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Operation Delta Sanity: Why Nigerians must support CNS Ogalla in fight against Oil thefts -Agbese

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon, Philip Agbese, has praised the Nigerian Navy’s efforts in combating oil theft, citing significant progress under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla’s leadership.

Recall that the federal lawmaker raised a motion to investigate crude oil theft and loss of revenue last year, which caused the Speaker, House of Representatives, RT. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas to set up a probe panel.

But Agbese, while responding to questions shortly after Thursday’s plenary, on his opinion about his Bills and motions in the House, particularly on the oil theft, said the Navy’s Operation Delta Sanity launched in January 2024, has yielded remarkable successes.

Agbese said Ogalla’s leadership has had far-reaching implications on the economy, adding that increased revenue from recovered oil and reduced losses has bolstered Nigeria’s fiscal balance and enabled investments in critical sectors.

He said the Navy’s intensified efforts have led to the recovery of over 62,000 barrels of crude oil and nearly a million litres of illegally refined products, disrupting the operations of oil thieves and bolstering Nigeria’s oil production.

Under Ogalla’s strategic guidance, he noted, the Navy has adopted a multi-faceted approach to combat oil theft, including aggressive surveillance and patrols, the dismantling of illegal refining sites, and the arrest of suspects.

The Navy’s collaboration with international partners, he said, has also strengthened its ability to combat maritime crime.

Furthermore, Agbese said the launch of non-kinetic offensives, such as community engagement and educational outreaches, has helped to win the support of local communities and prevent oil theft.

“The impact of Ogalla’s leadership is evident in the numbers. Nigeria’s crude oil production has risen from 1.08 million barrels per day in July 2023 to an average of 1.38 million barrels per day in January and February 2024,” he said.

“Additionally, military operations have stalled oil theft estimated at N1,558,665,080 in the South-South region. The Nigerian Navy’s renewed commitment under Ogalla’s leadership has sent a strong message to oil thieves and saboteurs: Nigeria will no longer tolerate the theft of its resources.

“Recall that during Ogalla’s presentation at the sectorial debate organised by the House of Representatives, he elaborated on the progress so far. He, however, requested that the National Assembly intervene in enhancing surveillance to cover the backwaters, creeks, and other areas behind the coastline.

“I’m proud of what he has achieved since then. The Navy last month announced the extension of Operation Delta Sanity for an additional ninety days. This is a sign that Ogalla is not satisfied yet”, Agbese added.

Agbese urged stakeholders to support the Navy’s efforts, commending Vice Admiral Ogalla and the Nigerian Navy for their dedication to national security.

The success of Operation Delta Sanity, he added, demonstrates Ogalla’s commitment to protecting the nation’s resources, paving the way for a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.

He concluded: “As we continue to make progress in this fight, I am confident that Nigeria will emerge stronger and more prosperous. I commend Vice Admiral Ogalla and the Nigerian Navy for their tireless efforts and dedication to our nation’s security.”

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Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election

Published

26 mins ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.

Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.

Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.

In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.

“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.

“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”

News

Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.

Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.

Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”

In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”

Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”

On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”

Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said

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Delta Police PRO Warns POS Operators, says transactions above N500k can put you in trouble

Published

2 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, has warned Point of Sale (POS) operators to desist from receiving large sums of money on behalf of anyone as they run the risk of being held as accomplices to kidnappers.

The PPRO gave the warning in a post on Thursday, October 17, 2024, when he paraded a female POS operator who allegedly received N4m ransom for kidnappers.

“My message to POS operators, transactions above 500k can get you into trouble. Don’t be a tool for kidnappers to collect ransom. It must be traced to you. She received #4,000,000 ransom from kidnappers and her profit was just #40,000. Can you imagine? Be wise, you may argue that you are doing business, but before your lawyer will get you out, you may spend some time cooling off in prison,” he wrote.