IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigerian Army has successfully converted nearly 60 vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and secured over $2 million in funding for further expansion.

Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka, Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST), announced this in Benin City while opening the 2025 Combined First and Second Quarter Conference of the corps.

As part of its sustainability efforts, the corps has also launched the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNG) to acquire:

5,000 additional conversion kits

Five conversion centers

Five mobile refueling units

Ten buses

One electric vehicle bus

Adeyinka highlighted the corps' achievements in logistics transformation, emphasizing improvements in fuel supply infrastructure and the recovery of critical war logistics functions. He reiterated the army’s commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and proactive service delivery.

The two-day conference, attended by senior officers, commanders, and logisticians, aims to review past achievements, address logistical challenges, and enhance service delivery.

Adeyinka urged officers to engage in frank discussions and contribute innovative ideas to strengthen the army’s logistics operations while aligning with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision. 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated a modern fire service headquarters in Port Harcourt, equipping it with new fire trucks, machinery, and facilities to enhance emergency response and safeguard lives and property.

Speaking at the event, Fubara highlighted past fire disasters, such as the Mile One Market and Fruit Garden Market fires, where inadequate fire services led to massive losses. He emphasized that the new facility will reduce fire risks and ensure prompt response to emergencies, eliminating reliance on multinational companies for fire-fighting support.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Samuel Anya, noted that this is the first major upgrade of the state’s fire service since the 1960s. The new station includes a gym, sick bay, offices, and modern fire trucks, positioning it as one of the best-equipped in Nigeria.

Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public safety, urging officials to maintain the equipment while promising more infrastructure projects to improve the lives of Rivers residents. 

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, over the delay in inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

A petition from the Obasi-Pherson Help Foundation stated that while President Bola Tinubu had appointed a Managing Director for the fund, the board had yet to be constituted, creating room for administrative irregularities.

In response, Committee Chairman Mike Etaba directed the minister to appear in person to address the concerns, emphasizing that the issue directly implicates the government.

Additionally, the committee invited NSITF Managing Director, Faleye Mayomi, following a separate petition from the Advancement of Social Justice and Economic Development Initiative, alleging violations of project clearance regulations within the agency.

Etaba reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to accountability, stating that the invitations allow the officials to clarify these matters and ensure due process is followed. 

.....ADDRESSING UNITY, SECURITY, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

.....WARNS AGAINST IMPERSONATION OF TOWN UNION GOVERNMENT

On March 1, 2025, the people of Umuezeanoruo Eziama Autonomous Community, located in Nkwerre LGA, Imo State, convened an essential Town Union General Meeting. This well-attended gathering took place at the community's temporary Secretariat venue, with around one hundred adult members present.

Chief Nze Anthony Ukanyirioha, the President General of the Town Union Government, opened the meeting by emphasizing its significance. He conveyed important messages from the executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, relayed through the Commissioner for Homeland Security and Vigilante Affairs, Hon. Modestus Osakwe, urging the community to comply with the government’s directives.

Chief Ukanyirioha expressed gratitude to the Governor for his ongoing concern for the community, assuring everyone that the residents of Umuezeanoruo Eziama are committed to adhering to the government’s security policies. He urged all village chairpersons to strictly follow these directives from the government and underscored the need for serious attention to security matters, stating that failure to comply may result in sanctions, although he expressed confidence in their leadership capabilities.

Addressing the ongoing Eze-ship dispute in the community, the President General called on those involved to avoid self-help and allow the matter currently pending in the Supreme Court to take its course, maintaining that the status quo should remain intact. He questioned why some individuals would resort to misrepresenting facts and engaging in acts that create instability within the community.

“Umuezeanoruo Eziama is our home,” he asserted. “Inducing conflict for selfish personal interests is unacceptable. Leaving the community due to disagreements and then returning without addressing the issues is nothing to take pride in.”

Chief Ukanyirioha clarified that, as per Imo State law concerning traditional rulers, Autonomous Communities, and allied matters, the Town Union Government operates as an independent body, distinct from the Eze-in-Council. He emphasized that no crisis exists within the Town Union and that the only contention in leadership lies with the Eze-ship tussle between HRH Eze Emmanuel Ekwujuru Uzoho and Nze Emeka Obiefule.

He lamented that a certain group believed it was reasonable to create a false crisis within the Town Union through impersonation. He firmly warned that such actions would no longer be tolerated and that authorities and security agencies are prepared to address any person or group caught impersonating the Town Union. “These actions risk causing a breakdown of law and order in our community,” he stated.

“I am determined to keep our community united,” Chief Ukanyirioha continued. He reiterated that as the political leader of Umuezeanoruo Eziama, he is empowered by Imo State law to oversee community affairs during this period. He reminded everyone that these legal provisions align with the Constitution of Umuezeanoruo Eziama Autonomous Community. Having taken an oath to serve, he promised to work diligently to guide the community through this crisis.

“The Town Union is a distinct entity and not subordinate to the traditional ruler; both work together for the benefit of the community, and the Town Union is not required to seek permission from the Traditional Ruler to carry out its legitimate duties.”

“People must understand the law. The Town Union's activities are governed strictly by our community constitution, not influenced by the Traditional Ruler. It’s time to awaken from this misconception.”

“To summarize, the Town Union Government of Umuezeanoruo Eziama is not in crisis and is not connected to the Eze-ship dispute within the community. The Town Union operates independently from the Eze-in-Council, as is explicitly stated in the Imo State law and our community’s constitution.”

“We remain functional with our Men's Wing, Women's Wing, and Youth Wing. Anyone attempting to impersonate the Town Union, regardless of disguise, will face severe legal repercussions.”

“We will continue to lead the community’s socio-economic initiatives, including upcoming events such as the Okorocha Dance and the annual wrestling festival, in accordance with our constitution and Imo State regulations.” 

The Forward Operating Base (FOB) Escravos of the Nigerian Navy has dismantled three illegal refining sites in Delta State.

Navy Capt. Ikenna Okoloagu, Commanding Officer of FOB Escravos, confirmed this development to journalists on Tuesday in Warri.

According to Okoloagu, the illicit refining sites were discovered and deactivated in Obodo, Omadinho Community, Warri South-West Local Government Area.

“The Nigerian Navy’s efforts in combating crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other economic sabotage activities have once again yielded results.

“On Tuesday, the FOB Escravos uncovered and dismantled three illegal refining sites at Obodo in Omadinho Community.

“The sites contained approximately 3,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO). The seized products were stored in five ovens, 12 dug-out pits, and 33 polythene sacks,” he stated.

Okoloagu credited the success of the operation to credible intelligence, executed under Operation Delta Sanity II.

He reaffirmed the base’s commitment to enforcing the Strategic Directives of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, aimed at eradicating illegal activities in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Issuing a stern warning to oil sector saboteurs, Okoloagu cautioned that anyone caught would face prosecution.

He further assured that the Navy remains vigilant, ensuring perpetrators do not operate within its jurisdiction.

Notably, the same naval base had deactivated four illegal refining sites in the same community just last Wednesday. 

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is not afraid of the ongoing political crisis in the state, stating that the worst that could happen is leaving office. His statement came as the Martin Amaewhule-led House of Assembly gave him 48 hours to present the 2025 budget.

Speaking at the inauguration of new residential quarters for Government House staff in Port Harcourt, Fubara expressed frustration over repeated obstacles disrupting governance. He emphasized that despite political challenges, the people of Rivers State had decided to take control of their destiny.

“I do not support violence, but when the time comes to make a decision, I will lead the way,” he said. “I am not scared of anything. Leaving office does not mean leaving the earth. The right thing must be done.”

Fubara also referenced a passage from Philippians 3:18-19, underscoring his faith and resilience in facing adversity.

House Gives 48-Hour Deadline on Budget

Meanwhile, the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, has ordered Governor Fubara to present the 2025 budget within 48 hours.

The directive follows the Supreme Court's ruling, which reinstated Amaewhule and 26 other lawmakers as legitimate members of the Assembly. The court also halted the state's federal allocations and spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund until a properly passed Appropriation Bill is in place.

In a letter to Fubara, the lawmakers emphasized the urgency of resolving the budget impasse to prevent financial difficulties for the state. The Assembly also announced plans to amend local government laws following the court's nullification of the October 2024 local government elections.

Port Harcourt LGA Chairman Steps Down

In compliance with Governor Fubara’s directive, Port Harcourt City Local Government Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, officially handed over administration to the Head of Local Government Administration, Clifford Paul.

Ichemati expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and commended Fubara for fostering a positive work environment. He noted that, despite their short tenure, his administration had made a significant impact on local governance.

Rivers State has been embroiled in political turmoil for the past two years due to a rift between Fubara and his predecessor, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, which split the State House of Assembly into two factions.