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Let’s Partner To Curb Crude Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism, Fubara Tells New GOC
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called for partnership between the State Government and the new General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and all forms of maritime crimes in the State.
The Governor emphasised that Rivers State, as the economic strength of Nigeria, places enormous tasks on those saddled with the responsibility to protecting critical national infrastructure to synergise on strategies to tackle real challenges to enable Nigeria effectively function as a nation.
Governor Fubara made the remark when he played host to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major-General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, on courtesy visit to Government House in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Governor Fubara stated the importance of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, as according to him, it is saddled with a lot of responsibilities, including protecting all national assets within its jurisdiction.
The Governor, however, noted that it is difficult to achieve such feat of protecting national assets without ensuring that there is peace in the State.
Governor Fubara said: “I am really happy that you are here to do the ritual. Nothing very special. Coming here to see me doesn’t mean that we have any special relationship. It is normal, and that is the right thing to do. I need to say this so that, maybe, other persons can also understand.
“We have received the Chief of Army Staff. Very unfortunately, he had passed on. He came here for an assignment, and he visited us. But, you won’t believe that the outgone GOC did not come here for one day to see us, at least, not for anything, but to assure us that look, we have a common interest, and we are going to work together.
“Definitely, we are not going to ask him to do anything that is unprofessional, but to have this working relationship, because you need us to succeed, and we also need you to succeed.”
Governor Fubara noted that he appreciated the honour accorded to his administration by the courtesy visit, and assured to provide support within the capacity of government to make sure that the GOC succeeded in his enormous task.
The Governor also extended appreciation to other officers in his entourage who have been working round the clock in addressing security challenges in crisis-ridden communities to ensure that there is peace and tranquility in the State.
He said, “And, finally, I want to say that our task today is becoming gradually complicated because of the set of people that have chosen to become problem to this country. We have issues of pipeline vandalization, destruction of gas and crude oil pipelines. And also, the worst part of it is some persons who have decided to engineer community crisis in most areas of oil operations.
“So, please, while you’re taking that responsibility as part of your assignment, wherever we need to come in, endeavour to reach out to us, so that we can also apply our own mechanism, because when it comes to issues of chieftaincy, it is within our power.”
Governor Fubara insisted: “And when it comes to issues of community relationship, it is also within our power. So, we can join hands together to bring peace in those areas so that operations can also flow smoothly.”
In his speech, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Emmanuel Eric Emekah, said recently, there was a change of baton across formations in the Nigerian Army, and he was posted to 6 Division as the General Officer Commanding.
Major General Emekah, stated that having resumed duties on 24th January, 2025, and taken over from his predecessor, who has been reassigned to Abuja, he decided to pay a courtesy visit to formally introduce himself to the Governor.
He said: “My visit here this afternoon is customary in the military, and I believe, in other organizations too, that when you assume Command, you pay courtesy visit to your hosts, political masters, traditional rulers and other stakeholders within your area of responsibility.
“And being the Chief Host of 6 Division, I deemed it very necessary to come here this afternoon to formally introduce myself to you. Also, to thank you for the enabling environment that you have given to the Army to operate in the State.
“And to say that the task of the Division is very easy: It is simple and straight, which is the protection of critical national infrastructure in the maritime and the oil domains, and also to ensure security in the South-South region. I pledge that we will give it our utmost attention to ensure that everything is done as expected.”
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.
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