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RMAFC Chairman Pledges Continued Support For Oil And Gas Host Communities
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that host communities in Nigeria’s oil and gas-producing areas receive fair and transparent benefits in line with constitutional provisions.
Dr. Shehu stated this when he received a delegation from the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSCON), led by its Chairman, Prince Michael Emuh, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday 11th November 2025.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Shehu commended HOSCON for its peaceful and consultative approach toward addressing issues of resource allocation and environmental justice in oil-producing areas. He emphasized that, “Without the peace and cooperation of the host communities, the exploration and production of oil and gas in Nigeria would not be possible.”
The Chairman assured the delegation that the Commission would study their detailed position paper and engage other relevant stakeholders to develop sustainable frameworks that guarantee transparency and fairness in the disbursement and utilization of the 13% derivation fund. “The issue involves a delicate balance between constitutional provisions, judicial interpretations, and state-level management,” he added.
In his remarks, Prince Michael Emuh, National Chairman of HOSCON, expressed appreciation to the Commission for the warm reception, describing the engagement as, “A new dawn for the long-neglected communities that lay the golden egg.” He lamented that despite the fact that their communities provide the bulk of the resources in the country, they are often marginalized.
During the interactive session, Hon. (Amb.) Desmond Akawor, Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State, commended HOSCON’s presentation, describing it as timely and insightful. He called for closer collaboration between host communities and key institutions to develop practical monitoring mechanisms for the 13% derivation fund.
Also speaking, Hon. Nkechi Otti, Federal Commissioner representing Abia State, charged the host communities to protect the projects executed by the state government from the fund so as to safeguard them from vandalisation.
Hon. Mohammed Kabeer Usman, Federal Commissioner representing Gombe State, encouraged HOSCON to pursue its advocacy through dialogue and legal instruments, stating that “Achieving results requires engaging the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and State Governments, not confrontation.”
Also speaking, Hon. Ibrahim Sa’ad Bello, Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State, underscored the need for a defined constitutional framework to ensure that funds meant for host communities reach the grassroots.
In his contribution, Hon. Imoh Akpan Effiong, Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State, appreciated the HOSCON delegation for their visit and constructive engagement. He assured that the Commission would carefully review their submissions and take every necessary step to ensure a lasting framework for host community inclusion.
The Secretary to the Commission, Engr. Joseph Okechukwu Nwaeze reaffirmed RMAFC’s commitment to fairness and transparency while giving the assurance that the advocacy efforts of the host communities will not be in vain.
The Technical Assistant to the Chairman, Prof. Aliyu Idris commended HOSCON for engaging with RMAFC through the right institutional channel. He advised the group to submit a memorandum to the National Assembly proposing a constitutional management framework for the 13% derivation, noting that once such a framework is embedded in the Constitution, it becomes mandatory for all state governments to comply.
News
Amb Lion Ogorry Files Landmark Lawsuit Against Sahara Reporters, Sowore For Misleading and Malicious Publication Endangering National Security
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry, a renowned public advocacy practitioner and activist, today announced the filing of a high-profile lawsuit against Sahara Reporters Ltd. and its publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit, numbered FCT/HC/CV/4767/2025, accuses the defendants of publishing a false, malicious, and reckless article that violates Nigeria’s Constitution, the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015, and other laws protecting public discourse, national security, and public order.
The originating summons, filed on November 24, 2025, stems from a Sahara Reporters article titled
“EXCLUSIVE: How Tinubu’s Defence Minister Matawalle Maintains Contact With Bandit Leaders, Ordered Them To Compel Communities To Vote For APC—Former Aide,” published on November 19, 2025.
Ambassador Ogorry alleges that the publication contains grave, unfounded accusations against the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, claiming he maintains illicit contacts with bandit leaders, orders communities to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), and engages in activities that undermine counter-terrorism efforts.
These claims, according to the suit, are not only false but also fabricated to incite alarm, hatred, and ill-will, while endangering national security and public safety.
In his affidavit supporting the summons, Ambassador Ogorry, a Nigerian citizen and resident of Abuja with a long-standing commitment to public order and lawful civic discourse, emphasized that the article was disseminated widely across Sahara Reporters’ website, social media channels, X.com (Twitter) account, Facebook pages, WhatsApp broadcasts, and other platforms. He described the publication as a blatant violation of Section 39(3)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which prohibits speech that endangers public safety, national security, and public order. Furthermore, it contravenes Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by disseminating false, misleading, and harmful information capable of causing alarm or ill-will.
“The defendants’ reckless actions have not only tarnished the reputation of a dedicated public servant but have also compromised ongoing military operations against banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s North-West region,” said Ambassador Ogorry. “This publication promotes distrust, exposes the Minister to risks, and undermines the morale of our armed forces engaged in counter-terrorism. It is a direct assault on our national security and the freedom of expression that must be balanced with responsibility.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs from the court:
– A declaration that the publication is false, misleading, malicious, and not protected speech under Section 39(1) of the Constitution (as amended).
– A declaration that it falls within restricted speech under Section 39(3)(a), endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
– A declaration that it violates Sections 24(1)(a) & (b) of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 by prohibiting false, harmful, or misleading information.
– AN ORDER OF INJUNCTION restraining the Defendants, their agents, or privies from further publishing, distributing, circulating, or causing to be circulated the said false publication or any other malicious publication especially as it relates to and against the person of Defence Minister, Dr. Matawalle.
– An order directing the defendants to issue a public retraction of the publication and publish a full apology on their website and social media channels for 14 consecutive days.
– General and exemplary damages of N10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) for the frivolous, false, and malicious publication geared toward endangering public safety, national security, and public order.
Ambassador Ogorry highlighted that the article, based on unverified claims from an alleged “former senior aide,” lacks any official record or evidence, demonstrating the defendants’ disregard for truth and ethical journalism. He urged the court to address this as a matter of urgent national importance, citing precedents such as President F.R.N. v. ISA (2017) and Guardian Newspapers v. AIEH (2011), which affirm that freedom of expression does not protect reckless publications that threaten security.
“This lawsuit is not just about correcting a falsehood; it’s about safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, protecting public officials from baseless attacks, and ensuring media accountability,” Ambassador Ogorry added. “Sahara Reporters and Omoyele Sowore must be held responsible for their role in spreading dangerous misinformation that could fuel terrorism and disrupt public order.”
The case is set for hearing in the Abuja Judicial Division, and Ambassador Ogorry expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice and constitutional principles.
About Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry
Ambassador Adebayo Lion Ogorry is a public advocacy practitioner, activist, and Nigerian citizen dedicated to promoting national security, public order, and lawful civic discourse. With a focus on protecting public discourse from malicious interference, he advocates for responsible journalism and governance.
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