News
Open letter to President Tinubu on Nnamdi Kanu, other matters
By Izuorah Anichebe
Your Excellency,
Permit me to extend my deepest commendations for the strides your administration has taken thus far in navigating the turbulent waters of governance. Leadership, especially in a nation as complex as ours, is no small burden, and the weight of expectation is heavy. Yet, your administration has taken intentional steps towards repositioning Nigeria, which is grappling with economic realities, security concerns, and the age-old question of national unity. Many of us still believe in the promise of your presidency, that you will be the statesman who rises above the politics of expediency and steers Nigeria toward justice, equity, and reconciliation.
But history beckons, Your Excellency. A moment presents itself, one so rare, so profound, that how you respond will define your legacy for generations to come. I write to you with an urgent appeal, not merely as a citizen, but as a witness to the echoes of our past and the shadows they continue to cast upon our present. This is an appeal for justice, healing, and national redemption. An appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through the instrument of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy.
Mr President, we are living in a time when history is finally unveiling itself. The recent publication of A Journey in Service by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has shattered a long-held falsehood—one that has been used for decades to justify the marginalisation and persecution of the Igbo Nation.
For years, the January 15, 1966 coup has been branded an “Igbo coup”, a narrative carefully woven to sow discord, distrust, and division. But General Babangida, an elder statesman who lived through that era, has now set the record straight. The coup, as he revealed, was not an ethnic conspiracy but an ideological revolt against corruption and political decay. Its architects sought to cleanse Nigeria of misgovernance, with the intent of placing Chief Obafemi Awolowo—a Yoruba statesman—as head of state.
Yet, this truth was buried beneath propaganda. The coup was twisted into an ethnic agenda, inflaming tensions that culminated in the Civil War—a war in which over three million Biafrans perished. This single distortion of history has fuelled decades of marginalisation, distrust, and resentment. In the aftermath, those who bore the brunt of this falsehood were never compensated, never reintegrated, and never truly accepted as equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
It is this unaddressed historical injustice that gave birth to men like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Your Excellency, let us speak the truth without fear. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not in detention because he is a criminal; he is in detention because Nigeria has refused to confront its past. He is the voice of a people who have, for too long, felt unheard, unseen, and unwanted. His incarceration is not merely his burden to bear—it is the burden of an entire generation that has grown disillusioned with a country that refuses to acknowledge its wounds.
Keeping him in prison does not solve the problem. It deepens it. His prolonged detention fuels the insecurity in the South-East, emboldens radical elements, and entrenches the perception that Nigeria is a country unwilling to embrace reconciliation.
But there is a path forward—a path that only a leader with the heart of a statesman can walk. Grant him his freedom, and you will not only be liberating a man; you will be opening the door to healing a broken region.
Beyond the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, there are steps your administration can take to cement its legacy as one that chose unity over division, healing over resentment, and justice over convenience:
Declare May 31 a National Day of Remembrance: The Civil War remains a wound in our national psyche. Millions perished, yet their memory is left unhonored, their sacrifices unrecognised. Let us have a day where Nigeria bows its head in solemn remembrance—not in blame, not in bitterness, but in truth.
Reintegrate the Igbos as equal stakeholders: The South-East, despite its contributions to national development, remains politically marginalised. Let this era be one in which that injustice is corrected—not as a favour, but as a recognition of their rightful place in the country they helped build.
Tackle the root causes of agitation: The call for self-determination is not born of malice; it is born of frustration. A restructured Nigeria, where no region feels like a mere appendage, will not only end these agitations but will unlock the full potential of our diverse nation.
Restore stability and economic growth in the South-East – The Southeast, once a commercial powerhouse, has been destabilised by insecurity—an insecurity that has worsened with Kanu’s continued detention. His release will de-escalate tensions, encourage dialogue, and ultimately boost Nigeria’s economy as the region reclaims its place as a hub of commerce and industry.
Your Excellency, leaders are remembered not for the problems they inherited but for how they chose to resolve them. The decision before you is not merely political—it is a moral reckoning. To release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is to say to the world: Nigeria is ready to heal. It is to demonstrate that your presidency is one of justice, wisdom, and unity.
This is your moment to etch your name alongside leaders who chose courage over fear, reconciliation over vendetta, and nation-building over political expediency. History watches.
May Chi-Ukwu grant you the wisdom to see, the courage to act, and the legacy that endures beyond time.
Yours in the service of truth and justice,
….Writes NMDPRA, Engages Marketers to Stabilise Fuel Market
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: L R: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
By Bonaventure Phillips Melah
Photo caption: L R: Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Fertiliser Limited, Vishwajit Sinha; Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird; President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced plans to supply one billion five hundred million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) monthly to the Nigerian market in December 2025 and January 2026, a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted nationwide fuel availability through the festive season and into the New Year.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed the plans at the weekend, noting that the refinery will make available 50 million litres of PMS daily beginning December 1.
“In line with our commitment to national wellbeing, and consistent with our track record of ensuring a holiday season free of fuel scarcity, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will supply 1.5 billion litres of PMS to the Nigerian market this month. This represents 50 million litres per day. We are formally notifying the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of this commitment. We will supply another 1.5 billion litres in January and increase to 1.7 billion litres in February, which translates to about 60 million litres per day,” Dangote said.
Photo caption: LR: President and Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Ltd, Aliko Dangote; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, South South Development Commission, Usoro Akpabio, during the visit of SSDC members to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant in Lagos on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
Speaking during a visit by the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to the refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser complex, he stated that the facility currently has adequate stock and is producing between 40 and 45 million litres of PMS daily. He added that the daily supply of 50 million litres should dispel long-standing claims that domestic refineries lack the capacity to meet national demand.
Dangote also revealed ongoing engagement with petroleum marketers to strengthen distribution systems, including expanding the use of CNG-powered haulage.
“Our priority is to ensure Nigeria receives the products it needs. This is not driven by profit motives; it is about guaranteeing the availability of essential energy products. It is similar to the transformation we delivered in the cement sector,” he added.
He further noted that the refinery is progressing with its expansion plan to reach a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. More than 100,000 workers are expected to be involved in the expansion of both the refinery and the fertiliser complex. Dangote emphasised that the Group remains committed to its vision, driven by the strong public support for the company’s role in shaping Nigeria’s economic development.
During the visit, the Managing Director of SSDC, Usoro Offiong Akpabio, commended Dangote’s leadership and his continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial capability, national energy security and long-term economic competitiveness.
She described the South-South region as Nigeria’s natural energy corridor, with vast crude oil reserves, gas infrastructure, maritime assets, agro-industrial activity and emerging industrial clusters. She noted that deeper collaboration between the region and the Dangote Group could unlock opportunities in product distribution, CNG infrastructure, petrochemicals, agriculture, and employment creation.
Akpabio added that such partnerships would advance the Federal Government’s energy stability agenda and position the South-South as a strategic growth hub for the Dangote Group.
“As the statutory development body for the South-South, SSDC is mandated to drive regional economic development, infrastructure integration, human capital advancement, and private-sector–led growth. In this regard, we stand prepared to support State-level policy and regulatory support for Ease-of-doing-business across our six states. Enabling environments for Dangote Group’s expansion into strategic sectors such as gas processing, agro-industrial value chains, renewable energy, logistics, and export-oriented manufacturing,” she said.
In a letter from the refinery’s Managing Director, David Bird, to the Authority Chief Executive of the NMDPRA, the company reaffirmed its readiness to host NMDPRA officials onsite at the refinery from December 1st to verify and publish its daily supply volumes. The refinery also sought the Authority’s support to ensure unhindered importation of crude, feedstocks and blending components, as well as smooth vessel loading for product evacuation.
“In the spirit of full transparency to the public we are willing to publish our daily production and stock volumes (online and print media),” Bird stated. “We seek the full support of NMDPRA to allow Dangote refinery to import our crude, feedstocks and blending components unhindered as well as support the lifting of our products by vessel. We continue to experience delays in vessel clearance which impacts not only the refinery operations but also our customers, adding unnecessary costs and inefficiencies”.
Some women in Ezimo community, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, on Saturday, staged a protest over the alleged kidnap of five residents and the shooting of another during an attack on the community.
The protesters, who marched through major parts of the community, said the incident had heightened fear and insecurity in the area.
One victim of the attack is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
A social media influencer, ‘Sen.’ Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, made this known via Facebook on Saturday.
Ugwuanyi revealed that resident who confirmed the incident said recent cases of abductions and shootings had left the community unsafe, prompting the women to demand urgent government intervention.
In a video shared on Ugwuanyi’s Facebook page, the protesters called on the Enugu State Government and security agencies to step in and restore peace, warning that residents could no longer live under constant fear of attacks.
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