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Bayelsa Govt Condemns Criminal Damage Of Gas Pipeline, Vows Action
The Bayelsa State Government has strongly condemned the vandalism of the Ogboinbiri/Obiobi 24-inch gas pipeline, located between Angiama and Angiamagbene in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, describing it as an act of “criminal damage.” In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the government views the incident as a serious act of economic sabotage that will not be tolerated. Although the statement did not identify the owner of the pipeline, sources suggest it is the Ogboinbiri/OB-OB gas pipeline, previously operated by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company. Efforts to confirm this through local sources were unsuccessful due to poor network reception in Yenagoa. Koku-Obiyai added that the government is collaborating with security agencies to track down those responsible. She also emphasized that safeguarding national infrastructure is a shared duty and urged citizens to report any suspicious activity to the authorities, noting that damage to such assets results in economic losses for the nation. The statement stated: “Government is working closely with security agencies to apprehend those responsible and prevent future occurrences. “The public should note that the protection of national assets is a collective responsibility, and we urge all citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public assets to the law enforcement agencies. “The damage to public assets not only results in revenue loss to federal, state, and local governments but also poses grave environmental dangers. Exposure to natural gas and petrochemicals can constitute significant health challenges to citizens. “We urge the youth in the state to resist the temptation to engage in destructive activities and instead work with the administration to sustain peace and protect public infrastructure. Together, we can achieve the prosperity agenda of the government and develop infrastructure to attract investment. “Let us work together to ensure the safety and security of our public assets and prevent future occurrences of economic sabotage.”
4/4/2025, 6:52:46 PM
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South Korea Court Removes Impeached President Yoon
South Korea’s top court on Friday unanimously removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office following his controversial martial law declaration, sparking fresh elections after months of political unrest. The 64-year-old leader had been suspended by lawmakers for his December 3 attempt to undermine civilian authority by deploying armed troops to parliament. He was also arrested on separate insurrection charges. Millions of Koreans watched the Constitutional Court deliver its ruling live on television, while KakaoTalk, the nation’s main messaging app, reported delays due to a surge in user traffic. “Given the serious negative impact and far-reaching consequences of the respondent’s constitutional violations… (We) dismiss respondent President Yoon Suk Yeol,” acting court President Moon Hyung-bae said while delivering the ruling. Yoon’s removal, which is effective immediately, triggers fresh presidential elections, which must be held within 60 days. Authorities will announce a date in the coming days. Outside the court, AFP reporters heard Yoon supporters shouting threats that they wanted to kill the judges, who decided unanimously to uphold Yoon’s impeachment, and have been given additional security protection by police. Yoon’s actions “violate the core principles of the rule of law and democratic governance”, the judges said in their ruling. Yoon sending armed soldiers to parliament in a bid to prevent lawmakers from voting down his decree “violated the political neutrality of the armed forces”. He deployed troops for “political purposes”, the judges added. “In the end, the respondent’s unconstitutional and illegal acts are a betrayal of the people’s trust and constitute a serious violation of the law that cannot be tolerated,” they ruled. Opposition party lawmakers clapped their hands as the verdict was announced, calling it “historic”, while lawmakers from Yoon’s party filed out of the courtroom. Yoon apologised for failing to meet the people’s “expections” in a brief statement released after the verdict. Yoon becomes the second South Korean president to be impeached by the court, following Park Geun-hye’s removal in 2017. Following weeks of intense hearings, the judges took over a month to deliberate as public discontent grew. On Friday, police raised the security alert to its highest level, surrounding the courthouse with a fleet of vehicles and deploying special operations units nearby.
4/4/2025, 9:48:35 AM
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We’re Putting Together New 2025 Budget For Rivers~ Sole Administrator
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retired), announced on Thursday that a 2025 appropriation bill is being formulated to address critical development priorities in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. He added that the proposed budget would also focus on job creation for Rivers residents and enhancing technological advancements in key public sectors. Ibas shared this update while hosting a delegation from the Rivers State caucus at the National Assembly, led by Senator Barinada Mpigi of Rivers South-East District, at Government House, Port Harcourt. The delegation included Senator Allwell Onyesoh, House of Representatives Minority Leader Hon. Kingsley Chinda, along with Hon. Dumnamene Dekor, Hon. Solomon Bob, Hon. Cyril Godwin Hart, Hon. Blessing Amadi, Hon. Felix Nwaeke, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, and Hon. Victor Obuzor. Since assuming office, Ibas reaffirmed his commitment to restoring law and order in Rivers State. With security agencies' support, he said a safer environment has been established, ensuring residents feel valued and protected. He emphasized his administration’s goal of making Rivers a model of peace, with a stable economy where citizens can pursue their livelihoods without fear or intimidation. “In addition to our peace building efforts, we are also focused on the economic stability and development of Rivers State,” he stated. “Since the Supreme Court verdict on the state’s budget, we have acted swiftly and decided to put together a new budget that reflects our commitment to healthcare, education, social services, and continued infrastructural development. “We have worked diligently to ensure that the process is transparent, inclusive, and most importantly expedited. Our goal is to ensure that we do not lose any more time in making the necessary investments that will improve the lives of citizens. “The budget which is been finalized focuses on creating job opportunities and investing in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and technology. We understand the urgency of this initiative, and we are committed to ensuring that they are implemented without delay.” The Administrator noted that to get the task done, the support of the legislators will be required as key representatives of Rivers State in the National Assembly. He sued for their assistance in securing the necessary resources and legislative backing that would bring the initiative of his administration to fruition. “Your partnership is critical to success in ensuring that Rivers State remains on the path of progress and enduring peace for future generations,” Ibas stated. He stated that, in response to the challenges that led to President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers, his administration prioritized dialogue, community engagement, and reconciliation to rebuild public trust. Ibas acknowledged the remarkable resilience and patience of Rivers State residents in supporting efforts to restore peace and uphold the rule of law. He reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to securing lasting peace for the state. “Beyond security, we have prioritised community engagements as a central part of our strategy. Dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusivity have been key to building trust among our people. “We are determined to strengthen the bond of unity in Rivers State and to foster an environment where every citizen feels valued, heard, and respected. Together, we are making strides in ensuring that peace becomes a permanent feature of our state.”
4/3/2025, 8:31:25 PM
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Burutu LG Boss Pledges Sustainable Growth As IPF Inspects Projects
The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Dr. Julius Takeme, has reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development across the council. Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) at the local government secretariat, Takeme reiterated his administration’s resolve to enhance Burutu’s developmental status. The visit marked the beginning of an inspection tour by IPF, a coalition of media executives, across Ijaw local government areas nationwide. Addressing the delegation, Takeme emphasized his administration’s alignment with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE AGENDA, which has driven significant infrastructural changes within one year. “Guided by the MORE AGENDA, we have prioritized Burutu’s transformation, including the construction of a one-kilometer internal road network,” he stated. The Olotu of Obotebe Kingdom highlighted key initiatives in public health, environmental sanitation, housing, and civil service welfare. These include renovating health centers in Labulouseigha and Ofougbene, constructing senior staff housing, and building quarters for the customary court president. Other projects include three modern public toilets, medical supply distribution, and employing over 2,000 women for environmental sanitation. Takeme also hinted at upcoming projects set for commissioning ahead of his one-year anniversary in office. IPF President Comrade Austin Ozobo commended Takeme’s efforts, urging him to sustain the momentum and deliver more development for the people of Burutu.
4/3/2025, 4:49:26 PM
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