Group Calls For Investigation Of Ugochinyere’s Futile Attempt To Derail Progress Made By Kyari

**Says He Is Serial Extortionist, Blackmailer

An Enugu based pressure group, the Ohaneze Think Tank, on Friday August 9, 2024, called for the investigation of house of Representatives member, Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere over his futile attempt to derail the commendable progress made by the Group CEO of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, describing the House of Representatives member as a serial extortionist and a blackmailer.

The Ohaneze Think Tank in a Press Statement signed by Dr Azubuike Ajuluchukwu (Coordinator) and Dr Cletus Akinyili (Deputy Coordinator), equally rooted for the removal of Ugochinyere as Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum (Midstream).

According to the group, it is heartening that after a public outcry, the House of Representatives finally dissolved the so-called committee that was supposed to investigate the frivolous allegations against the Group CEO of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, by the so-called group of 15 members of the House, making it clear that the matter should not end there.

Specifically, the group said that the scandalous committee of 15 led by Representative, Ikenga Ugochinyere must also be investigated as a deterrent, saying that Ugochinyere has grossly abused his position as chairman of the Ad-hoc House Committee on Petroleum Products for reasons best known to him but which are hardly consistent with the public interest.

The group noted that rather than facing the crucial task, the Ugochinyere-led committee jumped to a spiteful conclusion that Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPR, Farouk Ahmed, should be sacrificed even before scratching the surface of a thorough investigation and said that it was a shame that a man who claims to be a lawyer did not think about a fair hearing.

The group lamented that hiding under the cloak of the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Rep. Philip Agbese, Ugochinyere ignited a media agenda against the NNPCL management, feeding his colleagues in the House, especially the leadership and the general public with falsehood and a deliberate attempt to destroy Kyari’s reputation by criticising him unfairly and dishonestly to please those whose bidding he was willing to do at all cost.

“But for the swift intervention of about 120 members of the House under the aegis of “1 Agenda”, Ugochinyere and his cohorts were poised to impose their sinister agenda on the House and the Nigerian public. The only way he and people like him can learn a lesson is for them to be investigated. What is their interest in the Dangote Refinery? We align ourselves with the views of “1 Agenda” that the calls for Kyari’s removal are baseless, unfair and hypocritical”, the group said.

The group stated that he deserves commendation for his leadership and transformation of NNPC Ltd, increasing crude oil production from 800,000 bpd to 1.6 million bpd, saying that; “-We have every reason to suspect that the calls for Kyari’s removal are targeted at the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the petroleum minister”.

The group therefore, called on the House not to stop at dissolution of the the adhoc committee set up to implement the scandalous agenda of Ugochinyere and his ilk but also to investigate Ugochinyere’s interest in the Dangote Refinery further, adding that; “Ugochinyere and members of his extortionist ad-hoc committee were heavily compromised during their visit to Dangote Refinery. They were desperate to justify and deliver to justify package.His shameful indiscretion was not an accident. It was a carefully orchestrated move to advance his interest”.

According to the group also, Ugochinyere as a reputatable extortionist and blackmailer is a cog in the wheel of progress in NNPCL, pointing out that; “Ugochinyere is perennially on the neck of virtually all the managements of the strategic business units (SBU) of NNPCL under his oversight engagements, blackmailing and extorting them to no end. The heads of the SBU live in constant fears of Ugochinyere, who daily threaten them for their refusal to yield to his sinister and self- serving demands. Ugochinyere is inordinately looking for money, especially dollars on a daily basis and whoever refuses to accede to his dubious requests are tagged as enemies and he would threaten to deploy the instrumentality of the committee he headed in the House to deal decisively with the innocent public officers”.

They said that Ugochinyere has shamelessly become a monumental disgrace to the Ndigbo and a national tragedy and he should immediately be stripped of his position as chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Midstream) and be called to account for his shameful conduct, which interestingly came to light only after he visited the Dangote Refinery.

Here Is The Full Press Statement By The Ohaneze Think Tank:

OHANEZE THlNK TANK, ENUGU

Investigate Ugochinyere’s Futile Attempt to Derail Progress Made by Kyari

* Probe Ugochinyere as a serial Extortionist, Blackmailer

*PLEA FOR REMOVAL OF UGOCHINYERE AS CHAIRMAN, HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PETROLEUM (MIDSTREAM)

It’s heartening that after a public outcry, the House of Representatives finally dissolved the so-called committee that was supposed to investigate the frivolous allegations against the Group CEO of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, by the so-called group of 15 members of the House.

But the matter should not end there.

That scandalous committee of 15 led by Representative Ikenga Ugochinyere must also be investigated as a deterrent.

Ugochinyere has grossly abused his position as chairman of the Ad-hoc House Committee on Petroleum Products for reasons best known to him but which are hardly consistent with the public interest.

Rather than facing the crucial task, the Ugochinyere-led committee jumped to a spiteful conclusion that Kyari and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPR, Farouk Ahmed, should be sacrificed even before scratching the surface of a thorough investigation.

It’s a shame that a man who claims to be a lawyer did not think about a fair hearing.

Hiding under the cloak of the Deputy Spokesman of the House, Rep. Philip Agbese, Ugochinyere ignited a media agenda against the NNPCL management, feeding his colleagues in the House, especially the leadership and the general public with falsehood and a deliberate attempt to destroy Kyari’s reputation by criticising him unfairly and dishonestly to please those whose bidding he was willing to do at all cost.

But for the swift intervention of about 120 members of the House under the aegis of “1 Agenda”, Ugochinyere and his cohorts were poised to impose their sinister agenda on the House and the Nigerian public.

The only way he and people like him can learn a lesson is for them to be investigated. What is their interest in the Dangote Refinery?

We align ourselves with the views of “1 Agenda” that the calls for Kyari’s removal are baseless, unfair and hypocritical.

He deserves commendation for his leadership and transformation of NNPC Ltd, increasing crude oil production from 800,000 bpd to 1.6 million bpd.

We have every reason to suspect that the calls for Kyari’s removal are targeted at the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the petroleum minister.

We, therefore, call on the House not to stop at dissolution of the the adhoc committee set up to implement the scandalous agenda of Ugochinyere and his ilk but also to investigate Ugochinyere’s interest in the Dangote Refinery further!

Ugochinyere and members of his extortionist ad-hoc committee were heavily compromised during their
visit to Dangote Refinery. They were desperate to justify and deliver to justify package.

His shameful indiscretion was not an accident. It was a carefully orchestrated move to advance his interest!

Ugochinyere as a reputable extortionist and blackmailer is a cog in the wheel of progress in NNPCL. Ugochinyere is perennially on the neck of virtually all the managements of the strategic business units (SBU) of NNPCL under his oversight engagements, blackmailing and extorting them to no end. The heads of the SBU live in constant fears of Ugochinyere, who daily threaten them for their refusal to yield to his sinister and self- serving demands. Ugochinyere is inordinately looking for money, especially dollars on a daily basis and whoever refuses to accede to his dubious requests are tagged as enemies and he would threaten to deploy the instrumentality of the committee he headed in the House to deal decisively with the innocent public officers.

Ugochinyere has shamelessly become a monumental disgrace to the Ndigbo and a national tragedy.

He should immediately be stripped of his position as chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Midstream) and be called to account for his shameful conduct, which interestingly came to light only after he visited the Dangote Refinery!

SIGNED:
DR. AZUBUIKE AJULUCHUKWU
COORDINATOR

DR. CLETUS AKINYILI
DEPUTY COORDINATOR

Tinubu appoints governing council for Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, NMU Okerenkoko, Others 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed heads of governing councils of selected federal universities and tertiary institutions of learning.

A statement by Tinubu’s Media Aide, Ajuri Ngelale on Wednesday, noted that the President expects the new members of the governing boards to perform their functions effectively and creditably and within the ambits of their statutory responsibilities.

Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, has Temi Harriman as Chairman, and Adeola Adeogun, Benedict Aguele, Freeman Kasa and Babangida Alhassan Abdullahi as members of governing council.

Nigerian University of Science and Technology, Abuja, has Rabe Mudi Bala as Chairman while Akinola Fagbemi, Rakiatou Bagnou, Alwel Egwurugu and Femi Osabinu will serve as members.

Federal University of Agriculture, Bassam-Biri, Bayelsa, has Bram Baifa serving as Chairman while Richard Odigbo, Yomi Johnson, Fatima Owuna and Christy Akpehuan-Omoruyi will serve as members.

Others are as follows:

Federal University of Health Sciences, Kwale, Delta State:

Ahmadu Barau Banye Salisu (Chairman), Aragbaye Oluwatosin Gbolagunte, Talba Bauchi, Akaninodo Kehinde Adekunle and Chibuike Ikenga.

Federal University of Medical Sciences, Katsina State: Habib Mohammed Ibrahim (Chairman), Yau Aisha Abdulkadir, Shehu Kaka, Ibrahim Umar Abbah and

Isijola Rasaki.

Federal University of Agriculture, Mubi, Adamawa State:

Rukayyatu Abdulkareem Gurin (Chairman),

Peter Tanko Dogara, Amina Ibrahim Ndala, Owolabi Shamsideen Oseni and Olufemi Laws on.

Admiralty University, Ibusa, Delta State:

Yusuf Mohammed (Chairman), Sani Ndanusa, Abdul Oroh, Mary Okaba Agbo and Omasan Agbajoh.

The Nigeria French Language Village , Badagry, Lagos State:

Labiru Musa Kafur (Chairman), Ibitoye Victor Philips, Bamgbose S, Musa Ayas and Ogenyi Okpokwu Emmanuel.

National Institute of Nigerian Languages , Aba, Abia State:

Victor O. Ukaogo ( Chairman), Anjare Samuel, David Turuka Ismaila, Adimchinaka Onwukwe and Princess Ify Ugo Okoye.

NIGERIAN ARMY UNIVERSITY, BIU, BORNO STATE

(1) Awal Bawa Morike — Chairman

(2) Mohammed Bashir Umar — Member

(3) Monday Nanza — Member

(4) Mohammed Alhaji Audu — Member

(5) Sheriff Abdullahi — Member

Federal University of Medicine And Medical Sciences , Abeokuta , Ogun State:

Usman Mohammed Shanawa (Chairman),

Kabiru Yahaya, Chinenye Love Moses, Uyiosasere Ekhosuehi and Joshua Oludare Adewale.

Nigeria Arabic Language Village , Gamboru Ngala, Borno State:

Ahmed Wamba (Chairman), Gazali Hamza Suleiman,

Imam Alfa Rahaman, Isah Kwayami and Mohammed Ize Mamman.

National Mathematical Centre , Sheda, Kwali , FCT:

Edna Njoku (Chairman), Kovie Andrew Epetutu, Oyinkasola Okewoye, Ibrahim Musa and Sarah Tukura.

UNIDEL VC applauds DOPF For Coverage Of Varsity’s  Activities, Seeks Greater Partnership

Delta Online Publishers Forum, on Thursday, visited the University of Delta, Agbor, to rub minds with the authorities of the institution on possible areas of collaboration that will benefit both parties.

Receiving the DOPF delegation, led by the Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Stella Chiemeka, commended the online publishers for adding value to the visibility of the institution through effective reportage. .

Prof. Chiemeka said she was impressed with the wide publicity the Forum was giving the activities of the University, which she noted had helped to popularize the institution and make it the preferred choice of admission seekers.

The professor of Computer Science pledged the readiness of UNIDEL, known for academic excellence and good sporting records, to partner with DOPF in taking the institution to greater heights, expressing optimism that the synergy would work.

While saying that the admission quota of the University was dependent on the limit set by JAMB, the VC revealed that the number of applicants seeking admission to the University had increased from about one thousand to over eleven thousand, while all the 74 programmes of the institution had been accredited by the National Universities Commission ( NUC) in the past three years.

She added that the institution’s medical courses were currently undergoing accreditation, with bright prospects of being fully accredited by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, pointing out that the State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, had approved the use of the Trauma Centre, Agbor, for the teaching of medical programmes to boost the quality of products of the College of Medical Sciences.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum,  the Chairman Mr Emmanuel Enebeli congratulated the Vice Chancellor on her appointment and lauded her for the monumental achievements recorded within three years of her administration.

Mr. Enebeli solicited a more robust DOPF partnership with UNIDEL through the publication of stories on the activities of the University community, assuring the VC that the institution would be better for it.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs to the DOPF delegation.

Present at the meeting was the Director of Communication of the University of Delta, Mr Edward Ogwude.

August 6: Police didn’t shoot dispatch Rider, hoodlums did with pump action gun, Group declares

**As HRPC visit victim in Delta hospital, promise to clear medical bills

As the #Endbadgivernanceprotest# enters the sixth day in Nigeria, a group Citizen’s Right Concern Enhancement Initiative a.k.a, Human Rights Protection Congress, HRPC today said the Police didn’t shoot at the dispatch rider who was hit by stray bullet during the protest against hunger and hardship at Otowovdo, Ughelli, Delta State. The group insisted that bullets from a pump action gun from hoodlums got the dispatch rider seriously injured and hospitalised.

The group’s National Public Relations Officer,Comrade Harrison Itulua disclosed this in a chat with Our Correspondent when he led a powerful delegation to visit the victim at the General Hospital, Ughelli.

Also visited at the hospital is a young boy who was knocked down by a reckless commercial tricycle operator that was on a very high speed.

While maintaining that the police did shoot at the victim, Comrade Itulua said,”the Police only shot tear gas canisters to scare protesters”.

According to him, “When the incident occurred, the victim was facing the police and backing the crowd. There could be no way the police will shoot at him. The police only shot tear gas to scare protesters. When it happened, it was the police that rushed down to rescue him.”

Comrade Itulua who was flanked by Comrade Obas Johnny visited the victims at the hospital commenced payment of their medical bills with deposit of two hundred thousand naira.

He assured them that the organisation will clear up the entire medical bills within next few days.

Speaking on the state of the victims,Comrade Itulua said,”They’re doing very well. We will be visiting them again tomorrow. We spoke with the Medical Director and assured him that we will be liaising with the accountant so that we can pay up their bills until they’re discharged from the hospital. The little boy had a fractured leg after the accident. POP has been fixed in his leg.”

It would be recalled that the dispatch rider was hit by stray bullet during the protest against hunger and hardship in the Country on August 2. He sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. Another of the victim, a little boy was also crushed by a reckless commercial motorcycle operator wherein he had a fractured leg on same day.

Members of the organisation include the Board of Trustee Chairman, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, Comrade Monday Enudi, National Coordinator, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, National Secretary amongst others.

Amb. Agbolaya condoles Bowen Ward over demise of PDP faithful, Mr. Agintuku

By; Celestine Ukah 

Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Community Development, Amb. Dr. Toyin Orighomisan Agbolaya JP has condoled the PDP family in Bowen Ward and the family of Mr. Jones Agintuku over his sudden passage Tuesday August 6, 2024.

Amb. Agbolaya a leader of PDP in Bowen Ward, Warri South and Delta State, expressed deep shock over the departure of Jones Agintuku also known as Agbasa Jones, describing his exit as huge loss to the PDP, family and his associates.

Whilst extending his condolences to his family, the Governor’s Special Adviser, Dr. Agbolaya prayed God to give the entire family of late Jones Agintuku and his political associates the fortitude to bear the loss.

Amb. Dr. Agbolaya together with his political family and friends notes that the sudden exit of their friend and brother, Agintuku was never expected, even as they assured the family of their attention at the time of grief, still believing God to grant his Soul rest in His Bosom.

Photogrid: Comrade Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro, top, From left: Hon. Femi Okorodiden, Hon. Ese Gift Deduwa, Mrs. Misan Ekeh & Hon. Amiwe Pinnick Mofe

Empowerment of Widows, 100 PWDs, aviation training for youths, top maiden Exco meeting of Agbateyiniro’s led administration in Warri South

Fifteen widows from each of the 20 DSIEC Wards, 100 People With Disabilities, PWDs and100 youths, will be given financial empowerment and trained in various skills by the Comrade Weyinmi Agbateyiniro administration, within the next few weeks.

Warri South Council Supervisor for Human Capital Development, Mrs. Misan Ekeh, who made the disclosure today, Tuesday August 6, while addressing newsmen shortly after the maiden Executive Council meeting of the Comr. Agbateyiniro administration, noted that no fewer than 20 persons, one per ward, will be sponsored for aviation training by the Council, with arrangements also at advanced stage to provide soft loan for traders across the major markets in Warri.

Mrs. Ekeh, explained that the 100 People with Disabilities, PWDs, comprise five per ward, same as the 100 youths that would be given financial lifeline for their micro businesses and skill acquisition.

Warri South Council Supervisor for Health, Hon. Deduwa Gift Ese, who also briefed newsmen on the outcome of the exco meeting, stated that needs assessment of the Council’s health centres, will be conducted immediately with a view to identify aspects of the health centres requiring upgrade, for improved primary healthcare delivery.

Hon. Ese, added: “On the task of improving the sanitary condition of our markets, we will start precisely at Igbudu Market. Myself, the Supervisor for Environment and the HoD of Environment, will collaboratively work on this. Once we can get Igbudu Market right, we can get it right with all the other markets.

“This is in-line with the directives of the governor (Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori). We need to keep our markets clean for the safety of our people. The administration of Comr. Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, is very interested in the cleanliness of our markets.

“All the projects approved at this just concluded exco meeting, would hopefully kickstart by the 15th of this month (August) as promised by the Chairman, during his electioneering campaign. We want to make Warri South a better place.”

Warri, Effurun to enjoy 24/7 Power supply as JOFAAD, BEDC Collaborate, sign power pact

**Target 10MW/h electricity using natural gas from its CNG facility 

A Memorandum of Understanding for the generation and distribution of electricity in Warri / Effurun and environs covered by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) PLC has been signed at Abuja during the Workshop on Accelerated Scale Up of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources in Nigeria, organised by NERC.

The signing of the MOU is to improve the quantum and quality of power being supplied by BEDC Plc to its customers.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by the Director Business Development/ Engineering, of JOFAAD Energy Ltd , Engr Emeka Ebenebe and the Managing Director/CEO of BEDC Electricity Ltd., Mr. Deolu Ijose.

According to the MOU, JOFAAD Energy Limited is to generate 10MW/h of electricity using natural gas from its CNG facility under development. The power will be fed into designated distribution infrastructure to premium customers.

The Director Business Development/ Engineering, Jofaad Energy Ltd , Engr Emeka Ebenebe, who signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of the company, said when operational, one hundred and seventy household in Warri shall be connected with the electricity power supply for twenty four hours daily. This would bring some respites for businesses and help to improve the quality of life of the good families of the state. But he advised that the cooperation of the people and wiliness to pay sustainable tariff for the power are paramount for success of the scheme.

The Managing Director of BEDC, Mr. Deolu Ijose assured the Commission of BEDC’s commitment towards the implementation of the project as it will go a long way in bridging the power supply gap in Warri, while improving service delivery to BEDC customers.