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See Why Host Communities Go Free-for-all At PIB Public Hearing

Published

5 years ago

January 28, 2021

There was fracas on Thursday at the public hearing on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) organised by the House of Representatives when an official of one of the host communities scheduled to make their presentation attacked one of the traditional rulers.

Although it was not immediately clear what led to the fight, trouble started immediately chairman of the House of Representative Ad hoc Committee on the PIB, Mohammed Tahir Mongunu called the HostCom, one of the host communities to make their presentation.

Mongunu had earlier announced one person will be selected from each host community to make presentation but was not apparently understood by those present who chorused no, no, no.

However, immediately Hostcom was called to make their submission, fracas erupted in the hall as one of the representatives later identified as High Chief Benjamin Tamaranebi pounced on one of the traditional rulers whose identity could not be ascertained a at the time of this report.

There were however different versions of what led to the fighting as some claimed some of the leaders of the host communities were induced by the oil companies to come and defend their position.

Some others claimed the host communities wanted to vent their anger on those they believe have been collecting money from the oil companies to scuttle their common interest.

Some other groups among the host communities described the traditional ruler, who was beaten as an impostor.

But he however refused to speak on what caused the fight.

Tamaranebi, who started the fight, said it was over an agreement for host communities to be getting 10 percent of equity in the operations of oil in the area.

While refusing to shed more light on why he attacked one of the monarchs in the area, he said: “I think it is not necessary for me to talk about whether we fought or not. You know all about the Niger Delta region. There is not King. All are comrades.

“You know about us. When Niger Deltans gather together, everything is bound to happen. All we are agitating for is 10% equity. The fight is because of 10% equity. The fight is because of 10% equity.

“We all agreed in terms of 10% equity. So, we are not fighting because of any other thing. All the fight you saw there was in agreement with 10% equity”.

He added, “We vehemently go against 2.5% operating cost. That is a trick. So, we want to be part and parcel of it. Let us be shareholders in the industry.

“That will guarantee security in our local communities that are producing oil and gas.

“If they give us 10% shareholding, that equity will guarantee that no one will spill any oil or vandalize any pipeline. But whatever thing that gets missing, communities will be missing as well.

“I want to agree on the 10% equity shareholding for the host Communities. That will guarantee security in the region as well as oil and gas industry in Nigeria.”

(NATION)

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Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

9 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

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JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

9 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

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Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.