Uncategorized

Niger Delta: Ex-militant Groups Defend NNPC GMD, Reject Proposed Plan Protest, Pass Vote Of Confidence on GMD

Published

5 years ago

November 29, 2021

By Our Correspondent

Niger Delta Ex-Militant leaders from the Nine States in the region have unanimously countered and faulted the threat made by a Niger Delta Youth group, Niger Delta Youths Council headed by Jato Abido to embark on a mass action Protest against the GMD NNPC, Engr Mele Kyari and the management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) if they fail to include more states of the region in the N621billion road rehabilitation plan.

The Niger Delta Youth Council group had announced that it is mobilising its members to occupy the National Assembly complex and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) headquarters in Abuja within the next 48hrs or thereabout.

According to the group, it will carry out the action until the decision of the federal government to exclude the Niger Delta in its plan to reconstruct more roads in the region is rescinded.

But the Ex-Militant leaders with the Peace Advocate Groups under the aegis of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard (NDAYV), the Niger Delta Advocate for Peace and Good Governance (NDAPGG) and the Coalition of Concerned Ex-Agitators for President Muhammadu Buhari Support Group (CCEPMB), in a joint statement, arising from an emergency meeting held in Warri Delta State described the threat of mass action protest plan to occupy the NNPC TOWER as Misplaced, Outrageous, myopic, diminishing and a decision that could incite violence in the Federal Capital Territory and the Niger Delta states if not properly handled.

The Coalition of Ex Militants Leaders and the Peace Advocate Groups led by the National Convener, GEN, FIAWEI PATHFINDER, (NDAYV), GEN KOROYE ADOKEME, (NDAPGG) and GEN JERRY, AKA KING OF THE BOYS (CCEPMB), stated that they will not fold their hands and allow some group of persons, allegedly sponsored by a group of corrupt minded politicians from the opposition party PDP in the region to cause tension and violence that will destroy the improved oil and gas sector of the nation’s economy that is been build by the Group Managing Director NNPC, Engr Mele Kyari “Neither will they accept such threats from non-existing groups to ferment crisis in the region wish could impede the existing relative peace in the Niger Delta, It may lead to destruction of oil exploitation activities in the Niger Delta if they decided to follow these fictitious groups.”

“However, we condemned in totality the purported threat suspected to be sponsored by some corrupt minded politicians in the opposition party PDP from the region who are trying every means to ferment trouble and to incite crisis in the region to give a bad light to the President Muhammadu Buhari led APC federal government. We call on such vicious groups to desist and retrace their footsteps from the proposed plan to protest and block the NNPC TOWER gate in Abuja . We believe the protest is sponsored and targeted to blackmail and rubbish the good image of the GMD NNPC Engr. Mele Kyari and calling for the resignation of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva in other to malign the duo in bad light before the general public and the presidency”.

“Therefore to this end, the three groups from the Niger Delta region made up of Ex Militants and stakeholders from the Oil producing communities cut across the nine states of the Niger Delta call on the law enforcement agencies, the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of Directorate of State Security Services DSS and Security agencies to put drastic measures not to allow such nefarious and illegal activities to take place in the capital territory of Abuja and we urge the security agencies to be at red alert and on our side as a law abiding groups who are core believers in support of President Muhammadu Buhari and also in support of the laudable job of the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari is doing to transform the nation oil sector, will not fold our hands or close our eyes and allow such miscreants to carry out the purportedly sponsored plan protest in Abuja”

Also, the coalition also commended the GMD NNPC Engr. Mele Kyari and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva on their performance in the oil and gas sector of the economy in the last two years.

“The controversy trailing the approval and the announcement of N621 billion naira from the NNPC to take over the rehabilitation and reconstruction of some major federal roads across the thirty six states of the country at Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja some weeks ago for wish some Niger Delta states were not captured in the list but one or two oil producing states were included in the above list and with reliable information before us, more Niger Delta oil producing states in the south south will be included in the next phase and the management of NNPC under the amiable dynamic transparent Leadership of the Group Managing Director Of Nigerian National Petroleum Co-orperation, Engr Mele K Kyari, arrangement is ongoing as we speak.

“And to put the record straight before the general public to draw the attention of the so called self-acclaimed one man show Organization called Niger Delta Youth Council led by One Jato Abido, the GMD Of NNPC in the person of Engr. Mele K Kyari has worked hard tirelessly to reposition the Nation oil and gas sector with sleepless nights to galvanize and transformed the oil industry transparently without any corrupt practice with his five point agenda of TAPE ( Transparency, Accountability, Profitability and Excellence) service delivery, when he came onboard as a core technocrat with humble background, very Resourceful, Innovative, Transparent, Incorruptible and Unblemished with exemplary leadership qualities, the GMD NNPC had attracted more robust multi billion dollar gigantic Infrastructural Developmental projects in the creek of Niger Delta region since he was graciously appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the 19th GMD NNPC.

“And for avoidance of doubt, the Group Managing Director NNPC did everything humanly possible to deploy all available Resources within his reach to engage the 9th National Assembly with the presidency to make sure the Petroleum Industry Bill PIB, Now PIA, was passed by this 9th National Assembly on the 1st of July this year 2021, this is one major Important Achievement to the feathers of this present GMD Of NNPC, just within two years in office, and this is one of the most important bill that has been delayed for over 20years in the hands of previous GMDs who served under the maladministration of 16 miserable years of PDP.

“And it is also on record that the GMD NNPC have used his good office to liaise with the Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva to make sure the Brass Fertilizer And Petro – Chemical Company project for methanol plant was approved, a project that was initiated by the GMD of NNPC that will employ over 3,000 youths in the deep creeks of Bayelsa state, And also with the frantic efforts of the GMD NNPC, Engr Mele Kyari who threw his full weight behind the approval of the establishment of Brass Petroleum Product Terminal Limited, BPPT, was approved with the sum of over N10, billion naira project that will be sighted in Bayelsa state at Okpoama Community, which is the Honourable Minister Of Petroleum state home town under Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa state, which of course will employ over 5,000 youths in the creeks of Niger Delta region”

“We are also aware of the major critical role the GMD NNPC Engr Mele K Kyari played so far that led to the approval and the groundbreaking of the train 7 NLNG Bonny project that amounted over 10, billion dollars that will create direct job employment of Bonny and Niger Delta youths of over 12, 000 from Bayelsa and Rivers State precisely , this too was equally initiated and made possible by the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari himself, and by the special grace of God, the approval and construction of OLOIBRI MUSEUM AND RESEARCH CENTER, in Ogbia Local Govt Area of Bayelsa state was also initiated and given approval due to the full weight put together by the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari in collaboration with the Nigerian content Development And Monitoring Board headed by the Executive Secretary Engr Simbi Wabote.”

“This is one very significant project that is so dear to the people of Bayelsa state and Niger Deltans at large due to the fact that OLOIBRI was the first place crude oil was first discovered in large commercial quantity in 1958 and since then, the Community was abandoned and rejected by previous Administrations and previous GMD’s of NNPC for over 64 years without given any attention but as we speak, this laudable project was made possible by the magnanimity of the GMD NNPC who has passion for the Development of the Niger Delta region.

“Therefore, to this end, the Leadership of Niger Delta APC YOUTH VANGUARD,led by GEN FIAWEI PATHFINDER, who is the convener, With The Niger Delta Advocate For Peace And Good Governance Group, led by GEN KOROYE ADOKEME, And the Coalition of Ex Militants Support Group For President Muhammadu Buhari ably led by GEN JERRY, AKA KING OF THE BOYS and others unanimously pass a vote of confidence on the superlative Leadership qualities exhibited by the GMD NNPC Engr Mele Kyari in the last two years.

He has transformed and repositioned the NNPC OPERATIONS to a profit-making Organization with 287. 7 Billion Naira profit margin recorded so far in the year 2020 audit report for the first time in the history of the establishment of the NNPC for over 40 years in existence, this has placed the nation oil sector to an enviable height in accordance with global best practices.

Uncategorized

Gov AbdulRazaq Lauded Over Conferment Of Sadauna Of Ilorin Title

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been hailed for the conferment of the prestigious Sadauna of Ilorin Emirate title on him by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR.

Giving the commendation on Tuesday in a statement in Ilorin, the state capital, Alhaji Yakubu Garba Gobir, who is the Sarkin Gobir and Madawaki of the Ilorin Emirate, described the recognition and honour on Governor AbdulRazaq as well deserved, timely and apt, giving his huge contributions to the growth and development of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State as a whole.

Gobir specifically commended the Emir of Ilorin for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna, noting that it is a solemn call for greater responsibility, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people.

He added: “The title of Sardauna occupies a position of profound significance in the history, heritage and traditions of the Ilorin Emirate. I commend His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, the Emir of Ilorin, for conferring this distinguished title in recognition of the qualities and contributions of the new Sardauna.

“The title embodies courage, leadership, loyalty and devoted service to the Emirate and its people. Your elevation is therefore not merely a mark of honour; it is also a solemn call to greater responsibility and continued service.

“As a fellow title-holder in the Ilorin Emirate, I am particularly delighted to welcome you into this distinguished circle of traditional leadership. I am confident that you will bring to the office the same qualities of leadership, dignity and unwavering commitment to public service that have distinguished your tenure and career.

“At a time when our Emirate and our State require men and women of character, wisdom and courage to advance the interests of our people, I am certain that you will make a meaningful contribution to the enduring unity, progress and development of the Ilorin Emirate.”

Gobir offered prayers for a successful, impactful and enduring tenure for the new Sadauna, adding:
“May Almighty Allah grant you wisdom, sound health and strength, and may He make your tenure as Sardauna of Ilorin a source of lasting honour to you, your family and the entire Ilorin Emirate.”

Uncategorized

FG Commissions KWASU ICT Centre To Enhance Graduates Employability

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin.

The wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative-backed ICT Experience Centre at the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.

It would be recalled that KWASU is one of the six tertiary institutions selected for the pilot phase of this intervention, with one institution representing each of the Nigerian six geopolitical zones.

Represented at the commissioning on Tuesday by the wife of the Vice-President, Nana Shettima, Tinubu said the project is a testament to the federal government’s commitment to advancing education, digital inclusion and enhancing graduate employability.

“The TETFund/Renewed Hope Initiative ICT Experience Centre we are commissioning today represents opportunity, innovation, knowledge, and the future of young people in Kwara State and beyond.

She said: “This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which places emphasis on youth empowerment, education, innovation, and economic transformation. Mr President is committed to creating opportunities that will equip Nigerian youths with knowledge and skills required to thrive in a modern and competitive world.”

Senator Tinubu said the facility was designed as a modern technology centre equipped with ICT laboratory, interactive digital display, conference facility, and exhibition spaces, adding that it would be an environment for learning, creativity, research, and technology advancement.

According to her, the ICT centres had been commissioned at the Ekiti State University on May 28, University of Cross Rivers State on September 4, Anambra State Polytechnic on September 10, adding that the Centres at Kaduna State University and Taraba State Universities would be commissioned soon.

“The next phase of this intervention will cover 15 institutions in Adamawa, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo, Katsina, Nasarawa, Niger, Ondo, Osun, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara states which construction is currently ongoing. This expansion demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that more Nigerian youths, irrespective of their locations, have access to digital learning opportunities,” she said.

She encouraged the students to take ownership of the facility, maximise the opportunity it provides, and use technology positively to enhance their lives, community, and the nation.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Architect Sonny Echono, said the centres are being established across selected Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with the Kwara State University, Malete proudly hosting the facility in the North-Central Zone.

“Through practical training and digital skills acquisition, TETFund seeks to enhance graduate employability, foster innovation and position Nigeria to participate more effectively in the global
technology-driven economy,” he added.

Echono also said that the ICT Experience Centre is designed to equip students and lecturers with critical digital skills in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Robotics and Software Development.

He added: “The Centre being commissioned today is one of the foremost ICT Experience Centres being delivered across the country, and the third to be commissioned this year. The Centre is equipped with modern digital devices, Computer systems and relevant software to facilitate training, practical learning and skills development. The facility is appropriately furnished and
fully air-conditioned, with supporting power and municipal infrastructure.”

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shaykh- Luqman Jimoh, said the new facility represents vision, belief, and an investment in the Nigerian youth to better shape the future of our
nation.

The Vice Chancellor described the ICT Experience Centre as an investment in human capital, in innovation, in entrepreneurship, and, most importantly, it is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

“This Centre will provide opportunities for our students to develop practical digital skills and engage with contemporary technologies. Importantly, it is our hub for interdisciplinary engagement.

“This ICT Experience Centre is therefore a timely, critical, and strategic infrastructure that will definitely enhance research, teaching, learning, entrepreneurship, and community service. This intervention is at the core of what this university seeks from partners and donors: synergies that add value and impact on today and the future,” he started.

KWASU Vice Chancellor also assured that the ICT Experience Centre would be put to maximum use for the benefit of students, researchers, and the University
community, adding that the “KWASU community would engage with the facilities in this Centre, we will use it. We will explore, experiment, learn, and innovate in i

Uncategorized

2027: Violent ;Kaduna as ADC, APC Supporters Trade Accusations….APC Calls For Police Investigation into the Vandalisation, attacks on its Office

Published

6 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Our Reporter

By Hassan Agboola

Tension is mounting in Kaduna State ahead of the 2027 general elections, following renewed exchanges between supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and groups backing the administration of Governor Uba Sani.
The latest development came on Tuesday when ADC governorship candidate, Isa Ashiru, addressed supporters in Kaduna and, according to an account of his remarks, declared that the party was prepared to respond to attacks against its members.
Ashiru was also quoted as saying that it was Governor Uba Sani, rather than President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was responsible for the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

However, available public records show that El-Rufai’s detention followed proceedings before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), with the commission stating that his continued custody was based on a court-issued remand order.

The controversy over El-Rufai’s detention has nevertheless become a major political issue in Kaduna and beyond. The ADC has repeatedly criticised the handling of the former governor’s case and alleged political persecution, while other political actors have made different claims about the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Rising political temperature

Ashiru’s emergence as the ADC governorship candidate has added another dimension to the political contest in Kaduna. He defeated other aspirants at the party’s governorship primary in May 2026 and is now preparing for another governorship contest after previously representing the PDP in the 2019 and 2023 elections.
The political atmosphere has been further complicated by disagreements within the ADC and accusations from different groups over the party’s leadership and candidates.

A Southern Kaduna political group, for instance, recently questioned Ashiru’s candidacy and the choice of his running mate, allegations rejected by an ADC official.
The situation has also produced incidents involving ADC supporters and security personnel. In one recent incident, police dispersed an ADC solidarity walk in Kaduna, while the party subsequently accused opponents of attacking its members and warned that political violence could escalate ahead of the 2027 elections.

The former governor remains an important factor in the emerging political contest. El-Rufai was taken into custody in February 2026 after responding to an invitation from the ICPC. His family subsequently demanded his release, while the anti-graft agency maintained that his detention was authorised by a court.
Since then, the issue has increasingly featured in political statements by the ADC and its supporters, with the party accusing the Federal Government of political persecution and calling for the former governor’s release.
The development has created a new political fault line involving the ADC, the APC-led Kaduna State Government and supporters of the former governor.

While allegations have been exchanged over who is responsible for political violence in Kaduna, the competing narratives should not be confused with established findings. The ADC itself has recently rejected the suggestion that it has a monopoly on political violence and accused unnamed opponents of introducing thuggery into the 2027 political process.

With the 2027 election campaign yet to fully commence, the increasingly combative language from ISA Ashiru and his supporters has raised concerns about the possibility of further confrontation.
The immediate challenge before the political parties, security agencies and community leaders is therefore to ensure that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence, particularly in a state with Kaduna’s history of politically and communally sensitive conflicts.
As at the time of filling tid report the All progressive congress, APC , Kaduna state in a statement has condemned the attacks on its office and called for police investigation
Certainly. I’ll retain the substance of the report while correcting grammar, tightening the structure, and presenting it as a clean newspaper hard-news story.
Writing
APC Condemns Violent Attacks on Members, Party Offices in Kaduna
The Kaduna State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned alleged violent attacks on its members and the vandalisation of party offices and properties in the state.
The party also called on the police and other security agencies to investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
In a statement, the Kaduna State APC Publicity Secretary, Sani Dan-Azare, alleged that some of the party’s members and supporters had been attacked, while some party and support-group offices were vandalised.
He also alleged that vehicles belonging to some party members were damaged during the incidents.
The APC described the attacks as unacceptable and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incidents.
The party called on its members and supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that they should not resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The APC said it remained committed to peaceful political engagement and urged all political actors in Kaduna State to conduct their activities within the bounds of the law.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen security around party offices and other sensitive locations to prevent further incidents.