Describing the establishment of the refinery as both nationalistic and patriotic endeavour, the umbrella professional association of lawyers, urged the federal government and Nigerians to support the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to end the reign of fuel scarcity and perennial queues at filling stations in the country.

It expressed disappointment that the major project was encountering strong resistance from fuel importers, who had stifled the economy and kept it reliant on imported refined petroleum products, despite Nigeria’s status as a leading crude oil producer.

The President of NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, who led other leaders and members of the association on a visit to the facility, praised the President/Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, for remaining steadfast despite the opposition faced.

“What I have seen today gladdens my heart, but at the same time, my heart is bleeding because of the neglect and opposition that such a laudable effort is facing. It is shameful, but as I mentioned to the president of the group, his continued steadfastness and resilience despite the opposition show that there is hope for this country. I would describe Aliko Dangote as both a freedom fighter and an economic warrior. There is no one more honourable or patriotic than Dangote. He has proven this through his actions, not just words. This isn’t about what someone might tell you; we have witnessed the enormous investments he has made in this country,” he said.

He urged the federal government to create a supportive environment for the refinery, aiming to transform Nigeria into a net exporter of refined petroleum products and to alleviate the severe hardships caused by fuel scarcity.

He lamented that it was shameful for the refinery to import crude from abroad and export refined products due to opposition from local players.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the federal government to pay deliberate and conscious attention to what Dangote is doing. Anyone serious about turning around the fortunes of this country cannot ignore Dangote’s efforts. This is a people-centered investment that must be supported. This is the type of investment we need, and wherever such investments exist in this country, we urge the government to create an enabling environment for the benefit of the people. If we establish a supportive environment for this refinery to operate, we will eliminate the queues on our streets and resolve the difficulties associated with the scarcity of petroleum products. However, we will need the government to demonstrate a willingness to support this crucial venture. We have a facility here that can compete with the best in the world, but unfortunately, it is not receiving the support and recognition it deserves. It is disgraceful that with a refinery of this capacity, where 86 tankers can be loaded at once, we still face fuel shortages,” he added.

READ ALSO: Prices of beans, tomatoes, new yams drop in Abia, Imo -Survey

Vice Chairman of the Epe Branch of the NBA, Ivo Takor, who praised the location of the refinery in the Ibeju-Lekki-Epe axis, said that the project had the potential to resolve the long-standing issue of fuel importation, create jobs, boost foreign exchange, and save the country money currently spent on subsidising petroleum products.

“The refinery is something every Nigerian should be proud of. It is a project that will move Nigeria away from its long-standing issue of fuel importation, which comes with its own set of problems. Currently, we are dealing with fuel scarcity and long queues. I believe that once this refinery is fully operational, these challenges will be resolved. Additionally, the refinery has the capacity to export some of its products, bringing foreign exchange into the economy. It will also reduce the government’s expenditure on subsidies, allowing funds to be redirected towards improving infrastructure, education, and the health sector. Since its construction, many jobs have been created, and further job creation will follow when it becomes fully operational,” he said.

He, however, noted that despite these benefits, there are some entrenched cartels against the full operation of the refinery.

While praising President Bola Tinubu for directing the supply of crude to both the refinery and modular refineries across the country, he emphasised the need for stringent monitoring to ensure compliance.

He stressed that withholding crude from the refinery constitutes sabotage against the nation and should be met with appropriate sanctions.

“Unfortunately, it appears that there is a well-established cartel working against the full operation of this refinery, specifically those who do not want to supply it with crude oil. It is illogical for Nigeria to export crude oil while the refinery also imports crude. This situation reflects the interests of entrenched forces who benefit from fuel importation, which negatively impacts the people and the economy. Fortunately, the president has issued a directive regarding the supply of crude to the refinery. However, beyond this directive, it is crucial to ensure compliance. Those who do not comply should face adequate sanctions, as failure to do so constitutes sabotage not only against the refinery but against the economy as well,” he said.

The Vice President (Oil & Gas) at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed the delegates, that the refinery was established primarily to source and refine local crudes for the benefit of Nigeria, while also exporting excess production to boost the economy.

Edwin noted that the lack of sufficient Nigerian crude supplies has necessitated importing crude from other countries and continents while exporting refined petroleum products abroad.

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Receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, led by Barrister Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), the president said the battle against corruption necessitated a comprehensive review of the salaries and allowances of judicial officers, an issue that he said was well known to him, given his landmark success in reforming justice administration in Lagos State.

“We must deal with the review of remuneration if we truly want to fight corruption in the Judiciary. We will look at the cost as well as the consequences,” he said in response to a request by the NBA president.

Tinubu equally acknowledged the importance of addressing the current vacancies within the Supreme Court, affirming that these vacancies represented obligations that must be fulfilled based on recommendations put forth by the National Judicial Council, NJC.

READ ALSO: Govt focused on restoring confidence of Nigerians –Minister

“Majority of them are on holiday now and when they return, we will take a look at what they have and we will fill the vacancies. It’s a fulfillment of an obligation,” he said.

The president thanked the NBA for extending an invitation to him to declare open the association’s 63rd Annual General Conference this weekend in Abuja.

He acknowledged his privilege of having numerous lawyers as close aides, including the Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the State Chief of Protocol, Amb. Victor Adeleke, and his Principal Private Secretary, Prince Damilotun Aderemi.

The NBA president, in his remarks, commended the president for appointing very distinguished members of the bar into his cabinet, including Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

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In a statement on Friday in Lagos, the branch said that the lecture would take place on January 15 at Lagos Airport Hotel, Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

The statement was signed by the Publicity Secretary of the branch, Mr Patrick Agboola.

According to the association, the theme of the lecture is “Free, Fair and Credible Elections as Indispensable Tool for National Development.”

It said that Mrs Charlotte Kesson-Smith, a lawyer, writer,  philanthropist, social critic and United Nations International Elections Commissioner, would be the key speaker at the event.

It added that other discussants would include  Mr Mike Igini, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Akwa Ibom, and Commodore Kunle Olawunmi, a public affairs analyst.

According to the association, Lagos State governor,  Babajide Sanw-Olu, and his Rivers State counterpart, Governor Nyesom Wike, are among the prominent Nigerians expected to grace the occasion.

“The annual lecture is aimed to preserve the outstanding legacies of the late human and civil rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

“The NBA Ikeja Branch has almost for two decades rolled out the drums yearly to celebrate the greatness of Fawehinmi and his contributions to the development of the legal profession and human rights protection.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu will be the Chief host; the President of NBA, Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), will be host. The chairman of the occasion will be Prof. Akin Oyebode, a former Vice Chancellor of University of Ado-Ekiti.

“The organisers intend to engage rapporteurs who will help out during the programme so it will be easy to transmit the helpful points that will be raised to the Independent National Electoral Commission,” it said.

It quoted the chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), as promising that the lecture would be memorable.

Source: NAN

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Raheem was allegedly shot dead by a police officer while she was returning from an outing with her family.

The alleged murder occurred at Ajah, Lagos State.

The NBA disclosed this in a statement signed  by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Habeeb Lawal, in Lagos.

Raheem was reportedly shot dead by an assistant superintendent of police  attached to the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos.

The suspect had since been remanded.

READ ALSO: Bolanle Raheem: Alleged trigger-happy policeman remanded

In the statement, the NBA said that new dates for the burial ceremonies of Raheem would be communicated.

“Contrary to the earlier announcement released by the family of the late Bolanle Raheem with regard to her burial arrangements, new dates will be announced soon.

“This is as a result of sensitive matters discussed with the family during the visit of the NBA President, Y.C. Maikyau (SAN), who  led a delegation to the family.

“In addition, the NBA is planning a befitting event for lawyers to pay their last respect to their deceased colleague.

“This event will be championed by the NBA Lagos Branch and full details will be announced soon,” it said.

Source: NAN

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