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Ex- Niger Delta agitators warn North against attacking Tinubu

Published

4 months ago

August 22, 2024

Amb. Alban Paulinus

Ex- Niger Delta agitators warn North against attacking Tinubu

The Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (NDEF) has denounced constant attacks on any southern presidency by the north lamenting that such development is hampering the desire for justice and equity in the country.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, August 22, the group’s chairman, Amb. Alban Paulinus, observed with dismay that the north had already resumed its political hostility against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue with the trend of discrediting any President from the south.

Paulinus, popularly known as General Skillar, said all the stakeholders in the South must stand together in solidarity with Tinubu insisting that the President was committed to evolving a better and more prosperous country.

He said the North stood behind the Presidency of Muhammadu Buhari despite the unimaginable state of insecurity and disastrous economic policies that characterized his administration.

Paulinus recalled that the North launched an attack on former President Goodluck Jonathan and ensured he was denied a second term.

He said: “A similar pattern is emerging with President Tinubu, as some Northern groups are already calling for his removal barely a year into his administration.

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“This starkly contrasts with the attitude of northern leaders during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who served two full terms despite significant security challenges.

“We decry this disparity as a destabilizing force that threatens the unity and integrity of Nigeria. We call for an immediate end to this trend of undermining Southern leadership”.

Paulinus, who was accompanied by other ex-agitators drawn from different parts of the Niger Delta, said if the unwarranted provocation continued they would take decisive action to protect the South.

He said the forum would continue to show unequivocal support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as a robust blueprint for national development.

He emphasised that the President’s commitment to comprehensive reforms was crucial for addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the country today.

Paulinus also recalled historical bias against Southern Senate Presidents, saying they systematically targeted for impeachment.

He cited the cases of former Senate Presidents from the South, such as Senator Evan Enwerem, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, Anyim Pius Anyim, Adolphus Wabara, and Ken Nnamani, none of who were allowed to complete their tenures.

“In contrast, Northern Senate Presidents such as David Mark, Bukola Saraki, and Ahmed Lawan served their terms without significant challenges, he said.

Paulinus expressed worries over the recent calls for the impeachment of the current Southern Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, saying it was further evidence of the injustice against the South.

Paulinus warned that the ex-agitators would not tolerate such actions and vowed to resist any attempts to undermine Akpabio’s leadership with all means at their disposal.

He asserted that the Senate Presidency must symbolize national unity rather than being used as a tool for regional domination.

He said the forum demanded the establishment of a South-South Development Commission, arguing that the commission was necessary to ensure equity and justice in regional development, distinct from the existing Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC).

They called on Senator Akpabio and other federal legislators from the Southsouth to initiate and speed up the passage of a bill for the creation of the commission.

Paulinus urged politicians in the south, including the Southwest, Southeast, and Middle Belt to unite under a Southern Nigerian Movement (SNM).

He said: “The movement will be dedicated to defending and advancing the political, economic, and regional interests of the South and Middle Belt in the face of mounting challenges.

“The unity and future of Nigeria depends on the equitable treatment of all its regions, and the Niger Delta stands ready to lead the charge for a just and prosperous nation.”

Ex- Niger Delta agitators warn North against attacking Tinubu

Related Topics:agitators ex-Niger Delta North Tinubu

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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

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December 21, 2024

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Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has successfully apprehended 19 individuals attempting to stow away on Europe-bound vessels.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, the ship’s Information Officer, Lt. Hussaini Ibrahim, disclosed that 15 stowaways were intercepted on Dec. 19 aboard the European-bound Moto Tanker (MT) KRITI RUBY. Another four were caught on Dec. 21 aboard MT MCC YANBU.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the stowaways boarded the vessels at night and concealed themselves in the rudder compartment while attempting to illegally migrate to Europe,” Ibrahim stated.

The Navy’s Quick Response Team (QRT), operating from ATLAS COVE and using the Falcon Eye Alignment under the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, facilitated the interception of the 15 individuals near the Lagos fairway buoy.

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Ibrahim further explained that credible intelligence led to the interception of the additional four stowaways by Navy personnel deployed on escort duties aboard the vessel.

“The prompt response of the QRT saved the stowaways from exposure to life-threatening situations during the long voyage,” he added.

The first group of 15 individuals has been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Port/Marine Command, Apapa, for further investigation and necessary action. The remaining four suspects will also be transferred in due course.

“The presence of stowaways poses serious security threats to maritime operations, including risks of smuggling, piracy, drug and human trafficking, among other maritime crimes,” Ibrahim noted.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, NNS BEECROFT will continue maintaining security along Lagos waterways and surrounding creeks to support safe maritime activities and economic growth.

Navy arrests 19 Nigerians attempting to reach Europe by hiding on ship

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Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

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1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

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Nigerian military troops

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.

The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.

It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.

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The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.

“The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.

“The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.

“We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.

Troops arrest four Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

(NAN)

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NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

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1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Trends Admin

NIMC warns against extortion, reaffirms free NIN enrollment

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to the public, reiterating that enrollment for the National Identification Number (NIN) is entirely free of charge. The Commission emphasized that it neither charges nor authorizes its staff or Front End Partners (FEPs) to demand payment for NIN registration.

In a statement released on Friday by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for extortion and pledged to take decisive action against offenders. To ensure compliance, the Commission has directed security agencies to identify and prosecute any staff or FEPs involved in such illegal activities.

“Anyone caught engaging in extortion will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the law, including the withdrawal of licenses for culpable FEPs,” the statement read.

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NIMC also urged the public to report any cases of extortion. Complaints can be sent via email to [email protected] or by calling 0700-2255-646. The Commission assured Nigerians that all reports would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures would be taken to address any violations.

Reaffirming its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery, NIMC pledged to provide seamless and hassle-free enrollment processes for all Nigerians. The Commission expressed its determination to eliminate corruption and protect citizens from exploitation during NIN registration.

This announcement is a clear signal of NIMC’s dedication to upholding integrity and ensuring that the NIN enrollment process remains accessible and free for all. Nigerians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any attempts at extortion to help maintain the credibility of the system.