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Oil Pipelines Surveillance Contracts; Niger Delta Group Accuses NNPCL, Vanguard Newspaper of Bias, Ethic Agenda

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The Niger Delta Forum for Truth and Justice (NDJTF) , has accused the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase 111 and Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited ( PINL) of averse to the whole truth , stating that a public defence of Mrs oritsemeyiwa Eyesan Vice President, Upstream sector of NNPCL would have been exonerating.

A statement released to media men on Sunday by the President, Ejiroghene Marierie challenged the duos and his accomplices of been economical with the truths, stating that the Vanguard newspaper publication of 26th, January on page 23 was face saving.

The President of the body maintained that security reports along with envisaged patronage had overridden the sense of reasoning which feigned his underperforming company that lacks capacity to carry out security surveillance job, hence Eyesan’s recommendation to an under perfoming and undeserved company belonging to the monarch.

He further confronted the NNPCL top shot as a tribal and clanish czar, who is soaked in ethnic coloration, while describing PINL as unfit, unqualified and operating against public procurement acts.

He described the PINL as an inefficient company and unqualified with evidences of it’s malfeasance and inefficiency , stating that under olu firm about 112 incidences was recorded in a week of oil thefts, with many vandalism as reported by the officials of NNPCL.

He also questioned the integrity of PINL rather than compromising with oil vandals and collaborators, while challenging him to come to truth about the arrest of any oil thefts in his area of security surveillance , that deserve more larger commitment from NNPCL particularly in Rivers and Imo.

While the group President maintained that they would have been no need for the high profile monarch moving from one personalty or the other for contract renewal and review upwards in the nation’s city with a qualified company, stating that this was evidence that Olu is still on the board of PINL.

While touting the half baked media handlers and publication of the vanguard newspaper as diversionary and side taking, he wants media houses to remain unbiased, so as to sustain the corporate existence and transparency in the activities of both individuals and corporate entities in the country.

He reiterated that the action of the Vanguard newspaper known for its efficient and effective media coverage, balance journalism over the years had eroded the good intentions of the founding fathers, having reduced it’s activities to clanish and sectional stance.

He said the group was not questioning the award of the security surveillance contract to PINL by an ijaw man, Engineer Adokie Tomboamieye , but against reawarding on the basis of inefficient and effective as well as compromise with oil thefts already displayed in it’s activities.

“Eyesan is blinded on the cocoon of ethnic agenda were the itsekiris will continue to hold swat against other tribes like the urhobos of patronage, asking them to display the CAC certificate of registration for PINL, if the Olu of Warri will not be culpable.”

He also made reference to Trans forcados earlier awarded to PINL that turned to haven of oil thefts, crippled activities but when rewarded to another company, Industrial wide security, normalcy returned the Delta area.

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Ejiroghene assured that the only way transparent and non translucent activities could take place is to remove Eyesan from the entire process , as she is self serving, ethnic bigot and monarchical underdog operating under the whims and caprices of olu of Warri’s PINL, as she deliberately refused to incorporate other tribes of Urhobo, except the exclusive preserve of the itsekiris.

The release further states…

NIGER DELTA FORUM FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE (NDFTJ)
80, CHINDA ROAD, OFF ADA GEORGE ROAD, PORT-HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

OIL PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT IMPROPRIETIES: THE WISHY- WASHY RESPONSE BY OLU OF WARRI, OGIAME ATUWATSE III AND PIPELINES INFRASTRUCTURES NIGERIA LIMITED (PINL).

“The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, could have done a better job in the public defence of one of his subjects, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the Vice President, Upstream Operations, NNPCL.”

“To conceal the truth and avoid thorough public scrutiny of the matter, the high flown Warri monarch threw her under the bus with a tacky, wishy washy publication in the Vanguard Newspapers of 26th January 2024, page 23.”

“Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan had stuck out her neck and probably put her job on the line, when she endorsed the Itsekiri Royal father’s under performing company, Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), for a bigger contract in the provision of surveillance and protection for the nation’s oil assets in the Niger Delta.”

“With regular updated security reports on crude oil exploration available to her high office, Mrs. Eyesan can’t feigned ignorance of the monarch’s security outfit lacking capacity to effectively carry out pipelines protection.”

“Despite the knowledge, she went ahead to recommend that the undeserving company should be awarded a beefed up contract.”

“In our publication of 23rd January 2024, to which they made a rejoinder, we had addressed the contract renewal, and why Mrs. Eyesan should be removed from office as Vice President, Upstream Operations, in the NNPCL. ”

“We accused her of being clanish, and for ethnic loyalty had endorsed PINL for a job, it is unfit. ”

That based on the company’s history of inefficiency, it should rather have been suspended from vying for pipelines security contracts.”

“We anchored our publication on the many failures of the company and its inability to live up its duties.”

“There are hard evidence to substantiate allegations of inefficiency against the Olu’s firm.”

“In a period of a week, under PINL supervision, over 112 incidents of oil theft were recorded in its area of operation, with a legion of vandalism cases, as revealed by the management of NNPCL.”

“If the aforesaid are facts, on what basis does, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, find PINL good enough for a bigger contract? ”

“Another question to ponder, is if PINL has at any time apprehended or arrested a single oil thief or vessel, despite the unending crude theft in territories under its control? ”

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“These are the areas we had wanted the Olu of Warri, or his affiliates to address, but the half -baked proxies he hired to respond for him, went on a rigmarole that led to no where.”

“The Olu and his PINL are desirous that their shoddy performance be swept under the carpet and remains uncovered.”

“In normal situations, PINL would be struck off the list of companies to be considered for contracts.”

“Apart from the denial that the Olu of Warri is not in the board of PINL, the palace sponsored rebuttal never addressed the accusation of PINL’s dereliction of duties and competence. Nor the involvement of Mrs. Eyesan scooping a larger contract for her monarch.”

“We want to quash their lies from another angle. If the Olu is not in the board of directors of PINL as stated, on what basis is he moving from one office and hotel room to the other in Abuja, soliciting for re-award and expansion of the pipelines protection contract for PINL?”

“It is no secret that while in the FCT he mounts a ceaseless pressure to speedily facilitate the award.”

“The harebrained hirelings of the Olu Palace just driblled and beat around the bush, as they were bereft of ideas on the matter.”

“It’s more disappointing to note that with the stupendous wealth at his disposal, the Olu of Warri could only mobilise a few hollow heads, lacking intellectual sophistication, as media handlers.”

“Hence, they had no good fulcrum to leverage a defence, either for PINL or Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.”

“They flew of the cuff unrestrained with umbrage and insults on those they consider their paymaster’s enemies but failed to cover up the monarch’s shenanigans. ”

“No matter whose horse is gored, our take remains the national interest.”

“The Vanguard Newspaper has lost its national appeal that was rooted in balanced journalism ethos. The publication has gradually fallen from its Olympian heights, to a mere ethnic propagandist tool of the Olu of Warri. In a manner of speaking, and sadly enough too, the Vanguard flagship has now assumed the notoriety of Itsekiri megaphone.”

“It unwittingly rejected our publication on flimsy excuses, other media houses, however, differed and accepted it. ”

“But in a volte face, the paper accepted abinitio to publish the Olu and PINL’s rejoinder.”

“We posit that Vanguard’s action is unprofessional and ethnically parochial.
We hope that its Publisher, the great Uncle Sam Amuka, muster courage to salvage the newspaper, which is gradually losing its national appeal.”

“The Itsekiri and Olu of Warri interest influenced the paper’s decision.”

“PINL should bury its head in shame, the company nor its board members were not bold enough to respond directly to the issues canvassed in our publication. We had expected a direct civilized reply, but they chose to use clueless, ill mannered irritants to bell their cat. Which depicts a desire to gloss over the facts.”

“PINL has no defence. Its reply posed more questions than answers. It neither addressed any issue, nor shield the Olu of Warri from public scrutiny he is trying hard to evade. ”

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“In the end, it exposed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan to opprobrium and the guillotine. She must at this point have regretted her involvement in the saga. She stuck her neck out for those who won’t cross a puddle for her.”

“Why mentioning Engineer Adokie Tombomieye, a supposed Ijaw man in the matter under reference?”

“Has he done anything wrong in being part of the team that awarded the contract to PINL abinitio? How does the award of the contracts to PINL and other surveillance contract companies by an Ijaw man made it difficult for PINL to deliver and perform? Did we question the award of the contracts to PINL and other companies abinitio?”

“We expected a succinct response to allegations of poor performance, aiding and abetting crude oil theft and desperation by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan to reward a non-performing contactor for ethnic hegemony.”

” We spoke about non-performance of PINL, a germane issue the errand hands failed to address in the rebuttal.
Dropping Adokie Tombomieye’s name can’t wish the issues away.”

“The signatories didn’t explain why oil bunkering, theft and assets vandalism are prevalent in the areas under the supervision of the monarch’s PINL, that is, Rivers and Imo States. Nor did they say anything on the 112 oil theft cases within 7 days in December 2023, majority of which occurred in the areas under the watch of PINL. Or these infractions were caused by the award of the contracts to PINL and other companies by Adokie Tombomieye, an Ijaw man?”

“They also skipped to comment on the incessant attacks and pillage in Trans-Forcados Pipelines in Delta state. Oil production in the area was completely crippled when PINL held the surveillance contract. Reports has it that it was due to connivance with criminal elements.”

“The PINL contract in the area was terminated and re-awarded to Industrial – Wide Security.”

“Today, the Trans-Forcados Pipelines is at peace. And why were some PINL’s contracts terminated and re-awarded to Industrial-Wide Security?”

” They also have explanations to why their area of surveillance became a haven for criminal gangs and oil theft.”

“Silence is said to be golden, but it is also an acquiescence to guilt.”

“It is a shame that the Olu of Warri could not find credible people in the employ of PINL to speak for him and defend Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.”

“The hired nitwits made a poor showing. It is the company that should have shown its CAC registration documents and proffered statement to whether the Olu is a board member or not.”

” Everything done so far on behalf of the Olu and PINL shows there is more than meets the eyes.”

“Our position remains that PINL and Olu have under performed and should not be given additional contracts, nor their scope of operation expanded.”

“It becomes a scam when people are rewarded for failure.”

“Ethnic favouritism and loyalty blinded

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Stop misleading public —Zamfara APC Supporters Warns Jaji

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Supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have issued a stern warning to Aminu Sani Jaji, the member of parliament representing Kaura/Birnin Magaji Federal Constituency, accusing him of misleading the public and betraying the party’s values.

The group has called on Jaji to cease associating himself with the APC, claiming his actions are a deliberate attempt to undermine the party and its leadership.

In a statement released on Sunday, Muhammad kabir Birnin Magaji, chairman of the APC supporters’ group, lambasted Jaji for what he described as “anti-party activities” that led to his suspension from the APC.

“We have repeatedly warned him to stop linking himself with the party, as his actions and utterances do not reflect the values of the APC,” kabir said.

“His continuous attempts to associate with us are deceptive and unacceptable.”

The supporters dismissed Jaji’s criticisms of Matawalle as baseless, asserting that the lawmaker owes much of his political career to the influence of Matawalle and former Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

Kabir highlighted a specific point of contention: Jaji’s apparent frustration over the distribution of seven trucks of rice donated by President Bola Tinubu during Ramadan, which Matawalle oversaw.

“The minister launched the distribution, and genuine APC members witnessed it being shared peacefully across the state,” he said.

“Why is Jaji so pained about this? He is not the only lawmaker in the party from Zamfara—there are senators and other representatives ahead of him.”

The chairman went further, noting that Matawalle has personally funded the distribution of over 50 trucks of rice,
distributed sum of one billion naira to the party’s stakeholders,too
and 100 cows to APC supporters in Zamfara during this Sallah celebrations.

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“Why is Jaji concerned about this if he is not working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)?” kabir questioned.

The APC supporters accused Jaji of aligning himself with PDP Governor Lawal Dare to destabilise the APC in Zamfara.

Kabir, said Jaji held meetings with PDP members during Ramadan, but there’s no evidence he distributed anything—not even to them,” kabir added.

Jaji’s conduct, the group argued, exposes him as a “two-faced and unprincipled figure” more interested in personal gain than party loyalty.

The group pointed to his ongoing antagonism towards Zamfara APC Chairman Tukur Danfulani and his alleged attempts to tarnish the reputations of Matawalle and Yari—two of the state’s most influential political heavyweights—as evidence of his disloyalty.“

It is absurd for Jaji to compare himself to Matawalle, whose leadership and political experience far surpass anything Jaji has achieved,” kabir said.

“His hypocrisy in parading himself as an APC member while secretly working with the opposition to sabotage us is disgraceful.”

The supporters urged Jaji to leave the APC and test his political relevance independently.

“Jaji’s politics is based on eye service. Whenever he comes to Abuja, he acts like a big man, but in Zamfara State, he is a nobody. If he thinks he is popular, he should join another party and test his popularity.

“The APC in Zamfara has no room for treachery and disloyalty—his charade must end now.

“If he truly believes he is significant, let him join another party and see if he can secure re-election without the support of Matawalle, Yari, and their loyal followers,” Kabir challenged.

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Eid-el-Fitr: Unity, Prayers Key to Security – Matawalle

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As Muslims in Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle,
urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

has praised the resilience and dedication of the country’s Armed Forces and security agencies.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Ahmed Dan-Wudil, Dr Matawalle commended the tireless efforts of security personnel in safeguarding the nation.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for the military, noting that the Federal Government has made significant strides in combating insurgency and insecurity since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.

While acknowledging that security challenges have not been entirely eradicated, the minister expressed confidence in the administration’s achievements, rating its performance in tackling insecurity at 9 out of 10. He assured Nigerians that, by the end of the year, the country would be “99 per cent free from insecurity, by God’s grace.”

“As we celebrate today, let us remember the families of our fallen heroes—those who have paid the supreme price in defending our sovereignty. Their sacrifices shall never be in vain,” he said. “We remain committed to ensuring the welfare of our troops and their loved ones, as well as strengthening our military capabilities to address security challenges effectively.”

Dr Matawalle reiterated the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to national security, economic growth, and social development.

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He highlighted ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities through enhanced military operations, strategic partnerships, and intelligence-driven approaches.

However, he stressed that security is not the sole responsibility of the government and security forces, but a collective duty of all citizens.

He urged community leaders, religious scholars, and traditional rulers to work closely with security agencies by providing timely information and fostering peace.

“Eid-el-Fitr is a time of love, kindness, and reconciliation,” he said. “Let us use this period to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, forgive one another, and embrace the spirit of tolerance and understanding.”

The minister also called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to the less privileged, including orphans and widows, emphasising that the true essence of Eid lies in sharing and caring for others.

“As we mark this special day, I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, and good deeds. May He grant us peace, prosperity, and continued progress as a nation. May He protect our gallant Armed Forces, bless their efforts, and reward them abundantly for their sacrifices.

“Eid Mubarak to you all! May this celebration bring renewed hope, joy, and divine blessings to our homes and communities.”

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I nearly quit 2023 presidential race, says Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu said he nearly quit the 2023 presidential race.

The President said this at a special Iftar held in his honour at the Presidential Villa on Saturday night,

President Tinubu thanked guests for their presence, prayers, and contributions to the nation’s development, and appreciated Nigerians for their outpouring of goodwill and prayers as he marked his 73rd birthday.

Reflecting on his political journey, President Tinubu recounted a moment of doubt during the 2023 election campaign when he contemplated withdrawing from the race after an encounter with a close relative.

“Those close to me know that the odds were against me. During the campaigns, one of them came to my living room around 3:30 a.m. and said he needed just N50,000 to buy foodstuff for our uncle.

“He told me, ‘The currency is gone because of you. People are jumping over bank counters because there is no cash. Our uncle, a wealthy man, doesn’t even have N10,000 in cash. What are you running for?

“I told him, ‘I am running for President, not for you and our uncle.’ I gave him the N50,000. As he walked out, he turned to me and said, ‘I don’t think you will make it.’ I replied, ‘I will make it,’” said Tinubu.

The President stated that his uncle later called to confirm receiving the money but admitted that he had only given the messenger N10,000, keeping the rest.

“I was amazed. At that moment, I almost dropped the idea of running for President. But thanks to Aminu Masari and all of you who encouraged me.

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“When I came to Abuja, Masari told me, ‘I am the Chairman of the North West Group; don’t look back’,” he said.

President Tinubu noted that he assumed office during a time of economic uncertainty and had to make immediate, difficult decisions, including removing the fuel subsidy.

“On the day of my inauguration, I had to decide on something not originally in my speech, and that was the fuel subsidy removal,” he said.

Noting that Nigeria had reached a point of no return on the issue, the President said: “The hallmark of a great leader is the ability to make the right decision at the right time.

“That was the day I declared that the subsidy was gone. The following day, I was hounded and thoroughly abused in the media. But I stood firm, knowing it was the right thing to do for our nation’s future.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima lauded the President’s sacrifices, stating that history will remember him as the leader who took on the nation’s most complex challenges.

“Thanks to his boldness, future presidents of Nigeria will not have to wrestle with the same ghosts that haunted past administrations, including fraud-ridden fuel subsidies, an unstable forex market, and the suppression of local government autonomy.

“These were the thorny issues that many before him sidestepped. But Asiwaju did not sidestep history; he came to rewrite it.

“And in rewriting it, Asiwaju has taken the bullets that many before him simply lacked the courage to face.

“But that is the thing about true leadership: it is not for those who seek comfort. It is for those who understand that the path to national greatness is lined with difficult choices,” he said.

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Sen. Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, praised the President’s ability to forgive and his relentless passion for national development.

Akpabio described the President as a leader who thinks outside the box and as the ‘most audacious president’ in the country’s history.

He said under Tinubu’s watch, governors were getting more allocation.

“If I were a governor under your administration, I would have been a ‘supernatural governor’ and not an uncommon governor,” he said.

Mr Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, described President Tinubu as a leader who has broken barriers and uplifted future Nigerian politicians.

He noted that the President had taken a backseat to raising leaders for decades.

“Today, he is at the forefront because Nigeria needs him. In 2019, despite not being from his region, he supported me in my most difficult political moment.

“Nigeria needs leaders who rise above tribal considerations, and he has demonstrated that,” he said.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State commended the President’s decisive leadership at a time when Nigeria needed stability.

“Only a leader with deep conviction and love for the country could have taken the bold and yet necessary decisions that averted national collapse and now restoring hope and confidence across the federation,” he said.

Dr. Bosun Tijjani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, shared his personal experience of being appointed by President Tinubu despite his past activism.

“Before my appointment, I had never met the President. But after my confirmation, he told me, ‘I have looked at your records and activism, and I am giving you an opportunity to serve,’” he said.

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The minister recounted a recent meeting at the World Bank, where a senior official described Tinubu as the best reformist leader in Africa today.

Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, a childhood friend of the President, reminisced about their early years and how divine providence led Tinubu to the presidency.

“Our relationship did not just start in Chicago; we played soccer together as children.

“While I chose the library, my brother chose politics because he loved to speak. Today, Allah has shown His greatness by guiding him to lead Nigeria.

“The city of Chicago, founded by a Black man, has educated the man who now leads the most populous Black nation on earth.

“I pray that Allah continues to hold his hand and guide him as he works to save our country,” he said. (NAN)

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