News
Opinion: Obiora Okonkwo re-energising opposition in Anambra ahead of November polls
By Dr. Fredrick Onwudiwe
One major topic that has remained popular among politically exposed individuals and pundits in Anambra State is whether opposition politics is dead in the state. The absence of a formidable opposition since the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has raised concerns about the possibility of Governor Soludo being gifted another four years of turmoil, marked by bloodshed and the continued destruction of the state economy.
The paralysis of opposition in the state is a disturbing departure from its traditional role as a democratic watchdog and advocate for the masses. Anambra today is drowning in crises, with insecurity chief among the numerous challenges plaguing the state. Hunger, poverty, violent crimes, communal clashes, and unemployment—leading to youth restiveness—have taken root. Meanwhile, Governor Charles Soludo appears indifferent, seemingly presiding over the suffering of the poor while displaying a lack of effective leadership.
The unfortunate situation engulfing Anambra has stifled its economic potential and human capital development. A recent report revealed that Anambra, once hailed as the safest state in Nigeria by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is now the most unsafe in the Southeast, with levels of instability surpassing even the troubled northeast. This alarming trend has become a significant concern for stakeholders, traditional and religious institutions, business communities, and discerning citizens. Yet, the near-collapse of opposition politics has blurred the hope of millions for a rescue from this governance crisis.
The speculation surrounding Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, joining the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for governor has sparked a sense of relief. The Ogidi-born, Russian-trained political economist and academic professor of entrepreneurship has re-energized opposition politics. His potential candidacy has reignited discussions about finding a leader capable of steering Anambra out of its current challenges ahead of the November gubernatorial polls.
Several aspirants are preparing to challenge Governor Soludo, whose leadership has been marked by numerous failures—chief among them, his inability to secure the lives and properties of citizens. However, Professor Okonkwo stands out as the most competent candidate to turn the state’s fortunes around. Anambra, once a thriving commercial hub and the gateway to the Southeast economy, now faces worsening insecurity and economic decline. This crisis calls for a leader with vision, integrity, and the political will to restore stability and prosperity.
Professor Okonkwo’s extensive network, impressive resume, and expertise in national security, combined with his ability to unite stakeholders and institutions, position him as the ideal choice to replace Soludo. His leadership promises to revive Anambra’s glory, ensuring safety, development, and economic growth.
Security is the bedrock of development, and under Soludo’s impotent leadership, Anambra teeters on the brink of collapse. The state’s instability now threatens the entire Southeast region, underscoring the urgency for decisive leadership change. Professor Okonkwo’s high-profile consultations with stakeholders, industrialists, traditional and religious institutions have brought a renewed sense of hope to the electorate. These engagements signal a shift in momentum, with many believing that a brighter future for Anambra is within reach.
In my political analysis, none of the other aspirants vying to unseat Soludo possess the capacity to succeed—except Obiora Okonkwo. His pedigree, network, integrity, and accomplishments, both professionally and personally, are unparalleled. While others may carry baggage in their bid to challenge Soludo, Okonkwo represents the earthquake capable of dismantling Soludo’s reign of terror and bloodletting.
According to Okonkwo, Soludo is a professor of “theory” who has failed to translate his academic credentials into impactful leadership. In contrast, Okonkwo is a practical professor determined to change the narrative that academics make poor leaders. As a businessman with over 2,000 employees, he understands the demands of governance, particularly in security and economic growth.
Unlike Soludo, Professor Okonkwo is a true “homeboy” who understands what Anambra needs in today’s fast-changing world and 21st-century economy. His personal integrity and success in wealth creation will inspire stakeholders to invest in the state’s growth. Soludo, on the other hand, has nothing to show, as he has never built anything—a reflection of his failure as governor.
For the opposition to effectively unseat Soludo and rescue Anambra from its ongoing crisis, building a strong consensus and coalition around Professor Obiora Okonkwo is crucial. Soludo is deeply unpopular and unlikely to secure a second term on his own merits. Instead, he relies on federal support to extend his ineffective leadership while deflecting blame for the insecurity, economic stagnation, and mass suffering plaguing the state.
As the search for a successor to Governor Soludo intensifies, a growing number of discerning voices strongly believe that Professor Obiora Okonkwo embodies the leadership qualities and vision needed to steer Anambra toward progress. With a track record of competence, integrity, and commitment, he is seen as the ideal candidate to address the missteps of the current administration and chart a more inclusive and forward-thinking path for the state.
Should he choose to run, Professor Okonkwo’s candidacy could serve as a rallying point for those seeking true liberation for Anambra from Soludo and his cohorts.
Dr. Onwudiwe is a lecturer, political scientist, and analyst based in Onitsha.
….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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