.*Urges Ex-militant leaders, stakeholders to cooperate with PINL surveillance firm

A foremost Niger Delta Group, The Anti-pipeline Vandalization/Crude Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering TaskForce Group, Wednesday, applaud the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, Osahon Okunbo over the performance in the war against pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on the impact made so far by Okunbo, the National Coordinator of the group, ‘General’, Fiawei Pathfinder (AKA) OSAMA, during a press conference held in Warri, Delta State, said since Okunbo took over the helms of affairs of the company, their is stability and management cooperation in the fight against pipeline vandalism crude oil theft and illegal bunkering activities being carried out by dare devil oil thieves and their foreign counterparts have drastically reduced.

Pathfinder also applauded the proactive measures and pragmatic moves taking by Okunbo for carrying along traditional rulers, stakeholders and the host communities in the operations of Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) surveillance contract job in the Niger Delta States via deep and holistic engagements in order to properly address the issues of pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering menace.

The Anti-pipeline Vandalization/Crude Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering TaskForce Group is made up of ex-agitators and stakeholders from the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta region, Gen, Pathfinder said, “It became imperative for the leadership of the Anti-pipeline Vandalization/Crude Oil Theft and Illegal Bunkering TaskForce Group that have been at the forefront in the fight against this deadly condemnable barbaric act of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft that has ravaged the economy of the nation convey this all important press conference today.

“It is our collective and unanimous decision to let Mr President and the NNPC management on the know about the tremendous great work the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, PINL, Mr Osahon Okunbo along with it’s management team has been doing currently in the war of pipeline vandalism, oil theft, and illegal bunkering criminals activities in the creeks of the Niger Delta region, which the criminals are put on the run daily, hence had drastically reduced the incessant cases of pipeline vandalism and criminal activities in the region.

The group is fully aware of what Okunbo and the management of PINL is doing to safeguard the nation’s oil facilities from being hijacked by the oil thieves who have siphoned our common patrimony for their wicked devilish self-aggrandizement at the detriment of the over 200 million Nigerians.

“And it is on record that PINL Company under the watch of Okunbo have taken some major proactive steps to put smile upon the faces of over 50 host communities in the Trans Niger Pipeline run off way, these are communities that were seriously affected by the last year 2021 devastated flood disaster in the county, And the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PINL, Osahon Okunbo present a lot of relief materials ranging from all kind of food items, Rice bags, groundnut oil with clothes, treated mosquito nets for shelter and some cash with drugs, and including provision of scholarships to the various communities cut across Bayelsa, Rivers State, Imo and Abia state. Off wish the traditional rulers and the community leaders raise their voice to sing praises to thank the Chief Executive Officer of PINL and it’s management team for deeming it fit to come to their aid at that point in time that they were in dare need.

Also it is good to recognize some of the management staff who play most of the key critical roles to engage key critical stakeholders, host communities and ex militant leaders across the various states in the area of PINL company surveillance operations in the (TNP), in other to be of the same page inline with the policy framework of the management of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited PINL, For transparency and to achieve aims and objectives to curtail the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft to zero in the region, The likes of Chief Benson Onuaje, who is in charge of the operations of OMS, one of the surveillance firm in the region, Akpos Mezeh, General Manager/Community Relations and Dcn Shola also known as FBI, for consultations and holistic engagements with stakeholders and the host communities along the TNP run off way in the various states.

“The impact of the Okunbo-led PINL company management had recorded a lot of unprecedented and significant achievements and impacts in the area of demolition of illegal Bunkery refinery settlements in the creeks and that of taking proactive steps to engage the law enforcement agencies in a combine efforts to put a stop to the menace of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region wherefore, has tremendously boosted Nigeria’s daily crude oil production output from 1.2 million barrels per day daily to about 2.million barrels per day as we speak.

However, Gen OSAMA, appealed to ex-militant leaders and stakeholders to set outside whatever differences and issues one or two might have with the management before now, and join hands with the chief executive officer of PINL, Okunbo to ensure a zero pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal bunkering activities discontinue in the Niger Delta region, and pointed out that they the stakeholders remains critical components in the war against the criminals who perpetrate the illicit business at the detriment of the lives of our people in the land, and livelihood of Niger Deltans. And that Mr Okunbo will sentilly meet with all stakeholders in due time and every gray areas and issues will be addressed accordingly.

Meanwhile Gen OSAMA, who is the TaskForce leader and his team pledged to throw their full weight in support of Okunbo-led PINL company and it’s management in order to enable the company to succeed in carrying out the war against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft in the region, to ensure that the entire region is freed from the grip and pangs of these criminals of illegal Bunkery activities.

Lastly the group really appreciate the tremendous impact PINL is making and the good works the company has achieved so far from the beginning of the award of the Trans Niger Pipeline Surveillance contract job”, he added.

A nongovernmental organization that promotes public safety, security, and justice through empirical research, legislative advocacy, and demonstration program in partnership with the government, civil society, and private sector, CLEEN Foundation, has launched a civil society observatory platform towards efficient implementation and compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJA).

A Cross Section of participants at the event 

The launching was held Wednesday June 21, 2023′ at Best Western Plus – Elomaz Hotel, Asaba, Delta State, and was attended by representatives from different civil societies in the state

The observatory platform aims to facilitate the exchange of ideas for problem-solving between the civil society observatory and Criminal Justice Actors for the smooth implementation of ACJA in the focal states, effective tracking of compliance level to ACJA against the backdrop of the minimum standards, and efficient documentation of court proceedings on corruption-related cases to underscore strict compliance to the provisions of ACJA/ACJL, and deepening and institutionalization of continuous learning on the ACJA/ACJL..

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, Mr. Gad Peter stated that the main objectives of the ACJA as found in Section 1 of the Act, are to promote efficient management of criminal justice institutions, provide speedy dispensation of justice, and protect the society from crime while defending the rights and the interest of the defendant and the victim. According to him, these indicate a deliberate shift from punishment which is the main goal of criminal justice to restorative justice which pays attention to the needs of society, the victims, vulnerable persons, and human dignity.

Mr. Peter stated that the establishment of the civil society observatory group on the Administration of Criminal Justice Reform is to independently monitor the compliance rate of stakeholders to the unique provisions of the ACJA/L, as a critical step towards promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in the country. Adding that it requires a strong commitment from stakeholders, the development of a clear governance structure, and a focus on achieving tangible outcomes.

He also added that the group would be composed of a diverse range of stakeholders including civil society organizations, human rights groups, legal experts, and other relevant stakeholders, while saying that for Nigerian citizens to enjoy the benefits of the revolutionary ACJA 2015 and the ACJL in various states, criminal justice actors must be ready to fully comply with their roles and responsibilities as stipulated in the Act.

According to the Executive Director, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in holding the government accountable because they are advocates and watchdogs for the promotion of human rights and adherence to the rule of law, and act as mobilizers and educators of the public.

“In recent years, state and federal governments in Nigeria have not been receptive to civil society engagement. Many CSOs lacked the skill required to take part in policy decisions or monitor government processes through the observatory platforms, we will keep an eye on the abuse of court processes, unprofessional conduct of judges, courts attendants, and law enforcement personnel, outdated processes, and procedures leading to other challenges such as arbitrary and unlawful arrest/detentions and congested prisons, increasing numbers of awaiting trial/death row inmates, the vicious circle of impunity, incessant delays in case hearing caused by prolonged adjournment.”

“CLEEN Foundation worked with CSOs and the government to become allies in the implementation of criminal justice and anti-corruption reforms. Cleen Foundation will support CSOs to improve their capacity to effectively engage with the government in policy advocacy and coalition building. The goal is to advocate for the institutionalization of continuous learning on ACJA and the issuance of ACJL practice directions and relevant guidelines by the state Chief Justices to guide the implementation of the laws in the focal states by criminal justice actors in the focal states.”

The Executive Director further stated that the observatory platform will focus on training and mentoring by supporting opportunities for CSOs to engage in dialogue with the government, to deepen the tools developed and initiated under phase one of the project to improve accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, which was highlighted as necessary at the end of the project evaluation report.

He added that the initiative aims to bring together civil society organizations and stakeholders to foster collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge exchange for efficient implementation and compliance with ACJA/L in the country covering eight focal states – Bauchi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kwara, Cross River, Edo, and Delta State respectively. Adding that the CSO Observatory will be a pressure group, collectively identifying and responding to emerging issues within the criminal justice system in the focal states.

“I am quite confident that this intervention by CLEEN Foundation will contribute robustly towards the efficient implementation and compliance with the administration of the criminal justice Act/Law in the project states. It would strengthen their capacity and capability for improved mandate delivery in a professional, transparent, and just manner to rid the focal states and Nigeria of judicial-enabled corruption and impunity in the criminal justice sector. We urge everyone in the room to fully support this project by constantly reporting compliance gaps with ACJA provisions using the Uwazi web platform via http//cleen/uwazi. oi,” the Executive Director added.

By’ Celestine Ukah  

More encomiums poured on the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP on the occasion of his birthday today June 20, 2023.

The celebrant, Hon. Chief Dr. Ereyitomi 

, A political and community leader from Opuama in Warri North Local Government Area, Chief David Seikiri Ugedi as well as the notable Warri Grassroot Political Movement, WGPM have both described Hon. Chief Dr. Ereyitomi’s representation of Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives as supersonic, adorable and unique since creation of the federal constituency.

They are also commending Hon. Dr. Ereyitomi for always making laws that will attract development and enhance growth of Warri federal constituency.

Whilst hailing him on his birthday, he was appreciated for his selfless public service to the society, showing support to assist humanity irrespective of background and affiliation.

Chief Ugedi, Warri Grassroots Political Movement leader Dr. Martins Otuedon and other supported prayed for continuous success of Chief Ereyitomi and God enablement and guidance in his political carrier and his personal affairs.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the immediate retirement of all Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, Advisers, Comptroller-General of Customs from Service as well as their replacements with immediate effect.

The newly appointed Officers are:

Mallam Nuhu RibaduNational Security Adviser

Maj. Gen. C.G MusaChief of Defence Staff

Maj. T. A LagbajaChief of Army Staff

Rear Admirral E. A OgallaChief of Naval Staff

AVM H.B AbubakarChief of Air Staff

DIG Kayode Egbetokun Acting Inspector-General of Police
7Maj. Gen. EPA UndiandeyeChief of Defense Intelligence

Mr President has also approved the following appointments:
S/N NAME APPOINTMENTS
1Col. Adebisi Onasanya Brigade of Guards Commander
2Lt. Col. Moshood Abiodun Yusuf 7 Guards Battalion, Asokoro, Abuja
3Lt. Col. Auwalu Baba Inuwa177, Guards Battalion, Keffi, Nasarawa State
4Lt. Col. Mohammed J. Abdulkarim102 Guards Battalion, Suleja, Niger
5Lt. Col. Olumide A. Akingbesote 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada, Abuja

Similarly, the President has approved the appointments of other Military Officers in the Presidential Villa as follows:

S/NNAMEAPPOINTMENTS

1Maj. Isa Farouk Audu
(N/14695)Commanding Officer State House Artillery
2Capt. Kazeem Olalekan Sunmonu (N/16183)Second-in-Command, State House Artillery
3Maj. Kamaru Koyejo Hamzat (N/14656)Commanding Officer, State House Military Intelligence
4Maj. TS Adeola (N/12860)Commanding Officer, State House Armament
5Lt. A. Aminu (N/18578)Second-in- Command, State House Armament

Mr. President has also approved the appointments of two (2) additional Special Advisers, and two (2) Senior Assistants, namely:

S/N NAME APPOINTMENTS
1 Hadiza Bala UsmanSpecial Adviser, Policy Coordination
2 Hannatu Musa MusawaSpecial Adviser, Culture and Entertainment Economy
3 Sen. Abdullahi Abubakar GumelSenior Special Assistant , National Assembly Matters (Senate)
4 Hon. (Barr) Olarewaju Kunle Ibrahim Senior Special Assistant, National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives)

Finally, the President has approved the appointment of Adeniyi Bashir Adewale as the Ag. Comptroller General of Customs.

It is to be noted that the appointed Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and the Comptroller General of Customs are to act in their positions, pending their confirmation in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Willie Bassey
Director, Information
For: Secretary to the Government of the Federation

The Integrity Group of Delta State popularly known as M.O.R.E Agenda Ambassadors, has felicitated with the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, on his 60th birth anniversary celebration.

In a statement on Monday, June 19th, 2023, signed by the Chairman/Convener of the group, Hon. Oke Idawene, said that the governor is a fine gentleman that has stood out overtime.

In his words, “Your Excellency, when the knell is sounded for reward of diligence, a song of victory on your lips shall intone now and always.”

He continued: “We wish the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori a happy and glorious and prosperous 60th birthday anniversary celebration.

“On behalf of the leadership and entire members of Integrity Group of Delta State, a formidable socio-political pressure group that cuts across the three Senatorial Districts, 25 LGAs of Delta, we use this medium to congratulate the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori as he marks his auspicious 60th birth anniversary, today being on Monday, June 19, 2023.

“His Excellency Sir, the day shines just like you. Your glow gave today unique feature.

“Your unwavering commitment to serving Delta State has made an undeniable impact on the lives of countless citizens. May this milestone year be filled with joy and fulfillment as you continue to lead with integrity and dedication.

“Your principled leadership, ethical governance, and tireless work, we are certain would make our state a better place.”

Continuing, he said: “You have touched countless hearts with your innate kindness, infectious smile, and unrelenting positivity.

“Our prayers as Integrity Group of Delta State, IGD is for your happiness and love encircled day and every blessing from heaven come your way.

“On this auspicious occasion of your 60th birthday, we pray that, God’s wisdom, special grace and divine protection guide you as you and your team pilot the affairs of Delta State and leverage on the good legacies of the immediate past Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa to do more for all Deltans.”

Meanwhile, IGD leadership pledged the group’s support to the Oborebwori-led administration towards fulfilling his campaign promises anchored On “M.O.R.E Agenda policy” to all Deltans and promotion of rapid socio-economic and sustainable development in Delta State.

“We wish you a happy, glorious and prosperous birth anniversary. Congratulations once again to you His Excellency”.

The Founding Bishop of the Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo has congratulated the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his 60th birth anniversary on June 19.

Oyedepo in a personal letter congratulating Oborevwori on his Diamond Jubilee Anniversary, prayed for the Governor to be successful and impactful as he administers Delta State as Governor.

Oyedepo who is the spiritual father of Governor Oborevwori, noted that his triumph against all political battles were testimonies of God’s hand upon his life and family.

Oyedepo in the congratulatory letter, said: “My wife and I heartily congratulate you and your family on your 60th birthday celebration and wish you many happy returns.

“Obviously, the continuous open doors granted to you in all areas of life is a testimony of the good hand of God upon your life and may you jealously guard your walk with God all through your days.

“As we all know, not everyone growing is ageing; while some are growing into new realms of impact, others are simply ageing away by the day.

“My prayer is that as your days, so shall your strength be and may your light continue to shine more and more until the end of time.

“Therefore as you celebrate your Diamond Jubilee today, may everything about your life turn diamond, ranging from your spiritual life, health, and family, and all that pertain to you.

“May your leadership era in Delta State be a most impactful and transforming one, in the name of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Oyedepo prayed.

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi, has described the death of Ado Wakili, lawmaker representing Burra state constituency in the state assembly, as a great loss.

According to NAN, Wakili died on Friday after a brief illness.

Mohammed in a statement on Sunday issued by Suleman Damban, his director of press affairs, said Wakili will be remembered for his contributions to Bauchi state.

He called on Wakili’s family, friends and members of his constituency to ensure his legacies are sustained.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Bauchi state, I express my deep condolences to members of his immediate family, speaker and entire members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly,” Mohammed said.

“My condolences also go to the Ningi Emirate Council and the entire people of Bauchi state.

“I hereby urge you all to bear the loss with fortitude and pray that God Almighty will accept his soul, comfort his loved ones, forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanna Firdaus.”

Similarly, Abubakar Suleiman, Bauchi Assembly Speaker, described Wakili as a dependable colleague, elder statesman and a father for all.

“We lost a father, colleague and great partner at a time when his constituency, the honourable house and the state need his fatherly contributions the most,” Suleiman said.

“On behalf of the honourable members and staff of the house, I send my deep condolences to his family, the good people of Burra constituency and Ningi local government area.”

Chief Emamusi Obiodeh has felicitated with Delta State Governor, His Excellency (Rt.Hon)Sheriff F.O Oborevwori on his 60th birthday anniversary, expressing deep appreciation to God for the unending favour which the Lord has accorded the Governor.

Speaking with newsmen in Asaba, the State Capital, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh wished Governor Oborevwori good health and Solomonic wisdom to pilot the affairs of the State in peace, tranquillity, and unprecedented prosperity, on his 60th birthday anniversary on Monday, June 19th 2023.

According to Chief Obiodeh, the Governor has every reason to celebrate on such an auspicious occasion, considering his giant strides since his time in politics, saying very few individuals can boast of such unprecedented achievements.

Speaking further, Chief Obiodeh used the opportunity to assure Deltans that in due time, Deltans will be very proud of the mandate and the confidence reposed in Governor Oborevwori as the MORE AGENDA unfolds by leaps and bounds.

He said Governor Oborevwori needs the support and prayers of all Deltans as he is still settling down and putting arrangements in place to advance Delta State to the next level,imploring Deltans and residents to keep hope alive.

Obiodeh therefore called on everyone to show maximum solidarity and patience to the nascent administration of the celebrant so as to ensure that the landmark projects, and empowerment which the Governor has promised during the campaigns are judiciously distributed across the State.

By: Celestine Ukah 

The yearly spiritual upliftment program tagged 5 nights of Answers is set to begin at Shalom Baptist Church located off pipeline Road, Ekpan, Uvwie LGA near Warri Delta State.

The theme for this year 2023 which is the 9th edition is titled,:”By His Light” text taken from the Bible book of (Gen.1:3;John 1:5.), program commences Monday 19 June to climax Friday 23 June 2023 at 6:30pm daily.

Pst. Opate Bright 

According to the Host Pastor and Minister in charge of Shalom Baptist Church Ekpan, PST. Opate Bright gave brief insight about the program,, disclosing that 5 nights of Answers began in 2015 with the theme: By His Fire, 2016 was By His Glory, 2017 By His Spirit, 2018 By His Word, 2019 By His Anointing, 2020 By His Power,
2021 By His Grace and
2022 By His Hand.

PST Bright added that this year’s edition is going to be awesome, the Man of God encouraged believers to attend the program with expectation of what they want God to do for them as God is ever ready to answer prayers and to heal the state and the country.

2023 5 nights of answers will feature Shalom Voices ministering in songs, other guests artist and other anointed ministers of God.