Oil Operations in Niger Delta: CNS canvasses Sustained Intelligence Sharing between IOCs and Security Agencies.

By Tega Caleb, Warri

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has charged International Oil Companies to ensure sustained information and intelligence sharing with security agencies towards a secured operating environment in the Niger Delta.

The CNS gave this charge while hosting the Managing Director (MD) of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr. Lorenzo Fiorillo on Tuesday in his office.



Admiral Ibas used the opportunity to express concern over the use of illegally sourced petroleum products by some oil industry operators, which he stated, violates global best practices.



He commended Agip for the existing collaboration between the company and the Nigerian Navy, particularly the provision of berthing facilities by the company to Nigerian Navy ships.



According to the CNS, with the sustained induction of new ships into the Nigerian Navy inventory, provision of berthing facilities would enable the NN respond adequately to threats in the maritime environment, assuring that the NN will continue to collaborate with Agip and support its operations.



The CNS also requested for regular over flight reporting of incidences of maritime security interest observed in the course of Agip routine operations to the NN.



Speaking, Mr. Fiorillo appreciated the concern of the CNS over the practice of patronizing illegally sourced petroleum products by some oil companies, pledging that Agip will collaborate with the NN to stamp out the practice.



He also commended the NN for the improved security situation in the maritime domain and extended an invitation to the NN to participate in a one-day workshop on Security and Human Rights being organized by the company slated for 14 October 2019 in Abuja.



The MD also added that the workshop is designed to raise awareness on the issues of human rights and the threat factors in Security Management System.



He said the workshop will draw participants from senior management staff of relevant oil companies, security agencies and the National Human Rights Commission.



 Mr. Fiorillo reiterated that the workshop will facilitate interaction and enhance the knowledge of concerned authorities and personnel on how to carry out their duties professionally and in line with international human rights standards and regulations.



END

Nigeria, now a violent Country- Security Expert warns

Tega Caleb, WARRI

A security Expert, Chief Assay Godspower said Nigeria is now a violent Country.

He stated this Tuesday during the commemoration of World Peace Day organized by the Centre for Environmental Peace and Justice, CEPEJ.

He said there are herders and farmer clashes, terrorism, serial killings and cultism.

Godspower stressed that Nigeria is now being plagued by cultism.

He insisted that primary and secondary schools have been overtaken by the activities cultists.

"There is cultism in every States and every towns. It is no more secret. It is a big problem we are facing."

Godspower named some of the cult groups to include, Dominion, Green landers, highlanders, Blue Spice, Scorpion, secret sons of Satan, king cobra, black cross, scavengers, blood brotherhood and others.

Godspower noted that peer group influence, lack of security department in schools, free movement of students, no access control, fallen standards of education, religious silence on cultism as some of the causes of cultism in the Country.

Godspower stated that the effects is that parents are now breeding violent children.

Godspower further called on the Federal Government to raise a strong campaign against cultism in the Country.

He added that parents should be more vigilant to the activities of rhe it children within and outside amongst others.

In an address, the Executive Director, Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe corroborated the claims of Godspower saying, "peace is a nin- negotiable aspect of life that is essential for social, political and economic development and we should at any given time promote and encourage others to live in peace with all men irrespective of tribe, religious and ethical differences.

"Peace is trans- generational, peace is the way to go for sustainable development as Nigeria our great Country shall remain one indivisible Country in peace till Jesus return (Psalm 122:6, Psalm 133:1-3).

The President/Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Smart Development Foundation, Omawumi Evelyn Atsiangbe Urhobo and the Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Delta State Governor, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel also bared their minds on the matter.

Climate change cause of farmers/herders clashes - CEPEJ

EFFURUN - THE Centre for Environmental Peace and Justice, CEPEJ on Tuesday linked the crisis between farmers/herders in Nigeria to the impact of climate change.

CEPEJ regrets that the crisis has caused many deaths and loss of properties in communities mostly affected.

CEPEJ National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade made the assertion at an event to commemorate the World Peace Day held in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

"The cases of banditry which is threatening the security of lives and property and the peace of many communities across the country today can also be linked to the effect of climate Change."

CEPEJ said, "Climate change is perhaps the biggest challenge faced by our generation today. 

"It effects are widespread and significant, affecting agriculture, energy, human health, terrestrial and marine ecosystems, water resources, and some industries across the world and especially Africa, Its toll on human life is irrefutable, and is obviously, a major threat to peace in our society."

CEPEJ appealed to the Federal, State and Local Governments, critical stakeholders and students to ensure that the conversation on climate change and climate action continues beyond this event. 

"There is no going back on what have been happening globally since the Paris Agreement was ratified and the Sustainable Development Agenda launched in 2015 till date. 

"We risk the wide range of devastating impacts of climate change if we fail to continue to take actions."

The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace, Climate Action for Peace.

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Bebenimibo congratulates Okowa, calls for support

By Tega Caleb

WARRI - THE Commissioner representing Ijaw Ethnic Nationality in the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo congratulated the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on his victory at the Governorship Election Tribunal, calling on Deltans to support him.

Bebenimibo made the call during a chat with some journalists in Warri weekend while celebrating Okowa victory with supporters.

The Commissioner calls on the opposition to join forces with the Governor to move the State forward.

According to him, "We are happy that his Excellency won, we knew he won the elections free and fair but the opposition has a right to challenge it in Court, now that the Court has decided they should join hands with Okowa to move the stare forward.

"The State belongs to us all, we should not pull it down in pursuing personal goal. Development of the State is sacrosanct and a general duty.

"I call on party faithfuls to work hardier and in unison to actualize the agenda of the government as no stone should be left unturned in moving Delta smartly forward."

Bebenimibo also congratulated the Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro for the victory, saying it has confirmed the trust Deltans reposed on the Governor and his Deputy.

He expressed optimism that a united Deltans with committed citizens will fast track the Delta of our dreams.
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Uduaghan to appeal tribunal ruling, insists he won the election

WARRI - THE Immediate past Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, Candidate for Delta South in the last general elections has vowed to challenged the tribunal ruling for not declaring his victory.

The former Governor who celebrated the nullification though expresses displeasure that he ought to have been declared winner instead of ordering a rerun.

Uduaghan who spoke through his Media Assistant. Monoyon Edon on a press statement however thanked the Justice C.O Onyeaba-led Delta South Senatorial Election Petition Tribunal for nullifying Sen. James Manager victory.

According to the Press Statement. "While we are happy with the tribunal’s judgement which affirmed my party’s position that the election was rigged and characterized with electoral over voting, we are not entirely satisfied with the judgement as the tribunal ought to have deducted the excess illegal votes and declared me and my party rightful winner of the election.

“In view of this, we shall be challenging the tribunal’s judgement at the Appeal Court to declare us as the outright winner of the February 23rd, 2019 National Assembly Election for Delta South Senatorial District.”

Uduaghan thanks the good people of Delta South and supporters who had been waiting for the outcome of this judgement. He dedicates the victory to the people of Delta South assuring of victory at the Court of Appeal.

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