the implementation of the African Youth Charter.
This was even as Jinny Choi, on behalf of the Association said that the award was being presented to Adeola Oyinlade in recognition of his exceptional commitment and contribution to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.
While accepting this year’s American Bar Association International Human Rights Award, Oyinlade thanked the American bar and everyone involved in his recognition.
“I am sincerely humbled by this recognition, particularly honouring my human rights work that has arrested my heart, soul and tireless efforts for over a decade in my home country, Nigeria.
“In the last 13 years, I have seen that all I needed to contribute to expanding the frontiers of human rights was courage. It is by courage that speaking truth to power and standing for the oppressed can keep hope alive. Courage that super power that we all have but only few decide to use. It is only courage that can make one believe in a vision when it appears that one is alone. It can only take courage to fight injustice even in the face of danger. Only the courageous act when others look away. Mine is a journey of standing for human rights, offering pro-bono legal services to the poor, pioneering new ideas and developing new methods for human rights empowerment to help prevent destabilization of societies and for non-violent interrelation in Nigeria.”
Oyinlade recognized the importance and impacts made by several human rights activists both alive and late in Nigeria. “Today, I recognize the human rights community in Nigeria, particularly those who use the instrumentality of laws for justice, those on the streets and virtually championing the cause of human rights and justice in Nigeria. They are our heroes and I dedicate this honour to you all.”
He charged lawyers to play more roles in advancing human rights across the globe, adding: “just like I emphasized in Rome, Italy in October 2018 when I was receiving the IBA Human Rights Lawyer of the Year Award, the world is looking up to we lawyers in using our legal expertise as tools of problem-solving. The world, more than before, needs our collective efforts to sustain peace and ensure inclusive sustainable development and respect for human rights for all.
“Let us remain courageous individuals and groups committed to shining the light on the dark corners of the globe, whenever human rights violations occur.”

In October 2018 in Rome, Italy, the world body of Lawyers, International Bar Association (IBA), named Adeola Oyinlade the IBA Human Rights Lawyer of the year for his outstanding contribution as a Legal Practitioner to human rights advancement.

This is the second time the Nigerian lawyer, who doubles as the Principal Partner of Adeola Oyinlade & Co; a law firm based in Lagos and founder of Constitutional Rights Awareness and Liberty Initiative (CRALI) would by recognized by global legal professional community for his human rights work in three years.

Oyinlade, a member of the National Committee against Torture (NCAT) pioneered and unveiled the first ever human rights empowerment app in multiple languages called “Know Your Rights Nigeria’ in 2016 in order to reach more people and break barriers posed by language and location. On the “Know Your Rights Nigeria” app, there is an option to chat with the lawyer and his team of 50 lawyers on human rights issues daily and they respond to all inquiries and follow up on complaints. Users of the app report abuse of rights anonymously, and even choose to access the content in English or Pidgin (widely spoken in West and Central Africa), and in major local languages like Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba spoken by over 100 million people in Nigeria with over 280,000 issues responded to on all the organization’s platforms over the years.

His simplifying of rights and safeguards to the understanding of the ordinary people on the streets, thereby making it accessible in languages of choice for users with mere tap of buttons in the palms, has proved effective for its free access, speedy dissemination of information and free legal support with thousands of people empowered. His rights empowerment app in major local languages has made a real difference for the situation of women and the poor as the platform which people use to report abuse has been instrumental in uncovering systemic violations of rights in Nigeria.

In 2019, Oyinlade was engaged by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, a German foundation promoting democracy in Nigeria to train some senior government officials nationwide on human rights and social justice. Aside inspiring university students within and outside Nigeria on human rights and public interest careers, he has set up a training unit for young lawyers and volunteers to enhance the quality of the empowerment offered locally to victims of human rights abuse in Nigeria.

At the regional level, through advocacy, the Nigerian international law expert has proffered solutions to armed conflict issues in African countries including the South Sudan Political Crisis, the Central African Republic Crisis, the Congo Democratic Republic Armed conflict, and the Libyan peace talks among others with impact. While Oyinlade has contributed his expertise to the African Union Commission by delivering papers on the implementation of African Youth Charter and made recommendations on reforming national laws in compliance with the regional youth charter, he has equally graced the United Nations’ speaking platforms on his human rights work and social innovation across many countries of the world.

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