Nigeria Times

The Centre for Accountability and Transparency (CAAT) has called for an investigation into Matrix Oil’s importation of blended crude oil, alleging violation of international sanctions on Russian oil.

Speaking at a press conference, convener Okwa Dan claims Matrix Oil’s actions have caused economic sabotage, environmental pollution, and health risks to Nigerians.

The group alleges that Matrix Oil imported adulterated petroleum products from Malta, resulting in a $2.8 billion bill for Nigeria in 2023 alone.

Dan adds that the company’s actions violate international sanctions on Russian crude oil, which could lead to diplomatic crises for Nigeria.

“The oil products imported from Malta by this company are also dirty on the ethical level because it is the product of the violation of international sanctions imposed on Russia to deter it from waging an unjust war on a sovereign nation, Ukraine, which it invaded,” the statement said.

“The sanctions capped the purchase of Russian crude at $60 per barrel but the landing cost claimed by Matrix Energy Limited is confirmation that they are paying higher than the capped price for Russian crude that they blend and refine in Malta. This exposes Nigeria to diplomatic crises that could further compound all that we are going through.

“But what we are now seeing is that the quarry is now hunting the hunter. The company indicted in the importation of the dirty petrol, Matrix Energy Limited, is now using the judiciary to hound media organisations that publish stories of its economic sabotage against Nigeria.

“Matrix Energy Limited its chief executive officer, Abdulkadir Adisa Aliu, has asked a Federal Capital Territory High Court to stop media houses from publishing stories about its tainted oil importation.

“This futile effort on the part of Matrix Energy Limited flies in the face of Section 22 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) as it stipulates that ‘The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people’.

“Had the indicted company conducted its damaging deal alone perhaps it would have had recourse to the court stopping citizens from asking questions. But to the extent that it allegedly ran this racket in collusion with the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, Mallam Mele Kyari, government business is involved. Since the government is involved media houses have the responsibility to report and hold the government accountable.

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution also declared that “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information without interference”. As Nigerians, we will do all that we have to do to get information about things that affect us as humans and contaminated petrol that causes us economic ruin, and environmental damage and destroys our health is of interest to us to the extent that Matrix Energy Limited cannot curtail.”

CAAT urged the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute those involved in the alleged economic sabotage.

The group also called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Matrix Oil for causing harm to consumers and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to assess the environmental impact of the tainted oil products.

Furthermore, CAAT requested that the Price Cap Coalition, comprising the G7, the European Union, and Australia, impose targeted sanctions on Matrix Oil and its officials for violating sanctions against Russia.

The statement added: “There are reports that it instituted this suit to shield accomplices in NNPCL and other members of its cabal. We at the Centre for Accountability and Transparency (CAaT) urge Matrix Energy Limited and its CEO to toe the path of honour and give up the detailed list of its collaborators and their modus operandi instead of bluffing with litigation and trying to gag the press. Not even the military junta of yore were able to repress the ever-vibrant Nigerian media.

“Since we have seen that Matix Energy Limited and its accomplices, including those in the NNPCL are recalcitrant and unwilling to stop their economic sabotage, the CaaT is calling on the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute every one of those that have committed the acts of economic sabotage and violated the international sanctions imposed on crude oil of Russian origin.

“We further invite the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate Matrix Energy Limited since the dirty fuel it distributed in the country has caused harm to consumers in different forms including economic losses occasioned by damaged automobiles and generators.

“The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) must similarly look into the impact of these tainted oil products on the environment to cause the cessation of further importation of such and to make the culprits behind it pay the relevant fines.”

By Emma Akpam

Embattled Former Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP} in Benue State, Chief Isaac Mffo and the erstwhile State Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom have been sent to the Makurdi Correctional Centre by Justice Kelvin Mbanongon.

The two chieftains of the PDP were found culpable over alleged offences of criminal conspiracy, cyber crimes and defamation of characters against Prof. Nicholas Ada, High Chief Terngu Tsegba and former Benue Assembly Speaker Terseer Tsumba respectively.

In a prosecution charged sheet read before the accused, the Court Clerk stated that Bemgba Iortyom and Isaac Mffo had recently alleged that the trio of Prof. Nicholas Ada, High Chief Terngu Tsegba and former Benue Assembly Speaker Terseer Tsumba, had recently sponsored thugs to disrupt Ward Congresses which were supposed to take effect in Benue state, cause the breach of peace within the PDP and had in 2023 embezzled funds meant for the conduct of elections in Benue State.

Putting appearance for the defendants, (Bemgba Iortyom and Isaac Mffo), Barr. A.U. Gar pleaded that the court should grant his Client bail on self recognition but was vehemently objected by C.N. Agudu who submitted that the weight of the accusations were too heavy to be easily taken for granted.

The Presiding Judge, Justice K. Mbanongon concorded that the allegations bordering on Cyber Crimes could not be treated with kids gloves and ordered that the accussed be remanded at the Màkurdi Correctional Center in Màkurdi while investigation to the matter should continue.

Justice Mbanongon therefore fixed October 15th, 2024 for further mentioning of the case.

By Agency Report

A Texas judge has issued a temporary pause on a key immigration policy introduced by President Joe Biden, which aimed to streamline the process for spouses of U.S. citizens to obtain legal status. This ruling represents a significant setback for one of Biden’s major immigration reform initiatives.

The ruling was handed down on Monday by Judge J. Campbell Barker, following a lawsuit filed by Republican attorneys general from 16 U.S. states. The lawsuit challenges the legality of the policy, which Biden announced in June 2024. The policy was designed to create a more straightforward pathway to citizenship for approximately 500,000 immigrants married to U.S. nationals.

The 16 states involved in the lawsuit argue that the policy imposes significant financial burdens on them, including increased costs for healthcare, education, and law enforcement services used by the immigrants.

In his order, Judge Barker emphasized that the claims made in the lawsuit are substantial and deserve more thorough consideration. As a result, he granted a 14-day administrative stay, temporarily halting the implementation of the policy.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, one of the plaintiffs, welcomed the decision, vowing to continue fighting the Biden administration’s immigration reforms. He stated on social media that this ruling is only the first step in their legal battle.

The Biden administration has been facing significant challenges in addressing immigration, a deeply polarizing issue in the United States. As the country approaches the November presidential election, where Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to face Republican Donald Trump, immigration remains a central topic of debate.

The halted policy aimed to simplify the legal process for those already eligible for permanent residence by eliminating the requirement to leave the country as part of their application. The policy applied to individuals who have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and were married to a U.S. citizen before June 17, 2024. It also extended to an estimated 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens.

Despite the court ruling, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that while they would continue accepting applications, they would not grant any new approvals until the stay is lifted. Applications approved before the stay will not be affected.

The Justice Action Center, an immigrant rights group, criticized the ruling as an “extreme measure.” The group’s founder, Karen Tumlin, expressed disappointment, noting that Texas had not provided any concrete evidence that the policy would harm the state. She emphasized the heartbreak felt by the thousands of couples who hoped to benefit from the policy and avoid the fear of family separation.

The court has set an expedited hearing schedule for the case, with Judge Barker indicating that the stay may be extended while the legal proceedings continue.

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has raised alarms over the growing harassment of journalists in Nigeria, warning that the country is at risk of descending into a “Banana Republic” where freedom of the press is severely curtailed. His comments follow reports of the arrest and detention of an anonymous whistleblower, known as PIDOM Nigeria, who has been active on social media exposing government misconduct.

Obi expressed his concerns via a tweet on Tuesday, condemning the pattern of suppressing journalists and whistleblowers for their work, especially when it does not pertain to national security. He stressed the importance of free speech and the public’s right to access information, which is crucial for holding the government accountable.

“…disturbing and unacceptable” is how Obi described the harassment, abduction, and detention of investigative journalists by government agents. He emphasized that these actions undermine democracy and the rule of law, calling for immediate accountability and transparency regarding PIDOM Nigeria’s detention.

The whistleblower’s arrest was confirmed by journalist David Hundeyin, who reported that PIDOM Nigeria is being held at the Force Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja. The police claim the arrest is linked to the leaking of classified documents and other cyber-related offenses.

Obi warned that continued harassment of journalists could lead Nigeria toward a state where dissenting voices are silenced, which he argues is not the future Nigerians deserve. He called for justice, accountability, and an end to these attacks on press freedom.

Pro-democracy activist Omoyele Sowore also condemned the arrest, demanding the immediate release of PIDOM Nigeria and expressing concern for their safety. Sowore’s statement highlighted the urgency of resisting what he described as repressive tactics by the government.

This incident follows a troubling trend, including the recent detention of Adejuwon Soyinka, an investigative journalist and Regional Editor of The Conversation Africa, who was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at Lagos’ Muritala Muhammed International Airport. Although Soyinka was later released, his passport was confiscated by the DSS, raising further concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.

The leading socio-cultural organization of the South East, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has criticized the region’s governors, holding them accountable for the ongoing unrest instigated by Simon Ekpa. According to Ohanaeze, the governors’ lack of firm action regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has empowered Ekpa, who is based in Finland, to continue imposing disruptive sit-at-home orders across the region.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze called on the South-East governors to take immediate and decisive steps by engaging the federal government to secure Kanu’s release. The organization expressed concern that the governors’ insufficient responses to security challenges have allowed individuals like Ekpa to exploit the situation, issuing threats that disrupt economic activities and disturb the peace in the region.

“Their insufficient responses to pressing security challenges have allowed ‘inconsequential’ figures, such as Simon Ekpa, to exploit their weakened stance, issuing baseless threats to disrupt economic activities and peace within the region by declaring an illegitimate lockdown from August 28 to September 26, 2024,” the statement read.

Ohanaeze further lamented the decline in the region’s leadership, contrasting it with the legacy of respected figures such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Michael Okpara, and Chief Sam Mbakwe. The statement criticized Ekpa for undermining the dignity of the region from abroad and urged the governors to reclaim control from what it described as “criminal elements.”

The organization also called on all Igbos to disregard Ekpa’s declared lockdown and emphasized that they would no longer tolerate decisions made by individuals not present in the region, which threaten the livelihoods of its people.

“We implore our governors to take decisive action toward engaging the federal government in the urgent matter of Nnamdi Kanu’s situation. Should they neglect these responsibilities, the repercussions will be dire,” the statement concluded.

The United Kingdom (UK) has expanded the number of organizations authorized to sponsor workers under the worker and temporary worker immigration routes, effective Friday, August 23, 2024.

The list now includes 119,195 approved companies. Nigerians seeking employment opportunities in the UK are encouraged to visit the websites of these companies to explore available job openings.

The approved companies span various sectors, including technology, commerce, education, media, advertisement, and engineering.

The UK government has clarified that a Skilled Worker visa permits individuals to work or remain in the UK if they have a job offer from an approved employer. The skilled worker route covers various categories, including charity workers, creative workers, global business mobility specialists, and international sportspersons.

To apply for a Skilled Worker visa, applicants must first secure a job offer from an approved UK employer, also referred to as a sponsor.

Here are some of the approved companies:

1. McMullan Shellfish
2. Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited (IECC Care)
3. ABOUTCARE HASTINGS LTD
4. £ ESS LTD
5. @ Architect UK Ltd
6. Home Accommodation Services Ltd
7. 107 Cannon Street Limited
8. Ur Eaz Ltd
9. FILER LIMITED
10. [AI] INFINITI LIMITED
11. Brunswick Stores Limited
12. 003 Ltd
13. 007 Taxi Limited
14. 0086 Ltd
15. 00Nation Limited
16. 01 ACCOUNTING SERVICES LTD
17. 012 Global Ltd
18. 023 LTD
19. 09 Care Limited
20. 0xA Technologies Ltd
21. 1 ACE TRAINING LIMITED
22. 1 ALS LIMITED
23. 1 AND 1 ROUGAMO LIMITED
24. 1 And 5 Tech Ltd
25. 1 Answer Insurance Services LTD
26. 1 Bishops Avenue Limited
27. 1 Digitals Europe Limited
28. 1 Eclipse Care Solutions Limited
29. 1 Green Foods Ltd
30. 1 Homecare ltd
31. 1 Indus Limited
32. 1 Key Solution Limited
33. 1 Kings Dental Limited
34. 1 Life London Limited
35. 1 MODEL MANAGEMENT LONDON LIMITED
36. 1 Oak Home Care
37. 1 Oak Leisure Ireland Ltd
38. 1 PhysioUK Limited
39. 1 REPAIR LTD
40. 1 Stop Print Ltd
41. 1 STOP REC LIMITED
42. 10 Europe Limited
43. 10 Squared Ltd
44. 100 Percent Cornwall Ltd
45. 100 SHAPES LTD
46. 100% HALAL MEAT STORES LTD
47. 1000 Trades Limited
48. 1000heads Ltd
49. 100Starlings Ltd
50. 101 A+D Ltd
51. 101 Harley Street LTD
52. 101 Healthcare ltd
53. 101 Ways Limited
54. 1010 Restaurant @ The Blacksmiths Arms
55. 105 West Architects Ltd
56. 1066 PLUMBING AND HEATING LTD

For the complete list, please refer to the UK government website.