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Nobody is spared, everybody is wallowing in poverty- Cardinal Onaiyekan hammers Tinubu
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, the former Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, has expressed deep concern over the escalating economic hardship in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Speaking at a Marian Concert in Abuja during the 2024 Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Onaiyekan urged the federal government to urgently review its policies, which he says are inmcreasing poverty nationwide.
The clergyman didn’t mince words in his assessment of the current economic situation, saying: “Everybody is now becoming poor.”
Onaiyekan lamented the severe economic conditions Nigerians are enduring. He pointed out that while those in power live in extravagance, ordinary citizens struggle with basic needs like fuel.
“You can’t tell someone to be patient with poverty while we see the people who are supposed to address our poverty, live flamboyantly,” Onaiyekan remarked stated.
He called for a leadership that understands the urgency of the people’s plight and takes measures to ease their suffering, warning that “there is a limit to what people can handle.”
The Cardinal criticized policies that have led to unprecedented levels of economic pain, including the sharp increase in fuel prices, inflation, and the devaluation of the naira, which has left many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
He noted that the situation is particularly dire for the middle class, which has been “completely wiped out.”
He urged the federal government to reconsider its approach, stating that leadership has a responsibility to ensure justice and equity, with the nation’s common resources distributed fairly.
“When there is a sense of justice and equity, the nation’s common resources are equitably distributed,” he said.
In addition to his call for policy reform, Onaiyekan urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.
News
Court Dismisses Bobrisky’s Fundamental Rights Suit Against EFCC
A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed a fundamental rights suit filed by Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bobrisky had sought N200 million from the EFCC for “psychotic trauma” and demanded N1 billion from the National Assembly for the “violation of his right to a fair hearing.”
He also urged the court to restrain the EFCC and the National Assembly from “harassing, detaining, or declaring him wanted.”
Bobrisky has been embroiled in controversy after social media influencer Martins Otse leaked an audio recording alleging that he paid the EFCC N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.
Delivering judgement on the case, Justice Alexander Owoeye ruled on November 28, that Bobrisky’s claims of rights violations lacked merit and were unsupported by credible evidence.
The EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
“Having evaluated the evidence placed before this Court by the Applicant, it is evident that the Applicant has failed to provide credible evidence to justify the award of the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by him,” the judge ruled.
“I hold that the claims of violation of fundamental rights against the 1st and 2nd Respondents were not made out of the affidavit evidence placed before this Court.
“The Applicant’s claims against the 1st and 2nd Respondents lack merit and are accordingly dismissed.”
Justice Owoeye also refused to award damages against the EFCC.
News
Akwa Ibom Governor eulogizes Late Wife At Funeral
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, on Friday, paid tribute to his late wife and First Lady, Patience, during her funeral service held in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit-Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
The governor described his late wife as his anchor and vowed never to forget her or refer to her in the past tense, promising to keep her memory alive in his heart.
“You were my anchor, the one who could tell me what was right and what was wrong. With your death, part of me is gone, but I will cherish the memories we shared forever,” Eno said with emotion.
Reflecting on their 40-year journey together, Eno expressed gratitude for the blessings they enjoyed as a couple and found solace in their children and grandchildren.
“Today, as we bid you farewell, the whole world is here, celebrating your memory. As I look at our children and grandchildren, I take consolation in the fact that the journey that began 40 years ago has been one of growth and immeasurable blessings. We will be fine,” he said.
“I will never describe you in past tense. You will always be my ‘Oluwakemi,’ alive in my mind, fresh in my thoughts, and warm in my heart,” he added, his voice filled with emotion.
In her remarks, the wife of Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nana, lauded the late First Lady’s contributions to humanity and urged the family to uphold her legacy.
Rev. Simeon Afolabi, of First Love Assembly in Port Harcourt, delivered a heartfelt homily titled “When the Death of Loved Ones Occurs.”
He emphasised that the passing of a loved one strains the world because of the impact they made during their life.
“Anyone who makes a difference in life does not die alone,” Afolabi said, drawing inspiration from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16, and encouraging the family to emulate the virtues of their late mother.
Her death was reported on September 26, 2024.
The funeral service was graced by a host of dignitaries, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Others include: Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and former Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Obong Umana Okon Umana, and several other dignitaries who came to pay their last respects.
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Port Harcourt Refinery Yet To Begin Bulk Sales, Says NNPCL
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) has not yet commenced bulk sales or opened its purchase portal, as essential processes are still being finalized.
NNPCL Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
He stated that the products the refinery current sells originate from the Dangote Refinery and it include applicable fees by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
“Products from PHRC are exclusively for our retail stores at this stage. Our pricing is reviewed and adjusted periodically as necessary to reflect operational realities,” the statement read.
The company also advised the public to disregard any misleading information regarding pricing and notes that official announcements will be made if and when price reviews occur.
This clarification comes amid public anticipation of the PHRC’s full-scale operations as the company works to streamline its processes.
Earlier, NNPCL clarified that the newly activated Port Harcourt refinery is currently working at 90 per cent capacity, and not 70 per cent as stated by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN).
PETROAN had on Thursday said the refinery is currently operating at 70 per cent of its installed capacity, with plans to ramp up to 90 per cent.
But the company said that the Port Harcourt refinery has commenced crude oil refining.
“Halt the rumours: Port Harcourt old refinery is up and running, producing by-products of crude oil”, and signed by its spokesperson on Thursday, Joseph Obele, PETROAN noted that as part of its oversight function, it has direct access to the plant on the authorisation of management.
“It is more important to state here that the functional plant at operation is the old refinery with the capacity of 60,000 barrels per day, while the new port Harcourt refinery with the capacity of 200,000 barrels per day is still under rehabilitation which is due to commence production soon as announced by the management of NNPCL. Both Refineries are within the same complex at Alesa Eleme in Rivers State,” NNPCL spokesman said.
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