Tag: Comrade Splendour Agbonkpolor

  • CBIAMEC Slams PENGASSAN, TUC Over “Hypocrisy” in Dangote Refinery Dispute

    CBIAMEC Slams PENGASSAN, TUC Over “Hypocrisy” in Dangote Refinery Dispute

    • ..Accuses unions of prioritising dues over workers’ welfare
    • …Warns against sabotage of national energy security

    The Civil Society Budget Implementation Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has accused major labour unions of hypocrisy and selfish motives in their confrontation with the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, warning that union actions pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s energy security and economic future.

    In a statement issued on October 1st, 2025, and signed by its Chairman, Amb. Agbonkpolor Splendour, CBIAMEC said while it recognises the constitutional rights of workers to organise, the current moves by PENGASSAN and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) amount to a “shameless weaponisation of union privileges for selfish financial gain.”

    The group criticised PENGASSAN’s swift demand for check-off dues within 24 hours of alleged unionisation at the refinery, describing it as proof that the unions’ focus lies on revenue rather than workers’ welfare.

    “Even more troubling is the hypocrisy of these same unions,” the statement read. “For decades, billions of dollars were wasted on turnaround maintenance of government-owned refineries that never worked. PENGASSAN and TUC never mobilised nationwide protests against that monumental corruption. Their silence speaks volumes of complicity.”

    CBIAMEC said attempts to “cripple the Dangote Refinery Africa’s most significant private sector investment through blackmail, misinformation and threats of sabotage” must be resisted, as the refinery symbolises hope, jobs and economic sovereignty for Nigeria’s over 230 million citizens.

    The committee further challenged PENGASSAN and TUC to publish their audited financial records for the past ten years, arguing that unions cannot demand accountability from others while hiding their own finances.

    “Dialogue, transparency and constructive engagement, not sabotage disguised as activism, should guide union relations with the refinery,” CBIAMEC concluded.

  • CSOs Laud Refugee Commission’s Open-Door Policy, Pledge Stronger Partnership, Support for National Impact

    CSOs Laud Refugee Commission’s Open-Door Policy, Pledge Stronger Partnership, Support for National Impact

    •  As Federal Commissioner Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency, Unveils Plan for Dedicated CSO Desk Office

    Over 50 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from across Nigeria on Thursday converged at the headquarters of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Abuja, on a high-level courtesy visit to Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed.

    The powerful delegation was jointly led by Comrade Splendour Agbonkpolor, Chairman of the CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC), and Ogakwu Dominic, President of the Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG), alongside leaders of several civil society organizations in Nigeria.

    Welcoming the delegation, Aliyu Tijani Ahmed commended the critical role of CSOs in strengthening democracy, accountability, and policy implementation. He emphasized that under his stewardship, the NCFRMI has embraced an open-door policy designed to encourage dialogue, inclusivity, and collaboration in the humanitarian sector.

    The Commissioner highlighted some of the Commission’s notable achievements, particularly in states such as Nasarawa, Benue, amongst others, where thousands of displaced persons, migrants, and asylum seekers have benefited from timely relief interventions, shelter support, and empowerment initiatives.

    “Our mission is not just to provide immediate relief but to restore dignity, build resilience, and ensure long-term rehabilitation for our displaced brothers and sisters. We are determined to leave no one behind,” Ahmed declared.

    Also in a major step to deepen transparency, the Federal Commissioner agreed to suggestions by announcing plans to establish a dedicated CSO Desk Office within the Commission. According to him, the new desk will serve as a direct liaison point with civil society groups, ensuring smooth collaboration, stronger oversight, and due diligence in all NCFRMI activities.

    Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Comrade Splendour Agbonkpolor hailed the Commissioner’s performance, describing the visit as “one of a kind.” He noted that Aliyu Tijani Ahmed has set a new benchmark for leadership in public service.

    “As a performing public steward, you have earned the confidence of civil society. The CSOs present here today, and those across the wider coalition, will continue to support and rally around you to ensure that the Commission achieves its mandate,” Agbonkpolor stated.

    Corroborating his remarks, Ogakwu Dominic lauded Ahmed for his humility, responsiveness, and openness to partnership. He stressed that the collaboration between the Commission and CSOs would set a new standard for humanitarian governance in Nigeria.

    The visit not only underscored the growing synergy between government and civil society but also signaled a new chapter of accountability, inclusivity, and partnership in addressing Nigeria’s displacement and migration challenges.

     

     

  • CBIAMEC Writes JAMB, Threatens Civil Action Over Exam Failures

    CBIAMEC Writes JAMB, Threatens Civil Action Over Exam Failures

    The Civil Society Budget Implementation Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has formally demanded the immediate resignation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, citing widespread failures and alleged administrative lapses in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    In a letter dated 16th May 2025 and addressed to the Registrar, CBIAMEC referenced a petition from the Integrity Advocacy for Development Initiative (IADI), led by Comrade Ofomhi Christopher, which raised serious concerns over what was described as gross incompetence and financial mismanagement within JAMB. The letter, signed by CBIAMEC Chairman, Ambassador Agbonkpoloir Splendour, stressed the urgent need to uphold transparency, accountability, and justice for the thousands of candidates affected by the alleged examination anomalies.

    The petition attributed the mass failure of candidates to administrative errors reportedly originating from JAMB, raising alarm over the credibility of the examination body and the potential long-term impact on the future of Nigerian youths. It also cautioned that repeated occurrences of such failures could erode public confidence in national institutions and damage the reputation of the current administration as the country approaches another election cycle.

    “The basis for this action is the widespread failure reported among candidates in the 2025 JAMB examination. These failures have been attributed to alleged administrative lapses within JAMB… Such a situation, if left unaddressed, could tarnish the reputation of the current government and potentially influence public perception during the upcoming elections,” the committee stated.

    When contacted by our correspondent, the Chairman of CBIAMEC, Amb. Agbonkpolor Splendour, confirmed that civil society organizations and other concerned youth groups, would commence mass protests and civil actions in seven days should there be no response or visible action from the JAMB leadership.

    “We are giving the Registrar an opportunity to respond, but failure to act within seven days will lead to nationwide civil actions. The affected candidates and their families deserve answers and justice,” Splendour said.

    The committee reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to promoting a sane environment, national integrity, and responsible leadership for the Nigerian youth, adding that only a transparent and accountable examination system can foster trust in educational processes.

    Meanwhile other stakeholders across education, civil society, others have also expressed serious concern over the same issue.

    More details to follow…..

    See Letter: