News
Crisis Brews In PTDA Over Imposition Of Candidate
Crisis is now brewing in Petroleum Tanker Driving Association (PTDA), Rivers State branch, over an alleged attempt to impose a chairmanship candidate on the association by external forces.
The Tie investigations revealed that the development led to the cancellation of election of the association on February 18 and February 28, 2013, respectively following what some aggrieved members described as interference of external forces in the day-to-day running of the body.
It was gathered that on the day of the scheduled election of executive officers, dignitaries and election officials were set for the conduct of the election but surprisingly delegates NEWS’ and invited guests walked out of the election venue without explanation.
It was further gathered that the purported postponement of the election was due to a letter sent to the election committee by the parent body, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers of Nigeria (NUPENG) that the election be put off, indefinitely.
The Tide reliably gathered that the action of NUPENG was to ensure that the incumbent chairman, Comrade John Amajuoyi was prevented from ascending to the position due to certain issues yet to be resolved.
On the rescheduled election day, on February 28, 2013, The Tide gathered that one of the candidates allegedly turned the election venue into a campaign rally.
Supporters of the incumbent chairman, who is also re-contesting, The Tide learnt, carried placards protesting against the National President of NUPENG, Comrade Achese Igwe for attempting to impose a candidate on the body.
In his speech, the PTDA chairman, Comrade John Amajuoyi appealed to NUPENG, the umbrella body which PTDA is an affiliate, to allow them conduct their elections with NUPENG officials as observers.
He advised members of PTDA to remain calm as the matter would be resolved through dialogue for proper election to hold soon.
Comrade Amajuoyi, however, threatened to shut down activities of tanker drivers, if the imposition of candidates persists, and called on relevant authorities to intervene into the matter, stressing that PTDA has capacity to conduct its own election without undue interference.
It is not clear when the election would hold but PTDA members have been advised to be at alert as the election might come up anytime.
Chris Oluoh
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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