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NDDC at 25: Don’t Allow Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contracts Divide Region, Nengi Urges Stakeholders

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Second Vice President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Alabo Nengi James has called on stakeholders from the Niger Delta region not to allow the struggle for a portion of the Federal Government crude Oil Pipeline Surveillance contracts to divide them and throw them into bloody confrontation with one another.

Nengi, who is a prestigious national honor holder, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), noted that despite the gains and losses recorded in the region in the last few months, the people of the region should imbibe the team spirit of Harold Dappa Biriye, Adaka Boro, and Edwin Clark, who contributed unforgettable roles, of which the Niger Delta is being recognized and benefiting gradually from national and global settings.
James, who made this known in Port Harcourt, Rivers State during the 25th Anniversary of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), urged the contending interests in the oil pipeline surveillance contracts to adopt negotiations and dialogue instead of resorting to violence.According to him, “Frankly speaking, let us not allow ourselves to be divided because of surveillance contracts and other issues that can be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.””We must know that a people divided against themselves cannot stand united; therefore, it is time to come together to quest for regional rights and opportunities in the Nigerian state.”James also pointed out that this noticeable divisions among stakeholders have thrown up some persons involved in the alleged sponsorship of violence among surveillance contractors, “It is also revealed that some individuals are being sponsored to cause division and crises as a strategy to seek the termination of the surveillance contracts for conventional security outfits””God forbid. I need to put the record straight that many individuals and security agencies are not happy that Tantita Security Services, PINL, and others, are excellently doing well to increase the production of the country’s oil revenue.””In fact, they are disgruntled that the expert job being done has taken away their benefits.It should be recalled that the Federal Government introduced many operational outfits with “code names” like Operation Kakuri, Operation Pulo Shield, Operation Restore Hope, and Operation Delta Safe.””Yet, the aim of safeguarding and protecting the nation’s critical assets, including oil facilities and illegal bunkering activities, was not successful until Tantita Security Services and other surveillance expert companies came onboard.””Nigeria crude oil outputs have increased from 700,000 barrels to 1.8 million barrels as of January 2025. And indeed, the oil revenue has improved and skyrocketed.””The Niger Delta is a blessing to Nigeria for being the hub of the black gold and gas that feeds the Nation and sustains the Economy. We must understand that the region is facing socio-economic and environmental degradation challenges because the oil found in the Region ought to be a blessing but the reverse is the case””May God touch our rulers and the political actors to do the needful and revamp the Economy for better life and Niger Deltans’ lives matter.”

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Anyanwu Faction Calls for Implementation of Peace Committee Report

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By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Three members of the Samuel Anyanwu Faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who filed suit to stop the PDP conversation have called for the implementation of the recommendations of the party’s reconciliation Committee to bring lasting peace to the party.

They are Barr.

George Turna (PDP South-South Zonal Secretary), Hon.
Amah Abraham (PDP Chairman Abia) and Hon Austin Nwachukwu (Imo Chairman).

Addressing a news conference on Friday, the trio stressed that state congresses ought to have been concluded in almost all states — or at least a substantial number — to form the bulk of delegates to the national convention due to hold on Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan.

“Principal among our concerns was the conduct of state congresses. We believed that, by our procedures, state congresses ought to have been concluded in almost all states — or at least a substantial number — to form the bulk of delegates to the national convention.

“We looked forward to guidelines; none were issued. We expected a timetable; we couldn’t find any. We sought information on procedures, including purchase of forms; nothing was made available.

“Out of these frustrations, we approached the court to seek answers. It is now public knowledge that we obtained judgment in our favour, delivered by Honourable Justice James of the Federal High Court on 31st October 2025,” they said.

They denied acting as proxies to stop the PDP convention or tonundermine the party’s progress.

“We urge the leadership to quickly implement the recommendations, which will address our concerns and restore order. Many members are frustrated because the party is in disarray.

“We deserve commendation for having the courage to challenge illegality. We are guided strictly by the rule of law.

“If we truly love the PDP. We are ready to sit with anyone who respects the law. Political situations involve give-and-take. When we reach that bridge, we will cross it,” they added.

The trio made made available recommendations of the committee set up by the PDP BoT to reconcile the factions:

“Going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC.

“However, considering the multiple court orders and judgements INEC is not likely going to monitor the Convention.

“Accordingly, an all inclusive Care Takers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally.

“For this to be effected, all the NWC should reverse to status quo ante immediately.

“Suspension orders should be lified and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation.

“BOT must be given its prime position to be able to mediate and guide processes within the Party. On her part, the BoT must be seen to be neutral always.

“The constitution of the Party must be amended to accommodate some key issues.

“The intention to grant the Governors Forum status of an ORGAN of the party by constitutional amendment should not be done at this time.

“Above all, the Party constitution must be upheld always. Parly supremacy and discipline is core.

“There is therefore the need for the BoT , NWC, Governors Forum, and all critical stakeholders to come fogether and resolve all these issues to allow for a successful hitch free convention going forward.”

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Reps Move to Suspend 2026 WAEC’ Computers-base Exam Policy

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The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned computer-based examination policy billed to commence in 2026.

The call was sequel to adoption of a motion by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary on Thursday.

Nwogu, while moving that motion explained that WAEC is a body saddled with the conduct of higher education entry qualifying examinations for students of Senior Secondary Schools.

He said that higher education institutions made it mandatory for any candidate seeking admission to have at least five credits including English and Mathematics in WAEC or its equivalent.

The lawmaker observed that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result portal was shut down due to technical glitches, with the candidates suffering the consequences.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education planned to conduct the 2026 WASSCE in March, using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

“We are disturbed that in spite of the outcry by the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools, both public and private, especially those in rural areas hosting more than 70 per cent of the students, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that there is no going back.

“Cognisant that computer-based examination requires a fully furnished hall with functional computers, internet facility, constant electricity supply, be it from the national grid or standby generators.

“Aware that about 25,500 schools across the country have candidates to write the 2026 examination, expected to be conducted simultaneously for four months starting from March to July.

“Also aware that most schools in the urban areas and talk less of schools in the rural areas do not have functional computers, nor computer teachers and as a result they have not used computers before,” he said.

Nwogu said that unlike JAMB, no candidate is expected to write less than nine subjects including practical, objectives, and theory questions.

He said that it was wrong to start the policy now without adequate preparation, suggesting that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Examination body should have at least three years’ projection to commence the policy by 2029/2030 academic year.

The rep said that the 2026 WAEC result of students, considered to be leaders of tomorrow will be devastating if the CBE policy is allowed to commence as it will lead to massive failure, frustration, drug abuse among other social vices.

The house urged the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with its state counterparts to include the recruitment of computer teachers and all necessary infrastructure in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets.

The Green Chamber also resolved that proper monitoring of adequate provision in private schools must be done before commencement of the policy in 2030.

The house mandated the Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services among other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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Bayelsa Female Automobile Service Provider Appeals to NCDMB for Retainership

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Secretary of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG) and Managing Director of Fudons Automobile Nig Ltd, Yenagoa, Nursere Doris Ndoboke has appealed to the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to consider her company for Retainership in Automobile repair.

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Nursere Doris Ndoboke expressed concerns over delayed Retainership agreement with NCDMB after rendering Automobile Services to the board for about ten years only to be pushed aside from the system for no reasons.

Hence, she is calling on the Executive Secretary to intervene and consider her company for Retainership.

“I am already in the industry and can’t be pushed outside like that.

Kindly intervene to restore my only source of livelihood for we have served NCDMB for 10 years as an automotive engineering company certified by COREN.

“We have created several employment opportunities for Bayelsans with over 10 staff on our company payroll. In addition, we regularly engage students on IT attachment/training, Association of Professional Women of Nigeria (APWEN), Niger Delta University (NDU), Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Federal Polytechnic EKOWE, other tertiary institutions and even train apprentices without any state government’s support.

“I ventured into a male dominated business for survival because I have 15 years of working experience in the automotive industry in Port Harcourt. Please, my only source of livelihood can’t be taken away from me in my own state. Please, justice should be done speedily to do the needful.  I am a local content that NCDMB should build my capacity.

“Fudons Automobile has all the certifications to operate in the Oil and Gas industry, e g. NCDMB NOGIC JQS Certifications as Automobile Services provider, NUPRC LICENSE to operate in the Industry of which NCDMB is propagating for Women inclusivity in the OIL and Gas industry.

It is a sad commentary that Nursere Doris Ndoboke, a female entrepreneur and Managing Director, her own automobile services firm, could be facing such challenges in securing a retainership agreement with NCDMB despite providing quality services for 10 years.

Fudons Automobile has been a trusted service provider to NCDMB, offering automobile repair services.

Nursere Doris Ndoboke is also the Bayelsa State Secretary of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), promoting women’s participation in the oil and gas industry.

Our findings indicate that despite much appeals, NCDMB has not responded to Fudons Automobile’s application for a retainership agreement despite meeting the required certifications and qualifications.

Nurse-ere believes she is being pushed out of the system due to her gender, as she operates in a male-dominated industry.

Nursere Doris Ndoboke is worried about the silence from NCDMB officials on her request for Retainership after 10 years of business engagement with the organisation. The other issue is about her outstanding payments, amounting to over N15 million which is affecting her company’s operations while she has created jobs for over 10 Bayelsans in addition to carrying out manpower training and development programmes.

The company provides training and IT attachments to students from various institutions.

Fudons Automobile holds the necessary certifications, including NCDMB NOGIC JQS Certifications and NUPRC LICENSE.

We hope that the Executive Secretary will listen to her appeals and consider Fudons Automobile for retainership, as her company is making meaningful contributions to the local community and the oil and gas industry.

This situation further highlights the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries and the need for support and inclusivity in the oil and gas sector.

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