Author Archives: News All Around

Ike Andy

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has sounded the alarm over the persistent oil theft in the Niger Delta region, despite the significant presence of naval officials. The group is demanding a comprehensive overhaul of the Naval high command, citing sabotage of the Federal Government’s efforts to boost oil production.

According to Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, a recent incident involving MT MONTAGU and MT PRESTIGIOUS has exposed the complicity of naval officials in oil theft. Despite a counter order to re-arrest the ship, naval officials released it, allowing another vessel to evacuate or dilute the stolen crude oil.

Okwu Nnabuike emphasized the group’s support for President Tinubu’s anti-corruption crusade and urged him to take decisive action against the corrupt elements in the Naval hierarchy. He called for the immediate removal of the Chief of Naval Staff and other top officials, and advocated for the appointment of an Igbo officer as replacement to restore integrity and transparency in the oil production chain.

The group’s demand for a thorough overhaul of the Naval high command is aimed at ending the corruption and economic sabotage that has caused immense suffering for Nigerians, and ensuring that the country’s oil resources are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.

Iman Nura

The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has passed a vote of no confidence on the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, over allegations of economic sabotage and criminal activities within the Nigerian Navy.

The NDYC, which represents the youth of the Niger Delta region, condemned the Navy’s involvement in crude oil theft, diversion, and providing security escorts for oil thieves, labeling it a betrayal of the nation’s trust. They demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations, including the recent incident involving MT PRESTIGIOUS and MT MONTAGU, and called for those found guilty to face justice.

The group emphasized that such activities undermine the security and economic stability of the nation, exacerbate the suffering of the Nigerian people, and sabotage the efforts of the President Bola Tinubu administration. They urged swift and decisive action to rectify the situation and promote lawful maritime activities for the benefit of all Nigerians.

The NDYC’s move is a call to action for the government to address the crisis in the Navy and ensure accountability among its leadership. The nation awaits a response to this development, which has sparked concern among Nigerians.

Durodola Joshua

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, has come hard on those who staged a protest against the Minister of Defence, Bello Matawalle.

A group of people were spotted at the Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, demanding re-opening of investigation against the former Zamfara governor.

Reacting to the development, the National President of the Ohanaeze Youths, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike said the protest was in a chain of actions lined up to discredit the minister for standing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okwu recalled that he had earlier raised the alarm over the plot by some Northerners opposed to Tinubu’s leadership to slam Matawalle’s image, having seen him as the rallying point for Mr President in the North.

He said, “It is, therefore, not a surprise that early Friday morning, the same people recruited people from the outskirts of Abuja and moved them to the city centre to protest against the minister. 

“There was no doubt that most of the said protesters were ignorant of their mission to the EFCC office; they merely came to deliver on the job they were assembled to do.

“We therefore, once more retrait our advice to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu not to be deceived by the same people who have vowed to truncate his second term in 2027.

“We urge Mr President to be wary of these desperadoes who are hellbent on destroying any good person around his government. They should not be given any space at all to thrive in their evil machinations.” 

“Once more, we stand solidly behind the Defence Minister and urge him to continue the good work he is doing, as could be seen in the improved security across the country,” Okwu stated.

He vowed that a time would soon come when “we will expose all those behind this desperate attempt to discredit the current government.”

The Northern Awareness Network (NAN) has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take swift and decisive action against the growing trend of sponsored protests aimed at ridiculing the party and President Bola Tinubu.

According to NAN Chairman Salihu Suleiman, the recent protest sponsored from Zamfara State is a clear example of this alarming trend, which involves financing unruly crowds to engage in misconduct under the guise of protest.

Sponsored Protests Undermine Democracy

The NAN believes that these protests serve hidden agendas rather than genuine grievances and are a calculated attempt to undermine the presidency and embarrass the government. The deliberate targeting of Minister of State Defence Bello Matawalle, a dedicated supporter of President Tinubu, demonstrates that this protest was driven by political motives seeking to sow division and discord within the ruling party.

APC Must Take a Stand Against Sponsored Dissent

The NAN emphasizes that protests play a vital role in any democratic society, but when hijacked by external forces with ulterior motives, they lose their legitimacy and become tools for manipulation and deception. The leaders of the APC must take a firm stance against sponsored dissent and ensure that the party remains a symbol of integrity and transparency.

Exposing and Sanctioning Sponsors is Crucial

The NAN calls for the sponsors of such protests to be exposed and appropriately sanctioned, as this is a necessary step in rooting out this insidious practice. Those who seek to manipulate public opinion for personal gain must be held accountable for their actions, and the APC leadership must demonstrate that they will not tolerate such behavior within their ranks.

Sponsored Dissent Threatens Political Integrity

Sponsored dissent represents a dangerous trend that threatens the integrity of the political system and undermines the trust of the people in their leaders. The APC must take decisive action to address and eradicate this practice, upholding its commitment to transparency and accountability and ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains strong and vibrant.

The Kaduna Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has praised the Minister of Information, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, for his exceptional leadership and transparent information management, which has significantly enhanced public credibility and goodwill for the current administration.

In a statement issued by the Chapter Chairman, Haroun Malami, on the occasion of the Minister’s birthday, the NIPR acknowledged that Alhaji Idris has demonstrated the highest standards of public relations practice, showcasing character, competence, and credibility in his handling of government communication since assuming office.

The Chapter described the Minister as an innovator who has made a purposeful shift from the old norm, building on his experience as the Kaduna State Chapter Chairman. His patriotism and service to nationhood in various capacities have left laudable footprints and remarkable accomplishments, testifying to the impact of public relations on outcomes.

The NIPR expressed its appreciation for Alhaji Idris’ commitment to elevating public trust in governance and deepening citizens’ faith in the country. The statement concluded with a prayer for the Minister’s continued good health and wisdom in his patriotic service to the nation.

… Urges Tinubu to Intervene

As Nigeria joins the world to mark the Workers Day, the civilian staff of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), have used the occasion to protest what they termed unfair treatment and transparent payroll practices by the management.

The workers,who trooped out today at the premises of Ordinance Factory Complex , Kakuri , Kaduna with various placards with inscriptions such as : complained about denied access to a critical program that promotes transparency and efficiency in wage distribution as regards the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

According to workers, the exclusion prevents them from receiving the recent wage increases implemented for IPPIS-enrolled employees.

The aggrieved workers during the protest raised concerns about the accuracy of their payroll data outside of IPPIS, said, ” To add insult to injury, the Deputy Director of Human Resources, Mercy Philip, curtly dismissed our inquiries, calling IPPIS a “no-go area” and suggesting they forget about enrollment altogether until she retires.

Speaking further about their concerns , the workers alleged : “Allowances for scarce skills (established in 2008) and transportation (introduced in 2015) were abruptly stopped without explanation, causing frustration and a sense of unfair treatment. This is they described as a reprehensible treatment of a dedicated workforce.”

” To confirm the maltreatment, the workers alleged that Director of Production Air Commodore, Ola Emmanuel in his address to some staff in the factory justified reasons civil staff have not enjoyed wage award . Stressing, We have not received a single month of the wage award since it was announced September 2023.

He also said that rather than questioning our management , we should go and ask the Accountant General and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense and offices budget office and salary and wages commission to confirm why the non payment of the wage rewards .

They explained further,” We are owed eight months of minimum wage arrears dating back to 2019. Additionally, we haven’t received the N35,000 six-month wage award initiated by the federal government in September 2023. With a new minimum wage on the horizon, we are concerned that we may be left behind again.

“Unfortunately, our attempts to address these concerns through open communication with DICON’s management have fell on deaf ears.

“Management has brushed aside our concerns, and even the Employee Town Hall, promised by the Director General to be held every two months, has never been held. This lack of transparency is further hindering progress.

“We have held peaceful protests, first on July 3rd, 2023, and most recently the one we declared on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, demonstrating a commitment to finding solutions. As DICON is a non-union workplace, we are staging this peaceful protest on a symbolically significant day for workers’ rights: May 1st. This comes amid reports of a list being compiled to terminate the appointments of those believed to be spearheading the ongoing protests.

“Furthermore, it should be noted that the demoralization and potential dismissal of a highly skilled workforce with exclusive expertise in producing restricted goods like weapons and explosives poses a significant security threat. Disgruntled or desperate workers could be more vulnerable to exploitation or radicalization, potentially jeopardizing the security of these sensitive materials. Will laying off such a critical workforce not exacerbate security threats by placing sensitive expertise in uncertain hands?

The workers however, said the failure on side of DICON Management to meet the obligations to its civilian workforce has has negative impact on employees morale which raises serious concerns about fair treatment.

They urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the concerns regarding fair treatment; transparent payroll practices, and the timely resolution of these outstanding issues.

The much anticipated Global ministers classrooom with Pastor Chris Oyakhilome holds today and tomorrow. This Programmme will equip millions of ministers and Christian Leaders across the nations of the world.

According to Mr. Olajide Babasola, Media Manager of the International School of Ministry arm of Loveworld Incorporated, organizers of the historic event, “it is going to be an awesome experience at the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris and to participate actively, invitees are encouraged to follow the instructions on this link http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org/v/ISMGlobalMinistersCell”.

Speaking Further , Mr. Babasola listed some Effective Guidelines in Preparation for the Global Ministers Classroom with Pastor Chris Stating that, “You wouldn’t want to miss out on any part of the program, reason we painstakingly drafted this guide to guide you in the course of the program.”

The Global Ministers Classroom is a 24hour event, and you can can participate while at home via http://www.ismglobalministersclassroom.org

Finally, you are to inform them that they are expected to converge the following day, The grande finale will be on Saturday 2:00pm, GMT+1 with our man of God, Pastor Chris and Pastor Benny.

God bless you richly and we wish you a resounding and victorious GMC.

*Demand fair representation on appointments

By;Mike Odeh James

The Congress of Idoma Journalists, (COIJ) has congratulated Governor of Benue State, Rev. Father Hyacient Alia on his inauguration and assumption office as the sixth executive governor of the state.

The journalists body also tasked Rev. Father Alia to ensure he sustains the fight against insecurity in the state to meet up with his predecessor, ex Governor Samuel Ortom.

The group made the call in Kaduna yesterday, while reacting to Alia’s inaugural address on Monday, where he said that he would review the anti-open grazing bill put up by the immediate past Governor, Samuel Ortom.

In a statement jointly signed by the President and General Secretary of COIJ, Okpani Amos Ebute and Comrade Mike Odeh and made available to journalists in Kaduna, the forum said that although the administration of Ortom is believed to have performed below average, yet the love for Benue people in the area of speaking out against insecurity was massively felt.

The watchdogs further stressed that the need to improve the security architecture of the state with the view to prevent further loss of lives and properties in the state can never be overemphasized, even as the protection of lives and properties remain the primary function of government as enshrined by the Nigeria’s 1999 constitution, amended.

While expressing belief that the incoming administration would be an improvement on the outgoing administration, the Forum insisted that lives of Benue residents are sacrosanct and therefore it is paramount that the new Governor do all he can to prevent further bloodshed in Tiv and Idoma land as a result of the activities of herdsmen.

The forum called on Father Alia to ensure that his administration provides conducive environment that would enable the creation of employment opportunities for people within the state as this will enable Benue sons and daughters to look towards the direction of home to contribute all they have got for sustainable growth and development.

They congratulated the governor on his election to serve the good people of Benue state for the next four years and urged him to use the principle and the doctrines of Christ he has got over the years to lead the people to their promised land.

The group also tasked him to be fair in terms of appointment, stressing that brilliant Idoma sons and daughters should be given equal opportunities like their Tiv counterparts.

Engr. Ogbonna Nwaiwu member
Professionals For Good Governance (PFGG) has said a new dawn beckons in the land of hills and valleys as Mr Peter Mbah takes the seat of power in Enugu state.

Nwaiwu in a press statement titled “Cometh The Hour Cometh The Man: A New Dawn Is Here With Peter Mbah In The Driving Seat. – Professionals For Good Governance.” Said the down pour of rain since the night of 28th of may into the early morning of today is a sign that Mbah administration will usher in great moments for the state.

The Full Statement reads;

“With nature speaking out in monumental proportions and the elements pouring out rain in somewhat amazing dimensions, a New Dawn beckons in the land of Hills and Valleys. Enugu the moment and the hour is here, as a New Dawn replete with great promises unfold.”

“Our Team on ground in the capital city of Enugu State, have told us how the heavens have poured out its belly since the night of the 28th of May, 2023, and have continued to do so in a manner never seen in ages. It does appear a befitting close of an era and a wonderful opening of the new. The Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi era like everything consonant with the transience of power comes to an end today, as a new watchman comes in the saddle.”

“We are positive that Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah will hit the ground running. We are confident that he ‘knows the road’. And we are going to be on him to make sure he lives real and true to the promises he made Ndi’Enugu.”

“He has assured us that he will not let Ndi’Enugu down. He says to everyone that this moment and hour calls for folded sleeves and boots, that there is no time to engage in the luxury of officialdom, and that the day to take Enugu State to greater heights is here. We wish him well.”

“We pray that like he assembled an awesome Transition Team of eggheads and professionals, that he diligently goes to work with the best Team of Advisers, Aides and Commissioners he can find. Yes, our nation is replete with excellent minds and thinkers of repute, he must find and engage them.”

“As a Technocrat in Politics he knows that success has no short cuts, he must come to the party with competent, capable and credible hands, he must surpass the feats of his predecessors, and he must deliver on the Olympic promises he has made the people of Enugu State.”

“We wish all the elected public office holders taking the Oath of Office today the best, as we insist that they understand that the raging minimum across the nation today is a call to service not sleaze. A call to sacrifice not selfishness. A call to patriotism not profligacy. A call to dedication to common good not the depletion of our collective patrimony. And a call to effective and effectual inclusion not exclusion. We wish Ndi’Enugu and indeed Nigerians well.”