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Court Backs PIA, Dismisses Suit Challenging Host Community Liability Provisions

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A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has dismissed a suit challenging key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) relating to host community liability, affirming the validity of the statutory framework governing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Daily voice reports that that the court threw  out all the claims filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the Centre for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Crusade (CHURAC),

CHURAC sought to invalidate aspects of the PIA on constitutional and human rights grounds.

The organisation had approached the court to contest provisions of the PIA that impose liability on host communities for acts of vandalism and sabotage affecting petroleum infrastructure, arguing that such provisions were unconstitutional, discriminatory, and amounted to a denial of fair hearing.

At the hearing of the suit,B. E. Oghenekaro appeared as counsel to the plaintiff

The Attorney-General of the Federation, listed as the 1st defendant, was represented by K. K. Akpule. Dr. Abiodun Adesanya, alongside A. A. Affe, represented the President of the Nigerian Senate, the 2nd defendant. There was no appearance for the 3rd defendant.

The defendants had earlier raised a preliminary objection, contending that CHURAC lacked the requisite locus standi to institute the action in a representative capacity on behalf of host communities.

However, in its ruling, the court declined to uphold the objection, holding that the issue of locus standi did not bar it from considering the substantive issues raised in the suit.

Despite overruling the preliminary objection, the court proceeded to examine the plaintiff’s claims on their merits and ultimately found them lacking in substance.

In its judgment, the court held that the challenge to the host community liability provisions of the PIA was unfounded.

It ruled that the plaintiff failed to establish that the impugned sections of the Act were unconstitutional or discriminatory, or that they violated the right to fair hearing as alleged.

The court further held that the National Assembly acted within its legislative competence in enacting the Petroleum Industry Act and that the provisions complained of were part of a broader statutory framework aimed at balancing the interests of host communities, operators, and the Nigerian state.

Accordingly, the court dismissed all the reliefs sought by CHURAC in their entirety and affirmed the validity and enforceability of the relevant provisions of the PIA.

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2027: Tinubu Accused Of Plot To Relocate Nigeria’s Capital From Abuja – Details Emerge

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Tinubu Chairs ECOWAS 67th Session

Timi Frank, former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants to relocate Nigeria’s capital from Abuja to Lagos upon his re-election in 2027.

Frank made this allegation known in a statement on Monday.

The former APC chieftain slammed Tinubu’s government for what he described as a ‘Lagos-centric agenda.’

He said that it has become clear to him that the President is pursuing an agenda of sidelining other regions.

According to Frank, major decisions of Tinubu’s administration are targeted to benefit Lagos State.

“It is now clear that the President’s long-term plan is to concentrate political and economic power in Lagos if given another term in office,” Frank said.

Frank also claimed that federal appointments and development initiatives under Tinubu have been largely one-sided, warning that such a trend undermines national unity.

“We do not want a president who is one-sided,” he said.

“Where are Tinubu’s MOUs tied to agricultural and livestock production in the North, industrial development in the Southeast, and oil and gas development in the South-South? None!

“Secondly, no president in Nigeria’s history has divided the country and its people along regional and ethnic lines the way this administration has done.

“There is a growing sense of alienation and division among Nigerians that is deeply troubling.

“It appears to be a deliberate strategy to impoverish certain regions, especially the North, South, and Southeast, so that citizens are economically weakened ahead of the 2027 election cycle,” Frank stated.

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BREAKING: Sultan Receives Moon Sighting Report, Announces Date of Eid-ul-Fitr in Nigeria  

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His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar II, has announced the date for Eid al-Fitr in Nigeria.

The Emir, who is the Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, has not reported the sighting of the crescent moon of Shawwal, 1447AH, today, Wednesday, the 29th of Ramadan .

This was contained in a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Daular Usmaniyya , signed by the Wazir of Sokoto and Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of the Sultan’s Palace, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu.

The statement stated that the Sultan’s Palace Moon Sighting Committee had not received any reliable reports of moon sightings from anywhere in Nigeria. According to this information, Thursday, March 19, will be the day to complete the 30th day of Ramadan.

The Sultan of Sokoto has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the day of the lesser Sallah, i.e. the 1st of Shawwal 1447AH.

He urged Muslims to use this time of Eid al-Fitr to pray for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

The statement said: “His Eminence, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, and Chairman, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), has received the moon sighting report, which showed that the crescent moon was not sighted today, Wednesday.

“Accordingly, he declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as 1 Shawwal 1447AH (the Day of the Small Prayer). He also congratulated the Nigerian Muslim community on the occasion, and wished them the guidance and blessings of God.”

“He also called for continued prayers for peace, progress, and development of the country . He also wished Muslims a peaceful and prosperous Eid. May Allah (SWT) accept our acts of worship, amen.”

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BREAKING: Nigerian Governor To Build N19.6bn Specialist Hospital, Details Emerge

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Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri approves ₦19.6 billion Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Yola The Adamawa State government says the hospital aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Adamawa State Fintiri explains that the facility will serve as a training center and improve healthcare services in the North-East.

Yola, Adamawa State – Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art Mother and Child Specialist Hospital in Yola. The proposed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital will cost the state ₦19.6 billion, and it’s expected to be completed within 52 weeks. The landmark project is designed to significantly strengthen maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare services across the state.

The project aligns with Governor Fintiri’s commitment to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. The hospital will also improve access to quality healthcare and position Adamawa as a referral hub for specialized medical services in the North-East region.

As reported by Daily Trust, the hospital will be equipped with modern medical technology and specialized units when completed.

The state governor explained that the hospital capable units to handle high-risk pregnancies, neonatal intensive care, pediatric emergencies, and other complex medical cases affecting women and children. Mother and Child Specialist Hospital will also serve as a training and research centre for healthcare professionals.

It will help to strengthen capacity and improve the quality of medical services within the state’s health sector. It will offer other healthcare services like advanced diagnostic and laboratory services, fully equipped operating theatres, intensive care units, emergency response facilities, and modern inpatient wards designed to provide quality care for patients.

Recall that Fintiri’s administration executed over 100 infrastructural, educational, health, and social projects across Adamawa state, transforming both urban centres and rural communities. The administration completed major road networks, flyovers, and township roads, including the Lamido Aliyu Mustapha Flyover, Yola, and the Nyibango-Yolde Pate Road in Yola South.

Over 100 new primary health care centres were built, while hospitals such as Numan General Hospital and Specialist Hospital, Yola, underwent comprehensive development and modernisation.

 

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