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Oil Theft Is Big Business In Niger Delta, All Stakeholders Involved — PENGASSAN

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Festus Osifo, the president of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has accused stakeholders in the oil and gas sector of complicity in oil theft.

On Thursday, PENGASSAN embarked on a nationwide protest, threatening to shut down oil production for 30 days if the federal government fails to curb oil theft.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Sunrise programme on Saturday, Osifo said security agents, host communities and international collaborators were conniving to steal the country’s oil.

“There is total collusion going on in the Niger Delta. That collusion cuts across all stakeholders in the industry cuts across all strata of Nigerians,” he said.

“It includes the security agencies sent to that particular area to man those pipelines, it includes people from the host communities, it includes people that are not from the host communities, they have international collaborators, they have some people who are even working in the oil and gas industry or may have retired. So, it is a big business going on.

“Why do we keep producing and at the end of the day we have some miscreants out there stealing?

“We have engaged them on how to curb this menace of oil theft because, for us, our members cannot continue to labour in vain and for us, on a daily basis, we go into the creeks, we go into the oil production facilities in different parts of the country.

“We cannot keep producing oil and pumping them into pipelines and at the end of the day, majority of the oil is stolen.”

Furthermore, the PENGASSAN president said some oil companies cannot meet the salary obligations of their staff due to the impact of oil theft.

“We have made various recommendations on what can be done for both the long term and the short run but they are foot-dragging to implement these things. For us, it is out of national interest,” he said.

BIG STORY

Tinubu To Hold First Presidential Media Chat Tonight

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President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural media chat is set to be broadcast on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, confirmed that the media chat will be aired at 9 p.m. today.

“The first Presidential Media Chat with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be broadcast at 9 p.m. on Monday, December 23, on the Nigerian Television Authority and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria,” the statement reads.

All television and radio stations are encouraged to tune in to the broadcast.

This marks Tinubu’s first media chat since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

During the chat, Tinubu will respond to questions from a panel of journalists on national matters, including his economic policies, security, and other key issues.

The tradition of presidential media chats began during the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The practice was continued by the administrations of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan.

However, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the frequency of the presidential media chats declined.

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BIG STORY

IGP Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Beat Up Officers During Stop-And-Search — Police

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police, did not instruct Nigerians to pummel officers during stop-and-search operations.

In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, emphasized that Egbetokun has never endorsed violence against law enforcement agents.

Adejobi added that the blog post suggesting otherwise was entirely fabricated.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones,” the statement reads.

“This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.”

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.”

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions.”

“Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, and @nigeriapoliceforce on Instagram.”

“Citizens can also contact us by mail through; [email protected] and reach us through the police website at npf.gov.ng.”

Recently, Egbetokun instructed police officers to stop arbitrary arrests and cease searching the smartphones of Nigerians.

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Declares Public Holiday For Christmas, New Year Celebrations

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The federal government has declared December 25-26, and January 1, 2025, as public holidays.

The public holidays are to commemorate the “Christmas,” “Boxing Day,” and “New Year’s Day” celebrations, respectively.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the dates in a statement signed by Magdalene Ajani, the ministry’s permanent secretary.

He extended his greetings to Nigerians for the holidays and encouraged them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of “love,” “peace,” and “unity” that the season signifies.

He further emphasized that the yuletide is a time to foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.

“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” the statement reads.

The minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity, and progress of the nation.

He assured citizens of the federal government’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.

Tunji-Ojo added that the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Bola Tinubu administration will usher in a prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.

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