Ondo group accuses “Shoot-at-Sight” of alleged kidnapping, oil bunkering, others

**Says accusations against Tompolo false

The Concerned Citizens Of Arogbo- Ibe Kingdom in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Friday accused Chief Bibopere Ajube, (alias General Shoot-At- Sight) of alleged kidnapping, illegal oil bunkering, possession of fire arms, explosive dynamites and other crimes.

The group who were reacting to a publication in a national daily, (not this medium) with the title “An Open Letter To The President Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu On Disguised Moves By Chief Government Ekpemupolo Aka Tompolo To Instigate Crisis In Arogbo – Ijaw Kingdom, Ese – odo local government area of Ondo State,” stated that this accusation were false.

The group in a statement made available to newsmen and signed by it’s President, Timi Layefa, noted that Ajube, the Arogbo warlord, was unto one of his antics again, after sending his armed boys to attack and vandalize Tantita’s operational outposts in Ondo State waterways, stressing that the incident led to serious injuries being inflicted on Tantita field operatives.

They said that Tantita’s representative in Ondo State, Mr. Idowu Asonja, has been giving Shoot-at- Sight and his illicit business partners sleepless nights, in the fight to crush illegal bunking in the area.

The group said, “According to reports gathered in the area, after loading crude in the high sea, Shoot-at-Sight and his boys, have a sales point at Mese, a boundary community between Delta and Ondo states, along the waterways, where they sell stolen crude oil to those illegally refining diesel and kerosene.”

The group therefore, demanded that the Federal Government should assist in providing security cover and safety for Mr. Idowu Asonja and other personnel of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), as they go about locating sites of crude theft and arrest of criminals involved in the illicit operations.

“Chief Bibopere Ajube, alias Shoot-at-Sight and members of his private Army, under the aegis of Gallery Security Services Limited, be put under 24/7 surveillance and checked, by the armed forces and other security agencies. They should be prevented from interfering with the legitimate activities of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in any part of Ondo State.

“Relevant security agencies should investigate the threats being made by Chief Bibopiri Ajube, alias Shoot-at-Sight, to renew the hitherto forgotten fracticidal war between the Ilaje/Ijaw peoples of the coastal waters of Ondo state,” the statement read.

The group stressed that Shoot-at-Sight and his gang of oil thieves have futilely tried to cause the decentralization of Tantita’s pipelines surveillance contracts.

They added that Shoot At Sight’s grudge against Tompolo, was that, as a sub-contractor, Tantita terminated his non-performing surveillance contracts in the waterways of Ondo State for allegedly conniving with oil thieves, noting that Shoot at Sight, aided and abetted oil bunkering in Ondo State waterways for years.

They said Ajube and his gang of criminals do not want Tantita in Ondo state waterways for self aggrandizement.

The statement reads in part; “We refer to the Vanguard Newspapers publication of Monday, February 12, 2024, page 15, on the above subject matter.

“Nothing can be so far from the truth, than that which was portrayed in the publication.

“The piece was a figment of the imagination of the mastermind, Chief Bibopere Ajube, alias general shoot-at- sight. He creates intrigues for a living.

“The Arogbo warlord is unto one of his antics again, after sending his armed boys to attack and vandalize Tantita’s operational outposts in Ondo State waterways. The incident led to serious injuries being inflicted on Tantita field operatives.

“Chief Ajube is a pretentious fellow. A wicked man runs when no one is after him. To preempt Tantita’s reaction to the havoc his armed agents wreaked on Tantita outpost and staff, he hurriedly went to the press, with the useless publication under reference, thinking that the first to make noise is the one to be believed. Ignorance is indeed a disease.

“Shoot at sight has always bellyached over Tantita’s success in securing federal government oil assets surveillance contracts. It beats his warped mind that Chief Government Ekpemupolo, Tantita’s founder, is able to get FG contracts, while his security company, still plays the local league in Ondo State. It does gives him sleepless nights. Hence, he often resort to manipulate issues to taint Tantita.

“An x- ray of the hurriedly concocted publication in the Vanguard revealed quite a lot. The text exposed Chief Ajube’s amateur tendencies, and the caricature scene he tried to paint. It was an embodiment of fabrications. Apart from the non existent of the group: Arogbo Ibe Solidarity Forum that authored the publication, its signatories are also faceless. The two names don’t ring a bell amongst the Arogbo people.

“In the haste to publish, the two signatories, had the same appellation of group president ascribed to both. How can two presidents be in one group?How would they function?

“It is unfortunate and shameful that over the years, general Shoot-at-Sight, has remained same in his ways. He thrives only in wrong doings.

“It is the same, shoot at sight, who talked about averting Ilaje/Ijaw crisis, that masterminded the last crisis. He promoted hate and division among the people, then sowed seeds of war in their hearts.

“He is, however, reaping bountifully today from the crisis he created. The crisis gave birth to his Gallary Security Services Limited and other outfits, from which he is reaping billions from the Ondo State Government.

“In fact, he still fans the amber of crisis in the waterways as always. It is the only means to survival that he knows.

“There are also evidence that they also have sales points at Agadagba, an enclave of Shoot-at-Sight and Araromi in Ondo state, where they sell illegally refined diesel and other products, into tankers.

“Shoot-at-Sight is the one promoting war and rivalry between Ilaje and Ijaw. Tension in the area helps his illicit business.

“Mr. Idowu Asonja, an Ilaje and representative of Tantita, leads the charge on illegal bunkering in Ondo. His onslaught are of serious worries to Shoot-at-Sight. He is therefore not happy as the battle has crippled his profiteering from illegal bunkering.

“The ordinary people of Ilaje and Ijaw in Ondo State know that Tompolo has been the one promoting peaceful co-existence in the areas.

“They know that Shoot- at-Sight is the architect of their tumultous coexistence in the past. And they are tired of being used as canon folders by him to enrich himself and others.

“Those antagonizing Tantita and Idowu Asonja, in Ondo waterways are gang of oil bunkerers, kidnappers and gun-runners. They possess high calibre weapons with which they terrorize the waterways of Ondo State.”

OFAAC, Anioma Nation Mourns Passage of Asagba of Asaba, Obi Chike Edozien

The Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC), the umbrella body of Anioma Culture mourns the passage of a Monarch par excellence, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien, expressing the grief that the Anioma Nation may never have a resounding, famous and brilliant Traditional Ruler like the Asagba of Asaba again.

In a press statement issued by Arc. Kester Ifeadi as the President of OFAAC, he itemised a number of qualities that distinguished Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien as a rare gem among the personalities that ever occupied various Thrones within the Traditional Institution in Nigeria and beyond.

Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien was a foremost Professor of Medicine with a renowned and viable career in the academia before ascending the Throne of his forebears in 1990.

Since that eventful ascension, he had remained committed to the ideals that bound the people of Asaba and Anioma Nation, nay Delta State and Nigeria together.

Part of that dedicated agenda for communal cohesion was the undiluted crave for a people rooted in and identified by their culture, and of course, his struggles and pursuits for an Anioma State, which as at today, remains a realisable dream.

Asagba Prof. Chike Edozien was a frontline member of the Board of Trustees that stood for the Organisation For the Advancement of Anioma Culture since inception, and he continued to contribute in no small measure, his ideas, suggestions and experiences towards its sustainability for the advancement of Anioma Culture and traditions. He had the inclination that Anioma Culture is foremost and should occupy a centre-stage in the world’s cultural landscape.

Arc. Kester Ifeadi on behalf of OFAAC, stated that “We will indeed miss the royal steam and traditional vibes in terms of advice by the Asagba who truly acted as a father, a guide and a protector to us. He was roundly supportive of all our efforts and never allowed anything untoward came near us.

“He was one in a billion – a resounding world class academic and traditional cynosure whose footprints would remain on the sand of time for generations to reckon with. He was a legend whose life and times can never end by his transition.

“We in OFAAC will miss him dearly. Anioma Nation will miss his fatherly and protective role as a Traditional Ruler. Delta State, Nigeria and Africa will miss his unquantifiable experiences, anchored on peace, unity and development of his people”, OFAAC’s statement read in part.

More Agenda: Osuoza Acknowledges Strategic Importance Of Dopf, Online Media In Driving Oborevwori’s Vision

Delta State Government has pledged more meaningful engagement of online media platforms in ensuring the dissemination of information on its activities to Deltans.

The State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, made the pledge today in Asaba while playing host to a delegation of Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF.

Dr Osuoza said online media outfits played pivotal roles in promptly reporting the activities of the state government, noting that the speed with which they reported events had endeared them to many Nigerians.

He said he was already used to many of the online platforms and was satisfied with their reportage, promising to carry them along in the discharge of his duties.

The Commissioner told the online publishers to feel free to contact him for clarification on any issue before publication to avoid misinforming the public, which could count against the credibility of their platforms.

Earlier, the Chairman, Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, on behalf of the body, congratulated Dr Osuoza on his well deserved appointment as Information Commissioner, noting that he proved his mettle as the spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

Mr Enebeli said the Forum had over the years built a reputation of mutual respect with members’ business partners and associates, adding that the Ministry of Information had maintained a harmonious relationship with the Forum, which needed to be sustained.

He drew the attention of the Commissioner to the obvious marginalization of the online media in the state and urged him to address the issue, as the online newspapers were no less important in comparison to the main stream media.

The DOPF Chairman said the organisation, with over 40 members owning reputable platforms, with all legal rights to do business in Nigeria, would desire to have a retainership arrangement with the state government, similar to those of the national electronics and print media houses, to be able to effectively report the progress of the M.O.R.E Agenda of the Oborevwori administration.

NUJ Commiserates With Asaba Community, Anioma Nation As Royal Sage Joins Ancestors

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council commiserates with the people of Asaba community, nay the Anioma Nation, over the transition of the very erudite and revered royal father, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Joseph Edozien.

We are indeed deeply affected by the news of the passage of the royal sage, who bestrode the medical profession like a colossus and left his footprints in the global field of medicine as the first African, nay black Dean of Medicine.

Until his demise at a very gracious age of 100 years, he was a global icon and remained the first and oldest professor in his field of medicine.

According to the State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and Secretary Comrade Victor Sorokwu, “”The unprecedented peace, harmony and development pervading in and around Asaba, the capital and seat of Delta State Government cannot be extricated from his sublime approach to traditional administration, making Asaba the most peaceful, hospitable and habitable home for all.

“As a very enlightened and urbane personality, he was able to interface with state authorities without compromising the relevance of the traditional institution since his installation as the 13th Asagba 34 years ago; a year before the creation of Delta state.

“He truly led his people of Anioma ethnic stock like a true and faithful shepherd leading from the front and ensuring they were properly factored in national and state politics.

“Indeed, the passage of Obi (Prof) Joseph Chike Edozien has created a huge vacuum in the socio-cultural and political life of Asaba and Anioma nation as his contributions would be pretty difficult to replace.

“The NUJ Delta Council prays the Almighty God and Benevolent Creator to console the people of Asaba, Anioma Nation, Delta State, Nigeria and Africa at large.

“We also pray that the legacies of the eminent traditional ruler of promoting peace, harmony and development in Asaba and the entire Delta State be sustained by the successive traditional authority that would come in his stead.

President Tinubu To Attend 37th AU Summit In Addis Ababa

President Bola Tinubu will, on Thursday, February 15, depart Abuja for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

The theme of this year’s summit is ‘‘Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.’’

The President will join other African leaders in high-level meetings on institutional reforms of the African Union; peace and security; specific thematic issues such as climate change, as well as modalities of participation and priorities of the continental body in the G20.

On the margins of the summit, President Tinubu will also attend an extraordinary summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS in his capacity as the Chairman of the regional body.

According to Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the president media & publicity,  president Tinubu will be accompanied on the trip by some ministers and other top government officials, and he is expected to return to Abuja following the summit.

NFF decries online attacks on Super Eagles player, Alex Iwobi

The Nigeria Football Federation has condemned in its entirety the cyber attacks on Super Eagles’ midfielder Alex Iwobi, saying the virulent attacks on the player are uncalled-for given his commitment and dedication to duty for homeland over the years.

“Alex Iwobi does not deserve these attacks. He has a record of utmost dedication to duty and a remarkable attitude of giving his all on international duty. We cannot suddenly forget the great moments he has made on duty for Nigeria, like scoring that goal against Zambia in Uyo that qualified Nigeria to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

“We are talking about someone who is actually the seventh most-capped Nigerian footballer in history. With 76 caps, Alex Iwobi has nothing to prove to anyone about his patriotic fervour and dedication to duty for Nigeria. Please let us show him love and not hatred,” NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire appealed on Tuesday.

Iwobi is behind only Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, John Mikel Obi, Nwankwo Kanu and Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal (of blessed memory) in the record of most caps for Nigeria, and has travelled to different countries and continents to defend the green-white-green for about eight years now.

He has featured for Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia in 2018 and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 (Egypt), 2021 (Cameroon) and Cõte d’Ivoire (2023).

Oborevwori to Olu of Warri: My administration would engage relevant FG authorities for revitalisation of all seaports in Delta

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Tuesday, said his administration would engage relevant Federal Government authorities for the revitalisation of all seaports in the state.

Governor Oborevwori stated this when he received the Olu of Warri Kingdom, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, and his retinue of chiefs at Government House, Asaba.

He commended the leadership quality of the Olu of Warri, describing him as a blessing to our generation.

Oborevwori said; “I appreciate you for the love you have shown this administration. You have been very supportive and I appreciate you for coming here today to congratulate me. As a royal father, you prayed for all of us (Governorship candidates) and your prayer then was that God should give the state somebody that will move the state higher.

“You blessed all of us but I was chosen and that’s the reason you are here today with all your people. Your Majesty, your leadership quality is something that we appreciate. You are a blessing to our generation.

“This administration places a high premium on the role of traditional rulers in governance. This is because the royal fathers are the bridge between the people at the grassroot and the government.

“Without the royal fathers, we can’t achieve peace in all our kingdoms. So, they are in charge of their kingdoms; that’s why we always go to them to seek their prayers and support.

“Please, anything that we are doing as a government that you are not pleased with, don’t fail to correct us. My government is open to constructive criticism.

“And if we are also doing very well, don’t fail to commend us. Constructive criticism is allowed everywhere in the world and Delta State would not be an exception. What we don’t like is blackmail.

“Your Majesty, I have listened to your request. I promised during my inauguration that Warri will have a positive new face. I have gone round Warri and looked at some places with urgent attention; we are already working on that.

“We are already working on a befitting stadium for Warri. As we speak, they are doing the design of the stadium because I don’t want a situation where we construct and after a few years, it will start having problems.

“We also have challenge with the drains in that area; as we speak, phase 1 of the storm drainage has been completed by Levant, phase 2 is about 90 per cent completed and the last, which is the phase three, will soon be completed.

“Without the storm drainage, if you construct any road in Warri, it will be washed away. I want to assure you that Warri will have a positive new face in Jesus name.” he said.

On the controversy surrounding attempted renaming of parts of Warri, Governor Oborevwori cautioned proponents to maintain the existing peace in the oil city.

“People talk about Warri; Warri today has expanded beyond the main town. Even today, people call Osubi, Warri. I don’t know why people want to make trouble.

“Warri today is a general name. I am from Osubi but when you ask me where I am from, I will tell you Warri. So, Warri is Warri and nobody can change it.”

On the ports, Governor Oborevwori said he was committed to engaging the Federal Government on the revitalisation of the ports in the state.

“The Port is something that is key to the development of Delta state. Even without coming here to make a request, I will start engaging with the people at the national to see how all the Ports in Delta state will be rehabilitated.

“If the Ports are rehabilitated, it will bring a lot of developments in the state. The issue of refinery, I know that as soon as they finish the maintenance of the refinery, it will come back to operation.”

On the request for clean water in the riverine areas, Oborevwori said; “we actually need clean water. There is a project that is on going and your son is the Commissioner for Water Resources; I know he will brief me and he knows what to do. If he comes with the proposal, we will look into it”.

He thanked the Warri Kingdom and the Itsekiri nation for their support for his election, adding that no ethnic nationality would be marginalised in his administration.

“The Warri kingdom and the Itsekiri nation supported me during my election that’s why we did not lose in any of the local government areas in that area. That’s why you see that in this administration, we have four Commissioners and one Special Adviser from your area.” Governor Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, the Olu of Warri, HRM Atuwatse III, CFR, said he led a delegation of the Itsekiri nation to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the Supreme Court.

He appealed to the Governor to help site an institution of higher learning in Warri kingdom.

The Monarch said: “The people have spoken; and now the courts have spoken. The same God who set you on this path, will continue to guide you and perfect what He has started. You have our support and prayers.

“We also want to express our appreciation, for infrastructural developments in Warri axis. The roads, drainages, stadium, particularly the Ode-Itsekiri Road and bridges, Ugborodo phase 2 road which links Ugbegungun to Otumara).

“While it is under the purview of the Federal Government, we request that you join our voice in encouraging the Federal Government to speedily move in the direction of rehabilitating the ports in Delta state and refinery in Warri.

“Revitalising these ports would ease the plight of idleness and unemployment with our young able youths”.

He appealed to the Governor to help conclude the water scheme, joint development between the state and Chevron, for the Olero and Dibi axis, stressing that potable water in the riverine area had always been an issue.

“We need all the assistance we can get from the government to make access to potable water easier for our people in Tebu, Gbokoda, Ajametan, Udoh and Jakpa.”

Former Governor of the State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and top government functionaries from the Itsekiri nation joined Governor Oborevwori in welcoming the Olu’s delegation.