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Appeal Court in Enugu Dismisses Innoson’s Preliminary Objections Against GTBank

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  1. Ogunwumiju also ruled that, “The fact that the respondent counsel raised objections to some of the grounds of appeal is not a bar that can deprive the appellant of the right to amend his notice of appeal.

The respondent has not argued that the notice of appeal that the appellant is seeking to amend is fundamentally defective. He has failed to identify any substantial or legally acceptable reason to support the objection.

There is no limitation of time to amend a notice of appeal, the objection by Innoson is not only frivolous but is vexatious and hereby dismissed”, she ruled.

Concluding her ruling, Justice Ogunwumiju noted that “this court had at an earlier adjourned date observed that it found it strange that Innoson, a judgment creditor will be employing all manner of tactics to delay the hearing of the substantive appeal entered in this court as far back as 2013”.

“I see no reason to refuse the appellant’s (GTBank) request to amend its notice of appeal”.

“Everyone in this judicial drama knows that the substantive appeal must be decided in this court and no matter how much time is wasted, the Supreme Court can only hear the substantive matter after it has been decided in this court”.

“Without any disrespect to whatever legal gymnastics being displayed by the 1st to 4th Respondents’ (Innoson) Counsel, these are the types of practices that give the administration of Justice a bad name considering that this case involves money and has been hanging in this court since 2013”.

“Considering all the reasons and circumstances set out above, I hold that it is in the interest of Justice that the appellants application be granted in terms of the following orders:

• Leave is granted to the Appellant (GTBank) to raise new issues in this appeal,

• Leave is granted to the Appellant (GTBank) to amend its notice of appeal in terms of the particulars and specifics highlighted in its supporting Affidavit

• The amended notice of appeal which has already been filed and served is properly filed and served

• Leave is granted the Appellant (GTBank) to amend its brief of argument to reflect the reliefs granted.

Delivering ruling yesterday, Justice Ogunwumiju held that, the court would be in serious error if it decides to wait and hear Innoson Motors preliminary objection.

“There is no doubt that the application for amendment of the notice of appeal will, if successful, give the appeal a chance of being considered and disposed-off on the merit rather than on technicalities. It is implicit in the constitutional rights of fair hearing that parties in a case be accorded every reasonable opportunity of being heard, and that extends to the right to amend their processes and place before the court all the issues they may wish to canvass to enable the court reach a fair and just conclusion”.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu yesterday dismissed the preliminary objections brought before it by the Chairman of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma and his company, Innoson Motors Ltd.

Innoson arguing through his counsel, Prof. McCarthy Mbadugha had at the last hearing of the matter on June 14, 2018 raised objections to a motion brought before the court by GTBank seeking to amend its notice of appeal before the court.

 

 

 

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Nigeria @65: 12 major achievements Tinubu highlighted in Independence Day speech

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President Bola Tinubu has highlighted some of his administration’s achievement as Nigeria celebrate 65th anniversary of her independence.

In his Independence Day broadcast on Wednesday, the President listed key reforms and economic milestones his administration has recorded in the past 28 months.

Below are the highlights:

1. Record Non-Oil Revenue Growth

Tinubu said his administration has diversified government earnings beyond crude oil.

“We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411 percent higher than the amount raised in May 2023.”

2. Improved Fiscal Health

The President stressed that Nigeria’s debt servicing burden has been reduced significantly.

“Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability.”

3. Stronger Foreign Reserves

Tinubu noted a boost in external reserves, giving Nigeria a cushion against global shocks.

“Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September — the highest since 2019.”

4. Rising Tax-to-GDP Ratio

According to the President, his government is expanding its tax base without overburdening ordinary Nigerians.

“Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 percent from less than 10 percent. The new tax law will expand the base and provide tax relief to low-income earners.”

5. Nigeria Now a Net Exporter

Tinubu also emphasised that for the first time in years, Nigeria is selling more to the world than it buys.

“Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters… Non-oil exports now represent 48 percent, compared to oil exports at 52 per cent.”

6. Oil Production Rebound

He added that crude output has increased after years of underperformance.

“Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023… the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades.”

7. Stabilisation of the Naira

The foreign exchange reforms, Tinubu said, have curbed volatility.

“The Naira has stabilised… The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history.”

8. Social Investment in Vulnerable Households

“Under the social investment programme… N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.”

9. Solid Minerals Sector Growth

In mining, Tinubu said coal mining has rebounded, signalling diversification in natural resources.

“Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors.”

10. Transport Infrastructure Expansion

The President maintained that his administration is accelerating work on major rail and highway projects.

“The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway.”

11. Global Recognition of Economic Reforms

Tinubu said international markets are responding positively.

“Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria… Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.”

12. Monetary Policy Confidence

The Central Bank has responded by lowering interest rates.

“At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.”

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Nigeria upholds religious tolerance; there is no persecution, says Tinubu.

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President Bola Tinubu has categorically denied any deliberate religious persecution in the country.

He stated this on Tuesday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, at the book launch on “A decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria authored by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu insisted there is religious tolerance in Nigeria and Christians and Muslims were coexisting well, stressing that the talk of persecution in the country is false and unfounded.

He said, “There’s no religious persecution in Nigeria. It’s a lie from the pit of hell. I have always believed in good governance, and since I assumed office, I have focused on your welfare. Today, Nigerians can confidently say we have well-equipped hospitals, and we can treat critical illnesses such as cancer.”

There’s report recently that American talk show host Bill Maher had claimed that Christians are being systematically killed in Nigeria.

Maher, in a viral clip from his show Real Time with Bill Maher, alleged that up to 500,000 Christians had been killed in the country, describing the situation as genocide.

The video was circulated by international influencers, including Radio Genoa, an anti-Islamic personality on X.

Speaking further, the President assured Nigerians that they will soon start experiencing prosperity under his administration.

Tinubu said, “Nigeria’s economy just turned a corner, and you will receive prosperity; those talking negatively about this country should stop saying so.

 

“Just be patient, as all Nigerians will feel the prosperity in due time; don’t be corrupt.”

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BREAKING: Crisis Erupts as Dangote Refinery Halts Petrol Sales in Naira; PENGASSAN Orders Gas Supply Cut

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…….Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has ordered its members across key oil and gas companies to halt supply of crude oil and gas to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The order followed the alleged sack of 800 workers by Dangote Petroleum Refinery last Thursday.

In a memo by the General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, to Branch chairmen in TotalEnergies, Renaissances, Chevron, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando, and Seplat Producing Nigeria Unlimited. PENGASSAN directed the immediate shutdown of valves and suspension of all crude loading operations to the facility.

FERA refutes PENGASSAN’s allegations against Dangote Refinery
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Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has suspended the sale of petrol in naira, a move that has unsettled fuel marketers and heightened concerns over possible pressure on pump prices and the foreign exchange market.

In an email sent to customers at 6:42 pm on Friday, the refinery announced that the suspension will take effect from Sunday, September 28, 2025. The decision, it explained, was triggered by the depletion of its crude-for-naira allocation.

The statement, by the Group Commercial Operations of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and titled “Suspension of DPRP PMS Naira Sales – Effective 28th September 2025”, advised customers with pending naira-based transactions to request refunds.

Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN clash over fate of 800 workers
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It reads in part: “We write to inform you that Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has been selling petroleum products in excess of our Naira-Crude allocations and, consequently, we are unable to sustain PMS sales in Naira going forward.

“Kindly note that this suspension of Naira sales for PMS will be effective from Sunday, 28th of September, 2025. We will provide further updates regarding the resumption of supply once the situation has been resolved.

“All customers with PMS transactions in Naira who would like a refund of their current payments should formally request the processing of their refund.”

This is not the first time the refinery has halted naira transactions. In March 2025, it briefly suspended sales of refined products in the local currency, also citing inadequate crude-for-naira allocations. That earlier decision triggered concerns about the dollarisation of fuel sales and pushed petrol pump prices to nearly ₦1,000 per litre.

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