AFCON Final: Obaseki hails Super Eagles despite 2-1 defeat by Ivory Coast

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has hailed the Super Eagles of Nigeria, commending their resilience and teamwork despite conceding the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title to the host nation, Ivory Coast.

Despite going ahead in the first half courtesy of a header by William Troost-Ekong, the Ivorians turned the game around in the second half to win 2-1.

Obaseki joined other football enthusiasts, fans and supporters to watch the first half of the game at the Ring Road viewing center, one of the venues set up by the state government across the State.

The governor was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor; Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area, Dr. Tom Obaseki and other top government functionaries to Garrick Memorial School at Ekenwan Road, another viewing center set up in the State, to watch the second half of the match.

He said, “It was a very interesting match and you can tell that our boys played their hearts out but the Ivorians have the benefit of the home crowd. Our boys who are just 11 on the field of play, played against 60,000 people. They put in their best but it was not their day.

“We should be hopeful. They did their best and got to the finals. We could have won the cup; that means we have what it takes to be African Champions and next time around, we could win.”

Obaseki added, “I am happy with the quality of the game and the quality of the team we have. I am confident that we have a good team but it’s just that it didn’t happen for them today.”

Governor Obaseki also commended Nigerians and Edo residents for coming out massively to support the Super Eagles, noting “I pray that this spirit of commitment by the players and other Nigerians will continue so that we can celebrate more wins.”

Any governors that are not implementing 35 thousand Naira wages increase should have no Peace- Oshiomhole

By: Ella Ekpa

The senator representing Edo North Senatorial District in the Senate and former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Aliyu  Oshiomhole has raised the alarm over non implementation of the new minimum wage increase of 35 thousand naira by the government.

The former Edo State Governor raised the concern when he was speaking as a guest on Sunday Politics on Channelstv, He said any governors not implementing the new minimum wage increase of 35 thousand Naira should know No peace in their States.

Comrade Oshiomhole revealed further that after the removal fuel subsidy various states governors Federation allocation has increased while some tripled allocation due to subsidy removal but wondered why the governors down to LGAs have not implemented the new wage increase.

This Online newspaper reports that  he however urged  the federal government and most  especially the state governors and local government to as a matter of reality commence implementation of the 35 thousand naira wages increase in order to help cushion the economic hardship in the country.

Fight against oil thieves; Ereyitomi commends Tantra Security Services, Chief Ekpemupolo seeks contract , renewal. Expansion

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt Hon Thomas Ereyitomi, has hailed Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Chief Government Ekpemupolo ( Aka Tompolo) on the onslaught against oil thieves, seeking renewal and expansion of Tantita’s contract.

The Lawmaker who is also the Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Training Funds) and the Akatigbi Ayeola of Warri Kingdom, in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, he intimated him on the arrest of MT Kali and MT Harbor Spirit by Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited in collaboration with the Special Task Force of the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

While saying that Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited was doing a wonderful job, he implored President Bola Tinubu to speed up Tantita Pipelines Surveillance Contracts Renewal and Expansion.

According to him, the open letter is a follow up to the one he sent to the President on the 30th August, 2023, saying it is on the same subject matter of pipelines surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.

The Federal Lawmaker said that in the first letter, he reviewed the sterling performance of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), one of the private security companies hired by the Federal Government for surveillance of oil pipelines.

“I made it known to Mr. President that Tantita holds the revered position of primus inter pares amongst security firms engaged by the federal authorities to provide surveillance for pipelines in the Niger Delta, and that the company’s contract should be renewed to encourage its management for better future performance. Since my letter was published, which I believe was brought to your attention, the NNPCL has procrastinated for 6 (six) months over the Tantita contract renewal. This is unfair”, he said.

He pointed out that what is to be done, should be done well and quickly too ,adding that the delay of action was not good enough.

Crude oil daily production, he said, has kept improving, saying it shows some people work day and night to ensure a turnaround, and those responsible for the feat, the government must encourage.

“Recent events and development made me want to contact you again on the same matter.

You may wonder why I keep drumming up support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited? Wondering whether I am their special purpose advertising vehicle or the company’s megaphone.

Well, I am non of that. I do what am doing to intimate Mr. President and the relevant authorities of the firm’s commitment to duty and how it has restored oil production in areas were non has been produced for years”, the Lawmaker wrote.

He stated that the Presidency under Muhammadu Buhari had a touch of genius to have recognized the potentials of Tomoplo and his Tantita outfit just as he said that the company has done well in the protection of pipelines and other Federal Government oil assets in the Niger Delta.

He said that; “Crude production has risen steadily over time, oscillating between 1.4 – 1.6 million barrels per day, from a pittance 650 thousand barrels, before the intervention by Tantita”.

“Operatives of Tantita Security working in a collaborative synergy with a detachment of government special task force, set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, recently launched an unending, ruthless and relentless, well synchronized siege on unrepentant criminals and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. So far, the results have been very encouraging”,he added.

The Lawmaker disclosed that; “In the last three weeks, two heavy duty oil bunkering vessels – MT Kali & MT Harbour Spirit, both with capacity to lift hundred of thousands tonnes of crude oil, were intercepted and apprehended during the joint operations of Tantita and the Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla special forces. The two arrests signal a new threshold for potential gains in a marriage of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita. This is a major win in the battle to rid the nation’s waterways of oil thieves and economic saboteurs”.

THE OPEN LETTER TO MR. PRESIDENT IN FULL:

Your Excellency, this open letter is a follow up to the one I sent to you on the 30th August, 2023. It is on the same subject matter of pipelines surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.

In the first letter, I reviewed the sterling performance of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), one of the private security companies hired by the Federal Government for surveillance of oil pipelines.

I made it known to Mr. President that Tantita holds the revered position of primus inter pares amongst security firms engaged by the federal authorities to provide surveillance for pipelines in the Niger Delta, and that the company’s contract should be renewed to encourage its management for better future performance.

Since my letter was published, which I believe was brought to your attention, the NNPCL has procrastinated for 6 (six) months over the Tantita contract renewal.

This is unfair.

What is to be done, should be done well and quickly too. The delay of action is not good.

As you are aware, Mr. President, crude oil daily production has kept improving. It shows some people work day and night to ensure a turnaround, and those responsible for the feat, the government must encourage.

Recent events and development made me want to contact you again on the same matter.

You may wonder why I keep drumming up support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited? Wondering whether I am their special purpose advertising vehicle or the company’s megaphone.

Well, I am non of that. I do what am doing to intimate Mr. President and the relevant authorities of the firm’s commitment to duty and how it has restored oil production in areas were non has been produced for years.

The Presidency under Muhammadu Buhari had a touch of genius to have recognized the potentials of Tomoplo & his Tantita outfit. The company has done well in the protection of pipelines and other federal government oil assets in the Niger Delta.

Crude production has risen steadily over time, oscillating between 1.4 – 1.6 million barrels per day, from a pittance 650 thousand barrels, before the intervention by Tantita.

Operatives of Tantita Security working in a collaborative synergy with a detachment of government special task force, set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, recently launched an unending, ruthless and relentless, well synchronized siege on unrepentant criminals and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. So far, the results have been very encouraging.

In the last three weeks, two heavy duty oil bunkering vessels – MT Kali & MT Harbour Spirit, both with capacity to lift hundred of thousands tonnes of crude oil, were intercepted and apprehended during the joint operations of Tantita and the Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla special forces. The two arrests signal a new threshold for potential gains in a marriage of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita.

This is a major win in the battle to rid the nation’s waterways of oil thieves and economic saboteurs.

When a child says his mother won’t sleep, that child won’t sleep either.

These efforts of Tantita are commendable. The company remains resolute under many odds. It is still delivering, raising the hope that there is a silver lining in the sky for the nation’s economy.

Tantita is dug in the trench in readiness for battle against the criminals. It has secured Delta State. It is currently working round the clock to sanitize the Bayelsa terrains.

Hence, I once again approach Mr. President to ask that Tantita’s contract be renewed to prop up the morale of its operators.

Most importantly, I ask that the scope of Tantita’s contract be expanded to areas considered problematic and requires special attention and sanitization. Our people say, when it is good for the soil, it will also be good for the yam.

Your Excellency, I seize this medium to advocate that Tantita’s scope of job be expanded and extended into the deep sea and blue water, where the notorious oil buccaneers, mostly perfected their illicit trade and operated unhindered to ruin the nation’s economy. The present arrangement in which the private security operatives are restricted to the creeks and shallow waters, do not sufficiently address concerted efforts to put the criminals under check. Private security outfits, especially Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited be allowed to function along with the Nigerian Navy in the deep sea and blue waters. Such synergy would go a long way to make it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for the oil thieves to operate.

Sir, the rate of economic sabotage in the creeks and shallow water is child’s play compared to the economic evils being unleashed on the nation by these unrepentant criminals in the deep sea and blue water.

It’s obvious that Nigerian Navy alone cannot deliver.

This letter should be treated with utmost sense of urgency.

The collapse in oil production because of criminal incursion brought a halt to many small businesses. The government must encourage Tantita to keep bringing order to the creeks, if the nation’s economy must come out of the brink.

So are small entrepreneurs that provide services to oil majors. It is a win win situation for everyone including the Federal Government.

The illegal crude bunkering brought ruination to the ecosystem of the Niger Delta. The vegetations, waterways and marine life were completely decimated by the illicit trade, which also goes hand in gloves with pipelines vandalization.

The gradual pushback of the criminals and the closure of many local oil refining camps in 3 years has gradually restored the ecosystem.

This has boosted a healthy living among the people.

Many have returned to their age long occupations of fishing and subsistence farming.

Not only that, the black smug polluted environment, known for causing cancer in the region is now clear. The demolition of illicit local refineries that dotted the region was invariably responsible. Tantita demolished every one of them, in Bayelsa and Delta States.

No one lights a lamp in the day to see the way. Tantita’s performance is very glaring.

Even Mr. President recently gave the security company a pat on the back for doing a good job.

So, it isn’t a favour, if its contract is expanded and renewed.

In countries where merit comes before any consideration, Tantita won’t need anyone to put in a word for its contract renewal. It would be done because the firm does its job very well.

As a Representative of the Warri Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers, the interest of the people is paramount to me. I know the level of work Tantita did to clear the area of economic saboteurs.

I have no personal benefits to get, my desire is the rejigging of the economy of Warri and its environ.

The people depend so much on the activities of oil major to take care of themselves.

I once again ask Mr. President to impress it on the management of the NNPCL to quickly accent to the renewal of Tantita’s expanded contract.

God bless our fatherland, Nigeria.

Yours sincerely,

Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, Akatigbi Ayeola of Warri Kingdom & Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Training Funds).

Mrs Obi now maritime academy fellow, as NAPPS Uvwie celebrates her success

The General Secretary of of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS Delta State, Mrs. Rose Obi has been honoured with a fellow award from the Governing Council of Global Maritime Academy, Nigeria.

While presenting the award on Friday February 2 to the recipient by Prof. Christopher Orubu, stated that the award is in recognizing of Mrs. Obi outstanding and unmatched contribution to the development of the Academy. He urged him to sustain her goodwill to the institution and ensure its success always.

NAPPS Uvwie Chapter expresses joy for the honour done their proud ambassador and described Mrs. Obi as a gift to the chapter.

While responding Mrs. Obi appreciated the Global Maritime Academy for the special honour and recognition, she assured them of more commitment and support going forward

Rep Ereyitomi hails Tantita, wants Tinubu to expand contract over outstanding performance

President Ahmed Tinubu has been told by Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi to expedite action in expanding the pipeline surveillance contract of Tantita Security Services Limited over their outstanding performance in the battle against illegal crude oil theft in the Nider Delta.

The Federal Lawmaker made the appeal today Thursday, February 8 in an open letter to the President, a copy of which was sighted by Vanguard.

The letter read in part, “Your Excellency, this open letter is a follow up to the one I sent to you on the 30th August, 2023. It is on the same subject matter of pipelines surveillance contracts in the Niger Delta.

“In the first letter, I reviewed the sterling performance of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), one of the private security companies hired by the Federal Government for surveillance of oil pipelines.l

“I made it known to Mr. President that Tantita holds the revered position of primus inter pares amongst security firms engaged by the federal authorities to provide surveillance for pipelines in the Niger Delta, and that the company’s contract should be renewed to encourage its management for better future performance.

“Since my letter was published, which I believe was brought to your attention, the NNPCL has procrastinated for 6 (six) months over the Tantita contract renewal. This is unfair. What is to be done, should be done well and quickly too. The delay of action is not good.

“As you are aware, Mr. President, crude oil daily production has kept improving. It shows some people work day and night to ensure a turnaround, and those responsible for the feat, the government must encourage.

“Recent events and development made me want to contact you again on the same matter.You may wonder why I keep drumming up support for Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited? Wondering whether I am their special purpose advertising vehicle or the company’s megaphone.

“Well, I am none of that. I do what am doing to intimate Mr. President and the relevant authorities of the firm’s commitment to duty and how it has restored oil production in areas were none has been produced for years.

“The Presidency under Muhammadu Buhari had a touch of genius to have recognized the potentials of Tomoplo & his Tantita outfit. The company has done well in the protection of pipelines and other federal government oil assets in the Niger Delta.

“Crude production has risen steadily over time, oscillating between 1.4 – 1.6 million barrels per day, from a pittance 650 thousand barrels, before the intervention by Tantita.

“Operatives of Tantita Security working in a collaborative synergy with a detachment of government special task force, set up by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, recently launched an unending, ruthless and relentless, well synchronized siege on unrepentant criminals and oil thieves in the Niger Delta. So far, the results have been very encouraging.

“In the last three weeks, two heavy duty oil bunkering vessels – MT Kali & MT Harbour Spirit, both with capacity to lift hundreds of thousands tonnes of crude oil, were intercepted and apprehended during the joint operations of Tantita and the Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla special forces. The two arrests signal a new threshold for potential gains in a marriage of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita.

“This is a major win in the battle to rid the nation’s waterways of oil thieves and economic saboteurs. When a child says his mother won’t sleep, that child won’t sleep either.

“These efforts of Tantita are commendable. The company remains resolute under many odds. It is still delivering, raising the hope that there is a silver lining in the sky for the nation’s economy.

“Tantita is dug in the trench in readiness for battle against the criminals. It has secured Delta State. It is currently working round the clock to sanitize the Bayelsa terrains. Hence, I once again approach Mr. President to ask that Tantita’s contract be renewed to prop up the morale of its operators.

“Most importantly, I ask that the scope of Tantita’s contract be expanded to areas considered problematic and requires special attention and sanitization. Our people say, when it is good for the soil, it will also be good for the yam.

“Your Excellency, I seize this medium to advocate that Tantita’s scope of job be expanded and extended into the deep sea and blue water, where the notorious oil buccaneers, mostly perfected their illicit trade and operated unhindered to ruin the nation’s economy. The present arrangement in which the private security operatives are restricted to the creeks and shallow waters, do not sufficiently address concerted efforts to put the criminals under check. Private security outfits, especially Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited be allowed to function along with the Nigerian Navy in the deep sea and blue waters. Such synergy would go a long way to make it uncomfortable, if not impossible, for the oil thieves to operate.

“Sir, the rate of economic sabotage in the creeks and shallow water is child’s play compared to the economic evils being unleashed on the nation by these unrepentant criminals in the deep sea and blue water.

“It’s obvious that Nigerian Navy alone cannot deliver. This letter should be treated with utmost sense of urgency.

“The collapse in oil production because of criminal incursion brought a halt to many small businesses. The government must encourage Tantita to keep bringing order to the creeks, if the nation’s economy must come out of the brink.

“So are small entrepreneurs that provide services to oil majors. It is a win win situation for everyone including the Federal Government.

“The illegal crude bunkering brought ruination to the ecosystem of the Niger Delta. The vegetation, waterways and marine life were completely decimated by the illicit trade, which also goes hand in gloves with pipelines vandalization.

“The gradual pushback of the criminals and the closure of many local oil refining camps in 3 years has gradually restored the ecosystem. This has boosted a healthy living among the people.

“Many have returned to their age long occupations of fishing and subsistence farming. Not only that, the black smug polluted environment, known for causing cancer in the region is now clear. The demolition of illicit local refineries that dotted the region was invariably responsible. Tantita demolished every one of them, in Bayelsa and Delta States.

“No one lights a lamp in the day to see the way. Tantita’s performance is very glaring. Even Mr. President recently gave the security company a pat on the back for doing a good job. So, it isn’t a favour, if its contract is expanded and renewed.

“In countries where merit comes before any consideration, Tantita won’t need anyone to put in a word for its contract renewal. It would be done because the firm does its job very well.

“As a Representative of the Warri Federal Constituency in the Green Chambers, the interest of the people is paramount to me. I know the level of work Tantita did to clear the area of economic saboteurs.

“I have no personal benefits to get, my desire is the rejigging of the economy of Warri and its environ. The people depend so much on the activities of oil major to take care of themselves.

“I once again ask Mr. President to impress it on the management of the NNPCL to quickly accent to the renewal of Tantita’s expanded contract.”

Ahead Of AFCON Semi Finals:Sports Minister Secures 200 Million Naira Support From Progressive Governors’ Forum For Super Eagles

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has secured the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira for the Super Eagles of Nigeria playing at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.

Senator John Enoh commended the enthusiasm of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State , Chairman of the Progressive Govenors’ Forum and all members of the Forum for the swift action taken immediately he spoke with the Forum Chairman on the need for the Progressive Governors to motivate the team ahead of the semi finals match against the South Africans.

The Minister of Sports Development has further confirmed that the complete sum of Two hundred million Naira [#200,000,000] has already been redeemed to the players by the Progressive Governors’ Forum .

Senator Enoh said:
“I want to thank the Progressive Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo state for galvanizing and redeeming the sum of two hundred million Naira only to the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently in Cote D’Ivoire for AFCON 2023.”.

“The Super eagles have shown immense commitment and tenacity through every match ,this shows that they are on the path to conquer the continent again and bring home the coveted Cup of Nations.
Therefore,we must rally support for them because upon their shoulders lie the enormous responsibility to make Nigeria our great Nation proud “.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria is expected to take on Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the Semi Finals of AFCON ,Cote D’Ivoire 2023, at Stade Bouaké in Bouaké, Ivory Coast , Wednesday the 7th of February 2024.

Oyowoli Vs Delta Governor, 24 others: Court to rule on whether or not to hear preliminary objection for extension of time

Delta State High Court 2, Asaba Presided over by Justice G. Bricccckinns Okolosi, will on Wednesday March 27, 2024, rule on whether it will hear the preliminary objection for extension of time, raised by Counsels to two defendants or hear the substantive suit, in the case instituted by Prince Oyowoli Emiko against Prince Utienyioritsetsola Emiko, Delta State Governor and 23 others.

Area news Nigeria , understands that this was the crux of the proceedings of the court yesterday, Monday February 5.

Prince Oyowoli Emiko, had dragged Prince Utienyioritsetsola Emiko, Pa. Akoma Dudun (The Olare-Ebi of Ginuwa 1 Ruling House, Warri Kingdom) Chief Ayirimi Emami (the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom/member of the Olu Advisory Council) Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh (The Olori-Ebi of Ginuwa 1 Ruling House, Warri Kingdom) The Governor of Delta State, The Attorney General of Delta State and Chief Johnson Atseleghe (the Iyatsere of Warri/member of the Olu Advisory Council) and 18 others to the court in Asaba as defendants, praying the court to declare him as the rightful heir to the throne of Warri Kingdom, following the transition of the then Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

It was gathered that Counsels to Pa. Akoma Dudun and Chief Ayirimi Emami, Chief Victor Otomiewo and Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq. respectively as well as Counsel to the Plaintiff, Prince Oyowoli Emiko, allegedly opposed the application, challenging the jurisdiction of court to entertain the matter and seeking for preliminary objection for extension of time.

On the last adjourned date, the court purportedly made an order, setting down the preliminary objection for hearing and subsequently gave defense Counsels seeking the preliminary objection, two weeks to file in the objection.

Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, Counsel to Chief Ayirimi Emami, allegedly opposed the application purportedly brought by Barr. Orhiaki and Chief Robinson Ariyo, on the ground that a new law that is called Administration of Civil Justice Law of Delta State 2022, provides that if a preliminary objection is to be filed, it should be done within 30days upon being served with the statement of claim.

Chief Robinson Ariyo Esq, allegedly argued that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the matter, which according to him has been discontinued by the claimant.

According to Chief Emmanuel Uti, Esq, since the preliminary objection wasn’t filed, within the aforesaid time, the court can as well hear the matter on merit and decide at the end of the day, that both the preliminary objection and the substantive matter should be heard on merit.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court proceedings, Chief Ayirimi Emami likened his role in the case as that of INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) which according to him, is to supervise the emergence and crowning of king in Warri Kingdom.

When asked about the anti-bullying campaign by some persons who wore branded T-shirts to the court premises yesterday, Chief Emami, explained that their action was occasioned by happenings in Warri kingdom, especially because he (Chief Ayirimi Emami) stands for truth and fairness as it relate to the succession controversy in Warri Kingdom.

Our Correspondent, reports that spokesperson of the Ologbotsere Descendants Worldwide, Mr. Alex Eyengho and other supporters of Chief Emami, were in the court premises to show solidarity to Chief Emami.

Babalola should be charged for betraying nation’s security, sabotage – Group

*Says Operators of Tantita Are People Of Integrity, Impeccable Character, Unblemished By Crime

The Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF), has called on the Federal Government to charge former Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy,Admiral Henry Babalola (Rtd), for allegedly “betraying the nation’s security and sabotage of the economy.”

The group in a statement signed by it’s President, Julius Daukoru, and made available to newsmen, added that the former Navy officer should hide his head in shame for making allegations he has no proof nor evidence.

The Niger Delta group was reacting to an Arise TV programme where Admiral Babalola accused operators of Tantita Security Services Limited, as double-faced repented crude oil thieves.

They said that the statement from Admiral Babalola was a reckless one because as the Commanding Officer and FOC then, he would have arrested and paraded them before the authority for protection.

According to the group, Admiral Babalola “On the programme, he pontificated as an uninvolved bystander, while the illegal crude mining thrived, expanded and even grew in leaps and bound in the areas under his command as Commanding Officer of NNS, Delta.

“It is no secret that he provided cover and protection for local and international criminals on the high sea, while they siphoned oil into ocean going vessels.”

“Certainly, the old soldier made the TV appearance at the behest of the criminal cartel of oil robbers and economic saboteurs, who were his collaborators in crude theft while he held sway in the Navy.

“The barons are the same syndicates that Tantita and other security agencies are on their trail.

“Admiral Babalola was on the programme to throw off investigators from the trail of these criminals.

“He did poor a job of it, as he was a sore spot throughout the programme.

“He must have forgotten that while he was the Commanding Officer of NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base, the area he superintendent became the point of convergence for crude oil thieves and beehive for illegal crude bunkering,” the statement reads further.

They also asked Admiral Babalola to explain to Nigerians how he acquired all the choice properties and numerous assets he owns in Abuja, Lagos, his native Ondo Town in Ondo state, adding that “He also bought multi million dollar properties in America, United kingdom and offshore havens”.

“With his rank as A Rear
Admiral, all the earnings from his 35 years of service in the Nigerian Navy can’t buy him an apartment in London or elsewhere.

“Admiral Babalola bought all the properties from proceeds of illegal crude bunkering in connivance with criminals.

“He should be charged for betraying the nation’s security and sabotage of the economy,” the group added.

While telling Admiral Babalola to hide his head in shame for making allegations he has no proof nor evidence of, the group stressed that operators of Tantita Security Services Limited are people of integrity and impeccable character and unblemished by crime.

“Some of them were involved in the Niger Delta uprising of the late 1990s and early 2000s, purely agitating for the development of the region.

“The late President Musa Yar’Adua saw the need for inclusion and gave them amnesty. It is still in place till date.

“Alluding to that as evidence of wrong doing, is an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of gullible people. It is a figment of the imagination of the Admiral, which should be ignored,” the group stated.

The Full Statement:
For anyone to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral of the Nigerian Navy, he must have shown, dedication, discipline and brilliance.

So, when an officer of that cadre, who is seen as a gentleman in the order of military traditions, speaks only the truth is expected.

That established tradition was thrown to the dust, when Rear Admiral Henry Babalola rtd, former Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, appeared on the Arise TV Network, on the programme, The Arise Morning Show, of Dr. Reuben Abatti and his formidable team.

Under barrage of questions, the old sailor became incoherent, contradicting himself on several issues.

Informed viewers of the programme came off with the impression that he was economical with the truth as he addressed questions.
Considering the doubts he showed and his many gaffes, to which even Dr. Abatti diplomatically interjected, when he rounded off the programme.

The erudite columnist and TV anchor, Dr. Abatti, opined that Tantita may not agree with Babalola’s narrative on many issues.

That was satisfying enough to hear, and made it needless of us to interrogate the old sailor.

But keeping quiet would mean our people in the Niger Delta appreciated the roles that Tantita plays, acquiescenced to everything he said.

There is an old saying that no sculptor can carve a fine image from a rotten piece of wood. And so it is with salvaging the character and integrity of Admiral Henry Babalola.

Even the most pungent of Arabian perfumes cannot mask the stench of his criminal involvements while in office.

Certainly, the old soldier made the TV appearance at the behest of the criminal cartel of oil robbers and economic saboteurs, who were his collaborators in crude theft while he held sway in the Navy.

The barons are the same syndicates that Tantita and other security agencies are on their trail.

Admiral Babalola was on programme to throw off investigators from the trail of these criminals.

He did poor a job of it, as he was a sore spot throughout the programme.

He must have forgotten that while he was the Commanding Officer of NNS Delta, Warri Naval Base, the area he superintendent became the point of convergence for crude oil thieves and beehive for illegal crude bunkering.

On the programme, he pontificated as an uninvolved bystander, while the illegal crude mining thrived, expanded and even grew in leaps and bound in the areas under his command as Commanding Officer of NNS, Delta.

It is no secret that he provided cover and protection for local and international criminals on the high sea, while they siphoned oil into ocean going vessels.

He was infact, the problem until his retirement.

Admiral Babalola in the same breathe pointed accusing fingers at the operators of Tantita Security Services Limited, as double-faced repented crude oil thieves. It was a reckless comment to make. If he was that sure of his facts, why did he not arrest and parade them before the authority for prosecution when he served as
Commanding Officer and FOC?

He should hide his head in shame for making allegations he has no proof nor evidence.

The operators of Tantita Security Services Limited are people of integrity and impeccable character, unblemished by crime.

Some of them were involved in the Niger Delta uprising of the late 1990s and early 2000s, purely agitating for the development of the region.

The late President Musa Yar’Adua saw the need for inclusion and gave them amnesty. It is still in place till date.

Alluding to that as evidence of wrong doing, is an attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of gullible people. It is a figment of the imagination of the Admiral, which should be ignored.

Considering his rank and the years Admiral Babalola spent attending courses, both home and abroad, he exhibited no intellectual depth. He was shallow and flat, and merely blabbered throughout the programme.

Those who sponsored his TV appearance, his partners in crime and notorious oil barons must be very disappointed in his poor performance.

As stated in a paragraph above, Rear Admiral Babalola blazed the trail in oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, others followed later.

Today, he is filthy rich from the proceeds of oil theft.

He should explain how he acquired all the choice properties and numerous assets he owns in Abuja, Lagos, his native Ondo Town in Ondo state. He also bought multi million dollar properties in America, United kingdom and offshore havens.

With his rank as Rear a
Admiral, all the earnings from his 35 years of service in the Nigerian Navy can’t buy him an apartment in London or elsewhere.

Admiral Babalola bought all the properties from proceeds of illegal crude bunkering in connivance with criminals.

He should be charged for betraying the nation’s security and sabotage of the economy.

Admiral Babalola should quietly go home to enjoy his loot in retirement than make a fool of himself on public television.

He was all platitudes, and couldn’t give good reason to defend his many years of poor leadership and inability to perform while in the Navy.

His complaints of the Navy being under equipped for its role is mere balderdash.

The rightful place for him is a correctional centre and not on TV screen.

Signed:

Julius Daukoru

President.