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Senate President, Godswill Akpabio Comments on Rising Pump Prices
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has addressed the recent surge in petroleum pump prices, clarifying that it is largely due to deregulation rather than a straightforward price hike.
He explained that with the removal of consumer subsidies, consumers will now pay the actual market price for fuel.
Akpabio noted that this change could encourage individuals to limit their fuel usage, emphasizing that the shift aims to free up funds for other priorities.
He expressed confidence that market forces will determine prices moving forward and that the entry of multiple suppliers will enhance competition, potentially driving prices down.
While he acknowledged that initial price increases may occur, he is optimistic that production from Dangote and other refineries, along with a more open import market, could lead to greater availability of petroleum products and stabilize prices in the future.
Akpabio reassured the public that the Senate will keep a close watch on the situation and will intervene if needed.
“I haven’t actually assessed what is happening in terms of pump price increase, but it’s not pump price increase, it’s deregulation.
“If you are taking away the consumer subsidy and then you want people to pay for the actual price of what we consume, it means if you have five cars you will now use one or two.
“It simply means that you are going to stop the idea of subsidy in order to make sure that the monies are used for other things. So I don’t expect any increase in pump price.
“I will expect the market forces to determine prices.;I would expect that now that the NNPCL is no longer going to bring petroleum products into the country, it means those who have the capacity will bring it and the more the products are available, the cheaper the price.
“So at the beginning, it may seems to be increasing, but I believe strongly that with the production from Dangote and then the other refineries when they become functional and the fact that it is now open to all to bring in products into the country, I can assure you that we may not even see higher pump prices.
“So please let’s not dwell on the increase in pump price. We will assess it and if there is need for us to intervene we will intervene.”
South-South leaders have showered praise on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her intelligence, self-control, and fearless representation of Kogi Central, while debunking rumors of discord between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Following a high-level meeting in Calabar on Sunday, the leaders dismissed allegations of sexual harassment and sidelining as “wicked and malicious,” calling them attempts to smear the distinguished senator’s reputation.
“We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuations of political mercenaries,” said Chief John Harry, National Chairman of the South-South Front.
Describing Akpoti-Uduaghan as a “dedicated and fearless lawmaker,” the leaders warned against blackmail and misinformation, urging Nigerians to rally behind her and Akpabio in their efforts to drive national progress.
‘’We know that the Senate President does not have anything against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, contrary to the insinuation of political mercenaries’’
They also chastised some individuals and groups for introducing dangerous dimensions to the recent development in the Senate.
‘’We consider it very irresponsible and most uncharitable for some individuals and groups to mischievously try to set Akpoti-Uduaghan against the leadership of the Senate for expressing her views’’.
The South-South leaders disproved sexual harassment and sidelining rumours, describing them as ‘’wicked and malicious’’
‘’These smear campaigns are attempts to tarnish the image of the distinguished senators and put the popular, bright and unflappable Akpoti-Uduaghan at logger-heads with the leadership of the Senate
A statement by the National Chairman of the South-South Front, Chief John Harry shortly after the meeting applauded Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan for working for the progress of the country.
‘’There is a general misunderstanding. The unwarranted attack being launched on Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan amounts to an assault on our collective sensibilities’’
Harry said the leaders took cognizance of the pleasant disposition of the Senate President, his inclusive strategy and the peaceful atmosphere he has been able to create in the Senate.
“No amount of allegations and criticisms hurled at the distinguished senators can erode their contributions to the development of the country”
The notable leaders called on all South-South and North Central people and indeed Nigerians to show solidarity and support for the Senate President and the member representing Kogi Central in the Senate.
‘’The Kogi Central Senator is dedicated and fearless. There is no amount of blackmail, name-calling or intimidation from fictitious groups, that could change the course of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s destiny’’
Former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaba, has passed away at the age of 84.
According to reports, he died peacefully on Saturday in Abuja.
Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa, Secretary of the Egbira Elders Forum, confirmed the news, stating, “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and leader, Prof. Tom A. Adaba, has answered the call of nature this morning. Further details about his burial arrangements will be communicated later.”
Born on July 2, 1941, Prof. Adaba made significant contributions to Nigeria’s broadcasting industry. Between 1988 and 1992, he became the first Nigerian to serve as President of the African Council for Communication Education.
Despite calls for suspension from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigeria Police Force, the Osun State local government election proceeded as scheduled on Saturday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke voted in Ede North Local Government Area, describing the process as peaceful and urging residents to exercise their franchise.
The AGF, Lateef Fagbemi, cited a Court of Appeal ruling allegedly reinstating sacked local government chairmen, while the police warned of potential security threats.
However, the Osun State government insisted on holding the election, emphasizing its commitment to obeying a court directive. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) boycotted the polls.
Voting took place under tight security, with minimal commercial activity observed in Osogbo, the state capital.
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