The Federal Government has been urged to declare war on illicit transactions occurring in the oil industry by the National Association of Surface Tank Oil and Gas Retailers of Nigeria (NASTOGRN).

The call was made by Nze Ibeneme Frank, president of NASTOGRN, at a sensitization event held in collaboration with the Anambra State Directorate’s National Orientation Agency.

He claimed that if shady activities like smuggling, bunkering, and adulteration are eradicated from the system, the nation will start to perform better in the oil and gas industry.

Even as he urged FG to set up surface tank fabrication and calibration facilities throughout the nation, Nze Frank urged all tiers of government to shield his members from needless harassment and intimidation by security forces.

In order to guarantee complete safety procedures at oil and gas sites, he noted that NASTOGRN is teaching her thronging members on safe and healthy environments and holding a sensitization seminar for the oil and gas businesses in each of the 36 federation states.

Retailers will have easy access to PMS, DPK, AGO, LPG, and grease thanks to the construction of tank farms and small distribution facilities for the storage of petroleum products nationwide, according to Nze Frank.

He disclosed that NASTOGRN was founded in accordance with the Federal Government’s plans to expand the oil and gas industry’s downstream sector in order to increase the supply of petroleum products, generate employment, and advance the nation’s socioeconomic development.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director for Anambra State, Mr. Edozie Ajaegbu, called the sensitization seminar an eye-opener in his remarks.

Mr. Ajaegbu emphasized that the program was a knowledge base since it introduced the participants to the specifics of the oil and gas sector. He urged the participants—in particular, the Agency’s Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers—to spread the program’s messages at the local level.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received praise from former Senate Majority Leader Mohammed Ali Ndume for selecting Daniel Bwala as his special adviser on media and public relations.

Through Bwala’s selection, Tinubu has shown that he is a leader with a big heart, according to Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, which makes him Bwala’s senator.

During the 2023 presidential campaign, Bwala was the spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The appointment of Daniel Bwala as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s special adviser on media and public communication is something I applaud. This act is quite commendable, especially considering the responsibilities that Bwala has recently played.

Read Also:North West residents praise Matawalle as NAF airstrikes hit bandit loyalists

“Bwala’s appointment is an uncommon example of leadership with a big heart, which is hard to find in many leaders nowadays,” Ndume said.

It should be noted that Bwala is one of the recent individuals chosen by President Tinubu to the esteemed role of Special Advisor to the President on Media and Public Communication.

Ndume suggested that Bwala ask Vice President Kashim Shettima for forgiveness, as his appointment forced him to leave the APC due to his Muslim faith.

Ndume said Bwala should

As your second principal, collaborate closely with him (the vice president) to advance Mr. President’s plan for fresh optimism. You could also take a cue from Sunday Dare and Ononuga, two of Tinubu’s longstanding and devoted associates who consistently defend the president’s ideas without resorting to violence or insults.

“You should also take notes from individuals like Hadiza Bala and Nuhu Ribadu NSA, who support and promote Tinubu’s policies with data and facts to back them up.

Lastly, since charity starts at home, you should also connect with our people at the grassroots level. Lastly, I hope your new assignment goes well,” the congressman continued.

Following the effectiveness of recent Nigerian Air Force (NAF) bombings that killed a number of bandits, including supporters of infamous criminal leaders Dan-Isuhu and Dogo Sule, residents of the North-West region have praised Dr. Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense.

The coordinated activities signal a key milestone in the fight against banditry in Zamfara and the broader North-West, according to Abdulrashid Ibrahim Danja Katsina, Coordinator of the North West Concerned Citizens.

Katsina commended the efforts in a statement on Monday, crediting the successes to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s all-encompassing security plan, which includes ordering Dr. Matawalle and military leaders to move to Sokoto State.

Katsina stated, “This action demonstrates the administration’s dedication to guaranteeing the safety and security of citizens throughout the region.”

Read Also: Catch the replay of my TVC interview to hear my analysis of the 10th House of Re…

The military has achieved incredible successes under Matawalle’s command, including the abolition of important bandit leaders like Alhaji Halilu. These successes have given communities who have suffered from years of violence new hope.

Matawalle ordered troops to apprehend infamous bandit leader Bello Turji, alive or dead, during a recent trip to Sokoto State. Residents, who are hopeful that Turji would soon be apprehended, have been further encouraged by this decision, which has also raised security forces’ morale.

Additionally, the group thanked President Tinubu for taking a firm stance against insecurity. They emphasized that the administration’s resolve to protect people and property is demonstrated by the deployment of Matawalle to the area.

Katsina commended the professionalism and dedication of the Nigerian Air Force and other security forces, highlighting their vital role in the recent victories over banditry.

People in the area continue to hold out hope that persistent military actions would result in the total elimination of banditry and the establishment of enduring peace.

The National Judicial Council, NJC, has harshly criticized Hon. Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, the Chief Judge of Imo State, in her ongoing battle over age falsification, which has now been resolved after more than a year.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, the Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, presided over the NJC’s 107th meeting in Abuja, when it requested that the Imo State Governor resign her with effect from 2021, according to a report from the apex legal commission.

Since she should have been retired since October 27, 2021, the Commission found her guilty of lying about her age and ordered her to promptly refund all wages and allowances paid to her since that date to the NJC’s coffers.

The “battle” to have Chikeka removed from office due to age falsification began in 2022, and it is important to remember that. It started when a petition was submitted to the Imo House of Assembly criticizing her. However, the fight was far from done as she regrettably turned to legal challenges, most likely in an attempt to cleanse her name and keep her job, even after the House declared her guilty and advised her immediate retirement.

Ultimately, however, the NJC found her guilty of age falsification last weekend and mandated that she return all of the income and benefits she had received since October 27, 2021.

The Council’s conclusion that His Lordship has two distinct dates of birth—October 27, 1956, and October 27, 1958—led to the proposal, according to NJC.

Read Also:Edo PDP cautions Okpebholo on claiming credit for Temboga Road

In 2006, the Chief Judge swore to an affidavit modifying the date of birth to October 27, 1958, even though October 27, 1956, seemed to be a consistent date of birth.

Due to age fraud, the NJC also retired Kadi Babagana Mahdi, the Grand Kadi of Yobe State. He was convicted of being born on three separate dates in 1959—December 10, January 28, and July. In reality, however, he was born in 1952.

“The Council therefore decided to recommend to the Governor of Yobe State that Hon. Kadi Babagana Mahdi be placed on compulsory retirement and that he be reimbursed for all of his salaries and benefits over the previous 12 years.”