By David Owei,Bayelsa

National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has reassured Nigerians that the federal government is taking strong action against oil vandals threatening national assets and local communities.

Speaking on behalf of NSA Nuhu Ribadu, during a stakeholders meeting organized by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL ) to appraise the company’s operations on the Trans Niger Pipeline, the Special Adviser on Energy, Security and Finance to the NSA, Amakiri Harry-Young, revealed that a special committee comprising investigative and prosecuting teams has been working round the clock to ensure offenders face justice.

Harry stated that over 100 suspects have already been prosecuted, with 15 recently sent to Port Harcourt prison.

According to him, “This move follows concerns raised during a previous meeting about the arrest and quick release of oil vandals, which often leads to further insecurity in affected communities.”

He emphasized that the administration is fully committed to achieving the national oil production target of 2.5 million barrels per day.

“The President is serious about the 2.5 million barrels, and we are doing everything necessary to reach that goal,” Harry said, adding that success will depend on the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved.

In his opening address, the PINL Consultant, Communities Relations, Dr. Akpos Mezeh, said that the PINL has recorded major successes in safeguarding the Trans-Niger Pipeline (TNP) through close collaboration with host communities, government security agencies, and other key stakeholders.

He also started that by investing in community needs, resolving disputes, and restoring the environment, PINL has helped reduce crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, adding that the result has been near-zero infractions on the pipeline, improved crude oil production, and greater investor confidence, all contributing to increased national revenue.

Mezeh also stated that in addition to strengthening local ties, PINL has also supported economic empowerment, ensured regular payment of surveillance guards, and promoted safety by deploying military camps and porta cabins.

Also, the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, stressed that Ijaw communities have always supported Nigeria’s unity and economic stability, even taking the lead in the management of pipelines through companies like PINL.

He urged for full support for PINL, emphasizing that any success in protecting pipelines should also credit the Ijaw people.

Prof. Okaba criticized the current terms of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), especially the three percent allocation to host communities, calling it an insult. He called for better agreements and full respect for such terms by both the company and the federal government.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers of the host communities in Southern Ijaw, Ogbia and Yenagoa local government areas, His Royal Majesty King (Dr.) WSJ Igbugburu X, the Ibenanawei of Bomo Kingdom, Southern Ijaw LGA, praised the company for its consistent engagement with stakeholders.

The respected monarch commended PINL for setting an example in community involvement, noting that no other pipeline surveillance firm operating in the region has shown such commitment.

He urged the federal government, especially the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to also hold regular meetings with stakeholders and surveillance companies to help reduce pipeline vandalism and boost oil production. He further called on other surveillance firms to rise to the occasion and work collectively to eliminate criminal activities in oil-producing communities.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

In a major shift of position, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has approved an improved harmonised salary structure for all categories of party officials from the ward to the state level.

The harmonised salary structure was contained in a communique issued at the end of the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC) under the leadership of acting Chairman, George Turnah.

Before deliberations, the ad-hoc committee set up to review the salaries of party officials had submitted its report, prompting a consensus vote for an increment.

The communique signed by the publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, stated that the party leadership expressed concern over the inadequate welfare and challenging working conditions experienced by its elected officials, particularly the ward executives.

It pointed out that the monthly salaries of ₦5,000 and ₦20,000 for ward and local government executives, respectively, were demeaning.

According to the party, the salary condition was unacceptable, especially under a leadership that prioritises the welfare and well-being of elected officials.

Under the harmonised salary structure Local Government Party chairman will earn ₦621,000 monthly, equivalent to a Special Adviser in the appointment of the state government.

Also, the Local Government Vice-Chairman and secretary will earn ₦336,000, aligning it with the salary of a Senior Special Assistant in the Bayelsa State government, while other members of the Local Government executive will now go home with ₦196,000, equivalent to the level of a Special Assistant.

The communique stated that at the Ward level, the harmonised salary structure is ₦336,000 for the Ward Chairman, equivalent to a Senior Special Assistant in the Bayelsa State Government, while the Ward Vice Chairman and Secretary will now earn ₦196,000 each, equivalent to a Special Assistant in the Government of Bayelsa State.

The remaining fourteen members of the Ward Executive will each earn ₦120,000 as equivalent to Grassroot Mobilization appointees in the Bayelsa State Government.

The communique read in part; ‘’Similarly, elected Party officials at the Senatorial District levels and Non-working Committee members of the Party at the State level are classified as Special Advisers equivalent in the Bayelsa State Government and will now earn the sum of 621,000 as monthly stipend, while members of the State Working Committee, placed at par with Cabinet Commissioners of the Bayelsa State Government, will now earn the sum of 1,048,500 as monthly allowances going forward. These adjustments, as contained in the now-approved harmonized salary structure for elected officials of the PDP in Bayelsa State, take immediate effect with the implementation date from 31st May 2025.

‘’The State Working Caretaker Committee has directed the Acting State Secretary to immediately communicate this resolution and the approved new salary structure to the leader of the Party in the State, His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, for his attention and necessary action. It is the hope of the State Working Caretaker Committee that, upon full implementation, the gains of the new wage earnings will signify the Party’s commitment to the welfare of its officials.

‘’The cumulative wage bill for elected officials of the Party in the State will come to the sum of 306,496,000.00 monthly. For a Party in power in the State, this figure is not only reasonable but affordable as it will help in enhancing the capacity and performance of elected Party officials of the Party in the State, as well as improving their welfare and wellbeing while in active service to the Party, the Government, and the people of Bayelsa State.’’

The SWCC seized the opportunity to review developments in the party across the Federation and particularly in the South South Zone and therefore passed a vote of confidence in the National Vice Chairman of the South South Zone, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, and the National Secretary of the Party, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu for their commitment and efforts in repositioning and refocusing the party.

Pope Leo XIV has celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel, the day after being elected pontiff

He said to the Cardinals that they had called him to be blessed with the mission of leading the Church.

“I know I can rely on each and every one of you to walk with me as we continue as a Church, as a community of friends of Jesus, as believers, to announce the good news, to announce the Gospel,” he said

Born in Chicago as Robert Prevost, he is the first North American to be elected pope.

Donald Trump called it a “great honour”

Pope Leo, 69, is seen as a reformer and worked for many years as a missionary in Peru, which he reportedly calls his “second homeland”

Many in Peru are proud of the new Pope, but allegations of a cover-up of sexual abuse cases will be among the challenges he faces, writes BBC South America correspondent, Ione Wells.