News
Oil theft: DHQ rubbishes Tompolo’s allegation against Navy
Defence Headquarters, Thursday, described as ‘laughable’, allegation by Chairman, Tantitta Security Services, Mr Government Ekpemuopolo, alias Tompolo, that the Nigerian Navy was sabotaging the fight against crude oil theft.
Noting that it cannot be seen to be joining issues with Tompolo, the DHQ, said the work of the Navy and its determined efforts to rid the Niger Delta of economic saboteurs and crude oil thieves which is reflecting on the nation’s crude production, was there for everybody to see.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this while commenting on Tompolo’s allegation made on Monday.
He said: “What I will say is that such allegation is just laughable. We will not join issues with anybody. What we seek is cooperation not conflict. We don’t want all these back and forth. We don’t want all this blackmail. What we want is working to ensure increased production of crude oil.
“The efforts of our Navy is very obvious. It is there for everybody to see and we are seeing the increase in crude oil production. We are ready to work in collaboration with stakeholders to continue to increase oil production. That is what we want.”
Recall that Tompolo had on Monday accused Navy personnel of being a clog in Tantitta’s fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, calling on Nigerians to join hands in the battle to save the country’s economy.
Also, Major General Buba disclosed that those (IPOB/ESN) members responsible for the killing of three soldiers at a checkpoint in Abia State would be tracked down and made to pay the price for their murderous act.
Urging innocent citizens of the area not to panic, he said: “Our troops were attacked on November 13, and we recorded three casualties in the South East. To those expressing fear that troops will come and start killing everybody, this is not true.
“We are a professional force with rules of engagement. We will not go about killing people, but there will be consequences for those responsible for the attack. Our target will be against the terrorists and we will get them and I will give you the good news.”
Three people have died and more than 10,000 hectares of rice farms have been destroyed following a severe flood in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
The flood, believed to have resulted from the release of water from the Jebba hydroelectric power dam, has wreaked havoc on several farming communities, washing away crops ready for harvest.
Abdulrahman Abdulkadir Wuya-Kede, President of the Kede Youth Development Association, said his three-hectare rice farm was among those affected.
“All the farms were ready for harvest. Some had even started harvesting when the flood struck. We don’t understand why the water was released without proper communication with the communities,” he said.
Another victim, Abubakar Ndako, described the incident as catastrophic, urging the authorities to intervene urgently.
“Lives, capital and hard-earned investments have been lost-most of which cannot be recovered. Farmers from across the country-Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri-had migrated here for dry-season farming. Now, many are left hopeless,” he said.
The communities had resorted to dry-season irrigation farming after suffering similar flooding during the last rainy season.
Confirming the incident, Dr Ibrahim Audu Hussaini, Director of Information and Special Duties at the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) said the three deaths occurred when a canoe capsized while attempting to cross a flooded river.
He said the agency is still assessing the full extent of damage to homes and farmlands.
The Vatican city has announced the death of Pope Francis .
The first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at the age of 88 on Monday.
He had suffered various ailments in his 12 year papacy, with severe complications in recent weeks.
Details shortly…
Rivers State Administrator, Retired Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas marked Easter on Sunday with a worship service at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt.
Ibas was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Theresa, their children, and key state officials including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, and his family.
A statement signed by the SSA media, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the administrator joined worshippers in a service filled with uplifting hymns and prayers for peace in Rivers State and the country.
Chaplain Pastor Barasin Ogan delivered a message, reminding the congregation of the transformative power of Christ and assuring them of divine justification, deliverance, healing, and righteousness through faith.
Special prayers were offered for President Bola Tinubu, Administrator Ibas, and the continued progress of Rivers State, reinforcing unity and faith as the foundation for a brighter future.
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