Good afternoon readers, Quest Times have compiled a list of the Top Breaking News in Nigeria This Afternoon (7/10/2023).
Fuel Queues Returns as Oil Marketers Halt Imports Amid Forex Crisis
Reports have emerged that fuel queues are making a troubling return to several parts of Lagos State. This alarming situation has arisen due to the abrupt cessation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) imports by oil marketers.
As of now, it has been revealed that only one entity, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), is actively importing PMS. The ramifications of this monopoly are becoming evident as many depots and filling stations across Lagos now find themselves devoid of petrol stocks. This scarcity has precipitated long queues at the few outlets that can still dispense fuel.
The issue came to light when Patrick Ilo, the Chief Executive Officer of PETROCAM Trading (Nig) Ltd., spoke out about the situation. He disclosed that his company had imported 52,000 metric tonnes of petrol a month ago at a rate of N720 per litre, without subsidies. However, this high import cost has rendered it financially unviable for his company to sell petrol at this price, given the prevailing rates offered by the NNPCL.
Ilo emphasized that this disparity underscores the NNPCL’s continued subsidy of petrol, a practice that he believes is essential due to the high landing cost. He expressed understanding for the government’s predicament but noted that if the landing cost already stands at N720, the pump price should logically approach N729 per litre in Lagos State if the Federal Government truly intends to discontinue the subsidy.
Oil marketers have weighed in on the situation, revealing that before last month, they used to exert influence on the NNPCL to adjust prices to align with market realities when they imported products. However, recently, the NNPCL has steadfastly resisted such adjustments, leaving marketers unable to import petrol, and even those who manage to import find it unfeasible due to the new landing cost. This development stems from the government’s decision, channeled through NNPCL, to keep petrol prices static in light of the challenging economic conditions.
NDLEA Reacts to Alleged MohBad Arrest and Detention
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has promptly addressed allegations surrounding the late artiste, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as MohBad. In a statement released on October 7, 2023, the NDLEA confirmed that it had responded to the Lagos State Police Command’s inquiry on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The NDLEA vehemently denied ever arresting or detaining MohBad on February 24, 2022, or any other date. Furthermore, they clarified that they did not administer any substance to the artist. This response from the NDLEA follows the Lagos State Police Command’s claim of not receiving any communication regarding the allegations during a press conference on October 6, 2023.
Davido Failed To Show at Warri Event Despite $94,600 Payment – Amaju Pinnick
The organizers of the “Warri Again” festival have called out popular Nigerian singer Davido for his alleged unprofessional conduct. Despite a generous payment of $94,600 (equivalent to approximately 72 million naira) and an additional $18,000 for his travel expenses, Davido failed to honor his commitment to the 19th edition of the event.
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation and co-organizer of the festival, Amaju Pinnick, broke the news while addressing attendees, expressing his disappointment in Davido’s actions. Pinnick remarked, “We paid Davido $94,600 on the 6th of April. We paid $18,000 for his plane. If he says he’s a big shot, we’ll show him that we are bigger.”
Faced with Davido’s absence, the organizers swiftly sought an alternative performer, Shallipopi. Pinnick emphasized, “When people claim to be big, I just chuckle. Isn’t Burna Boy the biggest artist in Nigeria today? Burna Boy has strong Itsekiri ties, with his paternal grandmother hailing from the community. He surpasses them all.”
Why Atiku Will Fail Again at Supreme Court – Tinubu’s Lawyer
In response to the recent controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic records, his legal representative, Oluwole Afolabi, has firmly asserted that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is bound to fail in his pursuit to challenge Tinubu’s election victory.
Atiku, who secured the second position in the 2023 presidential election, took the matter to the highest court due to alleged discrepancies in Tinubu’s records from Chicago State University (CSU). He also contested the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, which dismissed his petition against Tinubu’s win.
Afolabi, however, dismissed Atiku’s claims, stating that there is no substantial evidence to support the allegations of forgery. He emphasized that suspicion alone is insufficient to prove such a case.
He went on to explain, “Alhaji Atiku is on a wild goose chase, and he and his lawyers know it. Under the provisions of the Electoral Act, there are no provisions for the introduction of fresh evidence on appeal. Even if it were a regular civil matter, given the timing of his actions, one must question the court’s stance.”
Those Accusing Me Of Fraudulent Academic Records Have 30 Days To Bring Evidence – Soyinka
Renowned Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has issued a resolute challenge to those leveling accusations of academic fraud against him. Under the headline, “Soyinka Sets the Record Straight: Accusers Given 30-Day Ultimatum,” he fervently urged them to present their evidence to anti-corruption agencies and the Directorate of Prosecutions within the next 30 days.
In his statement titled “A Moral Call to Amoral Conscripts,” Soyinka emphasized his willingness to waive any protection under the statute of limitations. He insisted that the full weight of the law be brought to bear upon these allegations regarding his academic records.
Additionally, Soyinka boldly declared that if found guilty, he would voluntarily renounce all titles and honors garnered throughout his illustrious career. He further challenged his accusers, demanding that they take the drastic step of publicly jumping off the symbolic River Niger if their allegations were proven unfounded.