Why I was arrested while investigating oil bunkering – Fisayo Soyombo – Newstrends
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Why I was arrested while investigating oil bunkering – Fisayo Soyombo

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Fisayo Soyombo

Why I was arrested while investigating oil bunkering – Fisayo Soyombo

Popular investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo has shared details of his undercover operation after his release by the Nigerian army.

Soyombo’s release on Friday evening was revealed following outcry from members of the public and he was quick to express gratitude to Nigerians.

Revealing that he was involved in an undercover investigation on oil bunkering in an interview with Arise TV, the reporter said his arrest was because someone in the security setup was offended because he was not offered a bribe.

“Everyone other than the Nigerian army already knows what happened. I’m an investigative and undercover journalist. I was investigating illegal oil bunkering.

“It happened that, you know, it’s a complex story. It happened that someone in the security setup was offended that he didn’t get bribed. Because the illegal bunkerers would bribe people in security.

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“For now, I don’t want to be specific. But they would bribe and one got annoyed and tipped off others to say something is happening there. So they came.

“Everyone else ran away other than me. I came forward, I had an interaction with them. So, one, there was no arrest. The Nigerian army did not arrest me.

“They spotted me, flashed their touch, and I came out. And I wanted to open a conversation with them,” Soyombo said.

“The grouse of the army, the real grouse of the army is that I did not carry them along. I won’t deny that I have low trust for Nigerian public institutions… I didn’t trust the army. I didn’t carry them along.

“But I had also known that illegal oil bunkerers were bribing different people in various security formations. And I would endanger my life by carrying them along,” he added.

 

Why I was arrested while investigating oil bunkering – Fisayo Soyombo

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As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

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Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu

As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on all Igbos to extend a warm and jubilant welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his inaugural official visit to Enugu State.

The visit, scheduled for today, marks a significant moment as the president is set to commission key projects initiated by Governor Peter Mbah.

Ohanaeze, through its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, highlighted the importance of this visit as a testament to the president’s commitment to the Southeast.

The organization expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s efforts in prioritizing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of federal roads and establishing the Southeast Development Commission (SEDEC).

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“These developments symbolize hope, opportunity, and progress for our people.

“Under the leadership of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works, these infrastructural strides are transformative, addressing years of neglect and paving the way for socioeconomic revitalization in the Southeast,” Isiguzoro stated.

The group said it has mobilized millions of Igbos to celebrate the president’s commitment to improving the region’s welfare.

“Let us come together to show our unity, appreciation, and cultural vibrancy,” Isiguzoro urged.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo assured that every effort had been made to ensure President Tinubu feels at home, with mechanisms in place to reflect the timeless Igbo values of warmth and generosity.

Furthermore, the group reiterated its advocacy for the continuity of Tinubu’s presidency beyond 2027.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo called on every Igbo person to take advantage of Tinubu’s visit to showcase the Igbo nation’s unity, resilience, and aspirations.

“This visit marks a pivotal step toward a prosperous and united Nigeria,” Isiguzoro added.

 

As Tinubu visits Enugu, Ohanaeze calls for rousing welcome

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Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

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Governor Abdullahi Sule

Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dissolved his cabinet, sacking the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Ubandona-Aliyu, and all commissioners.

This development was disclosed in a statement signed by Mohammed Illiyasu-Idde, Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Duties, Office of the SSG, in Lafia on Friday.

The statement indicated that the dissolution takes effect immediately.

The governor directed all outgoing commissioners to hand over the affairs of their ministries and government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their respective ministries.

Similarly, the SSG is required to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs and Special Services.

Governor Sule expressed his gratitude to the outgoing appointees for their dedication and contributions to the development of the state.

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He acknowledged their efforts in various capacities during their tenure and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Political analysts view the move as a potential step towards reconstituting the cabinet for a fresh start in the new year.

Observers speculate that the decision may also be aimed at aligning the administration’s priorities with evolving governance needs in Nasarawa State.

The development has sparked discussions within the state, with citizens and political stakeholders awaiting further announcements from the governor’s office regarding the composition of the new cabinet.

Nasarawa Gov Sule sacks commissioners, SSG, others

 (NAN)

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Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate

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former Governor of Rivers State Dr Peter Odili and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Nyesom Wike

Wike: I won’t apologise to Odili, didn’t turn Rivers to personal estate

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations against him that he converted the resources of Rivers State into his private estate while serving as Governor.

Wike, who hosted some stakeholders in the state on Friday in Port Harcourt, stated that the allegation, attributed to former Governor Dr. Peter Odili, is false.

The Minister noted that those making the allegations have children serving in government as commissioners, questioning how he could have turned Rivers State into his personal property.

“Those who made the allegations have their children serving as commissioners. Is any of my children a commissioner? I never converted the state into my personal estate,” he said.

He reiterated that individuals like Dr. Abiye Sekibo, former PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Okpara were among those who opposed the candidacy of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor.

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“Those who parade themselves as elders of the state today were the same people who opposed Fubara’s emergence as Governor. I stood my ground. But today, they are the ones moving everywhere, calling themselves elders.”

Wike nostalgically recalled that since 1999, when he contested elections for the Obio/Akpor local government council, “I have been winning every election I contest because we know how this game works.”

He also recounted how he risked his life to help former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki win reelection. “I had an ulcer, but I still went to Edo and ensured Obaseki won that election. I fought Oshiomhole. The police ordered me to leave Edo State. I left my car at the hotel and disappeared. But the same Obaseki turned against us.”

The FCT Minister appealed to Monday Okpebholo, the current Governor of Edo State, not to turn against Oshiomhole as his predecessor did.

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