The President of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), Billy Gillis-Harry, has refuted claims made by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Joseph Obele, regarding the pricing of petrol supplied by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Earlier, Dr. Obele announced that petrol from the NNPCL was priced N75 higher per litre than the N970 offered by the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gillis-Harry clarified that the State-owned oil company had not made any announcements concerning a new price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He emphasized that Obele’s assertion did not reflect the position of either the NNPCL or PETROAN.

He stated, “No new price for PMS has been released by the NNPC Port Harcourt Refinery.”Gillis-Harry expressed optimism about the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt Refinery, which began production on Tuesday after years of rehabilitation.

The refinery has started dispatching petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and kerosene, to the market, with other products expected to follow soon.

This development is seen as a significant step towards improving domestic fuel supply and reducing dependence on imported petroleum products.

Addressing the pricing concerns, the PETROAN president clarified that members of the association were purchasing PMS at rates determined by the old pricing template while awaiting an official announcement of new prices by the NNPCL.

He also reassured Nigerians that any forthcoming price changes would be aimed at ensuring affordability and addressing the challenges in the petroleum downstream sector.

“We are excited that the production and loading of refined petroleum products have commenced at the Port Harcourt Refinery,” Gillis-Harry said.

“We are expectant that soon, the price of PMS will be stated by NNPC to the benefit of Nigerians.”Gillis-Harry’s statement aligns with the broader optimism surrounding the operational resumption of the Port Harcourt Refinery, which had been non-functional for several years.

The refinery’s rehabilitation is a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to bolster domestic refining capacity, reduce the strain of fuel importation on foreign exchange reserves, and stabilize local petroleum product prices.

Observers believe the resumption of production at the refinery and its potential to provide competitively priced fuel products could significantly impact the market.

However, the clarification from Gillis-Harry underscores the importance of avoiding premature or misleading statements that might create unnecessary confusion or speculation among stakeholders and consumers.

A UK mother has been sentenced to prison for child cruelty after keeping her baby hidden in a drawer beneath her bed for nearly three years, leaving the child severely malnourished and developmentally delayed.

The case, heard at Chester Crown Court, unveiled harrowing details of abuse and neglect that left the child physically, psychologically, and socially scarred.

According to gulfnews, the girl, found weeks before her third birthday at the family home in Cheshire, was malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from severe developmental delays. Her hair was matted, her skin covered in rashes, and she had deformities caused by prolonged neglect.

The mother, whose identity is withheld to protect the child, kept her hidden from her family, including her siblings and partner, by confining her in a drawer of a divan bed. Feeding her inadequately with a syringe, the mother also failed to seek medical care for the child’s cleft palate.

The truth came to light when the mother’s partner returned home one morning after she had left and heard noises from the bedroom. Investigating, he discovered the child and alerted relatives. Social services found the girl sitting in the drawer later that day.

A social worker described the scene as horrific, stating that the mother showed no emotion and casually admitted to keeping her daughter in the drawer. “I was probably the only other face [the child] had seen apart from her mother’s,” the social worker said.

The court heard that the child had been kept isolated from sunlight, fresh air, or any social interaction. When hospitalised, her developmental age was assessed to be between 0 and 10 months.

Sentencing the mother, Judge Steven Everett condemned her actions. “What you did defies belief,” he said. “You starved that little girl of love, affection, interaction, a proper diet, and medical attention. The consequences were catastrophic.”

He called the ordeal “a living death” but noted that the child, described as an “intelligent little girl,” is slowly recovering.

During police interviews, the mother claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy and gave birth alone, frightened. She admitted the child was “not part of the family,” hiding her to prevent the child’s abusive father from discovering her existence.

Her defence cited mental health struggles, an abusive relationship with the father, and challenges worsened by the COVID-19 lockdown. However, prosecutors highlighted the lasting impact of her actions.

Rachel Worthington of CPS Mersey-Cheshire said, “This child has never had a birthday or Christmas present. She hadn’t known daylight or fresh air and didn’t respond to her own name when found.”

The girl, now in foster care, is receiving the attention and support she was denied. Her foster carer described the heartbreaking moment they realised the child didn’t recognise her own name.

The mother pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty, including neglect, abandonment, and failure to seek medical care. Prosecutors expressed hope that the girl will recover and eventually lead a fulfilling life.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children,” Worthington said.

The mother’s other children, whom she was said to have cared for well, are no longer in her custody.

Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd) disclosed his reasons for creating 12 states in Nigeria during his tenure.

Speaking on Wednesday while meeting with a delegation of the Senator Ibrahim Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats, Gowon explained that his decision aimed to reduce tensions and alleviate fears of northern domination in other regions of the country.

The former leader, who governed Nigeria from 1966 to 1975, stressed his commitment to the greater good of the nation.

He said that his leadership prioritised the overall interest of Nigeria, focusing on national unity and preventing regional disparities that could threaten cohesion.

He stated, “I firmly believe, as I have always said, that the responsibility of maintaining Nigeria’s true democracy rests on the north, and Baba Tafawa Balewa embodied this ideal.

“Let me also say that I hope your visit is not just about returning to the old thinking where the north prioritises the north, the west prioritises the west, and the east prioritises the east—until, of course, the Mid-West emerged to think for itself.”

Gowon stressed the importance of ensuring that no single region could become overly powerful, thereby maintaining balance and unity across the country.

He added, “My position has always been that whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria. From your speech, I understand that this is your intention—to ensure the North, in its current state, focuses on national unity.

“It was for this reason that I supported the creation of multiple states, to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful and threatening the country’s unity.”

The restructuring marked a significant step in reducing regional rivalries and fostering national integration. Over time, further state creations by subsequent administrations have expanded Nigeria into 36 states.

The United Kingdom opened its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The facility, operated by VFS Global, aims to streamline and enhance the visa application process for Nigerians travelling to the UK, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos.

The opening of the new centre, alongside additional facilities in Abuja and Victoria Island operational since November 19, is part of a broader effort to meet the growing demand for UK visas among Nigerian nationals.

Speaking at the launch, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter stated, “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa.”

Baxter noted that “Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

Meanwhile, Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, described the development as a milestone in providing world-class visa services across Africa.

According to Owen, over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in June 2024, indicating a growing demand for travel to the UK.

Owen said; “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants.”

The new Ikeja facility offers applicants various new features, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.

meanWhile Abuja residents can now utilise a Mobile Visa Service for submissions from preferred locations, while a Premium Lounge offers personalised services with dedicated staff.

These optional features are designed to enhance convenience without affecting processing times or application outcomes.

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day state visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.

Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.

The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.

In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.

The Nigerian Senate plunged into disorder during Wednesday’s plenary as a heated debate erupted over the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which was tabled for discussion despite not being listed on the Order Paper.

The session, marked by intense disagreements and shouting matches, underscored the contentious nature of the bill and procedural violations that several senators deemed unacceptable.

The uproar began when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Rules, seeking to suspend the chamber’s procedures to allow the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.

Opeyemi’s motion received the support of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.

Following this, the chamber approved the entry of the FIRS chairman and other tax experts, with instructions for the Sergeant-At-Arms to escort them in.

However, this move sparked fierce objections from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who vehemently criticized the decision, citing Senate Rules that prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber on issues not included in the Order Paper.

Ndume expressed his frustration, warning that bypassing established legislative procedures on such a critical matter could undermine the Senate’s credibility.

“This is a very important matter,” Ndume declared.

“We should not, in any way, use the position of the Senate to flout our own rules. The Order Paper is clear.

If today’s agenda must include this bill, then there should have been a supplementary Order Paper.

We cannot address this issue without following due process.”Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill, being a subject of significant public interest, deserved thorough scrutiny and adherence to proper procedures.

He urged his colleagues to prioritize transparency and accountability, emphasizing, “Nigerians have spoken. The Governors have spoken.

The National Economic Council has spoken. We represent the people, and we swore an oath to defend their interests.

”Despite Ndume’s appeals, Deputy Senate President Barau insisted that the chamber’s actions were within its constitutional mandate. Barau dismissed Ndume’s concerns as unnecessary rhetoric, stating, “You have made your point. Now, let us move forward.

This chamber has no time for needless distractions.

”The plenary quickly descended into chaos, with senators raising their voices in opposition and support.

Amid the commotion, Barau ruled Ndume out of order and allowed the FIRS chairman and other tax experts to present their clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.

The episode reflects deep divisions within the Senate on handling critical legislative matters. As the debate over the Tax Reform Bill continues, questions remain about procedural integrity and the extent to which lawmakers prioritize public interest over political maneuvering.