Big Gist Africa

*Urges PENGASSAN, NUPENG, others to remain vigilant  Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led  federal government over its handling of the OPL 245 dispute, describing recent claims of a “final resolution” as misleading. In a statement released on Sunday, the Atiku Media Office said a fresh legal move by Malabu Oil and Gas Limited shows the matter is still far from settled, contrary to earlier assurances by government officials. The statement pointed to a pre-action notice issued by Malabu through its counsel, Chief R.O. Atabo (SAN), which it said challenges the narrative of closure being promoted by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi. According to the statement, the dispute remains active in court, with cases still pending before the Supreme Court and the Federal High Court.  It also raised concerns that Malabu, described as a key stakeholder in the oil block, was not involved in any negotiation l...

*Congratulates new State Party Chairman, Warman Ogoriba APC Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 general elections in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua MacIver has declared his total commitment to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu come 2027, declaring that the Tinubu re-election project is non-negotiable. Great Joshua MacIver, in his statement titled " BAYELSA APC CONGRESSES: GOING FORWARD, A CALL TO LOOK INWARDS" and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, warned APC leaders in the state to look Inward and take note of certain factors which may hinder or cut short our victory. According to Great Joshua MacIver, such noticeable pitfalls include the imbalance in the united front being put up by the State Governor,Senator Douye Diri among various political blocs in the state. In the statement issued at the weekend. Great Joshua MacIver stated that "First, before His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, joined the APC in the state, there were clearly two politica...

The Federal Government’s celebration of the alleged resolution of the long-running OPL 245 dispute has suffered a major setback, as Malabu Oil and Gas Limited has issued a formal pre-action notice challenging any regulatory move to implement the controversial agreement. The development casts fresh doubts on official claims that the dispute has been conclusively settled and raises new legal questions over the Federal Government’s recent public declarations on the oil block. In the pre-action notice dated March 17, 2026, and addressed to the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Malabu, acting through its counsel, warned against any regulatory recognition, approval or implementation of arrangements concerning OPL 245 while several suits over the asset remain pending in court.  The letter, written by R. O. Atabo, SAN, LL.D, on behalf of the majority shareholders and directors of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, stated that the comp...

A political activist and former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has launched a scathing attack on both the Nigerian and United Kingdom governments over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit, describing it as “insensitive” and “an embarrassment” in the wake of deadly attacks in Maiduguri. Frank, in a strongly worded statement, accused the UK government of being “complicit” in Nigeria’s challenges, insisting that the timing of the visit, barely 24 hours after reported killings, showed a lack of empathy for grieving Nigerians. “I wonder how President Tinubu could travel barely 24 hours after people were killed,” Frank said. “At a time when the whole world is expressing concern over the tragedy in Nigeria, he and his retinue of Ministers and top security officials chose to go on a state visit - celebrating and drinking champagne - while Nigerians are dying.” He described the trip as one that had caused ...

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, NAIC, Yazeed Shehu Danfulani has distributed Sallah food and non food items to thousands of families across Zamfara State. The donation is to help families in need to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah with joy and smiles on their faces. The gesture underscores Yazeed Danfulani’s unwavering commitment to uplifting living standard of the vulnerable groups, particularly widows, the less privileged, orphans and other members of the society while promoting love, unity, compassion among others. It also reflects the broader vision of national service championed by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as that of a focused and determined  leader, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle. The distribution of the items which brought relief to thousands of Muslim faithful, took place at  Danfulani's residence in Gusau, the capital cit...

A Magistrates’ Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has adjourned to April 16, 2026, a suit filed by the National Association of Private School Owners (NAPS) against the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) over alleged multiple taxation. The court, after preliminary proceedings on Wednesday, advised all parties to explore amicable settlement through dialogue, stressing the need for restraint and constructive engagement. NAPS is challenging what it described as overlapping tax demands imposed on private schools by both the FCTA and area councils, particularly AMAC. Counsel to the association, Alexander N. Ogbo, told journalists that the dispute stems from institutional overlaps, with both authorities issuing similar levies on schools. “This overlap is disrupting school operations and creating confusion,” he said. Ogbo noted that private schools are caught between competing authorities, calling for harmonisation of regulatory re...