Connect with us

NEWS

Concerned Citizens Write US Govt over NNPCL, Kyari’s Violation of Sanctions on Russia Crude-Oil

Published

on

A group of concerned Nigerian citizens has petitioned the US government to investigate and sanction the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its CEO, Mele Kyari, for allegedly violating sanctions on Russian crude oil.

In a letter to the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the group claims that NNPCL, under Kyari’s leadership, has been importing Russian crude oil and petroleum products above the price cap set by the Price Cap Coalition, comprising the US, G7, EU, and Australia.

The Concerned Citizens on Economic Reform Nigeria (CCERN) alleges that NNPCL has been blending petroleum products in Malta with Russian crude oil sourced above the $60 per barrel threshold, resulting in a violation of the sanctions.

They further claim that the transactions involved amount to over $2.08 billion, enabling Russia to earn substantial revenue to fund its war efforts.

“The breach of the sanction is eing led by one Mr Meie Kolo Kyari in his capacity as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL,” the letter co-signed by Comrade Tijani Ibrahim and Ambassador Fatima Abubakar said.

“Our group was flagged off to the breach in the course of a price tracking to confirm if Nigerians are aying more for petrol than the international benchmark prices since the country is now dependent 1 importation to meet domestic demands.

“We found that NNPLC, in connivance with Mr Kyari’s associates, has an arrangement for blending petroleum products in Malta before shipping them to Nigeria. The transaction involved in the span of the last year is quoted to be worth more than $2.08 billion, which effectively makes it possible for Russia to continue earning substantial revenue to oil its war machine”.

The group also names other individuals and entities allegedly involved in the violation, including Matrix Energy, Poly Pro Trading DMCC, and senior officials of NNPCL.

They claim that the proceeds from these illegal activities are being used to promote Russian influence in West Africa and finance anti-Western protests.

The Concerned Citizens on Economic Reforms, Nigeria, urges the US to investigate and sanction those involved, including Kyari, NNPCL staff, and other entities, to prevent further violations and protect global interests.

“The widespread protests during the first half of this month were in part financed with proceeds of Mr Kyari’s sidestepping of the Price Cap Coalition sanctions, “ the letter added.

“The funds were specifically paid to make Russian flags and mobilize persons displaying the flags while chanting pro-Russian and anti-West slogans.

“The violation of the sanctions by Mr Kyari and his associates, through the willful disregard for the Price Cap, therefore, has consequences that spill beyond the Russo-Ukrainian axis as it risks bolstering Russia’s influence in West Africa and spiralling the region into conflicts that would undermine the interests of Nigerians and those of the United States.

“The Concerned Citizens on Economic Reforms, Nigeria, being conscientious, is desirous of aligning with the United States’ thoughts of seeing the world advance in a positive direction with no room for dictatorships, which is attainable only when persons and entities comply with globally imposed sanctions.

“We, therefore, call on the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to urgently investigate Mr Mele Kyari – CEO of NNPCL, other staff of NNPCL linked to the flagged transactions, Mr Abdulkabir Adisa Aliu, Matrix Energy and its vessels: Matrix Pride, Matrix Triumph, Matrix S.ILU, and ROMEO as well as Poly Pro Trading DMCC as persons and entities of interest in the violation of sanctions imposed on Russia by the Price Cap Coalition.“

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEWS

Governor AbdulRazaq inspects ongoing Kwara’s Indoor Sports Hall project

Published

on

By

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited the Kwara Stadium Complex to evaluate the progress of the ongoing revival of the indoor sports hall.The rehabilitation and upgrade of the indoor sports complex began a few months ago after the Governor’s administration approved the project. The facility, which was last upgraded in 1991, is undergoing significant renovations awarded to Messr Disscom Ltd.Once completed, the indoor sports hall will join a number of other previously dilapidated sports facilities that Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration has successfully rehabilitated in the past five years. Additionally, the administration has completed the construction of a modern table tennis hall and a squash court complex. Notably, the squash court complex is highly regarded in Nigeria and West Africa for hosting the highest number of modern squash courts in one location.

Continue Reading

NEWS

Ekiti Governor Honours Primate Ayodele’s Late Father, Names Street After Him

Published

on

By

The governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji has honoured the Primate Elijah Ayodele’s late father by naming a street after him in Ikere-Ekiti.The street which used to be ‘Area One’ where the prophet’s church in Ekiti is located has now been registered as Ayomate Avenue.According to reports, the renaming took the combined efforts of the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Alagbado, his chiefs, the local government chairmen, and ultimately, the governor of Ekiti state, Biodun Oyebanji.According to the governor, the street was named in recognition of the good works done by the late father of Primate Ayodele and the continuation of the good works by the prophet. He also recognized the efforts of the prophet to drive economic growth in the community.Primate Ayodele embraced the development while expressing appreciation to the governor for honouring God in such a manner. The prophet applauded the governor for his efforts towards bringing development to Ikere-Ekiti and promised that the presence of his church will in turn lead to more economic development in the local government.Furthermore, Primate Ayodele promised that he would begin by sinking boreholes across the local government to support the government in solving the water crisis.‘’I appreciate the governor for the magnanimous development of naming this vicinity after our church, it’s indeed marvellous in God’s sight. This is a testament to his love for God and the people of Ekiti state.”“I also want to appreciate him for the development he started in Ikere-Ekiti local government, the people are happy with him and above all, God is happy with him for all he is doing”“I want to promise His Excellency that our presence here will bring a new dawn to this vicinity, we will also assist the government. We will be sinking boreholes across the local government to solve the water crisis.’’History has it that Primate Ayodele’s father was one of the most respected individuals in Ikere-Ekiti who brought good tidings to the community and provided succour for individuals who needed help.Consequently, Primate Ayodele has been engaging in humanitarian activities on a large scale across the country. Since he opened a branch in Ikere-Ekiti, Primate Ayodele has organized charitable programmes thrice which involved selling a bag of rice for N20,000, scholarships for youths, empowerment for widows, to mention but a few.

Continue Reading

NEWS

BREAKING: Gov Abdulrazaq approves bonus for Kwara workers to ease economic burden

Published

on

By

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has approved a financial bonus that is equivalent to the monthly PAYE obligation for every civil servant in the state, including local government workers.

The emergency support measure will last for at least three months, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Finance Dr. Hauwa Nuru.

“This bonus has been approved as a buffer to bridge the gap that the correct PAYE deduction may have wrought on the newly implemented mininum wage. It is meant to serve as a soothing balm as workers adjust to the PAYE that was just correctly implemented in line with the Personal Income Tax Act,” she said.

“The payment of the bonus is effective from October and will run till December 2024. This is a significant step by His Excellency to support workers.”

The statement added that workers who have not registered with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency (KWSRRA) should do so immediately because anyone without it will not get the bonus for November and December.

The statement said labour unions have also agreed to a refund of the special levy deducted from workers’ salary and suspension of deductions of same until further notice.

“Governor AbdulRazaq’s directive to deliver this relief speaks volumes about his humanity and his commitment to the welfare of Kwara workforce,” Dr. Nuru stated.

Continue Reading

Trending

Mega Awareness 2023