Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Ijaw, Urhobo Leaders Direct Protesters to Vacate Warri Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention

Traditional rulers urge calm in Delta State as federal government steps in to resolve grievances over oil revenue and employment

Published

on

Traditional rulers urge calm in Delta State as federal government steps in to resolve grievances over oil revenue and employment

Traditional leaders from the Ijaw and Urhobo communities have called on protesters to vacate oil facilities in Warri, Delta State, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention on Saturday. The appeal comes after days of demonstrations at key oil installations, which had threatened to disrupt crude production in the region.

The protest began earlier this week when community members blocked access to several oil sites, demanding increased revenue allocation, improved local employment opportunities, and greater government presence in their areas. Tensions escalated as demonstrators insisted on maintaining their blockade until their grievances were addressed by both federal and state authorities.

Delta State is one of Nigeria’s highest crude oil producing areas and disruptions at its facilities can have significant economic consequences for the nation. The standoff drew immediate attention from Abuja, with President Tinubu dispatching representatives to engage with stakeholders and promising a review of the communities’ demands. This intervention prompted traditional rulers from both ethnic groups to issue a joint statement urging protesters to withdraw for the sake of peace and continued dialogue.

“We appreciate the efforts of President Tinubu and call on our youths to leave the oil facilities so negotiations can proceed smoothly,” said Chief Johnson Okotete, an Urhobo leader, during a press briefing in Warri. Ijaw chieftain Chief Ebikeme Owei added that community elders would continue working with both governments to ensure lasting solutions are reached.

As at Saturday evening, reports indicate that some protesters have begun leaving the occupied sites while talks between federal officials, Delta State government representatives, and community leaders continue. Stakeholders say they expect further announcements on specific economic commitments or policy changes in the coming days.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887297-ncaa-championships-ogazi-shatters-records-ajayi-strikes-gold-as-nigerians-shine-in-eugene.html

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Tinubu Directs FCT Minister Wike to Allocate Land in Abuja for Abdulsalami Resource Centre

Presidency instructs FCT administration to support ex-Head of State’s legacy project; stakeholders await details on land size and location

Published

on

Presidency instructs FCT administration to support ex-Head of State’s legacy project; stakeholders await details on land size and location

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to allocate a parcel of land in Abuja for the establishment of a resource centre by former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd). The presidential directive was issued in Abuja on Saturday, according to official sources familiar with the development.

Officials said the move follows an application from General Abdulsalami seeking a dedicated site within the capital city to build a centre focused on research, dialogue, and national development initiatives. The precise size and location of the land are yet to be disclosed by FCT authorities as at press time, but sources within the ministry confirmed that implementation processes are now underway.

The decision is seen as part of ongoing efforts by President Tinubu’s administration to honour elder statesmen and encourage national unity projects. General Abdulsalami, who led Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, remains an influential figure in peace-building circles across the country. His planned resource centre is expected to serve as a hub for policy dialogue and capacity building.

A senior aide in the presidency stated that Tinubu’s approval reflects his commitment to supporting institutions that foster national reconciliation. However, some observers have called for transparency in land allocations within Abuja, citing past controversies over public land management. No official reaction has been received from opposition parties regarding the directive.

FCT Minister Wike is expected to issue an update on the allocation process in the coming weeks, including details on when construction may commence. Stakeholders say successful implementation could strengthen Abuja’s reputation as a centre for national discourse and development.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887473-tinubu-directs-wike-to-allocate-land-to-abdulsalami-in-abuja-for-resource-centre.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Obasanjo Hails Abdulsalami, Military Leaders for Steering Nigeria Through Difficult Political Transitions

Former president acknowledges key military figures for their roles in maintaining stability during pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history

Published

on

Former president acknowledges key military figures for their roles in maintaining stability during pivotal moments in Nigeria’s history

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has commended General Abdulsalami Abubakar and other senior military officers for their significant contributions in guiding Nigeria through several challenging political transitions. Obasanjo made this acknowledgement on Saturday, highlighting the critical role played by the nation’s military leadership during times of uncertainty.

Obasanjo, who himself is a retired general and former head of state, noted that leaders like Abdulsalami were instrumental in ensuring smooth handovers of power and preventing potential instability across the country. He praised their dedication to national unity, especially during periods when Nigeria faced threats to its democratic processes and territorial integrity.

The former president’s comments come at a time when Nigerians continue to reflect on the importance of peaceful transitions and strong institutions. Over the decades, military intervention has shaped the country’s political history, with various leaders stepping in to manage turbulent handovers between civilian and military governments. According to Obasanjo, it was the professionalism and patriotism of figures like Abdulsalami that helped safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

Obasanjo specifically highlighted General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s stewardship in 1998–1999, which paved the way for the return to civilian rule after years of military administration. He credited Abdulsalami and his colleagues with putting national interest above personal ambition. “Their actions ensured continuity and set a standard for responsible leadership,” Obasanjo said.

With ongoing debates about democratic consolidation and civil-military relations in Nigeria, Obasanjo called on current leaders to draw lessons from past transitions. He urged stakeholders at all levels to prioritise dialogue and consensus-building as mechanisms for resolving political differences.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887472-obasanjo-identifies-abdulsalami-military-leaders-for-guiding-nigeria-through-difficult-transitions.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Tinubu Mourns Ex-Defence Chief Rabe Abubakar, Vows Government Will Not Release Arrested Terror Suspects

President insists in Abuja that security agencies will not negotiate with armed groups or yield to threats after Abubakar’s death

Published

on

President insists in Abuja that security agencies will not negotiate with armed groups or yield to threats after Abubakar’s death

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday paid tribute to the late former Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), in Abuja, assuring Nigerians that government will not bow to terrorists’ demands for the release of their detained members. Tinubu spoke during a condolence message issued following news of Abubakar’s passing.

According to the president, the federal government remains resolute in its stance against negotiating with any armed group or terrorist organisation seeking to free individuals held for security-related offences. He stressed that the loss of Major-General Abubakar is a painful blow to Nigeria’s defence community and described him as a dedicated officer who contributed immensely to national security during his years of service.

Abubakar, who served as Chief of Defence Intelligence before retiring, was known for his commitment to intelligence operations and strengthening Nigeria’s response to internal security threats. His death comes at a period when security concerns remain high across several regions, especially regarding the activities of armed groups and ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb terrorism.

In his statement, Tinubu reaffirmed government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians. “We are not going to yield or negotiate under duress with those who want to undermine our peace,” the president said. He urged security agencies to intensify efforts towards dismantling criminal networks and assured that no pressure would force government’s hand on releasing arrested terror suspects.

Government sources said investigations into terrorist activities would continue uninterrupted despite intimidation attempts by some groups. The late General Abubakar will be remembered for his professionalism and patriotism. Arrangements for his burial are expected to be announced by his family.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/887469-tinubu-mourns-rabe-abubakar-says-govt-wont-heed-terrorists-demand-to-release-arrested-members.html

Continue Reading