News
Northern Group Supports FG’s Decision on plitting pipeline surveillance contract, counters opposition
The Northern Emancipation Network (MEN), has expressed its full support for the federal government’s decision to split the pipeline surveillance contract, countering opposition from Arewa leader Musa Saidu.
The group in a statement by his chairman, Suleiman Abbah, labeled Saidu as a paid agent of destabilization and questioned the credibility of his arguments.
“We firmly believes that Saidu’s opposition is driven by ulterior motives, questioning his association with former militant leader Tompolo. Tompolo has a history of undermining national security, and Saidu’s alignment with him suggests a potential conflict of interest. This casts doubt on the authenticity of Saidu’s opposition,” Abbah said.
Furthermore, the Northern Emancipation Network emphasizes the importance of stability and security in the region. They argue that the pipeline surveillance contract is crucial for safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth and development. Splitting the contract ensures a more efficient and effective surveillance system, reducing the risk of sabotage and theft. The network believes that Saidu’s opposition disregards the need for enhanced security measures, potentially jeopardizing the region’s economic stability.
“The self-proclaimed Arewa leader Musa Saidu’s challenge to the federal government’s decision to split the pipeline surveillance job is concerning.
“Firstly, Saidu’s association with Tompolo raises doubts about his intentions. Tompolo, a former militant leader, has a history of engaging in activities that undermine national security. Therefore, Saidu’s alignment with Tompolo suggests a potential conflict of interest, casting doubt on the authenticity of his opposition.
“Secondly, Saidu’s challenge fails to consider the importance of stability and security in the Niger Delta region. The pipeline surveillance contract is crucial for safeguarding the nation’s oil infrastructure, which is vital for economic growth and development. Splitting the contract ensures a more efficient and effective surveillance system, reducing the risk of sabotage and theft. Saidu’s opposition disregards the need for enhanced security measures, potentially jeopardizing the region’s economic stability,” Abbah said.
The Group said it firmly supports the federal government’s decision to split the pipeline surveillance contract based on the following reasons:
Splitting the contract allows for multiple security agencies to be involved, increasing the overall surveillance capacity. This approach ensures a more robust and comprehensive security system, minimizing the risk of attacks and theft. The Northern region, like any other part of the country, deserves a secure environment to foster economic growth and protect the livelihoods of its people.
By splitting the contract, the government promotes transparency and accountability in the bidding process. This approach allows for fair competition among security agencies, ensuring that the most qualified and capable organizations are entrusted with the responsibility of pipeline surveillance. This fosters a sense of trust and confidence in the government’s decision-making process.
Splitting the contract creates opportunities for multiple security agencies to participate, promoting healthy competition and economic growth within the region. This approach encourages the development of local security firms, leading to job creation and skill enhancement. It also reduces the monopoly of a single company, allowing for a more diverse and inclusive business environment.
They said it is suspicious for Saidu to advocating in favor of a Niger Delta faction whereas his voice heard on his own Northern region has been plagued by a series of security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes.
“Amidst these troubling times, it is disconcerting to note the silence of Musa Saidu, who claims to be a prominent Arewa leader. Musa Saidu, a self-proclaimed Arewa leader, has managed to be heard speaking for the Tompolo faction in the far-away Niger Deltal which his silence on the pressing issue of peace and security in the Northern region.
“This raises questions about his true intentions and commitment to the welfare of his people. As a leader, it is expected that he would actively engage in discussions, raise awareness, and advocate for solutions to the ongoing crisis in his own backyard. Yet, his absence from such conversations is both perplexing and concerning,” said Abbah.
One possible explanation for Musa Saidu’s silence on the situation in the North while being vocal on Niger Delta Affairs, is his lack of genuine concern for the plight of the people in the Northern region.
“A true leader should be deeply invested in the well-being of their constituents, especially during times of crisis. By failing to address the pressing issue of peace and security, Saidu’s actions suggest a lack of empathy and a disregard for the suffering of his own people,” he concluded.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday, sentenced the husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of the deceased ( his wife) on April 8, 2022.
The judge held that the prosecution had proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022 by the Office of Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), on behalf of the Federal Government, on a 23-count charge .
The charge was on culpable homicide punishable with death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation of children, spousal battery, among others.
In the course of trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two children of the late Osinachi, who testified as fourth prosecution and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5 respectively.
The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as exhibits before the court.
The defendant testified for the defence and further called four other witnesses and tendered four exhibits in his defence.
Shortly before sentencing, the defendant, counsel , Reginald Nwali, in his allocutus pleaded with the court to be lenient in its judgment.
Similarly, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to give force to the law as stipulated.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme subsequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, while he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8,9, 12, 13, and 18.
The court sentenced the defendant to six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years imprisonment in Count 11, while he was fined the sum of N500,000 and N200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7 respectively. (NAN)
A group of lawyers under the banner of the Guardian of Democracy and Rule of Law staged a massive protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, demanding a judicial inquiry into the tenure of Mele Kolo Kyari, the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).
The protesters, led by Barrister Benjamin Theophilus, submitted a petition alleging widespread corruption, tax evasion, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds during Kyari’s leadership.
The petition highlighted several contentious issues, including inflated costs of refinery rehabilitation contracts, fraudulent crude oil allocations, mismanagement of the AKK Gas Pipeline Project, fuel subsidy fraud, and questionable crude-backed loans.
According to the petition, NNPCL under Kyari spent over $4 billion on rehabilitating the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, far exceeding an initial private-sector proposal of $1 billion for all three facilities.
“Kyari is alleged to have collaborated with consultants and contractors to conceal the actual cost of contracts and evade taxes,” the petition stated, noting that the refineries remain inefficient despite the expenditure.
The lawyers also accused Kyari of overseeing the diversion of crude oil allocations under the pretext of “pipeline security” at a rate of 80,000 barrels per day, with no transparent accountability mechanisms.
The $5 billion AKK Gas Pipeline Project was similarly flagged for irregularities in contract awards and execution, with little progress despite significant funding.
Further allegations include fuel subsidy fraud, with NNPCL reportedly increasing petroleum imports in 2020 during a global decline in fuel consumption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The petition also criticised crude-backed loans totalling $21.565 billion since 2019, which it claimed disadvantaged Nigeria by ceding trading profits to international traders.
The protesters called for a judicial commission to investigate Kyari’s tenure, probe payments to refinery contractors, and examine past audit failures.
They also urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to investigate suspected tax evasion and fraudulent declarations, while advocating for the recovery of any misappropriated public funds.
The Federal Ministry of Finance has yet to respond to the petition, and NNPCL officials were unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
With preparation towards 2020-2030 Agenda popularly known as decade of action at hand, the concept of transmitting SDGs program through short film challenges cannot be overemphasized.
Therefore, the determination of Sustainable Development Goals SDGs under the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and the United Nations UN to move beyond infrastructural, socio-economic and political awareness as well as empowerment by deploying the global program to achieving its stated objectives.
The inculcation of short films and other related art work towards achieving the 17 SDGs goals, starting from first to second and now the third edition of film challenges launched was aimed at achieving SDGs goals.
Since cinematography and film related activities attracts more in the area of viewing and concentration, the collaboration between SDGs, UN and other independent bodies towards achieving the desired results is not out of place.
From 73 countries and entries in 2023 to 2,250 and 119 countries in 2024, was a remarkable improvement to synergise with notable film makers to move forward the impact of SDGs on the society.
The initiatives and innovation sponsored by the leadership under SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire will not only lead to realizing the full mission and vision of the 2020-2030 Agenda , but achieving the global standards.
Aside film challenge and inculcation of film related activities into achieving the global program, the SDGs in Nigeria also in collaboration with the UN and other bodies will also be rolling out other activities like training,capacity building, empowerment among many other encouraging activities, that will mitigate and drive towards achieving the global standards for the decade of action Agenda.
While lending her voice and supports towards the new initiatives and programs, SSAP -SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire opined
“on her part, Orelope-Adefulire said “The SDG Film Challenge is an initiative designed to mobilise filmmakers in this decade of action to accelerate the achievement of the SDG.”
“She invited creators to produce impactful short films that highlight development challenges and offer solutions and direct action on critical issues such as poverty, illiteracy, gender equality, climate change, and social justice.”
“She added: “It is also an opportunity to provide information and to generate hope through our many narratives.”
“We challenge them to educate, to provoke conversations and direct action towards achieving more that reduces the violence faced and threatens our planet. The success of this initiative over the past two editions is a testament to the power of partnership and creativity.”
“She also stressed that “This year we are introducing a new strategy including training and capacity-building programmes for all the hosting and training sessions with filmmakers who will be stationed in this regard for their future training.”
“With today’s launch, the online quarter is officially open for filmmakers to submit short films, multiple films, addressing selected issues.”
“She revealed that three finalists will be shortlisted, from the entries with winners receiving prizes, global excursions, and additional opportunities.”
In his contributions,
“The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has described Nigeria as a storytelling powerhouse, urging filmmakers to channel their creative force toward amplifying awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
“The film challenge, which is a collaboration with the United Nations, aimed at mobilising filmmakers to use films to mobilise the nation towards achieving the SDGs.”
“The UN has set 2030 to achieve the SDGs, which has 17 goals aimed at improving standards of living across the globe.”
“Speaking at the launch, Fall said: “Nigeria is a storytelling powerhouse. Our Nollywood industry, which is among the largest film industries in the world, reaches millions across Africa and beyond. By channelling this creative force toward the SDGs, we are doing more than amplifying awareness.”
“We are empowering young Nigerians to take ownership of the development narrative: to spotlight issues like gender inequality, climate change, and poverty, and to present solutions through the lens of sustainability.”
“The UN in Nigeria stands firmly behind this mission. This year’s challenge — led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, the UN Information Centre, and Fresh NEWS builds on the remarkable momentum of past editions.”
“From 73 entries in 2023 to an astonishing 2,250 entries from 119 countries last year, the message is clear: young people are not waiting on the sidelines. They are ready to create, lead, and transform their world.”
“Globally, the UN Secretary-General has underscored the vital role of youth and digital innovation in driving the 2030 Agenda forward. The SDGs Film Challenge embodies this vision. It aligns with Chapter IV of the Pact for the Future, recognizing youth and future generations as key architects of sustainable development.
“To all filmmakers, producers, and actors across Nigeria: this is your moment. Let your cameras roll.
“Let your stories stir our collective conscience. Whether your lens captures the struggle of a girl fighting for her education or the resilience of communities battling environmental degradation — your voice matters.”
“Let’s make 2025 a year where stories drive change, where creativity fuels progress, and where Nigeria leads the charge in storytelling for sustainable development.
The maiden event launched by Nigeria’s SDGs was a cornerstone towards the achievements of other stated objectives under The Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire on Wednesday in Abuja, with the launch of the 3rd Edition of the SDGs film Challenge.
Participants are expected to also benefit from the exchange of programme and mentoring initiatives.
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.