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The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has warned anyone with the intention to cause trouble during the Niger State local government elections to have a rethink, as security agencies will not hesitate to clamp down on such persons.

In line with this, the Commissioner of Police has also ordered the deployment of three Deputy Commissioners of Police to the three senatorial districts in the State for election security monitoring and supervision.

This is in addition to massive deployment of Police personnel and operational assets including tactical teams such as 12pmf, 61pmf, Counter terrorism unit (CTU), EOD-CBRN, Special protection unit (SPU), Tactical support team (TST), Crack squad, and Anti-kidnapping unit, as well as other security agencies under the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to provide security coverage at all the 4,950 polling units and 274 wards of the 25LGAs across the state.

Elleman then urged all political parties to play by the rules while reiterating the Command’s readiness to provide adequate security for a peaceful and credible election.

He added that enforcement of vehicular movement restriction shall also commence from 6am-6pm on the Election Day, except officials on essential duties.

In a related development, journalists and media practitioners were trained on effective and ethical election reporting by LinaTV in collaboration with Media Mentors Network with support from the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC).

Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Simon Lounge, said the training was timely, as they expect the media and journalists to report what is on ground and not sensationalise the elections.

The Chief Executive Officer of LinaTV, Celine Alkali said there was need for the training, as several journalists across media organisations in the state would be covering such type of elections for the first time.

The facilitators, Mr Dan Amasigha took the journalists on media responsibilities and ethical considerations in reporting elections, Alhaji Dantala took a session on principles of effective election reporting and understanding the electoral process while Justina Asishana took a session on fact-checking and combating misinformation during elections.

The crisis assailing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) does not appear ready to disappear. Like other opposition platforms, internal disharmony within the main opposition party has continued to worsen. But the injuries are self-inflicted.

Having fallen from power some 10 years ago, the PDP has failed to display the prospects of a united front that can bounce back to power. Its political muscles, which it flexed for 16 years in power, have become feeble, like those of an ageing bully. Even the voices of its leading lights of yore have become faint against those who have turned the party into a battlefield.

The failure to groom duteous politicians to succeed the blusterous first generation of the party gave birth to the current babel within. The ‘party of generals’ that got to power in the wake of the current dispensation obviously forgot that nothing lasts forever. Today, neither its barracks mentality of ‘obey the last order’ or democratic norms prevail.

From the outset, the PDP never appeared like a party that was based on democratic pillars. Many of its chairmen were ousted unceremoniously. Imagine the national chairman of a party being asked to tender his resignation letter directly to the President after a meal of pounded yams and bush meat in his house.

In the past two decades, the PDP has changed it chairman than any other party has. The same happened to its Senate presidents when the party was in power. They were not removed on health grounds but to satisfy the yearnings of some overbearing individuals. The party did not respect democratic principles. It was a matter of time for its internal transgressions to blow open.

Now that the chicken has come home to roost, who, will salvage the once acclaimed largest party in Africa from self-ruin?

The fate of the PDP should be a lesson, even to the ruling party. No political party is infallible. Pride could herald a fatal fall. That electoral disaster has been the lot of the party that once nursed the bogus ambition of ruling the country for 60 years.

But the founding fathers committed a fatal error, which has continued to haunt them. It was a great mistake that after the party had taken shape, its presidential ticket landed on the palm of a wrong person; a dictator and manipulator who later tore his party’s membership card.

The PDP suffered internal instability arising from the crisis of leadership. In 27 years, it has produced 17 national chairmen, many of who left office unceremoniously.

After the bruises, they took refuge in the opposition party that rallied Nigerians to drive PDP out of power.

A crisis is an infection. It is highly contagious. This is the heritage of a party founded by sane leaders without future builders to build on the virile foundation. When the party was in power between 1999 and 2015, its leaders were carried away by government power. They thought that federal power was the only requirement for party nurturing. While the party was in government, it started decaying as the supremacy of its power-loaded president came to be perceived as party supremacy.

Gradually, the founding fathers faded away without an opportunity to cleanse the party. A deep gulf had developed between them and the younger elements, whose gradual rise to stardom coincided with that period of party dictatorship which became the norm.

The current battle stems from the split among the younger elements who gained total control of the party after the residual class of gerontocrats painfully relocated to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

They could not keep the dilapidated house together. As the crisis escalated, it provided an escape route for their colleagues to dump the distressed platform. Three governors – Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta and Peter Mbah of Enugu – hurriedly jumped out of the sinking ship. Now, Douye Diri of Bayela is packing his load. He is said to be comparing notes with Agbu Kefas of Taraba. Reports said Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang is feeling lonely and gazing at APC, whose National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, is from the state and has hinted that more governors would follow.

The danger now is that many stalwarts are willing and ready to work for the ruling party without defecting from the PDP.

Those leaving in droves claim that the crisis is injurious to their ambitions. They fear the legal technicalities that can knock them out of the 2027 polls if the leadership crisis persists. The party’s secretary has insisted that the PDP is a party of signature forgers. Senator Sam Anyanwu is simply saying that he has no hand in the preparations for the convention as the party’s scribe. Lawyer Nyesom Wike, ‘governor of Abuja,’ is firing salvos, warning that an improper convention would not be acceptable.

The preparations have polarised the PDP into two camps – that of governors and that of a few gerontocrats being excluded from the planned elective convention. Former Governors Sule Lamido and Ahmed Makarfi have said they loathe intimidation by ‘small boys’ of yesterday now trying to push them around.

The old method may still align with the new times, if certain conditions are met. Traditionally, national chairmen are foisted by the conclave of governors. But the key omission moe is proper consultation.

If the position of the national chairman has been zoned to the North and micro-zoned to the Northwest, should the old men not be informed about the intention to impose Kabiru Tanimu Turaki by the governors from the Northcentral and the Northeast? If the governors are sure of themselves, why can’t they throw the contest open, allow democracy to take its course and prove that they are really in charge by mobilising party faithful to vote for their candidate at Ibadan on November 15?

Given the unfolding scenarios, the outcome of the PDP national convention may further mar its efforts at having a harmonious platform. But it would be very interesting to see a party stalwart who can wield the magic wand that would save the party from drifting into anarchy.

PDP is still the main opposition party. To be relevant, the warring chieftains should close ranks, do a soul-searching and erect building blocks of unity.

It is possible. But it is a hard option for the party.

The Conference of Registered Voters in Nigeria (CRVN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a 15 percent import duty on petrol and diesel, describing the policy as bold, strategic, and critical to transforming Nigeria’s petroleum sector and protecting local investments.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National President, Dr. Ebikeme Edesiri, hailed President Tinubu for showing courage and foresight in strengthening Nigeria’s refiningj capacity and advancing the country toward energy self-sufficiency.

Dr. Edesiri noted that the decision underscores the administration’s commitment to building a resilient economy that prioritises local production, safeguards jobs, and boosts investor confidence.

‘President Tinubu has once again shown that he is a reform-minded leader who understands what it takes to build a stable economy. This import duty is not punitive-it is protective. It shields our local refineries from unfair competition, supports Nigerian workers, and secures the future of our oil and gas industry,’ the statement reads.

According to the CRVN, the policy will encourage investment, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The group added that the new import tax is expected to promote healthy competition, strengthen the naira, and boost government revenue for national development.

‘This policy is a win-win for government, industry, and the people. By curbing the influx of cheap imported fuel, we will be protecting the huge investments made in domestic refining. It is a practical step toward energy independence and national pride,’ the statement added.

Edesiri noted that the measure aligns with the President’s broader reform agenda, which includes removing fuel subsidies, unifying the exchange rate, and expanding non-oil revenue sources to strengthen the economy.

‘Each of these reforms reflects a consistent and visionary economic direction. President Tinubu is not playing politics with policy. He is making tough but necessary decisions that will set Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth,’ Edesiri said.

The CRVN urged the federal government to ensure that revenue generated from the import duty is transparently managed and invested in improving critical infrastructure, especially roads, power, and healthcare.

The group also called on Nigerians to support the reforms, noting that the benefits of the current policies would soon become evident through improved local capacity, job creation, and economic stability.

‘We must be patient and support these policies. No country achieves self-sufficiency overnight. What we are witnessing is a deliberate rebuilding of our economy from within. It requires the cooperation of every Nigerian,’ the group admonished.

Edesiri commended the President’s vision for aligning Nigeria’s petroleum policy with international standards that prioritise domestic value addition over import dependence.

‘This 15 percent petroleum import duty is an act of national renewal. It will protect Nigerian refineries, stimulate growth, and secure jobs. We stand solidly behind the President and urge him to sustain these noble reforms that bring development closer to the common man.’

The group reaffirmed its confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as ‘a man of courage, conviction, and vision’ who is steering the country toward genuine economic independence.

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called on the Executive arm of government to urgently wade into a long-standing land dispute between the Elepe Family of Oyo Town and leaders of the Awe Community in Afijio Local Government Area, to prevent a potential communal clash and ensure peace and order.

The call followed a motion titled ‘Need for the Executive Arm of Government to Urgently Intervene in a Land Dispute Between the Elepe Family in Oyo Town and the Alawe Community Leaders, Awe to Prevent Communal Clash and Maintain Peace and Order,’ raised by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency, during plenary on Thursday.

Oyekola noted that the dispute, which dates back several decades, involves over 15,000 acres of land at Ahoro Iseke, spanning about 218 villages predominantly inhabited by Elepe farmers across Oyo West and Afijio Local Government Areas.

He recalled that the dispute has been a subject of litigation between both communities since the early 2000s. A judgment delivered in 2004 awarded portions of the disputed land – including Ijado, Ijefon, and Dapogudugu – to the Awe Community, a decision which the Elepe Family contested through an appeal.

According to the lawmaker, the appellate judgment later created ambiguity over the exact boundaries to be allocated, thereby intensifying tension between the two sides.

He expressed concern that despite the ongoing investigation by the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency, reports indicate that leaders of the Awe community are allegedly making moves to take possession of the land by force, insisting that Oyo indigenes vacate the area before the end of the week.

Oyekola warned that failure to address the situation swiftly could result in violence, loss of lives, and destruction of property, urging the state government to take proactive steps to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

The motion was seconded by the lawmaker representing Oyo East/West State Constituency, Olorunpoto Rahaman.

However, the House, in its resolutions, urged the Executive arm of government through the Office of the Executive Assistant on Security Matters to immediately intervene and ensure peace is restored in the affected communities.

It also directed the Oyo State Real Properties Protection Agency to expedite its investigation into the matter and submit its report to the House within three weeks.

Additionally, the Assembly appealed to both the Elepe and Awe Community leaders to maintain the status quo and refrain from any actions that could escalate the conflict, while relevant law enforcement agencies were urged to mobilize personnel to the area to prevent unrest.

The detail makes the difference! In 1961, the regional government in Western Nigeria made tax cuts to shore up its dwindling electoral prospects, largely caused by a drop in commodity prices. There was, however, an unexpected resistance to the tax cuts in some provinces, particularly in Ekiti, Ijebu and Ondo. Over 300 people were arraigned before magistrates across the region for unruly conduct and bound over. The key point here is that people, after an initial resistance in the middle of the 1950s, had come to accept the benefits of paying taxes. Even by today’s standards worldwide, this is real political sophistication.

Obviously, this new paradigm is the basis for the laudable, very well-thought-out tax reforms of the Tinubu administration. Fifteen years down the road, the political maturation fostered by these reforms will definitely manifest as resistance to proposed tax cuts, which will be interpreted by the populace as an attempt to undermine their economic rights, even their right to life. This cultural shift would be the highlight of the president’s very important thrust to redefine Nigeria’s political economy, and the verdict of history will ultimately be very favourable to him and his endeavours.

For years, Nigeria has been basking in the euphoria of a revenue economy, but where has that taken us? As we speak, Nigeria holds a complex position in World Bank assessments. In terms of national income per person, the country faces significant challenges, as evidenced by its recent ranking of 146 out of 191 countries on GDP per capita. However, when viewed by overall economic size, the Bank acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa by Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite its status as Africa’s economic giant, the World Bank officially classifies the country as a Lower Middle-Income Economy.

Again, the question is: do we need the World Bank to tell us that all is not well with Nigeria? Of course, stepping onto the streets will reveal the gravity of the mass misery ravaging our land. If we look at the faces of the people, and evaluate the children who daily trek to their schools with practically nothing in their stomachs, and simply because their parents want to save the N200 or N300 cost of Korope, then maybe we can have better words to situate our predicament.

In the 1960s, things were not this bad because there was a real state. The simple truth is that the political leaders of that era were adequately prepared for leadership roles. Those leaders went into politics because they believed in something, and they pursued it diligently. Since they had a clear agenda for development, their focus was fundamentally different from what obtains these days.

But what can we say about our latter-day leaders? A majority of them are in politics purely because of limited economic opportunities. Since they’re driven only by the fear of personal poverty, they’re bereft of any ideological base. They are not developmentalists because they’re not in politics to build or develop anything. They are children of entitlement, simply dancing away their people’s sorrow. If this were not the case, when was the last time a major factory was established in a town like Ijebu-Jesa in Osun State?

The Agent General of Western Nigeria in London during the First Republic was the de-facto Minister of Export, coordinating the sale of exports like cocoa, palm oil, rubber and the like. It was he who would negotiate markets, shipping and insurance. He always had strong targets, so he was always a very busy man. If we may ask, what is Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK selling to the outside world and how much is he remitting to Nigeria as proceeds from the sale of our exports? What’s his target and how is he coping with it?

Yes, personal charisma might win an election, but, while the principalities and powers of the past cannot be reversed, it offers a barometer for learning. Consider Obafemi Awolowo’s 1952 speech to the Western Region House of Assembly on the establishment of the Cooperative Bank; it reads as if the late sage were delivering a Nobel Prize in Economics Acceptance Speech. Characteristically, Awo’s speech was a display of deep, powerful and dialectical thinking. Unfortunately, the majority of those in power today have neither that depth nor the intellectual interest. This critical lack of clear direction and intellectual leadership is one of the primary reasons why Nigeria struggles to survive.

Admittedly, what grows a country are not men but the system. However, the system is always put in place by men. More importantly, the matter isn’t about the absence of documents, but about the presence of a functioning, ethical state. Across the ‘parties’, and frankly in most states of the federation, there are dozens of aspirants who are not distinguishable from one another. They are just vying for access to power and resources, rather than the upliftment of the people and upholding the legacy in the Western Region that affirmed the very purpose of governance and indeed of politics itself: ‘To make life more abundant’.

Who knew about the Port of Singapore in the 1960s? So, what exactly went wrong, and where exactly did our leaders lose the plot? More critically, where is the substantive plan to bolster security, the very foundation upon which all other state activities must rest? Tragically, the situation is deteriorating so fast that some institutions of higher learning have had to issue curfew timetables for when their students are allowed to move or are forced to go on empty stomachs for the fear of bandit attacks.

With Tinubu now in the saddle, the optics may be looking good. Who knows?

Nigerian rapper Oladips has opened up about his unpleasant encounter with the operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that he was unlawfully arrested and extorted millions of naira in 2024.

The ‘Lalakukulala’ singer made the revelation during a recent interview, where he recounted how the EFCC officials broke into his Lagos residence in the middle of the night.

‘It was around 3 AM when they broke my kitchen door and gained access to my apartment,’ Oladips said. ‘I already knew they were in the estate operating in other people’s apartments, but I wasn’t worried because I don’t do fraud.’

According to him, the operatives demanded his laptop, but he explained that he only owned two mobile phones.

He claimed he was taken to the EFCC office, where officials, upon finding no evidence of fraud, began questioning him about tax payments.

‘I was locked up for five days in a very smelly cell but was later granted bail after paying millions,’ the rapper recounted.

Oladips also revealed that fellow artiste Zlatan Ibile ensured he had food throughout his detention by sending him meals daily.

He described the experience as both humiliating and traumatizing, adding that although he contemplated taking legal action against the anti-graft agency, he decided against it due to the complexities of Nigeria’s justice system.

‘I would have sued the EFCC, but you know how the system is – I would just keep spending money,’ he said.

Actress Peju Ogunmola has announced return to acting, months after the death of her only child, Ayomikun.

In a video posted to her Instagram account on Friday, Ogunmola described the past months as ‘heavy’ but said public support had sustained her.

‘A new month, a new dawn. The past months have been heavy, but your love, prayers, and condolences have carried me through the storm. Today I rise, stronger, grateful, and ready to embrace my passion again.

The screens have missed me. and I’m back, doing what I love most,’ she said.

The actress’s son died in Ibadan in September following a brief illness, family spokesperson Yemi Amodu confirmed at the time.

The statement refuted earlier online speculation about the cause of death.

Ogunmola, a fixture in Yoruba cinema for decades, had stepped away from public appearances since the loss.

Her return announcement drew immediate reactions from colleagues and fans.

Princess Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, News Central’s Director of Commercial and Communications, has been named as one of the 50 most influential women in Marketing and Communications in Nigeria by the Women in Marketing and Communications Award 2025.

The award comes on the back of her outstanding achievements as a leading Marketing and Communications thought leader across various industries over the past 20 years.

The ceremony, held recently, recognised leading women who have made significant contributions to the marketing and communications industry across Africa.

Rosemary Egabor Afolahan’s exemplary dedication, innovative strategies, and leadership in the field have set new standards for excellence. Her commitment to impactful storytelling and transformative communication has inspired many professionals and contributed to elevating the industry’s profile.

In her speech, Rosemary appreciated the selection committee of WIMCA 2025 for the recognition and the News Central team for their support and collaboration. ‘I am truly grateful to everyone who made this possible, and to my team for the love and support in achieving all that we continuously aspire to do. It’s always amazing to see our work get recognition, and it always pushes us to do more.’

‘This honour reflects Rosemary’s passion and tireless effort to advance the marketing and communications sector,’ said Mark Befe, a spokesperson for News Central Television. ‘We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to her continued success and influence.’ The Women in Marketing and Communications Award celebrates women who break barriers, drive change, and empower others in the industry. Rosemary’s award highlights her role as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration for upcoming professionals.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery yesterday reaffirmed its commitment to a steady and uninterrupted supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) nationwide, with a daily production capacity exceeding domestic demand.

Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, said in Lagos that the refinery’s operations are driven by the company’s dedication to supporting national energy stability and consumer confidence.

He spoke against the backdrop of fears over the likely effects of the recently announced 15% tariff on imported petrol and diesel.

National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said separately yesterday that the new tariff was nothing for Nigerians to worry about.

He said the policy was essentially designed to discourage importation and attract investors to establish refineries in the country.

‘Our refinery is currently loading over 45 million litres of PMS and 25 million litres of diesel daily, which exceeds Nigeria’s demand,’ Mr Chiejina said.

He added: ‘We are working collaboratively with regulatory agencies and distribution partners to guarantee efficient nationwide delivery.

‘Dangote remains steadfast in its commitment to meeting the energy needs of Nigerians.

‘This significant production capacity not only guarantees local supply but also enhances energy security and reduces dependence on imports.’

He noted that improved local production of petroleum products has helped to stabilise the exchange rate and strengthen the naira.

‘We have reduced foreign exchange outflows and increased inflows, which in turn supports the naira and strengthens the economy,’ he said.

He also said that it would be unpatriotic for anyone to criticise the recently announced tariff, which, according to him, is a good start.

He emphasised that the tariff is designed to protect domestic industries from unfair competition and safeguard local production.

‘Dumping engenders poverty, discourages industrialisation, creates unemployment and leads to revenue loss for the government.

‘Across the world, nations protect their local manufacturers and industries from the threat of dumping.

‘Dumping destroyed our textile industry, which was once a major employer of labour and creator of wealth,’ he said.

According to him, government should, in addition to the imposition of the tariff, strengthen its monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to prevent the dumping of substandard and toxic petroleum products by unscrupulous and rent-seeking individuals who prioritise profiteering at the expense of Nigerians, often undermining well-intentioned government policies for their selfish interests.

He said the prevalence of dumping over the years has discouraged investors from establishing industries in Nigeria, as imported products flooded the market at unsustainable prices, undermining local production.

The new tariff policy, he noted, would benefit local refiners and encourage fresh investments in the downstream oil sector, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base and creating more jobs.

He commended the foresight of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the tariff policy aimed at strengthening and transforming Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector.

He noted that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to creating a stable, business-friendly environment that supports local investment and enhances energy security.

He said: ‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to embody courageous and visionary leadership, renewing the hope of Nigerians and restoring investor confidence in the nation’s economy.

‘His administration’s bold and business-friendly reforms are reshaping the downstream oil and gas sector, unlocking new opportunities for industrial growth and national prosperity.

‘The latest policy initiative stands as a testament to his foresight – one of the most transformative steps yet toward securing Nigeria’s energy future and empowering local industries to thrive.’

He warned that failure to protect local industries could lead to large-scale dumping from countries in Asia and Europe with excess production capacity.

Such practices, he said, would strangulate domestic refineries, cripple allied industries and undermine the laudable policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at promoting industrial growth and economic stability.

President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, recently assured Nigerians that the prices of petrol will not be hiked during the ember months, despite recent global price increases.

The refinery, he said, ‘is fully committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol throughout the festive period. Nigerians can look forward to a Christmas and New Year free of fuel anxiety.’

The average price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in September 2024 was about N1,030 per litre, compared to an average of N841-N851 per litre in September 2025, following the implementation of the Dangote Refinery’s Direct Delivery Scheme.

Similarly, as of September 2024, the pump price of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) ranged between N1,400 and N1,700 per litre, depending on the state, with prices reaching up to N1,700 in most northern states.

By September 2025, however, the average price had dropped to around N1,020 per litre, reflecting the refinery’s impact on stabilising the market and reducing logistics costs.

IPMAN President: No cause for alarm over 15% tariff

Also speaking on the 15% tariff yesterday, IPMAN President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi, said fears of increase in fuel price following the coming into effect of the tariff were misplaced.

‘I don’t think the increment will cause anything, because we are still selling at the same price since the news broke,’ he told The Nation on the phone.

‘There is no cause for alarm since we have a local refinery that can meet the national demand.

‘The policy is to encourage investors to build and operate refineries in Nigeria instead of relying on importation.’

Head of Public Affairs of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. George Ene-Ita, said Nigeria currently imports 64 per cent of the 50 million litres consumed nationwide while the balance of 34% is supplied locally.

‘Our daily national PMS consumption is (about) 50 million litres. Out of this, we import approximately 64% leaving local output at about 36%,’ he said via WhatsApp in response to inquiry by The Nation.

News of the tariff introduction broke on Wednesday.

President Bola Tinubu, in an October 21, 2025 memo to the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, gave the go ahead for immediate implementation of the tariff as part of a ‘market-responsive import tariff framework.’

The initiative is aimed at protecting local refineries and stabilising the downstream market, but it is likely to raise pump prices.

ADC demands immediate reversal of 15% Fuel import duty

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) yesterday demanded immediate reversal of President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel, warning that the move will deepen the economic hardship already crushing Nigerians.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party described the policy as insensitive, ill-timed, and ill-conceived, saying it will push fuel prices beyond the reach of ordinary citizens.

‘From all indications, this new tax could raise petrol prices above ?1,000 per litre, making life unbearable for families, farmers, transporters and small businesses,’ the party noted.

The ADC said while it supports private investment in the energy sector, any policy meant to protect such investment must also protect citizens.

It questioned the rationale for imposing the levy under the guise of encouraging local refining, pointing out that the Port Harcourt refinery, cited as a cornerstone of the government’s refining strategy, collapsed barely five months after a $1.5 billion rehabilitation, resulting in a ?366.2 billion loss.

Accusing the government of removing fuel subsidies and devaluing the naira without social protection measures, the party said: ‘Tinubu administration’s economic policies have been a string of trial-and-error experiments that continue to ignore the daily struggles of Nigerians.

‘Economic growth that condemns the majority to poverty and misery is not progress, it is destruction’.

The ADC urged President Tinubu to ‘Stop pushing Nigerians to the wall and focus on restoring stability and trust.

‘A government that cannot manage its refineries has no business taxing those who keep the nation running with their sweat and blood.’

The party maintained that true economic patriotism cannot be achieved through hardship, noting that if government’s goal is energy security and local refining, there must first be transparent investment in domestic capacity.

‘Until then, any tax meant to discourage fuel imports will only worsen costs, since imported fuel still accounts for about 60 per cent of national supply,’ it added.

The party insisted that the fuel import tax must be withdrawn immediately, saying Nigerians deserve a government that plans with empathy, not one that governs through pain.

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that not all of his players in the dressing room can receive the same treatment. Despite winning El Clasico last Sunday, this week has seen his handling of the squad dynamics questioned more than at any other point in his young tenure.

Ahead of Los Blancos clash’ with Valencia tonight, much of the focus was on Vinicius Junior’s reaction to Alonso and his subsequent apology. The two reportedly have a fraught relationship, and Alonso was forced to answer five questions on how the matter had been handled during his pre-match press conference.

However Vinicius is reportedly not the only Real Madrid star unhappy with Alonso’s approach. He was asked how he manages the personalities in the dressing room at the Santiago Bernabeu, and how it was different to doing so at Bayer Leverkusen.

‘[By] Being myself. The most important thing is to be genuine, not to try to pretend. Always think about what’s best for the team. Always maintain good relationships, based on respect, but understanding that not everyone is the same. You have to have emotional intelligence.’

It came as a surprise to many that Alonso elected to start Eduardo Camavinga in midfield during El Clasico last Sunday, and more so when he ended up on the right side. Alonso was asked about the decision.

‘We knew it was a strength we possessed [dominating midfield] and that we could utilise it, not just for a specific strategy. Other days we’ll need a different approach, but given the opponent we faced, and due to upcoming events, that’s what we’ll need. It worked out well. Not only tactically, but also mentally. That’s the foundation for tactical success. The Clasico offers us valuable lessons for the future.

The major negative news this week was that captain Dani Carvajal will be out of action until 2025, after undergoing knee surgery.

‘Carva played 20 minutes, he did very well, he competed. and on Monday morning it was a surprise to receive that call from the doctor. We’ll definitely miss him. And since it seemed we’d be counting on him. We think seven or eight weeks. We’re waiting for him.