Trans Forcados Pipeline And Defence Of National Interest, By Femi Ayelabowo

January 9, 2019

The battle for the soul of Nigeria is perpetually a contest between good and evil, light and darkness. But, as a renowned 18th century philosopher and politician, Edmund Burke, once said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” The truth is, nations that have succeeded against retrogressive forces largely because some good men and women did something positive in different spheres.

The latest rumble, by economic saboteurs, to reinvent failure of surveillance and security on the Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP), which is a critical national asset, could be appropriately situated in this context in which the forces of good are compelled to respond in obligatory defence of national interest. The interest that the individual stakeholder promotes and projects determines the side it belongs: whether it is progressive or retrogressive.

In fact, the retrogressive forces have been brazen in their effort to ensure the retention of the old order of sleaze and waste that poses real threats to the national economy. Will the retrogressive forces prevail over the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the battle to remove the surveillance of the TFP from the clutches of an inefficient entity?

For decades, the Nigerian oil industry has been perpetually made a jungle of monumental rip-offs. Transparency and accountability have been sacrificed for opaqueness, conspiracy and corruption. It will not be out of place to conclude that there are “oil demons” in Nigeria, because only such a term could qualify the battle to keep TFP in a state of criminal abuse. Such a rigid and open resistance to doing what is right and just in the oil industry is demonic and scandalous.

The raging battle to keep TFP in a state of jeopardy is entirely worrisome. There is absolutely no sense in sustaining a failed contract that had persistently made the NNPC to pay for inefficiency while the Corporation and the nation bleed through the pipes. There comes a time in the affairs of a nation when an absolute stop is put to abominable feasting and critical decisions are taken to end wastage. Nigeria and other stakeholders cannot survive the conspiracy against the TFP if the NNPC leaves the surveillance and security of the critical national asset in the hands of oil marauders and jackals.

How do we, as a country, explain and account for a loss of 11 million barrels of crude oil (equivalent to $800m) in 2018, just because of the inefficiency of a surveillance firm, Eraskorp Nigeria Limited? Shall we continue to pay for and reinvent the failure of a “hapless contractor that has presided over the abject surveillance and security of the TFP?” Certainly, the NNPC has taken an audacious and patriotic position on the TFP in the overall interest of the country and it should not be deterred or worried about the heavily-induced distractions both locally and internationally.

If Shoreline Natural Resources Limited cannot dispense with the services of Eraskorp, which has become an unmitigated disaster in the face of its recurring dismal performances, then it should not blame the NNPC for electing to give the TFP contract to another indigenous firm with a proven track record in surveillance and security of pipelines. It is important that value for service and the need to adopt international best practices must no longer be compromised in the oil sector, and especially by the NNPC.

Notwithstanding the smear messages and campaign of calumny against the NNPC and the proposed new contractor, Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) Limited, I will urge both parties to proceed to agree to the contractual framework and sign the necessary papers evidencing agreement. Stakeholders and Nigerians who are abreast of the development around the TFP would be most excited about the choice of OMS. It is reputed for successfully eliminating illegal bunkering and oil theft on the Escravos – Warri and Bonny – Port Harcourt Crude Oil Pipelines. This is a no mean feat by an indigenous firm.

In the interest of stability, efficiency and value for money, OMS is hereby urged to accept NNPC’s invitation to take over the responsibility for the security of the TFP. Perusing its profile, there is no element of doubt in its capacity to put an end to the criminal abuse of another key part of our strategic national infrastructure. The illegal racketeering by vested interests on the TFP must stop, and this could be done by such logical and audacious step as has been taken by the NNPC to get OMS to secure the pipeline.

In the face of the unwarranted sponsored attacks against OMS, those who have a deep knowledge of the oil industry will even sympathise with the firm over the delicate nature of the latest contract. While the loss arising from illegal oil bunkering had always been shifted to NNPC in the past, under the proposed contract, OMS is obligated to protect the lines and is accountable for any breach to the pipeline and losses of crude. This is a huge responsibility, considering the volatile terrain and nature of securing the pipelines.

In the old order, the contractor (Eraskorp) was paid for surveillance duties and totally exempted from repair costs or any other form of responsibility in the event of any break or breach to the pipeline for which the company had been contracted to watch over. This is what the NNPC is saying it cannot continue to bear because it is in a way scandalous and has no value to the country. But for those who had profited hitherto from this unsustainable wasteful venture, it must be business as usual. And anything that wants to end the bazaar must be viciously resisted.

But if we are really desirable of cleansing the Augean Stables and putting an end to oil banditry (illegal bunkering), we must be prepared to stand up to those who want to keep us in the jungle where there is no value for anything. There is nothing bad in making a mistake or discovering that certain arrangement is no longer serving the interest of the people and the nation, and thus working patriotically to correct it. However, what is unacceptable is to sustain inefficiency and reinforce failure.

It is inimical to national security and economic stability to allow the inefficiency what was happening under Eraskorp Nigeria Limited as security service providers to continue. While the firm and their collaborators could elect to continue with their pathetic and malicious falsehoods for all they care, at the domestic and international levels, the truth remains that no serious nation can sustain or tolerate this heist in the oil sector. Affliction should not be allowed to arise the second.

· Ayelabowo, a public affairs analyst, sent this piece from Ibadan.

Zamfara Governor Suspends 2 Traditional Rulers Over Bandits’ Activities

Editorial staff

January 8, 2019

The Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari has suspended two traditional rulers from office for allegedly violating its directives against banditry activities in the state.

The traditional rulers are Senior district head of Birnin-Magaji emirate, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu-Maishanu and district head of Kaya in Maradun Local Government Area, Alhaji Bello Maiwurno.

The governor asked the suspended district heads to appear before the Investigation Department of the State’s Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Speaking on behalf of the governor today, Tuesday, at a news briefing, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bello Dankande said that the traditional rulers were suspended for violating the order banning sale of petroleum products in jerrycans earlier issued by the government.

“You know, recently we met with Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) where we banned the sale of petroleum in jerrycans and open tanks as part of measures to tackle security challenges in this state.

“We came up with that decision because we learned that some people were using that opportunity to supply petroleum products to the bandits in the bushes.

“Unfortunately, these two district heads were suspected to be issueing illegal permit to some petroleum dealers in their areas to continue selling the product in jerrycans despite the earlier directives by the government in this regard, ” he said.

The commissioner said the state government was taking the measures to tackle security challenges facing the state.

“The state government would not tolerate any body involved in or supporting the criminals, no matter how big his position.”

He said that the state government and security agencies are recording successes following the measures, saying: : even yesterday, nine suspected cattle rustlers were arrested in Bakura Local Government Area moving with about 700 cows enroute to Sokoto State.”

He appealed to communities and members of the public to always support government and security agencies with information from their areas.

Atiku’s Strategy In Dubai Was To Throw Mud At Buhari, Lai Mohammed Alleges

Editorial staff

January 8, 2019

Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed has alleged that part of the “Dubai strategy” of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was to throw enough mud on President Muhammadu Buhari to pave way for its Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

The minister, who spoke to newsmen today, Tuesday, in Abuja said that the growing accusations that 9-Mobile and Keystone Bank were bought by President Muhammadu Buhari’s family members were part of the PDP’s Dubai agenda.

According to him, the agenda reached in Dubai by the opposition was to “throw enough mud at the President and hope they can succeed in tainting his integrity.

“The sooner the PDP realizes this and retrace its steps, the better. President Buhari is globally acknowledged for his legendary integrity, and no one can tarnish it.

“When its allegations were proved to be wrong, those behind the shameless allegation did not even have the decency to admit their lies and apologise to the nation.

“This is bad politicking and it will not win more votes for the sinking PDP. It is sad that instead of focusing on issues, all they spew are innuendos, lies and concocted stories.”

He said that PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s campaign has lost steam, and all it is doing is to make wild allegations not backed by facts.

Presidency Reports PDP’s Violation Of Peace Accord To Gen Abdulsalam, Kukah, Others

Editorial staff

January 8, 2019

The Presidency reported the violation, by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of the Peace Accord which Presidential candidates of the political parties signed in December last year, ahead of February 2019 elections to the General Abdulsalami Abubakar and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah’s National Peace Committee.

In a statement today, Tuesday, Presidential spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, accused the PDP presidential campaign organization of bad faith, character assassination and inflammatory utterances.

Garba Shehu said that the open and unsubstantiated allegations against the President’s family by the Atiku Abubakar media campaign contravenes the spirit of the peace accord that was signed at the instance of former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar , Bishop Mathew Kukah and other eminent public figures who constitute the committee.

“Dragging the President’s family into the campaign and accusing them of wrongdoing without producing unassailable evidence, amounts to an act of bad faith and malice,” he said.

“Instead of concentrating their efforts on persuading Nigerians on why they should be trusted to rule again after 16 years of failure, the PDP presidential campaign organisation is seeking to divert public attention from the large scale corruption and havoc it wreaked on the country during its 16 years of misrule.”

The Presidential spokesman said that, more than one week after accusing President Buhari’s family of corruption and wrong doing, the PDP presidential campaign still cannot provide proof of the allegations against them, despite being encouraged by the Presidency and the public to do so.

“Instead, they are ridiculously expecting the accused to prove their own allegations instead of it being the other way round.”

He accused the PDP presidential campaign of being indolent and poor in research, saying that it is irresponsible to go public with allegations that they could not prove, describing that as something other than politics.

“It is sheer desperation and a clear sign of disarray in the PDP campaign.”

Central Bank Continues Intervention In Forex Market With $210 Million

Editorial staff

January 8, 2019

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has continued its intervention in the inter-bank sector of the Foreign Exchange market by injecting another sum of $210 million into the forex market.

In the forex trading today, Tuesday, the CBN injected the sum of $100 million in the wholesale segment of the market in addition to the sum of $55 million each in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and invisibles sectors.

The Director, Corporate Communications Department, Isaac Okorafor, said today, Tuesday that the bank is unrelenting in its resolve to sustain liquidity in the forex market as well as maintain stability there.

Okorafor stressed that the CBN’s continued intervention was aimed at ensuring that the Bank meets the requests of genuine customers in the various windows of the market.

On the bank’s restriction of access to forex for some 42 items, he said the policy would continue, particularly as it was greatly boosting local production of items on the clist. He disclosed that the Economic Intelligence Unit of the CBN was working closely with relevant government agencies to checkmate any attempt to flout the policy.

Meanwhile, the United States Dollar at the rate of US$1 for N358 in the Bureau De Change (BDC) segment of the market today.

We Are Set To Work For Nigeria, Tinubu Assures Buhari

Editorial staff

January 8, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu

All Progressives Congress National Stalwart and Co-Chair of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has assured President Muhammadu Buhari that the campaign council has accepted the assignment given it by the president and will work for the country.

He said that the council would not let him down “because doing so would also let down the nation.”

Tinubu has therefore rallied members of the campaign council with Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, as Director-General, for the task ahead.

In a statement, Asiwaju Tinubu said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should not be allowed to return to power and “return to the days where they rule the nation like overlords.”

The statement is as follows: “The 2019 APC Presidential Campaign Council has been inaugurated by President Buhari. In his speech at the inaugural meeting, he did more than offer us guidance on the campaign. In his straightforward manner, he outlined the achievements of his administration, reminding the nation of the pillars of progressive governance and of our party.

“I think I can speak for all members of the campaign council that we accept the assignments given by the President with devotion and a firm commitment to perform to our utmost the individual and collective tasks given. It is a great honor and responsibility he has given us. We dare not let him down because doing so would also let down the nation.

“This election concerns more than two competing personalities and political parties. It is a contest between two different visions for the country and the futures these visions portend. The APC seeks a better Nigeria by reforming our institutions of governance that these institutions may better implement policies engendering dynamic economy development. We seek not only growth but also a fair and just allocation to all segments of society of the harvest of our national endeavors. Let no Nigerian be forever trapped in poverty and despair. Let all Nigerians be given the genuine opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute to this nation and their own lives as much as their talents and willpower permits of them.

We build a Nigeria where government leads the nation but does not rule over the people.

“On the other hand, the PDP pushes toward a future that takes the nation back to the malpractices of the past. Blind to the possibilities of a better day and afraid of the equality that true reform will bring, the PDP remains vested in the ways of corrupt governance and arrogant disregard for the public. For them, the unjust past is not just the object of their dreams; it is their sole destination.

“Thus, this election is about two different policy visions and two different models of leadership. This election is about substantive issues and about character.

The APC will continue to build a political economy that will well serve Nigeria long after oil revenues are no longer sufficient to sustain the nation and its ever-growing population. We are diversifying the economy, giving basic food, health and educational assistance to the most needy among us, improving agricultural productivity so that our farmers grow more to feed for increasing urban populations and also earn more to sustain their families, and about building needed infrastructure, including electricity and water, because we realize a national economy cannot grow beyond the capacity of the infrastructure that serves that economy.

“Meanwhile, the PDP clan wants to return to the days where they rule the nation like overlords. They want to own every industry and control everything that has anything to do with the creation of wealth. They seek to reverse the democratic maxim that government is the servant of the people. The PDP wants a situation where those in government are the masters while the people bow their heads to the interests of the mighty and the rich. We have seen this before.

Those who really care about Nigeria care not to see such malign governance again.

“The character of the two candidates cannot be more distinct. President Buhari is a straight and honest man. Leave a naira on the table with Buhari in the room. You will find the naira on the table when you return.

“When Buhari says “yes” or “no,” you know where he stands. He means what he says, no more, no less. With Atiku things are more nuanced. When Atiku speaks, he may mean “yes,” “no,” “maybe,” I don’t know,” “come back tomorrow,” “all the above,” or “none of the above.” His compass has four needles pointing in different directions as the same time. He knows of no direction to take. President Buhari’s word is his bond. When Atiku speaks, it is to give you the slip.

“We cannot afford a President whose ways and mind is a maze of contradicting urges and colliding desires. This shows he has no vision for the nation and no guiding principles except the naked pursuit of power for the naked use of that power. Atiku had his chance to shine as VP when he controlled the privatization program of the Obasanjo government. He abused this assignment. He helped squander billions of dollars on power generation that did nothing but extend our national the darkness.

“That government had so much money at its disposal and that is exactly what it did. It disposed of the money yet failed to treat the poor or build for the future. Atiku laid waste to the national treasury for eight long years. That is enough for one lifetime. We should not reward him by giving him another eight years because the more he feeds, the stronger his hunger grows.

“His is a thirst that can’t be quenched and a hand that cannot be restrained from taking whatever is on the table. As the PDP candidate, he is now the leader of a avaricious horde that seeks to reattach its mandible once again to the public wealth and forever lay siege to our nation’s future. Nigerians would do well not to pay them any attention.

“Consequently, the members of the APC presidential campaign council accept our respective assignments as both high honor and heavy responsibility. We will work diligently to reelect President Buhari. We do this not for personal accolades. We do this not merely to reelect a party member. We do this because it is the best thing for Nigeria.

“The campaign has begun!”

Coup Is Out Of Fashion, Buhari Reminds Gabon Military

Editorial staff

January 8, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has reminded military authority in the oil-rich Gabon, a West Central African country, that military coup s no longer fashionable in today’s world and called on them to respect constitutional provisions.

“The military officers in Gabon should understand that the era of military coups and governments in Africa and indeed worldwide, is long gone. Democracy is supreme and the constitutional stipulations on the peaceful change of administration must be respected.”

President Buhari, who reacted to failed coup attempt in Gabon, in a statement by his spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu,, said that constitutional provision “is the only way we can ensure peace and stability not only within the country but also in the region.”

The President, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, advised military officers with political ambitions to resign or face their constitutional role.

He also asked the people of Gabon to remain on the side of peace, security, stability and democracy in their country.

We’re Releasing N15.4 Billion To ASUU For Payment Of Salary Shortfalls – Ngige

Editorial staff

January 7, 2019

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has announced the release of N15.4 billion to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) for payment of salary shortfalls.

According to the minister, this was part of the agreement reached with ASUU members today, Monday after days of negotiations to end protracted strike action by the union.

Speaking to news men shortly after the meeting with the lecturers, Dr. Ngige said that majority of their demands have been met, adding that the Federal Government is also in the process of releasing another N20 billion for payment of earned allowances for university lecturers.

Meanwhile, the ASUU President, Professor Biodun Ogunyemi, said that the National Executive Committee of the union will review their decisions based on the new commitment by the government.

According to him, it is only after the meeting of the ASUU leadership that the union will announce its position on the ongoing strike action.

ASUU members have been on strike for the past two months following alleged inability of the government to respond to their demands.

Gov Yahaya Bello’s Chief Press Secretary, Petra Resigns, Vows To Remain Buharist

Editorial staff

January 7, 2019

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, Petra Onyegbule has resigned his appointment but vowed that she would remain an ardent supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the February Presidential election.

In her official facebook page, Petra Onyegbule expressed profound gratitude to the governor for changing what she called “my story. I am not who I was in January 2016. I take with me invaluable experience money can never buy. Thank you, sir.

“Having given my all and in recognition of the fact that the only constant thing in life is change, I am convinced it is time to to move on as I seek fulfillment on another level.

I am not a new convert Buharist. I was a Buharist when GMB sounded like a taboo to many. I am a Buharist now that we are seeking to take Nigeria to the Next Level.”

She recalled that in January 2016, she was part of the people inaugurated as the Media and Publicity subcommittee for the Inauguration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as the 4th Executive Governor of Kogi State which took place on the 26th of January, 2016.

“By 23rd of February, 2016, I was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Electronic Media to His Excellency. I did my best on the role. And in recognition of my efforts, I was promoted to the position of Chief Press Secretary to His Excellency, effective 1st of October, 2016.

“I credit myself for being very passionate about everything I am involved in either officially or as a Cause. And I put my all into the discharge of my duties, to the best of my abilities. I invested all of me in ensuring I contributed my quota to the success of the administration of His Excellency as the Governor of Kogi State.

“Edward Onoja was the one who recommended me for appointment even before we ever met. I will never forget the impact he has had in my life.

“And to the New Direction family, especially the Media Office of the Governor headed by Kingsley Fanwo, I remain grateful for the wonderful memories which will remain indelible in my heart forever.

“My boss is one of the hardest core Buharist I know. I am no longer part of his government but I belong to the larger Buhari family of which he is one and together we shall all do our bit to make the Next Level a reality by February. The insinuation that I resigned to join any other campaign is wishful thinking taken to another level.

“And to all my friends on this platform, thank you for having my back always and for all the support. Thank you.”

We’ve Reset Nigeria National Values, Buhari Insists

Editorial staff

January 7, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government has reset Nigeria national values where corruption, among other things, is no longer seen as normal.

“We have reset our national values: corruption is no longer condoned and is no longer seen as normal for public office holders. The agencies of government are no longer equivocal in dealing with anyone who flouts our laws.

“The high and low are receiving jail terms, loots are being recovered, and Nigerians are increasingly displaying the timeless values of honesty, honour and decency. I congratulate us all for making these changes possible.

“Our economy has become a prudently managed enterprise. Our resources are now working for us, as we ensure the delivery of key national infrastructure, which were left unattended over these past years.”

President Buhari, who spoke today, Monday, as he inaugurated the APC Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja, said that the direct impact of the APC policies on improvements in roads, railways, and power supply are evident.

He said that there is greater evidence of economic diversification seen in growing local production of agricultural produce and solid minerals.

“Our government has succeeded in the last four years in halting national drift, removing the shadow of insecurity and fear dominating our life and reviving our economy from decline to stability and growth. The macroeconomic health of our economy, indicated by several measurable factors such as a stable exchange rate, lower inflation, growing foreign reserves, has been applauded by independent local and international rating agencies.

“In addition, the quality of elections since 2015 has continued to improve with declining levels of problems that have defined elections in the past. Free, fair and credible elections are the foundation of political stability and peace in any nation.

“We have insisted that votes must count and have maintained a policy of non-interference in elections. INEC has so far since 2015, conducted fair and credible elections in 195 constituencies nationwide, which have been attested nationwide to be qualitatively better than previous elections.

“Let me reiterate my commitment to free and fair elections. If there is one legacy I want to leave is the enthronement of democracy as a system of government. And for democracy to be enthroned, elections must be free and fair. That means citizens have a right to vote for candidates of their choice without intimidation in any form. I have warned INEC and security agencies to that effect.

“We will keep insisting that votes must count. Our campaigns will be anchored on our performance in the last four years. There is no doubt that our party has succeeded in taking Nigeria to a new level of enduring peace, economic growth political stability, justice and progress. This is the new level we are promising Nigerians, the details of which we will take to Nigerians as we embark on our campaigns.

1...1,1321,1331,134...2,499 Page 1,133 of 2,499