Politics
Prof Iledare Tells Tinubu to Fix Refineries Instead of Rushing to Sell Them
Professor Wumi Iledare, a respected expert in petroleum economics, has cautioned against rushing to sell Nigeria’s state-owned refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. He advised President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to adopt a more strategic and transparent approach that puts national interest first.
His warning follows comments by NNPCL’s Group CEO, Bayo Ojulari, who recently hinted in an interview that the refineries may be sold after their ongoing reviews. Responding to that, Iledare argued that the major issue isn’t government ownership but poor efficiency and management.
“Selling them off without addressing deeper governance failures could lead to the same problems we’ve seen in the past and also risk our energy security,” he said. He recommended public-private partnerships and performance-based agreements as better alternatives, aligning with the spirit of the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021. He also warned that privatisation shouldn’t become a tool for monopoly or be controlled by a privileged few.
According to him, the focus should be on unlocking value and reviving the downstream oil sector in a sustainable way. This comes after NNPCL shut down the Port Harcourt Refinery in May 2025 for maintenance. Despite large sums spent on reviving the Warri and Kaduna plants, both remain inactive. Meanwhile, Aliko Dangote recently stated that those refineries may never function again.
The Presidency has reacted to the ongoing dispute between former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and the state government over the state’s finances.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said Obi had claimed he left Anambra debt-free and promised to stop his presidential campaign if proven wrong.
Onanuga said the Anambra government had presented figures showing outstanding obligations to workers, pensioners and contractors under Obi’s administration.
Obi, however, denied the claims, saying his administration cleared over ₦35 billion in historical gratuities and arrears before leaving office.
“If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning,” Obi said.
Nigerian socialite Cubana Chief Priest has spoken about why he believes Igbos are supporting President Bola Tinubu’s bid for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
He said the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, has given Igbos greater access to the president.
He said “We Igbos now have access to Mr. President Tinubu through his son, Seyi Tinubu. That’s why we’re doing everything to make sure he’s re-elected.”
Cubana Chief Priest also spoke about the growing support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, saying “Thousands of Imolites are trooping in for registration for APC. Ndi Imo don’t just love the City Boys Movement, they believe in it. Let’s do politics with lifestyle. On Asiwaju’s mandate, we shall stand. Imo is APC. Here, it’s zero competition.”
Spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele warns the APC against being too confident ahead of the 2027 election.
He shared “Overconfidence will kill APC; they will be too overconfident, and that will be the party’s weakness in the election. They will turn Tinubu to a demi-god, but it will make them lose the election. They believe money can do everything, but it will fail in the 2027 election,” Ayodele said.
Ayodele has repeatedly warned the APC not to assume that its current political strength will automatically translate into victory in 2027.
“You Have to Vote Right” — Timaya Speaks on Nigeria’s Political Future
Rema Names His Favourite Streamers for Entertainment, Fans React
Young Jonn Revisits Old Post After Blaqbonez Offers to Collab With Him
-
Entertainment17 hours ago10 Leonardo DiCaprio Movies That Made Him a Hollywood Star
-
Entertainment17 hours agoRema Names His Favourite Streamers for Entertainment, Fans React
-
Sport17 hours ago“I Am Really Disappointed” — Mikel Arteta Reacts to Brighton Defeat
-
Entertainment17 hours agoFrom “Caro” to “Sempe”: 10 L.A.X Songs to Add to Your Playlist This Weekend
-
Entertainment17 hours agoYoung Jonn Revisits Old Post After Blaqbonez Offers to Collab With Him
-
Entertainment17 hours ago“You Have to Vote Right” — Timaya Speaks on Nigeria’s Political Future