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Badaru’s defection plan to PDP intensified as loyalists destroy Tinubu billboards in Dutse
Amid defection rumours, a few supporters of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), allegedly loyal to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru were been observed vandalizing billboards bearing images of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Umar Namadi and Jigawa state APC Chairman, Aminu Gumel in Dutse, Jigawa state.
The incidents have sparked concerns, particularly in light of growing speculation that the Defence Minister, Badaru may be preparing to switch political allegiance by defecting to the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.
The billboards, located in key areas of the city, were seen slashed, defaced and in some cases, completely destroyed by youths allegedly acting on the signalled defection notice of their boss or a script to portray the Governor bad.
Speaking to our correspondent, one of the aggrieved youths who gave his name as Bala Sule Babura, voiced his disappointment in the government, citing that Governor Umar Namadi has being running the state the way he likes without recourse to Badaru.
“The Governor here has refused to follow the instructions of the former Governor. Those of us loyal to the party can hardly access government house because of the sharp divide between the Governor and his predecessor. The promises made to us haven’t materialized and it feels like we’re worse off now”, Babura expressed.
Political analysts have noted that Governor Namadi has taken full charge of the entire leadership structure in the state against the wishes of the former Governor and now Minister who fought tirelessly against the emergence of Namadi as Governor of Jigawa state, thereby rendering Minister Badaru almost politically impotent in the state as key stakeholders earlier loyal to Badaru have all switched their full loyalty to the governor, a practice Badaru is not finding funny at all.
It is worthy of note that the people of the state voted massively for Umar Namadi as their governor against the directives of Former Governor Abubakar Badaru who didn’t want his deputy to succeed him.
An indigene of Dutse, Baba Mohammad who granted an interview noted that paying a few group of boys money to destroy the President’s billboards will not change the love and trust the people of Jigawa state have on Umar Namadi.
“Badaru may have thought that to align with the PDP will help him regain political relevance in the state, but truth be told, it will further signal a total collapse of his already weak political structure in Jigawa state which is evident to even the blind particularly as the country moves closer to another general election. I was Badaru’s Coordinator for the Artisans here but I had to leave him like others did before the election when he ordered us to vote against Umar Namadi”, Mohammad stated.
The actions of his alleged supporters have further fueled these rumours of defection.
More suspicion is abound as Badaru is yet to release any official statement on his indictment of trying to force the current Governor to release a certain percentage of the state’s monthly allocation sums to him which the Governor refused vehemently.
Some party members have expressed concern over the discontent within their ranks noting that the Governor is the leader of the Party in the state and should be allowed to rebuild the party from the total mess Badaru left it.
Governor Namadi has countless times stated that the monthly allocations are mainly for the development of the state and not for political hijackers.
Meanwhile, opposition members have taken note of the events as a potential indication of rising dissatisfaction among APC loyalists, possibly providing the PDP with new alliances as they strategize for the upcoming elections.
The public too remains watchful. The remaining few around the Minister are already feeling the impact of their principal’s loss of the people’s trust as they are now left with questioning the political future of Badaru which seems to be in its diminishing phase.
This incident marks yet another chapter in Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, illustrating the challenges of leadership and the complexities of political loyalty and home base political redundancy which Badaru is being faced with
Some opinion moulders have noted that Badaru is holding a position he doesn’t deserve following the low number of votes he was able to garnear for President Tinubu in the last Presidential election.
“In Jigawa state today, Badaru has no significant influence even as Minister of Defence as no one cares to take him serious, so his defection to PDP will be of no negative consequence to APC Jigawa state”, Mohammad concluded
(By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, paid a visit to former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), at his residence in Minna, Niger State.
In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Obi confirmed the visit, which followed his earlier meeting with Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.
The discussions with IBB reportedly centered on national issues, with Obi also taking the opportunity to wish the elder statesman a happy new year.
Describing Babangida as a “father figure” and “wise man,” Obi expressed his admiration for the former leader’s insights and guidance.
He wrote:
“From Jigawa State, I traveled to Minna, Niger State to pay a visit to a father figure, elder statesman, and leader, the former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, at his residence in Minna. The visit was an opportunity to wish him a happy New Year and to exchange thoughts on national issues.
“General Babangida’s wisdom and perspectives remain very important, and I always deeply appreciate the chance to visit him and listen to his invaluable advice and words of wisdom.
“A new Nigeria is POssible!”
News
After Obasanjo’s outburst NNPCL invites him to PH Refinery, Speaks on ‘Halting Crude Oil Supply to Dangote
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has invited former President Olusegun Obasanjo to visit the Port Harcourt Refinery and assess its operational status firsthand.
Naijablitznews reports this is coming barely hours after the former president’s on the reactivated refineries.
Obasanjo had granted interview on Channels Television, in which he cited advice from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) raising concerns about the refinery’s potential inefficiency.
SPDC, which had been approached for equity participation in the refinery, reportedly attributed these concerns to corruption impacting operations.
Obasanjo also accused NNPCL of misleading the public regarding the refinery’s performance.
In response, NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and invited Obasanjo to see the progress made since the refinery’s rehabilitation.
Soneye highlighted that the rehabilitation efforts involved more than just maintenance, but a complete overhaul to meet international standards, with similar projects underway at the Warri, old Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries.
Soneye also noted that NNPCL’s transition from a government corporation to a private entity with limited liability has refocused the company on profitability, aiming to position it as a competitive global energy player. He reassured Nigerians of NNPCL’s dedication to sustaining operations that meet global standards and contribute to the nation’s energy security.
Addressing Obasanjo’s comments, Soneye acknowledged the former president’s role in national discussions and reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to a brighter future. Regarding rumors about NNPCL cutting crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery, Soneye dismissed the reports as false, indicating there was no need to respond to such claims.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
On Thursday, marking the inaugural trading day of 2025, global oil prices experienced a modest increase.
Brent crude futures experienced an increase, reaching $74.80 a barrel by 0547 GMT, marking a gain of 17 cents, or 0.06%
Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose by 19 cents, or 0.26%, settling at $71.91 a barrel
On Tuesday, New Year’s Eve, Brent crude oil prices increased by 65 cents, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) saw a rise of 73 cents on the same day
In 2024, global oil prices experienced significant fluctuations, driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and a notable decline in oil demand from China
China’s Economic Growth Fuels Optimism.
Investors are closely monitoring the expansion of China’s economy.
According to a report by Reuters, oil investors are expressing optimism regarding potential growth in China’s economy, which may lead to increased oil demand from the Asian powerhouse
This sentiment follows President Xi Jinping’s commitment to fostering growth by 2025
In his New Year’s address, the President of China committed to enacting more proactive policies aimed at stimulating economic growth in 2025
China’s factory activity experienced sluggish growth in December 2024, according to a recent survey by Caixin and S&P Global
However, there are indications of a modest recovery in the services and construction sectors, pointing to the potential impact of policy stimulus measures.
Impact of US Economic Policies
As US President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, investors are expressing concerns about the potential effects of tariffs
Due to the New Year holiday, the Energy Information Administration has delayed the release of the weekly U.S. oil stocks data until Thursday, which investors are currently anticipating
Market analyst Tony Sycamore shared insights with Reuters, noting that the weekly chart for WTI is narrowing, suggesting that a significant price movement is on the horizon
The upcoming US ISM manufacturing release is poised to play a crucial role in determining the next direction for crude oil prices.
Instead of attempting to forecast the direction of the impending break, he suggested that it would be more prudent to observe it as it happens and then align with it.
Nigeria’s oil price assumption for the year
The administration of President Bola Tinubu has established the 2025 budget based on the expectation that global oil prices will hover around $75 per barrel.
Additionally, the government has committed to increasing oil production to exceed 2 million barrels per day
Elements influencing oil prices in 2025. We project China’s oil demand to peak in 2025. We anticipate an increase in oil prices should this occur
The Economic and Technological Research Institute (ETRI) of the China National Petroleum Corporation forecasts an increase in oil demand to around 770 million tonnes in the world’s second-largest economy by 2025. India’s Demand: If demand surges in India, the country with the highest population globally, we could witness a significant increase in oil prices. Analysts predict that India is poised to overtake China as the dominant oil market in Asia.
Trump’s commitment to the slogan “drill, baby, drill” has sparked significant discussion regarding energy policies and environmental implications. Upon taking office, President Trump has committed to an immediate increase in oil production within the United States. Experts suggest that this scenario may be unlikely, as the private sector predominantly influences the oil and gas industry in America. The impact of OPEC: Last year, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) faced challenges managing oil prices despite implementing production cuts.
We cannot yet predict the potential impact on the oil market in 2025. Analysts suggest that OPEC’s influence in the global oil market has diminished compared to its historical prominence.
Photos) Obi Visits IBB, Reveals Their Discussion
After Obasanjo’s outburst NNPCL invites him to PH Refinery, Speaks on ‘Halting Crude Oil Supply to Dangote
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