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Defence Headquarters, CSOs tackle Tompolo over oil theft allegation against Navy
The Defence Headquarters and a coalition of civil society organisations, CSOs, led by a Tinubu support group, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria, RHAN, and the Centre for Action Against Corruption, CAAC, on Thursday faulted claims made by ex-Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, concerning oil theft in Nigeria.
Tompolo, the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, which is executing the pipeline protection contract awarded by the Nigerian government, had while receiving the national leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Monday, accused the military, particularly the Nigerian Navy, of involvement in oil theft.
He accused the Navy of working at cross purposes with other state actors and private security outfits tasked with checking oil theft in the Niger Delta.
However, speaking at a biweekly update on military operations on Thursday in Abuja, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, dismissed Tompolo’s claims, describing it as ‘cheap blackmail’.
The Defence Headquarters spokesman said: “As to the question regarding the Nigerian Navy and the CEO of Tantita, you see, I’m almost laughing because it’s laughable. But what I want to say about this situation is this: We seek cooperation, not conflict.
“But all this cheap blackmail has to stop. Come on, we should move faster. We need to act in the best interest of our nation, particularly at this time when we need that revenue. We will work together with our partners.”
Also speaking on the issue on Thursday, the CSOs, led by RHAN and CAAC, condemned Tompolo’s allegations, which they described as unsubstantiated, baseless, frivolous and lacking in merit.
At a press conference in Abuja, the CSOs insisted that Tompolo lacks the moral justification to denigrate the Nigerian Navy, highlighting his antecedents, including his history as a wanted fugitive and member of a militant coalition that terrorised and kidnapped oil workers.
Abdullahi Bilal and Olayemi Isaacs, leaders of RHAN and CAAC, respectively, who addressed journalists, noted that under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Nigerian Navy has achieved significant milestones, including the destruction of illegal refining sites, arrest of sea pirates and reduction in maritime crimes while clocking over 21,630 hours of patrol, resulting in numerous arrests and seizures.
Warning that unsubstantiated allegations could lead to chaos and increased criminality, the CSOs urged the Nigerian Navy to remain focused and resilient in the fight against oil theft.
They added: “It is our collective responsibility to fight against those forces and interests which try to undermine our very collective existence and interests and ensure we annihilate them. This is why we are here today.
“This, to us, is an apt opportunity to take the bull by the horns and conscientise the public on the evil intentions of Tompolo and the sensitive nature of his allegation, as it tries to undermine the Nigerian Navy and also reduce the morale of the fighting gallant men in the field.
“We must also warn of the chaos, destruction and upsurge in criminalities if such misinformation and mischief continue unchecked and unmitigated. Our interest is the national interest.
“We believe that lifting this curtain of secrecy and mischief will move the nation forward, encourage the Armed Forces and indeed the security forces all over the nation, as the sacrifice to secure us.
“We, therefore, call on all lovers of peace and workers with God to join us to condemn this orchestrated onslaught against those men who have decided to haphazard their lives so that we can live in peace and quiet.”
Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.
The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.
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“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.
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“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)
A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.
Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.
He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.
“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.
“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.
“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.
“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”
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The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.
NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.
How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
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