General
Why ISOPADEC is Under Investigation—Irona
Recently, the Imo State government constituted an investigative panel to look into the management of the Imo state Oil Producing areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC).
While some saw this as a welcome development, others claimed it was part of the present government’s agenda to witch-hunt the immediate past government of Senator Rochas Okorocha.
But Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr Gerald Irona explained that the decision to probe the commission was because of reports of mismanagement of the agency by previous administrations in the state.
Speaking when he received a delegation of stakeholders from Ohaji, in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area under the auspices of Ogbako Ohaji, a socio-cultural organisation, led by Chief Goddy Obodo, the Deputy Governor said, “Few weeks before the last administration of Rochas Okorocha left, over N420 million was released on the orders of the former Governor to buy vehicles.
“The funds were not for ISOPADEC use, but for other uses. The funds were ISOPADEC funds. The salary wage bill is a little over N40 million and they were receiving about N95 million.
“There were a lot of issues. We now insisted that we must look into what has transpired. We are not witch hunting anyone. We just want to get things right.”
“The government set up an investigative panel; a panel of enquiry to look into how the commission was managed in the past years. We need to know how much was received by the commission and how the funds were utilized. We need to know what they did with our money and who played what role. We want ISOPADEC to work well.”
“We must ensure that ISOPADEC functions properly as an interventionist agency. It is unacceptable that till date, communities in Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta do not have portable water and electricity. The new ISOPADEC management must rise to the challenge of addressing the needs of the people. We constituted an ISOPADEC Advisory Council to be able to guide and encourage the new management, with a view to ensuring that the spirit and letters of ISOPADEC are strictly adhered to. The era of sharing ISOPADEC money is over.”
Speaking on funding, the Deputy Governor assured that the Commission shall be funded according to the law establishing it, even as he charged the new management on accountability.
“ISOPADEC must be accountable. It shall be funded according to the law establishing it. Funding will not be an issue. The issue will be how to manage the funds. It calls for prudence. There must be consultation, transparency and accountability.”
He further assured the delegation that Adapalm Nigeria will be properly managed in the interest of the citizens.
Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation and former lawmaker, Chief Goddy Obodo expressed gratitude to the government of Chief Emeka Ihedioha for considering Ohaji indigenes in political appointments, assuring him of their continued support.
He described the Deputy Governor as a great gift to people of the area, promising that people of the area will not disappoint.
“We are here to identify with you. Carry our message of gratitude to Governor Emeka Ihedioha. We are here to express our happiness. Within one month of our administration, we are already feeling a wind of change. We are here to tell you that we are happy with the government. As long as politics is concerned, be rest assured that Ohaji is solidly behind you. Call us anytime, any day, we are for you.”
“For Eight years, ISOPADEC was almost closed down. For eight years, no one from Ohaji benefited anything from ISOPADEC. The people of Ohaji that have so far been given appointments are tested and trusted. They will not fail you.”
Speaking on Adapalm, Obodo stated: “Adapalm, at some point was in someone’s pocket. Today, the government has set up an Interim Management Committee to turn it around. Ohaji people are standing by you.”
On youth restiveness, Obodo argued that youth of the area were deceived into thuggery, urging the cooperation of all to change the narrative.
“They deceived Ohaji youth into thuggery. That is not our character. We are disciplined, honest and hardworking people. Please, help us to change this narrative.”
Other members of the delegation were: former Commissioner, Barr. Golden Nwosu, Chairman, Interim Management Committee of Adapalm, Dr. Anthony Kerunwa, ISOPADEC Chairman, Barr. Magnus Obido, member of ISOPADEC Board, Hon. Emeka Alihie, Imo State Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Hon. Damian Opara, among others.
General
Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today
By Blaise Udunze
Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.
The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.
Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.
Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.
The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.
Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.
Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.
Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.
General
Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.
This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.
The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.
This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.
A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.
Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.
It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.
Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
General
Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.
The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.
Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.
According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.
“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.
He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.
Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.
He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.
“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.
On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.
“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.
He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.
Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.
He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.
“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.
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