OIL THEFT: NSCDC COMMANDANT GENERAL SPECIAL INTELLIGENCE SQUAD IMPOUNDS LONG CONTAINER TRUCK WITH 70,000 STOLEN PETROLEUM PRODUCTS STORED INSIDE INBUILT STORAGE TANK IN PORTHARCOURT.

Acting on the Commandant General's marching order to forestall incidents of pipeline Vandalism, Crude oil theft and illegal dealings in petroleum products in the Niger Delta;

The Commandant General's Special Intelligence Squad (CG'S SIS) in a swift response to an Intelligence tip-off has impounded a long Caravan Truck with an in-built tank fully loaded with stolen crude oil.

The truck was sighted while on transit around Eleme flyover in Elelewon, Port Harcourt and was impounded by the CG'S SIS.

In a brief interview with the CG'S SIS Boss; Commandant AS Dandaura hinted that his men were swiftly deployed to the crime scene and upon arrival they impounded a red head navy blue colour container truck with Registration number AGL574XY which was fully loaded with siphoned stolen crude illegally drawn from vandalised well-heads and destroyed installed pipelines.

Commandant Dandaura relayed that the conveyers of the Truck took to their heels as the operatives approached the scene of the crime.

He noted that the exhibits are already confiscated as investigative process have been launched to track down the syndicate who perpetrated such a heinous act of economic sabotage.

"For the records, the exhibits recovered at the point of arrest are: A red head and navy blue colour container with 10 tyres (Reg.no AGL564-XL), an estimated content of about 70,000 litres of stolen crude.

"Hence at expiration of a thorough investigation, the NSCDC would file for forfeiture of the mode of conveyance and the contents at the court of competent jurisdiction thereafter, the proceeds would be remitted to the proceeds of crime account (POCA)".

The CG'S SIS Commander further expressed the commitment of the Squad to keep waging relentless war against oil thieves and their sponsors as he affirmed that suspects arrested would be brought to book after diligent investigation.

SIGNED:
CSC AFOLABI BABAWALE Anipr,
NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
NSCDC NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU PROMISES NIGERIANS MORE HARD WORK FOR THE PEACE AND STABILITY OF THE NATION



President Bola Tinubu said Friday in Abuja that he will continue to work hard and pray for the peace and stability of the nation.



In an interview with reporters after the special Juma'ah prayer session for the nation and commemoration of his birthday at the National Mosque, the President thanked God for the grace of seeing his 73rd birthday.



The President will turn 73rd on March 29th, 2025.



President Tinubu said the safety and welfare of citizens remain uppermost on his mind and prayer list.



"I feel good. I feel happy. I thank the Almighty Allah, who has protected us and continues to answer our prayers.



"We also thank Allah for accepting our worship; that is key and very important to us.



"We have prayed for our country. We prayed for the stability and peace of the nation. We prayed that Almighty Allah will safeguard our people and all citizens,' the President added.



President Tinubu said his watchword remains "hard work and hard prayers.''





"The word for all of us is hard work. You work harder, and you pray harder. That's the inspiration I got from today's sermon.



"We thank God almighty that at this stage, we are still in it and working,'' he added.



Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Solagberu (the Malami Ubandoma of Ilorin Emirate) and other clerics led the special prayers for the nation and the president.



Dr Solaberu assured President Tinubu of continual prayers for his good health, strength and wisdom to steer the nation's affairs.



The renowned Islamic cleric and scholar noted that prayers for the nation's peace and stability would herald the citizens' development and well-being.



The Imam of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Kabir Adam, thanked the President and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for catering to the poor and needy during Ramadan.



Prof. Adam urged Muslims to continue their prayers for the President, the nation, and goodwill toward the poor after Ramadan.



"Mr. President, Allah is with you, and you will succeed,'' he added.



The Jumat was attended by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, ministers, Service Chiefs, and some members of the President's family.



Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

March 28, 2025

Tinubu’s second term assured – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can rest assured that his second term in office is guaranteed, notwithstanding the ongoing plot by the opposition to unseat him in the 2027 poll.

Speaking during the special Iftar/Lent dinner organized by the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) aimed at strengthening fellowship and deepening bonds of unity among governors, National Assembly members, ministers, top government functionaries, and the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja on Wednesday night, he expressed optimism that the APC would also sweep more elective seats across the country in the 2027 poll.

Applauding the Governor Hope Uzodinma-led PGF for organizing the event, he called on party stalwarts across the country to work together to achieve the objective.

He said: “Can we say amen! We will offer prayers for our party, that yes, indeed, victory shall be ours in 2027. Can we say a loud amen! And we will also pray for Mr. President that his second term is assured. Can we shout a loud amen!

"So, for the party, our governors, you will grow in numbers, you will grow in numbers. On our part in the parliament, ours is to continue to add the numbers to you. We just recently sent one of our own in the Senate to go and take care of Edo State. Is that not a good thing?”

Uzodinma remarked that the occasion allows party stalwarts to pray, reason, and work together in the task of nation-building, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure the victory of the APC in the 2027 poll.

“Because we practice partisan democracy, and because we produce the government, we must take ownership of the government no matter where we are and where we sit. The success of the government is our collective success. The failure of the government is our collective failure. And the government is like a product,” he noted.

“And all of us are marketing officers that must market this product. So the whole idea behind this… is to once more have a platform to appreciate ourselves, to celebrate our own, because the government is our own.

“So, as we work towards a more prosperous Nigeria, as we confront the challenges of leadership and governance, it is like a sweet and sour soup. Sometimes it is sweet, sometimes it looks bitter and sour, but at the end of the day, it is a food we must all eat.”

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, maintained that remarkable progress has been achieved due to the bold and courageous decisions taken by the President Tinubu-led administration.

The Minister argued that the drop in the inflation rate and the reduction in the cost of living among Nigerians speak volumes of the progress recorded by the President Tinubu-led administration.

According to him, we are all living it. Inflation is down, food prices are coming down, energy prices are coming down, the exchange rate is stable.

He added, “Those are the things that affect the cost of living that people are feeling. There are other figures and metrics that are behind the scenes. But what matters is how people are feeling, how it is impacting them. And that is why Mr. President continues to make every effort to intervene, particularly on behalf of the poor and the most vulnerable.

“For coming together, Muslim brothers and sisters observing Ramadan, Christian brothers and sisters observing Lent. In brotherhood and in sisterhood, we stand. God will keep us strong, make our party strong, and help us to support, encourage, and work with President Tinubu to make Nigeria strong, make Nigeria great.”

Among the dignitaries at the event were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Governors Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Monday Okpebholo, Francis Nwifuru, former Governor Yahaya Bello, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, 36 states and FCT chairmen of the party, and members of the Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje-led National Working Committee (NWC).

RE: STATE OF THE NATION:
President Bola Tinubu appoints Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) as Chairman - South South Development Commission(SSDC).

The claim that President Bola Tinubu has appointed Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) as Chairman of the South South Development Commission (SSDC) is false, and there are strong indications it may be a calculated act of blackmail.

This piece of misinformation originated from a social media post attributed to one Kufre Sam, reportedly a Personal Assistant to the Minister of Gas and Petroleum, Ekperikpe Ekpo. The news went viral when one Victor Sage Thompson posted same information on his verified Facebook timeline.

At the time of this report, there has been no official announcement from the Presidency or any credible government source confirming this appointment.

The dissemination of this fake news, coupled with its origin, suggests a potential attempt to manipulate public perception or exert undue pressure, which aligns with characteristics of blackmail.

Therefore, the news should be disregarded in it entirety as it lacks official verification and appears to be a malicious fabrication.

Independent Reporters, Abuja

Some of our friends in Abuja and Lagos would return home during the festive season and be hiding away from us. They fear that we may seek favour from them or inconvenience them.

On the contrary, Ngolo Kante, a World Cup and Champions League winner, after he was not shortlisted by the French National team for the ongoing UEFA nations cup, returned to his original country to spend time with his friends and families.

Don't forget, Kante is a dollar multimillionaire but he is not hiding away from his dudes.

CDCFIB CAREER: FFS DOCUMENTATION RESCHEDULED

Please be informed that the previously announced documentation date for the Federal Fire Service has been rescheduled to April due to administrative reasons, and to ensure smooth process, considering the upcoming holidays.

Immediate dispersal of sms and mail notification will be issued to eligible candidates, which would carry rescheduled DATE and TIME.

We apologize for any inconveniences this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

CDCFIB CAREER TEAM
CDCFIB, ABUJA
23/03/2025

SOLID MINERALS: MINING MINISTER LAUDS NSCDC BOSS FOR TACTICAL APPROACH TO TACKLING SABOTAGE AS SPECIAL SQUAD MARKS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY.

In Commemoration one year anniversary of the commissioning the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshal by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development;

The Special Squad has been enjoined to remain focused and continue to work relentlessly in the enforcement and crackdown on the illegal miners across board.

The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Oladele Henry Alake made this call while congratulating the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni, OFR for the significant and remarkable success achieved especially in the number of arrests, illegal mining site dislodged and the overall protection of the Nigeria Mineral Resources.

Mr Alake said the tactical approach of the NSCDC in the discharge of her assigned duties and the appointment of a diligent Mining Marshal Commander- ACC John Onoja who has repeatedly rejected lucrative and mouth- watering bribes from illegal miners trying to free themselves from being held responsible for their criminalities are indications that the NSCDC is highly credible and professionally working in tandem with the renewed hope Agenda of Mr President.

"The Mining Marshal Commander and his men have continue to portray and project the image of the NSCDC in good manner with their refusal to compromise their integrity which has subsequently safeguarded the mining industry and safe billion of dollars curbing potential revenue loses for the country"... Alake disclosed.

He further charged the Marshal to remain dogged in their crackdown on illegal mining activities across the country.

The Mining Minister urged the NSCDC to remain vigilant and focused as the federal government intensifies efforts to salvage the country from the negative omen created by illegal miners and other criminal elements in the Sector.

"Launched on March 21, 2024, NSCDC Mining Marshal is a specialized Unit established to focus on combating illegal mining activities, protecting legitimate mining sites and ensuring sustainability of the mining sector in the country.
The NSCDC Mining Marshal has been working in collaboration with the Ministry of the Solid Minerals and other relevant agencies to achieve the set out objectives".

SIGNED:
CSC AFOLABI BABAWALE Anipr.
NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
NSCDC NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA.

Interestingly, a new Igbo revert, Maryam Kenechi, has relocated from her hometown in the East to Abuja, seeking a more conducive environment to deepen her faith, worship, and fast with greater intention and devotion. Hopefully, she will return to continue her good work for the sake of Allah and Islam."

House of Representatives adopts tax reform bills, awaits Senate concurrence

The House of Representatives on Thursday adopted the report on the four tax reform bills during its session in Abuja.

It now awaits the concurrence of the Senate.

The adopted bills include the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board Bill, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.

“These bills underwent three full days of public hearings, with input from over 80 key stakeholders. Afterwards, we held an eight-day retreat to debate each clause", said James Abiodun Faleke, the chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.

He assured Nigerians that the tax reform bills would produce widely acceptable laws.

“I am glad that House members recognised our thorough work and approved all our recommendations,” Faleke said.

He thanked fellow lawmakers and the House leadership for entrusting his committee with processing the tax bills and presenting them for consideration.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising tax law reforms, noting that some existing tax laws date back to 1959.

“We cannot continue using outdated tax laws that no longer meet our business, survival, and revenue needs,” he stressed.

Deputy Committee Chairman, Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), said no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much debate as the tax reform bills.

He praised Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for fostering consensus among stakeholders, ensuring broad-based input into the legislative process.

Abdullahi highlighted that representatives from all geopolitical zones and regional thought leaders were involved, easing public concerns.

“The committee’s recommendations reflect the contributions of various stakeholders.

“These were never seen as perfect documents. The Executive made proposals, and the public hearing allowed Nigerians to refine them. Lawmakers have now endorsed the final version,” he added.

Also, Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process as transparent, with consultants and the Executive making adjustments to reflect public interest.

“In spite of being in the opposition, we are proud of this historic moment. It will expand the tax net and increase government revenue.

“This reform will enhance tax collection efficiency while protecting small businesses. That is why we worked together to ensure its passage,” Ugochinyere said.

Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos) said all stakeholder concerns, including inheritance tax, derivation, and VAT, were carefully considered.

“This is a great day for Nigeria. The House has approved the necessary reforms, and we now await Senate concurrence,” he said.

Reported by NAN

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE



PRESIDENT TINUBU CALLS FOR ADHERENCE TO THE RULE OF LAW TO RESTORE PEACE IN RIVERS STATE





President Bola Tinubu, addressing political leaders from the South-South on Tuesday in Abuja, emphasised the critical need for adherence to the rule of law in Rivers State to ensure lasting peace and prosperity.



During a meeting with representatives and leaders of the Niger Delta under the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), President Tinubu reiterated that respect for the judiciary is crucial in upholding democracy and fostering harmony.



The President advised the leaders to be more broadminded, selfless and focused on the larger vision of salvaging the region, politically and economically, by insisting that the judiciary's interpretations of the Constitution be respected.



"I am here by the grace of God, appreciating your support, prayers and concern. I cannot complain. I campaigned for this position and begged for the job. I must do it with all my heart, whatever it takes.



"I will make sure we achieve our promises and goals.



"Nigeria is a great country. To some cabinet members here, from outside looking in and inside looking out, we have been doing our best to give Nigeria a re-bounce, a reset and a recalibration of the economic fortune.



"Yes, Niger Delta is the goose that lays the golden egg. We must care for the goose; otherwise, we lose the golden egg. I got your signal and your concern, particularly on Rivers State. I have been on the issue for quite some time. I foresaw the crisis festering for too long before I intervened.



"We reached an agreement, written agreement, and both parties signed."



The President said stakeholders must make sacrifices for the state to move forward by recognising the Constitution.



"This is a nation governed by the rule of law. I should not be here as President without a rule of law. I have total confidence in our judiciary. We have expectations. Human beings can make errors. But once the court has spoken, that is it.



"Please go back home and help implement the court rulings within the shortest possible time. I am putting the ball in your court. Help! Privately and openly intervene and counsel the governor. Pursue the path of peace and stability," he added.



President Tinubu told the delegation that his priority remains community development, particularly projects and programmes that positively impact citizens.



"Go back home and take charge of peace. If you need me, let me know. I have given the situation enough time and enough consideration. We cannot fall back, and we will not. The people of Rivers State will not suffer because of democracy. We worked together on it. They will not suffer. They must be protected," President Tinubu said.



The President commended the leadership of the Niger Delta.



"I have seen what you have tolerated in the region. Community development is very close to my heart. The leader of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, is doing a great job and should be encouraged to do more.



"He is your son. We are all proud of him. Yes, there are lots of misadventurers around Nigeria on democracy. We will continue to work on preserving the integrity and character of our legislators.



"I sincerely thank you for bringing up those issues. And for doing what you are doing for the country. Nigeria is too big for anyone. And greater than anyone. It is so great. That greatness must come from us through our determination, perseverance and endurance to do all we can to improve it."



President Tinubu thanked the delegation for acknowledging the efforts to stimulate the economy for more sustainable and predictable growth.



"We cannot achieve Eldorado in one day. But we are on the path to it. We will succeed by the grace of God Almighty. We are resetting the economy, and it looks far better. We have funds for our children in college. Our medical colleges are also getting equipped," he said.



The President noted that the ongoing coastal road project will create new economic benefits for the Niger Delta and the country.



"We are already working with international companies to build ports in the Niger Delta States," he stated.





He praised the President's reforms, including power devolution and regional development recognition, and urged focus on infrastructure, seaports, environmental sustainability, and fiscal federalism in the South-South.



The PANDEF delegation included former governors, legislators, ministers, traditional leaders, religious figures, and youth and women groups.



Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

March 11, 2025