Oil producing communities fight at Reps PIB public hearing - Newstrends
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Oil producing communities fight at Reps PIB public hearing

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Fight broke out among members of the oil producing communities in the Niger Delta region at the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives on the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Trouble reportedly started when the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas was called to the podium to make a presentation.

Some other bodies of host communities, however, stood up, leading to a rowdy session.

The situation became worse when members of the opposing sides began to exchange blows, forcing the lawmakers to seek the intervention of security operatives.

The leaders of the oil-rich areas under the aegis of the Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas had on Tuesday rejected the 2.5 per cent proposed for them in the Petroleum Industry Bill 2020, being considered by the joint Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, (Downstream, Upstream and Gas).

They insisted that nothing short of the 10 per cent of the operating expenditure they were demanding would be acceptable to them because the proposed 2.5 per cent was grossly inadequate to provide basic social amenities and improve the standard of living of their people.

But the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, faulted the position of host communities insisting on 10 per cent of the operating expenditure of the oil firms to set up a trust fund.

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Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

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Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’

Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

Supporters of former Peter Obi have unveiled a new grassroots political initiative, the “Village Boys Movement”, in Abuja ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The movement is designed to mobilise rural and local communities and offer a value-driven alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s “City Boys” network, promoted by his son, Seyi Tinubu.

The movement was launched as a platform to engage grassroots supporters, promote ethical leadership, and advocate accountability in Nigerian politics. Its convener, Maazị Tochukwu Ezeoke, introduced himself as the “Village Headmaster” and described the group as a disciplined and principled organisation built on responsibility, honesty, and transparency.

Speaking at the Abuja launch, Ezeoke emphasised that the Village Boys Movement is not designed to target urban populations. Rather, the name is symbolic, reflecting the movement’s focus on values such as ethical leadership, productivity, and community-driven accountability. He said, “The issue is not geography but the source of wealth, the ethics of leadership, and the structure of accountability. We represent a Nigeria that works before it earns and earns before it spends.”

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Organisers highlighted that the initiative will primarily operate in rural communities, advocating civic engagement, political education, and grassroots mobilisation. The platform aims to strengthen Peter Obi’s outreach beyond urban centres, complementing existing youth networks while encouraging active participation in the democratic process.

Political analysts note that the launch of the Village Boys Movement signals a strategic effort by Obi’s supporters to counter the influence of Tinubu’s City Boys, which has historically rallied urban youth support. The initiative underscores the growing importance of grassroots campaigns in Nigeria’s 2027 elections and reflects an emphasis on values-based politics as a tool to attract voters nationwide.

The movement has pledged to expand operations across multiple states, engage community leaders, and empower citizens at the local level, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape ahead of the 2027 polls.

Peter Obi Launches ‘Village Boys Movement’ to Rival Tinubu’s City Boys Ahead of 2027

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AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

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Zadna Dantani

AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

Less than 48 hours before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon. Zadna Dantani, has pulled out of the race and declared support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Hon. Christopher Zakka Maikalangu.

Dantani’s withdrawal follows a similar move in Bwari Area Council, where the PDP candidate, Hon. Julius Adamu, stepped down in favour of APC’s Joshua Ishaku Musa, signalling a major shift in political alignment ahead of Saturday’s elections.

In a formal declaration, Dantani explained that his decision was influenced by high-level intervention from the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as both “party leader and FCT leader.”

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“I want to sincerely appreciate everyone who supported us. This decision is not about personal interests. The Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, emphasized that this is a brotherhood election. I am aligning with APC in support of the good works of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dantani said.

Dantani also confirmed that he had completed all legal formalities, including submitting a letter of withdrawal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the move was entirely voluntary and made after consultations with family and stakeholders.

He called on his supporters across AMAC’s 12 wards to vote for APC’s Christopher Maikalangu, describing the alignment as a step toward unity and effective governance in the territory.

Political analysts note that these high-profile PDP withdrawals in both AMAC and Bwari have reshaped the FCT political landscape, increasing APC’s chances of sweeping the elections and stirring debates about PDP’s internal cohesion ahead of upcoming local and national contests.

AMAC Polls Shock: Another PDP Candidate Withdraws from FCT Race, Backs APC

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Updated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64

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Senator Mpigi Barinada

Updated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64

Lawmaker representing the South East Senatorial district of Rivers State, Senator Mpigi Barinada is dead.

He was aged 64.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, confirmed the sad development in a tribute post on his official X handle on Thursday.

He wrote, “Good night my dear friend. Rest in Peace, Senator Mpigi Barinada. Sen Mpigi represented Rivers South East in the Senate”.

The Rivers Senator was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works.

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Senator representing Nasarawa South, Mohammed Onawo, also paid glowing tribute to the late Rivers senator and urged his colleagues to honour his memory.

He spoke during the session of the Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism on Thursday.

First elected in 2011 to the lower house, he was re-elected for a second term in December 2016.

In 2019, he was elected as the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

 

Updated: Rivers Senator Mpigi Barinada dies at 64

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