General
Groups Blast Politicians Behind Campaign against Nigerian Army
By Dipo Olowookere
The National Committee of Yoruba Youth and the Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria have described the recent rumoured attack on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, by the Boko Haram insurgents as a mere imagination, of desperate enemies of the war against terrorism in Nigeria and a further confirmation of the groups earlier position that some desperate ‘political merchants’ were behind the renewed activities of the insurgent group in the North Eastern part of the country.
The groups, in a statement issued on Sunday December 10, 2017 in Ibadan, and jointly signed by its Convener and Secretary, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi and Barrister John Atani, condemned what it termed “seditious and orchestrated campaign against the Nigerian Army by desperate political merchants.”
“We have also observed that the Nigerian Army and its leadership are of late a subject of a well-funded and orchestrated campaign of calumny by some political desperadoes and merchants who are willing to pull down this great nation for self-serving political purpose,” the statement said.
The groups further said the Army has continued to give their best towards ensuring that that the country was rid of terrorism and terror related activities and that every patriotic Nigerians know that the country, through the efforts of the Nigerian Army, has made lots of gains in the war against terrorism, especially when considering that under the leadership of General Tukur Buratai as the Chief of Army Staff, the number of deaths from terrorist attacks has reduced by 80 percent.
The statement further said that “this is not just significant, considering the number of casualties that this country have recorded in terror related incidences over the past 10 years but also signifies the gains that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to record in the war against terrorism.
“This should also send one important message to the political detractors of the military operations, particularly the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the North east, that our army has been able to ensure the security of lives and properties more than in the past and lives are now safer than it used to be”.
The groups noted that, “We are aware, that the polity is already getting heated up, especially as politicians have begun their usual struggle for power towards 2019. And for anyone who has followed the trend since the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari took over, one of its cardinal focuses is to squarely address the issue of Boko Haram terrorism, hence, the commitment of our army towards defeating Boko Haram and recovering our lost territories.
“It has therefore become a major issue in the political circle and we are not surprised that professional politicians are already at work, willing to use every available tool to bring the achievements of the Nigerian Army into disrepute and also to destabilise its operations, through their seditious campaign”.
The groups therefore called on Nigerians to continue in giving the needed support and prayers to the leadership of the Nigerian Army, its men and officers as the nation struggles to totally eliminate the remnants of the insurgents and restore peace to the troubled north east and every other parts of the country.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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