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Oil Theft: NUJ Confers Meritorious Internal Security Award on Tompolo
Oil Theft: NUJ Confers Meritorious Internal Security Award on Tompolo
By: Michael Mike
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has conferred its Internal Security Meritorious Award on the Chairman of Tantita Security Services, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.
The national President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo, said that the award was in recognition of the sterling contribution of Tompolo and his firm, TSSL, to the critical campaign against crude oil theft in the country.
Recently, Tantita Security Services Limited working alongside the Navy, the Police, the NSCDC, and others has, intensified the campaign against the theft of the nation’s oil resources arresting and ensuring the forfeiture of vessels used in the committing the crime.
Isiguzo led the national leadership of the NUJ to confer the award on Tompolo in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State on Saturday.
He stressed that the country would have been in some trouble without the patriotic efforts of Tompolo.
Isiguzo said that this was the first time the NUJ in its history would be conveying the Internal Security Meritorious Award of the union on anybody.
The NUJ leader explained further that the Internal Security Meritorious was the only ward approved during its National Security Conference in Abuja and it was given to Tompolo.
He said, “Somebody has risen to the occasion and gathered an array of young men who have taken it upon themselves to help this country continue to survive as a peaceful nation, united and continue to fend for its people.
“And that is the man that has, to a very large extent, substantially, helped us address the issue of crude oil theft.
“That is one thing that has occupied our national life over time. By his commitment, dedication and diligence, Nigeria, as a country, has to a very large extent, reduced the activities of men of the underworld who have consistently engaged in pilfering, taking our common patrimony for their personal gains.
“The NUJ, having assessed the activities of TSSNL, has decided that we must accord the necessary recognition to the man who carries the flag, birthed this security organization, who has exceptionally distinguished himself.
“The NUJ has come to the Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom to honour a distinguished son of the Niger Delta; a general in his own right who has distinguished himself, ensures and maintains an appreciable level of internal security.
“We have come to confer on him, the Internal Security Meritorious Award of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
“In the course of the national security conference, held in Abuja, only one award had been approved and it is conferred on Dr Government Ekpemupolo.
“I’m also excited that I’m doing this after 61 years of the existence of the NUJ, this award is coming up at this time.
“It is not just an honour to Tompolo but also an honour to me too. It is an honour to all of us and what that means is that the issue of insecurity is not just the responsibility of government but of every Nigerian.
“When you provide information, and intelligence to security operatives and agencies, you have contributed in some measures to reducing the problem of insecurity in the land.
“So, it is a collective responsibility, and all hands must be on deck to ensure we address our problems.
“If Nigeria is peaceful, every part of the country, including your household, will be peaceful and that will give birth to development and progress.
He recalled that the Union’s National Security Conference meant to examine the worsening security situation in the country was attended by former Inspector General of Police, and Chairman Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and a diverse segment of Nigerians.
Isiguzo said that a position paper of the conference on the issue of security will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu.
In his reaction, the Tantita Security Services Limited restated his promise to end the criminal theft of the nation’s crude oil resources in the Niger Delta region.
He stressed that the country was in serious need of concerted support to stop the activities of those sabotaging the economy for personal gains.
The NUJ President had in his entourage, the National Secretary of NUJ Shuaibu Leman and Delta state NUJ chairman, Churchill Oyowe and others.
Oil Theft: NUJ Confers Meritorious Internal Security Award on Tompolo
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
News
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
Troops intensify operations against terrorists in North East, arrest logistics suppliers, recover weapons
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