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Fagbemi Slams Atiku Over OPL 245 Dispute, Says Tinubu Deserves Credit.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has disputed former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s claim that disputes surrounding the OPL 245 oil block remain unresolved.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a statement on Wednesday, Fagbemi questioned Atiku’s motives and urged Nigerians to disregard attempts to misrepresent the facts regarding the resolution of the matter.
Fagbemi explained that the OPL 245 block, originally awarded to Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd in April 1998, was revoked in July 2001 and subsequently allocated to Shell Nigeria Ultra-Deep Limited (SNUD) in May 2002, sparking extensive litigation and National Assembly hearings.
He highlighted that the disputes were addressed through the 2011 Resolution Agreement involving the Federal Government, Malabu, SNUD (now Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited – SNEPCo), and Nigerian Agip Exploration (NAE)/Eni entities. Under the agreement, Malabu relinquished its claims in exchange for compensation, while the Federal Government reallocated OPL 245 to SNUD and NAE as joint license holders.
Fagbemi noted that the transactions were scrutinized in multiple criminal and civil proceedings across the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy, with no wrongdoing established against Eni, SNEPCo, or the overall transaction.
He further stated that arbitration proceedings were later initiated at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) due to delays in converting OPL 245 into an Oil Mining Lease (OML). The arbitration, which commenced in 2020, focused solely on whether Nigeria breached its treaty obligations, not on ownership disputes within Malabu.
Fagbemi emphasized that the current administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has decisively resolved the long-standing issues, safeguarding Nigeria from potential liabilities exceeding $2 billion and unlocking OPL 245’s commercial potential. The block is projected to contribute approximately 150,000 barrels per day to national production, with significant economic and social benefits including increased revenue, enhanced energy security, and renewed investor confidence.
He cited the 2025 Court of Appeal ruling in Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited v. Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, which dismissed Malabu’s challenge as statute-barred and an abuse of court process, underscoring the legal validity of the resolution.
Fagbemi concluded that opposition to the resolution appears driven by self-interest rather than national concern, and warned Nigerians to view such claims critically, noting that the strategic resolution protects national interests and unlocks substantial value for the country.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Regional Development, has organised a high-level sectoral retreat bringing together top officials of the ministry and Regional Development Commissions to improve coordination, accountability, and project execution nationwide.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The retreat, taking place from April 15 to 18, 2026, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City, is being spearheaded by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh.
At the opening session, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, while the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mary Ada Ogbe, was also present.
In his keynote address, Momoh described the gathering as a strategic effort to strengthen collaboration between the ministry and regional commissions in line with the development agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He noted that the creation of additional commissions across the six geopolitical zones underscores the government’s commitment to addressing regional imbalances and unlocking economic growth.
He stressed that although the commissions have different regional mandates, they must work towards a shared national goal of inclusive and sustainable development.
Highlighting existing challenges, the minister pointed to issues such as project duplication, abandoned initiatives, and rivalry among agencies. He said the government would prioritise better coordination and accountability to improve results.
Momoh also announced plans to focus on completing ongoing projects before initiating new ones and revealed that performance bonds would be introduced for commission leaders to ensure efficiency and transparency.
He further emphasised the need to explore alternative funding options, including public-private partnerships, while maintaining strict financial discipline and due process.
According to him, key focus areas include infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, digital connectivity, security, and empowerment for youths and women, all aligned with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister added that development efforts must remain people-focused, inclusive, and result-driven, with active stakeholder engagement at every stage.
The retreat is expected to produce practical strategies that will enhance collaboration among regional bodies and improve development outcomes across the country.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has convened a high-level security meeting with former governors and key stakeholders in a renewed effort to address the ongoing wave of violence in the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the meeting comes amid fresh attacks in parts of Plateau State that have left several people dead and properties destroyed, worsening security concerns in the North-Central region.
The gathering follows recent violence in Anguwan Rukuba and nearby communities, where dozens of residents were reportedly killed, adding to years of recurring insecurity that has claimed many lives, including women and children.
The closed-door meeting, held at the Government House in Little Rayfield, Jos, brought together former governors Simon Lalong, Jonah Jang, and Joshua Dariye, as well as former military administrator Rear Admiral Samuel Atukum (retd.) and other key stakeholders.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, Mutfwang said discussions focused on security, welfare, and the overall development of Plateau people, with special attention on the recent attacks in rural communities.
According to sources, participants reviewed the security situation and expressed deep concern over continued loss of lives and destruction of property.
The stakeholders reportedly agreed on a united approach to restoring peace, strengthening unity, and promoting peaceful coexistence among communities.
They also resolved to develop stronger frameworks to address the root causes of the violence, anchored on values of discipline, courage, and patriotism.
The late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah was reportedly on a phone call with his twin brother moments before he was killed during a terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade Headquarters in Benisheikh, Borno State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the incident, which occurred on April 9, 2026, claimed the lives of the senior officer and several other soldiers.
A family source told Vanguard that the General was speaking with his identical twin brother, who resides in the United Kingdom, at the time of the attack.
According to the source, the twins maintained a daily routine of speaking around midnight, but the conversation took a sudden turn that night when unusual activity was noticed at the General’s end.
He said the line went dead abruptly after the General paused during the call, apparently due to the unfolding situation at the base.
The twin brother reportedly made repeated attempts to reconnect, sending messages and calling continuously, but received no response throughout the night.
“He kept trying until about 4 am, but there was no answer,” the source said.
The family later confirmed the tragedy after a senior military officer contacted them around 6:30 am, informing them that the base had come under attack and that the Brigade Commander was among those killed.
The relative described the incident as devastating, noting that communication had broken down during the assault.
The late General was later buried alongside other fallen soldiers in Maiduguri, Borno State.
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