Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The Dangote Refinery says the prices for its products are competitive and believes anyone getting petrol for lower rates is importing substandard ones. In a statement on Sunday, the Group Chief of Branding and Communications of Dangote Refinery Anthony Chiejina faulted claims by the Independent Petroluem Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN). “Both organisations claim that they can import PMS at lower prices than what is being sold by the Dangote Refinery. We benchmark our prices against international prices and we believe our prices are competitive relative to the price of…

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has extended his heartfelt sympathies to the owners of three radio stations destroyed by fire in Aba, Abia State, South East Nigeria. He also sympathized with the members of staff and loyal listeners of the stations in Aba and beyond. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the owners, staff, and loyal listeners of stations. While the material damage is significant, let’s take comfort in the safety of all individuals involved.” The Deputy Speaker while recognizing the roles the stations have been playing in promoting local talent, providing vital…

The FCT Police Command had in a release on X on Friday, said it was spearheading the prosecution.The charges were from a recent viral video in which VeryDarkMan was seen in Nigeria Police Force uniforms “without authorisation.” According to the police, his arraignment emphasised the force’s stance on maintaining the integrity of its uniforms and preventing unauthorised usage. The NPF’s statement read, “Martins Otse, is set to appear in court today following allegations of impersonation related to the unauthorised use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral social media video.” “The FCT Police Command is actively handling the case,…

Justice Deinde Dipeolu ordered the permanent forfeiture of the monies and the two share certificates of Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, after holding that the former CBN governor or any other interested party did not contest same after the initial interim forfeiture. The court also forfeited the seven choice landed properties on the ground that the former CBN Governor, Emefiele,was not able to connect his lawful earnings from Zenith Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to the acquisition of the properties. The court held that the former CBN Governor failed to provide documents or links to show that…

Retired Permanent Secretaries of the Abia State government, have raised an alarm over the refusal of the government to pay their retirement benefits, while calling on the government to pay their gratuities alongside other benefits accrued to them. This is coming from a statement issued in Umuahia, the state capital, on Thursday, through the spokesman for the group, Mr Nkwachukwu Agumuo, stating that since they were abruptly disengaged from service, the Abia State government ought to have compensated them as stated by law so as to enable them have a footing in life after engaging in active service. The group…

Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has made history as the first officer to assume the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff in the Nigerian Army. President Bola Tinubu appointed him on Wednesday to fill in for Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who’s been on medical leave for about a month, receiving treatment abroad. Lagbaja has been away on medical leave for about a month in an undisclosed hospital abroad and is said to be recuperating. In his remarks at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, described the appointment of Oluyede as an unusual happening in the history of…

President Bola Tinubu has made it clear that the tax reform bills will not be withdrawn from the National Assembly, despite the controversy surrounding them. Instead, he wants the bills to go through the legislative process, allowing for input and modifications along the way. This decision comes after the National Economic Council (NEC) recommended withdrawing the bills for further consultation. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement. According to the statement, President Bola Tinubu “received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the tax reform bills already sent to the National…

The operatives of the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Imo State Police Command have reportedly foiled an attack allegedly unleashed by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPoB/ESN) on the society. Police authorities said the separatists however were given a bloody nose as they lost one of their fighters during a gun duel with the police along Owerri-Aba Road near the Sam Mbakwe Cargo International Airport. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, a 10-man IPoB/ESN squad had unleashed attack on the area but were successfully countered by the police operatives. During the ensuing…

In a recent address, Tony Okocha, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has issued a strong warning to critics he claims are misrepresenting the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State. Okocha while speaking at a press conference held at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Friday, emphasized that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is a direct political investment of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor. Okocha, who previously served as Chief of Staff to ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi from 2007 to 2015, expressed frustration with local media…

Abia State Government (ABSG)  has reaffirmed its commitment to paying the 70,000 Naira national minimum wage to it’s workforce this October. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu who stated this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti noted that payment of the minimum wage is in  line with the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of Abia workers. “Baring any unforeseen circumstances, the state government will commence the payment of the new minimum wage this month of October. “The Governor Dr Alex Otti OFR is committed to paying that…