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Niger Delta Stakeholders Reject Calls To Scrap Tantita Pipeline Security Contract.

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Niger Delta ex-militants, the Board of Trustees (BoT), the Critical Stakeholders Forum (CSF), and the Foundation for Heritage Advancement and Development in Niger Delta (FHADND) have opposed calls for the decentralisation of the pipeline surveillance contract currently handled by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Rising from a meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the stakeholders described suggestions to restructure the contract under the leadership of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as premature, dangerous, and counterproductive.

They applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for renewing the contract, saying the move reflects the position of most key stakeholders and communities in the Niger Delta, who they claim have experienced improved stability since Tantita began operations.

The group also commended the National Assembly for expressing confidence in Tantita’s operations and in Tompolo’s leadership.

In a communique signed by representatives including High Chief Reuben Clifford Wilson, BoT Chairman; Ezekiel Akpasibewei, representing first-phase ex-militant leaders; Francis Waiwei, Executive Director of FHADND; and Comrade Nature Dumale Kieghe, BoT Secretary, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support for the existing arrangement.

Other signatories included regional coordinators and representatives from Imo, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Ondo states.

They recalled that before Tantita’s engagement, the Niger Delta was heavily affected by oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal bunkering, sabotage of oil facilities, and environmental damage.

However, they noted that since the surveillance contract commenced, these activities have reduced significantly, adding that the current structure has improved coordination, strengthened local intelligence, and enhanced operational monitoring.

They stressed that the existing framework is working and should be strengthened rather than dismantled, describing pipeline surveillance as a critical national security responsibility tied to Nigeria’s economic survival.

The stakeholders warned that any attempt to alter the structure could create confusion, weaken accountability, reduce efficiency, and open up security gaps that criminal elements could exploit.

They further argued that the current arrangement has developed the experience, local trust, and operational capacity needed for such a sensitive task, warning that fragmentation in the name of decentralisation would disrupt a system that is already delivering results.

They also cautioned against politicising pipeline security, stressing that it should not be turned into a tool for sectional or political interests, but guided strictly by national interest and stability.

The group urged continued support for the present surveillance framework in the interest of peace, security, and economic stability in the Niger Delta and across Nigeria.

They also expressed confidence that President Tinubu would enjoy strong support in the 2027 elections in the region, attributing this to the renewal of the pipeline surveillance contract.

They added that the renewal has boosted public confidence and improved the ability of Niger Delta communities to carry out their daily economic activities without fear of piracy and illegal oil bunkering.

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Makinde Breaks Silence As Tinubu’s Planned APC Rally At Mapo Hall Sparks Reactions.

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration will not deny any political party access to public facilities in the state, provided it complies with the established rules and regulations.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, the governor stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju.

Makinde was reacting to concerns over the proposed use of the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan by the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its presidential campaign rally.

President Bola Tinubu is expected to visit Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on November 21 for the APC rally scheduled to hold at Mapo Hall.

The planned event comes as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the proposed venue attracting public attention.

Addressing the issue, Makinde maintained that public facilities belong to the people of Oyo State and should be managed transparently and fairly, without political bias.

According to him, “public assets belong to the people of Oyo State and must be administered in a manner that is transparent, equitable, and devoid of partisan considerations.”

The governor stressed that his administration remains committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political stakeholders, irrespective of their party affiliations. He added that democracy thrives when political parties have equal opportunities to engage with voters within the confines of the law.

Makinde further explained that access to government-owned facilities is subject to established procedures and regulations designed to ensure proper use, maintenance and public order.

He stated that any political party or organisation that meets the stipulated requirements should not be subjected to discrimination or unfair restrictions when seeking to use such facilities.

The governor also urged political actors to conduct their activities peacefully and responsibly. He called on relevant authorities to handle requests for public facilities professionally, fairly and without prejudice.

The statement reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to promoting political tolerance, safeguarding democratic freedoms and creating an environment where legitimate political activities can take place in accordance with the law.

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‘I Have Never Spoken Against El-Rufai’ – Uba Sani Breaks Silence Amid Political Tensions.

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Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has dismissed reports of a rift between him and his predecessor, Nasir El-Rufai, insisting that he has no personal issues with the former governor and has never spoken against him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sani made this known during an interview with Trust TV, where he described reports of a fallout between the two politicians as exaggerated.

The governor maintained that he has no problem with El-Rufai, despite speculations in the media suggesting that their relationship has deteriorated.

“I have no problem with El-Rufai; I have never spoken against him,” Sani said.

He accused individuals he described as political jobbers of exaggerating reports of a disagreement between them in a bid to create tension and instability in Kaduna State.

According to him, his administration remains focused on governance rather than engaging in political battles or personal disputes.

Sani also expressed respect for El-Rufai, describing him as his predecessor and leader. He said he would continue to accord him that respect despite the speculation surrounding their relationship.

The governor further stressed that his priority is to promote unity among the people of Kaduna State and deliver democratic dividends, rather than engage in a media war.

He urged residents to disregard rumours of a rift between him and the former governor.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Kaduna State, Isa Mohammed Ashiru, has accused Sani of being responsible for the challenges currently facing El-Rufai.

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FG, NLC Reach Fresh Agreement: Full Details of ₦70,000 Transport Allowance, Minimum Wage, Pension Talks.

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The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement on several issues concerning workers’ welfare, including transport allowances, pension payments and outstanding benefits for health workers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the agreement was reached during a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

The meeting was convened to address concerns raised by the labour union over the rising cost of living and other challenges affecting Nigerian workers.

As part of the agreement, the Federal Government will pay workers a monthly transport allowance of ₦70,000 for six months, beginning in November 2026. The benefit will cover workers across all levels.

The government has also approved pension allowances effective May 1, 2026. Payments of outstanding arrears are expected to commence in November and will be spread across three equal monthly instalments.

In addition, health workers are expected to receive outstanding allowances covering at least 35 months. The government has committed to clearing the arrears within three months, beginning in December 2026.

On the issue of the national minimum wage, both parties agreed to establish a Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee, which is expected to begin work immediately.

However, the Federal Government and the NLC have yet to reach a consensus on when the new minimum wage arrangement should take effect.

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