News
CSOs applaud Tinubu’s reported sack of Ojulari, demand arrest over alleged N34.6bn NNPCL fraud
A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), including OilWatch Nigeria (OWN), Workers’ Rights Alliance (WRA), and Concerned Citizens, has voiced strong support for President Bola Tinubu regarding the reported removal of Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
During a press briefing held near the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Thursday, the coalition accused Ojulari of causing significant harm to Nigeria’s economy and eroding public trust in governance.
Emmanuel Ekpeyong of OilWatch Nigeria, Danladi Usman of Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Babatunde Anifowoshe of Nigeria Concerned Citizens spoke on behalf of the coalition.
They stated, “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ojulari to ensure accountability for his egregious actions, which have robbed Nigerians of their collective wealth and future.”
Describing the alleged dismissal as timely and necessary, the group commended Tinubu for what they described as a decisive action against corruption.
“This bold decision demonstrates the President’s commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring integrity to Nigeria’s vital oil sector. By acting swiftly, President Tinubu has sent a clear message that his administration will not tolerate economic sabotage or a betrayal of public trust. This action aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which promises transparency, accountability, and prosperity for all Nigerians. We applaud the President for prioritizing the interests of the nation over those of a corrupt few and urge him to maintain this momentum by ensuring justice is fully served,” the CSOs said.
The organizations also praised the EFCC and other security agencies for their prompt actions, which reportedly included preventing Ojulari from fleeing the country by confiscating his passports and issuing a red alert at airports.
“These actions ensure that Ojulari cannot escape accountability for his alleged crimes, including the ₦34.65 billion scandal. We commend the professionalism of our security forces and encourage them to continue their resolve as they pursue a thorough investigation and prosecution of Ojulari and his accomplices,” the coalition stated.
They also expressed plans to engage the international community regarding this issue.
“To further safeguard justice, OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens will submit formal letters to the US Embassy, EU Delegation, and UK High Commission in Nigeria by Friday, August 8, 2025, urging them to impose a travel ban on Bayo Ojulari and his known associates,” they added.
Additionally, the group urged President Tinubu to go beyond the reported dismissal by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which they consider vital to the country’s economic future.
“We call on our dear President Tinubu, whose love for Nigeria has been demonstrated through this action, to take further steps by ordering the immediate reopening of the Port Harcourt Refinery. Reviving this critical asset will restore Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, create jobs, and benefit millions of Nigerians. It is the height of economic sabotage to keep this refinery closed due to one man’s desire to sell it to his allies as scrap and divert its crude oil allocation to cronies for personal gain.”
The coalition also demanded that the EFCC expedite Ojulari’s prosecution for the alleged ₦34.65 billion scandal, crude oil diversion, and other corrupt practices. “Justice must be swift and transparent to deter future economic sabotage,” they concluded.
Foreign news
Algeria’s Glorious Revolution: Embassy Marks 72nd Anniversary in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The Embassy of Algeria in Nigeria has commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the country’s Glorious Revolution of November 1, 1954, with a reception in Abuja, highlighting Algeria’s liberation struggle and strengthening diplomatic relations with Nigeria.
The event, held on November 9, 2026, at Continental Suites Hotel, attracted prominent personalities, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, members of the Federal Government, senior government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and other friends of Algeria.
Speaking at the reception, Algeria’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Hocine Mezoued, welcomed guests and paid tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives during the struggle for independence.
He described the November 1, 1954 revolution as the foundation of modern Algeria, noting that the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs made it possible for the country to reclaim its sovereignty.
On Algeria’s development agenda, Mezoued said President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s administration had continued to pursue economic reforms, diversification and national development under its New Algeria vision.
He noted that the country was recording progress in non-hydrocarbon exports, while improvements in the business environment had boosted investor confidence and attracted significant foreign investments.
On foreign policy, the ambassador reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to non-interference, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and the right of peoples to self-determination.
Addressing security challenges in the Sahel, he stressed that lasting peace could not be achieved through military measures alone, insisting that economic development, inclusive dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes remained essential.
Turning to Nigeria-Algeria relations, Mezoued described the partnership as one founded on shared values and the commitment of both countries’ leaders to advancing African development.
He identified the Trans-Saharan Highway, Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Fibre Optic Backbone as major strategic projects receiving attention from both countries.
The ambassador also disclosed that Algeria had continued to provide scholarships to Nigerian students to strengthen human capital development and capacity building.
He further announced that Air Algérie expanded its Nigerian operations on October 26, 2026, with the introduction of two weekly flights to Lagos, expressing confidence that the service would boost trade and tourism.
Looking ahead, Mezoued said 2027 would offer fresh opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly through the fifth Joint High Bi-National Commission scheduled to hold in Abuja.
He expressed optimism that the meeting would provide an opportunity to assess existing partnerships, identify new areas of cooperation and move Nigeria-Algeria relations towards a more practical and results-driven phase.
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