PIA: Multisub Energy commissions furnished classrooms block, 70 Solar Street lights in Delta Host Communities

**NUPRC, WNLGC, Boss, Ashima commend Company

By: Celestine Ukah 

An Indigenous Oil and Gas exploration and production company,
Multisub Energy Limited in Implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, has commissioned completed furnished 50 students desks, other educational learning facilities at Abokunwa Primary School in Eghoro Community, Warri North LGA, Delta State.

Other projects commissioned at Eghoro include a 120-meter walkway in order to improve access to quality education in the area

In his remarks at the event which held Thursday March 20, Chairman and Managing Director of Multisub Energy Limited, Dr. Igho Okotete described the commissioning of the inaugural projects of Olure Host Communities’ Development Trust, OHCDT as inspiring to see how far the Olure Host Communities’ Development Trust has come in such a short time since the inauguration of the Board of Trustees on 5th of July 2024 and subsequently the inauguration of Management and Advisory Committees respectively.

He Stressed that commissioning the
first set of projects by the Olure Host Communities Development Trust is a testament to their dedication and diligence in handling the affairs of the stakeholders.

Dr. Okotete who was represented by
the Executive Director Strategy & Planning, Mr Tega Okotete noted that the quick impact projects being commissioned addressed critical needs in their host communities.

Mr. Tega Okotete pointed out that Multisub Energy Limited has also installed seventy 70 solar-powered streetlights to light up Ikeyan and
Safa/Ogbin bloc of communities at night.

Here’s the remarks of the Chairman /Managing Director Dr. Okotete as read by the Executive Director Strategy & Planning, Mr. Tega Okotete it read thus: “The Multisub Energy Limited is an indigenous oil and gas exploration and production company,!operating the Olure Field, PPL – 218. But beyond business operations, we are committed to making meaningful impact in the communities where we operate through job creation, capacity building and the funding for the implementation of the Olure Host Communities Development Trust
(OHCDT).

“These projects are a product of collaboration, and I would like to commend the Multisub Team, the Olure HCDT Team and our host communities, for their dedication in ensuring the success of these initiatives.

“We deeply appreciate the Warri North Local Government and the NUPRC for their unwavering partnership and support in facilitating our development efforts.

“Development is a collective effort, and I am proud of the work we have done so far.

“We will continue to partner with all our stakeholders to execute impactful projects and build a future where our communities thrive.” The Chairman/MD stated.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe appreciated Multisub Energy Limited for the epoch making event which signifies that the company and its host communities are working in harmony leading to the laudable projects being executed and commissioned.

Engr. Komolafe was represented by the Head Warri Regional Office, NUPRC, Chief Amb. Ogunnubi Olusegun Benjamin whose goodwill message was delivered on his behalf by Manager HSE/C, Mrs. Akpojisheri Felicia, added that the projects inaugurated are more than physical project as it is a beacon of hope and symbol of progress.

She urged the company and its host communities to continue to collaborate in order to operate in a peaceful and secure environment, even as she assured Multisub Energy of NUPRC’s support.

Chairman of Warri North LGA, Hon. Festus Ashima who was the Special Guest of Honour commended Multisub Energy Limited for their commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in Warri North LGA, describing the projects commissioned as testament to companies dedication to improving lives of the people.

Hon. Ashima hailed Multisub Energy Limited for partnering with Warri North Council in identifying and addressing the pressing needs of the people, saying the collaboration demonstrates the power of collective effort, driving meaningful development and progress.

The Warri North Council Boss, charged host communities and beneficiaries to take ownership of the projects and ensure their maintenance and utilisation.

Hon. Ashima assured Multisub Energy Limited of peaceful environment, encouraging them to attract more investment to the LGA as the area is safe for investors.

The Secretary Eghoro Community Elders Council, Pa. Jonathan Ireye, Chairman Safa Ogbin Bloc communities, Chief Amb. Moses Donyebi, Councillor Representing Eghoro Ward in Warri North, Hon. Friday Oyibo, Head Teacher of Abokunwa Primary School, Ovie Eruewu and others commended Multisub Energy Limited for the projects.

Other members of Multisub Team present at the event include the General Manager Administration and CSR Akagbosu Thomas, Mike Erhirhi, Madonna Iloba and Chris Ashima as well as Manager NUPRC Warri Regional Office, Mohammed Kabiru Kaura.

Alleged N70bn fraud: EFCC arrests Bauchi Accountant-General. Jaja

**As Anti-Graft Agency reveals of investigating Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in connection with the matter

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, over alleged fraud involving N70 billion.

This was contained in a statement by EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale on Wednesday.

Oyewale said Jaja was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday March 19 alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an alleged unlicensed Bureau De Change, BDC operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale, PoS operator.

He disclosed that the arrests are connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.

According to him, the anti-graft agency is also investigating Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in connection with the matter.

“The investigation has revealed that cash withdrawals amounting to N59 billion were made through various bank accounts operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government. The funds were allegedly moved to Aliyu Abubakar and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, who subsequently made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor,” he said.

The EFCC spokesman further revealed that Abubakar, who had previously jumped bail, had been rearrested.

“We are committed to tracing and recovering the diverted funds, and those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Oyewale added.

EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects remain in custody for further questioning.

Refrain from being used to foment trouble in Rivers, PAP Boss, Dr. Otuaro cautions beneficiaries

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief (Dr) Dennis Otuaro has advised beneficiaries of the amnesty programme to refrain from being used to foment trouble in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Otuaro said he is advising ex-agitators under the PAP to conduct themselves responsibly in the wake of the constitutional development in Rivers State.

“The PAP Office urges all ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to resist any attempt and overtures by groups or individuals, no matter how highly placed, to draw them into the current situation in Rivers State.

“I am appealing against engaging in violent activities or making yourselves available for acts capable of throwing the Niger Delta Region into chaos.

“I am reminding you of your obligations as critical stakeholders as well as ambassadors of peace to maintain and safeguard the region’s peace and stability for the safety of the Niger Delta people and their means of livelihoods.

“The PAP Office further wants all ex-agitators to beware that some merchants of violence will like to make political gains out of tensions in Rivers State and use them as cannon fodders to disrupt the peace for their selfish desires. You are urged to shun such temptations,” Dr. Otuaro said..

Dr. Otuaro noted that the Niger Delta has suffered enough on many fronts over the years, and all ex-agitators should realize this fact and ensure that the region is not plunged into further destabilization due to the developments in Rivers State.

“ Importantly, I am asking ex-agitators, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and the good people of the Niger Delta Region not to engage in the destruction of oil and gas and other government assets in the region,” the PAP boss said.

Profile of Rivers State new Sole Administrator,  Navy Vice Admiral, Ibas Rtd

Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR was born on 27th of September 1960. He is a retired Navy vice admiral, who was the 22nd Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Nigerian Navy from 2015 to 2021.

Ibas was born in Nko, Cross River State.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Defence Academy as a member of 26 Regular Course on 20 June 1979 and was commissioned sub-lieutenant on 1 January 1983.

He began his primary education at Nko Primary School, Nko, in 1966 and completed at Big Qua Primary School, Calabar in 1971.

He then proceeded to the prestigious Hope Waddell Training Institute Calabar from 1972 to 1976. Between 1977 and 1979, he attended the School of Basic Studies Ogoja before proceeding to the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1979.

Ibas has attended several military courses at home and abroad, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course at INS Venduruthy in India from April 1983 to May 1984 and Primary Pilot Training at the 301 Primary Flying Training School at Nigerian Airforce Base in Kaduna from April 1986 to October 1987.

He proceeded to the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna in January 1990 and completed the Junior Staff Course in June of the same year.

In July 1992, he reported at the Amphibious Warfare School of the United States Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, US, and graduated with a diploma in amphibious warfare in May 1993. In February 1994, Ibas commenced the Officers’ Long Course specializing in underwater warfare at the Underwater Warfare School, NNS Quorra and completed the same in February 1995.

From August 1996 to July 1997, he returned to the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji where he completed the Senior Staff Course with excellent grades.

He is also an alumnus of the National Defence College, Islamabad, Pakistan, having attended the National Defence Course from August 2005 to June 2006. In addition he holds a master’s degree in defence and strategic studies from Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Ibas has held several appointments in the Nigerian Navy. As a midshipman, he served on board NNS Ruwan Yaro, NNS Obuma and NNS Aradu. He later served on board NNS Ayam and NNS Ekpe as a watch keeping officer after he was commissioned sub-lieutenant.

He was to later become the executive officer of NNS Siri, NNS Ekun and NNS Ambe between July 1993 and August 1996 as a lieutenant commander. He was the commanding officer of the Nigerian Navy Underwater Warfare School from August 1997 to September 1998 and thereafter, the commanding officer of the Forward Operating Base Ibaka from September 1998 to June 2000.

Due to his outstanding performance on the Senior Staff Course, he was appointed as a directing staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji from June 2000 to June 2002. He later returned to the college in January 2009 as the director of the Department of Maritime Warfare, a position he held until November 2010. His last sojourn in the college was as deputy commandant from January to February 2014.

Ibas was the naval provost marshal from April 2003 to June 2004 and was later the principal staff officer to the then CNS from June 2004 to July 2005. He was the command operations officer at the Headquarters Western Naval Command, Lagos, from June to December 2006, and from December 2006 to January 2009, he was the commander of the Naval Air Base, Ojo.

The senior officer was later appointed chief staff officer at Headquarters, Naval Training Command, Lagos, from September 2010 to March 2011. In recognition of his versatility in staff duties and administration, the senior officer was appointed to the Naval Headquarters first, as the chief of administration from March 2011 to February 2012 and later as the Navy Secretary from February 2012 to January 2013.

Thereafter, he became the flag officer commanding Western Naval Command from January 2013 to January 2014. He was appointed chief of logistics in February 2014 and then the GMD/CEO of Nigerian Navy Holdings Limited in December of the same year. This was the appointment he held until he was appointed the 22nd chief of the Naval Staff on 13 July 2015.

In October 2022, a Nigerian National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) was conferred on him by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ibas holds the membership of several reputable professional organizations, such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and the Nigerian Institute of Management. Ibas has also attended some seminars and exhibitions at home and abroad.

He attended the 25th International Homeland Security Exhibition and the 3rd International Exhibition for Operational Units in Tel Aviv, Israel, in June 2011. In August 2012, he also attended the London International Leadership Course in London, England.

He was in the United States of America in January 2013 for a capacity development course at Harvard Kennedy School, thus making him an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School in the US. He was at Naval Dockyard, Lagos in February 2013 to attend a naval engineering and logistics seminar.

Political Crisis: Tinubu declares state of emergency in Rivers, Suspends Gov. Fubara, Deputy for six months

President Bola Tinubu has declared a state of emergency in Rivers state due to lingering political crisis.

President Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the Constitution as amended. He suspended Gov Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy for a period of six months in order to restore peace.

Tinubu stated this in his nationwide broadcast on the protracted crisis in Rivers State

Tinubu said the ongoing crisis has been a major source of concern to him, especially as all his efforts to resolve the issues has not yielded any result.

Rivers state has been mired in a political crisis stemming from the power struggle between Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Reconsider another Ijaw man if Fubara is impeached, RRM group urges Wike

The Rivers Restoration Movement (RRM) has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to reconsider supporting another Ijaw man as governor if Siminialayi Fubara is impeached.

The group, in a statement signed by the Director-General, Johnson Georgewill, and Mrs. Sarima Akpata, Secretary, said that after conducting an in-depth study of the entire political situation, they stand 100% with the comments made by Minister Wike.

The group reiterated the minister’s comment, saying that when the law speaks, violence, threats, and unguarded statements cannot reverse the law.

The group also noted that if the governor of any state commits an impeachable offense, the House of Assembly of that state can commence the process of impeachment as enshrined in Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Furthermore, the RRM pointed out that apart from Bayelsa State, the Ijaws cannot single-handedly produce a governor in states like Delta, Edo, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, or Rivers.

The group believes that Governor Fubara has committed several impeachable offenses, and if the Rivers State House of Assembly decides to initiate impeachment proceedings, Minister Wike should consider another Ijaw man as governor to complete the tenure of the Ijaws in Rivers State.

They claimed that the appeal is based on the principles of equity, fairness, and justice, considering the Ijaw people’s interest in the governorship position.