News
PINL Destroys 35 Clusters Of Illegal Refineries In N’Delta
Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has confirmed the discovery and destruction of about 35 clusters of illegal oil bunkering and refining points in parts of the Niger Delta areas covering Zone 3 of the Eastern Corridor, comprising Owaza, Odogwa, Ishimiri and Kom-Kom.
The clusters are in both Rivers and Abia states.
The company made the announcement deep in the creeks off the Imo River on the OML 11 acreage operated by NEPL (NNPC Exploration & Production Limited, the exploration and production arm of the NNPCL).
Speaking to journalists at one of the sites, Operations Manager, Pipeline Infrastructure, Engr. Joshua Ogundele, said that the area covers facilities along the Nkaliflowstationwith the twin 12-inch delivery lines spanning 27km from Imo II manifold in Imo State through parts of Owaza in AbiaState to Ogale manifold in Rivers State.
Ogundele said that the joint operation of members of the technical team of the company, pipeline surveillance guards and government security agents destroyed the metal storage tank of 85,000 litres deep into the raffia palm forest off the Imo River.
He noted that both sides of the river bank and the river itself were littered with hundreds of such illegal refining ‘depots’ with clear signs of the devastation done to the forest and the river stretching more than 2km.
Ogundele said, “We are here to continue with the “Zero IR” (Zero Illegal Refineries) campaign, complete destruction and eradication of all identified IRs and to also ensure that the illegal activities of crude oil thieves is discouraged by all means necessary via community engagement, daily patrolling and deployment of security and personnel coupled with the unflinching support of the Government Security Agencies”.
He added, “We are here to ensure the total removal of all tap points including OML 17 which spans 5km from Nkali flow station to Imo 2 manifold.
“As you can see, this is a big drum, which is approximately 85,000 litres capacity, and we are here to ensure total destruction of these illegal refineries which we have spotted in this area”.
He explained that the exercise was an ongoing one, saying “as soon as this tank was discovered, we commenced destruction immediately”.
He commended the host communities for their enormous support, attributing their success to the cooperation of the people.
He said; “Part of our daily activities in discovering these illegal refineries is engagement of community surveillance. So, this is one of the avenues where the host communities assist in ensuring the success of discovering these illegal refineries”.
The Renewed Hope Initiative in conjunction with the Rivers State Government has empowered 500 elderly citizens in Rivers State with financial support of N200,000 each.
The empowerment programme was part of activities to celebrate the third anniversary of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme RHIESS, a social investment policy initiated by the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Speaking at the event which held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, recently, under the theme, ‘Finding Joy in Old Age,’ Senator Tinubu said the gesture which has become traditional since 2023 was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation building.
The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Rivers State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Lady Valerie Fubara, said the scheme was to “support two hundred and fifty (250) vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA) totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation.
She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that will make them find joy in old age.
“I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” Senator Tinubu advised.
On her part, Lady Fubara said the State Government through the magnanimity of the governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has increased the beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.
She restated the commitment of the State Government towards provision of social welfare and improving the standard of living of the elderly in the State.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said the State Government has through the Health4allrivers Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State, in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to expedite the prosecution of the Director of the now distressed MBA Forex Trading, Mr. Maxwell Odum, in the interest of justice.
The Rivers State NUJ made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the EFFC’s Ag. Zonal Director, ACE Hassan Saidu, in Port Harcourt, recently.
The council’s chairman, Comrade Paul Bazia, said the appeal became imperative after it considered the number of Nigerians and others involved in the financial misconduct.
According to him, it has caused hardship among many households in the country and should be given the attention it deserves.
He said that investors cannot come into a country or invest in an economy or nation ridden with fraud.
This, he said, has made it more imperative to arrest, prosecute and convict alleged fraudsters like the MBA Forex Director, who is alleged to have defrauded thousands of unsuspecting Nigerians, to serve as a deterrent to others.
The chairman also requested that while the trial lasts, part of the swindled funds should be given to the victims that suffered loss and trauma as a result of the fraud.
The NUJ reiterated its resolve to change the narrative of reportage from crisis to developmental communication.
According to him, the NUJ’s main focus is blue economy and tourism.
He expressed the readiness of the Council to partner the agency in the area of information dissemination.
“We believe you have a responsibility to fight financial crimes. We also know that you need the Press to publicize your activities and NUJ can provide that,” he said.
Responding, the Zonal EFFC’s boss commended the NUJ’s vision to change the narrative of reporting from crisis to developmental communication.
According to Saidu, the Western world have since imbibed such culture, hence the negative stories about them are carefully sifted to allow only positive ones to be released to the outside world.
As for the trapped funds to be released, the EFCC Zonal Director stated that only the court can authorize such action, stressing that the primary responsibility of the Commission is to arrest and prosecute.
He pledged to partner with the NUJ now that the leadership has visited the Commission.
The Head of the Legal & Prosecution Department, DCE Odiase Stephen, corroborated the Zonal Director’s position and stressed that it was only when the matter has been determined by the court that such funds can be released.
He further stated that once a matter is before a court of competent jurisdiction, it cannot be discussed outside.
By: King Onunwor
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