News

Groups Plan Protest Over Ararume’s Reinstatement As NNPCL Chair

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2023

A coalition of over 25 civil society organisations has protested against a court judgment that reinstated Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Non-Executive Chairman of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, after his removal by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

The coalition called on the Department of State Services to release its security report on Ararume during his screening by the National Assembly while hinting at a major protest against the judgment in Abuja next week.

According to the groups, under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, the security report by the DSS on Ararume would give a clear indication of why he was dropped from the board of the NNPCL.

Convener of the CCSGGG, Dominic Ogakwu, issued the protest notice and made the call to the DSS in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, titled ‘Ararume vs. NNPCL: Coalition Urges DSS to Release Security Report, Plans Protest.’

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on Tuesday nullified Ararume’s sacking by the President and reinstated him as Non-Executive Chairman of the NNPCL. In the judgment delivered by Justice Ikwo Inyang, the court had also awarded him N5bn in damages.

The President had on Wednesday sued for calm from all parties involved in the board chairmanship tussle, saying due process would take its course.

Ogakwu stated, “We have undertaken to express our dismay by protesting in Abuja next week, as the judiciary cannot be seen to overreach itself, which, unfortunately, has become the common denominator over the past few weeks.

“The political implication of what has happened in this matter is not lost on those of us that are watching events in the oil and gas sector keenly.

“After a hitch-free transition from the wholly owned government entity to a public liability company, and focused administration since the unbundling, this judgment seeks to muddy the waters and allow elements with less than noble intentions to undermine the operations of the NNPC Limited.

“We had imagined that the courts would take into account not just the national interest but also the international dimension and not project Nigeria as an unstable oil and gas investment destination.”

Ogakwu commended the President for indicating that the Federal Government was appealing the judgment.

“It is gratifying that President Buhari has directed that the judgment be appealed and that the CAMA does not supersede the constitutional provisions of the president to hire and fire any appointee of government. We are also pleased to note a groundswell of opposition to the judgment and we hope that when the federal government appeals the controversial judgment, the appellate court will see reason not to allow the miscarriage of just to stand,” he stated.

On January 5, 2022, Buhari appointed the Board and Management of the NNPCL, replacing Ararume with Margery Okadigbo, widow of the late Chuba Okadigbo who was Buhari’s running mate in the 2003 presidential election.

He also named Mele Kyari as Chief Executive Officer and Umar Ajiya as Chief Financial Officer.

The appointment came barely five months after Buhari signed into law the Petroleum Industry Act (2021).

In September 2021 the President had written to the Senate on the administrative structure amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act, which included the appointment of Non-Executive Board Members, removal of the Ministries of Petroleum and Finance from the Board of the two new institutions, and appointment of Executive Directors.

The appointments took effect from the date of the incorporation of the NNPCL on September 29, 2021.

However, Ararume’s replacement set off a long legal battle that culminated in his favour on Tuesday.

News

Delta Community King Joins His Ancestors

Published

9 minutes ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

The traditional ruler of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, also known as the Ohworode of Olomu, has passed away.

The official announcement was made at the royal palace in Ovwor-Olomu by the kingdom’s spokesperson, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), who was joined by members of the Olomu Traditional Council and the late king’s family.

As part of the tradition, the announcement was accompanied by cultural rites, including a performance from Ema dancers and the firing of 21 cannon shots to symbolise the king’s journey to the afterlife.

Following customs, all markets within the kingdom are to remain shut, and no burial or marriage ceremonies will take place during the mourning period. Shops may only open partially.

A one-month mourning period has been declared, from July 12 to August 12, 2025.

During this time, all chiefs of the Olomu Kingdom are required to wear black armbands on their left arms and are not allowed to wear the traditional red Olomu chieftaincy cap, as a sign of respect for the late king.

In remembrance, a five-minute silence was held to honour the monarch, who began his reign on May 20, 2023.

News

After Media Reports Of Locking Out Supporters From Govt House, Okpebholo Hits Security Personnel

Published

50 minutes ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the probe and immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant at government for allegedly preventing jubilant supporters from accessing the government house during the Supreme Court victory celebrations.

Recall that on Friday, July 11, 2025, INFO DAILY reported that jubilant supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trekked from the airport while the governor was on motorcade, but unfortunately they (supporters ) were prevented from entering the Edo State Government House after governor went in.

INFO DAILY also reports that efforts to convince the security personnel to grant the jubilant supporters access to the government house were abortive as they (security personnel) insisted that it was order from above.

This made many of the supporters felt disappointed as the grumbled to their different designations with insults on the authorities.

But in a shift reaction to the incident, Okpebholo said such an order did not originate from him, describing the action as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.

the governor who said the action does not reflect his values, noted, “I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press”.

He said as a governor elected by the people, he remains committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.

Okpebholo, however, constituted an investigative committee to identify all those involved in the unfortunate incident.

He noted that the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.

He emphasized that he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and supporters in the highest regard, assuring that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action,

He warned that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Others, bags Africa Peace Icon Award In Rwanda

Published

3 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (Right) receiving the award.

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has been recognised as one of the 100 most notable peace icons in Africa.

Idahosa was honored alongside other prominent Nigerians and Africans at the recently concluded 100 most notable Africans leadership and business summit held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The event celebrated individuals recognised as the “100 most notable peace icons in Africa” for their impactful contributions to nation-building and peace promotion across the continent.

Other notable awardees included Umar Namadi, the governor of Jigawa state, Imane Kendili, the chief executive officer (CEO) of African Global Health in Morocco; Nicaise Ndembi, regional director at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; and Ibrahim Zanna.

The list of honourees also featured personalities such as Mthuli Ncube, Pedzai Scott Pakupwanya, Torhile A. Uchi, and Angel Nationota, among others.

Kingsley Amafibe, project director for Africa for the awards, said the recognition was to encourage recipients to continue leveraging their platforms to foster peace and development in Africa.

Amafibe said the continent’s progress depends heavily on peace and stability, urging collective efforts to strengthen unity and brotherhood.

The awards attracted a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, including politics, academia, health, and business.