The founder of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, says he is constantly facing threat to his life by the powerful people behind oil theft in the country.

According to him, the oil thieves are powerful people outside of the Niger Delta.

Tompolo, speaking at Oporoza, the headquarters of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Monday, alleged that some naval personnel, a few days ago, forcefully attacked operatives of the private outfit during the arrest of some suspected oil thieves along the Port-Harcourt creeks.

Speaking during a working visit of the Nigerian Bar Association national executive, led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), to the oil-bearing community, Tompolo called for synergy between the Navy and other security outfits.

 Tompolo noted that in the course of the surveillance operations to round up crude oil barons, Tantita had stepped on toes and had become the target of revenge missions.

He said, “While doing this work, we have stepped on a lot of toes of people over there in Lagos and Abuja. We have stepped on a lot of toes. As I am here, after my court cases, I cannot travel anywhere because of me and the key people (barons) fighting this battle.

“If I want to travel to Abuja to visit you, I must go with security. Even with two or three security personnel, none of them are happy with me, and they are now collaborating with top players involved in oil theft.

“Most times, you see that Tantita Security now has confrontations with the Navy and every well-meaning Nigerian knows the function of the Nigerian Navy and Tantita, but nobody wants to come out to face the truth.

“If we happen to arrest anybody now, we would get a lawyer from Abuja, Lagos or Ibadan to do the case very well.”

Tompolo expressed worry that efforts to checkmate crude oil theft were being sabotaged in some quarters.

“Some few days back, our people intercepted a vessel in Port Harcourt, where the Nigerian Navy was shooting at Tantita Security, with police, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“We want to implore and beg you (NBA). You must play in this present situation, because if we are not careful in this country, maybe we will not have money to do any reasonable thing.

“All of us here know that Nigeria is facing hardship. A bag of rice is over N100,000.

“We are going to do our part locally. But you (NBA) are there at the top. If we make arrest today, lawyers would stand on the other side and this side.

“Can somebody come to load a vessel of 500 metric tonnes in this community? Nobody has that capacity; the person comes from Lagos, Abuja, or neighbouring countries.

“The man here would be a water boy for the people in charge. That is the one we would arrest,” he said.

Efforts by our correspondent to reach the Nigerian Navy spokesman, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, for comments on the issue, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.

A female official in the Naval Public Relations Office who picked up telephone calls from our reporter simply said she “had been transferred to Lagos,” just as she maintained that “Commodore Adams-Aliu is in the best position to react to the issue.”

Speaking earlier during a courtesy call on the Pere of Gbaramatu kingdom, Oboro-Gbaraun II, in his palace, the NBA President expressed delight over the recent announcement from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited that oil production had risen to 1.8 million barrels per day, with a promise to increase it up to 2 million bpd by the end of this year.

“If the oil production keeps going up, it will benefit all of us and the government will be able to provide for the needs of the people,” he stated.

Consequently, the NBA president maintained that “there is a need to stem the theft of our commonwealth.

“The fight against oil theft is more desirable now, more than ever before, because Nigeria is borrowing so much to fund its budget and cannot meet the needs of Nigerians.”

While lamenting over continuous borrowing by the Federal Government to fund the budget, the NBA President maintained that “if the leakages in oil production are well blocked, it will go a long way in boosting the country’s earnings.”

The NBA team also noted with concern that oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta had adversely impacted the region “as manifested in the environmental pollution and degradation of most of the host communities.”

On this, the NBA President said, “We resolved to make an on-the-scene assessment of the oil-bearing communities to see the hardship they are suffering.

“The NBA is interested in the issues of oil theft coupled with the effects of environmental pollution and environmental degradation as a result of oil exploration on the host communities.

“The irony is that these communities that bear the responsibilities of the nation’s oil wealth do not enjoy the wealth as most of the cities in the country.”

He continued, “Our branches in the oil-bearing areas should be interested in the issues of oil theft which goes on in many communities because it has affected our national economy and also impacted negatively on the ability of the government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

“It has also impacted negatively on our foreign reserves. It has adversely affected Nigeria’s ability to meet its minimum OPEC quarter for oil production. We felt that the matter should be taken seriously.

“We know that Gbaramatu Kingdom plays host to a company called Tantita Security Services which has been working with the NNPCL and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

“It has done a lot of good work on the issue of pipeline protection and the issue of oil theft. We thought that it would be a good place for us to come, first to get first-hand knowledge of how this battle has been fought, what the challenges approached, and how the fight has helped improve the Nigerian economic standing.”

The traditional ruler of Gbaramatu kingdom, in response, called for infrastructural development of the host communities, noting that “presently, the government is far from us.”

He added, “I want to let you know that the presence of the government is even far from us. All these you are seeing is from the efforts of our elite, our big boys.

“So we are also calling on the government, we produce the oil, from our territory we feed the coffers of this country. So they should draw closer to us and do the needful for us to also reciprocate.”

He specifically made a case for the establishment of a magistrate’s court in the Gbaramatu Kingdom just as he also appealed to the leadership of the NBA to mentor members of the Gbaramatu Lawyers Association to further brighten their career prospects in the legal profession.

“We need people like this to come to see things here.  This is Gbaramatu. Before now, people were making all sorts of allegations against Gbaramatu Kingdom, but now you are here.

“We always tell people, if you are coming to Gbaramatu Kingdom, don’t be afraid.

“We are working for the peace of the Niger Delta, extending hands of fellowship to other kingdoms. Ijaw people stand for truth. We are a peaceful people.

“Today, I want to tell our lawmakers that the judge in the court should conclude in the court. But as the chairman here, I want to extend this to you, I know I’m not a lawyer or lawmaker, but before concluding your judgments, if it is needed, maybe, a land case, you should come to see for yourself before the final judgment.”

The Jigawa State Government has reinstated the Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwalu Danladi Sankara, following his clearance by a Kano Upper Shari’a Court of alleged involvement in adultery.

The court presided over by Ibrahim Sarki Yola, dismissed the case filed by Nasiru Buba, who accused Sankara of having an illicit affair with his wife, Tasleem Baba Nabegu.

While delivering the verdict, Sarki Yola emphasised the need for thorough and cautious investigations by law enforcement and regulatory bodies like the Hisbah Commission.

He noted that allegations against prominent individuals must be handled with care to avoid unnecessary tarnishing of reputations.

The court observed that the complainant and his legal representatives failed to appear to contest the police findings.

Governor Malam Umar Namadi lifted Sankara’s suspension on Tuesday, effective immediately.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State, Malam Bala Ibrahim, and shared with newsmen.

The statement reads, “It would be recalled that the commissioner was suspended based on alleged involvement in an incidence reported before Kano State Hisbah Board.

“The lifting of the suspension followed his discharge and acquittal by an Upper Sha’riah Court in Kano, Kano.”

Already, Sankara has been directed to report back to his duty post.

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has submitted that politicians would stop opposing the tax reform bills if they take their time to study the document.

According to him, the lawmakers, Governors and other stakeholders who are against the tax reforms proposed in the bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu lack an understanding of what the bill is about.

He argued that the content of the tax reform bill is in the best interest of Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday during an interview with Arise News, Agbese said those against the bill would fall in love with it if they could just take their time to read the bill and understand its content.

The lawmaker made the submission amidst the controversies surrounding the tax reform bills by President Tinubu, which are currently before the National Assembly.

He said, “The apprehension is just coming from some political leaders who have not taken their time to study this document like the tenth House of Representatives has done. If they do, they’ll fall in love with the document like many of us have done. It is a document that means well for the country.”

He explained that the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zach Adedeji, has been able to allay fears of lawmakers on the bill when he spoke with them on Monday during an interactive session.

Agbese noted that parliamentarians are working to ensure the reforms promote fairness and equity. He explained that members from the northern caucus, alongside other regional representatives, are holding smaller group consultations to examine the bills thoroughly. This collaborative effort, he said, is intended to balance national interest with regional considerations.

He said, “As at yesterday, before we left the parliament, many members of some of these regions who are scared, had their questions answered. And even those from other parts of the country that expressed fear before now that they were going to lose a large chunk, which of course, this issue of headquarter taxes and all of that, they’ve also been able to allay their fears that they won’t be losing so much. It’s just a question of parity.

“I recall that Zack Adedeji mentioned something yesterday that when he sees that out of the 36 states plus the federal capital territory, that just about three or four states get away with 70% of the total tax of the country every month, he feels very bad. That grieves him. And that statement was a very patriotic one in the sense that members now understood from yesterday’s engagement that the tax reform bill sent to the parliament by Mr. President is not about any region. It is a patriotic decision by Mr. President to ensure that every Nigerian gets value from whatever they contribute to the national purse.

“At the end of the day, we as a parliament are equally concerned not just about the bills but the implementation of the bill. When we pass bills and these bills become law, we equally follow to ensure the implementation. I think that before now, some of our leaders who have expressed their opinion about this document did not know what the tenth House of Representatives has done by engaging experts, engaging the promoters of the bill to come before them and further explain.

“One of the problems we have as a country today which the tenth House of Representatives under the leadership of his excellency honourable Tajudeen Abbas is dealing with, is also the issue of trust deficit, in the sense that politicians don’t trust themselves. Those from the north don’t trust those from the south, vice versa. But in the tenth House of Representatives, we are dealing with bills that have to do with the country as a whole. So, first and foremost, patriotism is the key word. We follow the lead of the leader of the house. So once it comes to passing bills before this tenth House of Representatives, the first thing we do is to drop your political affiliation, drop your ethnic affiliation and wear a new garment which is the garment of patriotism as symbolised by the leadership of the house.

“The new tax reform bills before the parliament, like I have personally studied it in my own capacity, is something that is going to bring about equity, it’s going to bring about fairness, it’s going to bring about justice. The tax reform bills from what we have read in this document intends to also address the issue of overtaxation.”

Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen has expressed confidence that the recent 2-1 home defeat to Rwanda will not hinder his team’s performance in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

This unexpected loss, which occurred on Monday, has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, but Eguavoen remains resolute about his team’s prospects.

The Super Eagles are set to face off against the Amavubi again when the World Cup qualifiers resume in March 2025.

Despite the disappointing outcome during their last encounter in Uyo, Eguavoen insisted that his players will not be burdened by this setback in their preparations for the next match in Kigali.

“This defeat will not have any negative impact on our quest for World Cup qualification,” Eguavoen stated, acknowledging his disappointment but emphasizing the importance of learning from the defeat.

He added, “We have learned a hard lesson from this experience, and we plan to thoroughly evaluate our performance. We will implement new strategies to ensure we are better prepared to tackle them next time.”

At present, the Super Eagles find themselves struggling in Group C, remaining winless with three draws and one defeat across their first four matches.

This precarious situation has relegated them to fifth place in the group standings, accumulating only three points. The three-time African champions are aware that significant improvements are necessary if they aim to turn their fortune around and revive their chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

Daniel Bwala’s announcement as the presidential spokesman barely settled when Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement clarifying his role and the structure of the president’s media team.

Onanuga announced the re-designation of Bwala as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to the President, specifying that Bwala would operate outside the presidential villa rather than as the central figure of the president’s information management team.

The changes were finalized on Monday, November 18, just days after Bwala was named Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication on November 14.

The developments fueled speculations about the leadership of President Bola Tinubu’s media operations, particularly after Ajuri Ngelale, the former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, exited the role in September.

Since Ngelale’s departure, Onanuga had taken on the responsibilities of issuing statements and making pronouncements on behalf of the president, a pattern that continued despite Bwala’s initial announcement.

After a meeting of the president’s media team at the villa on Monday, reports indicated that there was hesitation from Bwala about moving to his redefined role.

An insider told TheCable, “It appeared he wanted to start using the office immediately. Incidentally, Onanuga, who moved into the office only recently, is currently with the president in Brazil for the G20 meeting, so it seemed Bwala wanted to take it over in his absence.”

Another insider added that shortly after, Bwala moved into the press briefing room to address State House correspondents — to everyone’s shock.

Bwala had said, “There is no issue as to the differences in terms of the responsibility; everybody knows his responsibility.

“I only came to introduce myself to you and the role that was given to me by Mr. President. I told you that role was once occupied by Ajuri Ngelale.

“When Ajuri was there, the nomenclature was special adviser on media and publicity, and now that role is called special adviser on media and public communications (State House). Sunday Dare works from the office of the minister of information.”

In faraway Brazil, Tinubu was said to have been furious about learning about Bwala’s manoeuvre and immediately instructed Onanuga to issue a clarification.

In his statement, Onanuga wrote: “President Bola Tinubu has re-designated the positions of two recently appointed officials in the State House media and communications team to enhance efficiency within the government’s communication machinery.

“The restructuring is as follows:  Mr. Sunday Dare – hitherto Special Adviser on Public Communication and National Orientation, is now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications.

“Mr. Daniel Bwala – announced last week as Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication, is now Special Adviser Policy Communication.

“These appointments, along with the existing role of Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, underscore that there is no single individual spokesperson for the Presidency. Instead, all the three Special Advisers will collectively serve as spokespersons for the government.”

Tinubu had assembled a very large media team, clearly the biggest in Nigeria’s history, and this might have led to the game of intrigues from the day he assumed office.

Dele Alake, commissioner of information and strategy in Lagos state from 1999-2007 when Tinubu was governor, had been positioned to be special adviser on media, strategy and special duties to the president.

It all looked like a done deal until Seyi Tinubu, whom insiders say plays a major role in appointments made by his father, decided to torpedo it.

Another insider told TheCable, “Seyi brought Ajuri. After his appointment, he asked Ajuri to assert himself from the get-go and that was what Ajuri did. That gave him unfettered access to the president. Other members of the team did not have that access.

“When Ajuri fell out of favour, Seyi started working on bringing Bwala to replace him. He believes a presidential spokesman should be very vocal and should be on the TV every day attacking the president’s critics, so Bwala fitted the bill for him.

“When Bwala’s appointment was announced, Seyi also told him to adopt the same Ajuri strategy: go on the podium, declare yourself spokesman and take over the office.”

Bwala tried the script. It worked for less than 24 hours.

All indications are now that he would be speaking for the office of special adviser to the president on policy coordination, headed by Hadiza Bala Usman, rather than the president.

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has said that the commission’s fight against corruption is not all about arresting people but stimulating the economy.

Ola Olukoyede said if Nigeria’s system is gotten right, other things would be checked. He stressed that his vision is to prevent corruption.

Olukoyede stated this while hosting the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala Usman, on Monday.

“Fighting corruption is not all about arresting people, I told them on the floor of the National Assembly that our work is to fight corruption to stimulate the economy. That was why when I came on board there was a need to review our processes and I went ahead to create a department called the Fraud Risk Assessment Department to see how corruption can be prevented from happening.

“If we can get the system right, it will checkmate other things. So, periodic reviews of our systems are necessary and we pledge our commitment to this cause, because evaluation is very key and I will delegate my people to work with you,” the EFCC Chair said.

Olukoyede explained that within the time he assumed the leadership of the EFCC, several policy reviews had been done.

Aside from the appreciable convictions and recoveries made, he pointed to institutional building and restructuring that are already yielding results.

“We have our strategic objectives and visions clearly spelt out and we are pursuing them actively”, he added.

Speaking, Hadiza Bala Usman commended Olukoyede on the laudable reforms in the Commission, especially systemic development and frameworks in the area of corruption prevention, stressing that his policy drives are practical and sustainable.

She noted that EFCC was doing so much in the area of prevention of corruption, adding that the focus of the Commission would berth efficiency and effectiveness in the fight against corruption.

On key performance indicators in the EFCC, Usman stressed that “anything that is not measured cannot be done, so we are looking at EFCC’s performance, its strategic objectives to align with the operation of its mandate and core values”.

While emphasizing that EFCC’s performance metrics are beyond arrest, prosecution and convictions, the Presidential aide stated that “building capacities, identifying gaps, opportunities, threats and consultation with its leadership to address Mr. President’s priority areas are crucial“.

The lawmaker representing Ondo South in the National Assembly, Jimoh Ibrahim, has supported President Bola Tinubu‘s administration’s planned borrowings.

Recall that Tinubu has asked the National Assembly to approve a fresh N1.767trn external borrowing plan in support of the 2024 Budget.

The president conveyed his request in a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. He said if approved, the loan would partly be used to finance the N9.7trn deficit in the 2024 budget.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ibrahim said the current administration should borrow above $50 billion, not $2 billion.

However, the lawmaker urged Tinubu to ensure that the borrowings are channelled towards infrastructural projects.

He cited Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as an instance, saying the Middle East nation borrowed a $168 billion loan that was channelled into tourism, innovation, and technology.

He said, “To be realistic, you need to borrow good money, not all these $2 billion. Anything above $50 billion.”

“You can raise bonds. If Mr President decides to visit the United States and launch the nation bond at 10 years at 10 per cent, you will get a $100 billion.

“Everybody wants to go to Dubai. Where did Dubai get the money from? Dubai got the money by borrowing $168 billion and using it for infrastructural development in such a way that you can have the number of people going to Dubai today and the number of dollars that they go with is enormous.

“Dubai is paying back by $20 billion every other year. If the lending market disappears, where are you going to get the money from?

“The key issue is that if you borrow and develop your infrastructure, you are better off.” 

The Defence Head Quarters (DHQ) on Tuesday confirmed the killing of five soldiers during an ambush attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who confirmed the development, added that ten soldiers were also wounded, and four others are missing following the attack on the troops.

During the attack, the terrorists also destroyed some equipment, including one gun truck, three TCVs, and an excavator.

Despite the surprise attack, the troops were able to eliminate several of the terrorists and recover weapons with reinforcement deployed along the escape route of the terrorists.

The incident occurred in Gubio local government area of Borno State, Naija News understands.

“The coordinated attack saw five killed in action soldiers, 10 wounded, and four missing in action, while troops eliminated several terrorists as well as recovered weapons,” Buba said on Tuesday.

According to the DHQ, a reinforcement team with air components was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route.

The statement added that the troops remain committed to their resolve to end all forms of security challenges in the country.

“Subsequently, a reinforcement team with an air component was dispatched to exploit the general area and the terrorists’ withdrawal route,” the DHQ said.

“However, it is pertinent to note that such an attack shall not deter the troops and armed forces of Nigeria from seeing the end of terrorism, insurgency, and other insecurity challenges facing the country.”

Earlier, Naija News had reported that the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned in strong terms the atrocious attack and reaffirmed the loyalty, commitment, and support of the people and Government of Borno State to the military in the fight against the criminals.

The Senate is expected to approve President Bola Tinubu’s $2.2 billion (approximately N1.77 trillion) external loan request today (Wednesday).

The loan, part of the external borrowing plan, is aimed at financing the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget, specifically to address the ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit.

President Tinubu’s request was conveyed in separate letters read during Tuesday’s plenary sessions in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

The president justified the loan as necessary for partially financing the deficit while implementing key government programs.

In response to the letter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts to review the request and submit its report within 24 hours.

Akpabio stated, “The Presidential request for $2.2bn, equivalent to ₦1.77tn, is already enshrined in the external borrowing plan for the 2024 fiscal year.

“The Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Loans should therefore give the request expeditious consideration and report back within 24 hours.”

Additionally, Tinubu submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025–2027 to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Akpabio directed the Senate Committee on Finance, National Planning, and Economic Affairs to consider the MTEF/FSP documents and report back within one week.

Key parameters in the MTEF/FSP include a $75 oil price benchmark per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, an exchange rate of ₦1,400 to $1, and a targeted GDP growth rate of 6.4 per cent.

These figures form the basis for consideration and approval of the proposed ₦47.9tn 2025 budget.

Musa Odiniya, a former Director of Procurement at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), testified before an Abuja High Court on Tuesday, revealing how former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika awarded a contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport to Al-Duraq Investment Limited, a company registered in 2021.

Odiniya disclosed this while testifying in a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Sirika, his daughter Fatima, Jalal Sule Hamma, and Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited.

The case involves allegations of a N2.7 billion contract fraud.

The defendants are facing trial before Justice Sylvanus Oriji on six charges. Sirika, who served as Aviation Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is accused of abusing his office by awarding contracts to a company connected to his daughter and her husband.

The prosecution alleges that the offenses contravene Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000, as well as Section 17(b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.

During his testimony, Odiniya, led by EFCC counsel Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, explained that firms bidding for government contracts are required to submit an affidavit to ensure compliance with regulations.

“The reason being that no contract should be awarded to a company related to a member of staff at the ministry where the contract is to be executed,” he stated.

“My department cannot give a contract to a company where, for instance, the minister is a signatory to it,” he added.

When asked about the individuals behind Al-Duraq Investment Nigeria Limited, Odiniya said he only learned their identities at the EFCC office, where he was shown bank documents containing the defendants’ names.

“The defendants’ companies were registered in 2021, while the contract was awarded in 2022,” he noted.

“A company registered within a year of the award may not have the capacity to handle a project. The company is not qualified,” he said.

Odiniya further informed the court that the Apron Extension project at Katsina Airport was valued at N800 million.

After Odiniya’s testimony, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, counsel for Sirika, requested an adjournment to cross-examine the witness.

He also sought permission for Sirika to travel abroad to accompany his ailing mother for medical treatment.

While Jacobs did not oppose the adjournment, he requested time to confer with the EFCC regarding the motion.

Justice Oriji adjourned the hearing to November 21 to consider the motion and deliver a ruling.

The trial was further adjourned to January 23, 2025, for the cross-examination of PW5 and the continuation of proceedings.