₦airaland Forum

A Nigerian citizen, Mr Oseyili Anenih, has sued a serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon Alhassan Ado Garba (Doguwa), for threatening violence against the electorate on Election Day.

Anenih, in a suit, filed by his counsel, Victor Opatola, Esq of Legatify Attorneys and Solicitors, is making a direct criminal complaint against Hon Garba, which is brought pursuant to Sections 93(1) and 93 (2)(a) of the Electoral Act 2022; Sections 88(1), 89(3), 109(a), 110(c), 115 (11)(b) and 119 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

In the processes filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja by Anenih (complainant), he averred that “this direct criminal complaint is lodged against the defendant, Alhassan Ado Garba, whose principal place of work and address is at the National Assembly, Three Arms Zone 900103, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, as follows:

“On or about 5th day of December 2022, in Kano State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, the defendant, Alhassan Ado Garba (Doguwa) made and uttered the following statement in Hausa language to the hearing of the public and electorate: “Ranar zabe, Wallahi, mutum ko ya zabe APC ne, ko yaci ubanka. A Doguwa, ko ka zabe APC, ko ka ci ubanka! Inna pada, ku ansa min! A Doguwa, kode ka zabe APC, ko …ka ci ubanka!”

That the said utterances of the defendant directly translate in English language to mean: ‘On the day of election, wallahi, a person should either vote for APC or you will be dealt with. The day of election you either vote for APC, or you will be dealt with. When I say it, you should answer me: in Dogowa, either you vote for APC, or you will be dealt with.’

“That the said utterances directly violate the provision of section 93(1) of the Electoral Act 2022; punishable under section 93(2)(b) of the Electoral Act, 2022.”

The complainant paticularised the complaint/offence as follows: “That the complainant is a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a duly registered voter who is interested in the free, fair election and non-intimidation or threatening of voters. A copy of his voter’s card will be relied upon to prove this case at trial.

“That the complainant has consequently brought this Direct Criminal complaint against the Defendant.

That the Defendant is Alhassan Ado Garba, a House of Representatives member, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State.

That the defendant while engaging in political campaigning and publicly addressing citizens and voters on or about the 5th day of December 2022 made the following statement in Kano State while addressing the general public and the electorate: ‘Ranar zabe, Wallahi, mutum ko ya zabe APC ne, ko yaci ubansa. A Doguwa, ko ka zabe APC, ko ka ci ubanka! Inna pada, ku ansa min! A Doguwa, kode ka zabe APC, ko …ka ci ubanka!’ thereby committing an offence contrary to the provisions of section 93(1) of the Electoral Act 2022; punishable under section 93(2)(b) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

That the said statement directly translates in English Language to mean: ‘On the day of election, wallahi, a person should either vote for APC or you will be dealt with. On the day of election, you either vote for APC, or you will be dealt with. When I say it, you should answer me: in Dogowa, either you vote for APC, or you will be dealt with.

“That the said video comment of the defendant will be relied upon to prove this case at trial.
“That this statement is capable of causing threat, fear of use of force or threat in the minds of ordinary Nigerian electorate

That the statement of the defendant has caused fear in the mind of the complainant.

That the statement of the defendant is a direct effort at compelling voters to support or refrain from supporting a political party.

“That this comment has gone viral on major online platforms in Nigeria.
“That the defendant has also confirmed making such statement in his recent interview on National Television. This interview will be relied upon to prove this case.

“That the utterance of such statement is against the provisions of Section 93 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 93 (2)(b) of the same Electoral Act.

“That the said statement made by the defendant was reported by major national dailies. A newspaper report of the statement of the defendant will be relied upon at trial.
“That the complainant herein has now filed a direct criminal complaint against the defendant in line with his resolve towards the free, fair election and non-intimidation or threatening of voters in the coming 2023 general elections.

“That the society is crying for justice in this matter and only an intervention by the Court can it be shown that there are no sacred cows or individuals bigger than the Law.
“That it will be in the interest of justice to bring the defendant to answer to this complaint;
“That this court has the statutory and inherent powers to direct that the accused person be brought to answer to this complaint; and

“That this complaint is made in good faith and in the interest of justice.”
The complainant deposed to a verifying affidavit in support of his complaint.

itel has once again fulfilled its promise to customers in by rewarding a customer with 2 million naira and hundreds of customers with itel televisions, powerbanks, gift bags, and lots more to commemorate the brand’s 15th year anniversary in November.

One lucky customer who purchased itel S18 sometime in November during the 15th Year Anniversary and Black Friday Sales Promo was pleasantly surprised to scratch the scratch card given at the point of purchase and see that they had won 2 million naira. This feat was a bold move by itel to cement its position as a thoughtful brand with its customers at the forefront of their activities.



The smartphones, accessories, and Television brand whose mission is to ensure consumers enjoy better life has restated that celebrating their 15th year anniversary was a way for them to give back to their consumers whilst appreciating them for their patronage over the years. During the promo which ran from 1st to 30th November 2022, customers were implored to purchase any itel smartphone and get a scratch card at the phone store after purchase, then scratch it to show what they have won. The scratch cards were to give these customers a chance of winning 2 million naira, televisions, powerbanks, and other exciting prizes.

It was a lucky day for Balafamo A. when he walked into the itel authorized store closest to him, bought an itel S18 smartphone and scratched the card he was given. A card that won him 2 million naira instantly. His shock and joy were so wonderful to see that the itel sales promoter who sold the smartphone to him had to take a video of him.


The grand prize winner of 2 million naira, Balafamo A. said, ‘I am so thankful to itel for this opportunity. I never expected that buying an itel smartphone would ever mean me winning 2 million naira. This money will do a lot for me, and my family and I will forever be grateful.’

He also reiterated that everyone who has doubted itel, itel is real. They are genuine. Today now I am a millionaire because I bought an itel S18 smartphone. For itel to do this for me, I feel so special. Thank you, itel. I can’t wait to buy itel S18 and win again.’

Speaking at the presentation, the Marketing Manager for itel Nigeria and West Africa (Region 1), Oke Umurhohwo said the itel brand remained customer centric with a regular reward system for customers, adding that it would not relent in providing services and products that would help every Nigerian enjoy better life. According to him, “we are always after simplifying the lives of our consumers through our products and we derive great joy in knowing that our products make life easier for them. We won’t stop and we will always make sure to provide services and products that will help every Nigerian enjoy better life.”

itel has no plans to relent on its personalized marketing activities as they have also announced that they will be offering more products that are affordable, reliable, and quality for every Nigerian and Nigerian home.

For more information on itel’s promotional offers, follow @itelNigeria on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, or visit their website at www.itel-life.com to see their product categories. See some of the winners’ photos below:

The Youth Coalition for Good Governance, (a coalition of youth groups from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria), has endorsed & adopted the candidate of the Labour Party, His Excellency Peter Obi as it’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 Presidential election.


In a press statement released by the organization after it’s executive meeting in Kaduna State, the group said they carried out an audit of all the front runners in the 2023 presidential race and Peter Obi beat all the others in terms of his proven track record of performance as a 2-time Governor of Anambra State, his stance on reducing the size of governance, transparency, fighting insecurity, economic & foreign policy, youth inclusiveness in his campaign, restructuring & above all, his zero tolerance for corruption.


The group said it is mobilizing it’s members nationwide to vote for the former Anambra State Governance & will be announcing a date for it’s Mega Youth Conference soon.

The Youth Coalition for Good Governance (a coalition of youth groups from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria), at its executive meeting held in Kaduna on Saturday 26 November 2022, resolved as follows:

That all Nigerian Youths must as a matter of National interest take the 2023 Presidential election seriously & participate in it.

Youths make up a large percentage of the voting block in Nigeria & our votes must count in 2023. We will no longer be ignored nor play second fiddle to anyone.

All Nigerian Youths are enjoined to collect their PVC’s from INEC offices nationwide & be prepared to vote in the 2023 elections.

In the spirit of equity, fair play, justice, unity & national interest, the next president should come from the Southern part of Nigeria in 2023. There is no justifiable reason for another Northerner to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari after his 8yr tenure.

The Youth Coalition for Good Governance distances itself from the Muslim Muslim ticket of the All Progressive Congress as it considers it insensitive & offensive to a section of Nigerians

The Youth Coalition for Good Governance has reviewed the credentials of the presidential candidates from the South & have thrown their weight and support behind the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi, the candidate we consider most qualified for the position.

As power shifts to the South in 2023, Nigerian Youths will and are encouraged to vote the most competent & credible candidate, Peter Obi, candidate of the Labour Party.

When power returns to the North in 2031, we will consider the candidacy of Their Excellencies Atiku Abubakar & Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso along with other candidates from the North, and we will rally support for any of them that qualifies for that office if they decide to run in 2031.

We urge all candidates to adhere to the peace accord already signed. Candidates should stick to issue-based campaign strategy and not mudslinging.

We hope the Independent Electoral Commission(INEC) will keep to its word of conducting an election that will be seen by all sides as being free, fair and credible – for the good of the nation. We insist on the use of BVAS and electronic transmission of results in the 2023 elections. Every vote must and be seen to count in 2023.

Nigerians will hear more from us in the coming days on the modalities our participation in the presidential campaign will take.

Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed,

Hassan Gidado
National Secretary

It is the season of love and giving, and itel Nigeria has today donated mobile class libraries, hundreds of books, school bags, stationery, food coolers, and other items to over 1,000 pupils across primary schools in Oworonshoki, Lagos state.

This, under the brand’s Love Always On CSR initiative, is in line with the company’s mission to impact lives in the communities they cater to. itel may produce smartphones, accessories, TVs, and other electronics but it is also known for its Love Always On CSR activities; an initiative set up to reach children and underprivileged communities across the country.

The pupils of Muslim Mission Nursery and Primary school, Local Government Nursery and Primary school, Mosafejo Nursery and Primary school, Oworo Nursery and Primary school, and Ayeroju Nursery and Primary school were excited to welcome the brand to their schools. The Christmas and children-centric event featured face painting, games, and other fun activities children love.

But the key highlight for the children was when itel announced the donation of 100 brand-new school uniforms, shoes, and socks to children funded by the Lagos state’s government Zero Project. itel also went further to distribute school bags, socks, shoes, books, and other educational items to the rest of the children in the schools. They could not contain their excitement as it felt like a dream come true to them.

Ayobami, one of the children present at the event kept saying that his parents would be so happy to see what he was taking home. A teacher also said, ‘itel, thank you for coming to our schools and blessing these beautiful children with such great gifts. I am so sure that their parents and guardians will be thankful too. You have eased the financial burden of providing educational materials for the children.’

Oke Umurhohwo, Marketing Manager for itel West Africa said, ‘Christmas is the season of love, sharing, and giving, and at itel, we are so thankful for the opportunity to give back whenever and wherever we can. Our children are our future, and we will keep enabling them with the right tools needed for a brighter future.’

It is exciting to see how itel has incorporated sustainable development goals into its core business strategies, making it a brand that doesn’t just provide smartphones and appliances for everyone, but also a brand that cares deeply for the needs of its consumers and society at large. With itel, love is always on.

Investigation conducted by The Network shows that over 185 students who were given the Federal Government sponsored Presidential Amnesty Programme’s scholarship last year are affected by the weird action of the school’a operatives.

The authorities of the institution threw out the bewildered students in the middle of the examination into DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (GEN 201)

The students told the Network that the school authority did not notify any one of them in advance only to throw them out of the examination hall.

The students also said that their parents were not also put on notice because the sudden action of the institution.

As at the time of filing this report many of the young students are scattered all over the institution while their colleagues are in hall.

The students lamented while they stood in the corridor to write the examination, they were not allowed the sign the attendance for the general paper.

They are also not sure whether the examination will be recorded for them:

Others lamented that the institution truncated their examination after long period of preparation for the examination with prior notification to the parents.

The Network gathered that the students were among over 500 colleagues who were already seated at the multi purpose hall of the University to write the examination when a lecturer called out all the students on Amnesty Scholarship to leave the hall.

A male student who was distraught with the development recalled how the school asked a messenger to tell them they were being prevented from the examination because their school fees had not been paid for the semester.

The student said, “On Thursday 8th December 2022, all students offering the course titled DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP (GEN 201) amounting to over 500 students in number convened at the Baze University multipurpose hall to sit for the final exams for this semester.

“All pre exam practices were duly conducted; we were searched, allocated our seat numbers and schooled on the rules by which we were to be bound for the duration of the exam.

“We were seated and ready to start at any moment when a lecturer informed us that he will be calling out a list of names, and if your name or matriculation number is mentioned you are to walk to the end of the hall.

“Naturally we guessed that the aim of this was to filter out the students that had not met the attendance requirements to write the exam but this theory was struck out when we noticed a pattern; only amnesty students we’re being called out.

“We were then escorted out of the hall and taken to the registration block where we were informed through a “messenger” that we have henceforth been suspended by the school from writing the final exams due to the fact that we have not paid our school fees for this semester.

“This was all the information we were given as we were left to scatter about the school. Some of us made a choice to write the exam as it was being held online.

“We unsure whether it will be recorded as we did not get the opportunity to sign the mandatory physical attendance in the hall before we were escorted out.”

A Senior staff of the Amnesty Office who confided in the Network said that the office could not pay the schools because of paucity of funds.

The Network gathered that the Amnesty Office has sent a delegation led by the Head of Reintegration to Base University to stop the curious conduct.

The Network called the Registrar of Base University but the calls to his mobile telephone lines did not connect.

Kwara state Governor, Mallam Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq has indicted speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi , majority leader , Mogaji Olawoyin as well as other members of the House over failures to empower their constituents despite huge take home attached to their individual offices

Ramoni who made this known during a campaign flag of in Babaloma , Ifelodun LG , said out of all 24 members of this 9th Assembly headed by Yakubu Danladi, only Owolabi had been able to carry out few empowerments for his Constituents while the rest lawmakers pocket their money leaving constituents languishing in poverty.

The Governor who spoke shyisly in Yoruba language to his Audience said he’s surprised that out of 24 APC lawmakers elected by people , only one (Owolabi) is coming back to his Constituents with empowerments.

“It even amazed me how Owolabi is doing all these , he and other members of the House (Speaker inclusive) are earning same salary , what’s now the difference? The Governor queried

Answering the question himself , Ramoni submitted that other lawmakers in the House are selfishly enriching themselves and their families.

“The difference is that while the rest lawmakers in the House of Assembly are pocketing their own money and spending it on their individual families, only Owolabi is not poketing his own, you can see he’s wearing lace “

It should be noted that Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq himself has not conducted any meaningful empowerments since he assumed office despite record of almost five hundred billion naira he had recieved in form of Bond, loan, Covid19 fund ,Faac and other fund coming to government coffers , the Governor has also been unable to carry out any project commissioning since inception .

Just few days back, President Muhammadu Buhari had also indicted Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq, asking Kwarans to hold him responsible for the current hardship being experienced at the grassroots over his failure to conduct local government elections.

President Buhari said the fund meant for Local government areas in the country are being diverted by Governors while people wallow in hardship. Few governors had come out to exonerate themselves but Abdulrahaman Abdulrazaq had kept mum , knowing fully that under his government, the 16 LGs have Neen crippled

The Governor statement is a clear indictment on apc-led administration in the state especially as 2023 elections is in the offing . The governor has successfully established that the crop of people paraded by his party, the APC, have failed their constituents .

16 teams will battle for honors and glories at the third edition of Oke Umurhohwo Football Tournament in Ughelli, Delta State.

The football tourney sponsored by Honorable Oke Umurhohwo will kickoff on Monday, 5th December, 2022 with four games.

The first match will see Ichofe Wend FA taking Maro 11 FA by 10am at the Ughelli Township Stadium in Ughelli.

Elite FC will be taking on Morning Star FC by 12noon while Solution FC will engage Delta Eagles FC by 2pm.

The match between Igbunu FA and Heroes Star will witness opening ceremony where invited guests will grace the occasion by 4pm.

Organizers disclosed that eventual winner of the tournament will cart home 250,000 naira with Gold medals and set of jerseys while runners up will get 150,000 naira with Silver Medals and a st of jerseys.

There are prizes in place for Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, Top Scorer and Best Goalkeeper.

The grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, 17th December, 2022.

All matches to hold at the Ughelli Township stadium.

In his resolve to reform the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd), the Interim Administrator of the intervention programme has sought the cooperation and support of traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region.

Gen. Ndiomu who noted that as custodians of the culture and tradition of their people, the monarchs command enormous influence which they can deploy to propagate the new policy direction, assured that his policy direction is aimed at ensuring that the Programme becomes more impactful to the real beneficiaries.

The PAP boss who stated this when he hosted the traditional rulers under the aegis of the Association of Niger Delta Monarchs in Port Harcourt on Thursday, posited that to maintain the desired peace and stability in the region, monarchs must be consulted just like other critical Niger Delta stakeholders.

“Ever since I assumed office, I have been trying to get myself acquainted with the mode of operations of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. I have interacted with several stakeholders across the region and I realized that I will also have to meet with the monarchs in the Niger Delta.

“Being the principal custodians of the tradition and culture of our people and by virtue of your positions as monarchs, you’re the closest to the people.

“PAP is a national security programme and considering the role of our monarchs in the Niger Delta, it is very important that you’re carried along with the new policies that I intend to introduce to ensure we maintain peace and security across our region.

“I believe that through you, we can reach out to educate people that we need to maximize the benefits of this programme. This programme has already swallowed over a trillion naira. I personally believe that if we had properly directed the resources, a lot more could have been achieved,” he noted.

Ndiomu told the monarchs that he was seeking the approval of the federal government to commence the process of getting ex-agitators to form cooperatives as part of the deliberate policy to make them self-reliant.

He said despite the obvious challenges, the PAP has recorded some degree of success, especially in education and skills acquisition, but insisted that much more could have been achieved.

“We have recorded quite a number of successes in the educational pursuit of the dreams of ex-agitators and all other indigenes of Niger Delta through the very robust scholarship schemes.

“As of today, we have 2,984 students in training, in various tertiary institutions across the country.

“We have also over these years between 2015-2022 produced 121 first-class graduates in various levels of the scheme.

“The total number of graduates between 2018-2022 is 2,881. On this number we have Bsc students 1,862, Masters degree 362, PhD 38, we also have about 53 students currently schooling abroad, first degree, a masters degree, and PhD,” he added.

Highlighting some of the challenges that have bedeviled the programme, Ndiomu said, “One of the challenges I inherited in the amnesty office is the issue of the accuracy of the database, now like I said earlier, initially from the disarmament and demobilisation exercise they had recaptured about 30,000.

“Now when I took over office, they still had the 30,000 intact, based on our records. But you’ll agree with me that that is not realistic, what that means is that nobody died, nobody graduated from the university and got gainfully employed and so I decided to investigate.

“I’m sure our royal majesty and highnesses must have read in the papers some reactions by some of our people, at the end of the day, they call you all sorts of names, but what I am doing is in their best interest.

“In my investigations, now there are two categories of what we call stipend payments of the ex-agitators, you have the bulk payment and you have the single individual payments too, that is supposed to be to individual ex-agitators.

“In the course of our investigations, the bulk payment was explained to me, and I want to believe that that is the truth as monies paid in bulk to some of the ex-militant leaders and the basis for that is because there were a number of ex-agitators in the list, that was not accounted for disarmament and demobilisation phases, and so there was the need for all payments to be made to the ex-militant leaders who will, in turn, disburse same to those affected.

“But strangely in the course of investigating, if we could justify that of the bulk payment programme of the ex-militant leaders, we now found individuals with single BVN having multiple payments into their accounts with a single BVN, so which means a single BVN receiving 33 stipend payments of 65 thousand naira monthly.

“In a bid to now delist these names, well not delisting them to say we’re completely denying them because we have to understand exactly why an individual had 33 stipend payments into his account.”

Executive Chairman and General Coordinator of the Association of Niger Delta Monarchs of Nigeria, HRM King Frank Okurakpo, assured Ndiomu of their support in ensuring the success of his tenure.

Other traditional rulers who spoke at the event described the meeting as a necessary interaction for the good of the Niger Delta, noting that it was the first time any head of the PAP was reaching out to them to collate their views on the programme.

The monarchs jointly urged Ndiomu to remain focused and priotize the needs of the ex-agitators while also avoiding some mistakes of his predecessors.

Senator Bassey Albert Akpan and his supporters have been warned to desist from further blackmail and smear campaigns against Governor Udom Emmanuel, over the current legal imbroglio of the Young Progressives Party’s gubernatorial candidate.

A major advocacy group, Akwa Ibom Integrity Alliance in a reaction by its Chairman, Barr Stephen Abia, said it was unfair and uncharitable for the embattled senator to transfer blames of his travails to the doorsteps of Governor Emmanuel who neither originated the charges nor even knows of the facts of the case.

The group opined that to remotely or directly blame Governor Emmanuel for the probe of Bassey Akpan’s financial impropriety, was devilish, wicked and malicious.

“From investigations by our team of professionals, Governor Emmanuel was not in office as Governor, when the case of bribery and corruption against Bassey Albert Akpan commenced”, said Barr Stephen Abia.

“The case was purely on the heels of a probe of the infamous alleged slush funds against a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, where part of the funds where allegedly linked to a certain Jide Omokoro who confessed during investigation that he used the funds to bribe Senator Albert Akpan through car donations amounting to N204million to get contracts.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested and detained Senator Akpan over cars that he had allegedly received as bribe from Jide Omokore while serving as Akwa Ibom Finance Commissioner and Chairman of the State Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee.

“Investigations show that the Omokore’s companies – Bay Atlantic Energy and Sahel Energy – received contracts from the Senator Akpan’s InterMinisterial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee and the EFCC claimed the vehicles were used to bribe Akpan.

“We have discovered that it is only on the basis of jurisdiction that the case could not be decided a long time ago when the trial was conducted at Justice O.A. Taiwo presided Federal High Court in Lagos, hence the case was reassigned to the federal high court in Uyo in line with Senator Albert Akpan’s argument that the offense took place in Uyo.

“When he was testifying at the High Court, Senator Albert admitted receiving the car bribe from Omokaro and further brought some members of his campaign team as witnesses that they were given the contentious vehicles to campaign for Albert’s elections in 2015.

“Throughout the duration of this trial and till this moment, there is no record that the Akwa Ibom State government was a party in the case, nor can it be said that Governor Emmanuel or any of his appointees had testified in the case. It is therefore worrisome that Senator Bassey Albert would come out to castigate the Governor for a sin he allegedly committed when Governor Emmanuel had not assumed office”, the group enthused.

According to Barr Stephen Abia, himself an indigene of Ibiono Ibom local government where Bassey Albert also hails from, the people of Ibiono Ibom have disassociated themselves from the corruption allegations against their son, and are also ready to remain in support of the transparent leadership of Governor Emmanuel, which has brought about monumental feats in the State since 2015.

Judgement on the case is expected to come up on Friday this week at the Federal High Court in Uyo

The Senate has endorsed the N48 billion oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded by the Federal Government to former leader of the Mivement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo).

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum (Upstream), Albert Akpan, made the disclosure while speaking with journalists shortly after presenting the report of Senate ad hoc Committee on Oil Lifting, Theft and the Impact on Petroleum Production and Oil Revenues.

The Senator stated that there was nothing wrong with the decision of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and the Federal Government to engage non-state actors to secure oil pipelines as far as the contract was achieving the objective for its award.

He said that with the award of the contract an appreciable level of achievement had been made in the fight against the scourge of oil theft.

He stressed that the recent engagement of the pipeline surveillance contract to address oil theft is yielding positive results with noticeable increase in the country’s oil production capacity.

The Senator who commended the NNPCL for the decision said that 500,000 barrels and 87,000 barrels of crude oil per day have been restored in Forcados and Bonny terminals respectively.


He said that the Forcados and Bonny terminals which are major export facilities had not been operational for over seven months because of the oil theft and pipeline vandalism until the decision to engage the security firms.

He recalled that the oil theft had reduced the country’s oil production capacity and a caused a loss of Two billion Dollar to the country since January.

“There are both formal and informal approaches to solving the issue. If that contract was contracted duly and processed, we don’t have any issue with it and if it yields desired outcomes, I don’t think there is anything wrong in it.

“We commend the NNPCL for the action. As we speak, the Forcado terminals have restored 500,000 barrels a day to our national production.

“Just about five days ago, the first 87,000 barrels a day was received at the Bonny terminals. So, things are getting better.

“This means that the abridged intervention done recently by government have yielded positive results because the production would have been shortened and you could imagine the effect on investment because investors will hold back if they cannot derive maximum profits from their investments.”


The Senate had earlier adopted at plenary the recommendations of the ad-hoc committee that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) should resume full regulatory oversight of all existing crude oil terminals in Nigeria

Dead silence from all the S/South Govs since the revelation by Gov. Wike. Yet, they make it a pastime to abuse Buhari’s govt everyday when they cannot account for the humongous amounts released to them by Buhari’s govt, monies PDP past govts failed to pay. See the figures below�

The lawmaker representing Egbeda/ Ona ara federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Honorable Akin Alabi has distributed 200 brand new laptops to selected ,qualified youths who participated in the 3 days digital marketing training facilitated by Servicom, an Agency of the federal government of Nigeria .
Honorable Alabi handed over the computers to the participants today at Devine grace event center at Akakia area of ibadan after successfully completing the training .

Honorable Alabi explained that the initiative powered by servicom was one of federal government initiatives geared towards empowering Nigerian youths , especially startups and existing entrepreneurs on better ways to drive traffic for there business and also learn the basics of running a successful business in this harsh environment.

The lawmaker who appreciated the speaker of the house , Rt. honorable Femi Gbajabiamila for his support and leadership style ,noted that he was able to facilitate the initiative to his constituency because the leader gave all the support needed to make it a reality .

Honorable Alabi who further explained that the empowerment program for today was basically for the youths ,disclosed that during the one week event put aside to flag off his second term campaign , different empowerment programs for different caliber of people were also done , with commissioning of different infrastructural facilities.

He said if given the opportunity to represent his constituents again , he will build on all the good initiative aimed at making life meaningful for his constituents by multiplying the efforts by ten times in order to spread the dividends of democracy to his people .

While reeling out his score card in the past three years to beneficiaries at the event , with lots of success recorded on youth empowerment, women empowerment , constituency development , improvement of education, infrastructural development , constituency outreach , brilliant representation at the upper chamber with presentation of developmental motions and bills and lots more, he said he is ready to do more , if his constituents are ready to trust him with their votes

He however pleaded with the lucky participant to help propagate the good news and also utilize the materials , with total market value at over 3.5million naira , to build their personal capacity and also expand their business.

While he emphasized that lot more developmental initiatives can be achieved and facilitated to the constituency, he implores electorate at his constituency to consider voting the ruling party from top to bottom, as this will go a long way in helping to spread the dividends of Democracy.

Some of the lucky beneficiaries who could not hold there joy on what was learnt, the opportunities exposed to and the presentation of brand new laptops , lauded Akin Alabi , who they described as the best lawmaker they have ever had , assuring him of there total support at all times.

In A move to improve sporting activities and education in Egbeda/ Ona Ara Federal constituency.

The federal lawmaker Representing Egbeda/ Ona Ara federal constituency, Honorable Akin Alabi has commissioned a newly constructed standard football pitch with market value worth over 100 million naira at Urban day grammar school ,at old ife road , ibadan .

Honorable Alabi commissioned the the sport facility today as part of programs lined up to flag off his 2nd term political campaign in coming election.

The lawmaker while officially opening the pitch for use noted that the construction of the facilities was his personal initiative at reviving sporting activities, especially football in his constituency and also imputing to education development .

He said that the construction of the pitch at urban day grammar school was intentional, as the school field was known to be the home base and hub for football activities at Egbeda in 90s ,however things went bad due mismanagement and nonchalant attitude of government towards sporting activities, hence the reason it was structured there just to bring back the old glory and also position the school where it ought to be

While he reiterated that the construction of the pitch was duly funded from his personal purse , he disclosed that the long term advantage of the facility at the premises of the secondary will serve as revenue generator for the urban day grammar school, as money made from sporting activities on the facility will be used to complement whatever is given by the state to development the learning facilities on ground ,boost sporting activities and also discover new talents from and outside the school.

He added that the football pitch is one of a kind in the state as the engineering done to put this together is top notch , made to withstand any type of weather with a long term guarantee duration of 10 years .

Moreover , he said all this lofty developmental initiatives is just a tip of the iceberg, as more is still to come if he is being re-elected in the coming election to serve for another term, noting that for a lawmaker to influence and push for benefits for his constituents, being a long term member is a major criteria, adding that if re-elected as a returning member , more dividend of democracy is ascertained.

In the same vein , he implored his constituents to consider voting the Ruling party APC from top to bottom , as this will make it easy and faster to bring development not only to the federal and state territories but also to local government areas and LCDAs all around the state .

Political leaders , party members , state house of assembly aspirant like Mr Jide Falade and senatorial aspirant Dr. Yunus Akintunde and constituents , present at the event lauded Honorable Akin Alabi for his relentless efforts and drive in repositioning Egbeda /Ona Ara federal constituency as best in the state with series of developmental ideas not leaving his outstanding representation at the green chamber .

They moreover pledge their support for this re election in the coming elections .

The event climaxed with a novelty match played by Akin Alabi and fiends and a friendly match played between lekki United of Lagos and Akin Alabi Fc, football clubs owned by the people man. Akin Alabi

Samson Okpetu, frontline lawyer and activist has decried the unlawful arrest of F.E.A Ozekhome over a leadership crisis in Iviukwe community, Agenebode, Edo state believed to be fueled by the Edo state deputy governor.

According to Okpetu, in May this year, the 83 year old Ozekhome was arrested by the police over the crisis and was detained for days before being charged to court.

Ozekhome was later granted bail and has always presented himself for trial to commence but the prosecutor have not shown any diligence in prosecuting the case.

“That notwithstanding, Ozekhome has never jumped bail and no warrant of arrest was issued against him but one Ayoola Ojo, the DPO of Agenebode, sent his officers to Lagos to arrest Ozekhome for the same purported offence which the court has already granted him bail.

“The general public may also wish to know that one Peter Okpetu was recently arrested by the same Ayoola Ojo and taken to Benin City, Edo State since on the 4th of November, 2022, notwithstanding that a pending fundamental human right suit is already before the federal high court in Benin, Edo State”.
Okpetu laments.

“To further show the abuse of power, the police officer in charge of Peter Okpetu’s case went to obtain 14 days detention order, when investigation has already been concluded and some alleged suspects charged to court. When the family of Peter Okpetu sought for his administrative bail, the Commissioner of Police directed that he should be taken to court.

“On 14th November, 2022, while Peter was being taken to court at Auchi where the matter is still pending, on getting to Ekpoma, Edo State, the police officer escorting him received a phone call on instructions from above to return Peter back to Benin and he is still in custody.

“Information available is that Ozekhome and Peter are being detained because they refused to attend the several meetings the deputy Governor of Edo State called in order to resolve the leadership crisis in their community. To the best of my knowledge, I find it strange that not attending meetings has become an offence”, Okpetu stated.

He came into the job at a very difficult moment in the history of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP. By the time President Muhammadu Buhari announced Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (retd) as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme on September 22, 2022, the real essence of the programme had virtually been defeated with the expectations of the people of the Niger Delta, on whose behalf PAP was instituted, had been substantially dashed.

At the time he was ushered into office, it was clear to Ndiomu, a retired but brilliant military officer and lawyer, who had excelled in all his command and leadership positions while in service, that he had a tough job to deal with given the level of rot and disillusionment that had set into the scheme and eroded the confidence of both the government and the people.

It was also obvious to the interim administrator that the scheme had significantly deviated from the main cause for which the late Umaru Yar’Adua predicated the programme when he declared amnesty for militants in the Niger Delta to lay down their arms and accept peace on June 25, 2009 in return for the government to train them, empower them and develop the region.

Anger

At the time of Ndiomu’s emergence too, anger was rising high over the future and relevance of the PAP following the reported plan by the Federal Government to terminate the 13-year-old programme since in the thinking of the government, the scheme had outlived its usefulness and substantially failed to address rising crime wave in the region as evidenced in the large quantity of oil being stolen in the Niger Delta by malevolent elements and other sundry crimes, which have put the region on edge despite the sustenance and prevalence of PAP.

There was also heightened tension among leaders of the region and particularly the 30,000 individuals who claimed to have dropped their guns for peace and have been receiving monthly payments of N65, 000 from PAP since 2009. At the same time, previous administrations are reported to have left behind huge questionable debts totaling N90 billion and another doubtful N4.5 billion in PAP’s cashbook for Ndiomu to contend with on his arrival, a burden that has continued to stare at him on the face like timeless mirage.

But if these are considered as simple issues, Ndiomu knew he had a more complex and daring task to deal with and this has to do with a group of roughly five or six powerful and disruptive individuals who remotely control all the ‘foot soldiers’ in the Niger Delta. These unseen but powerful elements have been remotely controlling the activities of the PAP since its inception and can make or mar any administration or administrator who attempts to ignore them in the running of the scheme.

They decide who should be or should not be captured as a beneficiary of PAP and they also largely determine which contract should be given to who and at how much and whether it should be done and should not be done and also lead protests to block and free the only highway in the area- the East-West Highway.

This largely explains why the figure of 30,000 beneficiaries of PAP has continued to be elongated rather than diminishing after thousands of them had been successfully trained and empowered with start-up packs and many others given huge cash and equipment to begin businesses of their choices in many areas of human endeavours.

Burden

The 30,000 members receiving N65,000 stipends monthly have become a big burden on the neck of any administrator and any attempt to use forensic method to ascertain who the beneficiaries are, where they are located, what they are doing and which arm they submitted, have been ferociously resisted by the powerful figures who arrogate to themselves the toga of being the ‘godfathers’ of the amnesty programme in the Niger Delta, who should be treated with the highest level of respect and recognition by any chief executive appointed for the PAP.

The real trouble that created a serious drawback for PAP before Ndiomu’s appointment was that only a handful of powerful and influential elements used their positions and connections with the administration to draw down undeserving and questionable contracts worth hundreds of millions of Naira and went on to become overnight billionaires to the chagrin of majority of the real persons and communities that actually surrendered arms and brought about the institutionalization of the PAP in 2009.

This has been the major reason why there are frequent showdowns between the supporters and opponents of the ‘new billionaires’ and those who feel abandoned and marginalized by the PAP and the federal government before Ndiomu arrived on the scene. They are seriously craving for recognition and designation of roles for them by PAP in order to have a sense of belonging in the programme, which they want to see and feel as their own and by so doing, show their support, understanding and goodwill.

But there is hope that Ndiomu will address all the interest groups and entities that are contending for the soul of PAP given his strong leadership and military skills. He served well and recorded tremendous success in the military and left with an unblemished career record. Ndiomu remains fearless but charismatic and straightforward, attributes that might have endeared him to the Presidency in appointing him as the interim administrator of the PAP.

It is obvious that the Presidency must have read the minds of all factions in the Niger Delta very well in deciding to bring in such a brilliant and pragmatic administrator in the person of Ndiomu, who does not only understands the yearnings and aspirations of the people and the tiny but powerful subsets that always attempt to hijack the benefits meant for all, but also has the pedigree, determination and the capacity to provide the needed leadership to steer the PAP from near failure to success, add value to the people of the region and fulfill the mandate that the Federal Government set for it in 2009.

No-go-areas

Ndiomu has already started well by striking one of the no-go-areas of PAP, which the ‘godfathers’ or ‘untouchables’ have been using over the years to claim huge cash from PAP and smile to the bank. The tough military officer has successfully removed no fewer than 1900 questionable names from the list of 30,000 PAP beneficiaries thereby saving the much needed cash for the government.

He is likely to take off more and more questionable and undefended names from the list thereby pruning fake beneficiaries from taking home free cash on a monthly basis as they have been doing since 2009.

Ndiomu has also touched on a very crucial area of waste by negotiating with one of the contractors who claimed to be owned N4.5 billion by the immediate past administrator and successfully reducing the amount to N3.2 billion, thereby saving a huge N1.3 billion for the government in the process.

This is how leadership should be and this is what people-oriented management is all about. Maj-Gen. Ndiomu has so far demonstrated by actions and utterances that while he is ready to promote the interest of the people and bring about peace in the Niger Delta, train and rehabilitate the beneficiaries of the PAP, he is going to do so only on the basis of transparency, accountability and respect for all individuals and groups.

He has made it clear to all that he is not ready for the business-as-usual model of operation that has kept the PAP on its knees for years and virtually derailed its cause and almost convinced the Federal government to shut it down and move on. He has also promised to look into reports that the scholarship programme meant for the children of Niger Delta under the PAP was breached and sold to non-natives by officials of the agency.

This enquiry is imperative given the fact that close to 1700 places meant for Niger Delta youths were reportedly hijacked and sold like cakes to the highest bidders from any part of the country, a development that smacks of fraud and betrayal of trust by the said officials, who should be fished out and punished publicly to serve as a deterrent to others.

Ndiomu has also acted as a mediator and peace advocate by appealing to the federal government to continue to sustain and run PAP as a Social Intervention Scheme rather than terminating it as was previously contemplated. Happily, the federal government last week announced its determination to continue to sustain PAP and make it work for the Niger Delta people, a development that significantly calmed frayed nerves and brightened the hopes of those who depend on it for training their children at home and abroad and those who earn substantially from PAP through contracts and stipends.


This development also calls for all the actors in the Niger Delta to work closely with the new administrator in making the programme a success and a scheme that works and gives value to all and not a tiny few as it has been in the past years, creating enmity and bitterness in the process.

Rather than opposing and fighting Ndiomu, the current position PAP calls for stakeholders to rally round Ndiomu to fashion out ways and means of making those who have become billionaires from the scheme to also provide the needed support and foundation for the numerous youths in the region to be gainfully engaged so as to desist from untoward activities that can dent the image of the people of the region.

Right man

By all intents and purposes, the new administrator, Maj-Gen. Barry Tariye Ndiomu, means well and should be supported rather than being pulled down as has been the case since the inception of the PAP. As tough as the times may be and as intriguing as the PAP has turned out to be since its inception, Ndiomu appears as the right man for the tough job and at a challenging season like this!

In past days, I paid a visit to Bayelsa State to see the effects of the recent floods on Bayelsans and to urge FGN to act swifly. It is quite saddening. A special appropriation bill must be passed to address this problem. For now, #HopeAgain2023 offered help. pic.twitter.com/AdTNv2TIJB

— Adewole Adebayo ESQ (@Pres_Adebayo) November 12, 2022

It was a measure of capacity and preparedness for the extraordinary challenges that lie ahead and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ticked all boxes. Okowa was at the Townhall meeting organized by Arise TV on Sunday night in place of his partner on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential ticket, Atiku Abubakar. He admirably convinced Nigerians of his suitability for the presidential office with his exceptional brilliance in canvassing positions and his maturity in pointing out answers to nagging questions.

In unveiling Okowa as his running-mate in June this year, Atiku implied that he wanted “a president-in-waiting” and someone he can depend on in the task of reversing the “destructive impact of the past seven years of the APC government.” [/b]The former vice president knows well enough that the task ahead won’t be easy and believed a partner who has what it takes to share in the burden is all he needed.

Okowa proved him right at the town hall meeting. [b]One of the main tasks of a running mate is to present the ticket as the best option available, brilliantly articulating plans that placed it ahead of other tickets. In the beginning, there was a sense of gloom around the hall. Murmurs that Atiku, not Okowa should be standing on the podium to debate other presidential candidates grew into a loud discontent.

Picking up the microphone, the Delta State Governor shredded those concerns with the exceptionality that comes from the incredible solutions to Nigeria’s challenges in the PDP recovery plan document. While many of the speakers only see problems, Okowa shared hopes and optimism– accentuated by the confidence that is expected of a politician who is prepared.

“There are numerous challenges in Nigeria today. We have insecurity. We have the issue of disunity. Until we can unite ourselves as a nation, we cannot move forward,” Okowa said at the meeting, and then went on to project likely ways that the issues can be tackled for the country to progress.

It was a performance that showcased Okowa’s pragmatism in taking on issues and why he will be a helpful hand to Atiku as president, going by the ability to connect solutions to a problem. “Technology is important in combating insecurity– and we will acquire it. We will acquire it for intelligence gathering and sharing,” Okowa aptly submitted.

For the entire time he held the microphone, he made it clear that the focus of him and Atiku is fixing the country and not just trading blame, which in truth is what Nigerians need at a time like this. Even more impressive was how Okowa conveyed the understanding of what an average Nigerian is going through and projected a ray of hope under a PDP federal government.

When the structure of government was up for discussion, Okowa did not waste time expressing the commitment of an Atiku presidency to true federalism, where power is devolved around the federating units. Doing this, he canvassed, will open up the country to a lot of benefits as the ‘too powerful’ center as we have it now, has impeded competitiveness.

By all measures, Okowa showed the balance we have not seen in recent times in a presidential ticket, and without doubt, signaled the huge benefits that Nigeria as a nation could benefit from a partnership with Atiku. He made it very obvious that he can easily fill into the role of president whenever Atiku is not available for that role.

Demonstrating the role he will play in helping Atiku achieve his mandate of fixing Nigeria, Okowa pointedly notes that “The right path is to use government resources to develop entrepreneurs, make people’s lives easier, and grow the economy so that people will live in a better condition.” This goes to show the strength of the partnership and the best for Nigeria at a precarious time like this.

Oke Umurhohwo writes from Ughelli, Delta State.

Now that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government has been magnanimous in shelving the plan to wind down the Amnesty Programme, the stage is now set for Ndiomu to perform in flying colours. It is his time to shine.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) was birthed in June 2009, under the thoughtful administration of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. The mandate was very clear. To disarm, demoblize, and reintegrate ex-agitators back into normal productive life. Repentant militants who willfully surrendered their arms to the Federal Government, would be profiled, trained and empowered to become self-reliant, to the extent that there would be no need to return to taking up arms.



Being that the emergence of Major General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (Rtd) as the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme came at a time when the Federal Government was considering winding down the Programme, it would have been a missed opportunity for the Amnesty Office and the Niger Delta at large to benefit from his sagacity. From a realistic point of view, the Amnesty Programme has not fully lived up to its mandate. Even as thousands of ex-agitators have been disarmed, the noticeable shortfall in the process is leadership to aggresively drive rehabilitation and reintegration of the ex-agitators. General Ndiomu brings this and many more to the table. He is a complete package.

The Operation Safe Corridor (OSC), a similar rehabilitation programme for ‘repentant’ Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast is still up and running. Although it seemed like a path to peace, the OSC which was initiated in 2016, has not brought relative peace to the Northeast when compared to the impact of the Amnesty Programme in the Niger Delta which largely succeeded in calming fraying nerves. Stakeholders had strongly advocated for restrategizing and sustaining of the Programme to improve upon the successes recorded. Thus, terminating the Programme would have sparked another round of unrest in the region.

It is on record that at a time when tensions were high over corruption that rattled the Amnesty Programme and ex-agitators became disenchanted, former President Jonathan reportedly advised the then Amnesty boss- Col Milland Dixon Dikio that: “One thing I should tell you is that you should not bite more than you can chew as the saying goes. You should accommodate the projects which you think you can effectively carry out with your budget.”

The Task Ahead For General Ndiomu

Now that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Government has been magnanimous in shelving the plan to wind down the Amnesty Programme, the stage is now set for Ndiomu to perform in flying colours. It is his time to shine. Buhari’s gesture was sequel wide consultations between Ndiomu and ex-agitators accross the Niger Delta, and then subsequent feedback to the Government. The Government is now determined more than ever before, to ensure that the Programme is re-engineered towards ensuring that its original mandate is fully realised culminating in a gradual phased winding down in the near future.

Interestingly, if the current administration had not back-tracked on its plan to wind down the Amnesty Programme, it would have gone down the annals of history, that Yar’ Adua a Fulani man from Katsina initiated the Programme, and then Buhari, another Fulani man from Katsina, terminated it. Trust Nigerians, many would have attached cultural sentiments to it.

The computation made by the National Security Adviser Babagana Monguno in 2020 that the Presidential Amnesty Programme’s fund totalling N712 billion released since its creation could not be accounted for, is another reason to make a case for better leadership and management. The rot in the Amnesty Office and the Federal Government’s earlier intention to wind down, shows clearly that the General has a herculean task ahead.

Over the years, a lot of people have fed fat from the Presidential Amnesty Programme, many of whom are called ‘billionaires’ today. Sadly, majority of the main agitators who battled in the creeks, are not part of this ‘billionaires’ clique. The Amnesty Programme has made a lot of business owners billionaires, but majority of the ex-agitators are still trying to find sustainable livelihoods. Corruption is now fighting back. The reason why sponsored groups are blackmailing the General is because he came on board to stop their ‘business as usual’. But he must not renege on his quest to put the Amnesty Programme back on the path of righteousness.

Part of his focus is also to make the Federal Government see reasons why the Amnesty Programme should be redesigned as a Social Investment Programme, rather than winding it down totally, due to the outcome of stakeholders engagement. This, he has succeeded in doing already.

Arguably, the Amnesty Programme has not created much value in terms of employment and engagement of the trained ex-agitators. There are massive projects and investments that have been carried out in the Niger Delta, especially in the Oil and Gas industry, but with little or no strategic measures to engage these trained ex-agitators. In the course of the Programme, scholarships were given to hundreds of non-indigenes of the Niger Delta region.

Another thrust of thought is that in Nigeria’s Northeast Development Commission, one would hardly find any Niger Deltan working there. But in the Presidential Amnesty Office, non-Niger Deltans, including those from the north, hold sensitive positions.

In May this year, Nigeria saw its crude production plunge to its lowest level in more than 30 years to 1.23 million b/d, according to estimates by S&P Global Commodity Insights. Aside some operational and technical factors, sabotage and oil theft was largely responsible for the shortfall. Key oil fields and terminals across the Niger Delta has been hit by a resurgence in attacks on critical oil infrastructures.

The estimates added that Nigeria alongside Angola, are not expected to be able to meet their current OPEC quotas “for at least another year, having produced almost 300,000 b/d less than their combined quotas throughout 2021.” According to Platts Analytics, Nigeria’s crude production is not expected to reach much more than 1.51 million b/d in 2023 and could dip lower by the end of next year.

His Early Impact At The Amnesty Office

Like Robert Kiyosaki rightly noted, “Without great leadership, mission and a team that deliver results at a high level, even the best product won’t make a company successful!”. Upon assumption of office, the General met over N90bn debt on ground. He also inherited a N4.5bn debt owed to contractors, which he swiftly renegotiated down to the tune of N1.3bn, thereby saving costs for the Federal Government. This is precision leadership with a deliberate intent to right the many wrongs in the Amnesty Programme.

Structurally, the Amnesty Programme is designed to run in three phases- Training, Empowerment and Engagement, after which the beneficiaries are expected to exit. Sadly, the 30,000 figure of beneficiaries captured since inception is not reducing, it is rather swelling. This formed a mickle part of why the Presidency was uncomfortable with the Programme. The Government had raised eyebrows that the Programme which was established with 30,000 ex-agitators still runs with the same number, even after billions of Naira have been spent on training and reintegration programmes.

In a deliberate move to tackle this, General Ndiomu’s earliest efforts since assuming office has beaten down the 30,000 ex-agitators list by over 1,900 persons. This would further save cost for Federal Government, as these dismissed persons will no long be under payroll for the N65,000 or so monthly stipend.

Another permutation is that if Tompolo, NNPC Ltd and other stakeholders had leveraged on the 30,000 ex-agitators to secure manpower to execute the Pipeline Surveillance Contract, it would have reduced the number of untrained ex-agitators, and would have been a win-win situation. The numbers will be trimmed down, just as more value would have been created for the Federal Government. Many have also imagined that the Federal Government considers Tomplolo’s Pipeline Protection Contract as a tenable excuse to end the Amnesty Programme.

His Track Record

General Ndiomu’s military training and track records in the Army, especially in terms of churning out positive results in assignments given to him, was top notch. No doubt, this must have triggered President Buhari to appoint him at this critical time as the Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme.

An indigene of Odoni in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Ndiomu was admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy as part of 29th Regular Combatant Course, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1983.

His service was meritorious as the Garrison Commander, Nigerian Army Headquarters and at various times, he was the Chief of Training and Operations, besides other command and staff appointments he held in the course of his successful military career before retiring in December 2017.

He is also a trained lawyer, and an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Badagry, Harvard Kennedy School, and George C Marshall Centre for European Security Studies, among others.

“Under my watch, we shall place premium on transparency, accountability, and hard work; there shall be a clear departure from the past trajectory to a purposeful, result-oriented administration.

“We shall equally embark on reorientation, training, and empowerment of the ex-agitators in line with the present realities of the nation.

“It is my desire to uphold the sanctity of the core values for the establishment of the Amnesty Programme that borders on Disarmament, Demobilisation and Re-integration, which form the tripod upon which the Programme presently stands,” the General pledged when he took over as Interim Administrator of the Amnesty Programme.

The Succes Story Of The ‘Big Five’

The success story of the Amnesty Programme in ending militancy was huge. The Programme was able to capture and assimilate ‘the big 5’. These were the ex-warlords under the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) who led the resistance in the creeks. Majority of them are now engaged in productive ventures and are self-reliant.

Tompolo- real name Government Ekpempolo who embraced the amnesty offer of the Federal Government on October 4, 2009, now owns Tantita Security Services. The firm has been engaged in series of maritime deals with the Federal Government, the latest being a N4.5bn monthly Pipeline Surveillance Contract across the Niger Delta. In just a few months of the surveillance deal, Tompolo has made heart-wrenching exposures of oil theft across the Niger Delta.

Similarly, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, nicknamed ‘Boyloaf’, a former MEND commander, currently runs his own business. He owns Bensam Maritime Oil & Gas Ltd., which does subcontracting work for Shell and Chevron. In March this year, he listed 40 students as beneficiaries of a scholarship scheme offered by his new foundation, the Boyloaf Foundation.

There is also Chief Ajube Bibopiri, aka ‘Shoot-at-Sight’. Despite his limited educational background, he rose above the challenges in the Niger Delta region to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs among his peers. He and many of his men rejected the N65,000 monthly stipend and chose the path of an entrepreneur. He floated a company called Bradama International. He has since trained many of his boys, mentored and employed them. Bradama has become a brand in the Oil and Gas servicing industry.

A successful businessman, King Ateke Tom was on November 25, 2017, crowned as the first Amanyanabo of Okochiri, Okirika, Rivers State. Like the others, he also runs successful private businesses.

Hon. Fara Dagogo who is now a Federal lawmaker representing Degema/Bonny Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the National Assembly, was a former MEND field commander. He was also a Governorship aspirant in Rivers State. Prior to this, he served as a lawmaker in the Rivers State House of Representatives where he sponsored high impact bills and motions.

MyCredit Investments Limited, (“FairMoney” or “the Company”) today announced the redemption of N3.7 Billion in aggregate principal amount of its 18% Series II Private Notes (the “Notes”) that fell due on November 03, 2022, to various reputable institutional & HNI investors.
The private note is the second tranche under the company’s N10 Billion Private Note Programme that was launched after a successful Series 1 Private Notes Issuance.

FairMoney Nigeria has continued to build confidence in the investing community through the development of innovative and attractive instruments thereby building a robust funding base in Nigeria. The Company has a strong track record of meeting its financial obligations to its varied investors. The funding base has helped the Company to responsibly grow its loan portfolio to retail consumers, working professionals, and digital natives as the company continues to improve access to finance to the underserved. FairMoney has a vision of building the financial home for the next 2 billion underbanked in emerging markets.

Commenting on this, Henry Obiekea; Managing Director, FairMoney Nigeria, affirmed that the redemption of the notes reflects FairMoney’s resilient business model and ability to ensure optimal performance and sustainable returns to its stakeholders and partners.

Henry further stated that FairMoney is building strong access to the Nigeria Capital Markets to deepen its funding pool. To this end, the company plans to launch a public debt note.

Laurin Hainy, Co-Founder and CEO FairMoney Group said, we are one step closer towards achieving our vision of improving financial access to the underserved with a professional management team, a resilient business framework, and the right funding mix. The Group will continue to focus on these levers to drive growth and service excellence.

Beneficial holders with any questions about the redemption should contact investorrelations@fairmoney.io or their respective brokerage firm or financial institution.

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Lagos-Nigeria: November 2, 2022 - Diamond Star Port and Terminals Ltd has commenced operations at its export processing terminal in Lilypond, Ijora-Apapa. The terminal was commissioned on Tuesday by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko.

Diamond Star Port and Terminals is appointed and licensed by Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) as the Export Processing Terminal (EPT) operator of the Lilypond Export Terminal located at Ijora-Apapa. This appointment makes the company the “Central Pregate” for processing all export containers ingressing Lagos Ports through roads and railway. There are two terminals - Okota and the Lilypond. The Okota terminal will serve Tincan ports, whereas the Lilypond will serve Apapa ports.

Mr. Bello-Koko, while commissioning the terminal, commended the management of Diamond Star Port and Terminals for the appointment. He alluded to the company’s competence, capacity, and work ethic to perform creditably well. He expressed confidence that they will bring added value to the operational value chain in the sector. Speaking further, he said that the terminal being a pre-gate for processing all export-bound containers entering Lagos Ports, using the road corridors, was a demonstration of the premium placed on speed and priority in handling of exports - in a bid to make Nigeria’s exports competitive in the global market place.

According to him, “This initiative will improve NPA’s commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan on Agric-export of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and help to fulfil government desire to diversify the national economy from oil-export to non-oil export. Export Processing Terminals are holding areas positioned in Lagos and Ogun States to help exporters prepare their arrivals at port terminals in view of the traffic challenges that have been observed overtime in Lagos.” He said that the Authority is by this initiative positioning to infuse greater efficiency into the logistics surrounding the entry of the export boxes into the ports and the eventual loading on sea-going vessels.

The Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), Zone A, Adeyanju Aremu, said that the service had developed Standard Operating Procedure in line with global standards to remove impediments along the export chain. She urged the users of the port to take advantage of customs commitment to the facilitation of legitimate trade to excel in their business and put Nigeria on the global map of top non-oil exporters.

The Managing Director of Diamond Star Port and Terminals, Mr. Olatunji Baale, said that the appointment of the company is a confirmation of the competencies, capabilities, and available facilities of the company to manage export processing terminals at a degree of operation demanded by the Nigerian Ports Authority. “Diamond Star Port and Terminals, is a fully integrated cargo and terminal logistic company, with core competence and expertise in port and terminal operations, barge operations, cargo handling services, outer port terminal operations, warehousing services and all related ports and cargo handling services.” He affirmed that this appointment will add immense value to the operations of the company, and to the Nigerian economy.

Speaking further, he said that, with the commissioning of the terminal by the Nigerian Ports Authority, the company is fully ready for the commencement of operations. He added that right from start “We are going to be seeing a seamless delivery of export cargo boxes to the vessels. I am glad to inform you that at these terminals we have all the government agencies that are in charge of examination and processing of export terminals.”

In her remarks, the Director of Strategy and Business Development, Oyeyemi Ayeyemi commended the efforts of the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority for his forward thinking approach to Port operations and continuously engaging all stakeholders to ensure they get it right. She also acknowledged the impact of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in promoting export and providing guidance and trainings for exporters. She recognized the dutiful efforts of Nigeria Custom Service and other Government agencies for working hard to ensure that our export meets international standards. She said their presence signifies the importance and the eagerness to see how export business will improve in our country. According to her “In Diamond Star we will do our best to ensure that the movement of containers from different warehouses of the exporters get to the port in good time to encourage more volume. We also want to encourage those who have been discouraged in export business as a result of processes at the port. We hope that such people and businesses will cease the opportunity of our offering to start rethinking their business strategies, knowing that Diamond Star Export Processing Terminals will be willing to support them and enhance their businesses.”

In conclusion, Oyeyemi called on Nigerians to start thinking of engaging in export business to increase their foreign exchange earnings and improve our economy at large.

National Mandate Group, NNP, a flagship organ under the leadership of Oloye Jumoke Akinjide in support of Atiku Abubakar, has berated the endorsement of Bola Tinubu by ‘Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo.

OYOINSIGHT.COM understands that Makinde, represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, had, at an Akure meeting of Yoruba leaders, said they would support a southerner to become Nigeria’s next president.

But in a statement Thursday morning, the Oyo state chapter of NNP, made up of PDP leaders and members, said “First and Foremost, We appreciate the good people of Oyo State for considering our Party, the PDP, as the best option and voting for our candidates in both the gubernatorial and the presidential elections in 2019, and for your continued and undiminished support thereafter.

“We give our wholehearted and unshakeable resolve and commitment to support the Presidential Candidate of our Party, the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON, and indeed, all other PDP Candidates during the upcoming 2023 general elections. We are confident that Atiku Abubakar is the best qualified leader to rescue, reform and restore Nigeria to greatness.

“The NMG (OYO STATE CHAPTER) as PDP Leaders & Members hereby vehemently refute, disown and deny any suggestion that the Oyo State PDP will support any candidate other than Atiku Abubakar for the Presidency of Nigeria.

“We deeply abhor and frown at any denigration or use of our Oyo State Anthem, of which we are justly proud, and which is the heritage of all Oyo State citizens regardless of religious or political affiliation, to imply support for any candidate whosoever vying for political office.

“It is totally unacceptable and demeaning to reduce the Oyo State Anthem in the service of mere partisan politics. Our State Anthem speaks of our rich and God given frontline position as the Pathfinder State and should remain inviolable and unsullied. Indeed,

“Ipo Asiwaju l’Edumare fun wa Ni ipinle Oyo!”
Once again, We reiterate our total support for our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the only Candidate with the competence for the herculean task to fix Nigeria and correct the disastrous 8 years of APC misrule. We urge the good people of Oyo State to vote for the PDP all the way down the Ballot,” the statement added.

The recent revelations of fraud amounting to over three hundred billion naira in the Niger Delta Development Commission has sparked reactions from Niger Deltans, the most recent being a letter of petition to President Muhammadu Buhari by a pro development and public accountability group in the region, Niger Delta Network (NDN) calling for the immediate probe of the recently sacked Sole Administrator of the coommission, Effiong Akwa, as well as all contracts and contractors awarded and hired during his reign.

Recall that the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Okon Umana had, during a recent interface with staff of the commission in Port Harcourt, disclosed contracts amounting to over N300bn were discovered to have been awarded without due process by the past sole administrator of NDDC.

In the petition signed by the its Coordinator, Chief Kennedy Adams, Acting Secretary, Eric Igbinopogie Esq, and Director of Public Communications, Dr. John Douglas, the group reminded the said Akwa had betrayed the public trust upon which he was given the mandate to drive the commission and its affairs by committing what it described as “the worst and most devastating fraud in the history of the commission”.

“Mr. President, we have reasons to believe that it was on the basis of trust that the presidency in 2019 approved and allocated resources to back the forensic audit which purpose was to check myriad of fraudulent activities in the NDDC in the past years. It is however sad, disheartening and rudely shocking to discover that under the same NDDC regime which had such high level of public trust, is alleged to have committed the worst and most devastating fraud in the history of the commission”, the petition read partly

It also stressed that there should be no tolerance for such heinous crime which, according to the petition, has been responsible for the stalled development of the region over the years, adding that, there can be no justification for “the insidious impunity and high level corruption endemic in the Commission in spite of federal government’s efforts to sanity the system”.

“Mr. President, one would be puzzled by the antithesis of your administration being so popular in the news to have made genuine efforts backed by heavy funding towards the development of the Niger Delta region, yet, so infamous among Niger Deltans when and where it concerns the impacts of these efforts. The solution to this puzzle might be visible when one considers the development that over N300bn well utilised would have brought”, the petition also read.

The petition further prayed the president to direct the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to immediately publish list of contracts awarded by the Ministry and NDDC as well as order an immediate personnel audit in the commission.

“Mr. President SHOULD, without any reservation or delay, orders the EFCC and ICPC to thoroughly investigate the former Sole Administrator of NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa. ALL contracts issued within he tenure as the sole administrator SHOULD as a matter of urgency be investigated. ALL contractors and beneficiaries of prayer (2) should be invited for questioning.

“As a good governance and public accountability group, advocating the development of the region, we wish to demand the following prayers:
That Mr. President should without any reservation nor delay order the EFCC and ICPC to thoroughly investigate the former sole administrator of NDDC, Mr. Effiong Akwa.
That ALL contracts issued within he tenure as the sole administrator SHOULD as a matter of urgency be investigated.
That ALL contractors and beneficiaries of prayer (2) should be invited for questioning, the petition read further.

The group commended President Buhari for “his genuine efforts at developing the Niger Delta region”, while praying God to continually give him the enablement to do more.