Author: Amarachi Evangel

Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN heartily congratulates four senior lawyers of Benue State origin who have just been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

The newly elevated silks are Godwin Sunday Ogboji, Esq, Adakole Edwin Inegedu, Esq, David Ogenyi Ogebe, Esq, and Augustine Enenche Audu, Esq.

This feat, amongst a select list of only 57 nominees from across the country, is an unprecedented achievement that bears true testimony to the culture of hardwork , commitment, dedication, perseverance and resilience which defines the Benue people as a nation.

According to Chief Aondoakaa, SAN the elevation,was announced by the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), which says the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria is conferred as a mark of professional excellence upon legal practitioners who have demonstrated exceptional distinction either as advocates in the courts or as academics contributing significantly to the development of legal scholarship.

The former number one, Chief law officer of the Federation says their elevation is a befitting reward for hard work, consistency, integrity, and profound contributions to the Nigerian legal advocacies over the years.

He wishes the newest Senior Advocates many years of continuous excellence as legal giants and exemplars for younger generations.

Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN maintained.

Nigerian businessman Abdulrauf Ademola has responded to allegations made by six Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic (CAR), who accused him of passport seizure, unpaid salaries, and abandonment in a widely circulated video.

In a statement made available to newsmen Saturday, Ademola refuted the claims, describing them as exaggerated and misleading.

Ademola clarified that the workers’ passports were not confiscated but were being processed for work permit extensions in Bangui. “This is the second time we are extending their permits because I want to ensure all our workers have legal status,” he said. “Nobody seized their passports at all.”

Addressing claims that the workers were abandoned at the mining site, he explained that operations were scaled down due to the rainy season.

“There are still 10 Nigerian workers and about 40 Central African employees with security on-site. A Chinese mechanic recently left, but workers are being rotated off duty gradually. Is this abandonment? Maybe I missed a call, but we did not desert anyone”, he said.

The workers had alleged they were owed 10 months’ salary, but Ademola countered that they had only been in CAR for five months, including time spent in the capital, Bangui.

He said: “They were paid allowances while in Bangui and received above-average wages once on-site, including food provisions. The dispute arose because I delayed two months’ pay due to bad weather and some workers’ misconduct.

“We were discussing adjustments, which likely triggered their social media outcry.”

Ademola insisted his account was backed by documentation and said he had informed the Nigerian Embassy in CAR to investigate.

“I have legal evidence for all my claims.This is an internal company matter, not a diplomatic crisis”, he explained.

He urged media outlets to avoid sensationalising the issue. “I appeal to journalists not to exploit this situation to create tension between Nigeria and CAR,” Ademola said. “We are peaceful Nigerians resolving a workplace disagreement.”

A civil society organization, the Campaign for Dignity in Governance, has praised the Lagos State Government for launching the “Produce for Lagos” program, calling the initiative and its ₦500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund a brilliant response to the food insecurity challenges facing the nation.

In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Razaq Olokooba, the organization expressed its commendation on Friday following the program’s official unveiling earlier in the week.

The initiative aims to transform Lagos’ food system and reduce the state’s dependence on external food sources, garnering praise for the Sanwo-Olu-led government both within and beyond the state.

According to Olokooba, the initiative is timely and marks a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the Lagos State Government, the private sector, the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company (LAFSINCO), Ekolog, and the Lagos Bulk Trading Company.

Olokooba noted that the model being developed is set to enhance food production and logistics across the state and could serve as a scalable framework for improving livelihoods and national resilience. From the group’s sampling of opinions in Lagos and other states, it seems that citizens are pleased with the Lagos state government’s strategic programs aimed at combating hunger and starvation.

He highlighted that a key component of the “Produce for Lagos” program is its data-driven approach, emphasizing that the scheme will help tackle agricultural inefficiencies and build stronger value chains.

“It is said that food security is a collective responsibility that we cannot afford to neglect as a nation. We are grateful to God for providing us with a leader like Sanwo-Olu, who is visionary, forward-thinking, and compassionate towards ordinary people.

“We commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for consistently setting benchmarks and leading the way in subnational governance. These achievements demonstrate the economic growth, infrastructural development, and urban planning efforts of the Lagos government.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is a trailblazer; he has performed admirably, and we fully support his programs and policies. His work over the past six years speaks for itself. This initiative, a partnership between the state government and the private sector, will significantly boost agricultural production.”

During the launch, Sanwo-Olu also announced the deployment of a fleet of 150 cold and dry trucks, the largest of its kind, in partnership with the private sector.

It should be noted that business mogul Tony Elumelu, who supported the project with ₦25 billion, emphasized the importance of food security and expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between Lagos and other participating states.

Other prominent individuals at the event included Amir Kamel, Vice President of Afreximbank, and Mr. Michel Deleen, the Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, among other dignitaries.

The Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) at the University of Abuja on Friday awarded Doctoral Degrees in Public Governance and Leadership to Ambassador Simeon Nicholas Uwa, the Executive Secretary of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) – Africa, along with two other recipients. As well, a Master’s Degree was awarded to one more individual.

These academic awards were granted following the successful defense of their theses and dissertation, which took place on July 25, 2025.

In addition to Ambassador Uwa, the other recipients of Doctoral Degrees include Adams Echono, an Assistant Director at the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and Kayode Tayo Tajudeen. While Ozemogie Raphael Emasealu received a Master’s Degree in the same field.

After the event, Prof. Dr. Bolade Thomas Adeyemo, the representative of the Dean of the Post Graduate School at the University of Abuja, congratulated the candidates on their academic achievements and praised the efforts of the Center in shaping current and future leaders in Nigeria through education.

Adeyemo expressed satisfaction with the events and improvements at the Center, commending ALC’s Director, Prof. Philip Dahida, for his dedicated efforts in training and graduating capable students. He noted that the University of Abuja aims to sustain the progress made by the Center and plans to admit more high-quality students, both locally and internationally, for master’s and doctoral degrees.

He added that the university anticipates that the leaders trained by the Center will occupy strategic positions and contribute meaningfully to the nation.

“The examination was conducted as scheduled, following the university’s guidelines. All four candidates performed well and made the best of the resources available to them. Therefore, both doctoral and master’s candidates rightfully earned their awards. Their presentations indicated that they engaged in fieldwork, and their findings will significantly contribute to the development of the institution and the country as a whole.

“The achievements you see today are the result of the Center’s consistent efforts in training and graduating students while ensuring they meet the required standards. The recent increase in the number of doctoral and master’s graduates reflects the deliberate approach taken by the Center and the Postgraduate School at the University of Abuja.

“We expect that over the next few years, these individuals will assume numerous strategic leadership roles across the country. The knowledge they acquired from this program will manifest to the benefit of Nigeria and humanity,” Adeyemo noted.

Ambassador Simeon Uwa also spoke about applying the knowledge gained from his doctoral programme in the public sector. He revealed that the program has broadened his knowledge and better equipped him to impact society.

Uwa urged current and aspiring leaders to enroll in the school to acquire knowledge in leadership and public governance, at both the master’s and doctoral levels, emphasizing that this education will prepare them for optimal performance. He identified poor leadership as a major barrier to national development, stating, “With the proper grooming of individuals by the Abuja Leadership Center, Nigeria will undoubtedly improve.”

“I will apply the knowledge I gained in the public sector. This program has enhanced my capabilities because I have acquired new insights and will contribute more to society. I am committed to giving back to the community based on what this institution has equipped me with through my learning.

“I strongly recommend that current leaders and aspiring leaders take part in this program, regardless of its duration, to gain additional knowledge on how to improve society,” Uwa stated.
Similarly, senior public servant Adams Echono praised the Center for its impactful knowledge-sharing, noting that the programme has refined his understanding of life and leadership and highlighted the importance of providing good governance.

Echono described the programme as “wonderful” and suggested that the institute collaborate with the National University Council to integrate relevant courses into the undergraduate curriculum. He encouraged Nigerians to seize the opportunity to gain knowledge from the Abuja Leadership Center.

“I have learned a great deal; the program has reshaped my perspective on life and leadership, and expanded my view on the necessity of providing effective governance,” he remarked. “The doctoral program is excellent, and I advocate for collaboration between the institute (ALC) and the Nigerian University Council to develop it as part of the curriculum at the sub-degree and undergraduate levels, facilitating the cultivation of future leaders.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and experience available. Given the Center’s trajectory, I am confident it will become one of the best in the country,” Echono advised.

The Abuja Leadership Center (ALC), established at the University of Abuja, is a TETFund Center of Excellence in Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership both in Nigeria and beyond.

…withdraw petitions

Several organizations, including Young Professionals for Peace and Development, the Coalition of Civil Society Against Corruption, South East Frontiers, Niger Delta Advocacy for Good Governance, and the Yoruba Action Group for Sustainable Development have issued a formal plea to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed. They apologized for the alleged and unfounded accusations of corruption directed at him.

The leadership of the groups including the Director, Lawyers in Defence of Good Governance, Olawale Mudasiru; the National Co-ordinator, Northern Interest Project, Alh. Abdullahi Farouk; President, Young Professionals for Peace and Development, Engr. Emeka Obioara; President, Coalition of Civil Society Against Corruption, Comrade Adedayo Oluwasegun; Coordinator, South East Frontiers, Agozie Chibudom; President, Niger Delta Advocacy for Good Governance, Perepate Godspower; and President, Yoruba Action Group for Sustainable Development, Mogbojuri A. Alao, publicly rendered their apology, and also withdrew their petitions calling for the removal of the NMDPRA’s CEO during a world press conference held in Abuja.

This was contained in a press address signed by the leadership of the groups, which they said unanimously that their later investigation and information gathered showed that they made unfounded allegations and unverifiable claims against Ahmed and his family.

They said: “We the undersigned groups of civil society group that has been raising agitation for removal of NMDPRA boss as a result of mismanagement of public funds and using of public funds to sponsor four of his children in expensive schools/ ivory leagues abroad to a tune of $5 million.

“There we alleged to be luxury at the expense of Nigerians and the funds is from illegal proceeds as the head of the agency. We went further to demand for immediate removal and prosecution of the NMDPRA boss.

“A campaign that last for weeks.
Gentlemen of the Press, our further findings and investigations later brought to our notice showed that our initial allegations were unfounded as further evidence made available to us shows that the said children had already graduated from their respective institutions even before he was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the agency, and also that the said Children was on scholarship during their stay as students of the institution.

“This means that, our initial claim was false and misleading as other findings have revealed in the case of further inquiries to press home our demand. Based on superior findings that negates our initial demand, we hereby use this medium to withdraw our initial petitions against the NMDPRA Boss, and tender an unreserved apology for the wrong information we were peddling about him.

“We are not mindful of the pains this would have caused the entire family while the petition was submitted and followed, we were misinformed and we tendered our apology on the misleading news we have spread to the public against the CEO.

“On behalf of the Groups under listed, we hereby officially withdraw the said petition and pass a vote of confidence on Engr. Farouk Ahmed as we also noticed unhindered implementation of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), which ensures equitable distribution of petroleum products nationwide compared to what we used to have, also audit report made available to us after didn’t show the mentioned infractions which further buttress the fact that, the agency fund was not used to sponsor his Children in the mentioned institutions.

“While we remain alive to our responsibility as watch dog of the society, especially the Public office holders entrusted with public funds, we won’t shy away from withdrawing frivolous allegations if found out that we have been misguided by information initially made available to us.

Again, we all tender our unreserved apology.”

The Alliance of Nigerian Lawyers and Civil Society Advocates has launched a strong campaign to stop what it describes as a “sinister plot” by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), led by Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari, to sell the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries as scrap. The group is calling for President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

The Alliance presented its grievances and demands during a rally at the National Assembly on Monday, July 21, 2025, urging President Tinubu to intervene and halt the planned sale of the refineries, emphasizing that history will remember his intervention positively.

In a statement signed by Dr. Kemi Babalola and Mustapha Ibrahim on behalf of the Alliance, the group announced plans to stage protests from July 21 to July 24, 2025, at the National Assembly, NNPCL headquarters, Ministry of Justice, US Embassy, and British High Commission in Abuja. They demand accountability and an immediate stop to the proposed sale of these critical national assets.

The refineries, with Port Harcourt and Kaduna over 80% complete and Warri at 60%, are close to operational status. However, the Alliance accused Mr. Ojulari of orchestrating their sabotage to justify selling them to cronies at undervalued prices.

“We call on you to intervene to stop the unlawful sale of our refineries, verify their near-complete status, hold the NNPCL accountable, and ensure our energy sector serves the people. By doing so, you will etch your name in history as Nigeria’s great emancipator,” the Alliance assured Tinubu.

“These refineries, built and rehabilitated with taxpayers’ money, are not scrap but vital to Nigeria’s energy security,” stated Dr. Babalola. “Ojulari’s actions, including shutting down the fully functional Port Harcourt refinery in May 2025 for supposed maintenance, are deliberate attempts to undermine their progress.”

The Alliance outlined several allegations against Ojulari, including unlawfully pushing to sell the refineries without legal authority, violating the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers ownership of such assets to the Federation. They also accused him of mismanagement, favoritism in diverting crude oil to private refineries, and misleading President Bola Tinubu by claiming the facilities are irreparable.

“Ojulari’s leadership is a betrayal of public trust, risking elite capture of assets meant for all Nigerians,” Mustapha Ibrahim, a civil society advocate, said. The group cited the Port Harcourt refinery’s proven capacity to produce 1.4 million liters of gasoline daily before its abrupt shutdown as evidence of sabotage. “Why halt a refinery that was working only to label it irreparable?” Babalola questioned. “This is a calculated move to sell off assets nearing completion for personal gain.”

The Alliance invoked several legal frameworks to support their demands, including the requirements for transparent processes for asset disposal and the EFCC Act of 2004, which empowers investigations into financial crimes. They also referenced the Public Trust Doctrine and the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, accusing Ojulari of breaching his fiduciary duty. “His unilateral actions are not only ultra vires but potentially criminal,” Ibrahim stated.

The group’s demands include an immediate suspension of any sale plans, an EFCC investigation into NNPCL’s leadership, and legislative oversight by the National Assembly to verify the refineries’ completion status.

They called for a travel ban on Ojulari from international bodies like the US Embassy and British High Commission, accusing him of undermining Nigeria’s interests. Additionally, they proposed a public forum to explore public-private partnerships, citing Brazil’s Petrobras as a model for refinery revitalization.

“From July 21 to 24, we will stand firm at these key locations, armed with the law and the will of the Nigerian people,” Babalola declared. “These refineries, so close to full operation, must not be sold off as scrap to enrich a few.”

The Alliance concluded by appealing to President Tinubu, praising his reformist vision. “Mr. President, your commitment to justice inspires us. By stopping this unlawful sale and ensuring the refineries serve the people, you will cement your legacy as Nigeria’s emancipator,” Ibrahim said. The group pledged to support Tinubu’s agenda while urging swift action to protect the nation’s energy sector.

As the protests unfold, the Alliance’s campaign is set to draw national attention to the fate of Nigeria’s refineries, highlighting the fight for transparency and accountability in the oil industry.

Main Issues of Concern

1. Unlawful Push to Sell National Assets: Proposing to sell the refineries without legal authority, in violation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and Section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution, despite significant progress in their rehabilitation.

2. Sabotage of Refinery Operations: Shutting down the Port Harcourt refinery, which was fully operational, for extended “maintenance” by May 2025, undermining its demonstrated capacity to refine 1.4 million liters of gasoline daily and halting progress on its second plant, which is 80% complete.

3. Malfeasance: Mismanaging our refineries, despite the Port Harcourt (80% complete), Warri (60% complete), and Kaduna (80% complete) refineries nearing operational status.

4. Favoritism in Crude Allocation: Diverting Nigeria’s crude oil to local refineries, starving state-owned facilities and crippling their operations to create a pretext for their sale.

5. Deception of the Presidency: Misrepresenting the refineries’ viability to President Bola Tinubu, falsely claiming they are irreparable to push for their disposal as scrap.

6. Disregard for Public Accountability: Failing to engage stakeholders, including host communities and civil society organizations, in transparent discussions about the refineries’ future, despite their significant rehabilitation progress.

The Alliance made the following demand for immediate action:

1. Halt the Sale: Suspend any plans to sell the refineries until legal and transparent processes are established, especially given their advanced rehabilitation stages (Port Harcourt at 80%, Warri at 60%, Kaduna at 80%).

2. EFCC Investigation: Expand the EFCC’s probe to include Ojulari and the NNPCL’s current leadership for financial mismanagement and crude allocation practices.

3. Legislative Oversight: The National Assembly must investigate the NNPCL’s actions, verify the completion status of the refineries, and amend the Commercialisation and Privatisation Act to clarify their status.

4. Travel Ban: The US Embassy, British High Commission and the European Union should as a matter of urgency place a travel ban on Ojulari and his cronies who do not wish Nigeria well but are out to deny Nigerians true dividends of democracy.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: Convene a public forum with CSOs, host communities, and oil producers to chart a path for refinery revitalization through public-private partnerships or concessions, as seen in models like Petrobas in Brazil.