News
Nigerian Navy Fingered as Tompolo Alleges Sabotage in the Anti Oil Theft Battle
By Favour Bibaikefie
Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, and Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), has raised concerns over acts of sabotage hindering efforts to combat crude oil theft in Nigeria.
During a meeting with the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Tuesday in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, Tompolo shared his grievances. The NBA delegation was led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN).
Tompolo revealed that his staff members were recently attacked while apprehending oil thieves along the creeks of Port Harcourt. He urged the NBA to intervene, emphasizing the economic repercussions if such issues persist.
“The NBA has a duty to play in this present situation because if we are not careful in this country, we will not have money to do any reasonable thing,” he said. “We are going to do our part locally, but you are there at the top. If we arrest today, lawyers will appear on both sides. My appeal is that you need to help us.”
He explained that his commitment to tackling oil theft had provoked resistance and personal threats. “In the course of this surveillance, we have stepped on so many toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. After my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere. If I must travel, I have to go with two or three security personnel,” he noted.
The NBA delegation had earlier visited the palace of Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
NBA President Afam Osigwe expressed optimism about the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s (NNPCL) recent announcement of an increase in oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day. He highlighted the critical role Gbaramatu Kingdom and TSSNL play in curbing oil theft, emphasizing the broader benefits for the nation.
“If the oil production keeps going up, it will benefit all of us, and government will be able to provide for the needs of the people. However, there is a need to stem the theft of our commonwealth from some individuals,” Osigwe said. “The fight against oil theft is more desirable now more than ever before because Nigeria is borrowing so much to fund its budget.”
The NBA leader explained that their visit was aimed at understanding the challenges faced by oil-producing communities, including the effects of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.
“First to get first-hand knowledge of how this battle has been fought and what the challenges and approach are. Tantita has done a lot of good work on the issues of pipeline protection and oil theft. We thought that it would be a good place for us to come,” he stated.
Osigwe also underscored the need for justice and equitable distribution of the nation’s oil wealth, highlighting the neglect faced by communities like Gbaramatu.
Meanwhile, the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom called on the Federal Government to address the infrastructure deficit in the region. “Presently, government is far from us. It should come closer to us and do the needful for us to reciprocate,” the traditional ruler said.
He also advocated for the establishment of a Magistrate Court in the area, while pledging the community’s commitment to peace in the Niger Delta.
TSSNL, a private security firm engaged by the Federal Government, is tasked with safeguarding pipeline assets across the country.
Source: NAN
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice