Author Archives: News All Around

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has called for the removal of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla, due to allegations of supporting oil thieves and sabotaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to combat oil theft. The YYC has passed a vote of no confidence in Ogalla and is demanding a thorough investigation into his activities.

The allegations against Ogalla include large-scale corruption, procurement fraud, and contract splitting, which were levelled against him in a petition by a group of concerned Nigerians in January. The YYC is disturbed by the allegations and claims that Ogalla’s actions are undermining the President’s efforts to fight oil theft.

The YYC specifically mentioned the release of a ship arrested for oil theft and the alleged dilution of exhibit samples as examples of Ogalla’s sabotage. The President has reportedly ordered the re-arrest of the ship and a full investigation into the matter. The YYC is urging the President to remove any obstacles to his efforts to combat oil theft and sanitise the oil sector.

The petition by the group of concerned Nigerians expressed distress at the allegations against Ogalla, given the significant revenue losses Nigeria is experiencing due to crude oil theft. They called for action to be taken against Ogalla, who is responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways against oil theft and other criminal activities.

NAVAL CHIEF IN THE DOCK: Yoruba Youths Call for Ogalla’s Sacking Over Oil Theft Scandal

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has called for the removal of the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Emmanuel Ogalla, due to allegations of supporting oil thieves and sabotaging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to combat oil theft. The YYC has passed a vote of no confidence in Ogalla and is demanding a thorough investigation into his activities.

The allegations against Ogalla include large-scale corruption, procurement fraud, and contract splitting, which were levelled against him in a petition by a group of concerned Nigerians in January. The YYC is disturbed by the allegations and claims that Ogalla’s actions are undermining the President’s efforts to fight oil theft.

The YYC specifically mentioned the release of a ship arrested for oil theft and the alleged dilution of exhibit samples as examples of Ogalla’s sabotage. The President has reportedly ordered the re-arrest of the ship and a full investigation into the matter. The YYC is urging the President to remove any obstacles to his efforts to combat oil theft and sanitise the oil sector.

The petition by the group of concerned Nigerians expressed distress at the allegations against Ogalla, given the significant revenue losses Nigeria is experiencing due to crude oil theft. They called for action to be taken against Ogalla, who is responsible for safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways against oil theft and other criminal activities.

… Faults Atiku’s Allegation on Contract Award

Group under aegis of Forum For Good Governance (FGGN), has come out strongly to defend the President’s Son,Mr. Seyi Tinubu after former Vice President,Alhaji Atiku Abubakar faulted the award of contract to a company he serves as a board member.

The former Vice President had accused the federal government of awarding construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway to Hitech Construction Company Ltd.

He did allege that Seyi is a director on the board of CDK Integrated Industries, a subsidiary of the Chagoury Group, which is a parent company of Hitech.

However ,In a press Statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary;Comrade Abraham Douglas and Comrade Bala Galadima Ikara, the group said the fact that Seyi’s father is the President should not deny him access to pursue legitimate business interests within and outside the country.

While stating that the gigantic projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal highway would no doubt boost the economy; engender growth and development, it noted, “Seyi Tinubu an adult,who has a right to do business in as much as ,it’s within the limits of the law.”

The Statement further reads: “From the information we gathered, Seyi joined the Board of Directors of CDK in 2018 as an investor, with a good record of performance. So ,why deny such investor with capacity right to business patronage because, his father is the president.

“Unfortunately for Atiku who raised the issue, the Chairman of CDK and the highest shareholder of the company is General T.Y. Danjuma (retd.) and not Seyi Tinubu, who has been involved in business several years,before the father became President.

“The big question we are asking Atiku is , ” How has Seyi as an investor on the board of CDK, conflicts with Hitech Construction Company’s work on Lagos-Calabar Coastal superhighway.

“He who must come to equity must come with clean hands. If Atiku raised an issue of conflict of interest,what we do say of him during his days as the vice-president, established Intels Nigeria with an Italian entrepreneur while serving in the Nigeria Customs Service .

“When he was Vice President of Nigeria between 1999-2007, he maintained his business links with Intels that won major port concession deals in Nigeria.”

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.