The last may not have been heard about the recent sponsored protests in Lagos and parts of Delta against Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited as members of the Itsekiri Oil Producing Communities Forum (IOPCSF), on Wednesday accused their Royal Father, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase 111, of masterminding the protest against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, (alias Tompolo) and his Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

In a letter to the President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, the group alleged that; “Our revered monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, was the mastermind and orchestrator of the cacophony, in collaboration with one of his allies, a notable oil thief”.

According to the group, failed Surveillance contractors were behind the Lagos and Delta protests against Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

They also offered explanation on why the Olu of Warri’s $3.9M monthly Trans- Forcados Pipeline Surveillance contract was terminated by the NNPCL.

In the letter signed by David Aniretan ( (Chairman) and Oritsejolomi Julius ( Publicity Secretary), they took their monarch, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III, the Olu of Warri, took him to the cleaners, saying that “Despite the $3.9M the Royal Father draws every month, many of us his subjects are in glaring want and abject poverty, while His Majesty rides on the latest brands of limousines. Our own royal father is only concerned about himself and his clique of Lagos boys. We are not factored in his activities”.

They wrote; “We are writing this open letter to you on behalf of Concerned Itsekiris of Delta state and most of us are among the over 12,000 Itsekiri workforce of a private pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo”.

“It is obvious and now an open secret that series of protests in Lagos and some parts of Itsekiri axis of Delta state to denounce and discredit Tantita Security Services Nig. Limited and its promoter Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, were sponsored by rivals who bungled their pipelines surveillance contracts and had their jobs terminated by the NNPCL”, they added.

The group claimed that; Those who carried placards were a rented crowd of gullible Itsekiri and non Itsekiris.In fact, are Itsekiri resident in Lagos kept in one place to be easily herded for a protest? It was a charade.Our revered monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, was the mastermind and orchestrator of the cacophony, in collaboration with one of his allies, a notable oil thief”.

The group disclosed that; “The Olu of Warri’s pipelines surveillance contract was among those terminated by the Federal Government for non performance. He is dragging Tantita because part of the areas under the supervision of his company – Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL) were given to Tantita, Tompolo’s security firm”.

According to them; “For those without a clue, it is well to give some background. As a major trunkline, the Trans-Forcados Pipelines system carries between 200,000 to 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It is the largest network of pipelines in the Niger Delta, second only to the Bonny Oil Pipeline system”.

“It serves the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shoreline National Resources (SNR) in the routing of crude for export and domestic services.The contract for the surveillance and protection of this all important federal government oil assets was awarded to Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), owned and operated by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III”, the group added.

They further explain that; “The Olu of Warri’s contract was recently terminated by the NNPCL for dereliction of responsibilities, negligence and incompetence. The areas under the company’s sphere of influence suffered frequent vandalization of crude carrying pipelines – breaches that climaxed in uninterrupted oil theft, that led to billions of dollars losses in export revenue for the federal government”.

The group also wrote that; Yet the royal father pretended all was well. The federal government was however not oblivious to the lapses of PINL, owned by the Olu. Having no other alternative nor option, the hammer fell – the Olu’s contract was terminated.The national interest cannot differ to individual interest, be they royal.In performance appraisal – the NNPCL oversees the operation of all private security organisations handling pipelines protection work. It found Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, quite capable, serious and very responsible. The Trans – Forcados Pipelines network formerly handled by the Olu of Warri’s PINL, after the termination, was awarded to Tantita.vNo other reason suffices than the above, why the monarch mobilized his henchmen and foot soldiers – most of them based in Lagos, to crusade and demand the head of Tompolo and his affiliate company Tantita.The fake tears of the Olu’s hatchet men should not perturb the authority nor anyone. It is self serving”.

They advised that the ethnic card which the Olu now plays should be ignored, adding that;
“Tompolo and Tantita, have worked with the Itsekiri without discrimination .We emphasised here that Tompolo is our benefactor as he never discriminated against us in the management of his surveillance job. Out of the over 25,000 workers engaged on the job by Tantita, over 12,000 are Itsekiri, who are the subjects of the Olu. Aside that Tantita also engaged two prominent Itsekiri citizens, namely, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Mr. Godwin Ebosa as sub-contractors. Ebosa and Emami also jet home with billions of Naira every month, courtesy of an Ijaw man, Tompolo.

Here Is The Full Letter From The Itsekiri Oil Producing Communities Forum (IOPCSF) To President Tinubu:

ITSEKIRI OIL PRODUCING COMMUNITIES STAKEHOLDERS FORUM (IOPCSF)

FAILED SURVEILLANCE CONTRACTORS BEHIND LAGOS AND DELTA PROTESTS AGAINST TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL)

*WHY OLU OF WARRI’s $3.9M MONTHLY TRANS-FORCADOS PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT WAS TERMINATED BY NNPCL.

ATTENTION:

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU
PRESIDENT & COMMANDER-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Compliments and Kind wishes, sir.

We are writing this open letter to you on behalf of Concerned Itsekiris of Delta state and most of us are among the over 12,000 Itsekiri workforce of a private pipelines surveillance company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL) operated by Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

It is obvious and now an open secret that series of protests in Lagos and some parts of Itsekiri axis of Delta state to denounce and discredit Tantita Security Services Nig. Limited and its promoter Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, were sponsored by rivals who bungled their pipelines surveillance contracts and had their jobs terminated by the NNPCL.

Those who carried placards were a rented crowd of gullible Itsekiri and non Itsekiris.

In fact, are Itsekiri resident in Lagos kept in one place to be easily herded for a protest?

It was all a charade.

Our revered monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, was the mastermind and orchestrator of the cacophony, in collaboration with one of his allies, a notable oil thief.

The Olu of Warri’s pipelines surveillance contract was among those terminated by the Federal Government for non performance. He is dragging Tantita because part of the areas under the supervision of his company – Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL) were given to Tantita, Tompolo’s security firm.

For those without a clue, it is well to give some background.

As a major trunkline, the Trans-Forcados Pipelines system carries between 200,000 to 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day. It is the largest network of pipelines in the Niger Delta, second only to the Bonny Oil Pipeline system.

It serves the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Seplat Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Shoreline National Resources (SNR) in the routing of crude for export and domestic services.

The contract for the surveillance and protection of this all important federal government oil assets was awarded to Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), owned and operated by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.

The Olu of Warri’s contract was recently terminated by the NNPCL for dereliction of responsibilities, negligence and incompetence. The areas under the company’s sphere of influence suffered frequent vandalization of crude carrying pipelines – breaches that climaxed in uninterrupted oil theft, that led to billions of dollars losses in export revenue for the federal government.

Yet the royal father pretended all was well. The federal government was however not oblivious to the lapses of PINL, owned by the Olu. Having no other alternative nor option, the hammer fell – the Olu’s contract was terminated.

The national interest cannot differ to individual interest, be they royal.

In performance appraisal – the NNPCL oversees the operation of all private security organisations handling pipelines protection work. It found Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, quite capable, serious and very responsible. The Trans – Forcados Pipelines network formerly handled by the Olu of Warri’s PINL, after the termination, was awarded to Tantita.

No other reason suffices than the above, why the monarch mobilized his henchmen and foot soldiers – most of them based in Lagos, to crusade and demand the head of Tompolo and his affiliate company Tantita.

The fake tears of the Olu’s hatchet men should not perturb the authority nor anyone. It is self serving.

Despite the $3.9M the Royal Father draws every month, many of us his subjects are in glaring want and abject poverty, while His Magesty rides on the latest brands of limousines.

No Itsekiri is in his employment, nor a sub – contractor to him. And no Itsekiri is even aware he presides over a mega contract that rewards him millions of dollars every month.

The $3.9 million monthly Trans – Forcados payment to the Olu of Warri’s company, is not the same one as another non-performing multi-million dollars pipelines surveillance contract he also handles in Rivers State. That also is a monumental flop, another source of huge revenue loss to the federal government.

Does the monarch want supervisory agencies to gloss over his lassitude and reward him with more contracts?

It was uncovered that the series of protest groups masquerading as Itsekiri indigenes to discredit Tantita and Tompolo and drum support for the reinstatement of Olu of Warri non-performing contracts were the fallouts of a meeting hosted by a notorious oil thief and ally of the Olu of Warri, in Lagos.

In the meeting, it was decided that both Itsekiri and non-Itsekiri youths should be sponsored to disrupt oil production in various parts of the Niger Delta. This was to pile pressure on Mr. President to reinstate the monarch’s contract.

We wonder why His Majesty is taking out his frustrations on Tompolo?

Putting the blame of his contract termination and subsequent re-award to Tantita on Tompolo.

He knew fully well he failed to perform, hence the job agreement was repealed.

Failure is never reinforced

Tompolo’s Tantita is serious about its work, unlike the Olu’s PINL that was never on ground anywhere.

The operations of Tantita have been widely commended in and outside the shores of the country by stakeholders. Even the Nigerian Navy has acknowledged Tantita’s competence.

Out of the over 25,000 workers engaged on the job by Tantita, over 12,000 are Itsekiri, who are the subjects of the Olu.

This is because quite a chunk of oil assets are domiciled in Itsekiri territory.

Aside that Tantita also engaged two prominent Itsekiri citizens, namely, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Mr. Godwin Ebosa as sub-contractors.

Ebosa and Emami also jet home with billions of Naira every month, courtesy of an Ijaw man, Tompolo.

While the Olu held the contract, how many of his subjects did he employed?

It’s unfortunate that our royal father, who didn’t consider the wellbeing of his subjects as sacrosanct and create opportunities for them to live a decent life has ignited a fight with Tompolo, who is our benefactor.

We emphasised here that Tompolo is our benefactor as he never discriminated against us in the management of his surveillance job.

Our own royal father is only concerned about himself and his clique of Lagos boys. We are not factored in his activities.

Any attempt to bring Tantita and Tompolo would be tantamount to ruining the future of thousands of Itsekiri citizens working with Tantita.

Since life is about interest, we are not on the same page with our monarch on this. Our interest is paramount. We are with Tantita and Tompolo on this.

Despite the $3.9 million the Olu of Warri received every month, while he held the Trans – Forcados contract, the monarch never for a day thought about the magnitude, scope and requirements, needed to carryout a successful pipelines surveillance and protection work.

To him, it was a “dash” or patronage from the federal government, for his ancestral stool. So he didn’t feel obligated to doing anything.

In light of the above, we use this opportunity to appeal to the management of NNPCL to extend the gavel to the Olu’s pipelines contracts in Rivers State, in case he fails to up his game by delivering on the job.

Like the Trans – Forcados Pipelines network – they are neglected and have incurred so much losses for the federal government?

It is now the den of oil thieves in that part of the region.

The ongoing protests are mere abracadabra – stage managed to hoodwink the Federal Government to rescind its decision to terminate the Olu’s contract.

President Tinubu must not succumb to the cheap antics. He must resist all forms of arm twisting to endorse mediocrity back in the system.

The ethnic card which the Olu now plays should be ignored.

Tompolo and Tantita, have worked with the Itsekiri without discrimination. He has empowered our brothers as sub contractors and employed thousands as field operatives in the pipelines protection service.

The Olu of Warri should also open his books to unveil the Itsekiri beneficiaries of his surveillance contracts.

Our monarch cannot turn around to whip up sentiment against Tompolo after the termination of his undeserving job.

Our Itsekiri brothers should not make themselves available as ready tools of an insensitive monarch.

Why has Ogiame suddenly realised that his subjects are important? It’s because he has a business to protect.

The teeming Itsekiri youths that work with Tantita should remain steadfast and unintimidated by the Olu’s threats and blackmail.

The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic guarantees civic rights for every citizen.

They remain shielded, protected and untouchable by anyone, no matter how highly placed.

His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwase III, the Olu of Warri, should devote all his time and energy to the unification of the Itsekiri Kingdom and subjects.

The Itsekiri Nation is presently bifurcated and polarized from diverse interests groups because of the monarch’s highhandedness, and constant absenteeism from the kingdom.

While he gallivants from one suite to the other at the 5 Star Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, in pursuit of mega contracts – he has no intention of executing, the ancient Itsekiri ancestral Stool he fought so hard to seize.

The stool is denied his warmth.

SIGNED:

DAVID ANIRETAN
CHAIRMAN

ORITSEJOLOMI JULIUS
PUBLICITY SECRETARY

A group, the Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum (NDSF) has accused the Olu of Warri Olu, Ogiame Atuwase III of using his company– Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL) to Pocket billions of Naira every month doing nothing about the Pipeline Surveillance Contract awarded to him by the Federal Government, but not so with Tompolo and his Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited and lambasted the recent sponsored protest in Lagos by the failed Trans-Forcados Pipeline Surveillance Contractor and the Olu of Warri against Tompolo and Tanitita Security Services Nigeria Limited ( TSSNL), describing it as misguided.

The Group in a Press Statement signed by Julius Daukoru and made available to newsmen on Tuesday said that the failed contractor, whose TRANS-FORCADOS Pipelines Surveillance contracts was terminated for failure to deliver and Olu of Warri, the revered monarch of Itsekiri, should not be dabbling in petty tribal sentiments and squabbles.

According to the group, their recent sponsored of a supposed Itsekiri protest in Lagos against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, (alias Tompolo) doesn’t befit his royal status, adding that it has become open to everyone that those who carried placards at their behest may not even be Itsekiri.

“They were a hired crowd, people oblivious of what is obtained in pipelines surveillance in the Niger Delta. If they knew, they won’t have involved themselves in that charade”, the group stated.

The group also said that; “For people not abreast with the facts, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III’s company – Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), handles the largest pipelines surveillance contract in the region. The Olu handles over 80% of the surveillance contracts, while Tantita, owned by Tompolo handles less than 20%, and has a workforce of over 25, 500 operatives and numerous subcontractors.Those who go to equity should remember they must have clean hands. The Olu of Warri runs his surveillance contract in his Warri Palace, without workers in the field. He is not known to hire anyone”.

The Group alleged that the Olu pockets billions of Naira every month doing nothing, saying; “He doesn’t care and feels untouchable. He has no workers anywhere in the Niger Delta. Hence, the attendant high oil theft in the areas under the supervision of his company. More worrisome was the TRANS-FORCADOS Surveillance job, awarded to an Itsekiri man, an all of the Itsekiri monarch. This job was terminated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) due to non-performance.

The Group said that; “This all important pipelines was being subjected to frequent vandalism and attendant crude oil theft, until the NNPCL was compelled to do the needful in the interest of the nation’s economy. As security reports frequently reveal.This frustrated contractor is said to be the sponsors of the recent protests and staged-managed press conference against Chief Tompolo and his company, Tantita. The embittered contractor has been chasing shadows.

The Group also stated that the royal father’s performance in the contract is terribly abysmal, below expectations and they know it, adding that; “To him, money is everything, the people are just puns on his chessboard. The Royal Father runs PINL like a cult.

According to the group, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Mr. Godwin Ebosa, are notable Itsekiri sons who are sub-contractors to Tompolo’s Tantita, an Ijaw, pointing out that Tantita also have over 12,000 Itsekiris in its employment and payroll and expressed sadness that it is not so with PINL, belonging to the Olu of Warri.

Here Is The Full Statement From The Group:

NIGER DELTA STAKEHOLDERS FORUM (NDSF)

THE SPONSORED ITSEKIRI PROTEST IN LAGOS BY THE FAILED TRANS-FORCADOS PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE CONTRACTOR AND OLU OF WARRI AGAINST TOMPOLO AND TANTITA SECURITY SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED (TSSNL) WAS MISGUIDED.

OUR TAKE ON THE PROTEST

When a man points an accusing finger at another, he forgets his other fingers point back at him. The failed contractor, whose TRANS-FORCADOS Pipelines Surveillance contracts was terminated for failure to deliver and Olu of Warri, the revered monarch of Itsekiri, shouldn’t be dabbling in petty tribal sentiments and squabbles.

Their recent sponsor of a supposed Itsekiri protest in Lagos against Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, doesn’t befit his royal status.

It has become open to everyone that those who carried placards at their behest may not even be Itsekiri.

They were a hired crowd, people oblivious of what is obtained in pipelines surveillance in the Niger Delta. If they knew, they won’t have involved themselves in that charade.

For people not abreast with the facts, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III’s company – Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), handles the largest pipelines surveillance contract in the region.

The Olu handles over 80% of the surveillance contracts, while Tantita, owned by Tompolo handles less than 20%, and has a workforce of over 25, 500 operatives and numerous subcontractors.

Those who go to equity should remember they must have clean hands. The Olu of Warri runs his surveillance contract in his Warri Palace, without workers in the field.

He is not known to hire anyone.

The Olu pockets billions of Naira every month doing nothing. He doesn’t care and feels untouchable. He has no workers anywhere in the Niger Delta. Hence, the attendant high oil theft in the areas under the supervision of his company.

More worrisome was the TRANS-FORCADOS Surveillance job, awarded to an Itsekiri man, an all of the Itsekiri monarch. This job was terminated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) due to non-performance.

This all important pipelines was being subjected to frequent vandalism and attendant crude oil theft, until the NNPCL was compelled to do the needful in the interest of the nation’s economy. As security reports frequently reveal.

This frustrated contractor is said to be the sponsors of the recent protests and staged-managed press conference against Chief Tompolo and his company, Tantita. The embittered contractor has been chasing shadows.

If by stretch of the imagination, all those who protested on his behalf are Itsekiri – his subjects. Why is it that they don’t see anything wrong with the monarch’s negligence of duty in the pipelines surveillance contract?

The royal father’s performance in the contract is terribly abysmal, below expectations and they know it.

Charity should begin from home and not at the doorstep of another man. Are they applauding the royal father for reaping off the Federal Government in the surveillance contract?

In the first place, how many Itsekiri indigenes are employed by Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited IPNL, owned by the Olu of Warri? And how many sub-contractors of Itsekiri extraction has the Olu engaged or farmed out his pipelines contracts to? None!

What was the meaning of the Lagos protest? What was it all about? What schemes are up the monarch’s sleeves? Why would a royal father want to smear an ordinary citizen? Was it to malign Tantita in bad light and expropriate its meager share?

To hang a dog, it must be given a bad name. The Olu wants Tantita’s little pipelines contract of less than 20% cancelled and added to his lion share? But wishes are not horses.

It is alright for anyone to have intentions, but seeing them through is another issue. The Olu schemes will meet a brick wall. Government Ekpemupolo’s handling of his share of the pipelines contract has been widely commended by those who hired him – and by other relevant stakeholders.

Even President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, NUJ, Military top brass, etc. are happy with Tantita’s diligence and commitment to work. Tantita has not only delivered on its mandate, it has also provided jobs for the teaming youths of the region. And a large catch of Itsekiri youths work for Tantita.

THE ITSHEKIRI EMPLOYEES OF TANTITA PRESS CONFERENCE

The Itsekiri employees of Tantita completely rubbished the Lagos protest. They stoutly defended Tantita in a press briefing on Friday 26th April 2024, and appreciated Tompolo for his inclusive style of doing things.

Itsekiri beneficiaries gathered at Ugbodede Community, in the Warri South Local Government Area, of Delta State to counter the Lagos protest.

Fidelis Lori, Coordinator of Obodo, Opumami Cluster, and six other communities spoke at the press briefing, “We have contracts, we have those that are employed directly working with Tantita Security Services and by the grace of God, most of our coordinators are here.

“We are here to tell the general public that whatever they were saying were all misleading. Itsekiri communities to the best of our knowledge, we have been carried along.

“We’ve looked into that video closely, critically…. we found out that 100 percent of those that are involved during that purported protest happened not to be from Itsekiri indigenes, they’re not from our communities, the people you are seeing here now are the people representing Itsekiri communities.

Engr. Samson Uwatse, Coordinator of Tantita, Ugbodede Unit, covering routes along the Warri River added that Tantita has indeed touched so many lives in Itsekiri Land.

“We have employees in Ugbodede Community as a whole. In this community, we have women employees, elders, and youths who are partaking in Tantita Security Services, and they all have been paid every month.

“So, with all this together, I want to inform the entire nation that those people that are saying that Tompolo and Tantita is not carrying Itsekiri along are liars and the Tantita office is doing well in fighting oil theft in the nation. We the Itsekiris are here to support it fully.” Uwatse stated.

Another Itsekiri Tantita’s beneficiary, Kuyatsemi Collins expressed anger over the Lagos protest, stressing that they are not happy about the accusation, that Tantita is not giving employment to Itsekiri. Asserting, “We are here to say that it is not true”.

That press conference acknowledged the good will of Government Ekpemupolo to all and sundry. It exonerates him of tribal bigotry allegation as portrayed by the Lagos protest.

How much is the worth of Tantita’s surveillance contract compared to that held by others?

Mere pittance! Yet he spreads its proceeds across the region.

All the ethnic groups of the region are well represented in Tantita because of Tompolo’s inclusive policy snd the manner he accommodates everyone make people wonder if he makes profits from the contracts.

This is in contradiction to the contract held by the Olu of Warri. Despite its huge size, no other person benefits.

He is tightfisted.

To him, money is everything, the people are just puns on his chessboard. The Royal Father runs PINL like a cult.

And lest we forget, Chief Ayirimi Emami and Mr. Godwin Ebosa, are notable Itsekiri sons. They are sub-contractors to Tompolo’s Tantita, an Ijaw. Tantita also have over 12,000 Itsekiris in its employment and payroll.

One is therefore forced to ask how many Ijaws are sub-contractors to the Olu of Warri’s Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited?

And how many Ijaws are workers with the Olu’s surveillance company?

Certainly none!

The question is: what does Itsekiri wants from Tompolo’s Tantita?

One wonders why they keep stirring up bad blood.

However, some liberal minded ones are unhappy with the parochial worldview of their brothers who abhor peace and encourage the divisive tantrums of the Olu Palace.

Lastly, the Olu’s fake Lagos protesters, if they are real Itsekiri, should hold the monarch accountable for swallowing every proceed from his contracts, and not Tompolo whose activities are open like a book.

They should first remove the log from their eyes, before venturing to do so for others. They were rented to carry placards and should be ignored.

SIGNED:

JULIUS DAUKORU

A former aide to former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Dr. Reno Omokri has stated that Anambra did not become number one in NECO exams because Peter Obi invested in education. Rather, the state, under Peter Obi, had become notorious as the headquarters for exam fraud in Nigeria. That was why when Peter Obi’s tenure ended in March 2014, his successor, Willie Obiano, closed down 486 exam malpractice centres in July 2014, that had been established and were flourishing under Peter Obi around the state. That was Peter’s legacy in education.

Omokri noted that, that is why Anambra gradually lost its top position in NECO after Obi’s tenure. Because succeeding governors refused to continue along those lines. For example, last year, Adamawa even outperformed Anambra. The secret was not any investment Obi was making in the education sector, because the truth is that Peter Obi was more focused on building beer breweries for Anambra than schools. The secret was the exam magic malpractice centres-Reno Omokri

Coordinator of Subsidy Palliatives Committee in Delta State, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Olorogun Jaro Egbo, has disclosed that the state government will soon commence another round of palliatives distribution to mitigate hardship occasioned by federal government economic reforms.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday while speaking as guest of Orientation Panorama Platform on Voice of Delta Radio 97.9FM Asaba, saying that the governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has given specific instructions to ensure that all communities are captured, and food items distributed to those who truly need them.

Egbo, however identified high cost of transporting palliatives to riverine communities as one of the challenges, while commending governor Oborevwori for his support and commitments to ensure that despite problems of logistics the next rounds of distribution commences.

He assured that adequate publicity will be deployed through the traditional and social media before the commencement of the next round of palliatives distribution, so as to create massive awareness for the exercise.

The State Subsidy palliatives Coordinator appealed to low income earners and struggling families in the state to get ready for the state wide distribution exercise so that government deliberate and genuine efforts of ameliorating the sufferings of those adversely affected by subsidy removal can be achieved.

Egbo, disclosed that trusted and responsible stakeholders, including heads of social institutions like Churches, Mosques, Schools, and elected representatives have been appointed to monitor and coordinate the palliatives distribution in all local government areas, assuring that the state government will continue to do more for all Deltans.

He further assured that subject to regular supply of foodstuffs and availability of resources, the state government would sustain quarterly distribution of palliatives, and also working out modalities for the distribution of fertilizers, cassava stems, agricultural seedlings, and other assistance to farmers through recognized associations and cooperative societies across the state.

“Our amiable governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, is very much interested in the socioeconomic wellbeing of all Deltans.

“He promise our people more dividends of democracy, and we are working very hard to deliver on his electioneering campaigns promises.

“We distributed Palliatives previously, but the next round of distribution will soon commence. Adequate publicity shall be deployed to enable government reach target audiences.

“Our focus is on struggling families, poor widows, indigent students and all others who are truly finding it difficult to feed themselves. And we are doing just that.

“The subsidy Committee is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, and he has directed that the Palliatives must get to the right people, at the right time, and across the 25 local government areas.

“As the state coordinator, am networking with all local government coordinators of the committee to ensure that our people benefit reasonably from the exercise.”

Following the intervention and appeals from the trio of Senators Joel-Onowakpo Thomas (Delta South), Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) and Ned Nwoko (Delta North) to the Defence Headquarters yesterday, the detained traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1 in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state over Okuama deaths was released this morning.

The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Defence, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has said that it is his earnest desire to see that peace returns to the troubled Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area and others affected as a result of the killing of 17 officers and soldiers in Delta State.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo, representing Delta South in the red chambers, made the disclosure while fielding questions from journalists in Warri on the reason himself and two other Senators from Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko and Senate Ede Dafinone, visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, recently.

He said that they were at the Defence Headquarters to appeal for the release of the detained traditional ruler of Ewu-Urhobo kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1 in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state over Okuama deaths.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo, an astute administrator and financial guru, stated that apart from appealing for the release of the Monarch during the visit, other issues relating to how peace would be restored for the return of members of the community who fled in the wake of the incident were also discussed.

He added that they were saddened by the killing of the soldiers in Okuama community, noting that the incident no doubt has truncated the peace in the community and the state in general, hence the need for all stakeholders to work expediently towards ensuring that peace return to the area.

“W are all worried, Deltans and Nigerians are worried over the development in Okuama and environs. We have condemned, sympathized and expressed concerns. We have also condoled with the military and families of those that died as a result of the unfortunate incident.”

” It is time to make peace and it must be holistic. Whatever that will bring about permanent peace in the community, Delta State and Nigeria in general is what we stand for. It is my desire to see that peace returns to the troubled area as soon as possible. I wish to use this medium to appeal to all those involved in the peace process to expedite action to see that peace is restored.”

” One thing we must known is that no community, state or nation progresses in crisis situation. Therefore we must all embrace peace to enthrone development in our communities.”

” I wish to also use this medium to express appreciation to my colleagues in the senate from Delta State Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta North and Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central for the understanding and love they have demonstrated. Peace and development does not discriminate. We must ensure we continue to work for the overall interest of our people in spite of our political divide.”

While calling for calm and the release of the detained monarch, he restated the importance of avoiding all forms of crisis that may lead to the killing of security officers in the state, saying that no society thrives under crisis situation.

It would be recalled that the detained monarch was among the eight persons declared wanted by the military authorities for their alleged involvement in the March 14 tragic incident at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The monarch had surrendered himself to the police in Delta state before he was transferred to the military, where he has been detained after being declared wanted.

As part of its corporate social responsibilities and development of its host communities,
NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited (NGIC) today April 16, 2024, commissioned and handed over two blocks of twenty (20) lock-up shops to Ugbokodo Community, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

In an address presented at the ceremony, the Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company Limited, (NGIC) Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who officially commissioned the project, it was their desire to continue to have a smooth working relationship with host communities.

Represented on the occasion by the Executive Director, Business Services, Mr. Kazachiyang Nuhu, Engr. Omotowa noted that,NGIC is a socially responsible organisation whose community relations philosophy views the host communities as partners with the desire that they buy into her business opportunities.

“As a Gas Transportation Company with a vision to support the economic growth of Nigeria, our gas pipelines infrastructure network traverses over 2,500km across over 350 host communities in 11 States of the Federation.

“Nonetheless, as a responsible and responsive Company, we remain committed to developing robust and sustainable relationship with our host communities. Their wellbeing is paramount in our Corporate Social Responsibility thrust, and this is simply why we are here today.

“Therefore, we present to you this two blocks of twenty lock-up shops as a token of our contribution to the development of this community which we cherish dearly as one of our peace-loving communities.”

He solicited the cooperation and assistance of the Community in the maintenance of peace in order to support the business growth and aspirations for the benefit of the people of Ugbokodo Community and Nigerians generally.

While noting that NGIC will always encourage and appreciate communities that promote peace, dialogue and understanding in the resolution of any issue, he urged the people of Ugbokodo Community to safeguard the project by putting in place adequate security measures to protect it.

The Chairman of Ugbokodo Community, Christopher Ofoye appreciated NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited & NGIC for commissioning the project in the land and for the gesture on their performance of social responsibility.

He said,”NNPC Gas Infrastructure is indeed, a friend to Ugbokodo Community with human meekness compared to other oil companies exploiting us.”

He highlighted NGIC contributions to Ugbokodo Community to include but not limited to, Novel Skill Acquisition, Training and Empowerment, Construction and Donation of 4 classroom blocks, Local contracts to indigenous contractors (Messrs Bizfactors, Brujomah, Odu-Terry Tech, Abidan and Sons, M. Ugbokodo and sons, Philswena International etc.

He urged other companies operating in the area to emulate NGIC by doing the needful for good relationship.

Ofoye also appealed that the NNPC-NGIC should endeavour to complete the remaining market project based on it’s already submitted architectural drawings, consider their denied slots in body-shops recruitment and engagement of their graduates in Young Professional (YP) programme of NGIC and to inaugurate the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA) team with NGIC Management as host community.

Ofoye also assured NGIC that the people of Ugbokodo Community will put the market to good use as maintained same for the economic purpose for which it is built and donated.

He said, “Ugbokodo Community will continually maintain and enhance the existing cordial robust relationship with NGIC as a host community to be reckoned with while counting on our assurances.”

Present at the event were Mrs. Victoria Nwakuche
Manager, Corporate Communications Department, NGIC, the Acting Chairman of Okpe Local Government Council, Mr. John Ofofo, Mr. Phillip Ukeredi, Ugbokodo Community Youth President, Pharm. Goodluck Etieyibo, Conference Chairman, Chief Dele Ugbokodo,representative of the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Chief Clifford Ikpikpini and his wife, amongst others.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr Bello Mohammed Koko, has been accused of bribing investigating officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to cover up his multi-billion naira money laundering case, according to an internal memo sent to the office of the Chairman of the EFCC.

According to a leaked memo intercepted, with Reference Number, 4089/EFCC/D.INT/IA/11/014/2021/009 from the office of the Director of Intelligence and dated 16 August, 2021, disclosed that “a source close to the investigation claimed that huge amounts in bribes were paid for the case to be quashed” citing a newspaper publication.

The memo subject titled, “Forwarding of Interim Intelligence Report on Mohammed Bello Koko,” disclosed that ,”The Department of Intelligence had upon receipt of actionable intelligence that the acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA): Mohammed Bello Koko was involved in receiving kickback from NPA contractors and other money laundering activities carried out a financial profiling of the said subject and his close associate: Ali Amin Abubakar.”

The memo also states that Bello Koko was prior to his appointment, the ED Finance and Accounts in NPA from 2005 to 2015. “He was also the designated account officer for Rivers State Government up till 2015, while in the employ of Zenith Bank in Rivers State. He and Ali Amin Abubakar are both directors in M.B.K Business Consults and Cethes Co.

According to the memo, “Detailed analysis of his accounts revealed that for the period under review, he received payment in cash and transfers from individuals companies and self-cash deposits amounting to N829, 525,858.13.

“It is significant to note that the subject had received over N60 million from Ali Amin Abubakar and his company: Conspec Engineering that had benefitted awards of contracts amounting to about N1.107.654.133 from the Rivers State Government.

“Similarly, another of Ali Amin’s company: Schwartz Construction Co. Ltd had benefitted awards of contracts amounting to N1 833.173.724,600 from Rivers State Government and contracts amounting to N349.571.285.27 from the Nigerian Ports Authority.

“Also, one Devsol Development Ltd, which had benefitted award(s) of contracts amounting to N5,000.000 from NPA had received monies totaling about N193.385,500 from Ali Amin Abubakar. Consequently, the foregoing strongly infers the subject’s and associates’ complicity in acts of Abuse of Office misappropriation of Public Funds, Fraud and Money Laundering.

“Schwartz Construction Co. and Devsol Development limited are linked to contracts with NPA, while Conspec Engineering is linked to contracts with the Rivers State Government.

“Ali Amin is also linked to Mohammed Koko through financial transactions, Mohammed Koko received a total sum of N54,644,377.00 (Fifty Four Million Six Hundred And Forty Four Thousand Three Hundred And Seventy Seven Naira) for the period Of review.

“Ali Amin Abubakar’s Zenith bank account No. 2001819315 hod inflow of N1,371,756,269.40 One Billion Three Hundred and Seventy One Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira and Forty Kobo) from individuals, companies and Cash deposits by self between January, 2015 and June 2021.

“In view of the findings, It is therefore assessed with a high degree of confidence that Mohammed Bello Koko during his tenure as an Executive Director, Finance & Administration of the NPA influenced contract award to DEVSOL and Schwartz Construction Co. companies linked to Ali Amin Abubakar, and also received kickbacks from NPA contractors. It is also highly likely that Ali Amin Abubakar was instrumental in the siphoning of Rivers State Government coffers through award of contracts to his companies between 2007 and 2015 for the benefit of state government officials (former Governor).

The memo recommended that the Operations Department carries out an in depth investigation into the activities of the subject and his associates in line with the recommendations in the attached Interim Intelligence Report.

While this medium is yet to determine the rationale behind the stalling of the investigation which the memo states,” Information from the EFCC database indicates that no ongoing investigation on Mohammed Bello-Koko and Ali Amin Abubakar”, efforts are being intensified to get more details on the matter and more details will be published as the story unveils.