National
Christian Elders Warn Tinubu Of Impending Crisis
The National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF) has raised concerns about the current state of Nigeria and the urgent need for action to prevent a potential implosion. In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the NCEF emphasized the importance of addressing corruption in the civil service and National Assembly as a crucial step towards combating corruption in the country.
The NCEF also urged the government to ensure that the appointment of officials for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is free from political interference. They proposed subjecting the draft Constitution of the 2014 National Conference to a national referendum, stating that its approval by the people would make it a valid constitution.
The NCEF highlighted that all regions of Nigeria were represented at the National Conference and unanimously approved the draft constitution. They believe that this approach would eliminate objections from any part of the country.
The letter, signed by the National Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Samuel Danjuma Gani, expressed concern about four critical areas that require immediate attention. These areas include the need for a new constitution, a credible fight against corruption, the independence of the judiciary, and averting a planned national protest scheduled for August 2024.
The NCEF acknowledged that corruption has deeply rooted itself in Nigeria, with the political class blurring the lines between public funds and personal wealth. They criticized the current administration, stating that the fight against corruption has not yielded significant results and that the EFCC’s actions have often appeared as media trials rather than effective prosecution.
The Forum also highlighted the pervasive corruption within the civil service and among public officials. They stressed that tackling corruption at this level is essential for any meaningful progress in the fight against corruption. The NCEF called for an independent EFCC that is free from political influence and for the appointment of EFCC officials to be devoid of political interference.
To prevent a nationwide protest, the NCEF advised Tinubu to announce the introduction of a new constitution and initiate preparations for a national referendum to adopt the 2014 National Conference’s draft constitution. They believe that this step would address concerns and prevent any potential violence or destruction.
The NCEF cautioned against replicating protests seen in other countries, citing the uniqueness of Nigeria’s situation and the potential for multiple aggrieved groups to exploit the protest. They warned that the country could face implosion or the protesters could be met with excessive force, referencing the recent memory of the #ENDSARS protests.
As elders, the NCEF emphasized their opposition to actions that could lead to loss of life and destruction. They urged the government to change its approach to governance, restore hope and confidence in the people, and prioritize the development of a new constitution.
The NCEF proposed adopting the draft Constitution of the 2014 National Conference as a starting point, given its broad representation and agreement among various ethnic nationalities and sectors of the economy. They criticized the flaws of the current constitution, particularly the claim of “We the People” when the people did not produce it.
Furthermore, the NCEF expressed concern about the encroachment of partisan politics in the judiciary, which they believe has compromised its integrity and credibility. They highlighted the increase in bribery among judges and magistrates, calling for politicians to refrain from interfering with the judiciary and for the independence of the judiciary to be guaranteed.
The NCEF stressed that any country unable to ensure justice in its courts is on the verge of anarchy. They believe that restoring hope and confidence in the people is the government’s primary responsibility.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially dissolved the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which includes the removal of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Mele Kyari and Chairman Pius Akinyelure, along with all other board members appointed in November 2023.
In an announcement, the President introduced an 11-member restructured board, appointing Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari as the new GCEO and Ahmadu Musa Kida as the Non-Executive Chairman. These changes are effective immediately, as stated by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy.
Emphasizing the need for “enhanced operational efficiency, restored investor confidence, and a more commercially viable NNPC,” President Tinubu exercised his authority under Section 59(2) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 to implement this significant reorganization.
The newly formed board comprises Adedapo Segun, who continues as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), alongside six non-executive directors representing Nigeria’s geopolitical zones: Bello Rabiu (North West), Yusuf Usman (North East), Babs Omotowa (North Central), Austin Avuru (South-South), David Ige (South West), and Henry Obih (South East). Additionally, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Aminu Said Ahmed, representing the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, will serve on the board.
The President has charged the new board with conducting a strategic review of NNPC-operated and Joint Venture assets to optimize value. This includes increasing crude oil production to 2 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2027 and 3 million bpd by 2030, boosting gas production to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion by 2030, and expanding NNPC’s refining capacity to 200,000 bpd by 2027 and 500,000 bpd by 2030. The administration also aims to attract $30 billion in oil investments by 2027 and $60 billion by 2030, building on the $17 billion secured in 2024.
Ahmadu Musa Kida, the new Chairman, is a Borno-born engineer and former Deputy Managing Director of Total Nigeria. He also has a background in basketball, having served as the ex-president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the newly appointed GCEO, hails from Kwara State and was previously the Executive Vice President of Renaissance Africa Energy, where he led a $2.4 billion acquisition of Shell’s Nigerian assets. He brings extensive experience from Elf and Shell, having worked across Europe and the Middle East.
President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the outgoing board for their contributions, particularly their efforts in reviving the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, which have resumed production after years of dormancy. Analysts view this leadership change as part of Tinubu’s broader reforms in the oil sector, following last year’s removal of fuel subsidies and the promotion of private refinery investments. With the new team established, there are high expectations for enhanced transparency, efficiency, and profitability within Nigeria’s state oil enterprise.
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.
The minority caucus in the house of representatives has condemned the killing of 16 Kano-bound hunters in Edo state.
On Thursday, a mob in the Uromi area of Edo killed 16 hunters of northern descent who were travelling from Elele, Rivers state.
The travellers were attacked and lynched after some vigilance group members raised the alarm on suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The Edo state government said 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killing would be transferred to Abuja for further interrogation.
During a visit to some of the families of the victims at Bankure LGA in Kano, Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, assured that justice would be served.
In a statement issued on Monday, the minority caucus described the killing of the hunters as “barbaric”.
“We find such brutal killings of innocent Nigerians in any part of the country by lawless mobs very reprehensible, and if allowed to fester without being put in check by responsible organs of the federal government, such actions could threaten the peace and unity of the country,” the statement reads.
The lawmakers asked Nigerians never to resort to jungle attacks on fellow citizens but to always report any concerns to security agencies.
“We are a nation under the rule of laws, and our law enforcement agencies are always available to partner with every Nigerian to assuage their concerns,” the caucus said.
While noting that the incident is “already setting emotions on edge” in parts of the country, the legislators urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the security agencies investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Also, adequate compensation should be paid to the affected families,” the caucus said.
The lawmakers implored Nigerians to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding and allow the federal and state governments to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.
The statement was signed by Kingsley Chinda, minority leader; Ali Isa, minority whip; and Aliyu Madaki, deputy minority leader.