Protesters shut down NNPCL headquarters in Abuja, demand sack of Ojulari

By our correspondent

A group of protesters in their thousands have, on Wednesday September 3, asked for the immediate removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, over what they described as “leadership failure, sabotage of President Tinubu’s reform and working with those whose agenda is against the President.”

The groups at, a live world press conference during the protest, unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Bayo Ojulari, demanding his immediate removal and replacement with a GCEO that has the capacity to unite and serve as a stabilization link for the NNPCL, and not a divisive element like.

The coalition of protesters in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, known as Renewed Hope Interest Defenders, Lawyers in Defense of Accountability as well as CSOs for Oil Industry Reforms on Wednesday, September 3, shutdown NNPCL headquarters demanding sack of GCEO, Bayo Ojulari.

According to the protesters, Ojulari’s reign has brought crises, lack of motivation and undermining businesses while also accusing him of having links with those whose agenda is different from the President.

The joint leader of the group, Comrade Agu Obed, demanded that EFCC fast-track the ongoing investigation of Ojulari’s business partner and friend, Haske, saying that the kindergarten leadership style of Ojulari and the anti-renewed hope business relationship will ruin Tinubu’s goodwill.

“Barely weeks after his appointment, Ojulari’s leadership has been characterized by impunity, secrecy, and destructive policies that threaten to derail the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda and frustrate the tireless efforts of Mr. President in repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for sustainable growth and economic recovery.”

“It is now an open secret within the industry that Mr. Ojulari has an agenda to deliberately de-market NNPCL to justify a hurried and shady privatization process. We have credible information that buyers have already been lined up — cronies and proxies — waiting to acquire our national oil assets at giveaway prices. In the event he fails to privatize, Mr. Ojulari’s backup plan is to (allegedly) fabricate a bloated repair cost and demand billions to ‘refix’ already working refineries. This is nothing short of economic sabotage and institutional capture.

“This is a deliberate effort to sabotage the national refining effort and enrich private interests. This diversion must be investigated. We therefore call for an independent inspection by a team of credible, external engineers — including COREN and refinery experts — to verify the true operational state of the refineries and to determine if there was ever a genuine reason to shut them down.

“It is on record that President Tinubu has made it a national priority to raise Nigeria’s crude production from 1.6 million barrels per day to 3 million barrels per day. However, under Ojulari’s command, NNPCL is headed in the opposite direction,” they said in a press conference.

They have, therefore, threatened to take legal action if their demand is not met within 14 days.

Gabriel Achadu

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‎The Federal Government welcomes the landmark judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism offences.
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‎This ruling stands as a watershed moment – not only for the countless innocent Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods have been brutally disrupted by the reign of terror incited and financed by Ekpa and his collaborators—but also for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
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‎For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain: families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and entire communities forced to live under fear. Hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed, in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda that sought to undermine the peace, unity, and sovereignty of our nation.
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‎By upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, the Finnish judiciary has not only vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter but also sent a clear signal to extremists everywhere that the world is watching, and justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilize societies through terror.
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‎The Tinubu administration remains unshakable in its resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect the dignity of every citizen. We will continue to mobilize every resource, diplomatic, military, and judicial, to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of our country.
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‎We urge all those who, under the misguidance of Simon Ekpa and others, have taken up arms against their fatherland to immediately lay them down and embrace the path of peace. Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.
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‎The Federal Government also extends its profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the security and intelligence agencies, and the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police, whose sacrifices, courage, and commitment continue to secure our homeland in the face of daunting challenges. Their service and the resilience of the Nigerian people remain the backbone of our enduring unity.
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‎As we mark this turning point, the Federal Government enjoins all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to work together for national unity, peace, and security of the country.

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By Joyce Babayeju

The Board of Trustee and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body of the South South geopolitical zone, has expressed shock, over the news of the death of Chief Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, former Inspector General, Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and former Chairman, Police Service Commission, which sad event occurred on 31st August, 2025.

A statement by National Chairman of PANDEF Ambassador Dr Godknows Boladei igali, OON noted that Arase death was a “loss of a towering figure in law ” while decribing him as a “distinguished academic, and a sound lawyer who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian security landscape and public service”.

According to the statement , “Dr. Arase’s remarkable career was characterized by his unwavering commitment to excellence, his passion for justice, and his tireless efforts to promote safety and security across the country. As a seasoned law enforcement officer, he brought his vast experience and expertise to bear on the challenges facing national security and the Nigeria Police Force in particular. His diligence and contributions towards welfare of men and omen of the Nigerian Police Force, earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the public on how to make Nigeria more safe and respectable in the comity of nations.

PANDEF also recalls with nostalgia Dr. Arase, as former Chairman of its Edo State Chapter and now a BOT Member, leaves behind impressive achievements and was known more for his humility, kindness, and generosity of spirit. He was a true leader, a mentor, and a role model who inspired many.

He was indeed a true Nigerian hero of Special Class and will always be remembered in the annals of the country’s history”.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, the people of Sabondida Ora, Edo State and rest of Nigeria during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire and motivate us to build a more prosperous Niger Delta, and more just, and safer Nigeria”.

…Pledges support to Mbah on any party platform

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By our correspondent

Leaders of thought and people of Enugu East Senatorial District across political divides have adopted Governor Peter Mbah as their sole candidate in the 2027 governorship election, advising politicians in the state not to waste their money contesting against him.

The people of the zone made their stand known in a communiqué entitled “One Good Turn Deserves Another,” which they issued at the end of a town hall meeting at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Sunday, saying they were blind to party and would support Mbah on any political platform he chooses for his reelection.

“In endorsing him, we want to state that we are blind to party affiliation. In the face of Nigeria’s fluid party politics, our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, a performing Governor, who has shown that he not only has what it takes to turn Enugu State around, but also to take it to the pinnacle of glory where our founding fathers dreamt of,” they stated in their communiqué.

The motion for Mbah’s adoption was moved by Labour Party candidate in the 2023 governorship election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga.

Edeoga declared: “We know the story in the Bible about Saul and Paul. Saul was using all his might to fight the disciples of Jesus Christ. On his way to Damascus he met with the Holy Spirit and his eyes opened. He converted and became the most impactful follower of Jesus Christ.

“So I, as Chijioke Edeoga, am that Saul in the Bible. I am promising that I will be that Paul in the Bible. I will devote everything within me to ensure he returns for the second tenure. I am moving a motion that the leadership of Enugu East Senatorial Zone have decided that Peter Mbah will be our sole candidate for 2027.”

In seconding the motion, former state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, emphasised that although he was of the APC, the gathering of Enugu East was not about party, but about Mbah’s personality.

Also, a communiqué rendered by a political veteran, Deacon Ogbodo, at the end of the town hall meeting read in part, “Following a far-reaching discourse where our people — thought leaders, political leaders, professionals, youth leaders, women leaders, traditional rulers, Presidents-General of town unions, leaders of market associations, trade union leaders, among others – openly and freely aired their views, the people of Enugu East Senatorial District unequivocally endorse Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for a second term in office come 2027.

“If he has done these great works in repositioning Enugu State in just two years, it is only left to imagination what the state would look like at the end of eight years of his administration.

“Given Governor Peter Mbah’s trailblazing performance, we are convinced that he is leading Enugu State on the path of development never witnessed before. We have prayed for a day like this since the end of Dr. Michael Okpara’s era. Today, we can state unequivocally that God has answered our prayers in the person of Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Ndi Enugu now hold their heads high and proudly identify as Ndi Enugu anywhere.”

They further urged other senatorial zones to return in 2027 the political favour Enugu East did to them previously by not fielding a governorship candidate in any political party in 2007 and 2011, when Enugu West District took their turn of eight years through Barr. Sullivan Chime, and in 2015 and 2019, when Enugu North took their turn through Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Pressing the position of the zone further, former Deputy Governor, Dr. Sunday Onyebuchi, said any politician running against Mbah in 2027 would be wasting his money, unless he or she “just wants to have the title of former governorship candidate added to his name.”

They listed some of Mbah’s achievements such as “the radical improvement in the security of Enugu State due to the administration’s massive investment in that sector,” commitment of 33 percent of the state’s annual budget to the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools across the 260 political wards, construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres with accompanying staff quarters in 260 wards, and revival of the state’s moribund assets.

In the transport sector, they listed the launch of Enugu Air, launch of five modern transport terminals located at Holy Ghost (Enugu), Gariki, Nsukka, and Abakpa, as well as the launch of 100 CNG Mass Transit buses; the effort to complete and operationalise the international terminal of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and construct a cargo terminal to make Enugu an aviation hub.

They equally highlighted the “massive road projects in the state, with about 1,000km completed or ongoing,” completion of the International Conference Centre, ongoing construction of the ICC 5-Star Hotel, and the Enugu International Hospital.

They equally named several landmark agricultural interventions, among others.

By Our Reporters

Abuja — The decision of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to halt statutory allocations to Osun State’s 30 local governments has stirred a storm of legal fireworks and political debate.

Insiders, however, insist the move was not about power play but about the Attorney General’s concern for constitutional order and tenure stability at the grassroots.

Recall that March 26, 2025, Fagbemi wrote to relevant federal agencies directing that disbursements to Osun councils be suspended. His intervention followed the conduct of fresh local government elections in the state in February despite the subsistence of elected officials whose tenure, by convention, was due to expire in October.
Sources told this newspaper that the Attorney General viewed the February polls as “a disruption of tenure continuity” and acted to prevent a precedent that could destabilise local governance nationwide. “The AGF is convinced that democracy is not just about holding elections but also about allowing elected councils to serve out their term. To truncate that tenure is to invite instability and weaken institutions,” one aide said.
Those close to him argue that if the arbitrary decision of a state governor to abridge the tenure of elected officials in Osun goes unchallenged, it will embolden other governors across the federation to adopt the same approach. “That would endanger democracy and development at the grassroots. The AGF felt a duty to act so that what happened in Osun does not become a dangerous template for the erosion of local government autonomy nationwide,” another source explained.

Legal sources note that the Attorney General’s action was guided by long-settled principles. “He was mindful of salus populi suprema lex — the welfare of the people is the supreme law. His duty was to preserve stability until the courts, as final arbiters, pronounced on the matter,” a constitutional lawyer observed.
While critics have framed the directive as executive overreach, allies describe it as a holding action pending judicial clarity. “He was not trying to overrule the courts. He knows only the judiciary can resolve this definitively. He simply pressed pause until the Supreme Court could settle the dispute,” another insider added.
The Attorney General’s stance draws on judicial precedents. In Attorney General of Lagos State v. Dosunmu (1989), the Supreme Court affirmed the duty of the Attorney General to interpret the law and act in the public interest even while awaiting final judicial confirmation. His associates say this is precisely what Fagbemi has done.
But Osun State took a different view, filing a suit before the Supreme Court to compel the release of its funds. The state also initiated actions in other courts, while the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) joined the fray. In parallel, the Nigerian Bar Association, which had earlier sought dialogue with the Attorney General, intensified public criticism.
“It is curious that the NBA, which has a history of condemning governors for appointing caretaker committees, would ignore the unconstitutional decision of Governor Adeleke to truncate the tenure of elected local government officials, which is the foundation of the crisis,” one aide argued.
Analysts warn that such parallel actions amount to forum shopping and media trial. The Supreme Court has repeatedly frowned on these practices, most notably in Saraki v. Kotoye (1992) and Dingyadi v. INEC (2010), where it described them as abuses of court process. “Once a matter is in court, the principle of lis pendens requires restraint. Parties should not fight the same battle in court and in the press simultaneously,” one senior advocate noted.
Critics of the Attorney General cite Section 162 of the Constitution, which mandates that allocations “shall” be paid to councils. But supporters counter that he acted in the spirit of ubi jus ibi remedium — where there is a right, there must be a remedy. They argue that elected councils have a right to enjoy their full tenure, and that Fagbemi’s temporary directive was aimed at protecting that right.
“Democracy is undermined not by Fagbemi’s interim measure but by elections that cut short subsisting mandates,” a source maintained.
On why the Attorney General has avoided public sparring, an insider explained: “The AGF is aware of the multiplicity of suits filed by Osun directly or through its allies. Being a man of due process, he is not one to engage in media brickbats.” A close associate described him as a “gentleman of the Bar” who believes that justice must ultimately be settled in the courthouse, not in the court of public opinion.
A constitutional scholar put it this way: “This is not about politics. It is about ensuring that tenure is respected and the Constitution upheld. The AGF raised the alarm, but he has left the final word to the courts. That is what makes his intervention measured and principled.” The scholar, however, expressed concern about the multiplicity of suits filed by the Osun Government and its allies, describing them as “a flagrant abuse of court process.”
He welcomed the fact that Osun eventually filed a substantive case at the Supreme Court last week. According to him, the Court will now determine not only the fate of Osun’s allocations but also the delicate balance between executive caution and judicial supremacy.
Whichever way the decision goes, Fagbemi’s move has already highlighted a central constitutional question: how to preserve stability and legitimacy in Nigeria’s local government system.

Gabriel Achadu

The House of Representatives has reacted to a recent publication in the media indicating an imminent showdown in the House leadership, describing it as, “elevating an isolated, remarks and informal conversations from House WhatsApp groups as if they represent the official position of any House caucus or the House itself”.

In a statememt made available to Daybreak Nigeria on Sunday and signed by Akin Rotimi, Jr. Spokesman, HoR, it noted that, “contrary to insinuations of an impending “showdown,” the House remains united under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, Speaker of the House. With 360 members from every part of Nigeria, across diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House reflects the nation’s full heterogeneity.”

Speaking further it noted that, Honourable Members are free to express opinions in both formal and informal settings on matters affecting their constituencies and privileges. However, such expressions when reported, especially when not balanced by differing viewpoints, do not constitute resolutions or positions of any caucus. The House operates according to established parliamentary procedures, through which caucus leaders, committees, or individual Members may formally table issues for the leadership or, where necessary, for debate and resolution by the entire chamber. Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions.

It is to the Speaker’s credit that, despite this diversity, the 10th Assembly has remained united, reaching common positions on national issues through consensus building and allowing every Member a voice. The House remains focused on preparing for resumption on September 23, 2025, with renewed commitment to national priorities.

Some issues referenced in the report conflate genuine concerns with sensationalism. Delayed contractor payments are a national challenge and not peculiar to the constituency projects nominated by Honourable Members. For many weeks, the House Leadership, through the Appropriations Committees, has engaged the Honourable Minister of Finance. Payments have commenced and the Leadership is committed to ensuring all outstanding 2024 obligations are settled expeditiously.

Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development. The Leadership stresses that, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, constituency projects are essential for extending government presence nationwide. While these agitations are valid, they must be understood within current fiscal realities and not misrepresented.

On the issue of recruitment into the National Assembly bureaucracy, this is the sole responsibility of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), a statutory and independent body. The House Leadership neither conducted nor controlled the exercise. The process follows principles of Federal Character, inclusiveness, and merit, ensuring fair representation of Nigerians across states and geopolitical zones. However, in line with its oversight mandate, the Speaker has directed the House Committee on Public Service Matters, which oversees the National Assembly Commission, to conduct a thorough investigation of the recruitment exercise and report back to the House.

Suggestions that development is “unfairly concentrated” in any one region are false, divisive, and unhelpful. The House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness. Internal disagreements are addressed through established parliamentary mechanisms, not speculative newspaper reports.

While the report is largely misleading, it highlights the tone and focus of conversations among Members who continue to prioritise and advocate on issues directly affecting citizens and constituencies, including project implementation, equitable employment opportunities, and the security of lives and property.