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NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony
NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony
By: Michael Mike
The Niger Delta Peace Front has admonished youths of the region especially ex-militants to avoid being used by saboteurs against Nigeria’s economy.
The NPDF cautioned the ex-militants who have besieged the media space to criticize the renewal of the pipeline protection contract to be wary of unscrupulous persons who do not mean well for the nation.
The Chairman of NPDF and Secretary, Patterson Efemena and Onyem Philip respectively made the admonition in a statement on Sunday.
They wondered how those who benefitted immensely from Tantita in the first phase of the contract would be the ones championing subversiveness against the firm.
The group advised the ex militants who have committed huge amounts of money to discredit Tantita and the NNPC in the media to stop dissipating energy on an issue rightly decided by the President.
They insisted that such efforts could be deployed to ventures that would be beneficial to society.
The NDPF also stressed that contracts are not won through threats but by demonstrable capacity and track record to follow through the procedure spelt out in the contract terms.
The NPDF however urged those aggrieved by the decision to renew the contract to show patriotism by giving support to TSL which engaged almost 18,000 youths of the region to successfully prosecute the first phase of the oil pipeline contract.
The group recalled that the contract which has become subject of needless controversy was executed by people in the same region for over 12 years with no protest whatsoever from anywhere.
The NPDF noted that the orchestrated media campaign is targeted at the soul of the Nigerian economy by a hard fighting clique of silent billionaires who see Tantita and the NNPCL as enemies because of the recorded successes against oil theft.
The statement urged those behind the attacks to stop the blackmail “and embrace the prevailing mood of the nation that clearly says enough to oil theft.”
Efemena and Onyem commended President Bola Tinubu and the NNPCL under Mr Mele Kyari for the deliberate decision to build on the gains of the campaign against oil theft spearheaded by Tantita.
The statement read: “We have observed the sponsored mudslinging and other veiled threats to the Federal Government and the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited over the renewal of the oil pipeline contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Limited.
“As stakeholders in the Niger Delta, we have resisted the urge to join the fray in the days leading to the renewal of the critical contract to Tantita Security Limited.
“This we did because we hold it dearly to our hearts that subversive activities sponsored by those who benefited monthly from Tantita will not further the interest of Nigeria.
“We have tried discreetly to prevail on those who have committed huge amount of funds to sponsor the most invidious publications not just against against Tantita but also the NNPCL and top government functionaries to stop and embrace the prevailing mood of the nation that says enough to oil theft.
“We are of the view that it is about time we stopped these threats and name calling to pursue things that are beneficial to our dear country’s finances and the poorly managed ecology of our homeland.
“Oil theft has to be called its right name – a plague on the financial well being of our country. We will surely do better if we commit half of the energy we have dissipated on this issue to the product end of putting up a concerted front under Tantita to fight oil theft.
“Perhaps, we need stress the point here that contracts are not won by hurling insults at the awarding authorities on the pages of newspapers and those selected for jobs.
“As many have observed, and rightly so, you need demonstrable capacity, and track record to follow through the procedure spelt out for contract award .
“Lastly, we wish to refresh the memories of those threading this path of infamy that this same contract was executed at heavier cost by some persons for over 12 years with no protest from anywhere. We find this din over the renewed contract rather curious and suspicious.
“As people from the Niger Delta, we should join forces with Tantita to prosecute a successful campaign against our country and our environment rather than supporting the saboteurs of our economy over a port of porridge.
To know when to withdraw is wisdom and now is the time to stop the needless campaign.
“We commend Mr President and the NNPC for the deliberate decision to strengthen the war against oil theft.”
NPDF Tells Ex-militants Contending for Pipeline Contacts to Be Wary of Economic Saboteurs Out to Cause Disharmony
News
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The Director of Finance and Admin. of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, has made numerous achievements in providing infrastructure facilities to improve the living conditions for the people of Yobe State since he was appointed to that position

The developmental projects provided by Dr. Garba Illiya include the construction and rehabilitation of schools, primary healthcare centers, and water supply in both rural and urban areas with a view to improving the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State.
Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya, PhD, FMNG, also constructed and rehabilitated numerous rural roads in some local government areas across the state to facilitate the movement of goods and services.
However, Dr. Illiya also accords the same commitment to the schools by procurement of instructional materials as well as construction and rehabilitation of schools destroyed by Boko Haram insurgency across the northeast region.
“Dr. Illiya’s intervention, the NEDC, has contributed tremendously to increasing food sufficiency and food security in Yobe State and the North East by procuring farm inputs and implements as well as providing enough fertilizers and tractors to farmers.

He also assisted youths and women with the capital for business with empowerment initiated for self-employment and also distributed foodstuffs and other humanitarian assistance to Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Dr. Abubakar Garba Illiya further sent youths for training in different categories, like training in phone repairs, welding, tailoring, carpentry, and others, to be self-reliant and assisted them with take-off funds for capital businesses.
He made all these achievements with a view to improving the lives of the peoples of Yobe State and the northeast region after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency destruction.
NEDC finance director takes development to improve living conditions of people in Yobe
News
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police in Benue says have neutralised three suspected bandits during a gun battle following the killing of a 67-year-old man in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources said the incident occurred on March 7 at about 7:30 p.m., when armed bandits loyal to a local kingpin identified as “Chen” had abducted one Zaki Sughter Agenbeer, 67, from his residence in Une Tongov community.
The attackers reportedly took the victim into the bush and killed him after accusing him of providing information about their activities to security agencies.
The DPO Katsina-Ala, in collaboration with the DPO Ukum, subsequently mobilised patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Police operatives later engaged the bandits in a gun duel during which three of the suspects were neutralised.
The corpse of the slain victim was recovered and deposited at the Zaki Ibiam Hospital mortuary, while security operatives have commenced a combing operation in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, the police also confirmed an attack on the convoy of Sen. Udende Emmanuel, representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, during a visit to Tsua town in Vandekiya Local Government Area for a church service.
Sources said some youths from Vandekiya allegedly attacked the senator’s convoy and damaged one of the vehicles.
The Divisional Police Officer in Vandekiya quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully rescued the senator from the situation.
In a related development, some youths also disrupted a thanksgiving service at Tsemke Church in Vandekiya, destroying plastic chairs before police intervened.
Police authorities said the swift deployment of operatives helped to de-escalate the tension and restore normalcy in the area.
Additional patrol and tactical teams have been deployed to Vandekiya to ensure law and order and facilitate the arrest of those responsible for the disturbances.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced investigations into both incidents.
Police said the general security situation across Benue State remains relatively calm, while security agencies continue monitoring developments.
Police neutralise three bandits in Benue , rescue senator after attack on convoy
News
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy gun battle between troops and suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State has resulted in casualties on both sides, security sources said on Monday.
The clash occurred when insurgents reportedly attacked a military camp, prompting troops to engage in a prolonged firefight. Security operatives said exploitation of the camp is still ongoing.
According to sources, items recovered from the insurgents’ positions within the camp include bandoliers of PKT rounds, one AK-47 rifle, one BHT machine gun, two mortar bombs, and four hand grenades.
Sources noted blood stains and drags outside the camp, suggesting insurgent casualties during the encounter.
In a related development, troops reportedly intercepted an injured BHT fighter in the community who was being brought to the camp. The suspect attempted to escape, prompting additional gunfire, the sources said.
Sources said the situation remains under control, with troops continuing to secure the area and conduct follow-up operations to track remaining insurgents.
Further updates on casualties and operational outcomes are expected as clearance operations continue in the theatre of operations.
Heavy gun battle in Kukawa in Borno leaves casualties on both sides, arms recovered from camp
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