Kwara Workers Give 14-Day Strike action Notice To state Govt.

*Demands payment of 35,000 Naira to workers, settle local govt workers arrears among others

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart as well as the Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) in Kwara State have given the state government a 14-day ultimatum to meet their demands or face industrial action.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday at the Labour House, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Muritala Saheed, said, on several occasions, the labour leaders had written to the state government on the demands of workers, lamenting that “there was no change or any attempt to address issues raised in our letters”.

He said: “As we speak today, all industrial unions in the state have one demand or another that requires government attention, but this is not forthcoming as the government has remained invisible/incommunicado. Most pathetic is the fact that the government of our dear state has refused to honour or implement all written and gentlemanly agreements it entered into with labour.”

The demands, he said, include non-implementation of N35,000 wage for all categories of workers in the state, refusal to domesticate and implement 40% peculiar allowance as approved and provided for by the federal government, non-payment of consequential adjustment to pensioners till date, lack of willingness to pay local government workers outstanding arrears and outstanding arrears for 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Others are non-implementation of 100% CONHESS and 100% hazard allowance for health workers at the local government level, inadequate funding of state-owned tertiary institutions, non-implementation of 100% CONPASS and CONTEDISS for state tertiary institutions workers, lack of willingness to absorb and proper placement of Kwara Hotel workers without any condition and proper placement of the redeployed Kwara Water Corporation workers into core civil service.

NLC Chairman added: “In view of aforementioned, Congress of Kwara Workers has reviewed the unpalatable disposition of government to workers’ demands and has given it 14 days ultimatum effective from 9th January 2024 to address all issues raised and communicated to the government before now.”

SWAN Crisis deepens as NEC meets Suspend President, Benjamin Fires Back, Says he’s Still In Charge of Association

This may not be a good start of the New Year 2024 for the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN with looming leadership crisis set to tear the fabric of the association apart.

Area News Nigeria can report that some members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the association, relying on the relevant statues of the body, convened a NEC Meeting in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria, to take some crucial decision, that may redefine the future of the association with the major decision centred on the suspension of the incumbent President Isaiah Benjamin, who they alleged to have abused the oath of office in the administration of SWAN.

However, in a swift reaction, Benjamin issued a press statement on Tuesday to alert state chapters and members of the association that the NEC meeting held in Uyo was illegal, while the decisions reached were null and void.

At the NEC Meeting held from 7-9 in Uyo, it was alleged that Benjamin erred by not convening a physical NEC meeting as demanded by the majority of NEC members owing to critical issues concerning the association and having satisfied Article 15(c) of the SWAN Statute that mandates NEC members to call for meetings whenever the need arises, the Deputy President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong presided over the meeting following a resolution by members.

Though this newspaper cannot confirm the number of the NEC members that attended Uyo meeting, sources privy to the meeting, however, disclosed that nine members were in attendance.

The Communiqué of the meeting was drafted by three-man Committee led by Augustine Ajayi as Chairman, Azuka Chiemeka as Member and Ijeoma Peter Nwante as Secretary respectively. It was authenticated by Olalekan Ige the National Deputy Secretary General.

Following exhaustive deliberations, NEC in Uyo reversed the suspension of the North West Vice President, Muhammad Mansour Ibrahim by the Benjamin-led executive. It also views the appointment of Lurwanu Idris Malikawa as National Ex-Officio by Benjamin as an error and resolves that this contravenes Article 13(d)(1) and therefore, declares it null and void.

The NEC calls on all the Vice Presidents to ensure that members in their zones revalidate their membership with the Association on or before the end of March 2024 and urges state chapters to channel communications appropriately, while it resolves to support the 2024 revalidation of five (5) members per chapter and endorses the commencement of the payment of monies generated from the annual registration/SWAN card exercise.

The NEC in Uyo urges the National Secretariat to ensure that elections are conducted in line with SWAN Statute. It also agrees that there is no legally constituted executive in Ogun State and calls on the South West Vice President to immediately liaise with the National Secretariat to address the situation.

Following allegations of serious infractions on the Statute by the President and exhaustive deliberations, NEC suspends Isaiah Benjamin as President to enable thorough investigation; for which a 3-member Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) headed by Nura Garba as Chairman, Olatutu Oladunni as Secretary and Foster Chime as member, was set up.

These infractions are: (a) Constituting himself, the Secretary-General and non registered members of the Association into a National Executive Committee, and paying courtesy calls on personalities such as the Honorable Minister of Sports, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports and the Governor of Kogi State without regard to legitimate members of NEC thereby breaching Article 8, d(i) & (ii), and Article 6 C(ii) & D(i).

The NEC accused Benjamin of contravening Article 6, particularly 6, g with the appointment of unregistered individuals into committees to carry out SWAN assignments; and also approval and recognition of the Ogun State Executive Committee (SEC) without regard for the provisions of Article 13, a(i) & (ii)

The NEC meeting faulted Benjamin for receiving money on behalf of the association and acting in flagrant disregard for the office of the Financial Secretary; failing to disclose same and appropriately disbursing to those such funds were meant for. A case in point was the sum of Nine hundred thousand naira (N900,000.00) received from the immediate past President, thereby violating Article 11, f(ii),& g(i).

“The President lacks the temperament and has demonstrated inconsistency and incompetence in the management of the Association, particularly the NEC Viz: Lack of knowledge of the Statute: This has led to dragging the office of VPs into disrepute and deliberately employing divide and rule tactics, thereby polarizing the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Association, in violation of Article 11, a, c & d. high-handedness: Arbitrarily undermining the Office of Vice Presidents by directing the state chapter chairmen to ignore the statutory process of communication; against the provisions of Articles 8,e (ii & iii) and 11a, lack of transparency in handling the Association’s funds: As a new administration, it’s expected that before applying inherited funds from a previous administration, the exact amounts across banks should be declared to NEC for proper records and approval for utilization on profitable ventures in line with Article 17(f). To date, Mr. President has failed to carry out this statutory responsibility, arbitrary removal of a serving Vice President of North West from all SWAN WhatsApp platforms and unilaterally suspending the VP without regard for Article 21(1a & c), arbitrarily appointing an Ex-Officio member and unilaterally approving and admitting same as a member of NEC without regard for Articles 13(d) & 23(f), continuous flagrant disrespect, disobedience, and disregard for the statutory positions of constituted majority of the National Executive Committee (NEC) members on issues bordering on the state of the Association without regards for Articles 10(a) & 15(c).”

The NEC mandates the Investigative Committee to conclude its assignment within 90 days and submit its report to the National Secretariat. It directs the Deputy President, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, to take over as President, pending the outcome of the investigative committee.

A press released and signed by the National Secretary of SWAN, Ikenna Okonkwo early on Tuesday, however, described the decisions reached in Uyo as a joke taking too far.

The release reads: “While calling on respected Nigeria sporting media to remain calm, resolute and focused, the SWAN leadership said, “Ordinarily, we wouldn’t bother reacting to any conjured content aimed at smearing the image of the Association but for clarity sake, we want to put on record that there hasn’t been any NEC meeting in January, 2024, just as we rightly informed few days ago that any meeting of National SWAN composition including NEC and Full Council will be after the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

“So, disregard any communique in circulation laying claims to any form of resolution from the NEC of SWAN.

“SWAN President together with NEC since assumption in office five months ago has been embarking on fruitful steps to write the wrongs of the immediate past leadership which had bastardised the laid down structure of how the Association operates in the past years with uttermost disregard to SWAN statutory standards.

“Be rest assured that no distraction will deter or truncate the ongoing efforts to unite and keep the Association as one in every state of the Federation.

“Also, be informed that all decisions made by SWAN NEC during its last meeting on December 7, 2023 including statutory indefinite suspension of Muhammad Ibrahim Mansur from all SWAN activities over gross misconducts, and the appointment of Alhaji Rilwanu Idris Malikawa as National Ex-Officio as well as his supervisory role for North-West remain.

“By this, as SWAN members, we are enjoined to remain professional in the discharge our duties both at AFCON and anywhere, as the SWAN leadership is always determined to guarantee everybody’s welfare.

“Also, we urge SWAN members to remain much on alert and trash any further move to smear our integrity as Members of Fourth Estate Of the Realm.”

Pipelines Surveillance: They started with Nigerian Navy, extended the pseudo onslaught to PINL – Group tells NNPCL

Southern Nigeria based group, United Niger Delta Republic, UNDR, has advised the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL to dismiss call for the termination of oil pipelines surveillance contracts awarded to Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited, PINL, saying the call was the handiwork of crude oil thieves and their collaborators.

United Niger Delta Republic, in a statement released last night through its leader, ‘ General Three Lions of Niger Delta’,’ asserted that the syndicated report by a certain ” National Awareness Forum, NAF”, was continuation of earlier media attacks on the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and the Nigerian Navy, for scaling up the fight against crude oil thieves and their collaborators, masquerading as pipelines surveillance firms.

According to the group, the seamless synergy between PINL, the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies in confronting crude oil theft in parts of the Niger Delta and South – East, has resulted in sponsored attacks by those sabotaging the Federal government’s renewed push to attain production of 2 million barrels of crude oil per day.

” We trust the ability of the NNPCL management to understand the sinister motives of sponsors of the media propaganda against the Nigerian Navy and lately Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited. Interestingly, the cartel behind these unholy media campaigns, is at peace with indigenous pipelines security firm (s) resisting and blackmailing the Nigerian Navy in its mandate of smoking out crude oil thieves, in collaboration with indigenous pipelines security companies, contracted by the NNPCL to provide the necessary local intelligence.

” We strongly advise PINL, not to be deterred in their strategic partnership with security agencies, to end crude oil theft in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta and parts of the South – East, no matter the orchestrated attacks by rival indigenous pipelines surveillance firms and their collaborators, who are hell bent on frustrating the efforts of President Bola Tinubu..

Exposing cases of oil theft in PINL’s areas of coverage, shows transparency, unlike rival indigenous pipelines security firm (s) preferring to operate in secrecy, by trying to prevent the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies from carrying out their constitutional responsibilities of securing our waterways and critical National assets,” Niger Delta Volunteers, Western Zone, declared.

Orji Kalu Donates Hilux Vehicles To Police, Vigilante To Curb Insecurity In others in Abia North

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District at the red chamber, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has once more shown his capacity as the right round peg in a round hole by donating Hilux Vehicles to Police Nigerian Police Force Area Commands and to the Igbere, Bende LGA Vigilante group.

While handing over the four(4) Hilux Vehicles bought for Ohafia, Isiukwuato and Igbere, Bende LG A to the Nigerian Police Force Area Commands and to the Igbere, Bende LGA Vigilante group, the former governor of Abia State Orji Uzor advised the youths to be more patriotic and not allow politicians or anyone use them to commit crime, that crime doesn’t pay, rather they should engage themselves in productive ventures like agricultural practices.

Orji made this known in the official hand over ceremony which held in Camp Neya, Igbere his home residence in the presence of the Commissioner of Police Abia State Kenechukwu Onwuemelie and his men, National Welfare Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Donatus Nwankpa; Royal fathers and other community stakeholders.

The Chairman Senate Committee on Privatization, Orji Kalu opined that the Vehicles were fully purchased from his pocket for strictly security reasons to safeguard the lives and properties of Abia North constituents and its environs. He encouraged the Police and Vigilante to use it judiciously for the purpose for which it was bought.

Filled with the euphoria of excitement the National Welfare Secretary, Nwankpa, on behalf of APC and National Working Committee of APC thanked Orji Kalu and said Orji has changed the status quo of Legislative representation since the inception of the National Assembly.

Mr Nwankpa while speaking said; “Orji Kalu’s assumption at the Senate has changed the dynamics behind the idea of representation and it is symbolic. It is for the police and the Vigilante to synergise and work together.
“I am happy that the Police commissioner has been humane since he took over. Abia Police has had a change and the Police has done so well in fact this the best Christmas we’ve had in many years.”

A political heavy weight of APC in Abia State Chief Daniel Eke extolled the efforts and techniques of the former Chairman of The SUN Newspaper, Orji Kalu, in combating crime and insecurity when he was governor of Abia State and now he is representing Abia North in the senate. Mr Eke, said, “Orji’s initiative is an addition to his administrative development projects.

Mr. Eke further distinguished Orji as the Best Senator, he said;
“This is the best Senator Nigeria has ever had looking back before he came they used to give us frying pans as empowerment. He has built and renovated schools, roads, water boreholes and so on. At that point I was thinking was still Governor because he was working like one. The vehicles will assist the police to do their jobs effectively.”

With a merry heart, the commissioner of Police Abia State, Kenechukwu Onwumelie, while receiving the vehicles from Senator Orji, said, his men in the benefiting Area Commands and Division have no more excuse to fail in their responsibility of safeguarding the lives and properties of Abia North Constituents and elsewhere.

“It is a sign of good things to come”, CP Onwuemelie said while applauding Senator Orji on behalf of the Nigerian Police. According to him the Lawmaker’s donation to the security agencies is in line with his character.
Onwuemelie relished Orji Kalu saying;
“It is a sign of good things to come, I would like to give big thanks to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. What he is doing is something that is in his character. The level he is now in life is a level of self actualisation because he is happy doing this. I want to assure you that we will do our best.

The Commissioner of Police who directed his men in Ohafia, Isuikwuato, and Umunneochi to join forces with local vigilante groups in intelligence gathering and operations, thanked the Orji Kalu for supporting the Police and other security agencies.

Ezeogo Onuegbu Onuegbu who spoke on behalf of the Royal fathers complimented Senator Kalu;
“These Vehicles donated by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in his private capacity should be used effectively. We know the capacity of the Police Commissioner and I enjoin everyone to contribute to insecurity because it is sacrosanct. On his part President General of the Igbere Welfare Union, Comrade Godswill Okorie expressed gratitude to the Abia North Lawmaker.

The former Chief Whip of 9th Senate, Orji Uzor in his address reiterated that crime must never be condoned , urging Nigerians to channel their energy towards developing their agricultural potential to uplift the Nigerian economy.

Orji lamented the vandalisation of public utilities provided by the Government and other office holders. He added that every Nigerian should be patriotic and should not engage in the destruction of lives and public properties, saying that those destroying public properties are making big mistakes.

Orji lamented that he installed solar electricity in many parts of Abia North, but regretted that some of the facilities were vandalized by hoodlums. He however expressed the belief that the Nigerian Police and Igbere Vigilante group would now function optimally with the availability of the patrol vehicles.

Orji called for collaborative efforts to fight insecurity;
“Crime is something that should never be tolerated. I want to encourage the Commissioner of Police and his Deputy because I have known them for 24 years now and I can testify that they are good officers.

“I also thank the Inspector General of Police for making the posting of Police Officers effective, because this is the first time we are having senior Police officers who understand Abia very well.

“This is one of the best Yuletide season we have had. Supporting the Police does not mean we have too much money, but the mandate is to give these vehicles to the Divisional Commands of Ohafia, Isiukwuato, and Bende LGA and the Vigilante and as long as we have more resources we will support the Police in other parts of the state.

“It is important that we fight the hoodlums and our people need to return to their farms.

Orji also called for improved funding for the Nigerian Police saying that they are inadequately funded. He however commended President Tinubu for changing the narrative in the recently approved supplementary budget.

He appealed to Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu to develop the country, identified crime, irregular electricity, corruption, and economic challenges as Nigeria’s major headaches, and urged the President Tinubu to tackle the problems.

“We must support the Police by providing them with intel reports, ” Orji pleaded

Kaduna SWAN Demands Appropriate Sanction Against “Coupists”

*salutes president on birthday

Following a failed coup by some five members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), against its lawfully elected president, Isaiah Kemje Benjamin, the Kaduna State Chapter has called for sanctioning of those involved.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its chairman and secretary, Shehu Abdullahi and Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, made available to newsmen on Tuesday January 9, 2024.

“We were shocked to wake up today to a coup attempt by four members of SWAN NEC, purpotedly suspending our lawfully elected president, Isaiah Benjamin from office.

” The jockers, four in number, went for a jamboree in Uyo, remotely sponsored by the Akwa Ibom FA Normalisation Committee chairman, to claim leadership of our great association. This is unacceptable and the weightiest sanction should be metted on those bent on rubbishing SWAN,” the statement said.

Kaduna SWAN wondered how the statutes of the association would be taken into disrepute, warning that if they are allowed unpunished, same could reoccur in future.

They advised all well meaning Nigerians and sports lovers to disregard those they described as “jokers” stressing that Isaiah Benjamin who has wasted no time since assuming office, should be allowed to continue his good works, which includes uniting the divided association he inherited from his predecessor.

It therefore, demanded that, Augustine Ajayi, Azuka Chiemeka,
Ijeoma Peter Nwante, Olalekan Ige
and Otuekong Bonny Nyong be sanctioned accordingly, in line with the statutes.

“We also use this opportunity to wish our president Isaiah Benjamin a happy birthday as marked on January 8.

Group to NNPCL: terminate oil Pipeline surveillance contract awarded to PINL

A pan Nigeria group, National Awareness Forum (NAF) has asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to speedily terminate the oil pipelines surveillance contracts awarded to the Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited (PINL).

PINL operated by the Itsekiri monarch, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, was awarded the contract for the surveillance of the oil pipelines in some parts of the Niger Delta and South-East.

The PINL was saddled by the NPPCL to watch over oil pipelines and installations in some parts of Rivers and Imo State.

The contract was valued at unspecified billions of naira annually.

The NAF, in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, said its statement was in reaction to the alarm raised by the management of NNPCL that 112 cases of crude oil theft were recorded between December 23rd and 29th, 2023.

The group accused the management and officials of PINL of conniving with unscrupulous oil barons to sabotage the nation’s economy, adding that the private security outfit in collaboration with criminals was behind the crude oil theft.

NAF, in the statement signed by its President, Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Abdullahi and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Ikechukwu Ngozi, lamented that the scenes of the 112 illicit oil deals were under the surveillance of PINL.

Arguing that PINL has failed woefully to deliver in view of the latest development, the body requested the Presidency to prevail on the board and management of NNPCL to revoke the the contract for breach of agreement.

NAF stressed that the outcome of its preliminary findings in the wake of the alarm raised by NNPCL in the aftermath of the 112 cases oil theft revealed that the unsavoury actions took place majorly in the areas under the contractual agreement with PINL in Rivers and Imo states.

In reviewing the PINL’s handling of the surveillance pipelines contract, the body noted that the Trans- Forcados pipelines in Delta state, suffered the same fate of incessant attacks by oil thieves when it was under the protection of the private security company.

The NAF stated that the Trans-Forcados pipelines began to experience peace when it was taken away from PINL and given to another private security company to manage.

The NAF said PINL was not dutifully and painstakingly executing the contracts, adding that while other private security outfits hired men to keep the vigil over the pipelines, the PINL abandoned its responsibility as enshrined in the contracts, for pecuniary gains.

Stating that the management of PINL was just pocketing billions of naira annually “for doing nothing”, the group said there was no wisdom in retaining the PINL for the job.

According to the group, “There is no wisdom in NNPCL retaining the Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited for surveillance contracts again because the private security provider has failed the country. The large chunk of the recent 112 cases of oil theft reported by NNPCL in the Niger Delta and South-East took place in the areas under the surveillance of PINL.”

“That was how the Trans-Forcados pipelines in Delta state was being constantly and regularly vandalised with crude oil being steadily stolen from it when it was under the guidance of the Pipelines Infrastructures Nigeria Limited. The Trans-Forcados has since being at peace after it was taken away from PINL and given to another private security company to manage.”

“All surveillance contract be taken away from PINL for failure to deliver. The company is just pocketing huge billions of naira annually for doing nothing while the nation’s economy bleeds.

“We call on the Presidency to do the needful because those collaborating with the illicit oil barons to steal the nation’s oil wealth cannot still be patronised to watch over the same installations and facilities they are sabotaging,” the group added.

Amb. Agbolaya congratulates Muslim Ummah as they Commission Ultra modern Mosque in Warri

A front line Chairmanship Aspirant for Warri South Local Government Council in Delta State, Amb. Dr. Toyin Agbolaya JP has congratulated Muslims Ummah in Warri South as they commission an ultra modern mosque in Daudi part of Warri.

The Mosque which was commissioned Sunday January 7, 2024 was built by the Islamic faithfuls in the Warri in order to enhance Islamic propagation and allow for comfortable environment for worship by believers of Almighty Allah.

While congratulating the Muslim faithful, Dr. Agnolaya urged them to sustain the spirit of religious tolerance as they have exhibited over the years with their Christian brothers and sisters which has been Worthy of emulation by others, he aso assured them of his readiness to work with them and carry all religious body along if he emerges as the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council.

He cmmended the Muslims in Daudu where the ultra modern Daudu Central Mosque is sited , saying it is highly welcomed in Bowen Ward under his Ward and described it as a beautiful edifice which has changed the aesthetic view of the area.

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III CFR, represented by three of his Chiefs from the Palace: namely: Chief Gabriel Awala JP,, Chief Eugene Ikomi JP and Engr. Chief Dr. Wilson Olley.

The Otaru of Auchi, His Royal Majesty , Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh, Ikeleb Iii, the member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Reps Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP were among Royal father and Co launchers respectively at the event.

The event also featured lectures on religious tolerance between Muslims , Christians and other Faiths, Unity of Muslim Ummahs as well as importance of Masjid to Muslim Ummah and spending in the case of Allah.

Different Islamic scholars within Delta, Edo and other parts of the country delivered the knowledge filled lectures.

“We Lost 350 Members, 834 Cattle To Plateau Killings In 3 Months – Fulani Groups allergies”

A coalition of Fulani groups in Plateau State on Sunday January 7, 2024 comprising Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN), Bajoil Fulani, Jonde Jam Kautal Hore and Lawul Fulaku, said it had lost 350 members between October, 2023 and January, 2024 in the state.

The coalition also alleged that it lost 834 cattle within the said period in various communities of Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs of the state.

Fulani communities has come out to voice their apprehension over the recent attacks and killings in the villages of Bokkos and Barikin Ladi LGAs, where over 190 persons were killed.

The groups, in a press conference, led by State Chairman of MACBAN, in Jos, Malam Nura Adullahi, said members of the Fulani living in various communities were being molested, maltreated, intimidated, and in many cases killed.

Abdullahi said, “It is on record that since 29th of August 2023 to 24th of December 2023, a total of 834 cattle were rustled in Kawel, Rom and Sat in Bokkos and their accomplices from Mangu LGA.

“Early last year, attacking marauders began unleashing their dastardly acts on Fulani communities in Mangu LGA between April 14th and July 15th. The atrocities committed against the Fulani included the brutal killing of over 350 individuals and the burning down of more than 115 villages to ashes, resulting in the destruction of all properties and food items.

“A total of 23,515 internally displaced persons IDPs are residing in camps, relatives homes and neighborhood states such as Bauchi ,Kaduna , Nasarawa and Taraba.”

He stated that household properties worth billions of naira were also lost during the carnage, adding that the entire Fulani communities were displaced from eight districts including Mangu, Panyam, Pushit, Kerang, Bwoi, Kombun, Ampang and Mangum.

According to him, some of the villages where the Fulani communities were displaced include Bwoi, Kombun, Sarfai, Rinago, Jukga, Kuwes, Kaangag , Farinkasa, Kerana, Lugga, Dimeza, Fungong, Gindirin, Gok, Bunghan, Gida, Milet, Rufwang, Dejwak, Lupo, Wushik, among others.

The chairman disclosed that all the atrocities committed against them were in the records of security agencies in the state.

However, the groups called on all their members to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, urging security agencies to investigate the recent happenings and ensure justice.

DRC Election: Tinubu Congratulates President Tshisekedi On Re-Election

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo on his re-election.

The President commended the government and people of DR Congo for ensuring a successful conduct of the last elections.

The President also congratulated the people of DR Congo for deepening democratic norms by exercising their rights without resorting to acts inimical to the sustenance of democracy.

“It is welcoming that the last elections in DR Congo were well-concluded. Democracy is sustainable on the continent. I congratulate President Tshisekedi on his victory. The President has demonstrated statesmanship in his handling of regional and continental matters. Africa will overcome any challenge with governance by popular consent, and democracy will thrive,”

The President wishes President Tshisekedi a successful term in office.

Oborevwori lauds Army for fight against oil theft, other related  crimes

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in the country for their fight against oil theft and sundry crimes.

Oborevwori gave the commendation at the 2023 combined West African Social Activities (WASA) for Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion held at the 181 Amphibious Battalion New Barracks, Alifikede, Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu said the efforts of the Army and other sister security agencies have helped to maintain peace and phenomenal growth of infrastructure as well as unity across the state.

He said the success story of the Oborevwori administration cannot be told without the collaboration of the Army, the police and other sister security agencies.

He said: “I am delighted to be in your midst today at as Special Guest of Honour for the year 2023 West African Social Activities for the Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion.

“The tradition of WASA dates back to the days of the Royal West African Frontier Force when troops and their families come together at the end of the year to socialise and celebrate the achievements of their formations or units for that year.

“I am proud to say with all confidence that officers and soldiers of Headquarters 63 Brigade and 181 Amphibious Battalion as well as their families have given a good account of themselves in the true spirit of WASA.

“The year 2023 was an eventful year characterised by challenges and successes. Worthy of note is the gallant performance and sacrifice of the personnel towards the fight against oil theft, sundry crimes and the successful conduct of the 2023 General elections among other operations and assignments.

“Therefore, I commend you for the sacrifices towards ensuring an enduring peace across the state and I must sincerely appreciate the Commander 63 Brigade and his wonderful team for this,” he stated.

Oborevwori while urging the officers and soldiers to remain loyal and committed to their duties, assured the Army of the continued support of the State Government and paid special tribute to fallen heroes who paid the supreme price to keep the country safe and united.

In his opening remarks, the Chief host and Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brig. Gen. S. Aliyu said WASA is aimed at bringing the soldiers and their families together to celebrate the activities of the year.

He said the exercise helps soldiers and their families to bond together through the display of various cultural activities

Brig. Gen. Aliyu said the Brigade will continue to ensure the welfare of soldiers in the performance of their duties and commended Governor Oborevwori, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Port-Harcourt and the Chief of Army Staff for their support.

Welcoming guests earlier, Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Agbor, Lt. Col. A. N. Abubakar, said the exercise was one of the activities organised annually to celebrate the successes recorded by the Army during the year.

The celebration featured the famous tug of war draw, stripping and assembling, cultural dances as well as local cuisines across the country.