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Angry Isoko communities vow to stop oil exploration over non release of funds for devt
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Worried over the deplorable state of their various communities as a result of decades of neglect by oil companies operation in these communities,stakeholders in Isoko land are spoiling for shut down of oil operations in their land.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Erere Okpako
Angela Akpofa
For:Isoko Grassroot Mobilizers.
In the statement they stated that they are particularly disturbed and disappointed that nearly two years after inauguration of AIO Host Community Development Trust (AIO HCDT) as mandated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021,nothing has happened.
By the Act,Oil companies are expected to channel three percent of their Operating Expenditure (OPEX) to the HCDTs for the development of the host communities.
Of these funds,75% is earmarked for infrastructure development while 20% and five percent are for investment and administrative purposes respectively.
But as we write this,even the five percent that is to enable a proper take off has not been released let alone those for infrastructure and reserve.
The various communities are visibly disturbed thus calling for a review of any relationship that exists between them and the oil companies particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Exploration and Productions Limited (NEPL) operators of OML 26 and the new players ,Sterling Global saying that unless something urgent is done,operations and activities of these companies may not be guaranteed.
The AIO HCDT has been working without tools,not even office accommodation.
Indeed,so many meetings have been held with the NEPL in Warri and Ozoro with the hope of resolving all grey areas but back and forth have been the ordeal of the HCDT and now the communities say enough is enough.
“We wonder if PIA is a curse or a blessing?” one community leader who declines to be named lamented recently.
Before the advent of the PIA and inauguration of the HCDTs,administration of Community activities were carried out under the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) as a doctrine of necessity thinking that a more structured PIA will make for easier and better administration but sadly,the situation has not been any way better.
Earlier in October, 2025 NEPL communicated to the AIO Board of Trustees(BOT) Chairman the approval of the five percent administrative budget but as we write this,the bank account has not funded thus creating more complications to operationalising the HCDT activities.
While the agitated communities including the Isoko Youth Assembly spoil for a show down with the oil companies,the BOT of the AIO HCDT is trapped between two difficult sides of the divide.
Insiders at the NEPL however admitted that things are really slow but plead for the communities understanding.
The Isoko stakeholders say the oil companies should not over reach their luck as “we can no longer allow them to take us for granted.We implore the operators to expedite actions to forestall any possible consequences that may result from a shutdown.”
The stakeholders also prevail on government interventions to save the situation and avoid economic losses to all .
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has drawn attention to a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by criminal elements and scammers targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
The fraudsters have been found using the names of top NDLEA officials, most notably the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to issue fake private letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale on auction.
The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money.
No official of the Agency has the mandate to privately offer, allocate, or sell forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals. Vehicles and other assets forfeited as proceeds of drug crimes are strictly auctioned through public processes managed by appointed, government-registered auctioneers. Any legitimate auction exercise is widely publicized in national dailies and through the Agency’s official channels, in line with established legal and public procurement guidelines.
Members of the public are strongly urged to discountenance, ignore, and report any such private letters, text messages, or social media offers claiming to originate from Barrister Shadrach Haruna or any other NDLEA official.
The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or via our official communication channels.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) led by Nafiu Gombe has picked Professor Chris Uba as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
The party disowned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as its flag bearer.
The group said the party had already completed its presidential nomination process in line with its constitution and the Electoral Act, adding that Uba emerged as the recognized candidate after all required procedures were concluded.
The faction also disowned the National Working Committee headed by former Senate President David Mark, saying it has no constitutional or legal authority to act on behalf of the party.
It maintained that the recognized leadership of the ADC remains in charge of the party’s affairs.
According to the statement released on Wednesday, the clarification became necessary to stop attempts to create confusion about the party’s position ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said the ADC had not entered into any alliance, merger or coalition with any political party.
added that the party remains independent and intends to contest the elections with its own structure, manifesto and leadership.
The faction said it believes Uba has the experience, character and capacity to lead the country if elected in 2027.
It also warned Atiku against presenting himself as the ADC’s presidential candidate, saying such a claim is false and could mislead party members and the public.
The group added that the ADC would not allow its platform to be used by politicians pursuing personal ambitions or by coalition groups seeking to take over the party’s structure.
It said every constitutional and legal step would be taken to protect the party from what it described as unauthorised use of its name and platform.
The faction also dismissed reports suggesting that there were plans to stop the ADC from participating in the 2027 elections, expressing confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission and the country’s electoral process.
It said the party is preparing to present candidates for the presidency, governorships, National Assembly, state assemblies and local government elections across the country.
Three brothers have appeared before the Mbabane Magistrates Court in Swaziland on a murder charge following the brutal de@th of their mother’s boyfriend.
The accused, Mlondi Mbuli, 25, Sakhelwe Mbuli, 18, and Lindani Mdziniso, 23, all from the Hholoshini area in Eswatini’s Hhohho Region, are alleged to have fatally assaulted Njabulo Ngwenya on June 28, 2026.
According to police, the brothers att@cked Ngwenya with bricks, stones, sticks, open hands, and kicks to different parts of his body. Investigators allege the assa¥lt was motivated by the brothers’ belief that Ngwenya was having a relationship with their biological mother.
Court records state that the incident was reported after Sibongile Motsa, also from Hholoshini, informed police that she discovered her son, Njabulo Ngwenya, lying deed inside her sister’s house at about 1 a.m. on June 28, 2026.
The matter came before Principal Magistrate Sfiso Vilakati during the trio’s initial court appearance.
The three defendants have been remanded in custody until July 10, 2026, pending committal of the case to the High Court for further proceedings.
Disclaimer: NDLEA alerts public on fraudulent auction offers impersonating officials
2027 reggae dance: New ADC presidential candidate emerges
ANGER: Three Brothers Face Murder Charge for Beating man to death for dating Their Mom
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