The Nation Newspaper

Tag: security

  • ‘Security is everyone’s responsibility’

    THE Ekiti State Chapter of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has said communities must step up vigilance to ensure security.

    The group’s Chairman, Prince Adeniyi Adedipe, in a statement, said: “The task of combating crime must involve the people, the Oodua group and the police.

    “To control crime, the people must be vigilant and ready to offer information on criminals in their communities, while OPC and the police must complement them.

    “Recently, we arrested a gang of armed robbers with the support of the people. We also arrested another group of bandits.

    “Each time we make such arrests, we hand the criminals over to the police for investigation and prosecution and the police have been very appreciative.

    “Our job is to assist security agents. We will continue to work with the police.”

    Adedipe said OPC recently held a campaign in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on the need for Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility and shun crime.

    He said: “We pledge our support for Governor Kayode Fayemi in the task of transforming the state.

    “The state’s revenue is small, but the governor’s efforts have been great and wonderful.”

     

  • Massive ’Xmas Day security nationwide

    Massive ’Xmas Day security nationwide

    A HUGE security blanket has been thrown over the country – to ensure a hitch-free Christmas – it was observed yesterday.

    From the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to the commercial city of Lagos and other major cities where insurgents have been killing people, security is water-tight.

    A major aspect of the security move is the ban on fire crackers, which did not seem enforceable last night, with many being lit in cities.

    On Christmas Day last year, a church was attacked during service at Madala, Niger State. Many died.

    In Abuja, soldiers were drafted to streets, following intelligence reports of a likely terror attack on the city.

    But official and business activities went ahead peacefully in the FCT.

    Besides street patrols by the police, soldiers were deployed in strategic parts of the city, including major entry points from the Kaduna axis; the Lokoja-Gwagwalada axis; Lafia-Keffi axis; Olusegun Obasanjo Way ; Shehu Shagari Way and Nnamdi Azikiwe Way.

    Public institutions, such as the Federal Secretariat, and major hotels including Transcorp Hilton and others were protected by soldiers.

    For about eight hours, the soldiers were screening vehicles and passers-by.

    Also, some suspected bases of terror groups in Asokoro, Apo , and Garki districts were combed by security officials.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The screening and combing were preemptive measures to check any attempt by terror-related groups to attack the FCT.

    “It is part of the terror alert by the Federal Government to protect lives and property during the Yuletide.

    “The same security beef-up would be put in place in churches and mosques between now and the New Year. We want to ensure a peaceful festive period.”

    All military and police formations have also been fortified to ward off aggression by terrorists.

    The source added: “There will be 24 hours sentry surveillance in all police and military formations. Our plan is to beat terrorists to their game and antics.

    “I think so far, we are all set for a hitch-free festive season. We plead with Nigerians to provide useful information anytime they notice strange movements.”

    Lagos Police Commissioner Umar Manko assured Lagosians of a hitch-free festival, saying security has been strengthened to protect lives and property.

    He spoke at the Lagos House, Marina, after a Security Council meeting.

    Manko said like the recently concluded National Sports Festival, Eko 2012, the Christmas and New Year seasons would be peaceful.

    He said: “Our officers and men who ensured safety and peace during the National Sports Festival are still on ground. They are at alert and we would ensure that the festivities coming up this period are hitch-free.” The police would maintain the same level of security that ensured a peaceful sports festival in the state.

    “We are going to maintain the same level of security, not only for the Christmas, but beyond it to the New Year. We assure Lagosians that adequate security measures have been put in place. So, they should feel free to go about their activities during the period.”

    With the Police Commissioner at the briefing were: Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment, Brig.-Gen. Pat Akem; Commanding Officer, NNS Beecroft, Apapa; Navy Commodore Martins Njoku; Commander 435 Base Services Group, Nigeria Air Force, Wing Commander Gbolahan Oremosun and the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Security, Major Tunde Panox (rtd).

    The police in Kano have stepped up security ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebration with huge security barricade at places of worship, markets, banks and government institutions.

    Kano police spokesman Magaji Majiya said: “In view of the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Kano State Police Command wishes to reiterate its commitment towards providing adequate security of life and property in the State and, therefore, remind the public to remain law abiding citizens

    The statement advised that places of worship should be well-barricaded, where possible. Vehicles should be parked away, “at least not less than 200 meters and no persons will be allowed to go in with bags, parcels, container or any other object into the worship places and they must be subjected to thorough search by Security Committee before allowed into the worship place.

    “Abandoned vehicles, parcel or objects around the place of worship or any other place should be reported immediately to the nearest police station.

    “The public should give maximum cooperation to security committee in various places of worship while performing their duties. We appeal to all road users to respect traffic rules and regulations and exhibit good sense of discipline by avoiding dangerous driving, unsecured loading etc.

    “The law prohibiting the use of “knock-out” or any fire work is still in force. Any body found selling or using same will be arrested and prosecuted according to the Law of the land.

    “Patrol and raiding of criminal hideouts are being intensified, with the aim of checking the activities of criminal activities in the state. We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of life and property by God’s will,” the Kano police said.

    Military authorities in Kano admitted that there were plans by terrorists to unleash mayhem during today’s Christmas celebration. He said the move has been aborted with the arrest of some key members of Boko Haram militants in some hide-outs.

    The Army said the on-going house -to- house search for suspected gunmen in parts of the city has yielded tremendous result, leading to the dislodgment of a group of terrorists, who arrived Kano from Yobe State for their deadly mission.

    Commander of the 3 mechanised Brigade of the Army, Kano, Brigadier General Ilyasu Abbah stated this at the Bukavu Barracks Headquarters of the Brigade after a meeting of security chiefs in Kano.

    About 12 foreign militants were recently rounded up by security operatives in the Yankaba Area of the city and the military chief insisted that the raids on suspected hideouts of criminals and flashpoints are a continuous exercise.

    Brigadier-General Abbah recalled the recent attempt to attack the masts of two communication firms – MTN and AIRTEL – which led to the death of two suicide bombers.

    He described the mission as failed operation.

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) in Damaturu said there was no restriction of movement of people and goods within and outside the state.

    JTF spokesman Lt. Lazarus Eli noted that the curfew imposed on some major towns in the state is still in place, adding that improved security measures have been put in place during the Yuletide.

    “The Joint Task Task Force JTF in Yobe State wishes to assure the public that improved security measures are put in place to safeguard lifes and property, especially at this Yuletide period

    “It should be noted that JTF never placed any ban on movement of goods and persons in and out of the state as there was no reason for such action to be taken. However, the curfew earlier placed to restrict movement between the hours of 9pm and 7am is still in force.

    “While JTF wishes the people a hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations, it enjoins all law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful activities without any fear,” Lt. Eli said.

    Yobe and Borno are the epicentre of the killings by Boko Haram.

    Joint military, police and Civil Defence patrol teams have been deployed in major streets of Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

    The armed security teams operate in convoys as they patrol major streets of Jimeta-Yola and its environs to ensure security of lifes and property.

    Spokesman of Adamawa police, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Yola that the security machinery was part of strategy to protect the public from any threat.

    He said: “There are powerful joint patrol teams of army, police, civil defence and other sister agencies, which are deployed in strategic places in the state capital and other towns across the state.

    “The reason is to protect and secure public places, especially worship centres and other public arena, across the state to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration.

    He said that the police had earlier warned the public to avoid the use of fireworks popularly known as “knockout’’, saying they would deal with anyone or group who breached the peace during the period.

    Ibrahim appealed to residents of the state to report any suspicious movements or strange characters to the nearest security post.

     

  • Security Council: Text of Resolution 2085(2012) on Mali

    Security Council: Text of Resolution 2085(2012) on Mali

    The Security Council,

    Recalling its Resolutions 2056 (2012) and 2071 (2012), its Presidential Statements of 26 March 2012 (S/PRST/2012/7), 4 April 2012 (S/PRST/2012/9) as well as its Press Statements of 22 March 2012, 9 April 2012, 18 June 2012, 10 August 2012, 21 September 2012, 11 December 2012 on Mali…

    Reaffirming its strong commitment to the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Mali,

    Recalling the letter of the Transitional authorities of Mali dated 18 September 2012 addressed to the Secretary-General, requesting the authorization of deployment through a Security Council resolution, under Chapter VII as provided by the United Nations Charter, of an international military force to assist the Armed Forces of Mali to recover the occupied regions in the north of Mali and recalling also the letter of the Transitional authorities of Mali dated 12 October 2012 addressed to the Secretary-General, stressing the need to support, including through such an international military force, the national and international efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the north of Mali;…

    Taking note of the final communiqué of the Extraordinary Session of the authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on 11 November 2012 and of the subsequent communiqué of the African Union Peace and Security Council on 13 November 2012 endorsing the Joint Strategic Concept of Operations for the International Military Force and the Malian Defence and Security forces;…

    Emphasizing that the Malian authorities have primary responsibility for resolving the inter-linked crises facing the country and that any sustainable solution to the crisis in Mali should be Malian-led;…

    I- Political process

    1. Urges the transitional authorities of Mali, consistent with the Framework agreement of 6 April 2012 signed under the auspices of ECOWAS, to finalize a transitional roadmap through broad-based and inclusive political dialogue, to fully restore constitutional order and national unity, including through the holding of peaceful, credible and inclusive presidential and legislative elections, in accordance with the agreement mentioned above which calls for elections by April 2013 or as soon as technically possible, requests the Secretary-General, in close coordination with ECOWAS and the African Union, to continue to assist the transitional authorities of Mali in the preparation of such a roadmap, including the conduct of an electoral process based on consensually established ground rules and further urges the transitional authorities of Mali to ensure its timely implementation ;…

    3. Urges the transitional authorities of Mali to expeditiously put in place a credible framework for negotiations with all parties in the north of Mali who have cut off all ties to terrorist organizations, notably AQIM and associated groups including MUJWA, and who recognize, without conditions, the unity and territorial integrity of the Malian State, and with a view to addressing the long-standing concerns of communities in the north of Mali, and requests the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative for West Africa, in coordination with the ECOWAS Mediator and the High Representative of the African Union for Mali and the Sahel, and the OIC, to take appropriate steps to assist the transitional authorities of Mali to enhance their mediation capacity and to facilitate and strengthen such a dialogue;

    4. Condemns the circumstances that led to the resignation of the Prime Minister and the dismissal of the Government on 11 December 2012, reiterates its demand that no member of the Malian Armed Forces should interfere in the work of the Transitional authorities and expresses its readiness to consider appropriate measures, as necessary, against those who take action that undermines the peace, stability, and security, including those who prevent the implementation of the constitutional order in Mali

     

    • Palladium says Nigeria must insist on a political process in Mali before any adventure into that country. Surely we are not naïve to think war with AQIM can be fought and won over a short period.

  • Security, governments and sovereign reputations

    The breaking news on the internet last Thursday about Nigeria was that 30 gunmen had entered a fortified building in Katsina in Northern Nigeria and kidnapped a French engineer and according to the State Police Commissioner burnt the nearest Police station to prevent being chased by the Police. At home in Nigeria in the news media , the hot news was the details of the helicopter crash that killed the former governor of Kaduna State Patrick Yakowa and the former National Security Adviser retired General Owoeye Azazi over the last weekend on their way back from a funeral they had attended at the home state of the nation’s President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Unfortunately such bad news was not peculiar to Nigeria and that really is the focus of our discussions today . We shall look at the way security issues are shaping the sovereign reputations of nations globally . Especially in a world in which information available from the internet have reshaped the way and manner that nations and governments have had to come to terms with security lapses of all shapes and sizes in a bid to protect their citizenry from the assault of well armed killers with inhuman and bizarre motives .

    In the US, President Barak Obama wiped off a tear as he addressed Americans on the news of the killing of 20 school children aged between 5 and 10 by a man aged 20 in an elementary school. Later in the week the US president ordered his Vice President Joe Biden to look into ways to stop such senseless and random killings with guns which were becoming rampant in the US and make recommendations within weeks .Also in the same week the report of the Inquiry ordered by the US government on the killing of the American Ambassador in Benghazi this year came out blaming lax security for the disaster as security contractors were a poor match for the killers who were well armed and well trained.

    These events and incidents in both the USA and Nigeria have political implications locally and globally for the image of the two nations in the comity of nations or the international community . We shall analyse them in that context.

    We shall also look at an event that happened during the week that will shape future perceptions of leaders with regard to how they have used their power and responsibility to make or mar the sovereign reputation of their nation or part of the world . The event happened in Russia where President Vladmir Putin announced that he supports Russian legislators making laws stopping the adoption of Russian children by Americans but also used the occasion to explain why he cannot be branded a dictator or be said to be running an authoritarianism in Russia .

    Starting with Nigeria again the two tragic and painful incidents are unfortunately in tune with Nigeria’s corporate or sovereign reputation in terms of terrorism , kidnapping and aviation disasters. The list of air crashes in Nigeria is legendary and the fear of air travel both for local and foreign destinations is not only mortal but is sickeningly morbid amongst Nigerians especially those whose businesses and jobs require travelling over the length and breadth of our nation.

    In the case of the kidnapping in Katsina the news report had it that Boko Haram has not claimed responsibility and that Katsina has relatively been spared the horror of such kidnappings till now . But Kaduna State , whose leader and governor died in the helicopter crash in Bayelsa has had a running battle with Boko Haram over weekly Church bombings one of which took place recently in a church in a military barracks . Given the ease with which knowledge and information filter through virally on the internet , the Nigerian nation ‘s sovereign reputation is that of a nation where people cannot go to church for fear of being bombed . That however is not the situation on the ground as millions go to church without security fears in Lagos, the South West and the East without fear of being bombed or kidnapped.

    Indeed the horror of the death of Kaduna state governor is that the Christians of Kaduna state have lost their Christian Governor , a rarity that occurred when the Vice President Mohammed Sambo was chosen as President Jonathan Goodluck’s running mate in the 2011 elections and the former’s deputy governor was sworn in as Governor of Kaduna state . It was rumored that Boko Haram’s fierce church bomb attacks on Kaduna were because of an incumbent Christian governor in a state that Boko Haram feels should be having Sharia Law.

    Now the tragedy in Bayelsa has favored Boko Haram’s wish , as a Muslim governor in the person of Patrick Yakowa’s former deputy governor has been sworn in as Governor of Kaduna state . Now it remains to be seen whether the coming of a Muslim Governor in Kaduna state will stem the fury of church bombing by Boko Haram in Kaduna state , or exacerbate it for one to draw appropriate political conclusions , with the concomitant security and sovereign reputation implications for not only Kaduna , State but Nigeria as a whole .

    In the US where a CNN report on Wednesday noted that 34 Americans are being killed by guns daily the sovereign reputation of that nation is that of a dangerous place to live in and that could be difficult to admit or defend for any citizen or government of the US . But in Connecticut where children of tender age were killed just like that one , or any citizen of the world , should think twice before making the US a destination at least in an ideal matter of choice situation What moved me most on the tragedy was the statement credited to the state governor that –Evil visited this community today .

    I think that should sum up the correct civilized community reaction to the gruesome murders as the name of the terrorist should just be substituted with the word Evil and his real name obliterated from human memory forever thus denying him the ignominious and mad recognition that drive such devil incarnate to their heinous crimes . For now the US must amend its gun possession laws in way that does not make individual self protection rights infinitely mightier than the security of the larger society.

    That is what common sense dictates , given the wasteful and high human costs of sustaining the present legal dispensation . Joe Biden, already at the behest of the US president , should drive the US legislature in that direction urgently to let the world know that Americans have respect for human lives – the opposite of which is the US sovereign reputation at present, globally.

    In Russia’s case Vladmir Putin was getting even with the US on the adoption laws because the US had not allowed the Russians to investigate allegations that Americans who adopted Russian kids had not treated them well .But that is typical diplomatic brick bats between old enemies and sometimes friend s. What interests me is that in the same report the Russian president objected to being called a dictator or that his regime is authoritarian and his excuse for this was that he did not tamper with the Russian constitution which he felt should have been easier . He even went on to say that he became Prime Minister after two presidential terms . Which is quite interesting for someone who claims to be a democrat . The essence of term or tenure presidency in a transparent democracy is to avert a monopoly of power by any individual and it is that principle that Vladmir Putin has sidetracked and manipulated to now hold on to power in seeming perpetuity in Russia.

    For him to say that he could have changed the constitution shows really that he is not at heart a true democrat but just another dictator bending the rules to remain in power as a monarch born to rule as it were or another dictator just like the ones just being ousted by the Arabs in the Middle East.

    Really it is a matter of time before the Russian masses, seeing the Arabs and their street demonstrations on satellite TV and the internet, get wise to Putin’s crude machinations to stay in power by all means , while making a mockery of democracy and transparency in Russia.

  • Robbers kill NSCDC member, security man in Anambra

    A gang of robbers, reportedly operating in a Hilux van, at the weekend killed a newly recruited member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    He was reportedly killed at a filling station in Agulu, near Agulu Lake.

    An eyewitness said the late NSCDC member was buying fuel at the filling station for his motorcycle.

    The robbers were said to have directed him into the filling station and shot him at close range.

    He was said to have died on the spot.

    It was learnt that the victim was employed in October and posted to Awka South.

    The robbers were said to have also kidnapped someone in the area and brought him to the boundary between Enugu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government, and Nise, in Awka South Local Government.

    They were reportedly queried by a security man, who was identified as Emmanuel Onyia (aka Idiagbon), from Ngodo village, Nise.

    He was said to be a security man at Eke Awka Market.

    The robbers allegedly shot him three times.

    Onyia was rushed to a hospital.

    An informant, who allegedly worked with the robbers/kidnappers, was arrested by Nise vigilance group and handed over to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

    Members of the squad were said to be combing Enugu Ukwu for other members of the gang.

    The suspect reportedly told the SARS that the gang had shot three people, killing two of them at Agulu and Enugu Ukwu.

    Police spokesman Raph Uzoigwe yesterday said Onyie died at the hospital where he was receiving treatment.

    According to him, the police have arrested some suspects on the incident.

    Also, there have been increased attacks on filling stations in Awka South Local Government.

    Filling station owners in the area, it was learnt, have held a meeting on the matter with Police Commissioner Balah Nassarawa, to prevent further attacks.

  • CAN tasks FG on security

    CAN tasks FG on security

    The Christian Association of Nigeria on Friday in Ibadan called on the Federal Government to ensure improved security for all Nigerians in 2013.

    Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairman, Oyo State Chapter of CAN, Pastor Ayo Olabisi, said government should put in place measures to check bombings, killings and kidnappings.

    Olabisi said efforts to re-brand the nation’s image would amount to nothing if Nigerians do not allow peace to reign.

    According to him, a stable economy will engender further development.

    “We are expecting new things come year 2013. We stand with the government to condemn the killings, bombings and kidnappings in the country.

    “The security of this nation is of a high priority, we must therefore come together to support government in ensuring that peace reigns in 2013,’’ he said.

    Reacting to Nigeria’s rating as the 35th most corrupt nation in the world by the Transparency International, Olabisi said it was “ saddening and regrettable.’’

    He appealed to government to step up the fight against corruption and ensure that all those linked to corrupt practices were arrested and prosecuted.

     

  • Shema tasks security agents on farmers/Fulani clashes

    KATSINA State Governor, Ibrahim Shema, has called on security operatives to brainstorm on how to end the incessant clashes between Fulani cattle owners and farmers across the nation.

    Shema made the call during the meeting of Federal and State Security Administrators in Katsina, the state capital last week.

    He lamented the threat of banditry; human trafficking and kidnapping have remained unabated in various parts of the country.

    The Governor said his administrator has re-demarcated and rebuilt the international stock route across the state to create passage for herdsmen.

    The state, he added, has also established the Reformatory Centre at Babbar Ruga for the rehabilitation of children recovered from drug abuse and other criminal activities.

  • 51 illegal refineries destroyed in Rivers security raid

    51 illegal refineries destroyed in Rivers security raid

    A nine-hour joint security operation in Rivers State has led to the destruction of 51 illegal refineries and four Cotonou boats. Six suspects, including two women, were arrested for illegal bunkering.

    The Commanding Officer of NNS Pathfinder, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Commodore Oyetunji Fadeyi, yesterday said the operation was carried out-based on information extracted from sea pirates in the net.

    Representatives of the Army, Air Force, Navy, State Security Service (SSS), Police and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), attended the news conference.

    The suspects, who were apprehended by security operatives on Monday, included Jane Duke Ijeoma, Lillian Obi (women), Sandwell Jumbo, Chinonso Ochuma, Godspower Robinson and Jonathan Robinson.

    They were arrested at Ke and Pero-Kparakama in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers state.

    The suspects were paraded before reporters and later handed over to the police for prosecution.

    The naval commanding officer attributed the rise in sea piracy and illegal oil bunkering to loopholes in the judicial system and called for the establishment of a special court, for speedy prosecution of persons involved in illegal oil activities.

    Fadeyi assured that the security operatives in Rivers state were fully prepared to continue to confront oil bunkerers and others involved in criminal activities on the waterways.

    During the operation, N530,000 cash, four AK-47 rifles, one FN rifle, a pistol, 212 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, four Nokia phones, a file containing documents, identity cards, eight machetes, wallet and 20 photographs, including that of a policeman and his identity card, were recovered.

     

  • ‘Ekiti varsity certificates ’ll carry security features’

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said certificates issued by the State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, will now carry the photographs of recipients and other security features.

    Fayemi spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at the weekend during an Interactive Session/Dinner with students of tertiary institutions.

    The event was part of activities marking the maiden edition of the International Students’ Day organised by the Ekiti chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

    The governor said the introduction of special security features became imperative to curb certificate forgery and impersonation, which he said has been on the increase in recent times.

    Fayemi said no fewer than 200 names were sent to the university recently by the Ogun State Government for the authentication of their certificates.

    He said if the certificates had carried the photographs of the recipients, the authentication would have been easier for Ogun State.

    Fayemi said education is the shortest route to poverty eradication, adding that his administration is committed to providing functional education by introducing “life skills” in schools.

    He said idle youths pose a serious threat to the society, hence the introduction of the Volunteer programme and the Youth Empowerment/ Entrepreneurial Scheme.

    On riots in schools, the governor condemned vandalism during protests. He said the damaged infrastructure was put in place within the limited resources that accrued to the institutions.

  • Jonathan may cancel N5.6b pipelines security contracts

    Jonathan may cancel N5.6b pipelines security contracts

    Nigeria’s oil  output falls  as theft soars

     

    Despite the controversial N5.6 billion pipeline surveillance contracts awarded to ex-Niger Delta militant leaders, oil thieves are in business and Nigeria’s production is falling.

    Production at the peak of militants’ activities in the Niger Delta was at its 1.3m barrels per day (bpd) all-time low.

    Output increased progressively – up to 2.7 barrels per day after the amnesty programme and the award of pipelines surveillance contracts.

    But following the recent sabotage, which led to shut-ins, production has dropped to 2.5m, thereby significantly reducing the country’s revenue.

    Now, President Goodluck Jonathan is said to be considering the cancellation of the contracts. There was no confirmation of the plan last night, however.

    Alleging crude theft, the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at the weekend shut down the Imo River Trunkline in its Eastern operation, reducing production by 25,000 barrels daily.

    Several crude theft points were found on the facility.

    Agip, Total and others are also believed to be losing thousands of barrels daily to crude oil thieves “because beneficiaries of the contract have not been putting their houses in order”, said a source in the oil industry.

    Representatives of the major oil firms, who insisted on not being named, are of the opinion that Ateke, Asari, Dagogo and Egberi Papa failed to justify the N2bn contract they got for the Rivers pipeline.

    A Presidency source, who shares this view, hinted that the dismal performance of the ex-militants in Bayelsa and Rivers may have informed the unwillingness of President Jonathan to renew the contract.

    It was gathered that the president is unhappy that even “after sticking out his neck” to approve the contract and the controversial multibillion naira coastal security contract awarded to ex-militant Chief Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo), oil theft continues.

    A company, Oil Facilities Surveillance Limited (OFSL), incorporated by Ekpemupolo got the biggest contract to police the Delta State end of the pipelines.

    The contract is worth N3.6b.

    The Gbaramatu-born Tompolo enjoys the support and respect of over 60 per cent of former militants from Akwa Ibom State to Ondo State.

    The company owned by Mr. Victor Ebikabowei (a.k.a Boyloaf) got a N580m contract to take care of the pipelines in Bayelsa State.

    The Rivers State group of Alhaji Mujaheed Asari-Dokubo, Ateke Tom, Prince Ipalibo Gagogo Farah and Soboma Jackrich, got a N2 billion contract to work in Rivers State.

    Asari-Dokubo could not be reached for comments. But his spokesperson, Comrade Rex Anighoro, said: “On the surveillance contract, it is not an issue for Alhaji (Asari). Ateke Tom is the chairman of the company. Ipalibo Gagogo Farah is the Secretary and Alhaji Asari-Dokubo and Soboma Jackrich are members.”

    While maintaining that he was not speaking on behalf of the company, Anighoro said the best avenue to seek answers as to why the company is not executing the contract is the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), adding: “The contract was duly awarded by the NNPC to the beneficiaries who are qualified citizens. So, if there is a problem, those who awarded the contract should be asked about the bottleneck,” he added.

    However, failure to renew the contracts which are due for review next year, might lead to massive unemployment among the over 5,000 people, some of them ex-militants, in employment as a result of the contract.

    Keston Pondi of OFSL said the management of the company relies on its “goodwill and personal resources to continue to pay the huge wage bills”, adding: “We are getting close to a point where the company would be forced to lay off thousands of the youths.”

    He advised the Federal Government to think about the implication of throwing about 5,000 more youths into the streets without jobs. “If the contract is not renewed, we could be returning to the dark days because illegal bunkering and other crimes will escalate; it will spell doom and the country will be worse off,” he said.