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Pipeline Contract: Tension Looms In Niger Delta As Ateke Tom, Asari Dokubo, Others Ex-War Lords Move Against Tompolo

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Tension Looms In Niger Delta, Tompolo, Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, Delta State, Muhammadu Buhari, FG, NNPC, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Chief Mrs Rita Lori-Ogbebor, Dr. Clarkson Aribogha, Niger Delta,

Pipeline contract: Tension looms in Niger Delta as Ateke Tom, Asari Dokubo, other ex-war lords move against Tompolo.

News ToGo learned that the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has caused apprehension in the Niger Delta.

Tompolo is expected to lead the protection of oil pipelines across the six South-South States – Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers.

Despite an initial stiff stance, the President Muhammadu Buhari administration engaged Tompolo due to increasing oil theft in the region.

The deal was sealed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Daily Post reports.

Nigeria was producing around 1.6 million barrels per day as of July 2021. However, by July 2022, the output had dropped to around 1.1 million.

The worrisome 500,000 deficit forced the country’s leadership to act as it seeks funds to finance the proposed 2023 budget of N19.76trillion.

The government is targeting nearly N2trillion from oil-related sources for the budget premised on 70 dollars per barrel and an exchange rate of N436 to the dollar.

But the decision to recruit the ex-commander of the defunct Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) provoked former militant leaders.

Top on the list of those infuriated are HRH Ateke Tom (Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom) and Mujahid Asari Dokubo (Edi Abali 1 of Kalabari), whose supporters have threatened war.

Dokubo has been more vocal, questioning why another person was employed to guard the 83 kilometres of pipelines in his Kalabari territory of Rivers.

Tompolo is from Delta. The chief priest of the Egbesu deity is a High Chief of Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Prominent Itsekiri leader, Chief Mrs Rita Lori-Ogbebor believes the authorities were wrong to have handed the pipeline security job to only Tompolo.

The Igba of Warri Kingdom said the insecurity Nigerians should worry about “is not the type going on in the North, but that of the Niger Delta”.

“What we have today will be a child’s play if the insecurity fully manifests. If it has not, it will soon do so in another few months”, Rita Lori asserted.

But an Ijaw leader, Dr. Clarkson Aribogha said violence won’t solve the issue, and advised Dokubo and others to make peace with Tompolo.

Warning against “wrong step”, he asked if the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF) leader is fighting an “Ijaw struggle, Kalabari struggle or personality egoistic struggle”.

Aribogha further informed Dokubo that the government does not give contracts to a person who is uninterested or did not apply.

“Contract award is never by political appointment or civil service recruitment, but based on fulfilling requirements – integrity, capacity, trustworthiness and acceptance.”

Aribogha added that the government would not give anybody a job “by coercion” but on recommendation “especially on security matters”.

It was gathered that Niger Delta leaders are rallying to forestall a major conflict that could disrupt the relative peace in the zone.

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) set up a committee to investigate the disagreement over the contract and would work on the report to ensure an amicable solution.

Last week, INC President Benjamin Okaba held separate meetings with Tompolo, Dokubo and King Ateke.

The Professor of sociology appealed to them to sheathe their sword for the sake of the people and not to jeopardize efforts on revenue generation.

“The federal government is following events and has urged influential and respected personalities to end the squabble by reaching out to warring factions”, a source hinted Sunday night.

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Massive Crowd As Mohbad’s Candlelight Procession Begins (LIVE VIDEO)

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Massive Crowd As Mohbad's Candlelight Procession Begins (LIVE VIDEO)

Massive crowd and heavy gridlock characterise the candlelight procession in honour of Mohbad.

News ToGo reports that the candlelight procession is currently underway in Lagos State to pay tribute to the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. It began at the Lekki Phase 1 gate and is scheduled to conclude at Muri Okunola Park, where a tribute concert will be held in his honor.

Devoted fans and well-wishers of the late singer have gathered at the Lekki gate. They are marching with heartfelt songs and carrying posters and banners adorned with his images. Adequate security has been provided by the police to ensure the safety of the event.

Mohbad’s untimely passing has sparked widespread concerns, leading the Lagos Police Command to conduct an autopsy. The police, in collaboration with healthcare professionals, carried out the exhumation of Mohbad’s body in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the exhumation.

The 27-year-old singer had passed away on September 12, 2023. He was laid to rest in Ikorodu, Lagos State, the following day. His sudden demise led to various speculations, with some Nigerians pointing fingers at his former boss, Naira Marley, and music promoter, Sam Larry, as potential culprits.

In response to public outcry, Nigerians have called for justice, with protests erupting in Lagos, Ogun, and other parts of the country, demanding that the police investigate his death thoroughly.

The acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

In compliance with the IGP’s directive, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Idowu Owohunwa, formed a specialized team. The team included a pathologist, to exhume the body and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the singer’s demise.

Watch the video here

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Drama As Deeper Life Pastor Dumps Ministry Over Kumuyi’s Support For Tinubu

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Drama As Deeper Life Pastor Dumps Ministry Over Kumuyi's Support For Tinubu

Deeper Life pastor has dumped his ministry over Kumuyi’s support for Tinubu.

News ToGo reports that Ogueze Venitius Chinyerugo, a pastor of the Deeper Life Bible Church located on Nnobi Road in Nnewi, Anambra State, has tendered his resignation from his role as district pastor of the church. This decision is a result of what he perceives as the general superintendent and church head, William Kumuyi, endorsing President Bola Tinubu’s government, as evidenced by recent comments regarding the administration.

In a letter dated August 23, 2023, Chinyerugo expressed his deep concerns and announced his resignation due to a viral video in which the church’s general superintendent ventured into politics by expressing support for the Tinubu administration, which Chinyerugo believed had caused hardships for Nigerians.

Chinyerugo’s resignation letter, addressed to the regional overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, explained his decision. He mentioned feeling devastated, humiliated, and disappointed after witnessing the video where Kumuyi urged Nigerians to support the government and its ministers based on their alleged past performance.

He highlighted that Kumuyi’s past teachings had emphasized staying clear of political matters, and his recent involvement in endorsing the current administration contradicted those principles. Chinyerugo pointed out that Kumuyi had also made a controversial visit to then-President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.

Furthermore, Chinyerugo questioned the moral basis for the administration to fight corruption and the quality of the ministers in the government. He expressed his disappointment and concern for the church’s reputation in the face of public criticism.

Chinyerugo concluded by emphasizing the need for leaders to be righteous and God-fearing, as outlined in 2 Samuel 23:3. He suggested that supporting leaders should be conditional on their righteousness and a legitimate mandate, rather than mere prayers for their transformation.

He stated his intention to share this message through social media channels if it doesn’t reach Kumuyi through official channels, unless Kumuyi addresses the concerns raised.

Chinyerugo’s resignation reflects his personal beliefs and convictions regarding the church’s stance on political matters and its alignment with specific political figures and administrations.

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BREAKING: FG Hikes Prices Of Electricity Meters Across Nigeria

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BREAKING: FG Hikes Prices Of Electricity Meters Across Nigeria

FG has hiked the prices of electricity meters across Nigeria.

News ToGo reports that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has given the green light to an upward adjustment in the pricing of prepaid electricity meters across the nation.

In a circular dated September 5, 2023, jointly signed by Sanusi Garba, the Chairman of the Commission, and Dafe Akpeneye, the Commissioner for Legal Affairs, Licensing, and Compliance, it was declared that the cost of a single-phase prepaid meter would now be N81,975.16k, up from the previous price of N58,661.69k. Similarly, the price of three-phase prepaid meters has been revised to N143,836.10k from N109,684.36k.

The circular explained that this price revision was implemented to establish equitable and just meter pricing for both Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and end-users. Its objectives include ensuring that MAPs can recoup reasonable expenses related to meter procurement and maintenance while maintaining a viable return on investment.

Additionally, the adjustment aims to evaluate the affordability of meter services for consumers to prevent excessive pricing that may overburden end-users. It also intends to guarantee that MAPs can furnish meters to end-users in light of the current economic conditions.

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