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.

As part of my commitment to encouraging a conducive learning environment and quality education of our people, I commissioned and handed over an academic block, which I built, to Maurid College of Nursing Science, Mbiaso, Nsit Ibom local government area, during its maiden matriculation ceremony of 300 students, where I served as chairman on the occasion, yesterday.

I also promised to install solar-powered lightings around the institution's premises to ensure security of the students and property at night.

I used the opportunity to charge the prospective healthcare professionals to focus on their studies, so that upon graduation, they will fill the manpower gap created in the health sector by migration of other professionals for greener pastures.

Part of my address to them reads; "Your journey to becoming healthcare professionals is a call to service and humanity. This is further buttressed in the popular maxim that "health is wealth." This is in line with Harvey S. Firestone's philosophy that "the growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership."

"This quote has consistently guided my life and activities both in private and public service. It is the propelling force behind my mega empowerment, scholarship, bursary, skill acquisition, facilitation of jobs in strategic Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and foreign trainings to Akwa Ibom people."

"Also, the newly completed edifice, which shall be commissioned and donated to the institution today, is my modest effort to encourage this massive investment and, most especially, to ensure you get a conducive learning environment."

"These efforts are aimed at raising Akwa Ibom men and women who are stable enough to compete favourably with their counterparts globally."

Worthy of commendation is the Chairman of Maurid Group of Schools, Dr. Godwin Umontuen, for his foresight and investment in education, and for being a true patriot who cares about the development of the state and country.

His massive investment is interwoven with love and patriotism for the country at the centre. It is selfless, with clear intention to train and equip health professionals needed to provide healthcare services for mankind.

Yesterday, I flagged off the construction of two major road projects: the 10.9km Use Ikot Amama Road with two bridges in Ibiono Ibom and the 21.5km Ikot Anyan Ediene Road with a 60m span bridge in Ikono. These roads will improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and enhance transportation in our state. I have tasked Setraco Limited with delivering a high-quality project that meets the best standards.

Road infrastructure is a key driver of development, and we remain committed to linking every part of Akwa Ibom with a solid road network. I appreciate the support of Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and the people of Ibiono Ibom and Ikono for believing in our administration. Our investment in infrastructure and agribusiness is for the people, and we will continue to implement projects that improve lives.

I also commend the youths for their cooperation with contractors and encourage them to protect public infrastructure for the benefit of all. Development must reach every community, and I assure you that we will extend street lighting projects beyond Uyo to brighten and secure more areas. Together, let’s build a greater Akwa Ibom! @

Fubara Makes First Public Appearance After Suspension.

Suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made his first public appearance since his removal from office.

Fubara attended a church service on Sunday, March 23, at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt, alongside his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

His appearance comes days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on Tuesday, March 18.

Source: X phspecials @TheNationNews

Iceland’s minister for Children, Ásthildur Lóa Thórsdóttir has resigned after it was revealed that she slept with a 15 year old and got pregnant for him.

She was 22 at the time. She gave birth to a son shortly after

The father went public because he was denied access to the son

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

Akpabio: No, that didnt come from Atiku

1.0 The per-second way newsworthy incidents happen in Nigeria, I am not able to wait until Monday to react in my Sun Column to what former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is said to have said against the incumbent President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio.

2.0 And, I am not going to use my platform -any platform of mine- to repeat whatever he said; thereby indirectly dignifying or spreading the serial presidential attempter’s group agenda against Akwa Ibom and indeed the south south, if not the southern part and the country as a whole.

3.0 But, here’s the thing: what Mr Abubakar said is a lie because unlike himself who has been accused for the records (in a book and in several media footages) by his former boss, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, not one of the past political bosses of the senate president ever accused him of that.

4.0 Starting with the iconic former governor of Akwa Ibom state, Arc. (Obong) Victor Attah, under whom Barr. Akpabio began his political journey on I think 6th August 2002, first as Honourable Commissioner, Petroleum and Mineral Resources and later, of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs up until the end of the administration on 29th May 2007 when he took over, there’s no record of the former governor ever accusing his former Commissioner of this.

3.0 Ditto the 2015 to 2019 senate president, Dr Bukola Saraki, under whom the current senate boss served as minority leader.

4.0 Even immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, whom Sen. Akpabio served as Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, did not ever accuse him nor has he now when dirty north-south politics is forcing big people to play in the sand.

5.0 So, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should try another trick in their desperation to stop President Bola Tinubu’s second term by leaving Sen. Akpabio.

6.0 By the way, there can be no concluding this sans mentioning the 7-star representation (human capacity building, positioning/empowerment and projects) Senate President Godswill Akpabio has in the last nearly two years offered not just Akwa Ibom northwest, not just Akwa Ibom state, not just the south south, not just southern Nigeria, not the federal republic but also humanity.

7.0 No political allegation whatsoever shall cause any shift whatsoever in the befitting humongous nationwide support Sen. Akpabio enjoys!

Michael BUSH is a Sun Columnist

*EXCERPTS OF THE AKWA IBOM STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 26TH MARCH, 2025*

The meeting presided over by His Excellency, the Governor-in-Council, Pastor Umo Eno, and attended by the Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government, Head of the Civil Service, the Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, All Commissioners, and Special Advisers, commenced at about 12pm.

After extensive deliberations, some key resolutions reached were as follows:

1. The Executive Council ratified and approved the implementation of a modern City Bus transportation system for Uyo metropolis. The project will provide safe, reliable and eco-friendly bus service that will enhance public transportation and accessibility, while driving socioeconomic development to improve the quality of life for citizens.

2. Council also approved the refurbishment and renovation of the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort, to restore its lost glory. This will involve a total overhaul of furniture, electrical, mechanical components of its appurtenances to give a completely new experience.

3. A request was also brought before Council for the extension of the Julius Berger contract for the maintenance of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to ensure the facility maintains its standard as Nigeria’s best and home for the Super Eagles.

4. The Executive Council reviewed the report brought before it on the status of the Eket International market and directed the Inter-ministerial Committee to thoroughly analyze the project, its status and all of the issues surrounding it and submit its report within one month to ensure that the project is brought alive in the interest of the people.

5. EXCO also considered and deliberated on ministerial reports from several ministries, to ensure their short term programmes and plans align with the ARISE Agenda and follow through implementation timelines.

6. Council also approved commencement of pensioners verification exercise from the 1st of April, 2025 so that the State can have a clean pensions record and continue the process of seamless payment of pensions to beneficiaries.

7. In line with the provisions of the Road Traffic Law, cap 115 of Akwa Ibom State 2001 and Akwa Ibom State Transport Regulation of 2022, the Executive Council considered the current menace and issues associated with motorcycles and tricycles operations in the State Capital and directed a strict implementation of the prohibition order on motorcycles in every part of Uyo metropolis.

On this, Council also reaffirmed the prohibition of tricycles in some sections of the metropolis, such as Wellington Bassey Way and four other roads including Abak road by Nsentip street up to Ibom Plaza, Aka road by Etuk Street before the plaza, Ikot Ekpene road by Udi street up to the plaza and Oron road by Okokon Etuk Street to the plaza area.

His Excellency, the Governor in Council has therefore directed the Ministries of Transportation; Internal Security and security agencies to ensure strict compliance to enable government curb criminality and the menace experienced lately.

8. Council also acknowledged the hosting of the Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo and commended the Niger Delta Development Commission for bringing the event to Akwa Ibom State, while calling on the people to come out en-masse and support the event to ensure success.

The meeting ended at about 6:30pm.

Rt. Hon. Aniekan Umanah
Commissioner for Information, AKS
26/03/2025

Nigeria gained independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, after years of nationalist struggles. Leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Tafawa Balewa played key roles in securing self-rule through negotiations.

On independence day, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became the first Prime Minister, and the green-white-green flag was hoisted. Nigeria remained under the British monarchy until October 1, 1963, when it became a republic, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.

The independence struggle teaches unity, diplomacy, and the importance of good leadership in nation-building. Today, it remains a symbol of freedom and hope for Nigerians

Borno Govt Reaffirms Support for Correctional Services as New State Controller Assumes Office


The newly appointed 22nd Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Borno State, Ibrahim Bawa, has pledged closer collaboration with the Borno State Government to strengthen correctional reforms and security efforts.

Bawa, who was formerly in charge of the Bauchi Custodial Centre, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, at the Musa Usman Secretariat, Maiduguri.

Accompanied by key officials including Squadron Officer CSP Shettima Limanti, Staff Officer Umoru Jauro, and Public Relations Officer Bala A. Tisa Bawa expressed appreciation for the state government's continued support, particularly during the September 2024 Maiduguri flood disaster when relief materials were provided to inmates.

"I am here on a familiarization visit and to appreciate the unwavering support of the Borno State Government, especially during the recent flood disaster, where essential relief materials were conveyed to the inmates, as confirmed by my predecessor," Bawa stated.

Responding on behalf of the state government, Prof. Tar welcomed the new Controller, assuring him of the administration’s sustained partnership with security agencies.

"We are pleased that a son of the soil, who understands the terrain, has assumed this crucial role. The Nigerian Correctional Service is integral to the criminal justice system, and as the focus shifts from mere incarceration to correctional rehabilitation, our support remains critical," he said.

The commissioner further reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing the justice system, highlighting recent interventions such as the passage of the Criminal Justice Act and housing allocations for correctional service personnel.

"We will continue to work closely with you, particularly in reshaping public perceptions of correctional facilities. They are not condemned communities but places of rehabilitation and reintegration, and together, we shall change that narrative," Prof. Tar added.

The event was attended by senior officials of the Ministry including the Permanent Secretary, Modu Alhaji Mustapha (FCNA) Director of Administration and Supply, Babagana Mustapha, and Director of Information, Malama Habiba. Also in attendance was the Special Adviser and Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Dauda Iliya.

The event was concluded with the signing of the Visitor's Register and a group photograph.