The Nigerian Navy, Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka in Akwa Ibom has donated 30 life jackets and 20 lifebuoys to boat operator unions for improved safety of maritime workers operating within its Area of Operations.
The Commanding Officer of the Base, Capt. Aliyu Abdullahi made the donation during Civil Military Relations Outreach in Ibaka Beach in Mbo Local Council laat weekend.
With theme, “Personal Survival Techniques for improved Survivability at sea,” Abdullahi said the programme was meant to remind the users of the waterways on the need to replace adequate safety measures while using the waterways.
“FOB Ibaka conducted a maritime safety outreach to the host community of Ibaka as part of her non kinetic operations and civil military relations inline with Operation Delta Sanity 2,” he said.
“A total of 30 life jackets and 20 lifebuoys were donated to various boat operator unions which included the fishermen and marine transporters.” The CO said.
The outreach he added was intended to enlighten users of the waterways within the area on safety measures to be observed at sea to prevent occurrences of maritime accidents which has lead to several losses of lives and properties.
He reminded the beneficiaries that the use of safety equipment while on the waterways was required by law adding that the base would not hesitate to arrest defaulting boats and their operators for safety infractions.
Abdullahi seized the opportunity to engage with the community youths and stakeholders, while highlighting the importance of synergy and collaboration in driving development and progress in the area.
“This interaction underscored the commitment to fostering a positive relationship between the community and the base, with a focus on mutual understanding and collective growth.” He said.
He said the outreach featured lectures on survival techniques at sea including the use of life jackets and lifebuoys as well as demonstrations on the proper use of life jackets and conduct of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Victor Ntuen, commended the Base for the outreach and the donation of life jackets and lifebuoys to the people in the ard pledged to observe the highest standard of safety on the waterways.
China unveiled retaliatory tariffs of 84% on imports of US goods on Wednesday, matching additional tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump and further inflaming a trade war between the world’s two biggest economies.
The announcement means China has increased its intended levy on US imports by another 50 percentage points from the initial amount that is set to take effect on Thursday.
The amount was the same as the added charge that Trump has already imposed on Chinese goods.
Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal” tariffs took effect earlier on Wednesday. China was the hardest-hit nation with a levy of at least 104% on all its goods. The two countries have been involved in a game of tit-for-tat on trade, with Beijing standing firmly against each new tariff introduced by Washington.
“The US escalation of tariffs on China is a mistake upon mistake, severely infringing upon China’s legitimate rights and interests, and seriously damaging the multilateral trading system based on rules,” China’s State Council Tariff Commission said in a statement announcing the fresh levy.
The amped-up retaliation comes after China repeatedly warned that it would “fight to the end” if the US moved forward with further tariffs. On Wednesday, Trump’s additional levies on Chinese imports had originally been set to increase by 34 percentage points.
But the president tacked on another 50 percentage points after Beijing refused to back down from the standoff. Prior to the latest rounds of escalation, Trump had already imposed 20% levies on China since his return to the White House.
In addition to the increased levy, China’s Commerce Ministry imposed export controls on 12 American companies, barring Chinese companies from supplying them with dual-use items that have both military and civilian applications. It also added six more US firms to its “unreliable entity list,” banning them from trading or making new investments in China.
Meanwhile, China also filed a complaint to the World Trade Organization over the latest US tariffs, according to the Commerce Ministry.
As Trump escalates his tariff war, the message from the Chinese government, state media and opinion leaders alike has been one of defiance, voicing their determination to strike back while leaving the door open for negotiation.
Shortly after the latest round kicked in on Wednesday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters that US needed to “demonstrate an attitude of equality, respect and mutual benefit” if it truly wanted to resolve the trade war through dialogue.
China also released a white paper on its trade and economic ties with the US, saying that relations had been damaged by the “unilateral and protectionist measures” taken by Washington.
In a written Q&A about the white paper, an unnamed Chinese Commerce Ministry official emphasized that China does not want a trade war, but said Beijing would “never sit idly by” while the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese people are harmed or stripped away.
“If the US insists on further escalating trade restrictions, China has the firm will and ample tools to take resolute countermeasures — and will see it through to the end,” said the official.
As the controversy surrounding the N57 billion Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) contract scandal escalates, the contractor, Mr. Emmanuel Otokpa, in fresh allegations, has claimed that he was defrauded by the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami and the ex- Managing Director (MD), of the NPA, Muhammad Bello Koko.
Mr. Otokpa who made the revelations at a media conference and in a chat with our reporter said he was given photocopy of the N57 billion contract award letters and letter specifying the sharing formula from NPA by Abubakar Malami’s PA Hon. Yakubu Hamza through the backdoor.
He explained that Malami’s PA collected the Award letters on 27th February 2023 and handed over only the photocopy to him on 29th February, 2023, two days after, and told him that Abubakar Malami and his Special Adviser (SA) Nafiu Yakubu Lugga will officially handover the original award letters to him so that he (Otokpa) can pay them (PA/SA) their five percent, which they have agreed upon from the beginning.
However, Mr Otokpa lamented that hitherto, the original copy of the Award letters collected from NPA developed winds and has not be presented to him by Malami as promised and pledged.
“In the Award letters it was stated that my companies will be mobilize for 85 percent. Up till now the original award letters has not been giving to me as well as the 85 percent mobilization”, Mr. Otokpa stated. According to him, the NPA MD, Mohammad …Bello Koko, in collaboration with AGF office moved the contract sum from NPA account to an undisclosed account towards the end of Buhari administration’s handover in 2023, despite a circular prohibiting such transactions.
Otokpa revealed that Barrister Nafiu Yakubu Lugga, the SA to the former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, earlier informed him that the N57 billion had already been moved to NPA account, when he raised concern after viewing the government directive on television.
Speaking at a media conference, Otokpa stated that the contract, was diverted and the funds allegedly siphoned, preventing the projects execution in Kebbi, Kaduna, and other places till date..
According to a statement shared with journalists, Otokpa had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which launched an investigation. “I and my lawyers, Bolarewa Aidi (SAN), and others were invited to EFCC headquarters in Abuja, where officials verified the authenticity of the documents, including Malami’s signature”.
“The EFCC Chairman received my petition, and after investigations, they advised that the matter be resolved in-house, possibly to avoid further embarrassment to personalities involved,” he noted.
He further alleged that the current NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, reached out to him through Hon. Yakubu Hamza, the former Personal Assistant (PA) to Malami, appealing to him to accept offering him a downward review of the contract sum to N25 billion instead of the original N57 billion.
“I accepted the settlement terms, and I was asked to send money for the preparation of the Bill of quantity and costing, which I did. Later, I was told that due to inflation, the total contract sum has been adjusted upward to N30 billion,” Otokpa stated.
However, despite sending additional funds for the collection of Award letters, Otokpa alleged that he had only received “endless promises” while the ex-PA, Hon. Hamza Yakubu, who was to collect the award suddenly stopped responding to his calls and messages.
“Instead, Hamza sent messages to a Deputy Director, alleging that the NPA had an arrangement with him and that if I wasn’t careful, I would lose the N30 billion reviewed contracts. This suggests that the NPA under Dansoho had planned to divert the reviewed contracts again,” he lamented.
Otokpa expressed dismay that “If it’s in advance world, the government security agent will invite all of them for questioning. I, Mr Emmanuel Otokpa, the contractor is asking whether this government is keeping some people from probing the billions they stole from government account which is meant for development of this country?”.
Mr. Emmanuel Otokpa had in June 2023, written a strong worded petition against Malami and Ex-MD NPA Mr Koko, alleging diversion of the same contract, but was refuted by then MD, who described the allegations as fake and forged.
The petition signed by Barristers E.O Abadaki and O.G Balogun and Co, of no. 18 Gwagwalada /Dukpq road Abuja, FCT, for their clients, stated that the N57 billion contract was fraudulently awarded by NPA to various contractors and companies who innocently but genuinely bided for the contracts.
Accordingly, it stated that the office of the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and that of Managing Director (MD) Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), have been accused of multi-billion naira contracts scandal amounting to N57 billions. The petition letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu through the Chief of Staff office and made available to our correspondent, dated 13th June 2023, alleged that the AGF office fraudulently diverted the contracts sum totaling N57 billion.
Titled “Fraudulent diversion of contracts by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, ranging to the sum of N57 billion fraudulently awarded by the NPA to various companies who innocently but genuinely bided for the contracts, the solicitors noted that 15 clients’ companies bided for contracts”.
It reads in parts: “We act as Solicitors to Mr. Emmanuel Otokpa, acting for himself and on behalf of the companies/contractors (hereinafter referred to as our clients) on whose instruction we write this petition and or complaints against the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),” the solicitors stated.
“With all sense of responsibility, we have our clients’ authority and mandate to state in this Petition that sometimes in June 2022, the NPA made a publication for qualified companies to bid or submit tender for award of contracts ranging from general supplies, contracts, procurements and furnishing among others.
“The Office of the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice contacted our clients to mobilize companies to apply/bid for the award of contracts from the NPA, and pursuant to the foregoing, our clients/companies accordingly indicated interest and mobilized their companies to bid for the contracts.
“By a letter dated July 19, 2022, the AGF personally recommended our clients’ companies to the management of the NPA for consideration and award of the contracts.
“And by the NPA’s response letter to the AGF dated December 22, 2022, the first batch of contracts in the sum of N30 billion (Thirty Billion Naira) was awarded by the NPA to fifteen (15) of our clients’ companies.
“The AGF letter of recommendation dated July 19th, 2022, and the NPA response letter of notification of contract award dated December 22, 2022, are hereby attached for your perusal and necessary actions”, the petition stated.
Accordingly, the petition also added that “It is pertinent to state that: The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and the management of the NPA merely used our clients’ companies to siphon the mobilization of 85% of the total contract sum.
“That the office of the AGF and NPA conspired and diverted all the contracts awarded to our clients’ companies to themselves, hence the office of the AGF collected the award letters in the name of our clients’ companies directly from the NPA since February 27, 2023, but failed to release same to our clients’ companies.
“This is a clear indication that they have diverted the contracts and siphoned the 85% mobilization fee of the contract sum.
“In the light of the above, our clients’ companies’ instruction, therefore, is to bring the above information to your knowledge and to further keep you informed that the office of the AGF and NPA fraudulently used their companies to divert or siphon the whopping sum contracts sum in the time of N57 billion from NPA coffers.
“Take further notice that our Clients’ companies were never involved in the fraudulent contract dealings embarked upon by the office of the AGF and the management of the NPA, relating to the above-mentioned contracts.
“In the circumstance, our Clients’ companies hereby solicit for the proper award of the contracts to them for execution having incurred expenses for the tendering and bidding for the said contracts which were officially awarded to them by NPA, but fraudulently diverted.
” It’s our fervent hope that the necessary investigation will be carried out by your office in due course”, it stated.
Contacted for clarification, the MD of NPA, Muhammad Bello Koko, however, dismissed the allegations, adding that the said contracts and letters of award of the contracts “are all fake” and forgeries, and does not exist.
The MD who refused to pick his earlier calls for attending public function later responded through WhatsApp chat with promised to call back later but never did.
He also stated in the same chat that his media staff will call and respond to the allegations raised but the said media staff who spoke pleaded not to be quoted on ground that his just media friend and not media staff as claimed.
His words: I will call you. I am in a public programme. No, I am not aware (of the petition). We will provide answers if we know the issues. I will call you. And my media staff will call you also. You can ask him to respond, and he will.
What did he say “(Asking for the response of the media staff)”?
“I will give you our staff whom it will be credited to. Those contracts and letters of award of the contracts are fake and do not exist. They are forgeries,” MD stated.
All efforts to speak to Malami personally or through two of his aides, when contracted, also proved abortive as the aides refused to speak or provide Malami’s direct contact number. In fact, the aides denied knowing the connection with him when they eventually picked up the call reluctantly with expression of aggression.
Some of the victims’ contracting firms are: Netword Nigeria Limited, Fazone International Limited, Nimco Construction Company Limited, Gomek International Service Limited, Moonlink Investment Company Limited, Rotiphleck Nigeria Limited, Planiampianti Engineering and Construction Limited, Alina Design and Build Consulted Nigeria Limited, and Westfield Consulting respectively.
Findings revealed that the contract was awarded to Malami while in office, under Buhari regime, and the award letter was originally issued in his name but was reportedly sublet it to Mr Otokpa, and companies through Malami’s ex- PA and SA respectfully.
*Say’s attacks target villages, military outposts *Urges FG’s urgent action before its too late
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, have raised alarm over the escalating renew attacks by Boko Haram/ISWAP, urging the federal government and security agencies to take decisive action before the situation spirals out of control.
A statement by Zulum’s media aide Abdurraman Bundi, Tuesday asserted that, communities in Borno have suffered relentless assaults with insurgents targeting villages and military outposts, particularly in Sabon Gari, Wajiroko and Wulgo, among others, over the past months.
It stated that, during an expanded security meeting at Government House, Zulum urged the federal government to prioritize the security of the North East, particularly Borno State, which shares borders with three neighbouring countries—Chad, Cameroon, and the Republic of Niger, as well as security concerns in the Sahel region.
“While we appreciate the tremendous support from the federal government and the military, we also want to state that with the current focus in the fight against insecurity shifted from the northeast, all the gains we have recorded so far will be reversed.”
“In recent times, Borno State has been witnessing sporadic attacks from Boko Haram insurgents; many military formations were dislodged, such as in Wulgo, Wajiroko and Sabon Gari, among others. It seems we are losing ground.”
“Therefore, we want to appeal to the federal government to ensure that the northeastern part of the country receives the desired attention. It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence is not on the northeast.”, it stated.
Governor Zulum stated that the northeast, particularly Borno State which is neighbouring three countries in the troubled sahel region deserves more attention from federal government in its resolve to fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
Zulum further stressed, “The recent escalation of Boko Haram attacks across the state is a matter of utmost concern”.
‘There is an urgent need for aggressive military action and actionable intelligence to counter the insurgency. The recent attacks on Sabongari, Damboa, Wulgo, Baga and Monguno point to the need to up our ante in confronting BH insurgency decisively and swiftly.”
“I call on our armed forces to not only mount checkpoints and guard our towns and villages, I also call on our armed forces to take the battle to the enemy. We should not grant breathing space to the terrorists to regroup, rearm and carry out attacks on our territory.
“By engaging in relentless patrols, picketing and decapitation missions, our troops should defeat and end the insurgency in time so that our recovery plan will progress without let or hindrance”, he said.
The Governor restated his commitment to continually support the military and other security agencies working in Borno State to achieve their objectives of fighting insurgency in the state.
He noted, “Borno State government will continue to work closely with the armed forces to execute our development and peacebuilding programmes”.
“We are deeply conscious of the nexus between development, security and peace. Hence, as we invest in critical infrastructure, we are also opening new avenues for our citizens to engage in agriculture and sustainable livelihood”, he said.
He added, “All these will not be possible without resourcing and empowering our security agencies to secure our territory and safeguard citizens’ lives and property. My government will continue to support our defence and security agencies while pushing them to perform better when encountering terrorism, insurgency and criminality.”
Briefing journalists after the closed-door session of the security meeting, Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, noted that among the resolutions at the end of the meeting, the security council had expressed support to Borno State Government’s resettlement efforts.
The meeting was attended by the GOC 7 Div, Major General Abubakar Haruna, Traditional rulers from the 7 emirate councils of Borno and other heads of security outfits.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) has honoured the Deputy Speaker of Akwa Ibom Assembly, Barr KufreAbasi Edidem, in recognition of his contributions to the development of cricket in the state.
This is even as it held a cricket exhibition match to mark the commissioning of a new wicket turf at the Community Secondary Commercial School (COMSECOM), Ibiaku Itam, in Itu Local Council of the state.
The turf wicket, donated by Uyi Akpata, the National President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation, according to him was aimed at advancing the game of cricket in the State.
Unveiling the facility, Edidem commended Akpata for his untiring efforts to propel the growth of cricket in Nigeria and stressed the importance of the new facility in nurturing future cricket talents, acknowledging local players such as Blessing Etim and Inyene Umoh, who have made waves in the cricket scene.
He also lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its initiative in hosting the ongoing sports festival in the State adding that it was heartwarming that this year’s festival focused more on human capacity development rather than solely on infrastructure.
Edidem, who is the lawmaker representing Itu state constituency, acknowledged the festival’s impact in bringing joy to the youths of the Niger Delta region and encouraged further efforts to engage young people in sports and youth development.
Akpata, in a remark said that the motivation behind the establishment of the new cricket turf was in recognition of Akwa Ibom’s abundant cricket talent, including three players who have made it to the national team.
The president also revealed plans by his foundation to offer scholarships to students from the school who show a keen interest in pursuing cricket professionally and expressed optimism that the new turf would become a prominent venue for national cricket competitions.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the deputy speaker showcased his cricket skills, bowling a ball on the newly commissioned turf while Ubong Nkutt, Chairman of Itu Local Council also took a turn, much to the delight of the cricket community and the spectators present.
Other Speakers at the occasion said said the event was a celebration of both cricket’s growing popularity in Akwa Ibom and the collaborative efforts of the deputy speaker and other stakeholders in promoting the game of cricket.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) donates mobility equipment to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Bayelsa State Chapter at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The handing over was done on behalf of the Board by the General Manager, Corporate Communications/Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile accompanied by other Board staff members.
A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has granted an ex parte order restraining associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesome Wike, from holding a mega rally in the State pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice .
The proposed rally is scheduled for Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on April 12, 2025.
Hon. Justice I.A Uzakah granted the Motion Ex-Parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 filed by the state’s Attorney General, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN.
Listed as first and second defendants/respondents in the suit are the lead convener of the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike.
The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.
The enrolled court order states that: “An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The matter was adjourned to April 11, 2025 for hearing.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has flag off Free Medical Outreach In Otuasega, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Speaking at the flagged off ceremony on Thursday, March 3, 2025 sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiatives’ free Medical Outreach and the commissioning of a cottage Hospital at Otuasega in Bayelsa State, she reaffirmed the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide quality and accessible Healthcare to the vulnerable people across the Niger Delta..
The event, also featured the donation of 11 Ambulances to selected hospitals in the nine Niger Delta States and commissioning of the renovated Otuasega Cottage Hospital, donation of specialized personal protective kits to selected tertiary institutions in the nine Niger Delta States among others.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu hailed the NDDC for collaborating with the Renewed Hope Initiatives, saying the partnership will significantly improve the lives of the people of the region.
The First Lady said the NDDC, Renewed Hope Initiatives which began in 2024, is aimed at providing support in critical areas of development by empowering communities and improving the quality of life in the Niger Delta.
She also stated that the inaugurated projects would significantly impact on the health and education sectors of the states and lauded the commission for its foresight.
“Today, the medical outreach programme, which I was told is conducted quarterly, is aimed at delivering special health services directly to the communities; it will address common health issues, provide preventive healthcare and raise awareness about health concerns that are proportionately affecting rural residents, particularly in the area of maternal and child healthcare”
“You may recall that the NDDC’s earlier interventions in education provided over 45,000 preloaded educational tablets and text books to upper primary schools, junior and senior secondary school students in both urban and rural communities in all the NDDC states.”
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor , Senator Douye Diri said the state government’s partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was yielding positive results.
He said NDDC was not a competitor with the state but a partner in progress, stressing that his administration was open to collaboration in order to avoid duplication and abandonment of projects.
His words: “Today marks a significant milestone in NDDC but importantly, we have a partnership with the commission and the state government is grateful for that.
“Let me thank our dear First Lady, who is a lover of progress and development. Your commitment to the development of our people is commendable.
Governor Diri commended President Bola Tinubu for also partnering with the state in the construction of the second phase of the Nembe-Brass road, stressing that since he became governor, it was the first time the Federal Government was collaborating with his administration on such an important project.
Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said as part of efforts to develop the region, the commission has constructed roads and numerous other projects in states under its catchment area.
He said the essence of the partnership is to enable NDDDC work harder to deliver the dividends of development in areas of health, education and other social services that affect women, , children and youths in the region.
According to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over one month NDDC has Commissioned roads in the Niger Delta under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
” We believe that, Mr.President has carefully put in a board with men of character, men of impeccable knowledge, men that are good technocrats and politicians to deliver the vision of the Renewed Hope hope Agenda.
” Under the tutelage and guidance, supervision of the Honourable Minister of Regional Development , Hon.Engr.Abubakar Momoh. I can assure you that NDDC is ready to deliver the dividends of development and also dividends of Renewed Hope ope.
” Renewed Hope is here to stay, Renewed Hope is real, Renewed hope is delivering through NDDC to the people of the Niger Delta.”
He commended the President for his support, saying the NDDC under his administration was different.
The Minister of Regional Development, Dr. Abubakar Momoh, equally lauded the NDDC, saying much had been achieved and expressed confidence that more will be done.
He called on Governors in the Niger Delta to collaborate with NDDC, stressing that NDDC is not in competition with state government but to partner and bring development closer to the people.
In his goodwill message on behalf of the people of Otuasege, Chief Claudius Enegesi, thanked Mrs.Oluremi Tinubu and NDDC under the Renewed Hope initiatives of bringing the dividends of democracy to the grassroots saying with the Commissioning of the Cottage Hospital and construction of modern secondary school, children will now study under a conducive environment and carter for healthcare needs in the community.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for carefully chosen people of impeccable characters into the board of NDDC, adding that, the present board led by Dr. Samuel Ogbuku has carried out projects and programmes that are impacting positively on the lives of the people in the Niger Delta.
Mrs .Tinubu was accompanied on the visit by wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, wife of the Deputy Senate President, Hajia Leyla Barau, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), Susan Lokpobiri, as well as wives of the governors of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Imo, Kogi and Jigawa states.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, on Saturday visited the Tebedaba-Brass trunkline at Lascogbene in Southern iJaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following an attack by unknown vandals.
The 18 Inch Tebedaba-Brass trunkline, operated by Oando, supplies crude oil to the Brass terminal.
Lokpobiri, who arrived in Southern iJaw in the company of heads of security agencies, including the Brigade Commander and some civilian security contractors such as Chief David Lyon, owner of Darlon Oil and Gas Limited, and Gabriel Jonah, owner of Tenebo Security Services Ltd and State Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Limited Joshua Maciver vowed to ensure that those behind the attack are brought to face the full weight of the law.
Speaking to newsmen briefly after touring the damaged section of the 18-inch pipeline, Senator Lokpobiri described the attack as unfortunate, stating that no responsible government would allow such acts to go unchallenged.
“I have Come today assisted by Security heads in the region and I’ve seen what happened here and this is very unfortunate, this cannot be allowed by government, these are very important economic assets to the government, government will do everything humanely possible to ensure that we protect these assets and we go after anybody that is linked to this act.
“This is a very important economic asset of the Federation, and the government will do everything possible to ensure it is protected,” he said.
“We will go after anybody linked to this crime, wherever they are hiding. We are all Ijaw people, and we know how to find ourselves. We will find them.”
He reaffirmed his commitment of protecting critical National assets of government in Niger Delta region, adding that security agencies are working closely with stakeholders and surveillance contractors to apprehend those responsible for the criminal act.
“This is a major trunkline, and every day it remains shut results in huge revenue losses—not just to the Federal Government, but also to the company and host communities.”
He urged Community leaders, Youths to the protect national assets in their environment, saying any damage to public assets does not only results in revenue loss to federal government, but also poses grave environmental dangers.
“Following the Passage of PIA, Communities has 3% stake whatever passes.We are causing so much damage to the environment.
“Under no circumstances, will this be accepted by government, I have come and seen , we continue to ensure that we work together to protect these Strategic National assets for the benefit of all of us,” he noted.
The Minister lauded the operators of the facility, Oando, for their swift response and the immediate commencement of repairs on the damaged pipeline section.
IMEC says the petition failed to meet statutory requirement in line with Section 69(a) of the Constitution
Section 69(a) requires the signatures of more than one-half of the registered voters in the constituency.
The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e. 50%+1) is 237,277+1 translates to at least 237,278 voters.
The Commission said it ascertained 208,132 signatures/thumbprints from the submission made by the petitioners.
This translates to 43.86% of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories.
Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution.
Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of Senator Senator Natasha, says INEC
