By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Nigerians gathered in Abuja on Monday, launching a large-scale protest over escalating fuel costs, chronic fuel shortages, and mounting economic hardship.

Led by Abdullahi Bilal of the (Two Million Man March Against Oil Scam Cabal) and Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac from Citizens and Economic Freedom Rights Activists in Nigeria (CEFRAN), the demonstrators demanded immediate action to address what they described as failed leadership in managing the country’s oil sector.

Central to the protests were grievances over skyrocketing fuel prices and the never-ending queues, which they argued have driven inflation and plunged millions of Nigerians into poverty.

The demonstrators condemned the current fuel subsidy regime, claiming it has only served to enrich a select few while leaving the majority struggling with high prices.

They called for full deregulation in the oil sector to ensure transparency, competition, and fairer fuel pricing.

Protesters also decried the importation of adulterated fuel, which they said is a corrupt practice that harms citizens by damaging vehicles and businesses.

They demanded an immediate halt to these imports and accountability for those responsible, questioning how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite quality control assurances.

Additionally, the group criticized the unfulfilled promise of the Dangote Refinery to resolve Nigeria’s fuel crisis, expressing frustration over the billions of dollars spent on refinery development and refurbishing existing facilities.

They argued that despite these investments, fuel shortages persist, leaving Nigeria reliant on costly imports even as an oil-producing nation.

Highlighting the impact of the fuel crisis on the economy, protesters cited inflation surpassing 24% and a 200% rise in fuel prices, factors they say are deepening poverty across the country.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene by overhauling leadership in the oil sector, enforcing greater accountability, and putting citizens’ needs first. The protesters vowed to continue mobilizing until their demands for reform and transparency are met.

Speaking to journalists during the mass demonstration, Abdullahi Bilal stated, “The Two Million Man March stands as a united voice for every citizen who has been betrayed by a system that continues to enrich a few at the expense of many.

“Today, we call for the immediate resignation of the current leadership in the country’s oil sector. Their management has failed Nigerians.

Under their watch, we have seen fuel prices skyrocket without consultation or consideration of the devastating impact on the people. We have endured fuel scarcity while substandard, adulterated fuel is imported, causing further hardship.

“We demand the complete removal of the fraudulent fuel subsidy regime that has only served to enrich a select few. Full deregulation is necessary to introduce transparency, competition, and fairness to our oil sector.

We also demand an end to the importation of adulterated fuel into Nigeria. This harmful practice must stop immediately, and those responsible must be held accountable for the damage caused to our vehicles, businesses, and livelihoods.

Nigerians have suffered long enough, wasting hours and days queuing for fuel. We demand a sustainable solution to the fuel scarcity crisis—no more excuses, no more delays. We deserve better.

“We also want to highlight the failure of the much-anticipated refinery. Nigerians were promised that this would solve our fuel crisis, but it has failed to deliver.

“This mismanagement has led to inflation reaching a shocking 24.5% as of November 2024. Fuel prices have increased by over 200%, plunging millions of Nigerians into deeper poverty.

To the government, we say: enough is enough. Nigerians will not stand by while the oil cabal continues to thrive at the expense of our nation’s welfare. We demand accountability, and we demand it now.”

On their part, Barrister Napoleon Otache and Olayemi Isaac, insisted: “This act of economic sabotage has led to endless fuel queues, skyrocketing fuel prices, and unprecedented disruptions in the daily lives of Nigerians.

“We demand an immediate end to fuel queues, transparency, and accountability from all involved parties. We want to know how substandard fuel continues to enter the country despite assurances of quality control.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has taken a former Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, into custody in Port Harcourt, Rivers State over alleged misappropriation/embezzlement of billions of naira belonging to the state during his tenure.

A source familiar with the matter made the disclosure asking to not be identified.

Details shortly…

House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, has cautioned that his colleague, Alex Ikwechegh, might suffer a “double tragedy” due to his alleged assault on e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja last month.

Chinda explained: “Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue,” Chinda stated during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV.

“Perhaps, he might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and discipline in the House,” he added.

Chinda noted that Ikwechegh had expressed remorse and issued an apology to Nigerians but emphasised that “that is a standard for parliamentarians. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams, and people should look up to you in character and conduct.”

The controversy began in late October when Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had been delivering snails on behalf of a vendor.

Tension rose when the driver requested payment upon arrival at Ikwechegh’s residence.

The lawmaker, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency, was reportedly heard telling the vendor, “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.”

Following the altercation, which was widely condemned, police arrested Ikwechegh, who subsequently issued a public apology.

On Wednesday, he was granted bail of N500,000 by a Kuje Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.

The case was thereafter adjourned to 8 November.