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Coalition backs Falana, demands explanation over $2.9bn approved for local refineries

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A Coalition of Civil Society Groups has given amplification to the question raised by foremost Human Rights Lawyer, Chief Femi Falana (SAN), over the $2.9 billion released for the rehabilitation of the 3 local refineries in Nigeria.

The Coalition, made up of about 145 groups, are calling on the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mallam Mele Kyari, to come out as requested by Falana, and explain to Nigerians how the funds were expended, and to explain further if there were diversion of funds as alleged by the legal icon.

It has been widely reported that the cumulative sum of $2.9 billion was at different times released to the NNPCL to rehabilitate the ailing Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries and put them to production of crude oil, in their original capacities or at best, increase the original standards.

Despite receiving the funds which translates to trillions in naira, the Warri and Kaduna refineries remain comatose, while the NNPCL open up the primary section of the Port Harcourt refinery two weeks for blending, leaving the bigger section with large capacity nonfunctioning.

The fiery Human Rights activist, Falana, irked by many conflicting reports from the Port Harcourt refinery and the inability of NNPCL to address Nigerians on the genuine state of things, confronted the management last week in Lagos, during the commissioning of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Tower.

“I challenge NUPENG and PENGASSAN to tell Nigerians the actual state of the refineries. Only 60,000 barrels per day are being blended while NNPCL is silent on the remaining 150,000 bpd as well as on the Warri and Kaduna refineries.

“NNPCL has not explained to Nigerians why the $2.9billion earmarked for the refineries has been diverted,” Falana had said in his remarks.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Spokesperson of the Coalition, Otunba Olaosebikan Aremu, the CSOs wondered why Kyari or any of his delegated officials has not come out to answer to the questions raised by Falana in Lagos state, one week after.

“We have been waiting, with great expectations, that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mr. Mele Kyari or any of his agents would come out to reply the erudite Lawyer and Human Rights Activist, Chief Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, but to our greatest chagrin, no comment has gone out on this account.

“The NNPCL, as usual has kept us in the dark. Nigerians demand answers to the questions raised by their Lawyer. We want to know if the amount received by the NNPCL is actually $2.9 billion or it is more or less than that; we want to know what has happened to the funds, tell us if it was actually diverted as poised by Falana; if the money was properly utilised, come out and give Nigerians account of how it was expended.

“Come out and explain to us why the Warri and Kaduna refineries are still not working; tell us the dates we should expect their opening; tell us why the Port Harcourt refinery claimed to be in operation is still being regarded by stakeholders and host community as a “blending plant”; tell Nigerians why Port-Harcourt refinery was only blending 60,000 barrels of crude oil per day, while the 150,000bpd capacity is abandoned; tell us when to expect the secondary segment which has the larger capacity will be put to operations.

“Let Kyari also tell Nigerians why Port-Harcourt refinery was said to have shut down operation shortly after it was open, leaving only its non-petroleum unit running which is the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU); why did stakeholders and host community exclaimed that the CDU could only produce naphtha, kerosene and diesel but cannot produce the component which is needed for the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as petrol?

“All these questions and many more are begging for answers from Kyari and his team. They should not play the usual dumb game by keeping quiet and we’ll forget it in days. They’re public officers and owe us accountability. They should also respect our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and do the needful, because the complainants from the masses is massive and we don’t want anything that will discredit the good intentions of Mr. President”, the statement read.

The Coalition added that, members of the Civil Society Organisations shall not hesitate to occupy the streets of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, “if these questions are not attended to, and to the satisfaction of Nigerians, too”.

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Brazil Beat Haiti 3-0, Boost Knockout Hopes

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Brazil strengthened their chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti today. The South Americans delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity to secure three crucial points.

From the opening whistle, Brazil imposed themselves on the match. Their midfield trio dictated tempo, recycling possession and stretching Haiti’s defensive lines. Within the first 15 minutes, Brazil’s pressure paid off when striker Gabriel Silva converted a low cross from the right flank, giving his side an early lead.

Despite conceding early, Haiti showed resilience. They tightened their defensive shape and attempted to hit Brazil on the counterattack. Winger Jean-Pierre Louis tested Brazil’s goalkeeper with a sharp effort from distance, but the shot was comfortably saved. Haiti’s determination kept the scoreline respectable through much of the first half.

Brazil doubled their advantage just before halftime. Midfielder Lucas Andrade unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, leaving Haiti’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The strike highlighted Brazil’s technical superiority and gave them a cushion heading into the break.

In the second half, Brazil maintained control. Their passing sequences frustrated Haiti, who struggled to regain possession. Brazil’s third goal came in the 70th minute when substitute forward Rafael Costa capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly into the net. The goal sealed the contest and allowed Brazil to manage the closing stages with confidence.

Brazil’s coach emphasized balance, ensuring the team did not overcommit forward. The defensive line remained compact, neutralizing Haiti’s attempts to break through. This tactical discipline prevented Haiti from creating clear chances and underscored Brazil’s maturity in tournament play.

Although Haiti failed to score, their effort was commendable. The team fought hard, pressing when possible and showing flashes of creativity. However, the gulf in quality was evident, particularly in midfield battles where Brazil consistently regained control.

The victory places Brazil in a strong position in their group. With six points from two matches, they are now favorites to progress to the knockout stage. The team’s blend of youth and experience appears to be clicking at the right time, raising hopes among supporters for a deep run in the tournament.

Brazil will face a tougher test in their next fixture against a European opponent. The team must maintain focus and continue refining their attacking transitions. For Haiti, the defeat complicates their path forward, but they remain mathematically alive. Their next match will be decisive in determining whether they can keep their World Cup dream aliv

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine

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Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.

Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.

They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.

The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.

The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.

A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.

Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.

With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.

The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.

They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.

Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.

After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.

They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.

The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.

Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.

Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.

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Judicial Battle Reboots Kwara ADC’s 2027 Election Machinery

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The Kwara State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has converted a recent legal threat into a political launchpad. Following an appellate court victory that halted an attempt to deregister the party, the Kwara ADC has declared its full readiness to contest the 2027 general elections.

A Federal High Court judgment by Justice Peter Lifu originally ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the ADC along with four other opposition parties.

The decision was met with an outcry by opposition coalition who alleged the judicial action was another manipulative scheme to cripple opposition politics in the nation and give an unearned leap to ruling parties for the 2027 election cycle.

The “threat however, disappeared into thin air as the Court of Appeal in Abuja swung into action and delivered a strong rebuff on the lower court. A stay of execution of the deregistration order was issued by the Court of Appeal.

Experts and political leaders in opposition said the lower court’s ruling had contravened judicial hierarchy as courts above had already issued a stay of proceedings. It has returned to status quo, following the successful legal defence as the Kwara State chapter of the ADC has called an emergency State Executive Committee meeting at its State Secretariat, Ilorin.

Party stakeholders have already turned the page from the legal battle to an intensive grassroots mobilisation as party structures have been instructed to get set for the next election cycle.

“This issue, while appearing like a setback, has only united us more than before,” said the Kwara State Chairman of ADC, Babatunde Muhammed, who assured that “

The Court of Appeal intervention in our case has revived my confidence in the country’s judicial system, and that you cannot simply rubbish an existing political movement because you have access to some judges.

We remain unruffled” he added. Consequently, all ADC Candidates and ward executives in Kwara State have been tasked to commence voter outreach immediately with a unit-by-unit grassroots mobilisation plan that aims to put the current ruling party on the defensive by articulating how the ADC platform and agenda contrast with the performance of the incumbent administration.

The new approach of Kwara ADC will focus primarily on local security issues, fiscal and economic management and ensuring a free and fair electoral system in 2027 election.

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