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Pipeline Surveillance: Group Warns Sponsors of False Allegations Against PINL To Desist
A group, Warri Urban Security Network(WUSN), has berated those sponsoring a fictitious body that goes by the name, ‘National Awareness Forum (NAF) to dent the good reputation of Pipeline Infrastructures Nigerian Limited (PINL), describing the allegations made against the firm as false, baseless and unfounded.
Reacting to online media reports by NAF calling for the termination of pipeline security contract awarded PINL in a statement issued yesterday, WUSN urged the public to discountenance the report as there was no iota of truth in the claims made by the faceless group to tarnish the image built by the security firm over the years.
In the statement signed by Chief Frank Onoriode and Barrister Dafe Okpako, Chairman and Secretary respectively, WUSN however expressed the need to set the record straight, inorder to correct the falsehood being peddled by the sponsors of NAF publications to discredit the remarkable performance of PINL in securing the nation’s critical assets within its areas of responsibility across the country.
The Security Watch group who had been at the forefront of advocacy for a secured Warri metropolis in the last ten years, noted that it decided to correct the false allegations made by those behind NAF publication based on the determination not to compromising security of oil facilities within its coverage area for the selfish interest of few.
The statement read in part; “The attention of the above named organization has been drawn to a sponsored online publication by a fictitious group, “National Awareness Forum (NAF) Calling for revocation of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Pipeline Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), and wish to categorically set the record straight, particularly in areas where we felt the publication presented false claim from an uninformed perspective”.
“While we initially wanted to ignore the said publication because the issues raised were not only laughable but lacks credibility in all its ramifications, we have however decided to correct certain wrong impressions made inorder to disabuse the minds of the public by setting the record straight for a better understanding”.
“First, we wish to make it clear that contrary to claim of increasing rates of pipeline vandalism in parts of Rivers ad Imo states where the surveillance contract to PINL covers, this is a false claim as we have it on good authority that the security outfit had kept activities within its areas of responsibility under check and the records are there for verification”.
“On the claim that the Trans-forcados pipeline in Deltas state, had witnessed series of attacks in recent time, we also object to this, as it had become evident that some criminal elements had been sponsored by some individuals equally handling pipeline surveillance in the region inorder to create the wrong impression that PINL cannot measure up.
“Contrary to the report, the TFP remained the most reliable pipeline within the western corridor with minimal downtime recovery factor of over 98%. It is also important to note that the availability of pipeline is attributed to PINL robust deployment and technical prowess.
“As a Security Watch group that had operated within Warri area in the last one decade, we can attest to the fact that PINL had done creditably well, particularly with its intervention in curbing pipe line vandalism and oil theft has changed the narrative hitherto to the wanton theft of the past”.
“The NNPCL renewal of PINL contract had also laid credence to the fact that PINL had succeeded and as one of Nigeria most reputable oil and gas asset Protection Company with the innovations and dynamism it’s bringing to bear in achieving this feat”.
“We want to remind those behind the sponsored report that in 2022 showed PINL has carried out stealth operations and arrest of notorious bunkerers within the hotspot region with over 188 arrest made so far, 148 persons prosecuted while 59 persons have been convicted and remanded in prisons , a milestone deserving commendation.
had provided logistics to enable security agencies carry out stealth operations and arrest of notorious bunkerers within the hotspot region with over 51 arrests made so far, 39 persons prosecuted while 12 persons have been convicted and remanded in prisons, a milestone deserving commendation”.
“For the purpose of educating the public more, it is on record that PINL intercepted and destroyed over 43 large cargo boats in zone 1 and 2 , and several vehicles and motor cycles also interdicted in zone 3, 4 and 5”.
“PINL intervention in protecting, maintaining of the Trans Niger Pipeline, (TNP) in the Eastern corridor is yielding appreciable results thereby contributing to the Gross Domestic Earning and rise in oil production”.
“The TNP corridor network conveys and produced hydrocarbons from eastern Niger Delta region assets to Bonny oil and gas terminal”.
“In an obvious demonstration of its achievements and successes recorded in the sector, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited & JV Partners in 2022 renewed its scope of work”.
“Parts of the scope include the provision of maritime security services, provision of maritime logistics, provision of security logistics including tugboat and speed boats, pipeline repair and maintenance (excluding sectional replacement of sections of the pipeline”.
“Others are Host community engagement, pipeline security and surveillance, progress report and photographs, periodic maintenance of right of way in the service area, provision of manpower and personnel, and administration of the services”.
“As one of the giants in the sector PINL has carried over 99 percent deployments of assets across the various sections of the TNP. It has also completed pipeline security asset deployment of houseboats, Rapid Response Boat (RRBs), military camps, operational Hilux and Patrol boats to provide security over watch at their respective dedicated pipeline asset location from zone 1.9”
“The massive deployment efficiency of PINL saw the successful destruction of illegal refinery, arrest of pipeline vandals along the TNP prow, confiscation and burning of impounded vehicles and boats among other successes”.
The honorable Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing local defence production and military innovation through strategic partnerships with the private sector.
Speaking during a meeting with the leadership of Homeland Protectors and Supplies Ltd, led by Chairman Muhammad Ali bin Aadi, at the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, Matawalle outlined plans for a long-term joint venture between the company and the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).
The discussions, held at Ship House, focused on capacity-building training and the deployment of advanced technological solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security framework.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle emphasised that such collaborations align with the newly enacted DICON Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The legislation mandates that all military procurement be channelled through DICON, cementing its pivotal role in Nigeria’s defence industrial ecosystem.
“The Federal Government is dedicated to enhancing indigenous capabilities in defence production,” Matawalle said, underscoring the importance of private sector involvement in achieving these goals.
The partnership is expected to bolster Nigeria’s ability to address security challenges through homegrown solutions, reducing reliance on foreign military imports.
Over 500 anti-corruption lawyers on Wednesday stormed the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, demanding the immediate probe of Mele Kyari, the erstwhile Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In a remarkable show of patriotism, the lawyers, under the aegis of the Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law said they are out to rid the nation of corruption especially in the oil industry where Kyari and his allies sold the nation for a piece of porridge.
According to a petition co-signed Barrister Emmanuel Agada and Jonathan Uchendu, the lawyers lamented that Kyari’s leadership of the NNPCL was plagued with countless allegations of corruption, which were allegedly made inevitable by the opaque way he ran the organization.
The lawyers cited the controversy surrounding the rehabilitation and restreaming of government-owned refineries, where billions of dollars were spent, but the figures and facts do not add up.
The petition highlighted the case of Matrix Energy Limited, which allegedly invested $400 million in the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, even as the Federal Executive Council had approved $1.5 billion for the repairs of the same facility.
The NNPCL is now reportedly owing Matrix Energy more than $2 billion, with the debt being serviced through daily crude oil allocations to Matrix Energy that are not being paid for.
The lawyers demanded that the AGF review all agreements entered into by the NNPCL under Kyari’s administration, launch a fact-finding investigation into the questionable transactions, and institute a commission of inquiry into the NNPCL’s handling of the refineries’ repairs under Kyari.
The protesting lawyers vowed to continue their agitation until Kyari is brought to justice and the truth about the alleged corruption is uncovered.
The petition added: “The Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law strongly believe that getting to the root of this matter will help the Federal Government to account for how public resources were squandered on the controversial refineries’ repairs undertaken under the Kyari leadership.
“In view of the facts stated above, we request that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation to immediately review all agreements entered by the NNPCL under the Mele Kyari administration.
“An investigation into the questionable transactions would also point the government in the direction of what funds to recover and from whom, which is sorely needed now considering Nigeria’s economic condition.
“Furthermore, investigating all that transpired will set the stage for holding even the current leadership accountable while equally identifying potential pitfalls for those who are now in charge so that Nigeria is not caught in a loop of repeating the same mistakes.
“A fact-finding investigation be launched to ascertain how much the Federal Government has lost to such agreements and recommendations on concrete steps to recover identified funds. We demand for an immediate judicial review of all matters related thereto.
“The Guardians of Democracy And Rule of Law will appreciate it if the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation can escalate the issue to a point where the Federal Government institutes a commission of inquiry into NNPCL’s handling of the refineries’ repairs under Kyari and the sacked board. “
A deputy Director at the office of the AGF, Winifred Adekunle who received the petition promised to deliver it to the Justice minister and assured them that prompt action will be taken.
The passing of Pope Francis, whose burial is scheduled for Saturday, has reignited discussions regarding the possibility of an African ascending to the papacy.
Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Nigeria’s Abuja Diocese expressed that African Cardinals possess an equal opportunity to become pope, similar to candidates from any other region.
In related news, it was announced on Tuesday that numerous world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Javier Milei, are expected to attend the funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Prince William will also represent the King at the funeral, according to Kensington Palace, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has met with the Pope three times, plans to attend as well.
In an interview monitored by THISDAY, Archbishop Kaigama emphasized that while qualified Africans do not have lesser chances, the current need is for a Pope with a diverse perspective. He stated, “Historically, there have been black Popes, particularly in the early centuries of the Church, but there has not been a black Pope in modern times. Who says a black person cannot be Pope?”
He affirmed, “An African can be Pope. We have African Cardinals who hold the same chances as anyone from America or Europe. However, we are not solely praying for an African Pope; we seek a good and holy Pope, regardless of race or origin—be it black, Asian, American, or European.”
Africans are hopeful that one of their own may become the first modern Black Pope, continuing Francis’s legacy of supporting the developing world, although reports suggest the likelihood of this occurring is slim.
Africa, where religion deeply influences both private and public life, is home to the fastest-growing Roman Catholic population, as indicated by recent Vatican statistics.
Charles Yapi, a Catholic priest from Ivory Coast’s commercial hub, Abidjan, remarked, “Having a Black Pope would invigorate the Christian faith in Africa and reshape perceptions of the continent by demonstrating that an African can hold this esteemed position.”
Potential African papal candidates include Ghanaian Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, 76, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu from the Democratic Republic of Congo, 65, and Ivory Coast’s Cardinal Ignace Bessi Dogbo, 63.
As of 2023, Africa accounted for approximately 20 percent of the global Catholic population, adding 9 million adherents the previous year.
It’s important to note that an African pope may not necessarily align with Pope Francis’s more progressive views, such as the conditional blessing of same-sex unions, which has been a contentious issue among Africa’s predominantly conservative followers. Yapi noted that an African pope might assert that same-sex relationships “are not part of our culture” and resist external pressures to accept them.
This issue could influence the cardinal electors during the conclave, as many may prefer a candidate whose views are more aligned with those of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Monday following a stroke and cardiac arrest, marking the end of a often tumultuous papacy characterized by conflicts with traditionalists and advocacy for the marginalized.
He spent five weeks hospitalized earlier this year due to double pneumonia and had been on a path to recovery. However, the Vatican reported that his death was swift and painless. He began feeling unwell around 5:30 a.m. (0330 GMT) on Monday, received immediate attention, and approximately an hour later, he bid farewell to his nurse before slipping into a coma. His time of death was recorded at 7:35 a.m.
As part of the funeral preparations, his body will be transported to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. in a procession led by cardinals, where he will lie in state until Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service is set for the following day at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista, the 91-year-old Dean of the College of Cardinals.
While Europe still represents the largest portion of cardinal electors at approximately 39 percent, this is a decrease from 52 percent in 2013 when Pope Francis took office. The second largest group of electors now hails from Asia and Oceania, making up about 20 percent.