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Why I went public with bribe offer to write against Dangote refinery — Hundeyin
IduwiniVoice
Why I went public with bribe offer to write against Dangote refinery — Hundeyin
By Prisca Sam-Duru
When investigative Journalist David Hundeyin, broke the news on his X, about how he triumphed over the temptation to craft an article to smear the Dangote refinery and be rewarded ‘handsomely’, not many people believed him.
Hundeyin had last weekend in a series of posts on X, written about how he struggled first with the idea of going public with serious allegations against an international NGO, known as Dialogue Earth, accusing them of attempting to commission a smear campaign targeting the Dangote Refinery while pretending to be addressing environmental concerns.
According to him, the foreign NGO, which was known previously as China Dialogue Trust, offered him N800,000 which is about $500 to write an article to be focused on environmental issues surrounding the Dangote refinery.
“I debated long and hard whether to do this publicly, but I think a message needs to be sent to a group of external interests working in tandem with the internal interests described in the quoted tweet to counteract the interests of half a billion West Africans. A message that at whatever level we exist, we take our destiny seriously and we are not to be trifled with.
“Last week, I received an N800,000 offer from an international NGO called Dialogue Earth (formerly known as China Dialogue Trust) to write an article essentially saying that Dangote Refinery is terrible for the environment because something something “Environmental Concerns,” something something “Climate Change,” something something “Energy Transition Policy,” something something “COP 28.”
“The (unstated but clearly implied) thrust of the brief was for a prominent local voice to put their name on an article that is an argument or a premise for the the Nigerian government to kill the refinery based on its “energy transition commitments” and “environmental policy.” This conclusion wasn’t immediately apparent when they reached out to me, but I suspected where it was heading, and I quickly accepted the offer so that I could see the brief and obtain hard evidence. I’ve attached screenshots from the brief below…” Hundeyin stated.
Some netizens however, believed him, praised him for having the will power to make such important exposure in the interest of the Nigeria people. They also advised him to stay safe.
For people doubting whether the post and claim were facts, Hundeyin spoke on the same issue on Arise Television during the week. There, he explained what went down.
According to him, there are foreign actors who exploit Africa’s energy challenges which manifested recently in a narrative war against Dangote Refinery aimed at maintaining energy poverty in Nigeria.
He stated clearly that he went public with the issue so that people will know that ‘there are external interests invested in the energy poverty that Nigeria and West Africa have historically faced’.
Hundeyin who emphasised the importance of public exposure as a powerful tool against hidden agendas, maintained his earlier claim on X, that he was offered N800,000 by an international NGO, known as Dialogue Earth, to defame the Dangote refinery. N800,000? That’s what it would have taken him to do a stinker against the Dangote refinery? The bribe amount sounds quite ridiculous to many who also see it as a huge insult on the journalism profession.
His words, “People need to know that there are external interests invested in the energy poverty that Nigeria and West Africa have historically faced. I don’t believe that my going public with it is going to change the world, however, I think that the power of public exposure is one of the last few powers that regular people in this part of the world still have.
“A lot of the powers that these foreign actors wield can be wielded because it is done in secret because people don’t even know they exist.”
Just as he wrote on his X, the investigative journalist disclosed that for long, many foreign actors have been benefiting from Africa’s persistent energy challenges, adding that if he didn’t go public on this encounter, it would have been labeled conspiracy theory as usual.
“Prior to this incident, if you were to come out and tell people that there are players in the global development space or in the NGO space who would very much like the status quo to be preserved in terms of Africa being poor and Nigeria suffering from energy poverty, despite being one of the world’s largest energy exporters, it would sound like a conspiracy theory.
“There is a narrative war being fought by foreign entities, using African faces to lead this attack,” he said.
In essence, the move by the NGO involved was ‘part of a broader strategy to preserve the status quo of energy poverty in Africa despite the continent’s vast resources.’
Asked whether he believed some other journalists may have been approached by not just the NGO he mentioned but by other foreign entities to scuttle major projects in the country, he said, “Absolutely, 100%! First of all, in this instance, I’m pretty sure that I wasn’t the only journalist that they would have reached out to though I can’t prove that yet. In the aftermath of going public, they mobilised a narrative response on a news platform. There’s already a pushback where what I did was termed sensationalist…essentially, that it’s not a big deal that I kind of misrepresented what was being done and that I’m basically an attention seeker. That I did it to chase clout.”
The said offer that would have worked against Dangote refinery was according to the journalist, not the first time he was approached for commissioned work but actually, the first time he got an offer to write against Nigeria’s interest.
“It is not the first time in terms of being commissioned, that I have been approached to write a story or an article. It is very common within the journalism space but this is the first time that someone has come to me with an offer to write about something that affects my country, and affects me potentially, basically telling me to write against my own interest.”
Hundeyin maintained he made the revelation in the interest of Nigerians while not expecting action from the government.
“I expect the government to do absolutely nothing as they always do. I didn’t do this to get a response from the government. It was to educate the public because I think it is only the public that can rescue this thing now, because clearly the government of the day at the very least, doesn’t seem to care if Dangote refinery takes off or not.”
© 2024 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria
By: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
News
Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.