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PIA Amendments: Group Vows Nationwide Protest Against FG’s Attempt to Sell Critical Assets
The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against what it described as a dangerous plot by the federal government to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and sell off critical national assets.
In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, president of the movement, accused Finance Minister Wale Edun of spearheading moves that would strip the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of its backbone and hand over the country’s oil wealth to cronies.
“These amendments are the handiwork of Wale Edun, who appears to think he will be in government forever. Nigerians must rise against this kind of individual mentality and the planned return of the Obasanjo/Atiku era that sold off critical national assets. This time, they want to sell everything to their friends and render the NNPCL naked,” Gbudu said.
The NRM president said the movement would not fold its arms while government policies mortgage the nation’s future. He described the PIA, passed into law in 2021 after two decades of delay, as one of the few reforms that provided a clear framework for the oil and gas sector.
The group said it believes President Bola Tinubu may not be aware of the move to amend the PIA and sell off public assets.
“It is barely four years since the PIA came into effect, and instead of strengthening it, this government wants to dismantle its safeguards. Our national oil company, which should be a source of pride and revenue for all Nigerians, is being targeted for stripping under the guise of reforms. We believe President Bola Tinubu may not be fully aware of the implications of this move, but Nigerians will not be passive while their future is auctioned,” he said.
Gbudu recalled how past privatisations failed to deliver value to citizens, saying they mainly enriched a few politically connected businessmen. He warned that repeating that pattern in the oil sector would deepen poverty and unemployment.
“The Obasanjo/Atiku era taught us bitter lessons. NEPA was sold, yet Nigerians are still in darkness. Refineries were left comatose while billions are spent on fuel imports. We will not allow another cycle of deception,” he declared.
Instead of amending the PIA to pave the way for asset sales, Gbudu urged the government to focus on transparency and accountability within the NNPCL.
“What Nigerians want is openness. We want to know the real figures, the contracts, the daily production, the inflows and outflows. That is what will build trust and efficiency. Selling off assets to friends of those in government will only deepen corruption and rob the country of future revenues,” he added.
The NRM leader said the group has begun consultations with civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups and community leaders to resist the proposed changes.
“We are ready to lead Nigerians to the streets if necessary. This is not just about oil, it is about the survival of our commonwealth. If they insist on amending the PIA to sell off our assets, we will mobilise nationwide protests,” Gbudu warned.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the status quo in a dispute over the party’s candidates emerging from the Benue State APC primaries for the 2027 general election.
The order was made on Thursday by Justice Inyang Ekwo during proceedings in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1429/2026, filed by Engr. Sesugh Akaagba and other aggrieved APC candidates from Benue State against the APC and INEC.
The plaintiffs had, through an ex parte motion filed on July 5, 2026, sought six interim reliefs, including an order restraining the APC from substituting its validly nominated candidates in Benue State through its June 29, 2026 correspondence, or any subsequent communication, to INEC, pending determination of the substantive suit.
They also sought an order compelling the APC to immediately transmit to INEC the names of candidates validly nominated during the primaries monitored by the electoral commission.
When the matter first came up on July 8, 2026, the court declined to grant the interim application immediately, directing both APC and INEC to appear and respond before any decision was taken. The matter was adjourned to July 16.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel representing the APC and INEC were present in court, while the plaintiffs were represented by Mohammed Ndarani, SAN, alongside his legal team.
In his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that since issues had been joined by the parties particularly with INEC now before the court, the defendants were required by law to preserve the subject matter of the litigation pending determination of the substantive suit.
When counsel to the plaintiffs urged the court to caution APC and INEC against taking any further action that could affect the disputed list of candidates, the judge responded that it was “not a matter of advice but of law,” stressing that the defendants were bound to maintain the status quo.
The court consequently restrained APC and INEC from taking any action capable of altering the disputed list of candidates pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
The defendants did not object to the restraining order.
At the commencement of proceedings, the court noted that all parties had voluntarily submitted to its jurisdiction by duly filing and exchanging their respective processes.
It held that there was no procedural or jurisdictional impediment to the expeditious determination of the substantive action, and directed that the matter be heard without further delay.
In furtherance of the objective of preserving the res and safeguarding the efficacy of the judicial process, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit, restraining any act or omission capable of prejudicing the rights of the parties or rendering the proceedings nugatory.
The court further directed that INEC be served forthwith with the originating and all consequential processes.
The effect of the subsisting order is that INEC is restrained from tampering with the existing list of candidates pending final determination of the suit, and from receiving, recognising, or acting upon any purported substituted list of National Assembly candidates from Benue State submitted by the APC.
The matter was adjourned to July 21, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former First Lady Patience Ibifaka Jonathan recently celebrated a significant family milestone as they attended the graduation ceremony of their son, Ariara Goodluck Jonathan, at Manchester Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom.
The proud parents joined family members and well-wishers to witness Ariara receive his degree, marking the successful completion of his academic programme. The occasion was filled with joy as the Jonathan family commemorated the achievement, highlighting the importance they place on education and personal development.
The graduation ceremony attracted warm congratulatory messages from friends, associates, and admirers, who wished the graduate continued success in his future endeavours.
The Following names joined the political family of Sen. Dr. George Akume today after leaving the sinking Alia ship .
Under the leadership of Barr. Emmanuel Jime .
The are ;
Chief Nelson Alapa
Douglas pepe SAN senatorial Aspirant zone A,
Engr Peter Ashiekaa
QS Clement Beetseh
Former commissioners
Joy Luga
Ann itodo
Barr martins Shaagee
Miss Dorcas
Prof Usar Joseh
Prof Cephas Tushima
Chief Patrick Idoko
Hon Patience Akor
Hon Fred Idoko
Hon Lawrence Ekpo Onoja Jnr
Hon Andrew Abah
Hon Agbo Innocent Ikwumonu
Hon Simon Omachoko
Hon David Egboja
Dr John Garba
Among together,
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