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Court adjourns Dangote Refinery suit on import licenses to January 30

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Monday adjourned to January 30 to hear a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and six others.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the new date following an application by the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), who sought leave to amend the originating summons.

Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is seeking to halt the issuance of oil import licenses to some oil marketers.

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Mentioned in the suit as 1st to 7th defendants are the NMDPRA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

In its originating summons, Dangote Refinery prayed the court to nullify the import licenses issued by the NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products, arguing that such actions violate Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The company claimed that these licenses should only be issued in cases of proven shortfalls in local supply and accused NMDPRA of failing to support local refineries as mandated by the PIA.

Additionally, Dangote Refinery sought N100 billion in damages against the NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to the NNPCL and the other marketers.

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In response, three major oil marketers—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—filed a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss Dangote Refinery’s suit.

The marketers argued that Dangote Refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs and that monopolising the sector would harm the economy. They maintained that the import licenses issued to them were lawful and in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.

They further warned that granting Dangote Refinery exclusive control of the petroleum sector would eliminate competition, drive up prices, and destabilise the country’s fragile economy.

The marketers also cautioned that relying solely on Dangote Refinery for petroleum products could lead to supply shortages and higher costs in the event of operational disruptions at the refinery.

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At Monday’s resumed hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), informed the court that the matter had been fixed for a report on settlement or service. However, he stated that he had not been able to serve the amended originating summons on the defendants.

He added that the issue of settlement could not be addressed due to a motion filed to amend their originating summons, due to the errors in the earlier application.

Similarly, the defendants’ counsel confirmed they had not been served and requested proper service before the case could proceed.

Mathew Bukar (SAN) appeared for the NMDPRA, Ahmed Raji (SAN) represented the 3rd, 4th, and 7th defendants AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, while Divine Oguru appeared for the 5th and 6th defendants T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited.

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NNPCL counsel, Ademola Abimbola, on his part, informed the court that he had only been served with the application this morning, shortly before the court session began.

Abimbola noted that Dangote Refinery served the amended originating summons following objections that the 2nd defendant (NNPCL) should not have been included in the suit, as it was sued under an incorrect registered name.

He further claimed that the plaintiff amended the suit after it became public in the media, adding that the application would be reviewed for an appropriate response.

Justice Ekwo instructed Dangote Refinery’s counsel to ensure the case is properly positioned to be heard on the next adjourned date.

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“You have not been able to position this matter to be heard, and that is the cause of the adjournment,” Justice Ekwo said.

The plaintiff’s counsel requested ten days to serve all parties in the suit. Upon his request, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to January 30 to allow all parties to complete the filing and service of court processes.

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We’re using 31 days to commission projects in FCT to mark Tinubu’s 3rd year anniversary – Wike

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced an unprecedented 31-day marathon project commissionings across the nation’s capital to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

​Speaking at a political luncheon in Port Harcourt, the Minister showcased the administrative landmark achievements under his watch, attributing the massive infrastructural development to the strategic backing and vision of the President.

​According to Wike, the month-long commissioning circuit will feature major road networks, public utilities, and massive urban renewal projects designed to completely reshape the nation’s capital.

Brushing aside critics, the Minister issued a direct challenge regarding the scale and quality of his administration’s output in the FCT.

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​”This third year of Mr. President alone…, we are taking 31 days for commissioning of projects in Abuja. I’m not talking about boreholes. I challenge anybody to contradict this” Wike stated.

​He emphasized that the rapid development unfolding in Abuja is a direct testament to purposeful leadership, throwing down a challenge to opposition figures to match the scale of the ongoing works.

​While highlighting his milestones in the FCT, the former Rivers State Governor pivoted to a surprisingly reconciliatory tone regarding the intense political friction in his home state, offering a blanket pardon to all political opponents.

​”I use this opportunity today, to announce that I have forgiven everybody,” Wike declared, stressing that prolonged political warfare serves no constructive purpose.

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​”I want you to come back home sincerely… We have played politics, we have abused ourselves, this is the right time for you to come back,” he added, urging estranged allies and adversaries alike to swallow their pride and return to a unified fold.

​Despite the sweeping offer of peace, the Minister did not mince words regarding the resilience of his political structure back home, which he described as an invincible “rainbow coalition.”

​Wike issued strong warnings and assertions regarding the political landscape.

He explicitly warned external forces against attempting to destabilize Rivers State, stating, “Anybody from another state who is trying to destroy Rivers State, the person will have problems… You put your hand, you get fire.”

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​He asserted that his political machinery has effectively locked down future electoral cycles.

“If you are talking about the governorship election in this state, forget it, it’s gone… If you are thinking that any miracle will happen to overturn, to pull the rug off us, it’s a lie,” he stated.

​ Reassuring his supporters of their strategic dominance, he noted, “We are very over-alerted anytime, any day. We’ll take you back, we’ll work with everybody. We are not selfish.”

While other states grapple with internal party crises and bitter conflicts within both the PDP and APC, Wike maintained that his political coalition remained secured and fully prepared to maintain its dominance for the next eight years and beyond.

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Watch: FCT minister Wike promises Tinubu’s third admin will showcase commissioning of projects in 31 days

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The Federal Capital Territory FCT minister Nyesom Wike has promised that President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary would showcase commissioning of projects in Abuja for 31 days.

Speaking at the Rainbow Coalition Renewed Hope Luncheon, the ‘talk and do” minister vowed that for 31 days projects will be commissioned across the Territory to mark Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

He said: “We’re using 31 days to commission projects in the FCT to mark President Tinubu’s third-year anniversary in office.
He announced plans for next month, after using 9 days in year 1 and 19 days in year 2.

Video courtesy of TVC

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There was No Election in Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Says Ikokwu – Petitions NDC Election Appeal Panel

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Aspirant for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency Dr. Chiogo Constance Ikokwu (Ugonecheora) says no real primary election took place in the constituency on the 29th of May, and has asked the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Election Appeal Panel not to declare a winner, and to immediately investigate the roles played by opposing candidates and their supporters in disrupting the process.

“I respectfully call on the Election Panel to immediately investigate the roles played by unruly candidates, their agents, and supporters in the disruption of the process. I further urge the panel to take disciplinary action against any individual found culpable in sponsoring violence, intimidation, or acts capable of undermining the party’s democratic process.

“I also call for a thorough investigation into the role played by individuals and officials saddled with the responsibility of organizing and coordinating the election, whose apparent failure, negligence, or inability to properly manage the process significantly contributed to the confusion, disorder, and eventual collapse of the exercise.

“I demand that the failed exercise be declared inconclusive. Mr. Eric Anyamene should not be declared winner. Hon. Uche Okonkwo should also not be declared winner.

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“It will be a fraudulent choice if the NDC names either Mr. Anyamene or Hon. Okonkwo as winner for Idemili North and South Federal Constituency because the party would have chosen them through brazen criminal acts contrary to natural justice, equity and good conscience. No direct primary election took place in Idemili North and South Federal Constituency to enable members to choose their representative by popular votes.”

Background
From the onset, there was widespread confusion over the designated venue for Idemili South, which was a deliberate act of sabotage. Party members, delegates, and supporters were subjected to conflicting information, leaving many uncertain about where the election was to take place. When the designated venue was located, the absence of proper coordination, accreditation, and supervision compounded the disorder, preventing the exercise from taking place.

The situation deteriorated when rival supporters and suspected thugs loyal to both Hon. Okonkwo and Mr. Anyamene engaged in violent activities, creating panic, and forcing many party members to flee for their safety. Specifically, Mr. Anyamene’s unruly supporters recorded a video of random voters in the South while chanting “Eric is winning, Eric is winning,” and there was no election going on. His thugs clashed with other thugs, resulting in an atmosphere of intimidation and insecurity, which rendered the environment in Idemili South unsuitable for the conduct of a free, fair, and credible election.

Dr. Ikokwu’s supporters who had waited from as early as 10:00 a.m., were unable to cast their votes before the exercise collapsed around 1.30pm. In the North, the story was the same. Mr. Anyamene dominated with hired goons that caused mayhem at the election ground. Dr. Ikokwu’s poster was torn to pieces by Anyamene’s thugs over there.
End

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