Nation

Tambuwal Woos EU To Curb Oil Theft

Published

12 years ago

July 22, 2013

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal has in Abuja called for the support of the European Union (EU) in fighting oil theft in Nigeria.
Tambuwal made the call at the end of the 25th session of African, Caribbean, Pacific and European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
He said the National Assembly on its part was however considering legislation to check oil theft in the country.
At the three-day event, the Speaker said the ugly development of oil theft was having negative effects on the country’s economy.
Speaking on the country’s security situation, he said government had taken some measures which include the declaration of state of emergency in some affected areas to check insecurity.
“We have taken extreme measures to restore normalcy in affected areas in terms of security,” Tambuwal said.
On women, he said the Nigerian parliament had taken steps to ensure that women were given special roles in the scheme of things in the parliament.
“The Nigerian parliament and Nigerians are interested in women issues and we will ensure that women are given the attention they deserve,’’ the Speaker added.
He said 63 per cent of women in the country’s parliament are heading key standing committees.
Tambuwal commended delegates from other countries for accepting to come to Nigeria without minding some negative reports about the security situation in the country.
Our correspondent reports that the 26th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in November.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa Government on Friday pledged to collaborate with the Joint Task Force (JTF) to curb crude oil theft and other related vices in the state.
Our correspondent reports that this was part of the resolution of the state’s weekly security council meeting in Yenagoa.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the task force, Maj,-Gen. Bata Debiro, said the measures were initiated to curb the activities of vandals on waterways in the state.
Debiro said that security operatives would require more gunboats and other logistics to step up their efforts in checking criminal activities on waterways in states in the Niger Delta.
The chairman noted that Gov. Seriake Dickson had commended the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
Debiro also remarked that Dickson had stressed that the delivery of dividends of democracy would suffer setbacks in the absence of adequate security of lives and property.
He said that the flow line from Nembe to Bonny had been shut down for repairs, stating that the State Government had promised to offer assistance to enable security agents carry out patrols on the waterways.
“We had a meeting with the governor to brainstorm and collaborate with other security agencies and the SPDC representatives on the way forward to curb pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta.
“We have looked into where we have challenges, most especially logistics, and we will require more gun boats to be able to conduct aggressive patrols on the waterways and the creeks, especially in Nembe, Brass up to Bonny in Rivers State,” Debiro said.
In a related development, Dickson while receiving the Zonal Commandant, Zone G, of the NSCDC, Asst. Commandant-General Joseph Oragande, underscored the importance of law and order in society.
Dickson said that his administration had enacted appropriate legislations to drive its policy of zero tolerance for crime, criminality and violence soon after assumption of office.
Justifying government’s investment in the security sub-sector, Dickson described Bayelsa as one of the safest states in the country where investors could operate in with peace of mind.
Dickson also received officials of the NSCDC, who were in Bayelsa for a sensitisation workshop on the negative impacts of oil theft
Earlier in his remarks, Oragande commended Dickson for his developmental strides and continued partnership with security agencies in the state.
Responding to the NSCDC’s requests, Dickson assured the visiting commandant of his administration’s preparedness to provide an enabling operating environment for the corps within the limits of available resources.
He directed the Chief of Staff, Government House and his Special Adviser on Security to liaise with the corps to enable government provide the most pressing needs for the agency.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

15 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

15 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

4 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn alongside Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU