AFTER ACCUSING WIKE OF SPONSORING SHAIBU, EDO DISTABILISATION, OBASEKI MAKES U-TURN SEEKS RECONCILIATION

In a strategic move to secure support for Asue Ighodalo’s gubernatorial bid in the upcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has undertaken a series of political maneuvers. On the night of Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Obaseki, seeking endorsement for Ighodalo’s candidacy, approached Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State to facilitate a meeting with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the FCT, in Abuja, TheCable had reported.

The rendezvous as reported on Tuesday occurred at the Wells Carlton Hotel, with Governor Fintiri accompanying Obaseki and Nyesom Wike.
Meanwhile a source privy to the meeting told this medium that Obaseki had during the meeting claimed that his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu was being sponsored by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Gbajabiamila. Obaseki urged against supporting Shaibu, asserting that he should not be trusted.

The source added that before this encounter with Wike, Obaseki had undertaken three secretive visits to Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, accompanied by former governor Udom Emmanuel. In these meetings, Obaseki reportedly repeated similar unfounded claims, accusing Shaibu of being sponsored by Wike to destabilize the PDP in Edo State.

In a separate meeting with Atiku supporters within the PDP, Obaseki once again targeted Wike, accusing him of supporting Shaibu against him due to Obaseki’s allegiance to Atiku. These actions by Obaseki reflect a divisive strategy aimed at destabilizing the party for the benefit of his preferred candidate, utilizing questionable means.

Obaseki’s pursuit of reconciliation and Wike’s support stems from the formidable opposition posed by the current deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, a former member of the House of Representatives, both preferred candidates of Dan Orbih, a key ally of Wike in Edo State. In a bid to win over Wike, Obaseki proposed a deal to have Ogbeide-Ihama as Ighodalo’s running mate.

However, Wike reportedly declined Obaseki’s overtures, citing a lack of loyalty on Obaseki’s part towards those who have supported him in the past. Wike insisted on a fair and level playing field to ensure the emergence of the most acceptable candidate.

With the race for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Edo State intensifying, Obaseki’s political maneuvering and reconciliation efforts highlight the fierce competition within the party. The outcome of the primary elections will undoubtedly shape the course of the PDP’s campaign leading up to the general elections, as Obaseki reportedly allocates substantial funds for printing party cards in the state.

China home to 50 10-billion-yuan industrial belts: report

By Li Jie

Different regions in China have developed specialized industrial clusters.

For example, Baoding of Hebei province is known for its wide range of high-quality luggage, and Wenzhou of Zhejiang province is renowned for its women’s shoes. In Guangdong province, Shantou is a hub for toy production, Foshan is famous for its furniture, and Zhongshan is a leading producer of lighting products.

These regional industrial clusters have become the backbone of the supply chain, providing consumers with diverse options and products of excellent quality.

A total of 50 industrial belts with an annual turnover of over 10 billion yuan ($1.41 billion) were recorded across China in 2023, according to a report recently issued by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall Group.

These 10-billion-yuan industrial belts are located in 21 cities including Jinhua, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Foshan, Jiaxing and Baoding, and engaged in a variety of businesses such as women’s apparel, furniture, mobile phone, skincare and jewelry.

The report studied cities at the prefectural level or above, and defined 10-billion-yuan industrial belts as those reporting the total annual transaction volume of over 10 billion yuan in certain first-level product categories on Alibaba’s Taobao, Tmall and 1688 platforms.

According to the report, the 50 industrial belts are densely located in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta, which are considered the most developed regions for manufacturing and e-commerce economy in China.

Guangdong province, boasting a solid manufacturing foundation and strong advantages in commerce, is home to 21 10-billion-yuan industrial belts, according to the report. Cities in the Pearl River Delta including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan have particularly impressive industrial clusters in sectors such as women’s apparel, furniture, mobile phones, and digital accessories.

Jinhua in east China’s Zhejiang province, relying on “the world’s largest small commodity wholesale market” Yiwu, houses eight 10-billion-yuan industrial belts, the highest among all cities across China.

The impressive performance of Jinhua comes from the strengths of multiple well-developed counties. Yiwu, known for its traditional industries in office supplies and sports products, has successfully tapped into the trend of new consumer demands, making it an outstander in the e-commerce era. In Yongkang, which boasts sports and outdoor industrial clusters, thousands of traditional lithium drill enterprises have transformed into producers of fascia guns.

Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong province have five 10-billion-yuan industrial belts respectively, and Quanzhou in southeast China’s Fujian province has four. Baoding, with its luggage industry, is the most northern city on the list. Ganzhou in east China’s Jiangxi province is also on the list with its residential furniture industry.

Twenty-three of the 10-billion-yuan industrial belts are engaged in the clothing industry, the report says, and nine are in the women’s apparel sector.

The women’s apparel sector in Guangzhou is the first super large industrial belt in China with an annual transaction of over 100 billion yuan, according to Taobao and Tmall data. Dayuan village in the city alone, known for its high sales on Taobao, has reported a transaction scale of over 10 billion yuan.

Besides, the report also nominated growth-oriented industrial belts with an annual transaction volume exceeding 1 billion yuan and a year-on-year growth rate ranking top 30. These industrial belts are located in 24 regions including Zhengzhou, Beihai, Xingtai and Ji’an.

Statistics show that the large industrial belts are mainly concentrated in the consumer goods industry, while many fast-growing ones are from the industrial goods sectors.

According to insiders, with the advancement of e-commerce platforms, production and processing links are increasingly shifting towards third- and fourth-tier cities and county-level areas. Besides, transaction costs are continuously decreasing, enabling different segments within industrial belts to collaborate on a larger scale. This trend is most pronounced in growth-oriented industry belts.

All the industrial belts mentioned in the report are an epitome of the integrated development of e-commerce and industries over the past more than 20 years.

According to statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total online retail sales in China exceeded 15.42 trillion yuan in 2023, an increase of 11 percent compared to the previous year, accounting for 27.6 percent of the country’s total retail volume. It is believed that more 10-billion-yuan industrial belts will emerge as e-commerce continues to develop.

The emergence and development of industrial belts also signify opportunities for domestic products and brand building. From April to November 2023, Guangdong saw over 12,000 new brands joining Tmall, representing a year-on-year growth of 49.4 percent. Zhejiang had over 7,000 new brands joining the platform in the same period, with a year-on-year growth of 51.7 percent.

Skiing equipment emerged as the hottest sector in brand building in 2023. Domestic skiing brands like Nandn, Awka, and Snowline have seized consumer demand and become the top players in the industry. The market will see more brilliant performance in China’s industrial belts.

China further facilitates exit-and-entry services for better mobility of personnel

By Zhang Tianpei, People’s Daily

Every day when the land port of Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge opens, a vibrant and bustling scene is on – tourists from the Chinese mainland conversing in different local dialects and Hong Kong and Macao families embarking on trips to the mainland are coming and going. Such lively atmosphere can be observed at various other ports across China, too.

According to statistics, around 424 million trips were made in and out of border ports in China in 2023, an increase of 266.5 percent compared to the previous year.

Among them, 206 million trips were made by mainland residents and 183 million by residents of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, up 218.7 percent and 292.8 percent year on year, respectively.

The number of trips made by foreigners in and out of these border ports soared by 693.1 percent year on year to nearly 35.48 million.

The convenient and efficient personnel exchanges are attributed to various policies facilitating entry and exit. Since 2023, a series of innovative measures in immigration management have been implemented to adapt to the fast-paced and high-frequency international exchanges, greatly promoting the flow of people between China and foreign countries.

Starting from May 15, 2023, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China has further adjusted and optimized the policies and measures for entry and exit management, intending to facilitate the vitality of people’s mobility across borders.

The Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection has carried out systematic refurbishment and technological upgrades on its fast channel, including facial and fingerprint detection, automatic front-facing image capture, and video anti-tailgating. These measures ensure that the implementation of relevant policies results in faster and safer customs clearance.

“It’s just easy to follow the instructions,” said a woman surnamed Li, added that the fast channel of customs clearance is very tech-ish, providing a better experience and avoiding long queues.

It is reported that more than 11,500 passengers used the fast channel on the first day of the full resumption of fast customs clearance at Beijing ports.

“The transit this time was at least 30 minutes shorter than the last time,” said a Russian traveler named Andre, commenting the visa-free transit policy of China.

On Jan. 11, 21 foreign travelers subject to 24-hour visa-free transit were exempt from border inspection procedures at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, southwest China’s Sichuan province. They were the first batch of international travelers to enjoy the new policy.

These passengers from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, who were transiting to a third country, received their boarding passes for the next flight at the check-in counter in the transit area of the airport. After completing the security check, they directly boarded the plane for departure.

With this policy, foreign nationals holding international connecting flights within 24 hours are exempt from immigration inspection procedures and can transit directly to a third country or region via nine airports, including Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport.

This is one of the five measures introduced by the NIA to facilitate foreign nationals coming to China.

“It was convenient and efficient. The entire process was quick,” said Oliver from Germany who recently arrived at Beijing Capital International Airport and experienced port visa application.

Since the relaxation of port visa application requirements, the immigration inspection at Beijing Capital International Airport has been well-organized, with a simple and fast clearance process, ensuring efficient passage for inbound and outbound travelers.

Since 2023, the NIA has been providing convenience for foreign nationals through port visas and multiple-entry visas issued within the country. It has gradually restored passenger clearance at waterway ports, fully resumed exit and entry of international cruise passengers, reinstated visa-free transit policies and expanded their application to more countries, and provided convenient services for talent attraction. These measures have achieved solid results, ensuring a continuous and smooth flow of foreign nationals coming to China.

A new version of the Foreign Permanent Resident ID Card of the People’s Republic of China was put into use on Dec. 1, 2023. With five-starred elements symbolizing the Chinese national flag on it, the card is safer, more good looking and more practical.

“The card will better facilitate my life and travel in China,” said the technical manager of a production base of Sweden cable manufacturer in Changzhou, east China’s Jiangsu province, who was the first to receive the new ID card in Jiangsu province.

An NIA official noted that the issuance of the new ID card is an important measure to ensure high-level opening up and improve the level of information services for foreign nationals in China. It is conducive to better serving overseas talents in their investment, innovation, work, and life in China, and making more contributions to the high-quality development of the Chinese economy and society.

“As China continues to expand its opening-up, more and more Chinese people are going abroad, while an increasing number of foreigners are coming to China for business, tourism, work, study, and living. The immigration management authorities will continue to deepen reforms and innovations in immigration management, introduce more convenient policies and measures, and accelerate institutional opening up in immigration management service,” said another official from the NIA.

Group Passes Vote Of Confidence On Tinubu, Kyari

… urges Tinubu to sack under-performing Ministers

A group called Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, (BAVCCA), yesterday, passed vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer, (GCEO), Engr Mele Kyari over implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA, and stability in the oil and gas sector.
The leadership of the Association passed the vote of confidence on Tinubu and Kyari in a jointly signed communique by the National President, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwunyere and Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed respectively.
The communique reads in part, “We pass a vote of confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, for the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act commendable achievements and commitment to addressing the state of Nigeria.
“We congratulate the Group Chief Executive Officer, GCEO, NNPCL, Engr Mele Kyari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the reopening of the Port Harcourt refinery, this is very commendable and we pray that Dr Kyari continues in his giant strides at NNPCL.
“We encourage him to organize more programmes, interactive sessions or town hall briefings about NNPCL to Nigerians and the media.”
However, the Association also called on the President to sack underperforming Ministers I’m order for them not to be clogs in the wheels of his government.
“We appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in implementing policies aimed at reviving the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and combating corruption.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in tackling the security challenges faced by the nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
“We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize measures that stabilize the exchange rates and strengthen the Naira, thereby fostering a healthier economic environment.
“We pray the President to immediately sack under-performing Ministers as we wont tolerate corrupt, lazy and mediocre Ministers.
“We have constituted an independent investigative panel to look into the several allegations of Corruption and oil bunkering against the Navy, these allegations are too grievous and must not be handled with laxity. The committee was also mandated to turn in their reports within seven days.”

Nationwide Outcry as 30 Women Remain Jailed in Nasarawa State

In a disturbing turn of events, the arrest and continued detention of 30 women in Nasarawa State have sparked widespread outrage both nationally and internationally.

Recall that the women were detained for participating in peaceful protests against what they perceive as electoral injustice in the 2023 Nasarawa gubernatorial election.

The protests, which were a response to the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the election results despite allegations of misconduct, saw the women express their grievances peacefully. However, they were met with undue aggression from security forces, leading to their arrest, prosecution, and subsequent incarceration.

Dr. Eki Yemisi Omorogbe, representing the International Law and Policy in Africa Network in a press Release on Tuesday, condemned the actions taken against the women, stating: “The prosecution of these 30 women shows the failure of the Nigerian Police Force and the Government of Nasarawa State to uphold the right of citizens under the 1999 Constitution to protest, assemble and freely express themselves.”

The women, who were demonstrating peacefully and unarmed, were subjected to violence and assault by security personnel, a blatant violation of their constitutional rights. Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Co-Convener of Womenifesto, emphasized.

“Locking them up in indefinite pre-trial detention at the instance of those whom they were protesting against constitutes political persecution.”

Project – Free Nasarawa 30, a coalition of civil rights activists, citizens’ journalists, and international advocacy groups, has called for the immediate release of the detained women. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu of Atrocities Watch Africa (AWA) asserted: “An attack on the Nasarawa 30 is an attack on all women across the globe.”

The coalition demands an end to the abusive use of state power and the review of bail conditions for the women. They reject the tactics employed against the women and urge for their unconditional release.

As the plight of the Nasarawa 30 continues to draw international attention, pressure mounts on the Nasarawa State government to address the issue and uphold the principles of justice and human rights.

Edo Deputy Governor, PDP Aspirants Unanimously Demand Asue’s Removal from Meeting

As all aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gather in Abuja today ahead of the screening at the party’s headquarters in Wadata Plaza, a heated incident occurred in the waiting room as the screening got underway.

Aspirants under the platform of the party, forced Mr. Asue Ighodalo, a candidate allegedly sponsored by Governor Godwin Obaseki out for being rude to the Deputy Governor.

While all the aspirants were waiting, Mr. Ighodalo was alleged to have made derogatory remarks about the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu. Other aspirants quickly called him out, reminding him that he was insulting the office of the Deputy Governor and not Comrade Philip Shaibu. Despite their intervention, Mr Ighodalo insisted on making the remarks, prompting the Deputy Governor to walk him out of the meeting. In solidarity, all the other aspirants agreed that Mr. Ighodalo left the waiting room due to his disrespectful behavior towards the Deputy Governor’s office. Following this command, Mr Ighodalo stormed out.

In a related development, a mild drama unfolded in Abuja as all the aspirants and their supporters united in opposition to the party granting Mr Asue Ighodalo a waiver. The protesters argued that Mr Ighodalo had never voted in Edo State and therefore should not be allowed to run for election under the PDP banner.

The protest escalated, leading to the intervention of riot policemen who were called in to suppress the demonstration. The supporters of the aspirants warned that if Mr Ighodalo were forced upon the party in the state, it would be met with resistance and potentially spell disaster for the party’s standing in the region.

It is worth noting that the party’s national working committee had reportedly granted Mr. Ighodalo a waiver, a decision that many party members perceive as a clandestine effort to impose a candidate who recently joined the party and has neither voted nor actively contributed to its growth and sustenance in the state.

As tensions rise and protests persist, the future of Mr Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy remains uncertain, and the PDP faces the challenge of maintaining unity and trust within its ranks.

Nasarawa Court schedules Wednesday for the examination of bail bond for 38 women engaged in protests.

The magistrate court in Lafia has slated Wednesday, 30th January, to deliberate on the application filed by the counsel representing 38 protesting women who were remanded to a correctional center for alleged breach of peace in the state.

The women were apprehended immediately following the Supreme Court’s verdict that upheld Governor Abdullahi Sule’s election, citing alleged breaches of public peace and other charges.

In an interview on Monday, Barrister Ayiwulu Baba Ayiwulu, representing the defendants, highlighted the essence of the application: “We have petitioned the court to review the initial order requiring each defendant to produce a director and fulfill other bail requirements.”

Moreover, Ayiwulu added, “We proposed a new bail bond arrangement, suggesting that Hon. Esson Mairiga, the House Committee Chairman on Judiciary, has agreed to stand as the surety for all the women.”

The court has adjourned the ruling on the bail matter to Wednesday, allowing for further review and consideration of the proposed adjustments.

“We remain optimistic that justice will prevail, and the rights of these women will be duly acknowledged,” Ayiwulu emphasized.

Oil theft: Saboteurs, perpetrators out to smear image of Naval Chief with falsehood, CSO warns

The Centre for African Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by some disgruntled elements to blackmail the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Abuja, convener,  Professor Thomas Uzah said oil thieves are on the prowl, seeking the head of the Naval Chief for thwarting their illicit business.

Uzah said the allegations against Ogalla and a respected institution like the Nigerian Navy remain a figment of the imagination of the promoters.

While applauding the Navy’s drive to protect national assets on our waterways, he warned that further slander campaign against the Chief of Naval Staff would lead to a nationwide protest.

“Also worthy of mention is that the efforts of the Nigerian Navy have further led to the delisting of Nigeria from the International Maritime Bureau piracy list,” the statement said.

“These are indeed tangibles that the Nigerian Navy has recorded in recent times under the watch of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

“We wish to use this medium to call on the Department of State Services to the diatribe capable of undermining the tangible gains recorded by the Nigerian Navy in addressing crude oil theft in the country.

“The promoters of this campaign of calumny must be identified and brought to book if we are desirous of making progress as a country, given that the major source of revenue is crude oil.

“There is no doubt that those behind crude oil theft have resources at their disposal to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Navy. As such, they must be identified and brought to book.

“We also wish to inform members of the general public to be circumspect about news stories about the Nigerian Navy. These are the handiwork of enemies of the country who have been diverting the commonwealth of the people.

“The efforts of the Nigerian Navy in recent times is such that has contributed immensely to socioeconomic growth and development. As such, it behoves well-meaning Nigerians to support the Nigerian Navy at this critical point of our existence. “

Oil Pipelines Surveillance: Olu of Warri, PINL Accused of Portraying Half Truths

The Niger Delta Forum for Truth and Justice (NDJTF), has accused the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase 111 and Pipelines Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) of averse to the whole truth , stating that a public defence of Mrs oritsemeyiwa Eyesan Vice President, Upstream sector of NNPCL would have been exonerating.

A statement released to media men on Sunday by the President, Ejiroghene Marierie challenged the duos and his accomplices of been economical with the truths, stating that the Vanguard newspaper publication of 26th, January on page 23 was face saving.

The President of the body maintained that security reports along with envisaged patronage had overridden the sense of reasoning which feigned his underperforming company that lacks capacity to carry out security surveillance job, hence Eyesan’s recommendation to an under performing and undeserved company belonging to the monarch.

He further confronted the NNPCL top shot as a tribal and clannish czar, who is soaked in ethnic coloration, while describing PINL as unfit, unqualified and operating against public procurement acts.

He described the PINL as an inefficient company and unqualified with evidences of it’s malfeasance and inefficiency , stating that under olu firm about 112 incidences was recorded in a week of oil thefts, with many vandalism as reported by the officials of NNPCL.

He also questioned the integrity of PINL rather than compromising with oil vandals and collaborators, while challenging him to come to truth about the arrest of any oil thefts in his area of security surveillance , that deserve more larger commitment from NNPCL particularly in Rivers and Imo.

While the group President maintained that they would have been no need for the high profile monarch moving from one personality or the other for contract renewal and review upwards in the nation’s city with a qualified company, stating that this was evidence that Olu is still on the board of PINL.

While touting the half baked media handlers and publication of the vanguard newspaper as diversionary and side taking, he wants media houses to remain unbiased, so as to sustain the corporate existence and transparency in the activities of both individuals and corporate entities in the country.

He reiterated that the action of the Vanguard newspaper known for its efficient and effective media coverage, balance journalism over the years had eroded the good intentions of the founding fathers, having reduced it’s activities to clannish and sectional stance.

He said the group was not questioning the award of the security surveillance contract to PINL by an ijaw man, Engineer Adokie Tomboamieye , but against re awarding on the basis of inefficient and effective as well as compromise with oil thefts already displayed in it’s activities.

“Eyesan is blinded on the cocoon of ethnic agenda were the itsekiris will continue to hold swat against other tribes like the urhobos of patronage, asking them to display the CAC certificate of registration for PINL, if the Olu of Warri will not be culpable.”

He also made reference to Trans forcados earlier awarded to PINL that turned to haven of oil thefts, crippled activities but when rewarded to another company, Industrial wide security, normalcy returned the Delta area.

Ejiroghene assured that the only way transparent and non translucent activities could take place is to remove Eyesan from the entire process , as she is self serving, ethnic bigot and monarchical underdog operating under the whims and caprices of olu of Warri’s PINL, as she deliberately refused to incorporate other tribes of Urhobo, except the exclusive preserve of the itsekiris.

The release further states…

NIGER DELTA FORUM FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE (NDFTJ)
80, CHINDA ROAD, OFF ADA GEORGE ROAD, PORT-HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE.

OIL PIPELINES SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT IMPROPRIETIES: THE WISHY- WASHY RESPONSE BY OLU OF WARRI, OGIAME ATUWATSE III AND PIPELINES INFRASTRUCTURES NIGERIA LIMITED (PINL).

“The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase III, could have done a better job in the public defence of one of his subjects, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, the Vice President, Upstream Operations, NNPCL.”

“To conceal the truth and avoid thorough public scrutiny of the matter, the high flown Warri monarch threw her under the bus with a tacky, wishy washy publication in the Vanguard Newspapers of 26th January 2024, page 23.”

“Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan had stuck out her neck and probably put her job on the line, when she endorsed the Itsekiri Royal father’s under performing company, Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL), for a bigger contract in the provision of surveillance and protection for the nation’s oil assets in the Niger Delta.”

“With regular updated security reports on crude oil exploration available to her high office, Mrs. Eyesan can’t feigned ignorance of the monarch’s security outfit lacking capacity to effectively carry out pipelines protection.”

“Despite the knowledge, she went ahead to recommend that the undeserving company should be awarded a beefed up contract.”

“In our publication of 23rd January 2024, to which they made a rejoinder, we had addressed the contract renewal, and why Mrs. Eyesan should be removed from office as Vice President, Upstream Operations, in the NNPCL. “

“We accused her of being clanish, and for ethnic loyalty had endorsed PINL for a job, it is unfit. “

That based on the company’s history of inefficiency, it should rather have been suspended from vying for pipelines security contracts.”

“We anchored our publication on the many failures of the company and its inability to live up its duties.”

“There are hard evidence to substantiate allegations of inefficiency against the Olu’s firm.”

“In a period of a week, under PINL supervision, over 112 incidents of oil theft were recorded in its area of operation, with a legion of vandalism cases, as revealed by the management of NNPCL.”

“If the aforesaid are facts, on what basis does, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, find PINL good enough for a bigger contract? “

“Another question to ponder, is if PINL has at any time apprehended or arrested a single oil thief or vessel, despite the unending crude theft in territories under its control? “

“These are the areas we had wanted the Olu of Warri, or his affiliates to address, but the half -baked proxies he hired to respond for him, went on a rigmarole that led to no where.”

“The Olu and his PINL are desirous that their shoddy performance be swept under the carpet and remains uncovered.”

“In normal situations, PINL would be struck off the list of companies to be considered for contracts.”

“Apart from the denial that the Olu of Warri is not in the board of PINL, the palace sponsored rebuttal never addressed the accusation of PINL’s dereliction of duties and competence. Nor the involvement of Mrs. Eyesan scooping a larger contract for her monarch.”

“We want to quash their lies from another angle. If the Olu is not in the board of directors of PINL as stated, on what basis is he moving from one office and hotel room to the other in Abuja, soliciting for re-award and expansion of the pipelines protection contract for PINL?”

“It is no secret that while in the FCT he mounts a ceaseless pressure to speedily facilitate the award.”

“The harebrained hirelings of the Olu Palace just driblled and beat around the bush, as they were bereft of ideas on the matter.”

“It’s more disappointing to note that with the stupendous wealth at his disposal, the Olu of Warri could only mobilise a few hollow heads, lacking intellectual sophistication, as media handlers.”

“Hence, they had no good fulcrum to leverage a defence, either for PINL or Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.”

“They flew of the cuff unrestrained with umbrage and insults on those they consider their paymaster’s enemies but failed to cover up the monarch’s shenanigans. “

“No matter whose horse is gored, our take remains the national interest.”

“The Vanguard Newspaper has lost its national appeal that was rooted in balanced journalism ethos. The publication has gradually fallen from its Olympian heights, to a mere ethnic propagandist tool of the Olu of Warri. In a manner of speaking, and sadly enough too, the Vanguard flagship has now assumed the notoriety of Itsekiri megaphone.”

“It unwittingly rejected our publication on flimsy excuses, other media houses, however, differed and accepted it. “

“But in a volte face, the paper accepted abinitio to publish the Olu and PINL’s rejoinder.”

“We posit that Vanguard’s action is unprofessional and ethnically parochial.
We hope that its Publisher, the great Uncle Sam Amuka, muster courage to salvage the newspaper, which is gradually losing its national appeal.”

“The Itsekiri and Olu of Warri interest influenced the paper’s decision.”

“PINL should bury its head in shame, the company nor its board members were not bold enough to respond directly to the issues canvassed in our publication. We had expected a direct civilized reply, but they chose to use clueless, ill mannered irritants to bell their cat. Which depicts a desire to gloss over the facts.”

“PINL has no defence. Its reply posed more questions than answers. It neither addressed any issue, nor shield the Olu of Warri from public scrutiny he is trying hard to evade. “

“In the end, it exposed Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan to opprobrium and the guillotine. She must at this point have regretted her involvement in the saga. She stuck her neck out for those who won’t cross a puddle for her.”

“Why mentioning Engineer Adokie Tombomieye, a supposed Ijaw man in the matter under reference?”

“Has he done anything wrong in being part of the team that awarded the contract to PINL abinitio? How does the award of the contracts to PINL and other surveillance contract companies by an Ijaw man made it difficult for PINL to deliver and perform? Did we question the award of the contracts to PINL and other companies abinitio?”

“We expected a succinct response to allegations of poor performance, aiding and abetting crude oil theft and desperation by Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan to reward a non-performing contactor for ethnic hegemony.”

” We spoke about non-performance of PINL, a germane issue the errand hands failed to address in the rebuttal.
Dropping Adokie Tombomieye’s name can’t wish the issues away.”

“The signatories didn’t explain why oil bunkering, theft and assets vandalism are prevalent in the areas under the supervision of the monarch’s PINL, that is, Rivers and Imo States. Nor did they say anything on the 112 oil theft cases within 7 days in December 2023, majority of which occurred in the areas under the watch of PINL. Or these infractions were caused by the award of the contracts to PINL and other companies by Adokie Tombomieye, an Ijaw man?”

“They also skipped to comment on the incessant attacks and pillage in Trans-Forcados Pipelines in Delta state. Oil production in the area was completely crippled when PINL held the surveillance contract. Reports has it that it was due to connivance with criminal elements.”

“The PINL contract in the area was terminated and re-awarded to Industrial – Wide Security.”

“Today, the Trans-Forcados Pipelines is at peace. And why were some PINL’s contracts terminated and re-awarded to Industrial-Wide Security?”

” They also have explanations to why their area of surveillance became a haven for criminal gangs and oil theft.”

“Silence is said to be golden, but it is also an acquiescence to guilt.”

“It is a shame that the Olu of Warri could not find credible people in the employ of PINL to speak for him and defend Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.”

“The hired nitwits made a poor showing. It is the company that should have shown its CAC registration documents and proffered statement to whether the Olu is a board member or not.”

” Everything done so far on behalf of the Olu and PINL shows there is more than meets the eyes.”

“Our position remains that PINL and Olu have under performed and should not be given additional contracts, nor their scope of operation expanded.”

“It becomes a scam when people are rewarded for failure.”

“Ethnic favouritism and loyalty blinded Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan to the needs of other natives in the Niger Delta. It is an ethnic agenda of Itsekiri to deny Urhobo of patronage, if the privilege rest on them, and that is what Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is doing at the NNPCL.”

“She deliberately refused to incorporate Urhobo in the pipelines surveillance jobs while she wants her monarch to cart away everything. “

“To restore credibility and neutrality to the NNPCL, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, must be relieved of her position without delay.”

Signed:
EJIROGHENE MARIERE
PRESIDENT

BAVCCA Lauds Tinubu, Mele Kyari, Vincent Isegbe Over Port Harcourt Refinery

BAVCCA passes vote of confidence on Tinubu, Mele Kyari, Vincent Isegbe

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL Dr. Mele Kyari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the timely and successful re-opening of the Port Harcourt refinery.

BAVCCA gave the commendation in communique jointly issued by its National President, Comrade Ikechukwu Chukwunyere and Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, at the end of the National Executive Committee Meeting held on Friday in Lagos State.

“This is very commendable and we pray that Dr Kyari continues in his giant stride at NNPCL.

“We encourage him (Kyari) to organize more programmes, interactive sessions or town hall briefings about NNPCL to Nigerians and the media. These will keep Nigerians abreast with their activities, challenges and successes”, Comrade Chukwunyere said in the statement.

He further, said the association, after a thorough assessment and analysis of Dr. Vincent Isegbe’s performance and leadership at Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), BAVCCA passed a vote of confidence on him and prayed that President Tinubu gives him a 2nd Tenure at NAQS.

“In his 1st term in office, He displayed exceptional competence and commitment to his role as the Director-General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, his significant strides ensured the protection of Nigeria’s agricultural sector from pests and diseases.

“Vincent Isegbe also implemented innovative and effective strategies to improve the quarantine processes, including the use of modern technology, training programs, and effective collaborations with relevant stakeholders.

The National President also appreciated President Tinubu’s efforts in implementing policies aimed at reviving the economy, creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and combating corruption.

“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in tackling the security challenges faced by the nation, ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

“We implore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize measures that stabilize the exchange rates and strengthen the Naira, thereby fostering a healthier economic environment.

According to him, the association has constituted an independent investigative panel to look into the several allegations of Corruption, multi-billion naira frauds and oil bunkering against the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

“These allegations are too grievous and must not be handled with laxity. The committee was also mandated to turn in their reports within 7 days”, he said.