Nation

Tambuwal Woos EU To Curb Oil Theft

Published

11 years ago

July 22, 2013

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal has in Abuja called for the support of the European Union (EU) in fighting oil theft in Nigeria.
Tambuwal made the call at the end of the 25th session of African, Caribbean, Pacific and European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
He said the National Assembly on its part was however considering legislation to check oil theft in the country.
At the three-day event, the Speaker said the ugly development of oil theft was having negative effects on the country’s economy.
Speaking on the country’s security situation, he said government had taken some measures which include the declaration of state of emergency in some affected areas to check insecurity.
“We have taken extreme measures to restore normalcy in affected areas in terms of security,” Tambuwal said.
On women, he said the Nigerian parliament had taken steps to ensure that women were given special roles in the scheme of things in the parliament.
“The Nigerian parliament and Nigerians are interested in women issues and we will ensure that women are given the attention they deserve,’’ the Speaker added.
He said 63 per cent of women in the country’s parliament are heading key standing committees.
Tambuwal commended delegates from other countries for accepting to come to Nigeria without minding some negative reports about the security situation in the country.
Our correspondent reports that the 26th session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in November.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa Government on Friday pledged to collaborate with the Joint Task Force (JTF) to curb crude oil theft and other related vices in the state.
Our correspondent reports that this was part of the resolution of the state’s weekly security council meeting in Yenagoa.
Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the task force, Maj,-Gen. Bata Debiro, said the measures were initiated to curb the activities of vandals on waterways in the state.
Debiro said that security operatives would require more gunboats and other logistics to step up their efforts in checking criminal activities on waterways in states in the Niger Delta.
The chairman noted that Gov. Seriake Dickson had commended the efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies in tackling the nation’s security challenges.
Debiro also remarked that Dickson had stressed that the delivery of dividends of democracy would suffer setbacks in the absence of adequate security of lives and property.
He said that the flow line from Nembe to Bonny had been shut down for repairs, stating that the State Government had promised to offer assistance to enable security agents carry out patrols on the waterways.
“We had a meeting with the governor to brainstorm and collaborate with other security agencies and the SPDC representatives on the way forward to curb pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta.
“We have looked into where we have challenges, most especially logistics, and we will require more gun boats to be able to conduct aggressive patrols on the waterways and the creeks, especially in Nembe, Brass up to Bonny in Rivers State,” Debiro said.
In a related development, Dickson while receiving the Zonal Commandant, Zone G, of the NSCDC, Asst. Commandant-General Joseph Oragande, underscored the importance of law and order in society.
Dickson said that his administration had enacted appropriate legislations to drive its policy of zero tolerance for crime, criminality and violence soon after assumption of office.
Justifying government’s investment in the security sub-sector, Dickson described Bayelsa as one of the safest states in the country where investors could operate in with peace of mind.
Dickson also received officials of the NSCDC, who were in Bayelsa for a sensitisation workshop on the negative impacts of oil theft
Earlier in his remarks, Oragande commended Dickson for his developmental strides and continued partnership with security agencies in the state.
Responding to the NSCDC’s requests, Dickson assured the visiting commandant of his administration’s preparedness to provide an enabling operating environment for the corps within the limits of available resources.
He directed the Chief of Staff, Government House and his Special Adviser on Security to liaise with the corps to enable government provide the most pressing needs for the agency.

Nation

NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.

The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.

In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.

The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.

They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.

The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.

“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.

The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.

“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.

The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.

“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.

The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.

“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.

Nation

New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation

Published

2 weeks ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.

Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.

He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.

“We are committed to transparency.

My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.

“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”

“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.

“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.

“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.

“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.

“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.

“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated

CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.

Akujobi amadi

Nation

Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection

Published

2 weeks ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.

“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”

“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”

“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”

“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”

Akujobi Amadi