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We will make laws to protect local industries, says Akpabio, after tour of Dangote Refinery

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The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has assured Indigenous investors that the National Assembly will make laws to encourage investment and protect local industries.

Akpabio gave the assurance after leading the leadership of the Senate on a guided facility tour of the World largest single-train refinery, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lekki, Lagos at the weekend.

The Senate President was accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Deputy Leader, Lola Ashiru, Senate Deputy Majority Whip, Nwebonyi Onyekachi, Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Lere Oyewumi, Senate Minority Whip, Osita Ngwu and Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Rufai Hanga.

Others were Chairmam Senate Committee on Petroleum(Downstream), Ifeanyi Ubah and his Deputy Jide Ipinsagba who is also Chairman, Committe on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Tokunbo Abiru who is representing Lagos East which covers the site of the Refinery at Ibeju Lekki and Chairman, Senate Committee on NDDC, Asuquo Ekpenyong .

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They were conducted round the huge industrial complex by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, assisted by the Group’s Vice President for Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin. The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu also joined them on the tour.

Speaking after the facility tour, Akpabio assured Dangote and Nigerian entrepreneurs in general that “we are going to consume what we produce.”

He said:”Don’t expect any investment from us but we will invest in our ideas, we will invest in legislations to protect this business.

“Today, we are leaving here convinced that we are going to consume what we produce. We will no longer allow people to bring in products that will give our people cancer when we have the one that is cancer free.

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“We will make laws that will encourage investments and we will also make laws that will protect local industries. Nobody can fault us when we go out there and say we can no longer import what we know we can produce here. So let us consume what we produce.”

The Senate President also explained the rationale behind the facility tour of Dangote Refinery by the Senate leadership:”To be honest, it is better for you to come and see. Out there in Abuja, many of us were told that this Refinery was a farce.

“We were told that it was just another dream pipe, it was never going to work, when over 240 million people can build two refineries – one in Kaduna, one in Portharcourt, even another one in Warri and none has worked in the last 50 years.How can one human being now come and make a refinery to work in Nigeria?

“You have shamed all the critics. Now you have challenged the National Assembly now to undertake major oversight into why Ajaokuta Steel Complex is dead. You have challenged us to find out why Aluminium Smelter Company in Ikot Abasi is dead.

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“You have also challenged us as Nigerians to find out why the biggest Paper company in the world at Oku- Iboku is also dead after billions of dollars has been sunk into them.

“Even with the presentation yesterday, I pitty you. You are going to have a lot of envious people around you. Even your friends will envy you because people will say why you. How can you succeed where others have failed? How can you succeed where nations have failed? How can you succeed where continents have failed?

“But you have succeeded. It is the grace of Almighty Allah that has guided you to succeed. We came because the 10th Assembly is a progressive Assembly that believes in the people of Nigeria.

“We came because we believe that we must make legislations to encourage businesses and also encourage foreign direct investment in Nigeria.

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“We came, not as doubting Thomases but with a lot of hope that yes, we can use the Dangote Refinery to renew the hope of the young people in this country. For them to know that the future is brighter than what we saw in the past. We came to announce our own endorsement of this major accomplishment that you have brought to bare.”

In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu was full of praises for the Senate to have considered it fit to embark on the facility tour: “Mr Senate President, my take is to thank you and your colleagues for finding time to come here to see things for yourselves.

“And because you have come, you have seen, we believe that in your leadership, you will also use the 10th Assembly to further legislate innovative ideas like this, to further put the template of Nigeria forward where businesses can thrive, policies and programmes of government that can help to create several Aliko Dangotes, that can create several businesses that will indeed leapfrog and take this government and this country forward.”

Sanwo-Olu thanked Dangote and the entire management of the Dangote Group for putting Nigeria on the world map and for putting the country in “the global scheme of can do, can dream and with all the sensibility of possibilities.”

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Also speaking after taking his guests round the Refinery and Fertiliser plant, Dangote specifically urged the Federal lawmakers for legal protection of the huge investment made.

“Without the policies that were laid down by the government, there is no way Nigeria would have been self sufficient in Cement, Fertiliser and Petrochemicals.

“Nigeria has been importing refined products the last 30 years. But without the right policies, nobody will come and put a dime. So I must thank you for giving the right laws for people to come and invest.

“Despite being a private-sector project, Dangote Refinery is doing a patriotic job in ensuring that Nigeria meets its aspirations of self sufficiency in refined products. And not only in self sufficient, we will export to all our neighbours. All the West Africa and Central Africa, up to Brazil.

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“Actually, we have been shipping now up to Mexico from here. Therefore I urge you to please consider this Refinery as our national asset given the envisaged long multiplier effect on the economy.

“Indigenous investment of such magnitude ought to be protected and backed by law that should prevent disruptions in its activities.

“I want to assure you, with this Refinery, we will stop all the bad Petroleum products imports not only to Nigeria but into the Continent.”

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Divorced Woman Rejects Ex-Husband’s $273m Lottery Win

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In a surprising twist, a newly divorced couple is making headlines after the husband won a massive $273 million in the lottery, just five months after their divorce.

The story has captured the attention of many, particularly because of the way the couple is handling the unexpected windfall.

Mike Murski, who had struggled with maintaining steady employment during his 15-year marriage to Eileen, is now a millionaire. Despite his newfound fortune, Eileen, who was the primary breadwinner during their marriage, says she has no interest in any of the winnings.

When asked if she believed she was entitled to a portion of the lottery jackpot, Eileen firmly responded, “The only thing that I would like to see is, obviously, termination of spousal support.” She explained that while the large sum of money was a life-changing event for Mike, it did not alter her feelings toward him or their past. “Now that you have money, it doesn’t mean that I would want to come back,” she added, making it clear that the lottery win wouldn’t change her decision to divorce.

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Their marriage, which ended five months ago, was far from amicable, and Eileen emphasized that the jackpot wouldn’t affect her stance. Despite the overwhelming amount of money Mike had just come into, she clarified, “$270 million does not make me appealing to her.” This statement came from Mike himself, as he reflected on how the lottery win might influence his ex-wife’s perception of him. When asked if he believed her, Mike remained indifferent, stating, “I don’t care.”

While Eileen seems more focused on the future, with her priority being the end of the alimony payments, Mike’s new wealth has not seemed to change the dynamics of their relationship. It’s clear that the two are moving forward in separate directions, and neither party seems to be interested in revisiting the past.

As Mike embarks on his new life as a multimillionaire, Eileen appears determined to put the past behind her and continue her own journey without the influence of his sudden fortune.

Whether their story will evolve further remains to be seen, but for now, their post-divorce life is marked by the intriguing contrast between Eileen’s financial independence and Mike’s unexpected jackpot.

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Road Safety confirmed 13 People Dead In Edo Road Accidents

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that at least 13 people lost their lives in road accidents across Edo State in November 2024. The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, confirmed this tragic news during an address to journalists in Benin City on Sunday.

According to Mathew, the fatalities resulted from multiple accidents that occurred throughout the state during that month. In addition to the 13 deaths, he noted that 76 passengers sustained injuries, and 1,524 drivers were apprehended for various traffic violations.

He explained that the primary causes of the accidents were factors such as brake failure, speeding, reckless driving, and the use of mobile phones while driving. Other contributing factors included route violations and failure to adhere to basic traffic regulations. Mathew also outlined that the 1,524 traffic offenders were arrested for a range of violations, including driving without a fire extinguisher, not installing a speed-limiting device, tyre violations, seat belt violations, overloading, driving against traffic, and using phones while driving.

All offenders were arraigned in a mobile court, where they were fined according to the severity of their violations.

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The FRSC official issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to avoid dangerous practices such as overspeeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving at night, and using phones while driving. He emphasized that these behaviors contribute significantly to road accidents and endanger the lives of everyone on the road.

In a separate incident, barely two weeks ago, a deadly automobile accident occurred near Tage Bridge in the Kafin Hausa Local Government Area of Jigawa State. On the Monday of that week, a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash that resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people. Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrifying, with numerous bodies scattered across the area.

The Jigawa State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Shi’isu Adam, who stated that the driver of the vehicle survived the crash and is currently cooperating with the police to determine the cause of the accident. The incident occurred when a Golf 3 Wagon, with the license plate GML 842 XA, was traveling from Hadejia town to Makera village. The vehicle reportedly overturned and plunged into a river.

Adam further revealed that the identities of the victims have not yet been disclosed, pending notification of their families. The police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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Nigerian Man Who Rained Curses On President Tinubu Nabbed

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A Nigerian man has been nabbed after he went on social media to rain curses on President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The arrest of the unnamed man who cursed President Bola Tinubu and rained insults on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu followed a recent warning by the Nigerian Police Force, which cautioned against making offensive statements or insults directed at public officials.

The police had followed up with the assertion that such acts were punishable under the law.

In the controversial video, the man unleashed curses at President Tinubu, holding him responsible for Nigeria’s challenges and criticizing his leadership. He also directed scathing remarks at Governor Sanwo-Olu, accusing him and other politicians of contributing to the nation’s plight.

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Some of his statements included:

“The Inspector General of Police said anyone who insults others should be arrested. It won’t be well with Bola Tinubu. He won’t have peace of mind wherever he is.”

“Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor with the black eye, it won’t be well with you either. You’ll know no peace wherever you are.”

“You politicians, spoiling this country without accountability, none of you will know peace. You’ve brought Nigeria to this state, and you shall face the consequences.”

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Despite knowing the authorities were after him, the man expressed defiance in the video, claiming he had been declared wanted and daring the police to take action.

“They said they’re looking for me and have declared me wanted on their platform. Senseless set of people,” he said.

“People like Yahaya Bello, who are destroying the country, are free, yet you declare me wanted. Those stealing money are untouched, but you’re after me.”

However, a follow-up clip confirmed that the man had been arrested for his remarks. The police have not disclosed further details about his detention, but his case has reignited debates on freedom of speech and the boundaries of criticism in Nigeria.

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Watch the video below of the man as he cursed President Tinubu

Man was arrested a few hours after insụlting Tinubu and Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu😳🙆 pic.twitter.com/VU47vv52b5

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 21, 2024
The video, which continues to circulate online, has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians condemning the man’s approach in cursing President Tinubu while others see his arrest as an attack on free expression.

See some reactions below:

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@DeeNwuga: “To track dey so easy till e reach time track kidnappers and bandits then everywhere go silent.”

@ourt_destiny: “Abacha regime was not this bad, Tinubu has taken it to a whole new level.”

@GeneralSnow_: “I love his unbothered look. They will only make him a hardened activist.”

@HIBILLIONEAR: “This is just a reminder that e no go better for Tinubu, Sanwa Olu, IG of police and ecery other Nigerian politician. Una go arrest until prison and cells full, no space.”

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@theboyisgreat: “They are afraid of what is coming but it will eventually catch up on them.”

@Chrizkhalifa21: “Na when e reach netizens turn una dey fit track them but track kidnappers and boko Haram una no fit.”

@Victoh: “The tyranny is playing out to our faces but we are still bantering Igbo or Yoruba. Make we dey play 😂Police PRO don first give us update of what is to come.”

@RAZZIEDML: “Na why I no dey do pass myself. Make them no go pick me wey never pick before.”

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