NEWS
Ex-Agitators, Niger Delta Stakeholders Shun October 1 Protest
From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa
Following the proposed protest across the nation on end Bad governance against the present government led by president Bola Ahmed Tinubu over hardship,
a group under the aegis of the Third phase ex – Agitators of presidential Amnesty Program, have dissociated its members from the said protest.
The third phase ex-agitators further appealed to other well-meaning Niger Delta Stakeholders not to join in the protest as measures are being put in place to ameliorate the situation.
The National Chairman of the Ex-Agitators of the Third Phase of the presidential Amnesty Program, PAP, Elaye Slaboh stated this in a press briefing on arrival from Warri,Delta state where the Coordinator of, PAP, Dr Dennis Otuaro held a very crucial meeting with ex – Agitators and other highly placed Stakeholders.
He reiterated president Bola Ahmed Tinubu,s commitment and resolve to frontally address the myriads of problems plaguing the Niger Delta Region,especially the East-West road which a portion of it was reconstructed, and accessible now, adding that the East West road which has been turned to deen of Armed robbery, kidnapping, theatre of accidents that have claimed so many lives have been re – awarded to a Chinese construction firm and very soon the road will play it’s avowed economic importance to the development of the economy.
He said, “during our meeting with PAP Coordinator, Dr Denis Otuaro, he said President Tinubu is determined to reshape the nation for improved socio- economic development of the country in general and the Niger Delta in particular,as there was no need joining the protest and we believe in reassurance passed to us during our engagement ,as Dr Denis Otuaro has been a man of his words,as he has been involved in the struggle for improved conditions for the Niger Delta Region”
On the Niger Delta Ex- Agitators and stakeholders,he said the PAP coordinator,Dr Denis Otuaro has reiterated that their budgets would be increased as well as their monthly stipends,they need to be patient and join hands with Mr President to sanitize the system as there could be no development and peace in atmosphere of rancour and protest.
He also disclosed that plans have reached advanced stage for it’s members to partner with the pipe surveillance contracts being handled by Tantita Security Services,owned by Chief Government Ekpemupolo,aka Tompolo,which has led to increased oil production, revenue, reduction of oil theft ,bunkering, creation of employment opportunities, environmental protection and illegal activities as well as sanitizing the water ways for optimal utilization of the Blue and Marine economy which the region have comparative advantage over other states,as well as scholarship opportunities where many have been shortlisted and very soon they will be invited.
The former state chairman of the third phase,PAP and a stakeholder, Gen Oscar Jackson informed that there are plans by the PAP, coordinator Dr Denis Otuaro to mop more arms and more Niger Deltans will be included in the presidential Amnesty Programme’s delegates and appealed for calm.
Oscar Jackson who applauded the current PAP coordinator, High Chief Dr Denis Otuaro as the first coordinator in the history of PAP since its inception, who had been part and parcel of the struggle, urged delegates to renew their resolve and commitment to give their maximum support and cooperation to enable him deliver on his mandate.
NEWS
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
NEWS
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
NEWS
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)