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NSCDC Intensifies War Against Pipeline Vandalism

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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Rivers State Command, has declared war against oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and oil pipelines vandalism in the State.
Addressing newsmen at the NSCDC Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, the State Commandant, Michael Besong Ogar said: “There is no going back in the arrest and prosecution of pipeline vandals, oil thieves and their sponsors.
“The Command under my watch will continue to pursue the illegal oil bunkerers from their hideouts, dismantle their dumps and prosecute suspects arrested according to the extant laws of the Federation”.
Ogar said out of the 16 suspects arrested for their involvement in illegal oil dealings, eight of them were arrested by the Rivers State Command, Antivandal Land Patrol, at different locations across the State.
“Following a credible Intelligence, these suspects, Abubakar Babangida Jinadu (M) 33years, Mohammed Ibrahim Kabir (M) 30years, and Gombejo Musa (M) 45years, were intercepted and arrested at Obi Wali International Conference Center along Eliozu/Air Force Road in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of Rivers State, while conveying a White Howo 911 Truck with number plate ABUJA ABC 764 XD laden with unquantified litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in cellophane and packed in sack bags.
“In addition, one Mathew Ani (M) 27years was arrested at Port Harcourt Mall (SPAR) along Azikiwe road in Port Harcourt. He was intercepted in an ash Colour Volkswagen Car with registration number RIVERS BNY 471 NL laden with 3 drums (750litres) of illegaly refined AGO.
“Consequently, during our routine patrol, the Antivandal land operatives impounded a Big white Bus with Registration number LAGOS BDG 903 XZ laden with illegaly refined
AGO concealed in cellophane bags at Nonwa axis of East/West road, Tai Local Government Area in Rivers State.
“The suspects upon sighting our men abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels”.
The Command’s Antivandal Land Patrol Team at New Road, Mgbaraja, Ogbogoro Community in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area, also impounded 2 cars with number plates LAGOS APP 382 FB and ABIA ABA 56 HA laden with about 5 drums (1,250litres) of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil popularly called Diesel, the Commandant said.
The State NSCDC boss further confirmed the taking over from the Nigerian Navy Ship Pathfinder (NNS), Port Harcourt, another eight suspects arrested for illegal dealings in petroleum products.
They were conveying three wooden boats laden with unquantified litres of AGO and 1 fibre boat laden with 19 drums of AGO.
He noted that the official taking over of the suspects was meant to enhance further investigation and prosecution by the Command in tandem with the NSCDC Act 2003, as amended in 2007, and the provisions of the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedure on Arrests, Detention and Prosecution of vessels and Person’s in Nigeria’s Maritime Environment 2016.
Ogar led newsmen to an Oil dump located at Agbada 1 Aluu, Igwruta. Ikwerre Local Government Area where Taminu Mohammed (M) 34years, Stanley Onyekwelu (M) 34years, and Sunday John (M) 27years were arrested with a White – Dark Brown colour Mack Tank-Truck with registration number BAYELSA SAG 181 XA.
“Upon further investigation our operatives also discovered at the dump site, 170 Tanks, out of which 35 were loaded with AGO, which totalled 35,000 litres. We also recovered 22 unused tanks, 113 other empty tanks, 2 long and short empty Iron tanks and One (1) Generating Set.
“Recall that we have reiterated overtime that any compound, building or site where illegal oil bunkering activities are discovered would be sealed by our men and subsequently forfeited to the Federal Government hence, that is what will happen here”, he stated.
Commending the Synergy amongst sister security Agencies and NSCDC in the State, Oga said effective collaborations and intelligence sharing are panacea to combating the menace of Oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
He affirmed that having confessed to the crime, the suspects would be prosecuted in the Court of competent jurisdiction, while the dump site and mode of conveyance such as Trucks, Buses, Cars, Boats and their contents would be forfeited and proceeds remitted to the Federal Government Coffers.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso

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Rivers

IYC Demands Apology Over Arrest Of Soboma Jackrich

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The Elders Council of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has demanded for an apology from the security agencies over the recent invasion of the residence of Ambassador Soboma Jackrich where two of his aides were killed.
The council said this in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Signed by Elder Afonya Horsefall, Chairman Ijaw Youth Elders Council, KalabariSekpangi, said the military, by the invasion has trampled on the inalienable rights of its leader.
According to the organisation, “the wanton destruction of his property and the killing of aides is repugnant to natural justice and must be restituted.
It stressed the need for the security agencies to be professional in their approach to security, adding that every action of the security agencies must be within the ambit of the law.
The group described Ambassador Soboma Jackrich as a prominent Ijaw leader who has contributed immensely towards the development of the Niger Delta and the relative peace in the region.
The IYC also called on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Siminalayi Fubara to come to the aide of the Niger Delta people by ensuring security and development in the region.

By: John Bibor

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Rivers

Fubara Has Demystified Governance-Elder Statesman

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As Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration is set to mark itsone year anniversary, an elder statesman, Sir Fubara Hart, says governance in Rivers State under the governor has been demystified.
Hart, two-time House of Representatives aspirant, therefore, called on Rivers people to rally round the Governor in show of support to achieve the desired objective.
Hart, in an interview in Port Harcourt, said under Governor Fubara, infrastructural development and human capital development are given .maximum attention they deserve for the wellbeing of the citizenry.
He said available evidences abound in the State, judging from the thanksgiving rallies organised by the Simplified Movement, saying it is a strong indication that Rivers people are pleased with the wave of development in the State.
He noted that the spread of projects across the nooks and crannies of the State, unlike in the past, has endeared the Governor to the people who are celebrating him.
Hart said under Governor Fubara, Rivers, people can feel a sense of belonging, as governance is being given a human face through the distribution of social amenities across the board.
He maintained that it would be appropriate to support Governor Fubara, rather than distracting him, saying Governor Fubara has shown his determination to change the fortunes of the people, especially the unreached, among the populace .
“In the past, it wasn’t like this, a scenario where one man divided and cornered the wealth of the people is over. Rivers people are pleased, being carried along and being allowed to contribute to the growth of the State.
The multi-billion naira Port Harcourt Ring Road; Trans-Kalabari road project; the low cost housing units; Songhai farm rehabilitation; and job creation can be described as the monumental achievements Governor Fubara has recorded.
“Gone are the days projects are sited in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area alone. Rivers people can now see projects in all parts of the State. We appeal to detractors to allow Governor Fubara serve his people, give him maximum cooperation as it was given to Wike and others who had ruled the State. Others ruled for eight years, so nothing will stop our own.
Governor Fubara is one of the best things that has happened to Rivers State, as his peaceful disposition, accessibility and open-door policy are hallmark of leadership. He came for Rivers people, as seen in his actions and conduct. Anyone fighting him is an enemy of Rivers people and should be jettisoned,” he said.
Hart said the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili was right by endorsing Governor Fubara as the political leader of the State as provided in the PDP Constitution.
The PDP meant well by enshrining it in his Constitution, which the All Progressives Congress (APC) borrowed to implement.
The elderstatesman, therefore, appealed to all PDP members to respect the party’s Constitution as it is supreme.
He urged the 27 lawmakers led by Hon Martin Amaewhule to know that they are no longer lawmakers in the eyes of the law as any law made by them cannot stand.
While urging them to desist from being used by one selfish politician to destablise the peace existing in the State, Hart pleaded with the Governor to remember Bonny Local Government Area in the award of road projects, as Bonny internal roads are begging for attention.

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Monarch Lauds Fubara Over Solicitor-General’s Appointment

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The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, King Leslie Eke, has praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara over the appointment of Mrs Ibiwari Charity Clapton-Ogolo as Permanent Secretary and Solicitor- General of the State.
Eke  said this at a press briefing to mark his birthday at his palace in Woji in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
He said Clapton-Ogolo being a seasoned lawyer will do as expected in an attempt to project and defend the interest of the people.
According to him, such opportunity will also reduce the work-load on the office of the Attorney -General of the State.
The traditional ruler also said the appointment will aid in prompt delivery of justice in the State.
The appointment, he noted, has further demonstrated the Governor’s strength in governance of the State and not weakness as argued in some quarters.
He said those who are not in tune with the modern ways of governance will always be at the sea at each step taken by Governor Fubara.
The Governor, he further explained, is full of wisdom and is prepared to better the lots of Rivers people.
“I am at home with the Governor’s leadership style. He is calculative and he always hits the nail on the head. Well, people are free to say anything they like, but for me, the Governor is a goal getter”, he said.
He re-emphasised the intention of the entire Evo Kingdom’s undiluted support for the present administration as he prayed God to continue to guide and direct the Governor aright in order to enable him deliver credibly on the mandate given him.
It would be recalled that the State has for some time operated with only the office of the Attorney-General of the State until the recent appointment of the Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General of State by Governor Fubara.

By: King Onunwor

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