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Subsidy Removal: Revamp Refineries, Licence Local Artisans, NDYC Urges Tinubu
The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) worldwide has urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to urgently revamp the existing refineries in Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kanuda, while issuing local artisan refinery licenses as a step to tackle the economic challenges faced by the Niger Delta people and the entire nation,
The youth group at a press conference addressed by Engr. Jator Abido and Akowien Joshua, the National Coordinator and Director of Communications respectively at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital expressed concerns about the prevailing hardship caused by the subsidy removal and its impact on the people of the region and Nigerians as a whole.
They emphasized that, “the restoration of the refineries was crucial to mitigating the effects of the fuel price increase and naira devaluation which has negatively affected the economy. With the naira being exchanged at a staggering 860 naira to 1 US dollar, urgent and proactive steps must be taken forthwith.
“We do not seek mere palliatives, instead, we demand the swift restoration of our refineries, so that we can produce fuel at subsidised rates and alleviate the burden of exorbitant fuel costs on the citizens of this region and the entire nation.”
The youth leaders also reiterated their commitment to peaceful and constructive engagement with the government, eschewing any confrontational means to achieve their objectives, adding that they had been encouraging their people not to resort to old patterns of protest and unrest but rather to pursue constructive dialogue with the government.
“As an umbrella organisation for all the youth groups and ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta region, we can authoritatively say that there shall not be any unrest in the region. However, we urge Mr. President to establish a committee to investigate the usage of funds allocated for the revamping of the nation’s refineries for the past years and carry stakeholders and youths of the region along to assuage tempers and restore hope in the Nigerian project.
Most importantly, the youth group appealed for the issuance of local artisan refinery licenses, which have the capacity to refine fuel at significantly subsidised rates to qualified persons and companies, insisting that with these licenses, fuel can sell at a price lower than 100 naira per liter, thereby lessening the burden on consumers and creating significant jobs for citizens.
“Nigerians artisans and entrepreneurs have the technical know-how to refine crude oil into many products in large quantities and that’s what we’re advocating for, to ease the cost of fuel. In addition to the refinery licenses, we urge the federal government to establish a channel that would facilitate the purchase of crude oil at subsidised rates to drastically reduce the cost of production,” the statement added.
While expressing their strong commitment to contributing positively to the nation’s economy and also seeking to alleviate the hardships faced Nigerians, the youth group emphasised that their call for the revamping of refineries and the issuance of local artisan refinery licenses underscores their determination to be active participants in the economic recovery and growth of Nigeria.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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