Oil theft: Overhaul Naval High command, Ohanaeze youths urge Tinubu

 

By Editor

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has called for a thorough overhaul of the Naval high command.

It said the call became necessary in view of endless allegations of oil theft in the Niger Delta region despite the huge presence of naval officials. 

In a statement made available to journalists on Monday by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, he said there were disturbing allegations of high calibre oil theft still ongoing in the Niger Delta region. 

According to Okwu, only a few days ago, there were allegations “that on 3rd of May, 2024, MT MONTAGU went alongside MT PRESTIGIUOS and discharged 104,4033 BBL of crude. The crude was loaded from MT BYRANSTON Stationed at NEWCROSS Facility SAN BARTH OML 24 Marginal oil field. 

“MT MONTAGU only discharged into MT PRESTIGIUOS and did not take away any product from her. 

“The ship was arrested by private security and it was released by the naval officials who said they were acting on orders from above, after a series of agitation by stakeholders.

“Even when there was a counter order that the ship be re-arrested, the navy officials allowed another Tank vessel to either evacuate the exhibit or dilute it, in the name of taking samples, which ideally should be taken in a small bottle for lab test. What was the vessel doing there as shown in one of the pictures.”

Okwu, who said it appeared the naval officials were sabotaging the Federal Government’s efforts to ramp up oil production, said the avowed promise by President Tinubu rid the country of corruption must be demonstrated through the immediate overhaul of the naval high command. 

While re-calling the group’s support to President Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, he said Nigerians were going through excruciating pains whereas a few individuals were living in opulence.

He said, “we are alarmed, like many other Nigerians, over what is going on in the Niger Delta region. 

“We stand for zero tolerance for corruption and support for the growth of the economy and total support for the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s anti-corruption fight.”

“Based on the allegations we have sighted as narrated, we call for the sack of the Naval hierarchy, starting from the Chief of Naval Staff under whose watch the officials have been unable to tame oil thieves.

“However, we urge Mr President to appoint another Igbo man as his replacement.

“This is the only way to restore sanity to the oil production chain,” Okwu added.

Sabotage: Niger Delta Youth passes vote of No Confidence in Chief of Naval Staff

By Editor 

The Niger Delta Youth Congress, (NYDC) has passed a note of No confidence on the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla for economic sabotage. 

In a statement of the National coordinator of the group, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, he said the Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) is deeply disheartened by the recent revelations of criminal activities within the Navy. We are deeply concerned about recent reports implicating the Navy in nefarious activities such as crude oil theft, diversion of crude oil, and providing security escorts for crude oil thieves on our waterways.

“We are extremely distressed by recent revelations of criminal activities which are tantamount to sabotaging the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu administration and bringing the Nigerian Navy into disrepute.

The NDYC, representing the youth of the Niger Delta region, cannot overlook the egregious actions and tarnished reputation that have characterized the Navy's operations under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla's command. Therefore, we express our loss of confidence in his ability to lead effectively.

“It is imperative to reiterate that the primary mandate of the Navy is to secure our waterways, protect maritime resources, and ensure the safety of all maritime activities. Any involvement in criminal activities not only undermines the security apparatus,  the security and economic stability of our nation but also directly sabotages the efforts of the Government 

“The NDYC condemns in the strongest terms actions by the Navy that compromise the security and integrity of our waterways. We call on the appropriate authorities to thoroughly investigate these allegations that includes the recent criminal incident that occurred on Friday the 3rd of May 2024 involving MT PRESTIGIOUS and MT MONTAGU and those found culpable must be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others and to restore the integrity of the Navy.

“At a time when our country is in desperate need of all available resources to alleviate the suffering of the masses and stabilize the economy, it is incredibly saddening and unacceptable for such activities that not only undermines the efforts to stabilize our economy but also exacerbates the suffering of the Nigerian people to be taking place. 

“We therefore pass a vote of no confidence on the Chief of Naval staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and call for swift and thorough investigations into these criminal activities and those found culpable must be brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others and to restore the integrity of the Navy.

“In conclusion, the Niger Delta Youth Congress NDYC vehemently denounces the scandalous activities within the Navy under the leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. It is imperative that swift and decisive action is taken to rectify these egregious transgressions. 

“Our collective efforts must be directed towards promoting lawful and sustainable maritime activities for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

Board lauds NAHCON for selecting Kebbi to kick-start airlift of Nigeria's intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

By Editor

The Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board appreciated the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for selecting Kebbi to flag off the airlift of intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

The excercise will commence from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi on May 15, 2024.

Commending NAHCON for finding Kebbi worthy of the exercise, the Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Musa-Enabo said selection of Kebbi to kick-start the 2024 Hajj exercise was not by accident but by the gigantic efforts His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu.

"The selection of Kebbi is not by accident but it is part of the fruits of labour of His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, who did everything possible to fix modern facilities at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport.

"The effort of Kauran Gwandu has yielded positive results. We must therefore appreciate the governor for facilitating the take off of pilgrims from Kebbi," he said.

Ohanaeze youth talks tough on protest against Mattawalle, warn sponsors

By Editor

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has come hard on those who staged a protest against the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle.

A group of people were spotted at the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, demanding re-opening of investigation against the former Zamfara governor.

Reacting to the development, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youths, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the protest was in a chain of actions lined up to discredit the minister for standing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okwu recalled that he had earlier raised the alarm over the plot by some Northerners opposed to Tinubu’s leadership to slam Matawalle’s image, having seen him as the rallying point for Mr President in the North.

He said, “It is, therefore, not a surprise that early Friday morning, the same people recruited people from the outskirts of Abuja and moved them to the city centre to protest against the minister. 

“There was no doubt that most of the said protesters were ignorant of their mission to the EFCC office; they merely came to deliver on the job they were assembled to do.

“We therefore, once more retrait our advice to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu not to be deceived by the same people who have vowed to truncate his second term in 2027.

“We urge Mr President to be wary of these desperadoes who are hellbent on destroying any good person around his government. They should not be given any space at all to thrive in their evil machinations.” 

“Once more, we stand solidly behind the Defence Minister and urge him to continue the good work he is doing, as could be seen in the improved security across the country,” Okwu stated.

He vowed that a time would soon come when “we will expose all those behind this desperate attempt to discredit the current government.”

Protests Confirm Plot Against Tinubu, AYCF says

By Editor 

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has issued a statement highlighting the recent protests orchestrated from Zanfara State as confirmation of a sinister plot against President Tinubu's chances of reelection. The AYCF, led by its President General Yerima Shettima, has been vocal in its warnings about a brewing conspiracy by disgruntled politicians to undermine President Tinubu.

In a statement issued by the President General of the AYCF, Yerima Shettima, the organization reiterated its call for President Tinubu and his team to remain vigilant and take concrete steps to counter the efforts of these disaffected politicians. Shettima further emphasized the importance of solidifying Tinubu's support base in the North, with figures like Bello Matawalle being crucial allies in this endeavor.

The AYCF is of the opinion that the threats being made against politicians like Matawalle are merely distractions, with the real target being President Tinubu. Shettima warned that these machinations should not be taken lightly and called on Tinubu to be proactive in safeguarding his candidacy and ensuring a fair electoral process.

The recent protests targeting Bello Matawalle are linked to destabilizing Tinubu's support base in the North and are a clear indication of a concerted effort to undermine Tinubu's candidacy and influence in the region. 

Shettima alleges that Bello Matawalle is being used as a mere pawn in a larger scheme aimed at derailing Tinubu's presidential ambitions. The protests, orchestrated by a Zamfara group, are seen as a vindication of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum's claims about political interference and manipulation. 

In light of these developments, Shettima has emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in safeguarding Tinubu's candidacy. It is crucial for President Tinubu and his team to navigate these challenges effectively and protect the integrity of their support base in the North. 

"The AYCF calls on President Tinubu to take decisive action to solidify his support in the North and thwart the efforts of those seeking to derail his reelection bid. As a respected voice within the North, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum stands firm in its support for true democratic practices and urges Mr. President to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine his candidacy," said Shettima.

The AYCF will continue to monitor the situation closely and is committed to defending the interests of the North and its people. We call on all Nigerians to remain united in the face of these divisive tactics and to support President Tinubu as he works towards a better future for our great nation.

Northern Awareness Network Demands Swift Action against Sponsored Protests

Northern Awareness Network Demands Swift Action against Sponsored Protests

By Editor

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has issued a strong demand for action from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in addressing and eradicating the concerning rise of sponsored protests aimed at ridiculing the party and President Bola Tinubu. The NAN has expressed deep concern over the troubling trend of financing unruly crowds to engage in misconduct under the guise of protest, which serves hidden agendas rather than genuine grievances.

The recent orchestrated protest, sponsored from Zamfara State, was a blatant example of this alarming trend," stated Chairman of NAN, Salihu Suleiman. The NAN firmly believes that this protest, which aimed to belittle President Bola Tinubu and his loyal allies, was not an authentic expression of discontent but rather a calculated attempt to undermine the presidency and embarrass the government.

The deliberate targeting of Minister of State Defence Bello Matawalle, a dedicated supporter of President Tinubu, clearly demonstrates that this protest was driven by political motives, seeking to sow division and discord within the ruling party. The use of the APC's name as a platform for such misconduct is unacceptable and demands swift and decisive action.

While protests play a vital role in any democratic society, the NAN emphasizes that when these protests are hijacked by external forces with ulterior motives, they lose their legitimacy and become tools for manipulation and deception. It is crucial for the leaders of the APC to take a firm stance against sponsored dissent and ensure that the party remains a symbol of integrity and transparency.

The NAN calls for the sponsors of such protests to be exposed and appropriately sanctioned, as this is a necessary step in rooting out this insidious practice. Those who seek to manipulate public opinion for personal gain must be held accountable for their actions, and the APC leadership must demonstrate that they will not tolerate such behavior within their ranks.

Sponsored dissent represents a dangerous trend that threatens the integrity of the political system and undermines the trust of the people in their leaders. The APC must heed the call of the Northern Awareness Network and take decisive action to address and eradicate this practice. By standing firm against manipulation and deceit, the party can uphold its commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that Nigeria's democracy remains strong and vibrant.

Kebbi Pilgrims Board inaugurates 15 committees for 2024 Hajj operations

 

By Editor

Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Musa Enabo has inaugurated 15 different committees that would carry out the 2024 Hajj operations.

Inaugurating the committee on Friday at the board's conference hall in Birnin Kebbi, the chairman said the 15 different committees would serve in different capacities during and after the exercise.

"These committees will work according to their assigned portfolio towards ensuring a smooth exercise and make it easy for the pilgrims. We don't want our pilgrims to suffer in the 2024 Hajji operations," he assured.

He disclosed that the present administration had done a lot for the prospective pilgrims to perform a hitch-free Hajji exercise, while urging the committees to be alive to their responsibilities to achieve the aims and objectives of establishing them.

He also commended His Excellency, Gov. Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu for all the necessary support given to the board, while assuring a successful exercise.

Responding, on behalf of other committees, the Committee Chairman in charge of Munna and Arfat Hon. Mohammed Garba-Bena thanked the Kebbi State Governor and the Pilgrims Board Chairman for choosing them to render thier services in this year's Hajji operations.

He assured the people of Kebbi State most especially the pilgrims that all the committees would do everything possible to discharge their responsibilities diligently.

The 15 different committees included: 

1. Camp Committee 

2. Jamrat Committee 

3. Media/ information committee

4. Luggage Committee 

5. Airport and Reception committee

6. Accommodation committee

7. Preaching committee

8. Hygiene Committee 

9. General walfare committee 

10,  Munna/ Arfat committee 

11. Feeding committee 

12. Transport and Turaddiya committee 

13. Disciplinary committee

14. Hadaya Committee 

15. Musdalifah Committee.