₦airaland Forum

https://legit.ng/1713984-oil-theft-tinubu-urged-review-pipeline-contract.html

*Niger Delta Group Slams Tantita Pipeline Contract as Failure, Urges President to Reject Desperate Lies Justifying Failed Deal*

A prominent regional watchdog has dismissed recent claims of improved security in the Niger Delta under Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), describing the touted successes as “grossly exaggerated and misleading” propaganda designed to justify a failing contract.

The Niger Delta Monitoring Group (NDMG) on Wednesday released findings from its independent audit and extensive fact-finding tour, directly contradicting a widely circulated investigation that hailed Tantita’s pipeline surveillance role for bringing stability to the region amid national security challenges.

In a statement signed by Comrade Thompson Tom, the group dismissed the report that Niger Delta has found stability through Tantita and its associated assertion of a 20.9 per cent drop in South-South insecurity incidents linked to the contract.

“Our comprehensive assessment, involving site visits to pipeline corridors, community engagements, security reports, and environmental data, reveals persistent failure, elite capture, and superficial operations that have not delivered genuine security or development for the people of the Niger Delta,” the NDMG stated.

The group highlighted several critical shortcomings that, according to its audit, undermine Tantita’s performance.

"Despite massive public funding, sophisticated illegal bunkering and tapping activities continue in multiple corridors. The NDMG said claimed reductions in incidents appear selective or statistically manipulated, ignoring under-reported cases in remote areas," the statement said.

"The highly centralised model has concentrated benefits among a few, breeding resentment and exclusion. Many communities reportedly feel alienated rather than protected, leading to parallel criminal activities.

"Oil spills, pollution, and inadequate remediation persist, with Tantita accused of failing to prioritise holistic environmental security, further devastating local livelihoods.

"Ground realities show intelligence gaps, response delays, and allegations of selective enforcement. A single centralised entity, the group argued, cannot effectively manage the vast and complex terrain of the Niger Delta.

" Limited independent oversight of expenditures and performance metrics raises serious questions about value for money and potential conflicts of interest."

The NDMG described the current arrangement as inefficient and unsustainable, rooted in the region’s long-standing “resource curse” dynamics.

“We urge Mr. President to be wary of desperate lies being peddled by vested interests to justify this failed contract,” Tom said.

“The Nigerian people, particularly in the Niger Delta, cannot be deceived by manipulated statistics and glossy headlines while oil theft, environmental degradation, and community exclusion continue unabated.”

The group strongly recommended the immediate decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract.

“This should involve sub-contracts or parallel frameworks awarded to credible community-based entities, state-level operators, and other competent private players,” the statement added.

According to the NDMG, decentralisation would introduce healthy competition, enhance local intelligence gathering, boost employment opportunities, and create necessary checks and balances for better overall performance.

“True stability in the Niger Delta requires inclusive, decentralised approaches that empower local stakeholders and ensure equitable benefit-sharing,” the statement added.

“The Niger Delta people deserve more than propaganda and centralised control — they deserve real security, development, and justice.”

https://abujareporter.com.ng/ndelta-group-denounces-solidarity-walk-in-support-of-tantita-contract-renewal-insists-on-audit-and-decentralisation/

*N'Delta Group Denounces Solidarity Walk in Support of Tantita Contract Renewal, Insists on Audit and Decentralisation*

The Pan-Niger Delta Youth Forum has strongly denounced the “Peace, Unity and Solidarity Walk” held in Abuja today by some self-acclaimed youth leaders, describing it as an unrepresentative event driven by narrow personal interests rather than the collective will of the region.

The Pan-Niger Delta Youth Forum, which brings together voices from Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Isoko, Ogoni and other ethnic nationalities, stated that the position articulated by Jonathan Lokpobiri during the walk does not speak for the wider Ijaw nation or the people of the Niger Delta.

A statement signed by Comrade Samson Edafe said: "We view Jonathan Lokpobiri as a failed President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) who has completely abandoned the vision and ideals of this once-prestigious group.

"We recall with nostalgia when the IYC, under the leadership of Asari Dokubo and other notable past presidents, served as a credible and formidable platform for advancing the progress, development, and collective interests of the Ijaw nation and the broader Niger Delta region.

"Today, under the watch of Jonathan Lokpobiri, the IYC has regrettably been reduced to a willing tool for advancing the self-serving interests of Lokpobiri and his cronies. It has become nothing more than a personal enterprise for escaping poverty and lack.

"To forestall further embarrassment to the Ijaw Nation, we demand the immediate resignation of Jonathan Lokpobiri as President of the IYC."

According to the group, the individuals essentially spoke for themselves and their immediate circle, adding that their claims lack endorsement from broader Niger Delta leadership, their immediate community, or even members of their families, many of whom view this stance as that of a sell-out motivated primarily by personal gain.

The forum noted that the group appears to be a limited platform with little genuine grassroots recognition, consisting mainly of joiners advancing self-serving agendas.

The Pan-Niger Delta Youth Forum expressed concern over the ongoing push to renew the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services without proper scrutiny.

“Despite the substantial financial commitments made to the company, available statistics indicate that oil revenue generation has declined during the period of this arrangement,” the statement read.

"Incidents of bunkering and illegal refining have continued in various parts of the region, with reports of intercepted vessels and persistent illegal activities highlighting gaps in the current setup.”

The group argued that concentrating such a critical national responsibility in a single entity has created a monopoly that excludes many host communities and ethnic nationalities whose lands produce the oil, leading to feelings of marginalisation and undermining broader regional stability.

“Mr. Lokpobiri and his allies are pushing for renewal while the mandate remains unfulfilled in many areas,” Comrade Edafe stated. “This does not reflect the true situation on the ground where challenges persist.

"The Ijaw nation and other groups in the Niger Delta deserve better than this narrow endorsement that appears driven by personal pockets rather than regional development.”

The Pan-Niger Delta Youth Forum emphasised that while everyone is entitled to express support for particular arrangements, such endorsements must not override the need for accountability.

The forum pointed out that the Petroleum Industry Act underscores the central role of host communities in protecting oil and gas infrastructure, a principle that appears sidelined under the existing monopoly.

“True progress in securing the nation’s pipelines requires more inclusive and competitive approaches rather than the continuation of a system that has yet to fully deliver on its mandate,” the statement declared.

The Pan-Niger Delta Youth Forum therefore called on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to take a measured and transparent path forward.

This includes conducting an independent forensic audit of the Tantita contract to evaluate its performance, utilisation of funds and overall impact on oil theft.

The group also advocated for the decentralisation of surveillance responsibilities to competent local operators drawn from different ethnic nationalities and host communities.

According to Edafe, such a step would foster greater participation, improve local intelligence gathering, introduce healthy competition and ensure more equitable benefits in line with the spirit of the Petroleum Industry Act.

The forum urged all genuine stakeholders in the Niger Delta to focus on constructive engagement that prioritises national interest, transparency and sustainable development over isolated events that fail to address the region’s underlying challenges.

"The Pan-Niger Delta Youth Forum advises these jobbers and their allies to find something productive to do, as they have failed their families, their immediate communities, and the entire Niger Delta region through their consistent pursuit of personal benefits at the expense of collective progress."

The Niger Delta Integrity and Democracy Network (NDIDN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately sack Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) due to his deep and compromising ties to former Bayelsa Governor Timipre Sylva, who is wanted in connection with an alleged coup plot.

Sylva is named as the seventh defendant, marked “still at large,” in a 13-count treason and terrorism charge filed by the Federal Government.

While the case against the ex-Minister continues, the group insists that his close associate should not remain in charge of a sensitive federal agency.

“Dr. Samuel Ogbuku is a well-known political loyalist of Timipre Sylva and reportedly served as his Chief of Staff during his governorship,” Comrade Francis Edafe, National Coordinator of NDIDN, stated in a press release.

“It was this godfather relationship that secured his appointment to head the NDDC.

"At a time when his principal is a fugitive facing grave charges of treason, allowing Ogbuku to control billions of naira meant for Niger Delta development is a dangerous national security risk.”

The group stressed that the connection runs far deeper than politics.

“Richie Imoh Tommy, the brother of Sylva’s wife, is believed to be serving as Personal Assistant to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku," Edafe added.

"This is not a loose association — it is a tight family and patronage network embedded right at the top of the NDDC.

"Such infiltration raises serious questions about whose interests are being protected: the suffering people of the Niger Delta or a network linked to anti-government activities."

Comrade Edafe accused Ogbuku of turning the Commission into what appears to be a personal fiefdom for questionable alliances.

“While communities continue to endure environmental pollution, abandoned projects, and youth unemployment, a man whose inner circle is so intimately tied to a wanted suspect cannot be trusted with public funds."

The statement further highlighted disturbing allegations of financial trails between NDDC contracts and the suspected coup financing.

Reports indicated that military intelligence and agencies like the NFIU and EFCC traced suspicious large sums — including claims of up to ₦45 billion in NDDC-related funds — with links to the plot.

The group further alleged that part of the funds suspected to have been used by ex governor Sylva to procure the violent removal of Mr. President from office, were largely sourced from NDDC which gave billions of naira contract to Okpoama Kingdom coastal protection , a company with strong and undeniable links to Sylva, during that period.

While Ogbuku and the NDDC management have denied any involvement or arrest, the group argued that these denials are insufficient in the face of grave national security concerns.

The NDIDN warned that Ogbuku’s continued stay in office undermines President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and exposes the region to further underdevelopment and potential instability.

“We demand the immediate sack of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. A comprehensive forensic audit of all contracts, projects, and financial transactions under his leadership must be launched without delay by the EFCC and security agencies.

"All influences traceable to the Sylva network within the NDDC should be thoroughly investigated and purged,” the statement added.

Edafe urged traditional rulers, youth groups, elders, and stakeholders across the Niger Delta to support this call.

"The NDDC belongs to the people, not to any godfather’s proxy. President Tinubu must act decisively to sanitise this vital institution and demonstrate zero tolerance for compromised leadership,” he concluded.

The group vowed to sustain public advocacy and explore all lawful avenues until concrete action is taken to protect public resources and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Alleged conflict of interest: Niger Delta coalition seeks termination of pipeline contract - Daily Post Nigeria https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/19/alleged-conflict-of-interest-niger-delta-coalition-seeks-termination-of-pipeline-contract/

*Coalition Demands Termination of Tompolo’s Pipeline Contract Over Alleged Conflict of Interest and Economic Sabotage*

A prominent coalition of Niger Delta stakeholders has issued an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for the immediate termination of the multi-billion naira pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

In the letter signed by Comrade Maxwell Efe on behalf of the Concerned Niger Delta Patriots for Transparency and Resource Justice (CNDPTRJ), the group accused the contract of being tainted by a grave conflict of interest that borders on economic sabotage against the Nigerian state.

The coalition, comprising community leaders, youth groups, environmental advocates, and stakeholders from oil-bearing communities across the Niger Delta, argued that Tompolo’s dual role as both pipeline protector and alleged beneficiary of an oil well creates an unacceptable conflict.

“At the heart of this scandal is the disturbing fact that the very man entrusted with protecting Nigeria’s oil pipelines and facilities is himself allegedly linked to ownership of an oil well – PPL 213 at Ogbanabou field, through connections involving Kalm Marine,” the letter stated.

The group drew a sharp analogy to highlight the perceived absurdity of the situation: “How can the fox be trusted to secure the henhouse when it owns part of the poultry business?”

According to the coalition, this conflict has allegedly enabled covert compromises in surveillance efforts to favour personal and business interests.

They further claimed that the oil well linked to Tompolo has been used to under-declare production outputs, with undeclared portions allegedly diverted to illegal oil bunkering and sold to partners and cronies.

“Such an arrangement amounts to economic sabotage against the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the long-suffering people of the Niger Delta,” the statement read.

The letter also criticised the contract for concentrating enormous power and funds in the hands of a single individual and his network, creating what it described as a dangerous monopoly that sidelines broader community participation and genuine stakeholders.

Despite billions of naira spent monthly, the coalition said oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism persist, while host communities continue to suffer environmental degradation and exclusion.

The group further alleged links between the oil well and several former top government officials, including immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum, H.E. Timipre Sylva, former Group Managing Director/CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and immediate past Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe.

The statement claimed that some of these individuals have used proceeds from the Tantita contract and the oil well to allegedly sponsor efforts aimed at the violent overthrow of President Tinubu’s government, warning that any renewal of the contract would amount to rewarding those determined to remove him from office through undemocratic means.

The coalition urged President Tinubu to act without delay by directing the immediate termination or non-renewal of the Tantita contract, ordering a comprehensive forensic audit of all expenditures and performance, and convening a broad-based Niger Delta Security Summit to design a truly inclusive, transparent, and sustainable surveillance framework involving multiple ethnic nationalities and local groups.

“The eyes of the region and the entire nation are on you, Mr. President,” the letter concluded.

“History will judge whether you stood on the side of entrenched interests or chose the path of bold reform needed to secure our oil assets for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

The group expressed its readiness for further engagement and reiterated its support for any genuine effort toward lasting peace, equity, and development in the Niger Delta region.

Niger Delta Youths Insist on Decentralization of Pipeline Surveillance Contract At NASS Joint Hearing

Youths and concerned citizens from the Niger Delta region have demanded the full decentralization of Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance contract during a parliamentary roundtable at the National Assembly.

The group submitted a strongly worded memorandum to the Joint Senate and House Committee on Pipeline Resources, urging lawmakers to end the current single-contractor model which they described as ineffective and counterproductive.

They argued that the existing arrangement has failed to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism despite receiving substantial public funds.

The memorandum, presented under the banner of Concerned Niger Delta Citizens and signed by Comrade Maxwell Efe, painted a grim picture of the Niger Delta’s ongoing crisis.

It noted that the region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy yet continues to suffer massive revenue losses, environmental damage, and community hardship due to persistent oil theft.

The group called for immediate legislative action to replace the centralized system with state-level indigenous contractors selected through open and competitive bidding processes.

According to the submission, the current surveillance contract awarded on a monolithic basis to one private entity has demonstrably underperformed since its inception in 2022.

Official figures showed that Nigeria’s crude oil production in January 2026 averaged only 1.46 million barrels per day, missing both the OPEC quota and the federal budget target.

The group warned that such shortfalls, combined with rising incidents of theft and vandalism, are undermining national development priorities and causing billions of dollars in lost revenue.

“The Niger Delta remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy, yet the persistent crisis of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism continues to inflict massive losses on national revenue, environmental integrity, and community livelihoods,” the memorandum stated.

“The current pipeline surveillance contract model, awarded on a monolithic basis to a single private entity, has demonstrably failed to deliver the promised security and production stability.

"This memorandum respectfully urges the National Assembly to initiate immediate legislative and policy action for the full decentralisation of pipeline surveillance to credible indigenous state-level contractors.

“Such a reform is essential to restore accountability, eliminate patronage, and build a resilient, inclusive security architecture capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.

"The only viable path forward is the immediate termination of the existing contract and its replacement with a fully decentralised framework. Pipeline surveillance must be devolved to credible indigenous contractors selected through transparent, competitive, and open bidding processes in each oil-producing state.

“These contractors would assume direct responsibility for securing pipelines and installations within their respective jurisdictions, leveraging authentic local intelligence, community knowledge, and grassroots networks that a distant, centralised operator cannot replicate.

"A decentralised system would deliver genuine competition to drive efficiency and innovation, equitable distribution of economic opportunities across states and communities, and stronger integration with federal security forces.”

Industry estimates cited in the memorandum placed annual losses from oil theft and illegal bunkering at up to 15 billion dollars or more. Since the commencement of the current surveillance arrangement, credible assessments indicated losses exceeding 2.5 trillion naira, with daily theft still averaging 180,000 barrels.

Pipeline breaches reportedly increased by 62 percent while vandalism incidents rose sharply from 312 cases in 2023 to over 500 last year.

The group highlighted that over 700 major spillages occurred in the last 18 months alone, causing pollution levels to surge by 68 percent and devastating farmlands and fishing grounds across more than 450 communities.

They stressed that criminal networks have adapted to the existing model by relocating operations to new areas, including urban peripheries and previously unaffected states.

This situation, according to the submission, shows clearly that the centralized approach has not reduced theft but has instead allowed it to persist and expand.

The memorandum also pointed out structural defects in the current arrangement, describing it as a personality-driven monopoly that concentrates billions of naira annually in the hands of one private company.

It raised concerns over the contractor’s background as a former militant leader and alleged attempts to shift blame onto the Nigerian Armed Forces and Navy, actions which the group said erode public confidence in national security institutions and create unnecessary divisions.

“The centralised, personality-driven contract has created an unacceptable monopoly that concentrates billions of naira annually in the hands of one private company. This arrangement breeds conflict of interest, given the contractor’s historical background as a former militant leader who previously orchestrated disruptions to oil infrastructure,” the document noted.

“Public suspicion of private enrichment is heightened by reports of luxury asset acquisitions and the extraordinary concentration of public funds within a narrow circle.

“Equally damaging is the contractor’s repeated public attempts to shift blame onto the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy.

"Allegations of military obstruction, complicity in bunkering, and deliberate sabotage of surveillance operations have been categorically rejected by the Defence Headquarters as unfounded. Such statements erode public confidence in the nation’s security institutions and undermine operational coordination.

“The model also sidelines established security agencies such as the Joint Task Force and the Nigerian Navy, while creating dangerous rivalries among former militant leaders, indigenous security firms, and community stakeholders. A single point of failure exposes the entire system to immediate exploitation by criminal syndicates. This privatisation of core national security functions further contradicts principles of federalism, sovereignty, and institutional accountability enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act.”

The Concerned Niger Delta Citizens maintained that decentralisation would bring multiple strategic advantages, including the deployment of advanced technologies such as AI-powered monitoring, drone fleets, and real-time digital metering systems under government control.

They emphasized that the new model would allow the Nigerian Navy and Joint Task Force to focus on enforcement while state-level contractors handle ground surveillance.

Rigorous performance benchmarks backed by independent audits and legislative oversight would also be introduced to ensure accountability.

The group urged the National Assembly to conduct a comprehensive review of the contract’s performance since 2022 and recommend its immediate termination without any renewal, extension, or variation.

They called for new legislation that would mandate full decentralisation to state-level indigenous contractors through competitive bidding.

Additionally, the memorandum proposed the establishment of a joint oversight mechanism involving the National Assembly, relevant ministries, and security agencies to monitor implementation.

Niger Delta Youths Insist on Decentralization of Pipeline Surveillance Contract At NASS Joint Hearing

Youths and concerned citizens from the Niger Delta region have demanded the full decentralization of Nigeria’s pipeline surveillance contract during a parliamentary roundtable at the National Assembly.

The group submitted a strongly worded memorandum to the Joint Senate and House Committee on Pipeline Resources, urging lawmakers to end the current single-contractor model which they described as ineffective and counterproductive.

They argued that the existing arrangement has failed to curb crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism despite receiving substantial public funds.

The memorandum, presented under the banner of Concerned Niger Delta Citizens and signed by Comrade Maxwell Efe, painted a grim picture of the Niger Delta’s ongoing crisis.

It noted that the region remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy yet continues to suffer massive revenue losses, environmental damage, and community hardship due to persistent oil theft.

The group called for immediate legislative action to replace the centralized system with state-level indigenous contractors selected through open and competitive bidding processes.

According to the submission, the current surveillance contract awarded on a monolithic basis to one private entity has demonstrably underperformed since its inception in 2022.

Official figures showed that Nigeria’s crude oil production in January 2026 averaged only 1.46 million barrels per day, missing both the OPEC quota and the federal budget target.

The group warned that such shortfalls, combined with rising incidents of theft and vandalism, are undermining national development priorities and causing billions of dollars in lost revenue.

“The Niger Delta remains the bedrock of Nigeria’s economy, yet the persistent crisis of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism continues to inflict massive losses on national revenue, environmental integrity, and community livelihoods,” the memorandum stated.

“The current pipeline surveillance contract model, awarded on a monolithic basis to a single private entity, has demonstrably failed to deliver the promised security and production stability.

"This memorandum respectfully urges the National Assembly to initiate immediate legislative and policy action for the full decentralisation of pipeline surveillance to credible indigenous state-level contractors.

“Such a reform is essential to restore accountability, eliminate patronage, and build a resilient, inclusive security architecture capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s strategic economic assets.

"The only viable path forward is the immediate termination of the existing contract and its replacement with a fully decentralised framework. Pipeline surveillance must be devolved to credible indigenous contractors selected through transparent, competitive, and open bidding processes in each oil-producing state.

“These contractors would assume direct responsibility for securing pipelines and installations within their respective jurisdictions, leveraging authentic local intelligence, community knowledge, and grassroots networks that a distant, centralised operator cannot replicate.

"A decentralised system would deliver genuine competition to drive efficiency and innovation, equitable distribution of economic opportunities across states and communities, and stronger integration with federal security forces.”

Industry estimates cited in the memorandum placed annual losses from oil theft and illegal bunkering at up to 15 billion dollars or more. Since the commencement of the current surveillance arrangement, credible assessments indicated losses exceeding 2.5 trillion naira, with daily theft still averaging 180,000 barrels.

Pipeline breaches reportedly increased by 62 percent while vandalism incidents rose sharply from 312 cases in 2023 to over 500 last year.

The group highlighted that over 700 major spillages occurred in the last 18 months alone, causing pollution levels to surge by 68 percent and devastating farmlands and fishing grounds across more than 450 communities.

They stressed that criminal networks have adapted to the existing model by relocating operations to new areas, including urban peripheries and previously unaffected states.

This situation, according to the submission, shows clearly that the centralized approach has not reduced theft but has instead allowed it to persist and expand.

The memorandum also pointed out structural defects in the current arrangement, describing it as a personality-driven monopoly that concentrates billions of naira annually in the hands of one private company.

It raised concerns over the contractor’s background as a former militant leader and alleged attempts to shift blame onto the Nigerian Armed Forces and Navy, actions which the group said erode public confidence in national security institutions and create unnecessary divisions.

“The centralised, personality-driven contract has created an unacceptable monopoly that concentrates billions of naira annually in the hands of one private company. This arrangement breeds conflict of interest, given the contractor’s historical background as a former militant leader who previously orchestrated disruptions to oil infrastructure,” the document noted.

“Public suspicion of private enrichment is heightened by reports of luxury asset acquisitions and the extraordinary concentration of public funds within a narrow circle.

“Equally damaging is the contractor’s repeated public attempts to shift blame onto the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigerian Navy.

"Allegations of military obstruction, complicity in bunkering, and deliberate sabotage of surveillance operations have been categorically rejected by the Defence Headquarters as unfounded. Such statements erode public confidence in the nation’s security institutions and undermine operational coordination.

“The model also sidelines established security agencies such as the Joint Task Force and the Nigerian Navy, while creating dangerous rivalries among former militant leaders, indigenous security firms, and community stakeholders. A single point of failure exposes the entire system to immediate exploitation by criminal syndicates. This privatisation of core national security functions further contradicts principles of federalism, sovereignty, and institutional accountability enshrined in the Petroleum Industry Act.”

The Concerned Niger Delta Citizens maintained that decentralisation would bring multiple strategic advantages, including the deployment of advanced technologies such as AI-powered monitoring, drone fleets, and real-time digital metering systems under government control.

They emphasized that the new model would allow the Nigerian Navy and Joint Task Force to focus on enforcement while state-level contractors handle ground surveillance.

Rigorous performance benchmarks backed by independent audits and legislative oversight would also be introduced to ensure accountability.

The group urged the National Assembly to conduct a comprehensive review of the contract’s performance since 2022 and recommend its immediate termination without any renewal, extension, or variation.

They called for new legislation that would mandate full decentralisation to state-level indigenous contractors through competitive bidding.

Additionally, the memorandum proposed the establishment of a joint oversight mechanism involving the National Assembly, relevant ministries, and security agencies to monitor implementation.

https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/28/bayelsa-apc-youths-demand-termination-of-pipeline-protection-contract-over-macivers-resignation-from-party/

*Bayelsa APC Youths Demand Probe, Termination of Tantita Contract Over Joshua Maciver's Resignation from Party*

The APC Youth Network in Bayelsa State has called for an immediate forensic probe and outright termination of the controversial Tantita pipeline surveillance contract, describing the recent resignation of former APC Deputy Governorship Candidate, Joshua Maciver, as fresh evidence that the multi-billion-naira deal has become a patronage network for stomach-driven opportunists rather than a genuine security initiative.

In an open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and signed by Comrade Preye Godson, the group lambasted both the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) arrangement and Maciver, who serves as the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the contract.

The letter, made available to journalists on Friday, noted that Maciver, who recently resigned his membership of the party, had benefited immensely from the deal while allegedly showing little loyalty to the party or the nation.

The group argued that the Tantita contract, reportedly valued at approximately $144 million (over ₦48 billion) annually, has been hijacked by opportunists who care nothing for pipeline security, regional development, or party discipline.

“Joshua Maciver did not join the APC because he believed in your vision for a better Nigeria. He did not run as Deputy Governorship Candidate out of genuine love for Bayelsa or the Renewed Hope project. He was there purely for personal gain – his stomach,” the letter declared.

"This is the height of political prostitution and betrayal. Maciver and his likes treat the APC like a temporary vehicle for enrichment and the Tantita contract like a personal cash cow,” they added.

The group described the Tantita deal as a symbol of cronyism, lacking transparency, and offering questionable value for money.

Despite the huge quarterly payments, they noted persistent concerns over illegal bunkering, oil theft, and vulnerabilities in the creeks, arguing that the contract concentrates enormous resources in the hands of a few whose primary allegiance is to profit, not national security.

“Maciver perfectly embodies everything wrong with this arrangement. His stomach infrastructure politics has exposed the deal for what it truly is: a patronage network that rewards opportunists while delivering uncertain security outcomes,” the letter stated.

"If beneficiaries like him can resign from the APC and still retain their positions of immense financial benefit, then the contract has failed the test of loyalty, accountability, and national interest. "

The APC Youth Network joined growing national calls for accountability, demanding a full forensic audit of the contract’s award, payments, renewals, performance metrics, and actual impact on oil production and theft, with particular scrutiny on beneficiaries in Bayelsa State.

They urged President Tinubu to terminate the contract upon completion of the probe and replace it with a transparent, competitive, and accountable framework, preferably involving the Nigerian Navy, local communities under strict oversight, or properly vetted public institutions.

“The Niger Delta deserves genuine security and development, not rented loyalty from men who jump ship politically while holding onto public funds. Your Renewed Hope Agenda cannot accommodate characters who treat party membership and national contracts as tools for self-enrichment,” the group warned.

"Continuing this deal in its current form rewards betrayal and undermines the very foundations of party discipline and good governance.

"Your Excellency, the youths of the APC in Bayelsa stand ready to support any decisive action you take to clean up this mess. Probe Tantita rigorously.

"Terminate the contract. Hold opportunists like Joshua Maciver accountable. Let this be the moment you send a clear message: Nigeria and the APC are for patriots, not stomach politicians."

Niger Delta stakeholders demand 'thorough audit' of pipeline protection contract - Daily Post Nigeria https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/23/niger-delta-stakeholders-demand-thorough-audit-of-pipeline-protection-contract/


*Niger Delta Group Demands Thorough Audit and Potential Termination of Tantita Pipeline Contract, Threatens Legal Action*

The Niger Delta Congress (NDC) has called for an immediate independent forensic audit of pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, owned by Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Signed by Comrade Godfrey Onade on behalf of the group, the letter described the contract—costing the nation approximately ₦4 billion monthly (around $144 million annually)—as a structural failure that has not effectively curbed oil theft or delivered sustainable improvements in crude production.

The Congress highlighted Tantita's admitted limitations in accessing remote swampy areas, which leaves extensive creek networks exposed, allowing illegal bunkering and refining to continue unabated.

"Tantita's monopoly model is fundamentally flawed and ineffective," the letter stated.

"Even its defenders have conceded that the company cannot cover certain remote and swampy territories, resulting in persistent vulnerabilities across our intricate creek systems."

The group pointed to ongoing weekly discoveries of illegal connections and refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) as clear evidence that surveillance remains patchy and inadequate.

On production shortfalls, the Congress noted: "Despite the enormous expenditure, Nigeria's crude output continues to fall below critical benchmarks, averaging around 1.46 million barrels per day in recent months, dipping as low as 1.31 million bpd in February 2026 according to OPEC figures—well short of the 1.5 million bpd quota and the federal budget target of 1.84 million bpd."

They argued that persistent theft continues to drain national revenue, contradicting claims of drastic reductions.

The letter sharply criticized human rights activist Deji Adeyanju as a "serial blackmailer" and "fake activist" driven by financial incentives.

"Deji Adeyanju has recklessly accused Naval Officers of crude theft without any proof, while claiming oil theft is at the barest minimum and production has soared—assertions directly contradicted by verifiable data showing ongoing shortfalls and incidents," it read.

"His narrative aligns precisely with Tompolo's camp in discrediting the military, raising serious questions about whether he is on their payroll."

The Congress warned Adeyanju to stay out of Niger Delta affairs, stating he has "zero knowledge" of the region, and demanded a probe into his funding and affiliations.

They further called for the contract's termination if the audit confirms failures, urging a shift to a transparent, decentralized model involving multiple local operators and full integration with national security forces.

The group declared: "We call for a thorough audit of the activities of Tantita to uncover the true extent of its performance and financial dealings.

"If the right thing is not done promptly, the Niger Delta Congress will have no choice but to proceed to court to compel the appropriate authorities to act in the national interest."

*Creek to Creek Movement Exposes Impostors, Demands Immediate Sack of Tantita Security Services Over Criminal Failure and National Sabotage*

A civil society organisation (CSO), Creek to Creek Movement, has vehemently disowned a fraudulent statement issued in its name that shamelessly praised Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as the sole pipeline protection contractor in the Niger Delta.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Comrade Enohor Francis, the group said it had reported the impostors to the Nigeria Police Force for criminal impersonation, forgery and outright fraud, describing the fake document as a desperate attempt by Tantita’s paid agents to cover up monumental failure.

Dedicated to genuine environmental justice, sustainability and due process, the organisation said it has from day one maintained that the Tantita contract is a national disgrace that must be reviewed and terminated immediately because oil theft has not only persisted but exploded under the company’s criminal watch.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must terminate this scandalous Tantita contract now or risk being seen as protecting looters of our commonwealth; this monopoly has turned the Niger Delta into a free-for-all criminal enterprise," Francis said.

“Tantita has fallen short in the worst possible way – over N2.5 trillion has been lost to oil theft since this contract began, with daily crude oil theft still averaging 180,000 barrels; it is time to stop rewarding these saboteurs who are actively undermining our security forces and bleeding the nation dry.

“We reject this dangerous monopoly and demand full decentralization of pipeline security to involve the military, community groups and multiple competent firms instead of enriching one failed entity at the expense of Nigeria’s survival.”

Francis lambasted Tantita as “a monumental disaster and an enemy within” that has achieved nothing except collecting billions while oil theft, pipeline vandalism and environmental devastation have skyrocketed.

According to him, pipeline breaches increased by 62% under Tantita, over 700 major spillages have occurred in the last 18 months alone, destroying farmlands and fishing grounds of more than 450 communities, while the company continues to pocket huge sums without any accountability.

“Our independent investigations confirm there has been near zero reduction in oil theft; instead, vandalism rose from 312 incidents in 2023 to over 500 last year, with pollution levels up by 68%, leaving farmers and fishermen in total ruin while Tantita laughs all the way to the bank.

“Tantita and its backers are the real saboteurs enriching themselves with blood money; we will no longer allow this company to sabotage national security, kill our environment and reward criminality at the expense of genuine peace and development.

“Those who forged our name are charlatans and enemies of Nigeria; their days are numbered as we have handed all evidence to the police for swift prosecution while we insist this contract must die now.”

Creek to Creek Movement further said that Tantita’s monopoly has created a dangerous security vacuum, deliberately sidelining the Nigerian Navy and other armed forces while communities continue to suffer unprecedented hardship.

Comrade Francis called on President Tinubu to immediately revoke the contract, decentralize surveillance and hand it over to proven patriotic stakeholders instead of one entity that has turned protection into a lucrative criminal franchise.

The group, however, warned that failure to terminate this deal will plunge the region into deeper crisis, scare away genuine investors and destroy whatever is left of Nigeria’s oil economy.

https://dailytrust.com/pipeline-surveillance-why-govt-should-consider-wider-participation-n-delta-group/

*Niger Delta Youths Denounce Eradiri, Label Tantita Contract Monumental Failure and Call for Immediate Termination*

Some Niger Delta youths have categorically distanced themselves from the recent statements made by former Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide President Udengs Eradiri, describing his defence of the Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) pipeline surveillance contract as self-serving propaganda designed to protect personal and vested interests.

Under the aegis of the Niger Delta Centre for Justice and Accountability (NDCJA), the youths said Eradiri does not speak for the Niger Delta people.

They noted that his views represent a narrow, self-interested perspective that overlooks the widespread suffering, economic sabotage, and ongoing plunder of national resources that continue to afflict communities across the region.

In a statement released today, NDCJA Executive Director Comrade Efe Justice declared: “We have no affiliation whatsoever with Udengs Eradiri or the views he expressed in his recent interview.

"We distance ourselves completely from his assertions and reject the notion that critics of the Tantita contract are ‘enemies of Nigeria.’ Such inflammatory language is a tired tactic used by those who benefit from the status quo to silence legitimate demands for accountability.”

Justice accused Eradiri of “speaking for his pocket” and acting as an apologist for a failed arrangement that continues to bleed the nation dry.

“Eradiri’s praise for Tompolo and Tantita ignores hard realities: oil theft remains rampant, costing Nigeria up to $15 billion annually—hundreds of thousands of barrels per day disappearing into criminal networks.

"Recent discoveries of major illegal bunkering hubs, including in Abia State in early 2026, prove that the current model has not neutralised the threat.

"Criminals adapt, shift operations, and exploit gaps while the contract drains ₦48 billion of public money every year. If this is what Eradiri calls ‘success’ and ‘peace,’ then we are dealing with a dangerous delusion.

"Tompolo's company has not eradicated oil theft but merely shifted its patterns, with production gains attributed more to broader efforts than to any singular entity's monopoly. The so-called thousands of jobs often remain unevenly distributed, temporary, or tied to patronage networks, leaving widespread youth unemployment and community grievances unaddressed."

To achieve lasting security and equitable benefits for the Niger Delta, the NDCJA calls for the complete decentralization of pipeline surveillance contracts.

The group said this would involve awarding separate, competitive contracts to different reputable companies in each oil-producing state, based on transparent bidding processes, verifiable track records in security and community engagement, and strict performance metrics.

Such an approach, it noted, would foster greater local inclusion, reduce the risks of favoritism or monopolistic control, and encourage innovation in surveillance techniques across diverse terrains and communities.

"Decentralization is not fragmentation but smart, inclusive security," the statement emphasised. "By engaging multiple competent firms per state—selected through open, merit-based processes—we can ensure broader stakeholder participation, better intelligence gathering from host communities, and stronger deterrence against theft and vandalism.

" This model aligns with true federalism, promotes fiscal responsibility, and prevents any single entity from holding disproportionate influence over national assets."

“President Tinubu and well meaning Nigerians should ask Eradiri if there are no competent people in Bayelsa, where he is from, to handle Pipeline surveillance contract for the state”.

“It is Eradiri who is an enemy of Nigeria. He has prioritized his pocket over the interest of our region, country and economy. His views are simply a desperate attempt to protect his stomach”.

The group urged President Tinubu to prioritise this reform as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, conducting an independent audit of existing contracts before any renewal or extension.

"Nigeria cannot afford to cling to a failed, centralized patronage system disguised as progress," it added. "True accountability demands decentralization now, with transparency and proven competence as the guiding principles, to safeguard our oil wealth for all citizens rather than a privileged few."

*Security Experts Writes PBAT, Demand Federal Probe into Supertanker Skipper Scandal, Link Tompolo Associates to Massive Crude Theft*

The Independent Security Experts of Nigeria (ISEN) has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, calling for the Federal Government to immediately launch a thorough, independent investigation into the interception of the supertanker Skipper, demanding that all owners, operators and their enablers be brought to justice without delay.

In December 2025, the United States Coast Guard and Navy intercepted the Nigerian-linked vessel on suspicions of crude oil theft, piracy and drug trafficking, with disturbing ties to Iranian and Islamist money-laundering networks.

The story was widely reported on 12 December 2025, exposing what many now describe as a sophisticated international racket operating from Nigerian waters.

The 20-year-old Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), IMO Number 9304667, was reportedly owned and managed by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd while registered to Triton Navigation Corp of the Marshall Islands.

At the time of arrest the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag, and Corporate Affairs Commission records show Thomarose as inactive with its address listed at 111 Jakpa Road, Effurun, Warri, Delta State, under registration number 1007876 and with no functional phone numbers.

Dean John, Lead Expert of the Independent Security Experts of Nigeria, said in a letter to the President:

“The brazen exploitation of an ordinary Nigerian’s company documents for international oil theft cannot be allowed to continue.

"We demand that the Federal Government set up a high-powered panel with full prosecutorial powers to unravel every layer of this criminal enterprise.

“Thomas Mackistosh handed over his company papers to Tompolo’s group more than four years ago for a legitimate business discussion.

"He was never contacted again, yet his name and address have now been dragged into a multimillion-dollar scandal.

"This is modern-day identity theft at the highest level and it must be punished.

“Every individual and entity linked to the ownership, management and loading of the Skipper must be arrested and brought to certain justice.

"Nigeria’s crude oil belongs to the people, not to a cabal of untouchables.”

The letter further stated:
“The same actors who claim to protect our pipelines have turned the entire offshore sector into a free-for-all for thieves.

"Matthew Tonlagha and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), through Maton Engineering and Tantita Security Services, reportedly pocketed 2.3 trillion naira in a single year while production refuses to rise above 1.3 to 1.4 million barrels per day.

“Nigerians must rise today and demand accountability. Tompolo has been directly linked to this scandal and can no longer be shielded. The time for half-measures and sacred cows is over.”

The group warned that failure to act decisively would only encourage more brazen theft, deepen the national revenue crisis and further erode public trust in institutions meant to safeguard the country’s most vital economic asset.

https://businessamlive.com/security-experts-seek-tinubus-probe-into-network-behind-seized-skipper-oil-tanker/

*Security Experts Writes PBAT, Demand Federal Probe into Supertanker Skipper Scandal, Link Tompolo Associates to Massive Crude Theft*

The Independent Security Experts of Nigeria (ISEN) has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, calling for the Federal Government to immediately launch a thorough, independent investigation into the interception of the supertanker Skipper, demanding that all owners, operators and their enablers be brought to justice without delay.

In December 2025, the United States Coast Guard and Navy intercepted the Nigerian-linked vessel on suspicions of crude oil theft, piracy and drug trafficking, with disturbing ties to Iranian and Islamist money-laundering networks.

The story was widely reported on 12 December 2025, exposing what many now describe as a sophisticated international racket operating from Nigerian waters.

The 20-year-old Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), IMO Number 9304667, was reportedly owned and managed by Nigeria-based Thomarose Global Ventures Ltd while registered to Triton Navigation Corp of the Marshall Islands.

At the time of arrest the tanker was illegally flying the Guyanese flag, and Corporate Affairs Commission records show Thomarose as inactive with its address listed at 111 Jakpa Road, Effurun, Warri, Delta State, under registration number 1007876 and with no functional phone numbers.

Dean John, Lead Expert of the Independent Security Experts of Nigeria, said in a letter to the President:

“The brazen exploitation of an ordinary Nigerian’s company documents for international oil theft cannot be allowed to continue.

"We demand that the Federal Government set up a high-powered panel with full prosecutorial powers to unravel every layer of this criminal enterprise.

“Thomas Mackistosh handed over his company papers to Tompolo’s group more than four years ago for a legitimate business discussion.

"He was never contacted again, yet his name and address have now been dragged into a multimillion-dollar scandal.

"This is modern-day identity theft at the highest level and it must be punished.

“Every individual and entity linked to the ownership, management and loading of the Skipper must be arrested and brought to certain justice.

"Nigeria’s crude oil belongs to the people, not to a cabal of untouchables.”

The letter further stated:
“The same actors who claim to protect our pipelines have turned the entire offshore sector into a free-for-all for thieves.

"Matthew Tonlagha and Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), through Maton Engineering and Tantita Security Services, reportedly pocketed 2.3 trillion naira in a single year while production refuses to rise above 1.3 to 1.4 million barrels per day.

“Nigerians must rise today and demand accountability. Tompolo has been directly linked to this scandal and can no longer be shielded. The time for half-measures and sacred cows is over.”

The group warned that failure to act decisively would only encourage more brazen theft, deepen the national revenue crisis and further erode public trust in institutions meant to safeguard the country’s most vital economic asset.

https://businessamlive.com/security-experts-seek-tinubus-probe-into-network-behind-seized-skipper-oil-tanker/

*N'Delta Group Writes Tinubu, Insists On Termination of Tompolo’s Pipeline Surveillance Contract, Calls for Decentralisation*

The Niger Delta Centre for Justice and Accountability (NDCJA) has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, demanding for the immediate termination of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), owned by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

In the open letter, the organisation described the arrangement as "structurally defective," patronage-driven, and detrimental to Nigeria's national security, fiscal responsibility, and the welfare of citizens.

Signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Efe Justice, the group urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reject any renewal, extension, or variation of the contract.

The NDCJA advocated for a complete decentralisation of pipeline surveillance across the Niger Delta.

It proposed empowering credible indigenous contractors from each oil-producing state through transparent, competitive, and open bidding processes.

This approach, the group argued, would leverage local intelligence and community knowledge, foster genuine competition, reduce ethnic and regional tensions, distribute economic benefits more equitably, and build a more resilient and inclusive security framework.

The letter highlighted persistent challenges under the current model, noting that oil theft, illegal bunkering, and pipeline vandalism continue to cause massive economic losses.

It cited credible estimates placing annual losses as high as $15 billion or more, equivalent to hundreds of thousands of barrels per day at current global prices.

Part of the letter read: "Recent operations have uncovered illegal bunkering networks expanding into urban peripheries, riverine areas, and regions like Abia State in early 2026, indicating that the monopolistic structure has failed to dismantle criminal syndicates and instead allows them to adapt and exploit gaps."

The NDCJA raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest, pointing to Tompolo's past leadership of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which disrupted oil production through armed campaigns.

It also referenced public reports of luxury acquisitions, internal controversies within Tantita, and the concentration of billions of naira in one individual's hands, fueling suspicions of private enrichment over national interest.

Further criticism focused on Tompolo's repeated public accusations against the Nigerian Navy, alleging collusion with oil thieves, interference in operations, and even attacks on Tantita personnel.

The group warned that such rhetoric breeds infighting, erodes trust between private contractors and the military, and undermines coordinated national efforts against economic sabotage.

Financially, the letter described the contract's reported annual cost of approximately ₦48 billion as indefensible amid fiscal pressures.

Justice added: "The centralised, omnibus structure of the Tantita contract has also ignited dangerous rivalries among former militant leaders, indigenous security companies, community groups, and various stakeholders.

"A properly decentralised model would supplant monopoly with competition, equitably distribute responsibilities across the states, and remove the very conditions that breed such destructive power contests.

"Moreover, the ongoing dependence on one private firm inextricably linked to a single personality introduces serious operational vulnerabilities.

"Any interruption—whether arising from internal disputes, legal challenges, political realignments, or other unforeseen events—could instantly create exploitable intelligence and enforcement gaps that criminal networks would move to fill rapidly.

"Institutional reforms already embedded in the Petroleum Industry Act, together with sustained, professional military-led initiatives, provide a demonstrably more stable and institutionally anchored foundation than this fragile, personality-centric approach.

"Most critically, the continued privatisation of a core national security function through Tantita directly undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty, circumvents accountable state institutions, and establishes a dangerous precedent for outsourcing sovereign responsibilities to non-state actors.

"It stands in direct contradiction to the principles of federalism, genuine inclusivity, and equitable resource governance by marginalising diverse communities while concentrating disproportionate power and wealth in a narrow circle.

“Also the resort to threat by Tompolo and his allies to force FG into renewal of the billions of naira contract exposes the desperation of the individuals involved. Going ahead to renew will only show that we have a weak government that bows to threats from criminals. No individual is more powerful than a country. The Tantita contract is building individuals that will prove problematic to control in the future.

These threats must be investigated and the individuals involved, arrested and decisively dealt with. They must learn the hard lesson that no one is above the law and no one is stronger than the government.

"For all these reasons, the NDCJA demands the immediate and unconditional termination of the Tantita contract and the prompt transition to a fully decentralised surveillance regime.

"Indigenous contractors, selected through open, transparent, and competitive bidding processes in each Niger Delta state, must be empowered to protect oil assets within their jurisdictions.

"Performance must be rigorously measured against verifiable benchmarks, subjected to regular independent audits, and integrated seamlessly with federal security agencies.

"Only through such structural reform can Nigeria construct a truly equitable, effective, and sustainable pipeline protection system capable of safeguarding national revenue, minimising division, and serving the long-term interest of the entire country."

https://www.legit.ng/nigeria/1699966-tinubu-told-immediately-terminate-tompolos-pipeline-surveillance-contract/

https://dailytrust.com/group-writes-tinubu-seeks-review-of-pipeline-surveillance-contract/

*Niger Delta Group Issues Open Letter to President Tinubu, Calls for Review of Tompolo’s Pipeline Surveillance Contract*

The Niger Delta Safety Watch (NDSW) has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging an immediate and comprehensive review of the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

In the letter dated February 19, 2026, and signed by Chief Ebiowei Koro, Spokesperson of the group, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as persistent underperformance by TSSNL in securing critical oil pipelines, resulting in ongoing production shortfalls and significant national revenue losses.

The letter highlighted recent production figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which showed Nigeria’s crude oil output in January 2026 averaging approximately 1.46 million barrels per day (1.459 million barrels per day excluding condensate per OPEC data).

This level remained below the OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day and far short of the Federal Government’s 2026 budget benchmark of 1.84 million barrels per day.

The group noted that production has fallen below the OPEC quota in multiple months, including January 2026, contributing to cumulative shortfalls of an estimated 18.12 million barrels between January 2025 and January 2026.

These shortfalls, according to the letter, have led to billions of dollars in foregone revenue and demonstrate that pipeline security is not adequately guaranteed under the current surveillance arrangement.

“Tompolo’s company was entrusted with surveillance responsibilities to help stabilize production by reducing theft and vandalism,” the letter stated.

“Yet the persistent shortfalls indicate that the expected level of pipeline protection has not been achieved.”

The Niger Delta Safety Watch also referenced recent public statements by Chief Tompolo, including comments made in an interview where he discussed engaging with individuals involved in oil bunkering and noted that loading vessels often requires settlements with local communities.

The group interpreted these remarks as suggesting that Tompolo and his associates may have previously benefited from such activities and are now seeking to restrict competition from local youths to consolidate advantages through the government contract.

The letter strongly criticised Tompolo for repeatedly shifting blame to the Nigerian Armed Forces whenever surveillance outcomes fall short.

It described these actions as “shameless scapegoating” and a “dangerous undermining” of the military personnel who risk their lives daily to protect national assets.

“Instead of accepting responsibility for persistent production shortfalls and pipeline vulnerabilities under his watch, he points accusing fingers at the military, claiming obstruction or even complicity in bunkering,” the letter read.

“By casting aspersions on security institutions that have consistently dismantled illegal refineries, intercepted stolen crude, and arrested perpetrators, Tompolo deflects from his glaring failures, sows division, and erodes public confidence in the Armed Forces at a time when coordinated national security is essential.

"Such reckless statements from someone entrusted with billions in public funds are unacceptable and reveal a profound lack of accountability.”

The group argued that the continued reliance on a private entity for such a critical national security function raises serious questions, especially when results remain below expectations.

It suggested that greater coordination with established security forces, such as the Joint Task Force, may be necessary for more effective outcomes.

The Niger Delta Safety Watch concluded by respectfully calling on President Tinubu to direct an urgent, transparent assessment of TSSNL’s performance since the contract was awarded in 2022.

The group recommended that the Federal Government consider whether the contract should be renewed, restructured, or reassigned to better safeguard national interests, protect Niger Delta communities, and ensure reliable pipeline security for the country’s economy.

https://kubmedia.com.ng/pipeline-surveillance-tantita-contract-no-longer-sustainable-says-expert/

*Pipeline Surveillance: Tantita Contract No longer Sustainable*

A Niger Delta Environmental Activist and community development expert, Comrade Alex Ekerebenah has lambasted Comr. Preye Tambou over the later’s comment warning against opposition to the pipeline surveillance contract renewal to Tantita. Ekerebenah described the warning by Preye as a desperate attempt to defend his pocket and advance a selfish interest against the collective yearning of the vast Majority of the Niger Delta people.

“My attention has just been drawn to a publication where my brother, Comr. Preye Tambou called for the Niger Delta people to support continuous patronage of Tantita company with Pipeline surveillance contract. It is unfortunate that elements such as Preye Tambou will not relent in promoting causes that benefit their pockets. No patriotic indigene of Niger Delta will support the renewal of a contract that has no direct benefit to the majority of Niger Delta people. Only Preye and a few individuals have benefited from the millions of dollars contract that has ended in the pocket of a very few individuals leaving the vast majority of the Niger Delta people in abject poverty. Somebody must remind Preye that we are no longer in the eras when a few individuals will be throwing billions around while millions of our people struggle for one square meal per day’, - Comr. Ekerebenah declared.

The Niger Delta renowned community development expert also insisted that it was time for Mr. President to review and correct the ambiguity and oversight committed by Timipre Sylva and Mele Kyari, who midwifed the Pipeline Surveillance Contract award to Tantita, during their time as Chief of Staff and minster of state for petroleum, respectively, alleging that a man who is reported to be on the run for sponsoring a coup against Mr. President still has some level of control over Tantita, and the contract must be reallocated to give room for proper investigation into sources of the funds allegedly used by Sylva to sponsor the failed coup.

“I see this as an opportunity for Mr. President to correct an error by Timipre Sylva who is reportedly on the run for sponsoring a coup against Mr. President. You will recall that the pipeline surveillance contract was at his instance and until a comprehensive audit is made into the finances of Tantita to properly understand the sources of the funds allegedly used by Timipre Sylva to sponsor the aborted coup, Mr. President must terminate every ongoing contract in which Sylva has a control over. The haste with which Sylva awarded the contracts without considering the yearnings of other states and locals is no longer sustainable under the inclusive democratic ideals of Mr. President”,- Alex Ekerebenah insisted.

Speaking further with journalists Monday evening, the renowned environmental activist dismissed claims that such opposition were ethnic based, insisting that it is in the best interest of the Niger Delta people and Nigeria that each of the oil producing states are empowered to handle the surveillance of pipelines within their dormain, arguing that using locals to protect the pipelines will yield more positive reward and engender a sense of belonging and ensure lasting peace in the region.

“What we are advocating for is a liberal system that supports indigenes from each of the oil producing states to protect and guard Pipelines, oil exploration and installations within their states. The current method has not yielded the desired output as those entrusted with the bogus Pipeline surveillance contracts failed to carry the locals along, fanning the embers of division and marginalization. True peace will only return when we carry the locals along and allow indigenes to particiapate in Pipeline surveillance contracts within their states”,- Akerebenah stressed.

Akerebenah also argued that Preye Tambou is not an activist known to Niger Delta people and therefore cannot blackmail the people into folding their hands while a few individuals, including persons fingered in an aborted coup, enjoy the patrimony of the entire Niger Delta people.

“Another fact we chose to ignore is that Preye Tambou is not an activist. This cannot be the case even with a liberal stretch of imagination. He is not known in Niger delta and therefore lacks the wherewithal to speak on behalf of the people or blackmail the true Niger Deltans into abandoning their rights and privileges. As sons of Niger Delta, we will continue to tell Mr. President the truth to ensure that the Niger Delta people give Mr. President the requisite support needed to actualize his renewed hope Agenda in the region and Nigeria as a whole”.

Alex Akerebenah also stated that Tantita has lost its goodwill across the region and therefore outlived its usefulness. He further stressed that Tantita no longer possess the capacity to guarantee the security of pipelines and oil installations across the Niger Delta region, revealing that the organization and its hierarchy have lost the zeal having made billions of dollars from the contract over the years. He promptly called for the immediate reallocation of the contract to allow all the states to handle the Pipeline surveillance contracts within their states for a more inclusivity, effectiveness and increased output.

Finally, Comr. John Ochefu argued that given the way the Tantita executives failed to carry stakeholders and indigene along in the millions of dollars Pipeline surveillance contract, a renewal of the contract covering the entire Niger Delta region to Tantita will polarize the region and lead to division that will adversely affect the outputs recorded over the years, erode the efforts of Mr. President to sustain the current security and peace being enjoyed in the Niger Delta region, and also drag the region back to the dreaded era of pipeline vandalism, banditry and restiveness.

https://dailytrust.com/igala-youths-caution-against-derogatory-remarks-on-its-leaders/

The Igala Youth Leaders Assembly (IYLA) has cautioned against derogatory comments and inflammatory language directed at Igala leaders and institutions.

In a statement signed by Comrade Yahaya M. Izzuddeen, the group said the Igala people have a rich cultural heritage and a long history of resilience that should be respected and protected.

The statement expressed concern over recent public comments that the group said were disrespectful to Igala political and traditional leadership.

According to the IYLA, the Igala people should not be portrayed in a manner that diminishes their dignity, values or cultural identity.

“Our cultural heritage and history of resilience deserve to be treated with respect. We cannot accept language that undermines the image and dignity of the Igala people or their leaders,” the statement said.

The youth group noted that Igala traditional rulers and community leaders have played important roles in preserving the culture, unity and stability of the area over many generations.

It stressed that leadership and service to the community should be based on integrity, commitment and respect for the people, rather than political rivalry or personal ambition.

The group called on all political actors and stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to avoid statements that could create division or damage the reputation of the Igala people.

“The recent utterances by one Hajia Halima Alfa and her son, in their quest to represent the interests of the Igala people in the National Assembly, have left a sour taste in the mouths of many. Their claims to exclusive representation of the Igala people, coupled with the derogatory remarks against fellow Igala politicians and traditional leaders, are not only an affront to the dignity of the Igala people but also a demonstration of the depth of desperation that can arise from political ambition”.

“It is imperative to remind Hajia Halima and her son that the Igala people are not defined by their political affiliations or interests. Our traditional leaders, who have held us firmly through the ages, are the custodians of our culture and traditions. They are the symbols of our unity and strength, and any attempt to disrespect them is an attack on the very essence of our being. Even with her false accusations, labeling the Igala politicians as an illiterate”, it’s important for her to know that one does not have to attend Harvard University to become a competent leader, as some are born leaders, others by learning and those who has leadership entrusted to them”.

“We urge everyone to express their views in a responsible manner that promotes peace, unity and mutual respect,” the statement added.

The IYLA also appealed to the public to support efforts aimed at protecting the cultural values, traditions and dignity of the Igala people.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the group’s commitment to promoting unity, respect and peaceful engagement in Igala land.

https://dailytrust.com/comr-izzuddeen-inagurated-as-speaker-of-iyla/

The recently elected Igala Youth Leaders Assembly EXCO members were officially inaugurated on the 27th of December, 2025, in a well attended ceremony that held in the ancient city of Anyigba, Dekina LGA of Kogi state.

Among those who were duly inaugurated at the event are, Speaker: Yahaya Izzuddeen, Clark: Adejoh Khalil Olaikadede, National Women Leader: Madam Victoria E Daniel and Others.

During the inauguration, the speaker of IYLA, Comr. Izzuddeen Yahaya pledged to unite all the youth-base organizations of Igala extraction into a united front for the progress and development of Igala land. “As we embark on this journey, we are guided by the principles of unity, integrity, and service. We will strive to be inclusive, to listen to diverse perspectives, and to make informed decisions that benefit the greater good of the Igala race.
In the memory lane, the year 2017 Ukomu Igala Organisation under the Leadership Gen. PATRICK Akpa, the parent Body of IYLA has set a pace for this association to be a Youth wing under UIO. The mandate repose on us to hermanonise, Synergise and Unite all youths across different Association of Igala extraction is a mandate never be undermined. The task is a work in progress for actualisation and we are getting there soonest”, the speaker stressed.

https://dailytrust.com/comr-izzuddeen-emerges-speaker-of-igala-youth-assembly/

https://thesun.ng/comr-izzuddeen-emerges-speaker-of-iyla/

Breaking: Comr Izzuddeen Emerges Speaker of IYLA


The Igala Youth Leaders Assembly (IYLA) has announced the election of new executives, marking a new chapter in the organization's journey to empower Igala youth and develop Igala land.

In a statement released in Lokoja, Nigeria, the outgoing Speaker, Dr. Felix Akor Ojoachele, congratulated Comrade Yahaya Izzudeen (Mr. Deen) on his overwhelming victory in the recently concluded elections, emerging as the new Speaker of the Assembly.

Dr. Ojoachele praised Comrade Izzudeen's dedication, vision, and passion for the development of Igala land and the empowerment of Igala youth, expressing confidence that under his leadership, IYLA will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of Igala people, particularly the youth.

The new Speaker, Comrade Izzudeen, thanked the Igala youth for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work tirelessly for the development of Igala land and the empowerment of Igala youth. He promised to be a servant leader, calling on all Igala youth to join him in this journey to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.

Other elected executives include Comrade Khalil Adejoh as the Clerk of the Assembly, Comrade Yunisa Gambo as the Chief Whip, Victoria E Daniel as National Women Leader and others.

Dr. Ojoachele thanked the Igala youth for their support during his tenure and pledged his unwavering support to the new leadership, proud of the milestones achieved during his tenure and confident that Comrade Izzudeen will build on these achievements.

The Igala Youth Leaders Assembly (IYLA) is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of Igala youth and contributing to the development of Igala land, Kogi state and Nigeria at large.

Comr Izzuddeen Emerges Speaker of IYLA


The Igala Youth Leaders Assembly (IYLA) has announced the election of new executives, marking a new chapter in the organization's journey to empower Igala youth and develop Igala land.

In a statement released in Lokoja, Nigeria, the outgoing Speaker, Dr. Felix Akor Ojoachele, congratulated Comrade Yahaya Izzudeen (Mr. Deen) on his overwhelming victory in the recently concluded elections, emerging as the new Speaker of the Assembly.

Dr. Ojoachele praised Comrade Izzudeen's dedication, vision, and passion for the development of Igala land and the empowerment of Igala youth, expressing confidence that under his leadership, IYLA will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of Igala people, particularly the youth.

The new Speaker, Comrade Izzudeen, thanked the Igala youth for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work tirelessly for the development of Igala land and the empowerment of Igala youth. He promised to be a servant leader, calling on all Igala youth to join him in this journey to build a brighter future for themselves and generations to come.

Other elected executives include Comrade Khalil Adejoh as the Clerk of the Assembly, Comrade Yunisa Gambo as the Chief Whip, Victoria E Daniel as National Women Leader and others.

Dr. Ojoachele thanked the Igala youth for their support during his tenure and pledged his unwavering support to the new leadership, proud of the milestones achieved during his tenure and confident that Comrade Izzudeen will build on these achievements.

The Igala Youth Leaders Assembly (IYLA) is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting the interests and welfare of Igala youth and contributing to the development of Igala land, Kogi state and Nigeria at large.

https://dailytrust.com/oil-theft-niger-delta-group-urges-review-of-firms-contract/

https://dailypost.ng/2025/10/24/oil-theft-niger-delta-ex-agitators-demand-probe-termination-of-security-contract/

Niger Delta Group Demands Probe and Termination of New Guard Security Contract Amid Alleged Failures in Curbing Oil Theft

The Niger-Delta Ex Agitators Movement for Justice and Freedom has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, calling for an urgent probe into New Guard Security and Consultancy Services Limited’s supervisory role in protecting Nigeria’s oil assets, accusing the firm of “dereliction of duty” that has allowed rampant crude theft and vandalism to persist, costing the nation billions in lost revenue.

In a detailed letter dated October 15, 2025, signed by National Chairman Preye Emiete and copied to the National Security Adviser, NNPCL and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the group expressed “deep concern over the persistent sabotage, crude oil theft, and vandalism of vital petroleum infrastructure in the Niger Delta region.”

They described New Guard’s performance as “an affront to national economic security, public trust, and the wellbeing of host communities,” demanding immediate intervention to review and potentially terminate the contract.

The petitioners outlined New Guard’s mandate, which includes “supervising all contracted oil security outfits to ensure adherence to operational guidelines,” “coordinating with relevant federal agencies to detect and deter oil theft and vandalism,” “engaging and incorporating host community stakeholders in surveillance and rapid response,” and “ensuring familiarity with local terrains for optimal protection of petroleum.”

However, they alleged these obligations are not being met, citing “field reports, community testimonies, and independent media coverage” showing rampant oil theft, rising vandalism, and sidelined host communities in favour of “security contractors with little to no knowledge of the terrain.”

Drawing on NNPC data, the letter highlighted that in June 2025 alone, 223 new illegal connections on oil pipelines were discovered, alongside the dismantling of 78 illegal refineries, leading to daily losses exceeding 400,000 barrels of crude oil.

“This continued theft and sabotage have led to production losses amounting to millions of barrels annually, robbing the Federal Government and citizens of vital revenue,” the group stated, adding that environmental spills have “destroyed farmlands and fishing waters, further impoverishing host communities.”

The ex-agitators further criticized New Guard for failing to “implement sustainable monitoring systems, relying instead on ad-hoc and ineffective patrols,” which they said fosters resentment, erodes trust, and weakens intelligence gathering.

They raised questions about the “criteria and processes by which these appointments are made,” suggesting that “certain appointments may serve” undisclosed interests, and labeled the non-performance a “breach of contractual obligations” under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), justifying “immediate governmental intervention, contract review, and, where necessary, termination.”

Among their recommendations, the group urged the government to “commence an immediate, independent investigation into the performance of NEW GUARD SECURITY AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED supervisory mandate,” “review the terms of its appointment, with a view to sanctioning or terminating the contract if breaches are confirmed,” and “institute and mandate a policy directive for the inclusion of competent, terrain-familiar host community personnel in all petroleum security operations.”

They also called for stronger oversight and a review of all contractor selections, potentially appointing “new supervisory entities with proven track records in oil asset protection.”

“This is not merely an operational lapse; it is a threat to national economic security,” the petition warned, emphasizing impacts like hampered crude production, weakened OPEC quota performance, eroded investor confidence, and risks of “renewed agitation and unrest” in host communities.

https://thenationonlineng.net/lokpobiri-family-ekeremor-youths-back-ncdmb-boss-demand-iyc-presidents-resignation/

https://dailytrust.com/lokpobiri-family-ekeremor-youths-declare-support-for-ncdmb-boss/

*Lokpobiri Family, Ekeremor Youths Rally Behind NCDMB Boss, Demand Resignation of IYC President*

The Lokpobiri Family and Ekeremor Youths Progressive Forum (EYPF) have denied allegations of ethnic bias and poor performance against Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and others.

In separate statements, they described the claims as baseless and malicious, aimed at undermining the progress of the NCDMB and sowing seed of discord in the Niger Delta.

They also issued a seven-day ultimatum to Jonathan Lokpobiri, President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), to resign from his position over his recent defamatory and divisive statements against Engr. Ogbe and others.

According to a statement signed by Allen Lokpobiri, the Family said Jonathan’s baseless allegations have not only tarnished the reputation of a respected leader but also threatened the unity and peace of the Ekeremor community and the broader Niger Delta.

According to them, his actions demonstrate a clear disregard for the collective interests of the Ijaw people and undermine the progress achieved through inclusive leadership.

Allen noted that failure to resign would attract further consequences, including potential banishment from Ekeremor.

“We are appalled by the reckless and unfounded accusations levelled against Engr. Ogbe, a leader who has consistently worked for the progress of the Niger Delta,” Allen said on behalf of the family.

“Jonathan Lokpobiri’s actions not only misrepresent the collective aspirations of our people but also threaten the unity and peace we have worked hard to maintain in Ekeremor.

"We demand his immediate resignation, retraction of these false claims and an apology. Failure to do so would attract severe consequences, including banishment from our community.”

The family further emphasised their unwavering support for Engr. Ogbe, highlighting his inclusive leadership at the NCDMB.

“Engr. Ogbe’s tenure has brought significant development to the Niger Delta, with equitable opportunities for all ethnic groups, including the Ijaw.

"We will not tolerate attempts to smear his reputation with baseless allegations for selfish motives. The Lokpobiri Family stands firmly behind Engr. Ogbe and calls on all well-meaning Nigerians to support his efforts to advance local content development and foster unity across our region.”

Meanwhile, the EYPF has dissociated itself from the Jonathan Lokpobiri, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and its activities, rejecting their call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Engr. Ogbe.

In a statement signed by Comrade John Godman, the group rubbished claims that the ES favoured his Itsekiri kinsmen in capacity-building initiatives while marginalising other ethnic groups, particularly the Ijaw.

The EYPF asserted that Engr. Ogbe has demonstrated exemplary leadership and inclusivity in advancing the NCDMB’s mandate.

“Engr. Ogbe has fostered equitable representation and development for all communities, including the Ijaw, through capacity-building programs, training, and job opportunities,” Godman said.

"We categorically refute the assertion that Engr. Ogbe has avoided critical youth engagement or favoured one ethnic group over others," the statement added. 

"His track record shows a commitment to transparent and inclusive stakeholder engagement, with tangible results in human capacity development and economic empowerment across the region.

"The claim of a ten-month communication barrier with the IYC is a misrepresentation, as Engr. Ogbe has maintained open channels for dialogue with youth groups and stakeholders, a fact that can be verified by many community leaders in the Niger Delta.

"The NCDMB has consistently upheld the principles of fairness, equity, and federal character, ensuring that all communities, including the Ijaw, benefit from its programs."

The EYPF highlighted Ogbe’s contributions to local content development, job creation, and sustainable growth, emphasising his commitment to fairness, equity, and federal character.

The group praised Engr. Ogbe’s transformative leadership, calling on Nigerians, particularly Niger Delta youths, to support his efforts to advance the region’s development.

"We commend Engr. Ogbe for his transformative leadership at NCDMB, which has strengthened local content policies, created job opportunities, and driven sustainable development in the Niger Delta.

"His integrity, competence, and dedication to the collective aspirations of all communities in the region are undeniable. We call on all Nigerians, particularly the youth of the Niger Delta, to support Engr. Ogbe’s visionary leadership to ensure continued progress and prosperity for our region."

https://thenationonlineng.net/oil-gas-stakeholders-pass-vote-of-confidence-on-firm/

The Niger Delta Volunteers (NDV) has passed a vote of confidence on Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited, citing its outstanding contributions to the sector in Nigeria.

The group praised Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited for its diligent efforts in ensuring a peaceful and secure oil and gas sector across the Niger Delta.

At a quarterly press conference, the group said the company has initiated policies promoting workers' welfare, such as prompt and regular salary payments, and has operated within government regulations and international best practices.

In his address, the group’s convener, Comrade Akpobome Francis, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for increasing oil production by 800,000 barrels per day in just 18 months, exceeding OPEC targets for the first time in four years.

According to him, this achievement marks the beginning of prosperity for the oil and gas industry and the nation.

Akpobome said Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited has demonstrated prudent management of resources, maintaining stability in the oil and gas sector with minimal resources.

He added that the company has also fostered inclusive oil and gas activities, bringing host communities together and reducing oil bunkering and vandalism.

“Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited has emerged as a shining example of corporate excellence in the oil and gas sector,” the statement added.

“The company's commitment to safety, security, and sustainability has created a benchmark for others to follow.

“By prioritizing the welfare of its workers and host communities, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited has demonstrated that responsible business practices can coexist with profitability.

“The company's innovative approach to pipeline infrastructure development has been a game-changer for the industry.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technology and best practices, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited has significantly reduced the risk of pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

“This, in turn, has increased the efficiency and reliability of Nigeria's oil and gas supply chain. The company's contributions to the sector have been instrumental in driving economic growth and development.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited has consistently demonstrated its commitment to giving back to the community.

“The company's social investment programs have had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Nigerians, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.”

The Niger Delta Volunteers called on other companies and stakeholders to emulate Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited's patriotic efforts, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for oil activities and supporting President Tinubu's leadership.

Onofose added: “As Pipeline Infrastructure Nigerian Limited continues to soar to greater heights, it is imperative that the company does not relent in its pursuit of excellence.

“The company must continue to innovate, to push boundaries, and to prioritize the welfare of its stakeholders.”

https://thenationonlineng.net/group-seeks-sack-of-benue-council-chairman-over-alleged-anti-party-activities/

Group Calls For Sack Of Benue LG Chair

A support group in Benue known as Alia Network for Good Governance has called for the immediate removal of the chairman of Ado Local Government council, Hon. Sunny Oche.

The group in a statement that already gone viral and signed by the Denis Vershima and Eric T. Terso, the group’s Convener and Secretary respectively, accused the chairman of anti party activities and strong ties with enemies of the Rev. Father Dr. Hyacinth Alia administration.

“It has become important that we as a critical support group of the people-oriented Governor of Benue state, H.E Rev. Father Dr. Hyacinth Alia, which is wholly dedicated to the political interests and wellbeing of the Alia Government, we make inputs and unequivocally communicate our displeasure over the ongoing political alliance between the Local Council Chairman of Ado, Hon Sunny Oche and an agent of destabilization as well as the sworn enemy of the Alia administration, Senator Patrick Abba Moro.

“It is on record that Senator Moro and his group of vampires, who hitherto scavenged the Benue valley and stunted her growth, has been gasping for breath and looking for a window of opportunity to bring the Alia government down.

“The reason is because the governor has prioritized the interest of the Benue masses ahead of the selfish interests of a few cabals who lived large at the expense of the working class and the Benue people. The determination of the Governor to make Benue a better place for the masses has come at a huge price, and has earned him powerful enemies who are desperate to fight the Governor to a halt and force their way back into our treasury.

“This is why we urge all well meaning people of our dear state, who desire a Benue that works for all, to stand with Governor Alia and support his good intentions against a group of selfish politicians determined to milk the state dry as they have done since 1999 before Gov Alia came to power in 2023!

“One of the principal members of this group is the senate minority leader, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, the Senator representing Benue South district. He has used every platform, afforded him by virtue of his office, to attempt to bring the Alia government down. He is a sworn enemy of not just the Alia administration, but of the good people of Benue state who are currently having a moment of reprieve after long years of misrule.

“There is no doubt also that while people have their rights to pursue political ambitions and equally associate freely, such rights and privileges must not come at the detriment of the overall interests of the Alia administration and Benue people. Subordinates of the Alia government, particularly those reposed with the confidence of leading the various local councils are expected to key into the Alia agenda and bring his people/oriented polices to the grassroots level.

The group also quoted a media statement that further elaborated of the alleged relationship between the Minority leader of the senate, Senator Abba Moro and Hon. Sunny Oche of Ado LG.

“It is therefore with a heavy sense of betrayal that this group was reliably informed of a statement in the media, which has since been corroborated by stakeholders of APC in Ado LGA, detailing an inconceivable political alliance between the Ado LGC Chairman and Abba Moro. Part of the statement reads, “last Sunday, precisely, February 16, 2025, the Chairman of Ado LGC, Hon. Sunday Oche hosted the incumbent Senator representing Benue South, Senator Abba Moro in Ikpomilokpo, his ancestral Community, in Ado LG Area. Same Senator Moro, a desperate politician known for insulting and undermining Governor Alia's developmental strides. The Senator is of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) while Hon. Oche is of the APC. The Council boss has always bragged of his cosy relationship with the Senator so much so that he calls him his godfather. It was against this background that Hon Oche and his family openly worked for the PDP in all elections, from bottom to top and vice versa, in the 2023 polls.
However, APC swept the poll while PDP lost all elections in Ado. This speaks to the weakness of Hon Sunday Oche as a paper weight.

“In his bid to show his loyalty to Senator Moro, on that fateful Sunday, Hon. Oche reportedly arranged Ezza community in Ikpomilokpo for the Senator to address and canvass support for his reelection bid in 2027.

“Before the reception in Ikpomilokpo, Senator Moro and Hon Oche had driven in a convoy to Apa- Ward in Ado and returned to Ikpomilokpo clan in the evening for reception and meeting.

“They drove in convoy in the SUV of the Senator to and from Apa. They were in Apa Ward on the invitation of Hon. James Oche, the Benue State Federal Commissioner of the Public Complaint Commission (PCC) who was holding his father's one year remembrance ritual. The climax of the event was the commissioning of a house and the foundation laying ceremony of an Anglican Church by Senator Moro.

“A source in Ikpomilokpo who spoke on condition of anonymity said the Council boss urged the Ezza and Ikpomilokpo people to immediately embark on a House-to-House Campaign for Senator Moro's reelection. The Ado Council boss in turn also requested the Senator to hand him the PDP ticket to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the 2027 election.

“His request is premised on the Senator's confidence that he controls the entire PDP structure in Benue South.

“Hon. Oche has never hidden his desire to go to the House of Representatives. He comes from a super minority community called Ikpomilokpo, which has just two polling units. This is the reason why he started early by lobbying critical Stakeholders across Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency with bags of rice and cows that were supposed to be the exclusive preserve of Ado stakeholders.

“Hon. Oche believes that, having been imposed on Ado people as Council Chairman, the APC will not hand him the party's ticket for Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency. That is why he is begging the Senator who claims to be in charge of PDP, to 'dash' him the ticket. So it was no surprise that both Hon. Oche and Senator Moro drove in a convoy to and from Apa-Agila, last Sunday, to commission a building in honour of the father of Hon. James Oche, who does hatchet job for the Senator.

"Before the macabre dance in Ikpomilokpo community, the same Hon Sunday Oche had had serious meetings in Abuja with Senator Moro to negotiate 2027."

Consequently, the group accused the LG chairman of being a mole in the Alia Government and called for his immediate removal.

*Exposing The Inconsistencies In Binance Bribery Claims*

By Sylvanus Okpe

A recent claim by Mr. Tigran Gambaryan, the head of Financial Crime Compliance for Binance that three members of the House of Representatives demanded a humongous sum of $150,000,000 bribe to ‘make his case go away’ while he was in detention in Nigeria has continued to generate mixed reactions from many Nigerians.

While these claims were not backed with persuasive evidence to command the force it deserve, the inconsistency in the reports of the bribery allegation by Binance team seem to unconsciously put the final nail on the coffin of its authenticity.

For instance, In a viral report published by New York Times on May 7, 2024, (https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/technology/binance-nigeria-tigran-gambaryan.html) the Chief Executive Officer of Binance, Mr. Richard Teng, was quoted to have written, “On Jan. 8, Mr. Gambaryan and a group of Binance employees met with those lawmakers. Soon the meeting turned contentious: The lawmakers read aloud a list of accusations against Binance, including tax violations. They also threatened to pursue an arrest warrant for Mr. Teng, the blog post said.

As the Binance employees left the meeting, Mr. Teng wrote, they were approached by “unknown persons” who suggested that they make a payment to settle the allegations. Later, a local lawyer representing Binance spoke with someone purporting to be an agent of the House committee, Mr. Teng wrote.
The purported agent demanded “a significant payment in cryptocurrency to be paid in secret within 48 hours to make these issues go away,” Mr. Teng wrote. The amount was roughly $150 million, four people familiar with the matter said.

Mr. Teng in his account reported that it was after the session with the House of Reps Committee that ‘unknown persons’ met with Binance executives to demand $150million bribe.

But in a post on X (formerly Twitter https://x.com/tigrangambaryan/status/1890287335205384312?s=48&t=9zkPK8Uy6nPvnlolwu4azg
), Tigran Gambaryan, wrote, “At the House meeting, there were three members present. Two of them were Peter Akpanke and Philip Agbese, both working under the leadership of Ginger Obinna Onwusibe. There was a third House member, but I don’t recall his name. They set up fake cameras and media to make the meeting appear official, but the cameras weren’t even plugged in. As you may already know, this ended with them asking for a $150 million bribe, paid in cryptocurrency into their personal wallets. A Mickey Mouse operation at its best”.

The later account by Tigran differed significantly from the earlier report by the CEO of Binance that the $150million bribe was demanded at the session in the House of Representatives by members of the anti corruption committee. I do not know how members of the House of Representatives’ anti-corruption committee, who sat in a session with the Binance team, in discharge of their constitutional oversight functions, can possibly pass as ‘unknown persons’. This obvious and inexcusable inconsistency in their accounts have eroded the credibility of the claim and casted a thick veil of doubt on the malicious bribery allegation.

It is also unacceptable that Binance in an effort to get away with committing financial crimes in Nigeria would employ the dangerous tactics of attempting to blackmail officials who are determined to hold them accountable for their crimes of economic sabotage against Nigeria.

Binance is notorious in aiding and abetting financial improprieties all over the world, and have been banned and sanctioned in a number of countries.

In fact, In April 2024, the founder of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, bagged a four months sentence in prison in the US for allowing criminals to launder money on his platform.

Earlier in May 2023, Binance was forced to pay the sum of $4.3 billion to the U.S. government on the charges that the cryptocurrency exchange giants allowed criminal activity to flourish on its platform.

It is also ironical that while Mr. Tigran was calling on America to rescue him from being held accountable for breaching Nigeria’s financial regulations, the founder and CEO of Binance ,was at same time, languishing in an American Prison for similar criminal breach.

No country is more sovereign than the other, and no amount of blackmail and politically motivated propaganda will make us surrender our sovereignty as a nation, or allow international criminals to sabotage Nigeria’s economy and breach our financial regulations.

Sylvanus Okpe writes from Abuja.

A Human Rights Researcher and Anti-corruption Advocate, Comrade Sylvanus Okpe, has lambasted the 2023 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi State, Dino Melaye, over his recent mockery of the travails of a former governor of the state, Yahaya Bello.

Okpe, who expressed anger over Melaye's constant display of alleged "unexplained wealth" on social media, amid widespread poverty, advised him to hide his face whenever Nigerians are talking about integrity issues.

Speaking in a two minutes, 50 seconds video clip that has now gone viral, the rights activist said Melaye should not compare himself with the former governor, adding that his likes were the ones misleading youths with their constant, needless display of "unexplained wealth" on social media.

"Dino mocks poor Nigerian youths, flaunts wealth. He doesn't help anybody but all the kinds of flashy cars in Nigeria, Dino has. He is the one that has made Nigerian youths to believe that politicians are thieves," he said.

He recalled how the former legislator allegedly jumped from a police van when he was arrested a few years ago and was taken on a stretcher for a court proceeding to escape trial.

He wondered the moral right the former legislator had to mock ex-Governor Bello, who he said voluntarily submitted himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and even gave his crowd of supporters and loved ones strength in the court room.

Finding Dino's mockery of Bello distasteful and unwarranted, Okpe stressed that the former lawmaker was not fit to even pass any comment whenever issues of public interest were being discussed, judging by his alleged romance with convicted fraudsters.

"If everybody is talking, Dino Melaye? Dino is not in the same class with Yahaya Bello. Dino cannot talk politically where Yahaya Bello is talking. Dino was in the Senate; Dino was in the House of Reps. What were his achievements? He was saying he would impregnate a fellow senator then. He denigrates women at every given provocation," the Anti-corruption crusader added.

FULL TEXT OF THE VIDEO

"See Dino o... I'm so angry this afternoon, reading Dino's reaction to Yahaya Bello's travails. A man who came out boldly to face prosecution, who voluntarily submitted himself to EFCC.

"We know the history of Dino. We know how Dino flaunts unexplained wealth in the face of poor Nigerians, when there is skyrocketing unemployment. When people are dying of hunger and starvation; Dino is on social media, flaunting unexplained wealth and he thinks his time will not come?

"Dino is now the one one portraying himself as an activist who fights for Nigerians, who is against fraud. But Dino is the same person who is everywhere on Instagram dining and wining with Hushpuppi who has been convicted and is in a US jail over fraud.

"This is the same Dino talking to Nigerians and he wants to take us for fools. Nigerian youths cannot listen to Dino Melaye. We know his history. We read a 13th April 2018 report of BBC which reported how some political thugs confessed to how he was sponsoring them with arms and money. We have videos of how he was jumping like a monkey from the Police van when he was arrested.

"Dino that was feigning illness during a court proceeding that he was now sick and could not stand trial. He is the one comparing himself with someone who faced his trial with all courage, a man they are coming for because of what he has and what he can contribute.

"If everybody is talking, Dino Melaye? Dino is not in the same class with Yahaya Bello. Dino cannot talk politically where Yahaya Bello is talking. Dino was in the Senate; Dino was in the House of Reps. What were his achievements? He was saying he would impregnate a fellow senator then. He denigrates women at every given provocation.

"Dino mocks poor Nigerian youths, flaunts wealth. He doesn't help anybody but all the kinds of flashy cars in Nigeria, Dino has. He is the one that has made Nigerian youths to believe that politicians are thieves.

"If Nigerians are talking, Dino must find somewhere to hide his face. He is not in the class of Yahaya Bello at all."

YAHAYA BELLO: SETTING THE RECORDS STRAIGHT

By Ayo Gabriel-Abu

There is a worrying bandwagon trend in Nigeria where people who should ordinarily understand basic issues display crass ignorance about topical cases. We see this play out continuously in the Nigerian political scene at the detriment of the wellbeing of the nation – where apologists of various political parties would prefer to shut the window against sunlight to prove a dusk lie.

I have always wondered why some Nigerians would always advise people to disregard due process because history has shown that holding on to what the law says is not the norm in Nigeria and may not land the person involved at a safe destination. Such is the case of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

I have seen quite a number of people arguing on his behalf and I have seen their logic. I have also seen the negatives and noticed the deliberate mischief. I had seen the difference between the informed commentaries and the hatchet/ignorant jobs even before my law school lecturer sat with me to throw more light on the basic ingredients of the lingering case between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the former Governor.

At every stage of this case, it was clear that the man, Yahaya Bello, was well covered by the laws of our nation but was a lone voice in a system that glorifies sycophancy and dresses illegal conducts in royal garbs.

If we journeyed back to the day the EFCC themselves started this show by staging a movie in front of his Abuja residence in the name of laying siege, it would be easy to identify the clear missteps. This man had a valid court order against arrest or harassment pending the determination of a fundamental human rights case he filed. He was not the first Nigerian to obtain such order. Even if he was the first, it is within his rights as a citizen of Nigeria as long as he can demonstrate that there is threat to his safety.

Moreso, the present National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Umar Ganduje, got an order that stopped the EFCC from probing him. Who has vacated that order? Is he not the one gallivanting from one place to the other despite heavy allegations hanging around his neck? This is also in spite of various petitions submitted against him to the EFCC by individuals and organisations as well as his state government. Does he have immunity as APC chairman? NO!

Why has he refused to honour one single court sitting since his trial began at the Kano High Court? Nigerians need to wake up and see through the shenanigans of hardened criminals who orchestrate ordeals for political enemies just because they are close to those who call the shots! There are many others who have the same order and are being shielded.

Back to Yahaya Bello, why would any educated person join the EFCC in a game that is clearly a breach of everything called fundamental human rights and not think of future implications on the Nigerian legal system? Was it right for the EFCC to have, in April, stormed the house of someone who had a valid court order preventing them from arresting him pending the determination of the matter in court? There was even no formal invitation to him and no warrant of arrest. From the news of that day, the controversial warrant of arrest was obtained much later, in contravention of an existing order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction.

Why do we like to celebrate lawlessness? So, because some people don’t like Yahaya Bello’s face, because God has re-written the slant of politics in his state through him and some people are angry, it is okay to disregard the law in his own case and obey the law in another case. I wish I had powers, this is a man to support because he has been subjected to nothing all along other than intimidation and oppression. Someone who no court has convicted is being treated as if he had been proven guilty. What the hell!

One writer used the headline: who is advising Yahaya Bello? And I laughed at his ignorance. He should be asking: who is advising EFCC or this Federal Government? Why are they making persecution so glaring? So because everyone fears EFCC, no one should explore all legal angles to protect his rights?

If the EFCC had succeeded in vacating the order that he had before the invasion and he refused to show up or they couldn’t arrest him, that would have been the point for a warrant of arrest. The warrant of arrest against him should be condemned in a sane society.

From news records, the EFCC only vacated that order at the Court of Appeal at the end of August. His media office, thereafter, released a statement that, in line with the development, he decided to present himself to the EFCC as a respecter of the rule of law. This was in spite of the fact that he had a leg pending at the Supreme Court. But what did the EFCC do? They told him to go home only to launch an attack at the Kogi State Government Lodge the same night.

Did that not confirm to an objective mind that even beyond persecution, his life was in danger and could not be entrusted in the hands of his aggressors? He has been under the firm protection of the law all along, contrary to what his political opponents and the EFCC want people to believe. If I were his lawyer, by now, I would have filed series of cases against them, particularly with respect to defamation and threat to life.

Well, the dust settled on that matter. Later, we woke up to the news that Kogi State was at the Supreme Court, along with some other states to challenge the constitutionality of the EFCC Act. Before I go on, let me point out here that I strongly believe that the activities of the EFCC are not in line with the provisions of federalism. It is also a known fact that the EFCC has always been an instrument in the hands of the government of the day against opposition or perceived political rivals. It has served as a ‘witch-hunt tool’ that always turns round to ‘witch-hunt’ the last user. It is a cycle.

I stumbled on a February 19, 2007 front page story of Punch Newspaper, where Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, who was the EFCC boss then, vowed to prosecute Tinubu, whose alleged corruption, he said, was of international dimension. Today, he works under the same Tinubu as NSA. The implication of this is that Nigeria does not have the right framework to tackle corruption yet.

Anyway, the states went to court and they lost. Since Yahaya Bello’s preliminary objection that a case was pending at the Supreme Court had now been quashed by that judgment, he again presented himself to EFCC on Tuesday, accompanied by his lawyers. So, what is the offence in that? In fact, he should be a hero for the voiceless in the society. He fought a good battle even though I never expected that he would win legal battles when his oppressors are the ones calling the shots.

Whether or not the case sailed through at the Supreme Court, it is on record that the status quo was challenged. And that doesn’t even put a close to it. It can be revisited. After all, there was a Supreme Court judgment that earlier gave exactly the opposite of the latest judgment. Nigeria’s Judiciary is still very much tied to the apron strings of the Executive if the truth must be told. So, the fact that a judgment was given against a state-oppressed person does not make it just.

Finally, if I would have any reason to ask about Yahaya Bello’s advisers, it would be to unravel the source of his confidence, fearlessness and doggedness, which, to me, have been the recipe for some unbelievable barriers he has broken in his political journey. Like a writer said the other day, he has given hope to people without godfathers that they can go far in life in a society where our oppressors have continued to concentrate Nigeria’s wealth in their households by recycling their children and grandchildren in positions of authority at the expense of the masses.

Like Yahaya Bello or hate him, you can’t dispute the fact that he is fearless and understands the game, politics. Without political sagacity, he would never have been able to puncture an age-long political myth in his state. This is why I would love to, one day, meet him, one on one. I need to know the secret.

Nigerians should stop listening to defamation contractors who have turned overnight activists. They smile to the bank every other day after being paid to run people down. It is a thriving industry.

Finally, now that the former governor is with the EFCC, the Commission should know that all eyes are on them. They are prosecutors not the court. Let the process be fair. The long adjournment, just to rule on a bail application, already raises questions!

*Ayo Gabriel-Abu, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, writes from Kaduna.

https://dailytrust.com/anti-corruption-group-warns-efcc-against-violating-bellos-rights/

The Anti-Corruption Network (A-CN) has commended former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for submitting himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for trial.

The Anti-Corruption Network views Bello's latest action as proof of his willingness to cooperate with the authorities and clear his name, adding that it demonstrates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting Nigeria's justice institutions.

In a statement co-signed by Comrade Umar Sadiq, Convener and Orji Moses Okwu, secretary, the group described Bello as a positive example for other public officials.

However, the Anti-Corruption Network cautioned the EFCC to ensure that Bello's rights are not violated during the trial process, urging the commission to adhere to international best practices and Nigeria's laws in handling this matter.

The group said it is aware that the case may have political undertones. Therefore, it urged the EFCC to conduct a fair and impartial trial devoid of any political influence or bias. 

The statement added: "The commission must demonstrate its independence and commitment to upholding justice, rather than serving any political agenda.

"It is crucial that the EFCC ensures that Governor Bello is given a fair hearing, with access to all necessary documents and evidence. The commission must also guarantee that the trial is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, with regular updates to the public.

"Furthermore, we call on the EFCC to respect Governor Bello's rights to a fair trial, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law. This includes the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the right to a fair and public hearing, and the right to be free from arbitrary detention.

"In conclusion, we reiterate our commendation of Governor Bello for his courageous action and urge the EFCC to ensure a fair and transparent trial process. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria."

https://dailytrust.com/anti-corruption-group-warns-efcc-against-violating-bellos-rights/

The Anti-Corruption Network (A-CN) has commended former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello for submitting himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for trial.

The Anti-Corruption Network views Bello's latest action as proof of his willingness to cooperate with the authorities and clear his name, adding that it demonstrates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting Nigeria's justice institutions.

In a statement co-signed by Comrade Umar Sadiq, Convener and Orji Moses Okwu, secretary, the group described Bello as a positive example for other public officials.

However, the Anti-Corruption Network cautioned the EFCC to ensure that Bello's rights are not violated during the trial process, urging the commission to adhere to international best practices and Nigeria's laws in handling this matter.

The group said it is aware that the case may have political undertones. Therefore, it urged the EFCC to conduct a fair and impartial trial devoid of any political influence or bias. 

The statement added: "The commission must demonstrate its independence and commitment to upholding justice, rather than serving any political agenda.

"It is crucial that the EFCC ensures that Governor Bello is given a fair hearing, with access to all necessary documents and evidence. The commission must also guarantee that the trial is conducted in a transparent and accountable manner, with regular updates to the public.

"Furthermore, we call on the EFCC to respect Governor Bello's rights to a fair trial, as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law. This includes the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, the right to a fair and public hearing, and the right to be free from arbitrary detention.

"In conclusion, we reiterate our commendation of Governor Bello for his courageous action and urge the EFCC to ensure a fair and transparent trial process. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria."

https://dailytrust.com/ganduje-not-immune-to-probe-coalition-tells-efcc/

The National Transparency Coalition (NTC) has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to fast track the arrest and prosecution of Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group said the EFCC's prompt investigation into allegations of embezzlement, cronyism, and nepotism against Ganduje is crucial in upholding transparency and accountability.

The Coalition was responding to a statement by Oliver Okpala, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment to the former Kano State Governor.

Okpala, in response to a petition against Ganduje, suggested that the anti-graft agency can’t arrest or prosecute his principal.

But in a statement signed by Comrade Justice Anthony, the NTC said Ganduje is not immune to probe, adding that corruption allegations against him are well-documented.

Anthony said Okpala's assertions that Ganduje won't be intimidated by "anti-corruption imposters" only serve to underscore his penchant for anti-democratic tendencies.

“We came across the petition by the National Anti-Corruption Alliance (NACA) which outlined numerous allegations against Ganduje,” the statement said.

“NACA's petition details allegations of bribery and misappropriation against Ganduje, including a $413,000 bribe, N1.38 billion misappropriation, and diversion of ₦57.43 billion.

“Ganduje's refusal to comply with a 2023 summons from the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) further raises concerns.

“The EFCC's mandate, as established by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, includes investigating and prosecuting economic and financial crimes,” he said.

“NACA's petition falls squarely within this mandate. The EFCC's responsibility to investigate Ganduje is clear as contained in Section 2(a)(ii) of the EFCC Act 2004.

“NTC emphasizes that this case transcends party affiliations, focusing solely on Ganduje's actions as a public servant. “

The NTC, therefore, called for the immediate investigation into Ganduje's alleged corruption as well as his arrest and prosecution for bribery and misappropriation.

The Coalition further demanded for the recovery of misappropriated funds and public disclosure of investigation findings.

“The EFCC must demonstrate commitment to anti-corruption without bias. Investigating Ganduje will show that no individual is above the law,” Anthony added.

“NTC calls on Nigerians to support anti-corruption efforts, demanding accountability from leaders.

“Ganduje's status does not grant immunity. EFCC must investigate, demonstrating commitment to anti-corruption.“

*16 States vs EFCC: 1,000 Lawyers Unite Behind Anti-Graft Agency*

In a bold show of support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a coalition of 1,000 lawyers has condemned the lawsuit filed by 16 states challenging the commission's powers.

Under the auspices of the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network (A-CLN), the lawyers described this move as a desperate attempt to undermine the fight against corruption and shield corrupt individuals from accountability.

The lawsuit, filed by states including Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Kogi, and Kebbi, argues that the EFCC's Establishment Act contradicts the constitution. However, the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network dismisses this claim as baseless and misleading.

According to a statement signed by Barr. Festus Idanyi, the legal practitioners said the lawsuit is a clear example of corruption fighting back, with willing state governments used to render the EFCC ineffective. 

"We, the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network, strongly condemn the shocking and audacious attempt by 16 states to challenge the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)," Idanyi said. 

"This move reeks of desperation and is a blatant attempt to undermine the fight against corruption, shield corrupt individuals from accountability, and perpetuate impunity.

"What are these states afraid of? Are they hiding something? Do they have skeletons in their closets? Their actions suggest a desire to conceal corruption and protect those who have looted public funds.

"The EFCC was established to combat financial crimes, and its actions are backed by the law," said Barr. Festus Idanyi, National President of the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network.

"The plaintiffs' argument that the EFCC's Establishment Act contradicts the constitution is baseless, misleading, and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. The EFCC was established to combat financial crimes, and its actions are backed by the law.

"Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution mandates the state to abolish corruption and abuse of power. The EFCC's Establishment Act is in line with this provision.

"This lawsuit is a travesty and an affront to the Nigerian people. It's an attempt to undermine the progress made in combating corruption and restore the status quo of impunity. We won't stand idly by while corrupt individuals try to dismantle the anti-corruption framework.

"If this lawsuit succeeds, it will create a loophole for corrupt individuals to exploit and undermine anti-corruption efforts. Public funds will continue to be looted, and Nigerians will suffer. We cannot afford to let this happen."

The network applauded states like Benue which recently withdrew from the lawsuit as a demonstration of their commitment to combating corruption.

Idanyi said Governor Hyacinth Alia's swift action in suspending the state's attorney general for joining the suit without his consent sends a strong message against corruption.

The Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network urged the remaining states to withdraw from the lawsuit, emphasizing that the EFCC's effectiveness must not be compromised.

They called on the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit and uphold the constitutionality of the EFCC's Establishment Act.

The network also vowed to mobilise thousands of other lawyers to resist any attempt to make corrupt individuals walk free. 

"The EFCC plays a vital role in combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, and its establishment was partly in response to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering," the statement noted. 

"The commission's efforts have led to numerous convictions, recovery of stolen funds, and illegal properties worth hundreds of billions of naira. Its functions include investigating financial crimes, coordinating enforcement of economic and financial crimes laws, and adopting measures to prevent corruption.

"We urge the remaining states to follow suit and withdraw from this lawsuit. The EFCC's effectiveness must not be compromised. We call on the Supreme Court to dismiss this suit and uphold the constitutionality of the EFCC's Establishment Act.

"We stand firmly behind the EFCC and its mission. We will mobilize thousands of lawyers to resist any attempt to make corrupt individuals walk free. We urge all Nigerians to join us in this fight against corruption.

"To the 16 states, we ask: What's your motive? Are you serving the interests of corrupt individuals or the Nigerian people? We demand the immediate withdrawal of this frivolous lawsuit.

"We call on the Supreme Court to dismiss this suit and uphold the constitutionality of the EFCC's Establishment Act. We will continue to monitor the proceedings and ensure that justice is served."

*16 States vs EFCC: 1,000 Lawyers Unite Behind Anti-Graft Agency*

In a bold show of support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a coalition of 1,000 lawyers has condemned the lawsuit filed by 16 states challenging the commission's powers.

Under the auspices of the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network (A-CLN), the lawyers described this move as a desperate attempt to undermine the fight against corruption and shield corrupt individuals from accountability.

The lawsuit, filed by states including Anambra, Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Kogi, and Kebbi, argues that the EFCC's Establishment Act contradicts the constitution. However, the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network dismisses this claim as baseless and misleading.

According to a statement signed by Barr. Festus Idanyi, the legal practitioners said the lawsuit is a clear example of corruption fighting back, with willing state governments used to render the EFCC ineffective. 

"We, the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network, strongly condemn the shocking and audacious attempt by 16 states to challenge the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)," Idanyi said. 

"This move reeks of desperation and is a blatant attempt to undermine the fight against corruption, shield corrupt individuals from accountability, and perpetuate impunity.

"What are these states afraid of? Are they hiding something? Do they have skeletons in their closets? Their actions suggest a desire to conceal corruption and protect those who have looted public funds.

"The EFCC was established to combat financial crimes, and its actions are backed by the law," said Barr. Festus Idanyi, National President of the Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network.

"The plaintiffs' argument that the EFCC's Establishment Act contradicts the constitution is baseless, misleading, and an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. The EFCC was established to combat financial crimes, and its actions are backed by the law.

"Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution mandates the state to abolish corruption and abuse of power. The EFCC's Establishment Act is in line with this provision.

"This lawsuit is a travesty and an affront to the Nigerian people. It's an attempt to undermine the progress made in combating corruption and restore the status quo of impunity. We won't stand idly by while corrupt individuals try to dismantle the anti-corruption framework.

"If this lawsuit succeeds, it will create a loophole for corrupt individuals to exploit and undermine anti-corruption efforts. Public funds will continue to be looted, and Nigerians will suffer. We cannot afford to let this happen."

The network applauded states like Benue which recently withdrew from the lawsuit as a demonstration of their commitment to combating corruption.

Idanyi said Governor Hyacinth Alia's swift action in suspending the state's attorney general for joining the suit without his consent sends a strong message against corruption.

The Anti-Corruption Lawyers Network urged the remaining states to withdraw from the lawsuit, emphasizing that the EFCC's effectiveness must not be compromised.

They called on the Supreme Court to dismiss the suit and uphold the constitutionality of the EFCC's Establishment Act.

The network also vowed to mobilise thousands of other lawyers to resist any attempt to make corrupt individuals walk free. 

"The EFCC plays a vital role in combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, and its establishment was partly in response to pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering," the statement noted. 

"The commission's efforts have led to numerous convictions, recovery of stolen funds, and illegal properties worth hundreds of billions of naira. Its functions include investigating financial crimes, coordinating enforcement of economic and financial crimes laws, and adopting measures to prevent corruption.

"We urge the remaining states to follow suit and withdraw from this lawsuit. The EFCC's effectiveness must not be compromised. We call on the Supreme Court to dismiss this suit and uphold the constitutionality of the EFCC's Establishment Act.

"We stand firmly behind the EFCC and its mission. We will mobilize thousands of lawyers to resist any attempt to make corrupt individuals walk free. We urge all Nigerians to join us in this fight against corruption.

"To the 16 states, we ask: What's your motive? Are you serving the interests of corrupt individuals or the Nigerian people? We demand the immediate withdrawal of this frivolous lawsuit.

"We call on the Supreme Court to dismiss this suit and uphold the constitutionality of the EFCC's Establishment Act. We will continue to monitor the proceedings and ensure that justice is served."