General
Subsidy Removal: Youths Hail Kyari’s Transparency Drive, Call for Patience
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The chief executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Mele Kyari, has been commended for promoting transparency, probity, accountability, and good governance in the Nigerian oil and gas industry vis-à-vis his handling of the recent fuel subsidy removal initiative.
This commendation came from Nigerian youths under the aegis of the Nigerian Youths Alliance (NYA) through a statement co-signed by their national president, Ifeanyi Ogbu, and secretary, Yemisi Oluwadamiro, in Abuja, on Wednesday.
They specifically praised Mr Kyari for his transparency in the company’s payment of an interim dividend of N123 billion to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for the month of June, barely two months after the federal government stopped subsidy payments.
While calling on Nigerians to be patient with the government over the temporary pains caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy, the young citizens urged the NNPCL chief to remain focused and avoid distraction sponsored by oppositions, anti-democratic elements and corrupt individuals who had fed fat by milking the country with the subsidy payment scheme.
According to the statement, “As Nigerian youths, even in these trying times, we must recognize, commend and encourage the efforts of our patriots who are having sleepless nights to ensure this nation works.
“Without mincing words, we know that at this time, fuel subsidy must go if this country must rise from its dying state and survive.
“Many oil marketers and corrupt individuals had become billionaires overnight at the expense of Nigerians with the continued payment of subsidies and these funds could have been channelled to better the lives of Nigerians and grow the economy.
“These individuals, by their sheer unconscionable criminality, subverted the noble idea behind the subsidy programme, which was for government to subsidize the cost of petrol to make it affordable to the masses.
“Rather than keep to the terms of the deal with the government, these marketers and their crooked allies repeatedly divert and smuggle petroleum products to neighbouring countries where they sell at higher rates and thus make more profit even after collecting subsidy money from the Nigerian government.
“Though it comes with sacrifices, Nigerians must know that there is no gain without pain.
“Therefore, we commend the bold and audacious initiatives of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy is not about the president or the group chief executive officer of the NNPC Limited, but about the good and wellness of Nigerians.
“It’s however sad that oppositions and some corrupt elements who are angered that their ill source of wealth has been blocked with the removal of subsidy have continued to sponsor hatred and lies against the hardworking chief executive of the NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari.
“We are, however, not surprised because every genuine change for growth meets strong resistance and force, and someone must bear the brunt.
“In the history of the oil company, Mr Kyari has proven to be a man of selfless service, integrity, outstanding astute industry technocrat, and professional par excellence.
“Nigerians will attest to the fact that Kyari’s achievements have surpassed all his predecessors for the past 20 years.
“He has distinguished himself to be a visionary and professional manager with a towering repertoire of the inner workings of the industry, having served in various positions over the years.
“In barely two months since the government stopped payment of fuel subsidy payment, he delivered a whopping N123 billion to FAAC. This is commendable.
“Before his assumption of office as the GMD of the defunct NNPC, there were a lot of unresolved and knotty issues lingering and hampering the sector from achieving its potential. He stepped in and proffered solutions to them.
“Even before the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which he promoted, Kyari convinced Nigerians of the new direction of the NNPC by making the financial books open transparently for public probity, which has changed the opacity in the system.
“NNPC financial books have never been opened transparently for public scrutiny over the years, but Kyari changed the narratives.
“He has effectively deployed his wealth of experience to spearhead giant innovations which have helped in repositioning the NNPC today.
“In his bid to put an end to the business of oil thieves, in 2022, Kyari introduced the “Crude Theft Monitoring Application” (CTMA) to check the theft of Nigeria’s oil. The CTMA, which has been helpful in preventing oil theft, has application options for reporting incidents, with prompt follow-up and responses and another one for crude sales documents validation.
“Not quite long after Kyari assumed office, the stifling Covid-19 pandemic hit the world economy, which adversely affected the petroleum industry real hard; the price of crude oil dropped sharply in the international market, which affected our revenue earnings drastically but with resilience and careful handling of its affairs, we were able to come out stronger.
“While we plead with Nigerians to be patient as the dividends for their current pains will come soon, we urge the new NNPCL and its management to remain focused and sustain their good works even as the country navigates through these trying moments.”
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has approached the court against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over an alleged N800 billion campaign fund diversion.
The organisation is seeking to compel the electoral body to investigate allegations that about N800 million from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocations was diverted by governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to finance political and campaign activities.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1426/2026, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja last week, but no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
SERAP is asking the court to issue an order of mandamus directing INEC to investigate the claims that the governors channelled public funds into a dedicated campaign account allegedly meant to support President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
The organisation is also requesting an order compelling INEC to demand full disclosure from the governors and the APC on any contributions made to such a campaign fund, including the identities of donors and the lawful sources of the funds.
In addition, SERAP wants the electoral commission to commence a comprehensive review of compliance with Section 91 of the Electoral Act by political parties and candidates, particularly regarding campaign financing and the sources of political donations.
According to SERAP, the allegations raise fundamental concerns about transparency in political financing, electoral fairness and the constitutional rights of Nigerians to participate freely in democratic governance.
The organisation argued that opaque campaign financing remains a major avenue for corruption and weakens public confidence in democratic institutions.
It maintained that the alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes threatens the credibility of the 2027 general election and undermines public trust in the electoral process.
In the suit filed by its lawyers, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Kehinde Oyewumi, SERAP argued that the reported diversion of public resources for campaign activities warrants immediate action by INEC under its constitutional and statutory responsibilities.
The group stated: “The abuse of state resources for electoral advantage undermines democratic integrity and public trust. Fairness, transparency, and accountability in political or campaign finance are essential safeguards against corruption, state capture, and undue influence in democratic processes.”
SERAP further argued: “The allegations of diversion or opaque use of public funds pose a grave risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections.”
The organisation said large-scale public financial allocations, combined with weak oversight and limited transparency, provide sufficient grounds for INEC to activate its investigative powers.
Referring to Section 91 of the Electoral Act, SERAP noted that the law empowers INEC to regulate political donations, enforce contribution limits, demand disclosure of funding sources and impose sanctions where violations occur.
The organisation explained that political parties found to have exceeded donation limits risk fines of up to ₦10 million and forfeiture of excess funds, while individuals who exceed prescribed limits are liable to penalties amounting to five times the excess contribution.
SERAP also contended that campaign financing derived from public resources distorts electoral competition and violates constitutional principles guaranteeing free, fair and transparent elections.
According to SERAP, INEC has a constitutional duty to ensure compliance with campaign finance regulations and to investigate allegations that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the deadline for political parties to submit the names and credentials of candidates seeking to contest the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections.
The electoral body announced that parties now have until midnight on Tuesday, July 14, to complete the process, extending the earlier deadline of Saturday, July 11.
Under INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general election, political parties were expected to upload the names and personal particulars of their presidential, Senate and House of Representatives candidates before the initial cut-off date.
Explaining the decision, INEC said the extension followed appeals from political parties that had encountered difficulties meeting the deadline.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna, said the request was formally conveyed through the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
According to him, IPAC sought additional time on behalf of parties that were yet to complete the submission of their candidates’ details through the commission’s portal.
“The decision to extend was based on an appeal by the Inter-Party Advisory Council, on behalf of political parties who were unable to upload the names and personal particulars of their candidates within the scheduled timeline,” Mr Haruna stated.
INEC noted that the extension is intended to give all eligible parties a fair opportunity to comply with the requirements of the electoral process while remaining within the framework of the law.
The commission also urged political parties to utilise the extra period to finalise and upload all required information ahead of the revised deadline.
“The commission enjoins political parties to take advantage of this window of opportunity and ensure that all necessary details are uploaded before the expiration of the new deadline,” the statement added.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
