News
Lyon’s Sack: N’Delta Militants Debunk Threat To Destroy Oil Facilities
Niger Delta Militants, under the auspices of Reformed Niger Delta Avengers, RNDA, have refuted an earlier threat to resume destruction oil facilities following the Supreme Court ruling that sacked Governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon.
The Coalition of the militants in the region led by a factional leader of the RNDA, Johnmark Ebi on Tuesday vowed to resume their destructive activities in the region following the sack of Lyon.
The militants threatened that attacks on oil facilities will resume if Lyon’s mandate was not restored.
But in an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday signed by General Peretimi Isiri, its Director of Information/Spokesman, and made available to newsmen, RNDA said the threat was laughable, adding that it respects the decision of the Supreme Court as the highest legal institution in the land.
The letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, read, “We bring to you our special greetings from the creeks of the Niger Delta, wherein lies the mainstay of the nation’s economy.
“Mr. President as you are aware, the Supreme Court recently gave a ruling in favour of Senator Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) in Bayelsa. We want to let you know that we stand behind the Supreme court Judgement because it’s a matter of Court. which is not our Concern, SEN DOUYE DIRI is a Son of Ijaw Land and has also fought for the IJAW Struggle.
“As it is expected of a true Nigerian, even if you are not satisfied with a process; it is to seek peaceful and lawful ways to express your thoughts and not the threats to disrupt the existing peace in Bayelsa.
“As a revolutionary organization we are not interested in the “dog eat dog” style of politics, but we will not fold our arms and watch a group of politicians use our name to drive their own ambition.
“We the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers( RNDA) did not utter threats of resumption of hostilities, specifically; to bomb the nation’s oil and gas installation because the Supreme court ruled against David Lyon a Candidate of the APC, it is not only laughable but regrettable.
“We wish to state that we are aware of the ugly characters behind these threats being issued but it is not the (RNDA). They are peopled housed in the APC and if they continue with their out – fashioned antics, we will have no choice but to shame them.
“It is highly provocative that some politicians are engineering and orchestrating strife and needless tension in Bayelsa in order to achieve their individual desires and political goals by using The Name of Refined Niger Delta Avengers (RNDA) to champion there cause. We won’t allow anybody no matter how highly placed to fest on us. We are calling on the security agencies to be alive to their responsibilities.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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